Weight training for complete noobs?

Bio_IMO

Bio_IMO

Member
OK, so I wanna start weight training. I'm a lady in her late 40s, dealing with perimenopause, weigh around 155, don't move much, and have RA that messes with my hands and joints sometimes.

Should I just grab some free weights and go for it? Or is a personal trainer a must to learn proper form? Do I even *need* a gym?

Any good YouTube channels or online guides for beginner exercises?
 
Start with resistance bands! Weights can be risky if you're just beginning.

Stretch those bands with your arms and legs. Do enough reps until you feel a bit of a burn.
 
Using resistance bands and YouTube tutorials is a great way to ease into it, like Wes_2002 mentioned.

Yoga and Pilates are also fantastic.

Personally, I'm all about hitting the gym, doing compound exercises, and lifting heavy! But the best kind of exercise is what you enjoy and can stick with. Try a few things and see what works for you.
 
Saying weights are dangerous for beginners is kinda off. Lifting weights is usually safe at the beginning since you won't start with super heavy things.

Get some resistance bands and some lighter dumbbells to begin with. Like 3, 5, 8 and 10lb. Do lots of reps with light weights to practice the movements.

Many gyms have machine circuits these days. You can do a round of those if you don't have a clue where to start. Something like 3 sets of 10-12 for a full-body thing a couple times a week. Even 20-30 mins at a time is better than doing nothing! There are also phone apps that will guide you, like Fitbod, you can program it for beginner and bodyweight only exercises. Or RP Strength also has an app.
 
I've definitely seen YouTube videos that would argue against that statement.
ReconFree said:
Saying weights are dangerous for beginners is kinda off. Lifting weights is usually safe at the beginning since you won't start with super heavy things.
Click to expand...

I do agree that weight training is pretty safe if you avoid crazy exercises and ego lifting!
 
Maybe start at a low-cost gym where someone can show you the ropes. Places like Planet Fitness are cheap, so it's not a huge loss if you don't go often. You might find you hate gyms and prefer the outdoors like I did for a while! Running shoes and bodyweight exercises are way cheaper. Eventually, you'll find something you enjoy.

The best exercise is what you enjoy. I ran for years because I loved it. Now I'm into weights, so I do both. I have a treadmill and a gym in my basement! Just do something to get started. Any exercise is good, especially with enough protein and smart training. Training smart means learning, watching videos, etc.
 
Check out Mark Rippetoe's Starting Strength DVD. It’s a good way to learn the basic movements. He has YouTube videos too, but the DVD is more detailed and has demos with different people.
 
If you're interested in gyms and trainers, look into strength-focused group classes. They're a fun way to begin, build confidence, and learn moves you can do at home. If you like a class, you'll likely keep going! You might even make a friend or find an accountability buddy.
 
If you want guidance without a gym, I have two options:

1) Caroline Girvan – free videos on YouTube. She doesn't focus on form, so watch her when you're confident in your technique.

2) Peloton strength. I love their strength content. The app costs money. Andy Speer and Ben Alldis are great at focusing on form. Andy has an intro program that's a good start to weight training.

There are cheaper options, but I wanted to give you another idea!
 
Yes! In my petite fitness group, the women love Caroline Girvan! I was going to recommend Peloton! They have tons of programs, including beginner ones that slowly ramp you up. You can cast the app to your TV. I think the app is cheap, since I use it instead of a gym. They also have yoga, meditation, walking, running, dance cardio, etc. I use it every day for sleep meditations.
 
For appetite suppression? Maybe a tiny bit. Definitely not a replacement for the GLP1s. The other claimed benefits? We'll see from my next full lab work.
 
Hello, fellow middle-aged woman!

If you can afford it, Pilates is amazing. One or two private classes and you're ready for group classes. Great for core strength, mobility, and my best body was thanks to pilates. Move With Nicole on YouTube has beginner content, too! Find beginner-friendly content there.

I got into weight lifting with Bret Contreras. His Strong Curves book/program is great, you'll see progress, it's beginner-friendly, and can be done at home or the gym. Also check out Sohee Carpenter (Bret's ex). She's beginner-friendly and gives off positive energy.

The best program is one you enjoy! Have fun trying Pilates, weights, gym classes, YouTube, Piyo, Zumba, HIIT, resistance bands, etc. If something clicks, go deeper! You'll love what your body can do in a few weeks! Let me know if you have any questions!
 
Everyone has given amazing ideas. If you have a Five Below nearby, they sell resistance bands for five bucks. A set of three with handles. Entry-level but good for starting out. I got a set last month. They also sell hand weights and medicine balls. Check the right side of the store, halfway back 👍
 
Bio_IMO, have you started your journey yet? We need updates!
Bio_IMO said:
OK, so I wanna start weight training. I'm a lady in her late 40s, dealing with perimenopause, weigh around 155, don't move much, and have RA that messes with my hands and joints sometimes.

Should I just grab some free weights and go for it? Or is a personal trainer a must to learn proper form? Do I even *need* a gym?

Any good YouTube channels or online guides for beginner exercises?
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top