Weight lifting, where do I start?

I am sure you will be flooded with varied opinions about what to train together on what days etc etc. So all I can do is give my opinion.

Firstly, if you have access to a gym, use it. A female in the weights area is awesome. Not only does it prove she is tough, it also proves she is smart, knowing that lifting is an essential part to a healthy persons training program.

Secondly, there is no weight program for females and there is no weight program for males. If your need for a "female" program is because you don't want to "bulk" then have no fear. A woman will not "bulk" from lifting weights. (There is a ton of other posts on this and science to back it up, I won't bore you with it here, but what is good for Joe is good for Jane)

My weight training tends to have a crossfit slant on it because I like crossfit. I like how it can be customized, is varied, covers all over fitness..etc, etc.Below is an obvious rip off, I won't try and hide it.

Because of this my weight routines involve 3 main movements.

DEADLIFT
SQUAT
PUSH PRESS

Three movements that engage numerous muscle groups. After all we lead a busy life and don't want to be spending hours and hours doing a an exercise for just biceps, one for just triceps and so on.

FIND YOUR STARTING WEIGHT
Find a weight that is hard, but that you can comfortably complete the exercises in without losing form.
Aim to increase deadlift and squat weight by 5lbs each week.
Aim to increase push press weight by 5lbs every 2 weeks.

ROUTINE
A simple short routine, maybe 3 days a week

15x Squats
12x Dead lift
9x Push Press

Maybe finish with some cardio if you wish.

Look at as much stuff as you can, get creative and remember your FORM. Enjoy!

I know it isn't "weight lifting" but I have been looking into TRX, anyone try it?

I love using a TRX, but I'm also experienced in strength training/program design. Although it is an at home system, some activities are quite complex and may not be suited for a beginner

Lots of books at the library too, that's how I started 6 weeks ago and I'm already seeing results.

I suggesting reading and following New Rules of Weightlifting for Woman, there is also a forum on her specifically for that

I started out with New Rules of LIfting for Women - I'm a huge fan. You can pick it up from your library to learn more without paying any money for it.

I chose it above the others I looked into because (among other things) while it focused a lot on full-body compound movements (3x per week) as you will see many other good programs suggest, it also gave good variety/switched things up very few weeks - not the same thing all the time, which I like and feel is important.

If you have access to a gym, I'd definetly use it if you are going to use weights. If you really want to lift for real (heavy), you're going to need more than what most people can have at home - unless you're really lucky. I tried it and very quickly outgrew what I had space for. If you're nervous about going to the gym, start out during off-hours when it's not very busy.

If you want to do it at home, check out You Are Your Own Gym - another book I liked - and the excercises look very challenging also. You can do a lot with your own body weight!! One of these days I'm going to try that program.

I'll inbox you...I'm a newbie to weights as well and love it and getting incredible results

Lots of books at the library too, that's how I started 6 weeks ago and I'm already seeing results.

Any suggestions?

nope...just search weightlifting & female weightlifting. i've found good info in different books.

Can I suggest on line Michelle Bridges. It's a great site for all levels.

I have been doing a trx class and i love it! The moves can all be modified to be easier or harder. I have a long way to go still, but after a month i am already a lot stronger.

I have gone through thousands of websites with each one claming to the the holy grail :-(

Accidently I found this book "Strength Training" by Lee E. Brown. This is an awesome book becuase the excercise and the theory proposed in this book is actually backed by science and data. I dont think there is any other subustitute for hard data :-)

I'm 56 & maybe that's why I don't care what anyone thinks at the gym? I did start working out with a Trainer 3 mos. ago as I had absolutely no weight training experience & no idea how to start. I love it & wish I could afford more sessions. I have learned a lot and have been able to do things I never thought I'd be able to do. Form is so important at any age to avoid injury & get the most benefit. Don't be intimidated at the gym,or, maybe change to a different gym? Myabe it's just that we feel awkward when we're new? I've found that everyone has been happy to help when I have any questions. Best wishes.

bump