Woman lifting- help the newbie please

Shantelsjourney
Shantelsjourney Posts: 14 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I haven't touched the weight machines at the gym and really want to build and tone as I lose... Can someone please tell me how you started lifting and what you did at first :)

Replies

  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    My now-ex husband showed me around when I first started. A few years back I took a few sessions with a personal trainer and it was well worth it.

    Except for the lat machine, I use all free weights.
  • markswife1992
    markswife1992 Posts: 262 Member
    i love weights. i was intimidated at first, by the big men lifting, but now i dont pay attention to them.
    i started with machines and did more or less a cycle, going down each row.
    once i got into the habit of going to the gym, i started doing more free weights.
  • sammyliftsandeats
    sammyliftsandeats Posts: 2,421 Member
    Here is a list of beginner weight lifting programs:

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you#latest

    Having structure may be better than going all willy-nilly in the weight room.
  • kristysaurus
    kristysaurus Posts: 91 Member
    I enjoy lifting a lot. I joined a class that has a lot of lifting so I learned a lot from the trainers. We lift 2-3x per week as part of a lifting program. If you can afford it I would recommend a personal trainer because they can teach you how to do it with proper form and get you started.

    I did a little lifting before then. I did some research on lifting plans and saw what machines would be good to use. Most of the plans told you how to use the machines so I had some idea. There is youtube videos that can show you how the machine is used (just be careful that they are using proper form!) as well. I was a little embarrassed at first but I realized that nobody cared that I was fumbling through my workouts
  • elgie3
    elgie3 Posts: 23 Member
    If you've a gym membership, hire a trainer to show you around the free weights. I wasted a lot of time on the machines. While a couple of them are ok, you can get more done faster w/ free weights. Think squats, dead lifts, pull-ups, weighted lunges and rows. Some good blogs/vids to lookup (IMHO) include Girls Gone Strong and Nia Shanks (remove spaces and .com them both). Various bodyweight exercises are great as well for building muscle.
  • Sumiblue
    Sumiblue Posts: 1,597 Member
    Way back, I started with machines and enjoyed it. A trainer at my gym showed me how to use some and I figured out the rest. But if I had to do it all over us have gone straight to free weights. I (re) started lifting at age 45 with Stronglifts 5x5. I've since moved on to intermediate program and I'm in the best shape of my life.
  • sanfromny
    sanfromny Posts: 770 Member
    You don't need to hire a trainer just to show you around. That's what the gym staff is for. Tell them you are unfamiliar with the equipment and they will show you proper technique and form...FOR FREE. The last thing they want is a law suit because you got hurt. Easy Peasy!
  • besee_2000
    besee_2000 Posts: 365 Member
    I personally need more structure. Sure I can do body weight movements (push-ups, air squats, lunges, etc) well but afraid of looking like an idiot picking up anything heavy. I joined a crossfit box and now I feel like a beast. Every class you have a coach that corrects your form and spots you.
  • KiyaK
    KiyaK Posts: 519 Member
    samanthaluangphixay wrote: »
    Here is a list of beginner weight lifting programs:

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you#latest

    Having structure may be better than going all willy-nilly in the weight room.

    This. As a newbie, find a program & stick to it. You simply don't have the knowledge yet to build your own effective program. I personally (as a female newbie lifter) am loving Strong Curves.

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