Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 41

Thread: I Want To Start Lifting

  1. #1
    Banned
    Joined
    Mar 2016
    Posts
    952
    Thanks
    839
    Thanked 1,337 Times in 600 Posts

    Default I Want To Start Lifting

    So I'm at the point where I want to start lifting in order to tone. I am a curvier shape and yes I know BMI is highly dictated by diet and genetics. I fluctuate between 120-140 typically.

    Anyway, any advice or pointers? Should I seek a personal trainer for this or some type of group class?

  2. #2
    Featured Member
    Joined
    Oct 2010
    Posts
    1,155
    Thanks
    1,422
    Thanked 2,980 Times in 970 Posts

    Default Re: I Want To Start Lifting

    Hi! I lift. I'm like you, naturally a curvier shape. Lifting has made a world of difference in my experiences at work. I went from being the token thick girl to getting compliments all day every day from club staff and appealing to a broader base of customers.

    As far as getting started, I would look for strength gyms in your area. I started at a Crossfit gym and switched to their lifting program after a few months once my overall fitness level improved. Not all Crossfit gyms offer specialized lifting programs but personally I think it can still be a good way to get your feet wet before switching to a more specialized strength gym.

    If you go the route of personal training rather than group classes, I strongly recommend going to a proper strength gym rather than a cheap Planet Fitness type place. The quality of trainer at those places is wildly inconsistent. Some know their stuff but some have no education or training on safety, form, developing appropriate plans for individual clients, etc. A friend of mine was getting personal training at a cheap chain gym and had major problems with trainers unexpectedly quitting or flaking on appointments. They aren't paid enough at those gyms to care about the quality of their work. You definitely get what you pay for in the world.of weightlifting!

    Best of luck on your journey!

  3. The Following User Says Thank You to lurkingtitties For This Useful Post:


  4. #3
    Featured Member
    Joined
    Oct 2010
    Posts
    1,155
    Thanks
    1,422
    Thanked 2,980 Times in 970 Posts

    Default Re: I Want To Start Lifting

    Also a couple pointers for when you start out-don't pay attention to the scale (this is probably the #1 thing novices need to hear) and expect to need extra sleep for the first couple months. Growing new muscles requires a lot of energy, especially at the beginning when your body is untrained and doesn't know wtf is happening. Dont freak out if you feel like you got run over by a truck!

  5. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to lurkingtitties For This Useful Post:


  6. #4
    Featured Member MissJu's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2013
    Posts
    1,009
    Thanks
    210
    Thanked 1,130 Times in 543 Posts
    My Mood
    Cheeky

    Default Re: I Want To Start Lifting

    I want to do weight lifting first at the gym, but after buy all needed equipment and do it at home.

  7. #5
    Featured Member luvnrockets's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2013
    Location
    Twue Pvt
    Posts
    889
    Thanks
    1,827
    Thanked 2,098 Times in 617 Posts

    Default Re: I Want To Start Lifting

    I'm a huge fan of the r/xxfitness subreddit for newbs. Their sidebar has tons of good information for people who don't know where to start.
    "Do you do tech support in exclusive?"

    Don't call me BB...I'm not the prime minister of Israel!



  8. The Following User Says Thank You to luvnrockets For This Useful Post:


  9. #6
    Banned
    Joined
    Mar 2016
    Posts
    952
    Thanks
    839
    Thanked 1,337 Times in 600 Posts

    Default Re: I Want To Start Lifting

    Is it better to start with one-on-one or group classes for this kind of thing?

    Also, how have implants affected your ability to lift? Mine are under the muscle obviously.

    Starting classes this week so when my schedule is set in stone then I can focus on this kind of thing

  10. #7
    Featured Member luvnrockets's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2013
    Location
    Twue Pvt
    Posts
    889
    Thanks
    1,827
    Thanked 2,098 Times in 617 Posts

    Default Re: I Want To Start Lifting

    It depends what you're going for. If you want a basic foundation a few sessions with a personal trainer is a good investment. As for classes...what are the classes offering? I recommend starting with a specific program (I'm happy to tell you about several popular beginner ones, depending on your goals), but you don't NEED a trainer, you can learn everything yourself.

    I don't have implants, but many bodybuilding competitors do. If you're fully healed, you should be able to lift just fine, however I have seen some women with implants not work out their chest specifically (other upper body in general is fine); I'm not sure about the logic behind this, and it may depend on the type/location of the implants, so definitely talk to your doctor first, and maybe ask a trainer if you get one. The internet should have answers too.
    "Do you do tech support in exclusive?"

    Don't call me BB...I'm not the prime minister of Israel!



  11. #8
    Banned
    Joined
    Mar 2016
    Posts
    952
    Thanks
    839
    Thanked 1,337 Times in 600 Posts

    Default Re: I Want To Start Lifting

    ^^^Group classes as in crossfit style classes. Not necessarily limited to crossfit though

  12. #9
    Banned
    Joined
    Mar 2016
    Posts
    952
    Thanks
    839
    Thanked 1,337 Times in 600 Posts

    Default Re: I Want To Start Lifting

    I have this one girl added on FB and she avidly lifts but is not muscular looking at all. All that happened was she lost body fat because I can see her before and after pics. I'm pretty sure she's also a trainer so she's working out a lot with other clients, but her results are so good! I was scared of lifting for so long because I dont ever want to look muscular, by she gives me a lot of hope lol

  13. #10
    Featured Member luvnrockets's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2013
    Location
    Twue Pvt
    Posts
    889
    Thanks
    1,827
    Thanked 2,098 Times in 617 Posts

    Default Re: I Want To Start Lifting

    Quote Originally Posted by Velveteen.Rabbit View Post
    I have this one girl added on FB and she avidly lifts but is not muscular looking at all. All that happened was she lost body fat because I can see her before and after pics. I'm pretty sure she's also a trainer so she's working out a lot with other clients, but her results are so good! I was scared of lifting for so long because I dont ever want to look muscular, by she gives me a lot of hope lol
    I think that many women have different ideas about what "muscular" and "bulky" look like. If she's been lifting for a while, and has low body fat, she probably has *some* muscle definition, even if she lifted light weights. I guess it would help if you linked to some pictures of what you want to look like, and perhaps a picture of what you consider to be too muscular.

    Is the look of a bikini competitor too muscular (keep in mind that competition pics are not an accurate measure of how these people usually look)?

    How much body fat you currently have also plays a part in determining how easy it'll be to see muscle definition as it develops. If your body fat is pretty low, you'll see the gains more easily than someone who has more fat (who would then have to cut before seeing more of the definition).
    "Do you do tech support in exclusive?"

    Don't call me BB...I'm not the prime minister of Israel!



  14. #11
    God/dess tempest666's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Hamburg, Pennsylvania
    Posts
    10,607
    Thanks
    2,705
    Thanked 13,685 Times in 4,414 Posts
    Blog Entries
    5
    My Mood
    In Love

    Default Re: I Want To Start Lifting

    Don't forget your cardio unless you're an ectomorph.
    "Fake tits are like Kevlar. They don't guarantee your chances of survival but they sure as hell improve it."
    Tempest

  15. The Following User Says Thank You to tempest666 For This Useful Post:


  16. #12
    God/dess whirlerz's Avatar
    Joined
    May 2004
    Location
    Midwest
    Posts
    27,134
    Thanks
    55,898
    Thanked 26,027 Times in 13,270 Posts
    Blog Entries
    1
    My Mood
    Aggressive

    Default Re: I Want To Start Lifting

    Quote Originally Posted by tempest666 View Post
    Don't forget your cardio unless you're an ectomorph.
    I am^!


    MANY MEN WANTED TO LAY ME DOWN, BUT FEW WANTED TO LIFT ME UP

    -Eartha Kitt

  17. #13
    Banned
    Joined
    Mar 2016
    Posts
    952
    Thanks
    839
    Thanked 1,337 Times in 600 Posts

    Default Re: I Want To Start Lifting

    I don't want to be muscular at all (I honestly dislike the look and prefer more of a pinup look), but I really need to tone my thighs and ass. Without implants, I'm more of a pear shape naturally. So I'm just looking to tone the lower half, but I figure building overall muscule is a good idea in order to speed up metabolism.

    I will stop lifting if my arms or belly gets muscular. If my weight drops low enough and I'm working out, this happens, and I don't personally like the look. Im focused on losing overall body fat, especially in the thigh area since that's my problem area. There no way to target thighs unless my weight drops super low (which I don't like and is not maintainable given my genes), or unless I am doing some heavy lifting I'd guess?

  18. #14
    Member
    Joined
    Oct 2015
    Posts
    59
    Thanks
    60
    Thanked 77 Times in 28 Posts

    Default Re: I Want To Start Lifting

    Checkout Bret Contreras' Strong Curves program, it's a good introduction to lifting for beginners.

  19. The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to penny25 For This Useful Post:


  20. #15
    Featured Member luvnrockets's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2013
    Location
    Twue Pvt
    Posts
    889
    Thanks
    1,827
    Thanked 2,098 Times in 617 Posts

    Default Re: I Want To Start Lifting

    Quote Originally Posted by penny25 View Post
    Checkout Bret Contreras' Strong Curves program, it's a good introduction to lifting for beginners.
    I absolutely LOVED this program! I recommend buying the book, as I hear the PDF is difficult to navigate.
    "Do you do tech support in exclusive?"

    Don't call me BB...I'm not the prime minister of Israel!



  21. The Following User Says Thank You to luvnrockets For This Useful Post:


  22. #16
    Featured Member luvnrockets's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2013
    Location
    Twue Pvt
    Posts
    889
    Thanks
    1,827
    Thanked 2,098 Times in 617 Posts

    Default Re: I Want To Start Lifting

    Quote Originally Posted by Velveteen.Rabbit View Post
    I don't want to be muscular at all (I honestly dislike the look and prefer more of a pinup look), but I really need to tone my thighs and ass. Without implants, I'm more of a pear shape naturally. So I'm just looking to tone the lower half, but I figure building overall muscule is a good idea in order to speed up metabolism.

    I will stop lifting if my arms or belly gets muscular. If my weight drops low enough and I'm working out, this happens, and I don't personally like the look. Im focused on losing overall body fat, especially in the thigh area since that's my problem area. There no way to target thighs unless my weight drops super low (which I don't like and is not maintainable given my genes), or unless I am doing some heavy lifting I'd guess?
    Strong Curves is a great program for your goals. It focuses much more on lower body, and on glutes specifically, but you do get a full body workout and don't neglect any major muscle group.

    It's true that you can't target fat loss in a specific area, but if you build muscle in that area it can give the area a more attractive appearance, like a large "lifted" butt rather than sagging. If you want muscle but don't want to look "shredded" just keep your body fat higher than a bodybuilder would, but still do a bodybuilding program.

    You mentioned cross fit; cross fit is cool if that's what you want, but unlike bodybuilding it does not focus on aesthetics. So it's all about your goals and what makes you happy. I mostly lift for aesthetics, but feeling strong is awesome too so I do strength-based workouts sometimes too.
    "Do you do tech support in exclusive?"

    Don't call me BB...I'm not the prime minister of Israel!



  23. The Following User Says Thank You to luvnrockets For This Useful Post:


  24. #17
    Senior Member
    Joined
    Dec 2013
    Posts
    75
    Thanks
    11
    Thanked 40 Times in 25 Posts

    Default Re: I Want To Start Lifting

    Quote Originally Posted by Velveteen.Rabbit View Post
    Is it better to start with one-on-one or group classes for this kind of thing?

    Also, how have implants affected your ability to lift? Mine are under the muscle obviously.

    Starting classes this week so when my schedule is set in stone then I can focus on this kind of thing
    I just got implants last month and have been wondering about this so i'd love to ask you how it all goes for you I never did any weight training at all but I'd really like to work on my shoulder and arms, once I get approval from my PS. Have fun with your classes

  25. #18
    Member
    Joined
    Oct 2015
    Posts
    59
    Thanks
    60
    Thanked 77 Times in 28 Posts

    Default Re: I Want To Start Lifting

    Quote Originally Posted by luvnrockets View Post
    I absolutely LOVED this program! I recommend buying the book, as I hear the PDF is difficult to navigate.
    I wish I knew this, I bought the kindle version and it sucks. I can't even zoom in on the charts. I have a question about the warmups. In the main workout chapters, there are charts telling me how many reps and sets to do. But I don't see a chart like this for the warmups? For example warmup for workout B is telling me to do activation exercises like side lying clams, side planks and glute bridges but no mention of how many I should I be doing.

  26. #19
    Featured Member luvnrockets's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2013
    Location
    Twue Pvt
    Posts
    889
    Thanks
    1,827
    Thanked 2,098 Times in 617 Posts

    Default Re: I Want To Start Lifting

    Quote Originally Posted by penny25 View Post
    I wish I knew this, I bought the kindle version and it sucks. I can't even zoom in on the charts. I have a question about the warmups. In the main workout chapters, there are charts telling me how many reps and sets to do. But I don't see a chart like this for the warmups? For example warmup for workout B is telling me to do activation exercises like side lying clams, side planks and glute bridges but no mention of how many I should I be doing.
    I'm looking at the book now. From what I see, he only mentions doing a 10-15 min warmup, rather than reps. Honestly, I think he doesn't specify reps cause it's more about feel; if your muscles feel warm and activated, you're ready. Warm up methods vary from person to person anyway. Tbh I really slacked on warm ups when I was doing Strong Curves.
    "Do you do tech support in exclusive?"

    Don't call me BB...I'm not the prime minister of Israel!



  27. The Following User Says Thank You to luvnrockets For This Useful Post:


  28. #20
    God/dess ahmeerah's Avatar
    Joined
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Center of the World.
    Posts
    3,128
    Thanks
    66
    Thanked 82 Times in 51 Posts
    My Mood
    Breezy

    Default Re: I Want To Start Lifting

    Muscle is VERY hard to grow naturally for women and even more so with age and also with more experience. The easiest time to grow muscle is between high school and college.

    Beginners have an advantage though. You might be able to gain 0.75-1.125 pounds of muscle per month. 1.5 pounds if you're genetically gifted.

    If you've been training for ~ 4+ years - gaining muscle is even harder! You might gain 1.5 pounds of muscle in one year! (Since men have testosterone, their numbers are double ours.) I'm a natural IFBB Bikini Pro and know that a LOT of the bikini competitors (who didn't start lifting until later in life and then have little patience to wait for muscle growth before stepping on stage) take stuff to grow muscle and shed body fat.

    Group classes vs personal training? It totally depends! Some personal trainers are horrible and still think women need to do single joint moves around the gym (instagram fitness workouts that are all just a bunch of donkey kickbacks) or they think women shouldn't lift heavy!

    I know MY group classes are effective :-D but that's not helpful for you.

    Generally speaking if you start at home - Contreras program is OK for activating the glutes but it's really just OK. For home-based programs - from what I've seen - Pauline Nordine offers some of the best. Plus she's non-gimmicky which I appreciate (I've been a fitness professional for 20+ years).

    Home equipment I LOVE for my clients = Equalizer bars, selectorized dumbbells, and either a tubing system (e.g., Bforce Bands) or bodyweight apparatus (e.g., The Human Trainer). Kettlebells are great but I recommend starting with a well-versed and knowledgable trainer first.

  29. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to ahmeerah For This Useful Post:


  30. #21
    Banned
    Joined
    Mar 2016
    Posts
    952
    Thanks
    839
    Thanked 1,337 Times in 600 Posts

    Default Re: I Want To Start Lifting

    Quote Originally Posted by cocoheartt View Post
    I just got implants last month and have been wondering about this so i'd love to ask you how it all goes for you I never did any weight training at all but I'd really like to work on my shoulder and arms, once I get approval from my PS. Have fun with your classes
    I honestly didn't feel okay about working out my upper body until 1 year post-op. That was only a few months ago for me, and I've been so busy with school that I haven't had time to properly work out again til now. I really think you should wait a long time so you don't fuck up the pockets. I did go pretty big though, if that makes a difference.

  31. #22
    Banned
    Joined
    Mar 2016
    Posts
    952
    Thanks
    839
    Thanked 1,337 Times in 600 Posts

    Default Re: I Want To Start Lifting

    Quote Originally Posted by ahmeerah View Post
    Muscle is VERY hard to grow naturally for women and even more so with age and also with more experience. The easiest time to grow muscle is between high school and college.

    Beginners have an advantage though. You might be able to gain 0.75-1.125 pounds of muscle per month. 1.5 pounds if you're genetically gifted.

    If you've been training for ~ 4+ years - gaining muscle is even harder! You might gain 1.5 pounds of muscle in one year! (Since men have testosterone, their numbers are double ours.) I'm a natural IFBB Bikini Pro and know that a LOT of the bikini competitors (who didn't start lifting until later in life and then have little patience to wait for muscle growth before stepping on stage) take stuff to grow muscle and shed body fat.

    Group classes vs personal training? It totally depends! Some personal trainers are horrible and still think women need to do single joint moves around the gym (instagram fitness workouts that are all just a bunch of donkey kickbacks) or they think women shouldn't lift heavy!

    I know MY group classes are effective :-D but that's not helpful for you.

    Generally speaking if you start at home - Contreras program is OK for activating the glutes but it's really just OK. For home-based programs - from what I've seen - Pauline Nordine offers some of the best. Plus she's non-gimmicky which I appreciate (I've been a fitness professional for 20+ years).

    Home equipment I LOVE for my clients = Equalizer bars, selectorized dumbbells, and either a tubing system (e.g., Bforce Bands) or bodyweight apparatus (e.g., The Human Trainer). Kettlebells are great but I recommend starting with a well-versed and knowledgable trainer first.
    My goal isn't really to gain a bunch of muscle. It's just to tone, and maybe lose some overall body fat in my thigh area. I actually dislike a really muscular look.

  32. #23
    Featured Member luvnrockets's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2013
    Location
    Twue Pvt
    Posts
    889
    Thanks
    1,827
    Thanked 2,098 Times in 617 Posts

    Default Re: I Want To Start Lifting

    Quote Originally Posted by Velveteen.Rabbit View Post
    My goal isn't really to gain a bunch of muscle. It's just to tone, and maybe lose some overall body fat in my thigh area. I actually dislike a really muscular look.
    Achieving a really muscular look is extremely difficult, especially if you mean at a low bodyfat % where muscles really show. If what you mean by "toning" is build a little muscle and lose fat, then do exactly that. Lift weights, but don't dedicate your life to it. When you reach a look you like, stop progressing with your lifts and just maintain the muscle. If you want to simply lose fat without building muscle, you don't need to lift weights to do so.
    "Do you do tech support in exclusive?"

    Don't call me BB...I'm not the prime minister of Israel!



  33. #24
    God/dess ahmeerah's Avatar
    Joined
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Center of the World.
    Posts
    3,128
    Thanks
    66
    Thanked 82 Times in 51 Posts
    My Mood
    Breezy

    Default Re: I Want To Start Lifting

    Quote Originally Posted by Velveteen.Rabbit View Post
    My goal isn't really to gain a bunch of muscle. It's just to tone, and maybe lose some overall body fat in my thigh area. I actually dislike a really muscular look.
    Yes - I was reassuring you that it's VERY unlikely to happen unless you're taking hormones or are a genetic freak.

  34. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to ahmeerah For This Useful Post:


  35. #25
    Banned
    Joined
    Mar 2016
    Posts
    952
    Thanks
    839
    Thanked 1,337 Times in 600 Posts

    Default Re: I Want To Start Lifting

    Ok so I'm about to move and after I do then I want to find the closest or most convenient gym. I have more questions though:

    How often do you lift per week?
    You focus on a different body part each day of the week? (Ab day, leg day, etc?)
    How should I modify my diet? Any tricks? I know to up the protein and cut all sugar but any other tips?

    I've been really active (but not lifting) for the last month but I'm still not toned how I was when I was like 23-25. I'm pushing 30 now and my metabolism definitely slowed down quite a bit. My thighs are much thicker no matter what I do and I have a bit of a stomach. I don't hate any of it but I have a more toned ideal in my mind and I know I need to strengthen my muscles for sure for more stamina.

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. lifting weight
    By zenrain83 in forum Body Business
    Replies: 15
    Last Post: 07-30-2010, 07:19 AM
  2. weight lifting and implant pain
    By jaizaine in forum Body Business
    Replies: 15
    Last Post: 02-04-2010, 12:44 AM
  3. boob job - weight lifting
    By kermit210 in forum Body Business
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 06-01-2006, 01:28 PM
  4. implants and weight lifting
    By papillonluvr in forum Body Business
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 04-06-2006, 09:44 AM
  5. acrylic nails and lifting=fungus?
    By modlgrl8 in forum Body Business
    Replies: 16
    Last Post: 11-20-2004, 10:35 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •