Thread: learning to lift weights.. how do i do it?

so i know this may sound ridiculous to all the true men's men of srp.. but i have never lifted a weight in my life.. i was honestly the first man in my family and was raised by women.. i also tested out of high school and missed out on all the vital physical education classes.. at the age of 29 i have never once done a bench press or whatever else there is to do.. and i'd like to start.. what's the best way to learn how to properly lift weights.. i need to learn what the different weight training exercises are and how to do them properly.. as well as get an understanding for what a set is.. and well.. pretty much the whole thing.. how do i go about doing that?

thanks guys.. i appreciate it..

TBH the best thing to do is join a gym and see a trainer. Most gyms give you a free introductory session and they'll tell you what exercises to do, what weight to use and how many reps and sets to do based on what you want to achieve.

I started training again recently after a bit of a break and my work gym gave me a tailored set of exercises to do based on what I said I wanted to do.

They'll also cover off the best way to lift and make sure you dont shred your back or anything..!

thanks.. great advice.. the thing is.. i don't really have time to visit a gym but our condominiums have a gym with weights and stuff in it.. i was thinking i could go at night after the kids go to bed and everything.. i'm thinking there has to be youtube videos for this.. i dunno why i havn't checked yet..

You would be best to have a partner with you mate. You should have a spotter to make sure you don't drop anything on yourself if you push it too far. As far as weight lifting is concerned. You know how topick up a box from the floor don' you? The whole bend your knees, keep your spine straight and use your legs to lift thing. Do that for sure. Warm up properly prior to any training on a treadmill or exercise bike for about 10-15 minutes and start off with a weight that you can lift about 10 times before you need to put it down. I would recommend you stick to the machines rather than use any free weights too. It really would be best if you could get someone to show you and act as spotter. Take it easy and don't over cook it.


Mick

hey thanks.. i'm going to write out a small ad on a postcard and place it in the gym.. i'm sure there's a bulletin board or something.. i'm sure i can find someone who wants to help a guy out... or maybe i'll post an ad on craigslist looking for a partner..

If you are the first man in your family, then what about your daddy?

Just a small note....I have 3 sets of dumbells at home.They are 5,12,and 25 LB. sets. Using dumbells lets your muscles grow more normally and evenly.That is to say,you'll find your weak points and your muscles will compensate better.Hope I made sense there? any way starting off with a small set of dumbells at home isn't a bad way to go. as well as doing good ol fashioned pushups and sit ups to help you along. Good luck m8te.

Ive had nearly two weeks off training, due to a dog bite, and will be back on it within 4 days or so I think.

It largely depends what you wish to achieve. There is a big difference between looking mucular and being fit. I want the muscle so do not run, but have started learning squash and Kung fu for fitness.

If you are intereted in lifting weights, determine if its size or defintion, strength or endurance you want. I'm guessing you wish to look big and muscular, so my advice is to concentrate on main muscle groups, doing 3 different exercises for each:

Shoulders
Back
Bieceps
Triceps
Chest
Legs

You can read all the different exercises online and watch videos for technique on youtube etc.

If you wish to look big, focus on shoulders and back. Works best for me as they are large muscle groups, the back especially. I don't worry about abs, they are secondary to alot of other exercises.

If you want to build, the other half is the diet. Very important. You need 1.8g of protein per Kg of body weight (after you fat index is subtracted). Take 20% as an average.

And take a good protein shake after workouts. Eat banannas after workouts too. And eat a protein rich meal an hour - 45 mins before you lift weights.

Let us know how you get on.

Remember - technique over weight. My golden rule.

Ther are probably a number of weight training DVDs available that would go into more detail than a short utube clip. I'd also suggest visiting the newsstand and picking up a magazine that has a few articles on the basics of bodybuilding. I haven't lifted in decades but I've been thinking about starting again and follwoing MickR's advice, a buddy is a good idea. Any thoughts on moving to New Hampshire?

Originally Posted by prosneek

If you are the first man in your family, then what about your daddy?

i was raised by my grandmother who had 6 daughters and never kept a husband for longer than it took to give birth.. the 6 daughters followed suit.. all girls except for me.. i was the first man not to be kicked to the curb.. i now have nephews and second cousins.. but there was awhile when i was the only guy in the family.. i remember my favourite toy being an easy bake oven.