Starting lifting

Sleepy

First off, confession time, I'm a total and utter n00b at this and not in good shape at all. I've never even attempted a dead-lift, squat or bench-press with free weights. From reading some of your training diaries and other threads here however, I'm seeing how effective compound exercises are and know I want to include them in my program.

I joined the gym in the Westwood (Leopardstown) recently and have a session I can use to get a program developed for me. I'm a little concerned about just asking any member of staff about this however. Given how easily one can get almost permanently injured lifting with poor form, I want to make sure I'm lifting correctly from day one which to me means getting the best teacher I can.

Would the standard personal trainers in my gym be up to scratch in terms of their advice/coaching for a first timer? Is there a any particular member of staff in the Westwood you could recommend? Am I better off to shell out the extra euros to book a specialist weights trainer for a session or two? And finally, if so, who's a good trainer for a n00b like myself?

Dragan

I would suggest you see if you can get a session with Ross, he's a good trainer and a strong lifter and will show you the ropes.

I train in Westwood all the time, so keep an eye out for me and say hello if you see me.

I'll be in there tomorrow from 6 o clock or so.

daveirl

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JayRoc

Also Damien Maher would be a good bet.
Some of his specialist ideas can be a little off-the-wall but his technique is absolutely excellent and even if you did a session or two with him on the basic lifts you can be assured he'd give you a good foundation.

Sleepy

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll keep an eye out for ya Dragan, should be there tomorrow evening myself.

daveirl

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Dragan

daveirl wrote:

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Actually i'm gorgeous. Don't let that jealousy burn you up my friend!!!

Sleepy

Well, I've called the gym and they said they'd ask Ross to give me a call to schedule a session. Hoping that he's free tonight but that's probably a little hopeful.

Just one thing Dragan, if I say hello you've to promise not to take the piss out of the puny weights I'm shifting! :P

Dragan

Sleepy wrote:

Just one thing Dragan, if I say hello you've to promise not to take the piss out of the puny weights I'm shifting! :P

Honest to God dude i really wouldn't worry about it. The only judge of anyone in the gym is the effort they are putting. I know big strong guys who coast every workout and i have far more respect for the guy just in the door busting his ass.

Edit : As a good advertisment i will be wearing a big blue T-shirt with two Dragons on the back.

Sleepy

I'll keep an eye out for you Dragan. I'll be around from about 6ish.

Got an appointment fixed with Ross for Saturday so will post about it in my training diary.

t-ha

Dragan wrote:

Edit : As a good advertisment i will be wearing a big blue T-shirt with two Dragons on the back.

You heard him lads, everyone who's ever been the wrong end of a sarcastic Dragan comment up to Westwood later with batons. Take the ugly guy in the blue t-shirt!

Dragan

t-ha wrote:

You heard him lads, everyone who's ever been the wrong end of a sarcastic Dragan comment up to Westwood later with batons. Take the ugly guy in the blue t-shirt!

They'll need more than batons buddy!

g'em

Dragan wrote:

They'll need more than batons buddy!

Go for the knee... the KNEE!!!!!!!!

Dragan

g'em wrote:

Go for the knee... the KNEE!!!!!!!!

It's true, i can see myself switching to South Paw permanently to protect the poor thing!!!

JayRoc

g'em wrote:

Go for the knee... the KNEE!!!!!!!!

Also, once you don't get between him and his mirror, he'll never see you coming

brianthebard

Dragan wrote:

They'll need more than batons buddy!

Oly bars ftw!!!

TerrorFirmer

You could do what some absolutely donkey actually did do to somebody I know - throw a plate at his crotch while he's in the middle of benching a heavy weight.

His life would most likely have ended that day had he not had a spotter.

Sleepy

HavoK wrote:

You could do what some absolutely donkey actually did do to somebody I know - throw a plate at his crotch while he's in the middle of benching a heavy weight.

His life would most likely have ended that day had he not had a spotter.

I know that's absolutely evil but I'm still in tears laughing at it...

Will update my training journal in more detail but suffice to say Dragan is a legend.

g'em

Sleepy wrote:

Will update my training journal in more detail but suffice to say Dragan is a legend.

ah ffs any more compliments and his head will explode... :rolleyes: I'm kidding, I'm kidding, don't kill me ye big baxstarding bear

Nah Sleepy, you're right, he is a legend and so helpful it's unreal. He's a good guy all round tbh, and a brilliant training partner- with him around your numbers will go through the roof. Good on you for getting back into the iron game!!

Sleepy

g'em wrote:

Good on you for getting back into the iron game!!

Last night I realised I'd never really been in it.

I am now though.

Dragan

Sleepy wrote:

Last night I realised I'd never really been in it.

I am now though.

Well done mate, just doing up my journal entry now!

You might think the weights your moving are not the best, or your form is not the best, but you willingness to work and the effort you can put it is far greater than most people i see in the gym on daily basis. Work hard, work consistent and eat right and in 3 months you really won't recognise yourself.