Getting started with weights

After reading about the numerous benefits of weight training, I'm interested in adding it to my routine.  Thing is, I've never done any kind of weights before and don't really know where to start.  I've read good things about the New Rules of lifting for women book, but can you learn to do so safely and put together a good routine from a book?  Or should I try to fit in a class or maybe a session with a trainer to get started?  I do have access to a very nice college gym with plenty of machines and free weights available

I just bought the book yesterday and I think it is easy enough to figure out!

Is it really easy? I am so close to buying it myself but being broke 17 bucks can be alot. Do you think that it is a good beginner book?

I paid $27 - Barnes & Noble!!!  Anyway - I think it is a good book.  Not sure what the results will be as I am new at it.  It makes sense and for someone like me that wants to lift, but I really don't know enough to put a routine together.  I think the exercises are basic ones, but I wouldn't know how to put them together.  I did some various weight lifting exercises before, but not sure if I was doing the right ones.

The book makes it easy and I have heard alot of good things from people who have done the workouts.  I read some reviews on Amazon.com.

Amazon.com has it for 17.13, I have read some of the reviews but I would rather here about it from people form the board. I tend to trust you guys more.

tonic - check out this http://caloriecount.about.com/cc/search.php?s earch_type=forum&searchpro=new+rules+of+l ifting

it's a search for all the posts on NROLFW - there's even currently one thread on the first page of the fitness forum.

Thanks, I always forget to do searches on the forums here.

I recently started weight training and had bought some free weights, but had no idea where to start.  I searched around online and am following this for now:

http://exercise.about.com/cs/exerciseworkouts /l/blbegstrength2.htm

Original Post by quintanion:

After reading about the numerous benefits of weight training, I'm interested in adding it to my routine.  Thing is, I've never done any kind of weights before and don't really know where to start.  I've read good things about the New Rules of lifting for women book, but can you learn to do so safely and put together a good routine from a book?  Or should I try to fit in a class or maybe a session with a trainer to get started?  I do have access to a very nice college gym with plenty of machines and free weights available

I lift and do cardio on a treadmill.  I have lifted on and off since my teen years.  There are many body building websites out there that can show you a number of good exercises and what muscle groups that they will work.  These are great help for putting together a routine.

Once you have a routine together, I would recommend working out with someone who knows what they are doing at first.  Good form is crucial for developing the intended muscles as well as not getting hurt.  A good example of this would be doing leg squats.  Without good form on this exercise, it is very easy to throw out your back and get hurt.  Someone to spot and give pointers on form can be a great help.

Being that you have access to a college gym, ask the person watching over the gym for people who can be of assistance.  They will know the regulars and who could be of help.  This could be a good cost effective way to learn to do it the right way.

Machines tend to be safer in some regards (if they are set up properly) but you will develop other muscles by using free weights.  These other muscles are used to stabilize and balance the weight.  Make your best choice in that regard.  Remember that soreness lasts about a week and you will be better off to work through it.

Best wishes, I hope that this is of some help!

I've been following the workout plans and the general nutrition guidelines in the New Rules and I've been loving it. I've just started stage two and it was so fun to come home from the gym and tell my husband that I'd accomplished "front-squat push-presses" and "bulgarian split squats!"

Yesterday I read an article on figureathlete.com written by Rachel Cosgrove that I wish came with the book. (Her husband wrote the workouts for New Rules). It's a good guideline for when and how to progressively overload your weight routine. http://www.figureathlete.com/free_online_arti cle/training/the_importance_of_progressive_ov erload&cr=

I found it very helpful as a guide for how to challenge myself more each week without putting myself in a situation asking for injury :)