New to resistance training

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I have always exercised using cardio tbh (and not had great results) but I had a taster session with a PT who gave me a programme to follow that included weight machines and I am enjoying it a lot more. I will go back to the PT in a few weeks. I’m not confident yet for free weights but I hope to be one day.

The programme is a mix of short bursts of cardio and 3 x 10/12 reps on 3 leg and 3 arm machines which I mix about each session. I think I am ready to move up to 50kg on the leg press but my arms are only at 10kg still 😆

I am on a long weight loss journey but I have struggled with hitting a plateau so I am going to stop focusing on that and focus on strength and toning. I have also learnt that I need to eat a lot more protein so have been going for over 100g a day.

I just wondered if anyone had any good tips or advice for a new beginner? I have fairly strong legs but not arms yet.

Your legs have much bigger muscles than your arms do so you will be able to lift more with them 😀.

This site is good I think if you want to read around a bit https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/strength-training-101-where-do-i-start/. Lots of info on the main different programmes, rep ranges, bodyweights exercises etc etc.

There is loads of info out there and it can get confusing though, so I would stick to one programme, be consistent, build up slowly and learn as you go. Much of what I was told when I started lifting didn't make sense; it does now.

Good luck - and enjoy!

What you need is 2 sets of dumbbells - say 5kg and 8kg, depending on your current fitness.

And check out Caroline Girvan.

30-40 minutes a day, 5 times a week, at home.

Truly life-changing.

I'm nearly 70 and have been working out with Caroline for more than 3 years. I'm in better shape than I've ever been.

Do your strength training first. Then do your cardio.

And get your PT to show you the free weights and technique for at least squats & deadlifts. These are the best compound exercises to build strength (and give you abs of steel).

Get on a programme of progressive overload. You won't do as many reps as you think you should, but you'll gradually go heavier & heavier - it's the way to build strength.

Protein - 100 - 120g and sleeeeeep!