Tips on getting started with weightlifting?

[Darkfairie17]

Hey, I am trying to get more fit. I want to do it gradually as it will be better for my body and it will maintain better that way.

Now I already know about diet, I don't eat junk food, I drink lots of water, and I don't drink pop regularity at all. So those basis are covered. I eat a lot of fruit, cook most of my meals from scratch and overall eat pretty clean.

What I am wondering what I should know to get started with weightlifting and getting fit. I am not looking to build a huge amount of mass, but I know that I need to gain some muscle to help burn excess body fat I have accumulated over my life. I am looking to lose about 40 pounds, more if needed.

Right now I have a set of 10lb weights, I got them because that is what my personal trainer put me on when I had one. I found his exercises effective, but I can't afford to keep him, so I have to do this on my own. I am not going to a gym until I start college again in September so exercises that I can do at home would be good :) Right now I have an exercise ball and some resistance band, what else would be good?

So what do I need to know? I am relatively inexperienced with this and don't know where to start on the exercising end? Any tips would be appreciated! :)

Updates

+1 y

Like I stated, not looking to get seriously ripped like a dude, just looking to get some muscle to aid my metabolism, I have hypothyroidism so it's too easy for me to put weight on, some muscle would help to burn some calories.

[BeerME]

If you're looking to lose weight you should focus more on cardio. Lifting weights will tighten and tone your body as well raise you metabolism as you build muscle but it doesn't burn calories all that effectively. If I were you I would start with running, swimming laps, biking, whatever cardio exercise you enjoy doing.

[DonMichelle]

Muscles burn fat, having more muscle mass is perfect for fat loss. Your muscles burn fat whilst you sleep, the more muscle, the more 'burning' but as you said cardio's the best bet for shifting the weight, weights are better for 'shaping' your body

[DonMichelle]

You're a girl?

[Darkfairie17]

yes I am a girl

[DonMichelle]

An actual girl?

[Darkfairie17]

yes, got a problem?

[DonMichelle]

I was just surprised when I saw weight lifting :)

What do you want to know? You do know that you'll need to do cardio aswell?

[Darkfairie17]

Yea I already do a bit of cardio, I was just wanting to know how to get started with integrating weightlifting into my routine :)

[DonMichelle]

What what weights do you have? Any particular places you want to tone more than others, arms, legs etc?

A bar would be very useful, simple but can be used for a few things, perfect for at home

[Darkfairie17]

I have 2 10lb dumbells and 2 8lb ones as well. I have an excersize ball and a few resistance bands. I am looking to tone my whole body overall, my legs are pretty good, but my arms definitley need work, so does my back, butt and stomach.

[DonMichelle]

Sorry it's taken so long to reply, compputer's seen better days lol

Arms - Use the 10lb 'bells to do bicep curls (hold the dumbells in your hands, extend your arms so they're straight, lift the 'bells back into your face) 4-5 sets of 10-15 reps daily

Arse, lower back - Squats. Hold the 10lb 'bells near your chest so the weight is at the top, squat down (be careful to keep your balance) so your arse is as close to the ground as possible then stand up again. 3-4 sets, 20-30 reps

[DonMichelle]

Top of your back (Latisimus Dorsi, give you better posture, make your boobs stick out more :) )

Kneel down on a bench so your back is parralel to the ground. Have one hand on the bench, the other holding one of the 'bells. Pull the 'bell into your chest so you can feel the muscle behind your chest (lats) tighten, extend the arm and repeat.

4 sets, 10-15 reps (each arm/side)

Stomach - sit ups are foolproof, they'll help your back aswell. Do as many as you can, don't strain yourself though

[Darkfairie17]

Thanks for the tips :) I find this really helpful, I am a complete newbie to weightlifting :)

[Anonymous]

do bodyweight excersizes! pushups (raised pushups/hindu pushups/knuckle pushups) pull ups/chin ups...dips etc. they are a lot more fun than lifting weights, they work functionable muscles, great for strength, they don't get you too bulky, great for toning...oh yeah and they are free!