mikejholmes Member

Better yet, just buy the book. More info on proper technique than you'll ever need.

Whenever a girl asks about weights, I like to quote this thread: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/987513-lifting-is-the-most-horrible-thing-to-a-woman-since-twiggy NOW we can /thread

Another vote for Firefly. Did anyone ever see Brisco County Jr.?

Spend some money and time -- buy and read Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe. He'll explain why the machines are not the most effective way to do things, and explain in loving, almost painful, detail, exactly how to do things, and what simple program to use. You can also find some of his videos on Youtube. But buy and read…

I'm assuming you're talking about unweighted squats? Ankles shoulder width apart. Feet pointing ~30 degrees out. (Most people underestimate that.) Knees out as you go down. You should be able to put your elbows on the insides of your knees, and your palms together. Be sure you are below parallel. (Crease of the hip lower…

Lots of good advice so far. For some reason, I believe deadlifts will also help.

One other thing -- the book Starting Strength by Rippetoe will give you detailed instructions on how to pick YOUR starting weights. (Basically work up to what is heavy for you, work 3 sets across, and call it a day). Get the book. Really.

SO nice to hear from someone who knows some basic info! OP -- Pay attention! Although, Rippetoe describes 5 exercises -- you left out the OHP and Power Clean. The OHP especially is important to keep balanced with the bench press to avoid shoulder problems.

GOMAD is only for skinny kids. Go onto his board, and he will emphatically tell you that he never said everyone should do that. Fat kids should not drink a GOMAD. 40+ year olds should not drink a GOMDAD. Other than that -- perfect info.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/987513-lifting-is-the-most-horrible-thing-to-a-woman-since-twiggy

QFT

That's a good start. But 2 lbs a week might be too aggressive for what you have to lose. For more info / an alternative suggestion, look here: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/974888-in-place-of-a-road-map-2k13

I would pick up Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe. He explains in detail what exercises to do, exactly how to do them, and how to find an appropriate starting weight to work with.

I started on that, since it was easily available, and simple. But I found Mehdi's emails annoying. And I found he was lacking on the details of good form. Then I discovered Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe. 70 pages on the squat alone. LOTS of detail on EVERY exercise, and almost the same exercises. I switched over to…

Check out Starting Strength by Rippetoe, to ensure your form is correct. That should clear up any knee problems.

^ This.

I would suggest picking up a copy of Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training by Mark Rippetoe -- he will explain how in 5 exercises, 3 days a week, you can get very strong. Getting strong will go a long way towards burning fat and building muscle. And yes, obviously, it's using barbell exercises, rather than machines,…

I would skip the machines, and do a barbell routine. I'd check out Starting Strength or StrongLifts or possibly New Rules Of Lifting For Women (although I hear that's complicated. No first hand knowledge there, sorry.) 3 days a week is recommended for both SS and SL, should only take a short period of time, and will give…

Tingling could also be a sign of nerve damage, which could be a sign of diabetes. Better safe than sorry, IMHO.

Carbs that low (that's less than I do, and I'm diabetic!) will mean that you're likely not experiencing cravings as much. So to answer your question, yes, it's relatively common. You don't mention your height in your profile, but going by your current and target weight, 1200 cals is probably low enough to be unhealthy. So,…

^THIS

You're right. She ought to. But she clearly doesn't. :flowerforyou:

My wife usually picks up the Six Star Whey Protein. I have no idea where it fits on the price scale, and it's the only one I've tried, so I have no taste comparison either, but I certainly like it. You may find the bars more convenient, and Quest nutrition makes some AMAZINGLY good protein bars.

Unless you are looking for that extra 2% benefit that will make the difference in winning the powerlifting competition, then I wouldn't worry about the timing of your protein intake. As long as you get enough on a daily basis, you should be fine. If you're more tired than hungry after your workout, sleep.

^ This, certainly for a new lifter. Your question about muscle soreness: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delayed_onset_muscle_soreness For example, riding a bike essentially doesn't have an eccentric component, so bike riders tend to not have the same issue.

For my money, you can't beat barbell training. Squats are the very best exercise you can do. If you're willing to invest in the equipment, then it'd be fine to do it at home, but I find the gym simpler. Starting Strength has 5 exercises that are very well described, and I've seen amazing results with it. If you're just…

You are, of course, free to do as you like. If you enjoy cardio, keep it up. As for how heavy -- it partially depends on what exercises you're doing. My recommendation is Starting Strength. What Mr. Rippetoe recommends is start with the empty bar for most of his exercises, and get comfortable with the form. Then, add 5 or…

You can, and should, for optimal results.

Deads feel more natural, and I can move bigger weight. But if I had to commit, I'd do squats, since they give the biggest bang for the buck.

Seconded -- Starting Strength for the best descriptions of technique that you'll find. Buy the book. Seriously. Maybe even order the DVD. And it's a simple, and VERY effective program. Stronglifts... basically the same workout, but I found that there was a lot of hype from Mehdi, the owner of the site, and he was very…