where to start complete beginner

[Completelyconfused2025]

hi,

I want to start weights as peri-menopasual even at 55, on hrt and use home cross trainer and bike. But want to start weights.
We (my son) has 2 8kg dumbells but apart from just kneeling on one leg to protect my back I am not sure where to start.
Caroline Givern started with 10kg dumbells and lunges which would be too much right now-is this something you just work up to. Or should I be pushing myself a bit more if I want to do any good. I cannot see how would manage to do what she is with 16kg if I have one in each hand.
Grateful for any tips.

Following

If you’re on Instagram Sally Gunnell has some great advice for beginners workouts.

want some ideas for home use. I know some will say get a pt at a gym but can't do that due to anxiety issues.

thanks ThursdayLastWeek will give her a look

Caroline Girvan but use lighter weights. You don’t need to match her. I aim to use half her weights.

For lunges, focus on form and range of movement, slow and body weight only, until you are strong enough to progress. I sometimes do body weight only at the start of any programme to warm my knees up.

My husband can just about match her - she is a machine!

Can you safely pick up both the dumbbells - is that possible for you? (dumbbells on floor to sides, bend knees, pick up, stand up?)

Because that's a good start.

Farmer's carry is also excellent - just walking short distances with the heavy dumbbells and then carefully putting them down.

You could hold one in both hands and do squats with them if you have the mobility to reach the floor and safely pick it up.

Would a PT coming to your house be an option?

Yes recommend this she’s very good actually

I was in the same boat a few months back and I found a personal trainer. Something I thought only rich people do but honestly she was worth every penny. It was a game changer and I love the time I spend at the gym now, just lifted my personal best!

I know everyone is different but I couldn't have started with 8kg. Is joining a gym an option so you can use the range of weights they have? I have off peak membership and go to a weights class just for women that teaches all the different machines, weights, exercises etc.

If you've never done weights before, and don't exercise much, 8 k is far too heavy. Start at about 2 kilos.

OP I started with 2kg

thanks for all this. I will think about the PT but for now will just look at Sally Gunnell and Caroline G and some of the great ideas here.

Following. I started recently, I bought a book and 1, 2, and 3?kg weights. I’ll probably get 4 and 5 kg soon. I’m actually enjoying it!

Exactly this.

I like the Iron series but lift about 1/4 or 1/5 of what she does!

I plan on doing it again when I finish and up the weight slightly.

A few PT sessions are a great idea to get the form right.

This woman, Rachel Henley, is also good for teaching form (and v funny imo)