Starting weights... so confused

outandout

Warning: some of the following questions may make you think I am joking or crazy but starting lifting is geniunely confusing.

When I join a gym, can I hire a personal trainer to help me with form etc? I cannot imagine me getting on a bench and doing a bench press out of the blue. Are there classes for this?

And how exactly do free weights sections work? Do people adjust the barbells themselves or are there ranges of barbells?

My friends are useless at this and/or emmigrated.

The main thing that has been stopping me from lifting is just not really knowing whats going on.

Squat Rack Curler

You can hire a personal trainer, but its not necessary, youtube videos show you proper form

You place the weights you want on the bar and tighten the clamps

Look up starting strength and add curls and a tricep exercise, lifting weights is very very simple.

Skuxx

outandout wrote: »

Warning: some of the following questions may make you think I am joking or crazy but starting lifting is geniunely confusing.

When I join a gym, can I hire a personal trainer to help me with form etc? I cannot imagine me getting on a bench and doing a bench press out of the blue. Are there classes for this?

And how exactly do free weights sections work? Do people adjust the barbells themselves or are there ranges of barbells?

My friends are useless at this and/or emmigrated.

The main thing that has been stopping me from lifting is just not really knowing whats going on.

If it was me OP I would certainly look at getting a trainer to go through things with you, even just for one or two sessions!
Yes there's YouTube videos but they can be hard to follow if the exercises are completely new to you!
The thing about lifting weights is you can very easily do serious damage to yourself if your not doing something right, for the sake of a few quid a trainer is worth it IMO!

Transform

Go work with a trainer, have a look around the gym and pick someone that looks busy all the time and looks like he/she knows what's up

Hanley

Get a trainer. Tell them your problems. A compotent one will put together a complete program, and show you how to perform the exercises. They'll also give you starting weights and advise you on how to progress them.

Transform, who posted here already or the user know as COH are 2 of the few I'd recommend getting in touch with.

Any of the usuals here ^^ would be good to start with

youtube is all very well but it can't tell you you should feel xyz here or your form is wrong because ...

You'll get there OP

homemadecider

When you join a gym you'll usually get an induction included in the price. Ask them to show you the weights machines, some free weight lifts and recommend a programme for you. I got all of this without having to pay extra.

PartnerSeeds

homemadecider wrote: »

When you join a gym you'll usually get an induction included in the price. Ask them to show you the weights machines, some free weight lifts and recommend a programme for you. I got all of this without having to pay extra.

This is common practice in most gyms. I always see new members being shown the equipment and proper form from the instructors. Also, you'd be surprised at the amount of people who will come over and offer advice if they see you doing something wrong.