Where to Begin?
CaptainGordo
Posts: 4,437 Member
I understand that weight training is an important factor in both my overall fitness. I have nothing, as far as training in this arena, beyond high school weightlifting classes a LONG time ago.
My goal? To have better functioning muscles as I lose fat.
So, some questions....
1) Where do I start? I've looked briefly at "The New Rules of Lifting". Good place to start?
2) I don't have a lifting partner. Can I still lift effectively and safely without someone spotting me? I'm not a social person at the gym, and not interested in making friends there, to be honest.
My goal? To have better functioning muscles as I lose fat.
So, some questions....
1) Where do I start? I've looked briefly at "The New Rules of Lifting". Good place to start?
2) I don't have a lifting partner. Can I still lift effectively and safely without someone spotting me? I'm not a social person at the gym, and not interested in making friends there, to be honest.
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I am curious about this information as well.0
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Do you have a gym membership?
I'd suggest a basic program like 5x5, or starting strength. Then throw in some accessory work if you want to.
You'll be fine without a spotter. Just dont go overboard0 -
I do have a membership.Do you have a gym membership?
I'd suggest a basic program like 5x5, or starting strength. Then throw in some accessory work if you want to.
You'll be fine without a spotter. Just dont go overboard
I've stuck to the machines when I've done lifting. I'm a wuss and intimidated by the free weights area. Something I just need to get over.
UPDATE: Some responses I've received outside the group:If you really want to get into it try looking into a workout series of dvds. Yes you'll hear p90x being thrown around and it is a great program but it is also pricey. If you want to save on cost I'd go with a series you can get from Target, wal-mart or another department store that carries workout dvds. I know from experience the supreme 90 day dvds will get you in great shape at $ 20 for the whole package it is the best one for your money. I would suggest getting an extra set of dvds on yoga to help with flexibility, balance, and core strength as well.You don't need a lifting partner YET as u are just starting to lift. As a beginner you DONT want to be Maxing out etc.... Just start with some high rep low weight for now. concentrate on your BASE! That is your back and chest and shoulders. from here work on your arms (biceps/triceps). Since youre a beginner I would start you doing the machines and then gradually going into free weights after a month or so....
I appreciate the tips, and welcome more!(referring to previous quote) This is exactly how I started my boyfriend. On the machines. Bench press, Wide lat, Shoulder press. Then I will add in flies, seated row, upright rows and then add in arms later.0 -
I do have a membership.Do you have a gym membership?
I'd suggest a basic program like 5x5, or starting strength. Then throw in some accessory work if you want to.
You'll be fine without a spotter. Just dont go overboard
I've stuck to the machines when I've done lifting. I'm a wuss and intimidated by the free weights area. Something I just need to get over.
I have some of the same issues with lifting free weights. I don't have lifting partners and I normally work out in the gym at work downstairs. There's often nobody to ask for a spot, even if I was willing to ask.
I've had a lot of success with different barbells, if I have to drop one because it is too much it makes a loud noise but doesn;t hurt me lol. There is also a type of rack that I can do chest work on because all I have to do to take the weight off is turn the bar and it catches on the rack. Didn't know if one of those are at your gym.0 -
Move to the free weights, don't be scared..... I fail and get stuck under the bar at least once a week on my barbell bench press, since Im just beginning, the highest weight Im benching is 120. just tighten your core and roll the bar to your waist and sit up, move the bar down onto the bench.... its no big deal..... or lift in a rack so that there are safety bars to hold the weight rather than your chest and stomach. I believe this manuver is reffered to as "the roll of shame" but Ive gotten over it, at least Im not stuck in the smith machine due to fear.
the smith machine ( dohicky that holds the bar in a track with cables) apparently does not let you improve your form and can lead to injuries in squats...? somebody maybe can expand on this statment or tell me Im a moron for thinking so.0 -
I think the NROL is probably best book for beginners. I think Rippetoe's book Starting strength is pretty awesome as well, but think NROL is more beginner friendly. However, I think you'll do great with either of them.
New Rules of Lifting for Women is a great book for female weight lifters. A lot of the same stuff as in NROL, but aimed more for women.0 -
I am new to weight lifting as well and have been seeking out a program to start with. I have gym membership but no lifting partner my buddy quit on me. I am over whelmed with information and frustrated, as I know this is something I need to do. I have been looking for the All Pro work out, but no luck finding it the same with Starting strength work out. I had no idea this would be so difficult. I met with a trainer they just walk you through the machines and say 2-3 sets of 15 up the weight as you can. Is it that simple? I was doing this for months but got board as did my partner, he quit and then I just went up to the Cardio floor never to return to the boring lifting plan. My ultimate plan is to start bulking as I get thinner I want the body and am willing to do the work. It would be great if some of you here who have made it would share your tips, programs you have used to get started. Even better if any of you are looking to get into training put together a work out for us new people and practice on us.0
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Take a look at this article. The article is from the weight trainer.net. Awesome site!
http://www.weightrainer.net/training/beginners.html0
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