Where to start with Strength Training?

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krlaws2
krlaws2 Posts: 47
in Fitness and Exercise
I admit to enjoying cardio work-outs much more than I do strength training, especially now with the nice weather and I can get outside and do a lot of activities with my kids. However, I know that I need to balance it with some strength training. The problem is two-fold: one, I find strength training to be boring and two (which probably plays into my boredom) - I really don't know what I'm supposed to be doing. I started off small with my 2lb weights doing bicep curls, lunges and similar exercises. My husband has the Body By Jake - Tower 200 set up and last night I tried it out. But how much should I be doing? Are there some guidelines I can follow for a beginner that set out what I should be working on and how much? Should I do it every day or just 3-4 days a week. How often? How many repetitions should I complete, etc.?

Thanks!

Replies

  • trimom63
    trimom63 Posts: 351 Member
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    A long time ago, I hired a personal trainer for only two sessions...he set me up on a plan that I did at home and he advised me how to progress. Even to this day, I remember and practice some of the forms/thoughts that I learned at those two sessions! If you can find a trainer thta will do that (this one KNEW that it was a very short-term commitment to hire him!), it's a great start!!
  • katkins3
    katkins3 Posts: 1,360 Member
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    I found "Weight Training for Dummies" helpful and common sense. It covered everything I wondered about and stuff I never considered.
  • End6ame
    End6ame Posts: 903
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    StrongLifts 5x5 is a great beginner program. You add weight every sing day which will keep you engaged by setting new personal records daily. Be sure to take some time and read about/watch videos on the exercises to learn proper technique. Videos and descriptions are available on the site for each exercise..

    http://stronglifts.com/stronglifts-5x5-beginner-strength-training-program/

    This is the program I used to hit the numbers in my signature.
  • krlaws2
    krlaws2 Posts: 47
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    StrongLifts 5x5 is a great beginner program. You add weight every sing day which will keep you engaged by setting new personal records daily. Be sure to take some time and read about/watch videos on the exercises to learn proper technique. Videos and descriptions are available on the site for each exercise..

    http://stronglifts.com/stronglifts-5x5-beginner-strength-training-program/

    This is the program I used to hit the numbers in my signature.

    Is this something you can do when you don't have free-standing weights?
  • End6ame
    End6ame Posts: 903
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    StrongLifts 5x5 is a great beginner program. You add weight every sing day which will keep you engaged by setting new personal records daily. Be sure to take some time and read about/watch videos on the exercises to learn proper technique. Videos and descriptions are available on the site for each exercise..

    http://stronglifts.com/stronglifts-5x5-beginner-strength-training-program/

    This is the program I used to hit the numbers in my signature.

    Is this something you can do when you don't have free-standing weights?

    It is a free weight (Olympic weights) barbell program
  • ShrinkingNinja
    ShrinkingNinja Posts: 460 Member
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    The p90x system has a nice balance of all things fitness. Strength training, cardio, core and yoga. It gives you a workout routine to follow and incorporates them all into the routine. Keeps your body guessing and your mind engaged.

    I just started it about 40 days ago and LOVE IT. Love it so much I am thinking about being a beachbody coach.
  • lilRicki
    lilRicki Posts: 4,555 Member
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    I don't know if you're using free weights or anything...but bodybuilders.com is a great site to find exercises...also Women's Health has great calisthenics (?) like push-ups, sit-ups, etc...there's tons of routines on there. I use both for my gym work outs...3 days is weights, 2 days is push ups and stuff..5 days of cardio (weekends don't count but I'm still active)
  • hroush
    hroush Posts: 2,073 Member
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    StrongLifts 5x5 is a great beginner program. You add weight every sing day which will keep you engaged by setting new personal records daily. Be sure to take some time and read about/watch videos on the exercises to learn proper technique. Videos and descriptions are available on the site for each exercise..

    http://stronglifts.com/stronglifts-5x5-beginner-strength-training-program/

    This is the program I used to hit the numbers in my signature.

    this.
  • krlaws2
    krlaws2 Posts: 47
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    Thanks for the tips!

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