New to weight lifting ... where to begin?

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I've lifted weights several times over the years with friends or with trainers, but it's been a LONG time ago. Now that I've got a gym membership back I want to start using it for more than just the treadmill, but I'm not sure where to start. I've read some posts on here saying to use pre-designed plans and such, but is there anyplace that can take my goals and measurements and design a basic plan around that? Also any sites with videos showing how to use various machines? I'm not sure I want to do free weights just yet.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Replies

  • marycmeadows
    marycmeadows Posts: 1,691 Member
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    check out new rules of lifting.
  • wellbert
    wellbert Posts: 3,924 Member
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    Read Mark Rippetoe's "Starting Strength"
    There is a lot of great information on form and technique that will make your life a LOT better.

    Another popular one is Stronglifts 5x5. It has less info on technique though, so even if you want this route, I'd still read Rippetoe's.


    Also. Man. Your avatar brings me back.
  • biged335
    biged335 Posts: 734
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    http://www.bodybuildingforyou.com/articles-submit/index-exercise.htm

    This site has alot of information about lifting...
  • antoniosmooth
    antoniosmooth Posts: 299 Member
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    If you have an iOS device (iPod Touch, or iPhone) or an Android smartphone JeFIT is a great application for your needs http://www.jefit.com/ Spend the extra fee dollars 9.99 I believe for the Pro version instead of the free version and you'll get videos to help you while your in the gym logging and conducting your routine. Even the free version has routines as well as allowing you to input your own custom routines.
  • samalex01
    samalex01 Posts: 11 Member
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    If you have an iOS device (iPod Touch, or iPhone) or an Android smartphone JeFIT is a great application for your needs http://www.jefit.com/ Spend the extra fee dollars 9.99 I believe for the Pro version instead of the free version and you'll get videos to help you while your in the gym logging and conducting your routine. Even the free version has routines as well as allowing you to input your own custom routines.

    Wow, JeFIT looks amazing! I'm downloading the free app now for my Droid and have already created an account on the site. Thanks!

    Also to everyone else thanks for the book and URL suggestions, I'll check them out as well.

    Take care,
    Sam
  • amccrazgrl
    amccrazgrl Posts: 315 Member
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    BodyBuilding.com is my personal favorite.

    You can always go to YouTube to look up moves. I know with Jamie Eason's Live Fit she says to do the move but instead of what the video shows she says to use the ball for example.
  • antoniosmooth
    antoniosmooth Posts: 299 Member
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    If you have an iOS device (iPod Touch, or iPhone) or an Android smartphone JeFIT is a great application for your needs http://www.jefit.com/ Spend the extra fee dollars 9.99 I believe for the Pro version instead of the free version and you'll get videos to help you while your in the gym logging and conducting your routine. Even the free version has routines as well as allowing you to input your own custom routines.

    Wow, JeFIT looks amazing! I'm downloading the free app now for my Droid and have already created an account on the site. Thanks!

    Also to everyone else thanks for the book and URL suggestions, I'll check them out as well.

    Take care,
    Sam

    Sam if I had noticed your avatar previously I wouldn't have said "IF you have an iOS device or Android Smartphone" Anyone with the TRS-80 as an avatar obviously is into tech.

    See you on JeFit as well
    Antonio
  • PunkRockDad
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    If you have an iOS device (iPod Touch, or iPhone) or an Android smartphone JeFIT is a great application for your needs http://www.jefit.com/ Spend the extra fee dollars 9.99 I believe for the Pro version instead of the free version and you'll get videos to help you while your in the gym logging and conducting your routine. Even the free version has routines as well as allowing you to input your own custom routines.

    Hey, thanks for sharing this. I am just starting as well and this site is great so far. Looks awesome. Thank you.
  • enewcomb63
    enewcomb63 Posts: 1 Member
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    I love Les Mill's BodyPump. I take a class at the local YMCA, but there is a video available. My strength and stamia have increased, I feel SO much stronger, and I have shaped up! I go 3X a week. Good Luck!