New to Weightlifting

lizzybugg3
lizzybugg3 Posts: 1 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I'm completely new to weightlifting and I don't want to look stupid walking in to the gym not knowing what I'm doing. I'm looking for some toning exercises , etc. for starting out with weights!! :)

Replies

  • Penthesilea514
    Penthesilea514 Posts: 1,189 Member
    edited August 2017
    Check this thread out:

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

    I got started with the "Aworkout Routine" beginner dumbbell workout because it was simple and focused on the main compound lifts. I have since moved on into Greyskull LP, and I am enjoying that a great deal.

    I don't know what your goals are for lifting, but you might find something there you like for your goals. I also recommend watching Youtube videos on proper form and maybe even getting a training session or two in order to make sure your form is correct- that should be your focus for the first few weeks.

    Good luck and have fun! I have loved adding weight lifting to my life :smile:
  • topomapper
    topomapper Posts: 13 Member
    This can be a very confusing topic. The answer is it depends. How old are you, what are your goals? Ask yourself what you really want from it. Because people are so different physically, it doesn't make sense that all systems of training work for everyone.

    So a couple of questions:

    01 What is the best exercise you can do? *

    02) What single exercise are humans most adapted to doing? **

    So back to your question. First protect your self with proper posture, form, and positioning. Get used to bracing your core while breathing. This works the invisible muscle called the transverse abdominal and is critical for protecting the back. It has the side benefit of making any exercise much harder. I would advise that you start with that. There are plenty of resources on the interweb. The plank exercise done properly is a safe way to test everything I am speaking of in this paragraph.

    In terms of resistance training use these principles. You will see them many times in this forum. They are correct:

    --For every push, a pull. Doing push ups should be followed by some form of pull up.
    --Stick with multi joint exercises. They get everything. Training individual muscle groups is for body builders, and wastes time for for busy people.
    --Muscles can get strong. Joints to not. Joints are the weak link in resistance training. Use the lightest weight you can and squeeze everything you can get out of it.
    --Warm up really, really well every time you work out. It's good for you as much as resistance training itself.

    Now for what to do....
    I would suggest maybe getting a suspension trainer or gymnastic rings. Cheap, hang em anywhere, and resistance is easy to dial down up or down by changing the angle. Push ups can be done anywhere. Same with squats. Do them by sitting down on a chair and coming back up again.

    Lastly I would perhaps contacting a trainer. They should be at least a CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach). In this journey please understand that resistance training is a good thing, a great thing for older adults, but it is not the most efficient exercise for weight loss. Your aerobic exercises done at high intensity are best for burning enough calories to make an impact.

    Answers:

    * Any exercise you are willing to do.
    ** Walking



  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,463 Member
    Be sure to ask staff for an orientation.
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