Learning how to lift weights

Ugh that sounds so uncomfortable and definitely rude.

I think in part it's being a woman in the weight room. Not that there aren't women who lift weights, but especially in smaller gyms the proportions of women to men lifting is pretty unmotivating. Especially when the women who are lifting already seem to know what they're doing and look like a million bucks. I always wonder, is my 5 lb weight going to be a joke and should I just join the rest of the bouncing top knots on the ellipticals?

I'm going to be sort of cynical here, but I feel like at gyms where hormones are way high this is a thing. There's this prevailing stereotype that women are weak and don't lift weights, especially not heavy ones, so Mister Big Guns feels like he needs to swoop in and save the day when not asked because he feels like it makes him look good. He might think he's helping, but if he's doing it in a way that makes you embarrassed or uncomfortable, that's not cool and you shouldn't tolerate that.

One thing I've found that helps is going to the gym at slow times, like late afternoon on a Saturday. The amount of people there is minimal, so I can just walk around and try new machines and exercises at my own pace and make sure I take the time to read directions on machines. Once I do it once, I feel way better. Also, just do your chest press the way that feels good--form is important to prevent injury, obviously, but sometimes it really doesn't even matter if your elbows stick out too far or whatnot if it doesn't hurt and you feel like you're still getting a good workout.

I know exactly how you feel!! So uncomfortable but so eager to learn

OP, have you considered an actual structured lifting program?
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1

One thing you can do is tape/record yourself lifting and compare it to good form videos online, or post your videos to this group:
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/10118-eat-train-progress

The guys there will help you out.

Don't be intimidated. Everyone at the gym started where you are.

sarko15 wrote: »

Ugh that sounds so uncomfortable and definitely rude..

No, it is not rude. He was showing her proper form to prevent serious injury. Proper form is crucial.

Strength2Succeed wrote: »

I have always admired the people who just look like they know what their doing and I am feeling discouraged now, I feel like I should just stick to cardio because its what I know and I dont want to be the uneducated person who other long time lifters shake their head at). I am easily intimidated because I havent a clue to what I am doing but I am trying.

Noooooo. Lifting is a skill that people learn and develop over their whole lives. You can't just go to, say, a piano and plunk around tunelessly and say "Wow, this is hard," then quit!

I started lifting when I was 15, am 46 now, and still have tons to learn about "physical culture' and the world of fitness in general. You can engage with it as much or as little as you want, as a hobby. It gives so much in return for the effort.

Anyways:
1. kudos for starting
2. don't stop!

That guy is one example of "people you meet in the gym." There are many categories; eventually you'll see them all. At some point you'll figure out if he knows what he's talking about or not. For now, just note it, don't injure yourself (priority #1!), and move on.

Is there any recommendations on perhaps a routine I should follow or a step by step guide?

About a zillion

Here are a bunch of things:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Fitness/wiki/resources

For a definite start, this is a good book series:
http://www.thenewrulesoflifting.com/nrol-for-women

middlehaitch wrote: »

Read through the programmes in the thread @cerise_noir posted.

Decide which one suits you then study how to do the moves (videos etc) with correct form.
(I practiced at home with light weights and broom handles so I would know what to do in the gym)

If your gym only has the 45lbs bar and it is too heavy for you to begin with, start with a dumbbell routine. Even a well balanced, proven routine using machines will be OK to begin with.

Don't give up. Give yourself time to learn correct form to prevent injury- the guy was just trying to help.

Don't worry about being one of the few women lifters in your gym. I am the only consistent female afternoon lifter at my gym and the guys are used to me now and just give a nod and carry on with their work.

Cheers, h.

Also just to add if the gym has boxes or small platforms dont be afraid to lift off them till you feel flexible enough to lift off the floor.

My trainer has me lifting a bit now as part of my set that I do and I still find myself unable to get down low enough to lift the bar direct off the floor so I use a 3'' platform to just bring it up a touch. Makes things much more comfortable and I find it pulls less on the back.

Just one other comment - be careful about what "advice" you're being given. I've had people give really bad advice (do squats while looking at the ceiling). I knew that wasn't good advice, and kept doing my squats looking straight ahead. He kept watching me to see if I was taking his advice. It was really awkward.

You can always jump on your phone and check to make sure the advice given is correct.

I'm a yoga teacher, and just as I don't recommend learning yoga from videos, I think it's better to learn lifting from someone who can correct your form. Years ago, I took just a few sessions with a personal trainer, and it was well worth the money. This was a group class at the Y, so it was super cheap, but full price would be a good investment as well.

I've since developed knee issues and am going to seek a trainer to help me develop a lower body routine. This is just not something I want to cobble together from the internet.

I had a few personal training sessions at a body building gym before I started lifting. I think I did 10 sessions and I use what I learnt in my gym by myself. I'm by no means a "lifter" and feel self conscious sometimes, but I work out a routine of what I learnt and just go to the gym and do it! I use free weights more than the machines. I want to start lifting more and might go back to the trainer to pick up more tips. It was definitely worth it!

Jakep2323 wrote: »

trigden1991 wrote: »

Some advice is good and should be listened to but most advice in the gym is bro-science or at worst, dangerous.

How come the trainers saying it are in shape?

Genetics, hard-work, drugs, commitment, years of lifting?!

Being in shape does not dictate someones knowledge.