My ladies that lift

Ditto what others have said, and just do it! Nothing has done more for my body and for my confidence than lifting. I would also highly recommend any of Nia Shanks' programs, available as an e book download on her website. I started out with her programs 4 years ago, and find myself returning to them over and over. She's very good at structuring efficient programs that make the most of your time in the gym. They are tough, effective, and simple.

While I don't qualify on the lady bit, I hope you don't mind if I try to give a little advice based on my own experiences.

Keep it simple at first, and relatively light, at first. Basic, compound, exercises (chest/shoulder presses, squats, etc) should be the focus at first, later you can add in more specialized isolation exercises as you get more experienced. I'd pick 2 to 3 basic exercises for each body part to start off. There is no need to overdo it.

As others have said, don't worry about what anyone else is doing in terms of weight. Your body doesn't care about the objective amount of weight you are using, only that it is being challenged by it.

Focusing on a weight you can safely handle with proper form will do you far more good in the long run than using heaver weights improperly.

I would suggest trying to get used to free weights over machines as much as possible. They tend to be superior for most movements, and if you spend a lot of time on machines you're going to have to relearn those movements if and when you do eventually decide to use them.

Oh, and don't forget to allow enough of time for your muscles to rest between workouts. It's easy to get overly enthusiastic when starting off and do too much.

Start simple and go from there. Some good programs listed above. I started with New Rules of Lifting for Women. I had NOOOO idea what I was doing walking into the gym last year. Dec I started Stronglifts. Beginning of June I started Thiner, Leaner, Stonger, which I am really enjoying. I also bought Starting Strength to learn positioning of the lifts. A bit technical on the read, but I like stuff like that.

I have a fair bit to go on the weight loss, but my body has totally changed. I love lifting and now doing it 5 days a week. If I miss a day, I am bummed.

Just keep doing it. Get into the gym and lift. Good luck!

I just got " The New Rules of Lifting for Women" and am enjoying it so far. Good luck to you!

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1

Above is another good link.

It lists the most popular routines. Read through them and chose one that fits your particular goals. Most can be adapted to Dumbbells if a 45lbs bar is too heavy.

I found doing the Nerdfitness bodyweight routine before starting to lift really helped.

After a 2 month hiatus I started back in the All Pro programme this week.
By the end of the routine my arms were so week I could only curl 7.5 lbs. was I embarrassed that every one around me was moving triple that weight, no. I was doing what I could safely do at that point in time. Nobody stared, nobody pointed and laughed. I did me and they did them.

Find what suits you, watch the videos on form, then start light and slow.

Cheers, h.

Hmm Just you know, pick things up and put them back down. That seems to work fine for me

But I recommend strong lifts. I like to feel the burn in my muscle when I work them. Try to keep lifting to the point that when the burning starts you get a silly smile on your face... When you're at that point you won't wanna quit.
Make it a routine and try to enjoy it

I love Alan Thrall videos. He's funny, to the point but most importantly extremely informative. I have see MANY how to videos, but this guy has all the info I didn't even know I needed.
https://www.youtube.com/user/athrall7
Make sure to eat according to you goals. I'm trying to keep my muscle while in a calorie deficit. I eat lots of protein to help keep what muscle I have. When I loose the weight, I'll up my calories to a bit above maintenance and build a bit more. Lifting is my new lifestyle as the body I want to sculpt will take a while... That's not every ones goal though. I've made changes when I learned new things etc. So don't be afraid to work with plans to see which fits you best! I like Strong Lifts 5x5 with accessory work. Good luck!!

What is your strength training goal?

I agree with all of the above. I started Strong Lifts 2 months ago and I feel like it is something I have to do. Nobody cares if I go to the gym to do it, except me. I have set days that I go and work my schedule around it if I have to. (like today I started work at 6:30 so I can leave at 3 to get it done before the 4pm crowd). It works. You just gotta commit. Good luck!