Weight Lifting for Ladies - newbie

magicmushroom

Hi all

I've joined a gym recently, mainly for the swimming but I also wouldn't mind trying some lifting.

My reason for same is that I've tried lots of cardio in the past, only to be left with an average 'skinny fat' body - I look small enough with my clothes on, but when off I am very flabby!
I suppose all cardio and no strength training will do that to you.
My diet needs improvement too but I'm working on that. I know what to be eating so I don't need any advice on that thanks

Anyway, any pointers for ladies new to lifting for weight loss purposes?
I'm obviously going to be asking for assistance from an instructor in the gym but I'm worried I might get fobbed off with 'easy, girly' stuff like being pointed to the dumbbell rack. That's not what I want, from my research the only way to obtain a fit, lean body is good strength training along with your normal cardio.

I'm so nervous about going into the weights room though, feel like all the muscle men will be laughing at me...

All advice and tips welcome please - thank you

Mr. CooL ICE

magicmushroom wrote: »

I'm so nervous about going into the weights room though, feel like all the muscle men will be laughing at me...

They won't laugh at you. They had to start somewhere. It's not like they were muscley before they ever set foot in a gym. Most would have started off fat or skinny.

Where are you based?

Midnight Sundance

To be honest I used to be afraid that the men would be staring and judging , but they generally are too busy getting their own form and technique right to be looking at anyone else

magicmushroom

Nicolas Cage wrote: »

They won't laugh at you. They had to start somewhere. It's not like they were muscley before they ever set foot in a gym. Most would have started off fat or skinny.

Where are you based?

Good point!
I'm in Drogheda, Louth

Mellor

magicmushroom wrote: »

Hi all

I've joined a gym recently, mainly for the swimming but I also wouldn't mind trying some lifting.

My reason for same is that I've tried lots of cardio in the past, only to be left with an average 'skinny fat' body - I look small enough with my clothes on, but when off I am very flabby!
I suppose all cardio and no strength training will do that to you.

That's exactly right tbh.

Anyway, any pointers for ladies new to lifting for weight loss purposes?
I'm obviously going to be asking for assistance from an instructor in the gym but I'm worried I might get fobbed off with 'easy, girly' stuff like being pointed to the dumbbell rack. That's not what I want, from my research the only way to obtain a fit, lean body is good strength training along with your normal cardio.

Just explain that to them. Tell them you want to do big compound movements.

DoYouEvenLift

Weight lifting isn't different for men and women.

COH

Go check out Boyneside Strength & Performance if you want some coaching in all things barbell related

Brian?

magicmushroom wrote: »

Anyway, any pointers for ladies new to lifting for weight loss purposes?
I'm obviously going to be asking for assistance from an instructor in the gym but I'm worried I might get fobbed off with 'easy, girly' stuff like being pointed to the dumbbell rack. That's not what I want, from my research the only way to obtain a fit, lean body is good strength training along with your normal cardio.

I'm so nervous about going into the weights room though, feel like all the muscle men will be laughing at me...

All advice and tips welcome please - thank you

Take COH''s advice and go to a real strength training gym. Most commercial gyms won't offer the instruction you're looking for.

Anyone who laughs at a beginner in a gym is a complete tool. The vast majority of men you'll meet in strength training will be supportive or passive. They'll either offer help and advice or leave you alone.

Hani Kosti

Plus one on finding lifting gym or at least a qualified coach with background in lifting and who can show you proper technique.

You're looking to do compound lifts (not limited to) squats, deadlifts, bench presses and some body exercise too (planks, push ups etc)

If you're stuck have a look at NROLFW (New rules of lifting for women), strength programme for women I can recommend, again starting with compound movements and building on that

jenizzle

Just to echo others, I'd highly recommend somewhere that has proper weight training classes, or gym that concentrates on it more than a generic commercial gym would.

Even a few sessions with a good instructor getting form correct could be really beneficial to you. Don't worry about other people in the gym. Once you're there 2 minutes you won't even notice anyone else

magicmushroom

COH wrote: »

Go check out Boyneside Strength & Performance if you want some coaching in all things barbell related

Thank you, I've found them on Facebook and I'm PM'ing them now about going in for a session

Edit - Booked in for tomorrow, can't wait! Thanks for all the tips everyone :-)

Vomit

magicmushroom wrote: »

Anyway, any pointers for ladies new to lifting for weight loss purposes?

Yes- it won't help you lose weight. If you say you have a clean diet then you need to just stick with it with a tunnel vision mindset- no cheating.

COH

magicmushroom wrote: »

Thank you, I've found them on Facebook and I'm PM'ing them now about going in for a session

Edit - Booked in for tomorrow, can't wait! Thanks for all the tips everyone :-)

Tell them Kieran from RAW sent you... and have fun!