I've never done any weight lifting, could you give me some tips?

[Anonymous]

I'm thinking about getting some weights, but I have no clue on what kind of weights, how heavy and I don't really know how to use them... could you give me some advice? I'm not in great shape but I'm not weak either and I do have some muscle already. I can give you additional information if you need it. :)

[martyfellow]

STart with small weights, and many repeititions. Do a variety to work out different muscles. When you can't tire yourself out with 3 sets of 10 repetitions increase the weght.

Do a warm up routine, running in place, stretching, ALWAYS, even before you lift the light weights.

This becomes more and more important as the weights get heavier.

When you've reached using say 20 lb weights, you'll need help from someone experienced. Don't use a shoulder barbell without some hands on tips from someone, and don't do bench presses or the like without a spotter, but that is ways down the road!

[raptor]

If there was one universal piece of advice that would be given anytime someone asks about resistance exercises it would be that proper form is more important than anything.

[nickix2]

Get a gym member ship, you can have all the workout stuff/ weights you want. if not get 5 or 10 pound hang weights, there are all sorts of workouts for you whole body you can do with them.

[kheserthorpe]

Are you thinking of buying weights, or using something from a gym?

[Asker]

i want to buy some

[kheserthorpe]

If you were going to buy one thing, I'd get a kettlebell - and a pretty heavy one at that.

Light weights have uses, but toning up isn't one of them.

[Asker]

ok :) are there any exercises you would suggest and how heavy?

[kheserthorpe]

18 or 26 lb, depending on how strong you are, is what is usually recommended for beginning women.

The core move is the two hand swing. You need to master that one.

Squats, snatches, turkish getups, clean and press are other excellent kettlebell moves.

[SheepdogAmongUs]

+1 on the kettlebells. They're usually measured in pods (pronounced like oo in food), and I'd suggest getting them at some place like a play-it-again-sports trade in place, or even from a garage sale or from craig's list.

[Asker]

thanks a lot! I'll look into that!

[kheserthorpe]

Very true. Second hand lumps of iron are as good as first hand lumps of iron ;)

With unlimited budget I'd get you a power rack and barbell with plates, but you can get a lot out of a kettlebell.