How can I get into weights?

MattyGroves · 27/09/2021 06:35

If you can afford it, personal trainer is great for getting started.

SidSparrow · 27/09/2021 06:47

I second a personal trainer. I can't really afford one. Mine comes round every 4 weeks and gives me a new programme to follow and I have most of the equipmemt at home. I think it's important to have someone show you because you really want to make sure your form is correct to prevent injury. Strength training is the best thing you can do for your body!! Caroline Girvan on youtube is very good, some of her workouts use weights. You could always study them and do them at the gym. Good luck!!

standupsitdownturnaround · 27/09/2021 06:49

You could buy very light dumbbells and do a short set every day. For example:

5 goblet squats on Monday
5 bicep curls Tuesday
5 lunges each side on Wednesday

Etc, etc.

There are YouTube videos aimed at 'seniors' which are actually really good for any age. You can follow along and pay careful attention to your form.

Start light and build up and don't overdo it. The muscle builds very quickly but less so after menopause. So be patient and do a small routine that is sustainable.

Also consider balancing exercises and yoga or Pilates which all help to build agility and core tone which we tend to lose as we get older.

I also recommend standing to put shoes and socks on to practice with balance.

Original poster

PeriChristmas · 27/09/2021 10:01

Thanks so much for the ideas!
Off to google goblets, biceps & lunges!
🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️

OP posts:

ShowOfHands · 27/09/2021 10:06

You need a good range of weights at home if you aren't going to use a gym or help from somebody who knows what they're doing.

You can do an awful lot of body weight exercise which will also help with strength and there are countless free and cheap programmes out there.

I lift a lot of weights but do lots of body weight stuff too. Pilates or yoga might be a good in for you.

Ninkanink · 27/09/2021 10:07

Kettlebells are great.

DillonPanthersTexas · 27/09/2021 10:10

You don't need to go crazy and start buying entire weight sets for home, seriously a couple of kettle bells and a simple bar bell if you have the room. If you can afford it a personal trainer is worth it just to show you correct posture and a basic training programme. There are some good resources on YouTube that is aimed at non bodybuilder types. Ideally if you can buddy up with a friend it is more likely you will keep your motivation.

Lyricallie · 27/09/2021 10:11

Also if you can't afford a PT (I couldn't) my gym was doing group sessions which were "Intro to lifting" which were much cheaper and really good for teaching form etc. I think it's important to have someone watch what you're doing to see if you have the technique as you can hurt yourself quite easily if doing it incorrectly.

rubyslippers · 27/09/2021 10:16

If you have a gym near you which does Body Pump this is a great intro to weights in a supervised class

I’ve done it for 2 years and noticed a difference in strength and toning

Stellaris22 · 28/09/2021 21:17

Seconding a PT, ive been having two sessions a week with mine and having someone teach you correct form and best exercises for your goal is great.

Personally I much prefer a gym membership for the range of excellent weights and equipment, rather than having weights at home taking up space.

MajorNeville · 28/09/2021 21:25

I do weights at a gym, I love it. I was super fit when I was younger and thought I'd be uncomfortable in a gym, I couldn't have been more wrong, I started during the day when it was quieter and just went on the machines, they all have little pictures on which shows you what to do and then you can see what weights by trial and error. Then I just watched (not in a creepy intense way, lol), what others were doing in the free weights bit.

MajorNeville · 28/09/2021 21:26

**I mean I thought I'd be uncomfortable now I'm older, chubbier she unfit.

Lessthanaballpark · 28/09/2021 21:30

Lucy Lismore on YouTube has some good calisthenics videos to teach you how to use your body weight to build muscle.

Wotsitsarecheesy · 28/09/2021 21:43

I'm middle aged, really out of condition. How can I begin to use weights?

This was me at the start of this year. I started with youtube in March, using one of the 'senior' channels (SeniorShape Fitness, with Lauren - she is fab). Some of her workouts are standard cardio, pilates or yoga, but she has several where she uses two lighter weights or one heavier weight. I found her workouts a great, gentle start that were pitched at just the right level for an overweight, middle aged woman - as in, I couldn't get through them fully at first, and the weights ones were a challenge, but doable. I've really seen my fitness improve, to the extent that I have now joined a gym and don't feel at all out of place.

idloveapenis · 28/09/2021 21:45

Fitness blender and hasfit on YouTube are also a point as well before moving into a gym

CovidCorvid · 28/09/2021 21:45

Tiktok videos are really good for workout ideas.

Original poster

PeriChristmas · 02/10/2021 17:18

@Wotsitsarecheesy

I'm middle aged, really out of condition. How can I begin to use weights?

This was me at the start of this year. I started with youtube in March, using one of the 'senior' channels (SeniorShape Fitness, with Lauren - she is fab). Some of her workouts are standard cardio, pilates or yoga, but she has several where she uses two lighter weights or one heavier weight. I found her workouts a great, gentle start that were pitched at just the right level for an overweight, middle aged woman - as in, I couldn't get through them fully at first, and the weights ones were a challenge, but doable. I've really seen my fitness improve, to the extent that I have now joined a gym and don't feel at all out of place.

Great thanks will check it out!

OP posts:

Welshiefluff · 17/10/2021 20:40

There is an absolute wealth of information on youtube.