For all who lift weights...

Aprill42
Aprill42 Posts: 170 Member
edited December 19 in Fitness and Exercise
I want to start lifting weights after I pass this PT test (hopefully). I see the success stories and think maybe I need that to change my body up a little bit.

How did you start off? How do you know how many reps, how much weight and all that good stuff?? Has it been working for you as well??

Replies

  • SSNok
    SSNok Posts: 12 Member
    http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=998224
  • wellbert
    wellbert Posts: 3,924 Member
    Get 'Starting Strength' by mark rippetoe. Start with this.
  • tigerdactyl
    tigerdactyl Posts: 112 Member
    The Starting Strength program seems to be a very popular choice, I just started it last week. You can get the book for pretty cheap on Amazon. It consists of alternating workouts of compound lifts.
  • Aprill42
    Aprill42 Posts: 170 Member
    Thanks all!!
  • Myxangel
    Myxangel Posts: 2 Member
    I'm not sure if you go to a gym, but a bunch of them have weight classes that can get you started small on lifting. I do that once a week b/c it's lighter weights and lots of reps and it's really helped me build up a good base. Now I lift on my own, but still go to the class b/c I liked it so much.

    I feel way stronger with weights than I do with just cardio and it's very motivating! If I do 12 to 15 reps, 3 sets, enough weight that it is tough but not impossible. You'll learn what you can do 12 of, really quick.

    If you have access to a trainer, just for a few weeks to show you the basics, that helps tremendously too. Good luck!
  • rmhand
    rmhand Posts: 1,067 Member
    I use bodybuilding.com. Starting out is a lot of just trying it out with the weights. Pick up a weight you think you can handle and do a few reps, if its easy try a heavier one, if its hard try something smaller.
  • DixiedoesMFP
    DixiedoesMFP Posts: 935 Member
    If you have never lifted before, the book New Rules of Lifting for Women is a good place to start. Also Starting Strength or Strong Lifts.
  • atldrew
    atldrew Posts: 25 Member
    When I first started off I just walked around the gym lifting weights here and there. I didn't track anything and saw no results. Then I started listening to Phil Kaplan on the radio. I got his book called Transform http://www.philkaplan.com/thefitnesstruth/transformTOC.htm and was amazed. I don't know if he still does it but his demonstration on how much sugar is in a Coke floored me. The book had exercises that highlight change. Don't do the same workout all year long. Change the reps, the weight and how you are working out. I switch up my workout about every 4 weeks and am amazed how sore I am the next day. He calls it muscle confusion and it works. Here is a Google doc of my workouts: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AoJ77VWN1paYcHBRQThHLXJwRHBfemlkWXFtX3hXR1E The first tab is the 4-week scramble. It is designed to just get you in the gym and start working out. Go for 20 reps on each. I hope this helps get you started.
  • teinepalagi
    teinepalagi Posts: 86 Member
    I haven't really started yet....but would like to. I just ordered: New rules of lifting for women.

    http://www.amazon.com/The-New-Rules-Lifting-Women/dp/1583332944

    Friend me if You're looking for support along the way.....
  • WeightlifterJosey
    WeightlifterJosey Posts: 24
    Deff start out with lighter weight and more reps, as you build up more muscle start doing heavier weights and more workouts.
    I am a weightlifter my coach that I had in high school did this for me and I have great results that I have stuck with:)
  • bciochetti
    bciochetti Posts: 35
    Make sure you get some instruction on how to properly perform the exercises. You don't want to injure yourself because your form is wrong.
  • chrisb75
    chrisb75 Posts: 395 Member
    I just started Strong lifts last week. I love it so far.

    www.stronglifts.com
  • JNick77
    JNick77 Posts: 3,783 Member
    Get 'Starting Strength' by mark rippetoe. Start with this.

    What he said...

    At the very least download STrongLifts 5x5 if not Mark's book. I think Mark is the more experienced and intelligent of the two trainers but Stronglifts isn't a bad start.
  • dzarello
    dzarello Posts: 119 Member
    I just started Strong lifts last week. I love it so far.

    www.stronglifts.com

    I second this. I'm one month into it.
    Wife also just started last week.
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