I want to start going to the gym. Help?

[Anonymous]

I want to start going regularly to the gym. I have a membership at a chain gym, so that's not an issue. Everywhere I turn I see comments along the lines of "lift if you want results," "you need real weights if you want to get anywhere." I know that I'm not going to "get big," I realize that (too many guys assume girls think this; i know my body isn't capable). That being said, I do like to run cross country, I love running (I hate running on treadmills). I want to start (I think) weight training. Thing is, I don't know where to start & I have no strength in my arms whatsoever (I guess that'll improve with time lol). I also realize I have to eat well of course. Any tips/advice? Ps I'm 20 & 110ish lbs (if that's necessary)

[aamy811]

I have never gotten better results than from weights and strength training. But if you hate it and it only gets you in the guy one day a week, then do something else that gets you in tee eat least 3 days a week (whether that be walking, running, tennis, whatever)
If you have a fries who lifts weight as them to help you get your form. Start low but make sure your doing it right. Or if you see another person in the gym doing an exercise ask them if they have any tips or suggestion ( a girl at my gym just taughte straight leg dead lifts)
Start where you feel comfortable (should be a struggle but nothing too hard) then see where your at the next day. If your deadly sore lay off, but if you feel nothing of up a lot. I personally go up in weight every time I work that body part.
I think female bodybuilding. com is a great place I go to get tips. I turn there all the time and love it.

[Asker]

Oh god you're amazing. Thanks! I'll check out that website. When you started did you alter your eating habits? If so how?

[aamy811]

Obviously I cut out junk. But if you eat a standard meat eaters diet then get a small plate. Half should be fresh fruit or veg. 1/4 should be complex carbs. And your protein should be the size of your palm.
Unless your looking to really bulk then u dot see the need for things like protein powder or steak 3times per week

[AdamThomas]

There are plenty of weight training routines online if you google it. Ignore those that tell you to use light dumbells for hundreds of reps or those that tell you only to work certain parts of your body, you should train the whole body with compound movements (squats, deadlifts, bench press, bent over rows, overhead press - exercises that work many muscles at a time as opposed to isolation exercises such as the bicep curl), with 3-4 sets of 10-15 reps a time.

[Asker]

This. Thanks! I've been looking around online & I've been eyeballing the squat rack but I do want to start with just the bar, no weights yet. Just to get the hang of it. Is that advisable?

[AdamThomas]

Yeah, I prefer to practice with a little bit of weight on the bar but you can practice with just the bar too.

[Grant101]

Well start strength development, so certain exercises to strengthen a little muscle before you start doing weights.

When doing weights do a set program made by a professional or someone whose done this type of thing before

[WestcoastBratt]

Everyone starts somewhere! Right now your whole body is your weak point, so I would start with a 3 day split.
Day 1: legs and abs
Day 2: chest and arms
Day 3: back and abs
Day 4: rest
Then you repeat the cycle

[WestcoastBratt]

You may have to take 2 rest days in a row because at first you will be really sore, which is perfectly normal

[Klaatu51]

110 and height? anyway do it only if u like it... NOT coz other people tellin u ;-)

[Asker]

I guess that is an important piece of information, 5'2" and I want to do this for myself. Thanks!

[Klaatu51]

Good!

[NYkid27]

Just start of with like 5-10 pound weights and increase them as you get stronger

[Anonymous]

Get a personal trainer to teach you the basics.

[AestheticsFtw]

just work your arms, legs