“I Want to Lift, But Don’t Know Where to Start”

Jumping into the lifting lifestyle at first can be intimidating. You don’t know where or how to start.

You go into the gym unsure of what you’re doing, (usually) surrounded by big, loud, cocky guys, and girls who are more concerned about how they look than their actual “workout.” But you just really want to get fit, but don’t know where to begin.

When people, especially girls, ask me questions about my workout routine, what I eat, “how do I tone up my arms, butt, tummy, etc.,” I always end up mentioning Bodybuilding.com in the conversation- which usually evokes a laugh followed by, “uh yeah, that’s a little too much for me…”

I understand, I thought the same thing in the beginning- of huge, oily, muscular men and women, flexing with a gritted smile; but it’s not. Bodybuilding.com has so much to offer to those who are starting to lift: video tutorials of exercises, free workout & meal plans, thousands of articles ranging from a variety of topics, and a massive online store of supplements and other products.

The foundation of my knowledge of lifting and nutrition is derived from Bodybuilding.com. Many of the exercises I do in the gym today are because I watched their tutorials. It’s from their site, I learned what types of foods to eat and not to eat- and why. I followed a free fitness plan in the beginning for awhile, until I knew enough to create my own.

Bodybuilding.com has such a vast amount of information that more people should take advantage of. Sure, you can pay some Instafamous individual (who doesn’t really care about you- just your money) X amount of money to create a unique meal plan and workout routine; but you can just as well go onto Bodybuilding.com and do essentially the same thing, all while educating yourself.

So, don’t be intimidated anymore about the unknown of lifting. It’s a learning process. Soak up as much information as possible and get goin’!

Join me on IG @hmillerfit

 

4 thoughts on ““I Want to Lift, But Don’t Know Where to Start””

  2. I agree that Bodybuilding.com is a terrific resource for so many things. I use it pretty frequently when I’m trying to learn something new about lifting or to improve my performance. That said, it’s a business like any other and they are around to make a profit (it’s not a bad thing, just reality). It’s even local to where I live.

    I have found that I can only go so far using online resources as a “lone wolf lifter,” and recently, at the behest of my wife, hired a personal trainer for five one-hour sessions to help me fix what I’ve been doing wrong that’s led to my injuries, and develop better form when lifting so I can get more out of my efforts.

    I must admit that I was also a tad disappointed that you didn’t provide a little more instruction to your readers about what to do if they want to start lifting but otherwise don’t have a clue. I think, particularly with your background and experience, you are ideally positioned to design a more detailed if generic plan for women, young and old, who want to lift but are intimidated by the weights, especially free weights.

    Several weeks ago, my wife shocked me when she asked me to go to the gym with her and help her develop a beginner’s weight program. She’s gone to the gym in years past, but typically has used the cardio machines and maybe some of the LifeFitness/Nautilus style weight machines. She hasn’t been lifting in quite some time, and lately, has been walking for cardio. She’s nearing 60 years old, and I was glad to see she had an interest in fighting off sacropenia. I should say that she’s been attempting to manage some injuries and other issues that as associated with women when they get older, so her interest in expanding her exercise routine is encouraging.

    However, after our first “lesson,” she resolved to return to the machines as they felt safer to her. I think what she means is they’re more familiar. I started her off extremely light with just some dumbbell work, but I guess it just felt too awkward. Also, as I’m sure you know, a lot of women feel self-conscious using free weights, especially with men around (it took me a long time to get past my own sense of intimidation as an older guy).

    I would love to see you write a “Part 2” to this article that digs a little deeper into the topic of just where a total newbie, especially a woman, might start in developing their own beginner’s program. You can include hyperlinks to relevant material at Bodybuilding.com and other online resources. If you were just starting out again, what would you want to know?

    I won’t “spam” you by putting any links here leading to my BlogSpot, but I’ve written on the topic myself. As an older lifter with an interest in strength training, part of why I write is to dispel myths about age and exercise, but also to sweep away myths that other groups, including women, can’t lift and lift heavy, just because society and “common wisdom” says so.

    I voice like yours deserves to be heard.

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