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Original poster

I'm the only girl I know who lifts weights

61 replies

BitsinTatters · 25/02/2014 20:05

I go to the gym regularly..primarily it was so I could run on the dreadmill in the safe warm gym while watching trash in tv

However weights caught my eye and I have been using them for about 3 months.

I can dead lift over my body weight now (72kg)

Any way... problem is I flit around because I don't really know what routine I should be doing and i'm shamefully to intimidated to ask the meat heads gym guys

So, I row or run when I get there to warm up..then what should I do?

OP posts:
MrsGSR · 26/02/2014 22:33

I've heard loads of good things about the new rules book mentioned above.
I did a variation of stronglifts 5x5 which I loved, it you Google it there are some suggested workouts.

www.bodybuilding.com has a forum for female weightlifters.

CaptainHindsight · 26/02/2014 22:10

I'm posting from my phone! What the feck is that green heart?

CaptainHindsight · 26/02/2014 22:09

Envy at 75 OP! Well done.

Pinterest had some good videos if I want to try a new routine. I love the transformation pictures too, really motivational.

Hours of cardio was demoralising and not very effective. I lift and do the 30ds for cardio and the results are really showing now! I was complimented on my "guns" recently which was nice.

DSM swears by kettlebells. I may have to invest.....

HolgerDanske · 26/02/2014 22:03

Kettle bells are really good

runningforme · 26/02/2014 22:01

Personally I prefer kettle bells, but like others have suggested, have a few sessions with a personal trainer - if for nothing else than to make sure that you are using proper form throughout your reps.
Here's a site I use when I want a few exercises to do by myself when I can't get to classes www.bodybuilding.com/fun/bbinfo.php?page=FemaleTraining

TetrisBlock · 26/02/2014 21:59

I'm the same as you op.

Can see the benefits but don't really know what I'm doing. Have been going to kettle bell classes lately and they are fabulous!

HolgerDanske · 26/02/2014 21:56

I love weight training. Must get back to the gym.

Two book recommendations:

Thinner, Leaner, Stronger Michael Matthews
The New Rules of Lifting for Women Lou Schuler

TippiShagpile · 25/02/2014 20:17

I lift weights too. I love my weights sessions (with my PT) and get so much out of it. Lots of people think (mistakenly) that heavy weights = bulky. I am quite small - 5" 2 and 8.5 stone.

Would definitely recommend personal training, even just once a week.

FreelanceMama · 25/02/2014 20:14

I used to weight train - not for heavy lifting but to build muscle generally. I agree with the recommendation about personal trainer sessions. Even one would get you started. Also I used to buy a magazine called Muscle and Fitness Hers - I think! which was really good. There's lots to learn and it's fun designing your own sets and understanding how muscle is built, how to breathe (!) the importance of rest days, multiple light sets vs few heavy lifts etc.

I've just given my free weights away but before I lived with my partner and had a baby I did it for a couple of years. It's quite zen!

eurochick · 25/02/2014 20:11

Yep, get a few sessions with a personal trainer if you can possibly afford it.

plutarch14 · 25/02/2014 20:07

Wow, 75kgs! Nice.

Would it perhaps be worth having just one or two sessions with a personal trainer to show you some moves? Alternatively, depending on your gym, one of the staff might be able to help you out...