Best way to learn lifting (form etc.)

Konata

Ok, so I will soon finally have access to an affordable gym and I'm looking to start weight lifting. At the moment I intend to follow a programme such as Stronglifts for women but I have not fully researched this yet so I'm not 100% sure (recommendations welcome!). I am a complete beginner to weight lifting and hence have absolutely zero idea when it comes to things like form, equipment, how to do the lifts. I will most likely be joining my uni's gym (DCU) in September.

So here's my question. What is the best way to learn how to do the various lifts/use the equipment in a correct manner? I was thinking about maybe hiring a personal trainer for a session or 2 to learn this but I'm not sure if this is a service that is offered by any PTs. I'm a student with a very limited income so unfortunately I won't be able to afford to regularly attend a PT. Is it possible to hire one (either in my gym or an independent PT) for just a session or something to learn how to lift or is this a really stingy thing to even consider?

If the PT thing is a no go, any other suggestions? Youtube maybe? Or websites or something? I'm an irish dancer too which I intend to keep up alongside the weight lifting so avoiding injury is a big concern of mine. Thanks for any advice!

siochain

YouTube is not a good place to learn we rarley move the way we think we are moving. If you could afford to join a strenght and conditioning gym for a few months you should be able to learn the basics on how to lift and train.

Konata

siochain wrote: »

YouTube is not a good place to learn we rarley move the way we think we are moving. If you could afford to join a strenght and conditioning gym for a few months you should be able to learn the basics on how to lift and train.

I have never heard of such a gym! Can you explain to me how it's different to a regular gym/what sort of services are offered?

Had a quick google and only found one in south Dublin which wouldn't be suitable. Are there any in the city centre or north Dublin (I should be based in the Drumcondra area)?

roseybear

There's rev fit in drumcondra and they are opening a women's gym in glasnevin. I joined up in Feb and haven't looked back since. Have a look on fb

MD1990

siochain wrote: »

YouTube is not a good place to learn we rarley move the way we think we are moving. If you could afford to join a strenght and conditioning gym for a few months you should be able to learn the basics on how to lift and train.

Wouldn't say that. You can record yourself & see what u are doing wrong. Alot of these S&C gym sessions can be overpriced.

Stench Blossoms

+1 for Revolution Fitness

Konata

roseybear wrote: »

There's rev fit in drumcondra and they are opening a women's gym in glasnevin. I joined up in Feb and haven't looked back since. Have a look on fb

Thanks for the recommendation! They look good - the location would certainly be ideal! Any idea what sort of prices they charge? So are PT sessions included in the gym membership or are they charged seperately?

Sorry for all the questions, I just really am a total beginner when it comes to gyms!

roseybear

Konata wrote: »

Thanks for the recommendation! They look good - the location would certainly be ideal! Any idea what sort of prices they charge? So are PT sessions included in the gym membership or are they charged seperately?

Sorry for all the questions, I just really am a total beginner when it comes to gyms!

Its nt a regular gym in that you can't call in whenever you want, there's group sessions of 6-10 ppl supervised by 1 r 2 guys. You do an initial assessment 1 to 1 then you just join in the next session. It sounds intimidating but it really really isn't, everyone is so encouraging and helpful and there is a huge variety of levels. You can do PT sessions too, but because the group sessions are so supervised I haven't found a need for a 1 to 1 session

Konata

roseybear wrote: »

Its nt a regular gym in that you can't call in whenever you want, there's group sessions of 6-10 ppl supervised by 1 r 2 guys. You do an initial assessment 1 to 1 then you just join in the next session. It sounds intimidating but it really really isn't, everyone is so encouraging and helpful and there is a huge variety of levels. You can do PT sessions too, but because the group sessions are so supervised I haven't found a need for a 1 to 1 session

Ah I see! That sounds really good actually, exactly the sort of thing I had in mind. Thanks a million for the explanation. When I've got somewhere to live in Dublin sorted I think I'll get in contact with them. I imagine it'll be more expensive than the DCU gym but sounds like it might be worth the extra cost.

Is there any minimum/maximum frequency for attending these sessions? I'd be hoping for about 3 times a week (I have dance class 2-3 times a week already), I assume that would be ok?

roseybear

Konata wrote: »

Ah I see! That sounds really good actually, exactly the sort of thing I had in mind. Thanks a million for the explanation. When I've got somewhere to live in Dublin sorted I think I'll get in contact with them. I imagine it'll be more expensive than the DCU gym but sounds like it might be worth the extra cost.

Is there any minimum/maximum frequency for attending these sessions? I'd be hoping for about 3 times a week (I have dance class 2-3 times a week already), I assume that would be ok?

I started with 2 times a week then moved to 3, think that's what the majority of the ppl do and the strength programmes are planned around 3 sessions

Boss_eye

The Gym instructors in DCU will show you the basics in generally gym training , but if its Olympic lifting or Powerlifting you are after , Hercules Club , Lurgan St (just off Bolton st) would be the way to go , Free Olympic Lifting Coaching , By qualified coaches and international Competitors,
abundance of knowledge and help ,and opportunity to train alongside some world class athletes . only €85 for 3 months (€30 to join)

robertxxx

You need to join a "old school" gym and the guys will point you in the right direction.

Example. http://www.herculesclub.ie/Home.html

Chucky the tree

I'd say most PT's would be happy to take on clients for one or two sessions, the few I know who have done it have never been refused anyway. Its not that difficult to get the form down right with a camera phone, youtube/internet access and practice.

Mellor

Konata wrote: »

At the moment I intend to follow a programme such as Stronglifts for women but I have not fully researched this yet so I'm not 100% sure (recommendations welcome!).

Is that a variation of Stronglifts, or just the regular program?

Konata

Mellor wrote: »

Is that a variation of Stronglifts, or just the regular program?

Good question! I see it often mentioned on forums etc. as 'Stronglifts for women' but as I said, I haven't actually had a chance to research programmes properly yet (it's next on the list!). I kinda assumed it was different because of how I see it mentioned but maybe it's actually just the same programme?

gymfreak

Refugees Weightlifting Club is a new olympic weightlifting club set up on the Old Airport road, it's not too far from DCU.

Really nice set up for beginners

siochain

MD1990 wrote: »

Wouldn't say that. You can record yourself & see what u are doing wrong. Alot of these S&C gym sessions can be overpriced.

You still need to know what to look for, what too correct and how to correct it.

The S&C gyms do cost more than the stand gym because the deliver very different services.

Hanley

Good to see RevFit getting some nice mentions - that's my spot.

I'm obviously biased, but I'm pretty confident that there's no where better for beginner females in Dublin. We've had everything from national caliber powerlifters to girls who've never lifted ANY weights before through, and they've all seen rapid progress.

At the end of the day, any gym with a good track record would work for you. You're better off learning from an experienced coach than trying alone and failing for weeks/months/years before eventually sacking up and doing it. Start on the right row and save yourself the hassle

Hercs is a great spot too, as is Refugees.

Konata

Hanley wrote: »

Good to see RevFit getting some nice mentions - that's my spot.

I'm obviously biased, but I'm pretty confident that there's no where better for beginner females in Dublin. We've had everything from national caliber powerlifters to girls who've never lifted ANY weights before through, and they've all seen rapid progress.

At the end of the day, any gym with a good track record would work for you. You're better off learning from an experienced coach than trying alone and failing for weeks/months/years before eventually sacking up and doing it. Start on the right row and save yourself the hassle

Hercs is a great spot too, as is Refugees.

Well I have to say that RevFit sounds like pretty much exactly what I'm looking for. I'm really excited to start lifting despite the fact that I have zero strength

Will definitely be in contact once I'm back in Ireland and sorted out the living situation. Many thanks to everyone for their suggestions, can't wait to get started now!

Another big +1 for hanley/revfit

MD1990

siochain wrote: »

You still need to know what to look for, what too correct and how to correct it.

The S&C gyms do cost more than the stand gym because the deliver very different services.

I think for the Squat & Deadlift u can learn from good youtube trainers. But Olympic lifts u would definetly need a personal trainer.

Alf Veedersane

Very few of those good YouTube trainers about though. Not considering the amount of know-nothing videos. God knows I looked at enough only to find I didn't really know what I needed to know until I went to a proper trainer. And I will go back again because I don't really fancy messing about with something like a deadlift.

MD1990

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

Very few of those good YouTube trainers about though. Not considering the amount of know-nothing videos. God knows I looked at enough only to find I didn't really know what I needed to know until I went to a proper trainer. And I will go back again because I don't really fancy messing about with something like a deadlift.

Elliott Hulse & Kelly Starrett make some excellent video's imo.

Alf Veedersane

MD1990 wrote: »

Elliott Hulse & Kelly Starrett make some excellent video's imo.

I'm not saying they don't. I like KS's work and I have Supple Leopard.

I just don't really think there's a comparison. I thought there might be but there wasn't.

Hanley

MD1990 wrote: »

I think for the Squat & Deadlift u can learn from good youtube trainers. But Olympic lifts u would definetly need a personal trainer.

Really just not true.

You can't "learn" form if you've a movent issue.

You won't learn for if you've poor kinesthetic awareness or aren't mildly athletic.

Some might manage it but the vast majority will learn quicker, more efficiently and more safely with a good coach.

MD1990

Hanley wrote: »

Really just not true.

You can't "learn" form if you've a movent issue.

You won't learn for if you've poor kinesthetic awareness or aren't mildly athletic.

Some might manage it but the vast majority will learn quicker, more efficiently and more safely with a good coach.

Never said u could if u had a movement issue with can be resolved with Foam Rolling or some mobility video's from KS.
. I agree u will learn quicker with a good coach but u can certaintly Squat & Deadlift by learning the movements yourself imo as long as u know the good youtube channels. For instance Clarence Kennedy learned the Olympic lifts himself.

Hanley

MD1990 wrote: »

Never said u could if u had a movement issue with can be resolved with Foam Rolling or some mobility video's from KS.
. I agree u will learn quicker with a good coach but u can certaintly Squat & Deadlift by learning the movements yourself imo as long as u know the good youtube channels. For instance Clarence Kennedy learned the Olympic lifts himself.

...and then he went to Poland to learn them better. Off a coach. Well played.

MD1990

Hanley wrote: »

...and then he went to Poland to learn them better. Off a coach. Well played.

Of course he did as he was competing at a very high level most ppl will never reach. But he learned alot on his own & done well. I think u learn how to Squat & Deadlift on your own. There are quite natural movements imo. Olympic lifts u would need a coach though. Tell me how u could not learn them on your own?

Hanley

Hanley wrote: »

Really just not true.

You can't "learn" form if you've a movent issue.

You won't learn for if you've poor kinesthetic awareness or aren't mildly athletic.

Some might manage it but the vast majority will learn quicker, more efficiently and more safely with a good coach.

MD1990 wrote: »

Of course he did as he was competing at a very high level most ppl will never reach. But he learned alot on his own & done well. I think u learn how to Squat & Deadlift on your own. There are quite natural movements imo. Olympic lifts u would need a coach though. Tell me how u could not learn them on your own?

I'm guessing you're self thought, and haven't worked with anyone in the real world other than your bros.

Because if you had, you wouldn't need to ask questions like that.

Or maybe you're just trolling.

Whevs'.

MD1990

Hanley wrote: »

I'm guessing you're self thought, and haven't worked with anyone in the real world other than your bros.

Because if you had, you wouldn't need to ask questions like that.

Or maybe you're just trolling.

Whevs'.

Im not self taught no. No need to try & be smart just because i disagree with you. I just think u can learn Squats & Deadlifts on your own if u do some good research & record yourself. Don't know why u have such a problem with that.

Mellor

MD1990 wrote: »

Im not self taught no. No need to try & be smart just because i disagree with you.

I'm not trying to be smart, but why would you go the trainer route but now you're advocating self teaching?

Some people will be able to teach themselves, but most won't. They'll lack body awareness and the correct motor pattern. I'd hazard a guess that somebody who starts a thread is likely to fall into the second group.

I had two PT session when I started but they weren't focused on learning the main lifts.
So I self taught later. It was a long and inefficient process. I expect that your typical beginner wouldn't put in the effort that I did.
If I was doing it again, I'd definitely start with some coaching.

MD1990

Mellor wrote: »

I'm not trying to be smart, but why would you go the trainer route but now you're advocating self teaching?

Some people will be able to teach themselves, but most won't. They'll lack body awareness and the correct motor pattern. I'd hazard a guess that somebody who starts a thread is likely to fall into the second group.

I had two PT session when I started but they weren't focused on learning the main lifts.
So I self taught later. It was a long and inefficient process. I expect that your typical beginner wouldn't put in the effort that I did.
If I was doing it again, I'd definitely start with some coaching.

I got taught & learned the mobility exercises to help your Squat & Deadlift. But I actually think I learned even more by looking at KS Video's on Youtube. He has some brillant stuff on youtube imo. I feel that I didn't need any personal training & that I could have learned on my own. Maybe if you are already quite athletic from playing Soccer etc. its an advantage for learning the lifts as to someone who isnt?

Stench Blossoms

MD1990 wrote: »

I got taught & learned the mobility exercises to help your Squat & Deadlift.

Then your coach was sh1te.

MD1990

Stench Blossoms wrote: »

Then your coach was sh1te.

Why exactly?

jive

MD1990 is getting some strong hate for saying you don't need a coach but I agree. Hanley's quote sums it up:

'Some might manage it but the vast majority will learn quicker, more efficiently and more safely with a good coach.'

You can learn to deadlift/squat/bench just fine from youtube videos and video analysis of yourself if you have a brain. However, it takes a lot of time as there is so much bullshít information out there. In addition to this, there are also a load of shít coaches out there who qualified after going to 'college' for a month.

It is certainly quicker, and safer, to learn with a good coach. However, it's more fun to figure shít out for yourself, IMO. If you want to lift competitively then sure get a coach but it certainly isn't essential.

If ya have money to burn then I'd just get a coach, but I'm a tight arse

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DLo54YDNek

Mellor

MD1990 wrote: »

I got taught & learned the mobility exercises to help your Squat & Deadlift. But I actually think I learned even more by looking at KS Video's on Youtube. He has some brillant stuff on youtube imo. I feel that I didn't need any personal training & that I could have learned on my own.

This comes down to what was said about a good coach. If they aren't able to provide better coaching than a youtube video then they aren't a good coach and aren't worth the money imo.

Good coaching includes things you can't get from videos;
Real time assessment of set up, movement, faults.
Cueing the lifts. Tweeking hand and foot position. Subtle "tricks" to fractionally increase a lift.
I'm at a stage where I'm considering some coaching to improve my lifts further, if I didn't get at least all of the above, I'd be unhappy.

I'm a big fan of K Starr's stuff too. My go-to source for mobility issues. I haven't seen a general "how to squat/deadlift" video from him though. (it probably exists).

Maybe if you are already quite athletic from playing Soccer etc. its an advantage for learning the lifts as to someone who isnt?

That was already mentioned.
Mobility dysfunction, poor kinesthetic awareness or lack of athleticism being the excluding factors of self teaching for most people.

MD1990

Mellor wrote: »

This comes down to what was said about a good coach. If they aren't able to provide better coaching than a youtube video then they aren't a good coach and aren't worth the money imo.

Good coaching includes things you can't get from videos;
Real time assessment of set up, movement, faults.
Cueing the lifts. Tweeking hand and foot position. Subtle "tricks" to fractionally increase a lift.
I'm at a stage where I'm considering some coaching to improve my lifts further, if I didn't get at least all of the above, I'd be unhappy.

I'm a big fan of K Starr's stuff too. My go-to source for mobility issues. I haven't seen a general "how to squat/deadlift" video from him though. (it probably exists).



That was already mentioned.
Mobility dysfunction, poor kinesthetic awareness or lack of athleticism being the excluding factors of self teaching for most people.

Ideally a good coach would be the best option. But all I have been saying all along is that u can learn to Squat & Deadlift on your own provided u do some good research online & find out what works best for you. For instance Rippletoe's advice to have your elbows pushed back is wrong imo. But maybe it works better for some people. It will definetly take longer oo your own but I think it can be done.

Alf Veedersane

MD1990 wrote: »

Ideally a good coach would be the best option. But all I have been saying all along is that u can learn to Squat & Deadlift on your own provided u do some good research online & find out what works best for you. For instance Rippletoe's advice to have your elbows pushed back is wrong imo. But maybe it works better for some people. It will definetly take longer oo your own but I think it can be done.

One of the big problems with trying to learn through videos online etc is trying to find good advice especially online.

It can be a bit like panning for gold in the Grand Canal.

Mellor

MD1990 wrote: »

Ideally a good coach would be the best option. But all I have been saying all along is that u can learn to Squat & Deadlift on your own provided u do some good research online & find out what works best for you.

I taught myself the lifts, so I can't deny its possible. But as I also said, it was a slow process, and I don't think the majority of people would put in the work that I did.

The learner curve is steepest at the start. IMO the best way is use coaching to get a (head)start, and use kstarr's mobility wods, then more advanced youtube fine tuning once you have the basic stuff down. Video analysis is good at all stages.

jive

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

One of the big problems with trying to learn through videos online etc is trying to find good advice especially online.

It can be a bit like panning for gold in the Grand Canal.

Same can be said for getting a good coach to be fair. Some of the biggest idiots I know went on to become gym instructors/personal trainers.

shakedown

jive wrote: »

Same can be said for getting a good coach to be fair. Some of the biggest idiots I know went on to become gym instructors/personal trainers.

I agree that getting a good coach is far better than teaching yourself.

The main reason I taught myself was because there are so many ****e trainers out there, and so many different "right" ways, that I didnt want to put all my trust in one person's advice.

I would have ended up validating the trainer's advice on the internet anyway, so figured why not just do the research myself.

I have probably spent 100+ hours reading and watching form videos by now though, and I could still do with some proper coaching.