Advice for a newbie please

[Buscake]

I’ve been trying to build weights into my workouts, following videos etc so trying to be sure I’m doing it right technique wise etc. I have 2 x 2.5kg + 2x 5kg dumbbells plus an 8kg kettlebell. I’d like to get more to vary what I’m doing but I really don’t know what to get. The ones I use are my ex husbands that got left here and maybe I need even lighter ones to get me going with it? I know it would help to get to a gym and try things out but I’m in a difficult situation at home where I can’t leave the kids right now or for the next few months - we’ve escaped DV and I need to stay in the home with them for now. Any advice or tips really appreciated please.

tension bands are a good way to get your strength up

Caroline girvan on YouTube. She also has an app now but I just cycle through her free programmes

The ones I use are my ex husbands that got left here and maybe I need even lighter ones to get me going with it?

Not lighter! Those are very light already. You can do simple body weight exercises to get form, then do things like dumbbell thrusters, squats, and overhead presses.

With the KB you can do KB swings - get your form right - and things like a farmer's carry, or use it for split squats etc.

Loads you can do.

@LittleBigHead thanks for the encouragement. Like I said, I know nothing and I worry about screwing up. Appreciate the advice

Hi @Buscake

I hope your training is going well.

If you're interested in understanding the different types of 'lifts' you can do, why they are performed and follow a structured workout programme, I would recommend downloading the Hailey Happens Fitness (HHF) app, available on both ios and android.

The app features:

1. Completly free full programmes, such as Learn to Lift, beginner 1.0
2. Sample programmes, which again are also free, but they're just offering you a sample/a taster of what the associated programmes are
3. Paid for programmes, I think there are currently two programmes which you can pay for outright and own, and finally
4. A membership, charged either monthly or annually. The membership offers you access to over 20 or so different programmes.

All programmes offer workouts based on one's ability/ lifting experience, i.e beginner, intermediate and advance.

In your case you might want to:
a) complete the free - Learn to Lift programme, and then
b) sign up to the Membership and complete 1 round of the Foundations Programme approx 10 weeks of programming, and then dive into any of the other courses, there are loads to choose from.

If you're on FB, there's a great Facebook Community where you can seek advice and guidance from other app users, from Hailey, and members of Hailey's team. Hailey and her colleagues are VERY responsive, I've never seen a question go unanswered. There are women posting from all around the world, night and day - it's a phenomenal space.

Hailey and guests run regular education webinars which are recorded, so you can watch live or catch up at a later more convenient time. There's always the opportunity to submit any queries in advance.

I have recently completed her 6 week Spring Shred Challenge, and I'm absolutely blown away by how much i learnt about nutrition and exercise - i'm a former professional, classically trained dancer, and I've been regularly power-lifting in the gym in recent years -I found the 6 week course a very humbling but empowering experience.

Good luck with building your new life and strong body!