chapterthree
Well-known member
Does anyone have any advice for beginners? Not looking to do anything specific but generally avoid any weight machines as it’s very male heavy and feel like I get stared at all the time 
- Notice
Jam-sandwich
Chatty Member
I’m an early 30s female, lifting is my favourite form of exercise, feeling strong gives me the biggest buzz!
I would highly recommend a PT for anyone looking to get into it. Just tell them that your goal is to get comfortable and confident with weightlifting. For the last year I‘ve had a PT session once a week which has been purely focused on building strength and increasing the weights safely. I told her on day 1 I didn’t want any diet chat or focus on weightloss (I’m overweight but my main goal is to be strong, not to slim down) and she’s been amazing in that regard. I feel really lucky to have found a PT that suits me so well, she was the first one I tried and I only intended to do 10 weeks with her to get comfortable with weight lifting but I couldn’t bring myself to end it, it’s one of my favourite parts of the week.
So yes, would highly recommend a PT to anyone, even if it’s just for a few weeks to go over the basics!
I would highly recommend a PT for anyone looking to get into it. Just tell them that your goal is to get comfortable and confident with weightlifting. For the last year I‘ve had a PT session once a week which has been purely focused on building strength and increasing the weights safely. I told her on day 1 I didn’t want any diet chat or focus on weightloss (I’m overweight but my main goal is to be strong, not to slim down) and she’s been amazing in that regard. I feel really lucky to have found a PT that suits me so well, she was the first one I tried and I only intended to do 10 weeks with her to get comfortable with weight lifting but I couldn’t bring myself to end it, it’s one of my favourite parts of the week.
So yes, would highly recommend a PT to anyone, even if it’s just for a few weeks to go over the basics!
Interiorarts
Member
Great thread. I've become much more intentional with lifting. I aim for four sessions a week, two upper body and two lower body, combined with incline walking for 50mins. I do my 10k steps the other days. It's been working well for me, but means I'm at the gym for almost 2 hours. I go twice before work in the week and both Saturday and Sunday.
I am fitting into clothes I couldn't before at this weight.
I am fitting into clothes I couldn't before at this weight.
Mamacita
VIP Member
If you can afford it, get a PT, event for an hour a week for a month or two. You'll learn some basics and it will give you confidence to go into the weighs areaDoes anyone have any advice for beginners? Not looking to do anything specific but generally avoid any weight machines as it’s very male heavy and feel like I get stared at all the time
Monroe7658
Member
Try to find a gym that offers ‘small group PT/strength training classes’. It’s more affordable than getting a 1:1 trainer but you get the benefit of having a PT show you exactly what to do. They also show you how the exercises can be adapted for different levels depending on your experience. It’s daunting at first but once you’ve done a few classes you’ll know what to expect each time and with consistency you’ll progress quickly.Does anyone have any advice for beginners? Not looking to do anything specific but generally avoid any weight machines as it’s very male heavy and feel like I get stared at all the time
YoungHollywood
VIP Member
Anyone up for some lifting chat? I know there’s a great weight loss thread but don’t want to derail by going specific!
None of my friends or family lift so I have no one to chat to about it
and I love it! Always looking for new ideas and to see other people’s progress, chat workouts, favourite exercises etc.
Hoping I’m not alone here
None of my friends or family lift so I have no one to chat to about it
and I love it! Always looking for new ideas and to see other people’s progress, chat workouts, favourite exercises etc. Hoping I’m not alone here
justonemorepage
VIP Member
I used to lift before I got pregnant (for about 6 years) but during my pregnancy I was unable to continue which I was gutted about. I'm now 3 months pp and I want to get back into it but I am very nervous. I've lost my muscle tone and my body shape has changed as a result. So thank you for creating this thread as a support and place for tips/advice 
LanyardedHeretic
Well-known member
Hope it's OK to revive this thread! I've been strength training at the gym with intention for about 9 weeks now, and I'm loving the results mostly. I have gained weight, not just muscle unfortunately, because I'm so effing hungry these days!
Any protein powder tips? I feel quite bamboozled by all the options and don't feel like I can trust most reviews. I need to get more protein in me though, and a powder seems the easiest way.
Any protein powder tips? I feel quite bamboozled by all the options and don't feel like I can trust most reviews. I need to get more protein in me though, and a powder seems the easiest way.
Fifah1907
VIP Member
marathon training over here. I do one upper, one lower and one full body. One big move per lower/full session and then single leg accessories. I am a sheep who just trusts my coach 
it used to be 2 uppers and 2 lowers but the closer I get to race day my body is WRECKED. after this week im going down to an upper and a full.
judgejohndeed
VIP Member
Yes it absolutely is! But just bear in mind that weight machines tend to isolate and target individual muscles whereas compound movements on free weights will work several muscle groups at once, so it would be a bit harder to get a balanced workout just using machines, but you'll still see progress for sure. If you feel comfortable you could take a preloaded bar (those ones that are a barbell but they're smaller than the ones on the racks, and they have a set weight, no need to add plates) or dumbbells into a quiet corner and use those for some compounds
judgejohndeed
VIP Member
Yay love this. I'd be interested to know how everyone splits their week at the moment? I was on a 4-5 day split but recently started enjoying cardio so doing that 2-3 times a week and now struggling to fit everything in
justonemorepage
VIP Member
For those starting out, I do recommend a PT if you can afford it, even if it's only for a couple of months to teach you correct form and so that you don't develop bad habits. Use mirrors or discreetly film yourself to check for form (loads of people do it these days, not just for uploading to SM) and don't worry about thinking that people are looking at you, I can assure you they won't be. Most gym goers are so focused on themselves and their own goals that they don't even notice other people. You've got this! 
Londoncailín
VIP Member
Great thread topic! I'm getting back into lifting after a few years away. I'm excited and nervous.
Jam-sandwich
Chatty Member
Firstly, I LOVE your username
Secondly, all the best for the Ironman training, how amazing!!
Aceofspades
Chatty Member
I second this. My PT sessions have been invaluable - she’s taught me so much from a practical perspective, machine usage, free weights etc, but I’ve also made an incredible friend in the process.
YoungHollywood
VIP Member
I’m the same, I struggle to fit everything in. I aim for 5 days at the gym and I alternate legs and upper. I do core as and when I can. If I can hit 6 days I’m happy but that’s a lot of getting up at 5am! I dislike cardio immensely
but have forced myself to start running which I do 2 or 3 times a week, not far and with my kids but still, better than nothing!---
Start light, do not be put off by the people in there lifting heavy. If you are intimidated by it, find when your gym is quiet (Sunday early morning mine is dead) or buy yourself some dumbbells but make sure they are a good range as weight can increase quickly at the start. Focus on form and take each movement slowly. So many people rush their reps and then it becomes about momentum instead of using the muscle. Focus on three or four movements and perfect those before adding more.