Where do I start with weight training? Advice please.

[apythia]

It's time to start adding weights to my workout routine. I don't have a gym membership but I have a wide variety of hand weights and resistance bands. The problem is I really have no idea what I should be doing. Which exercises? How many reps? How many sets? Low weights and more reps or high weights less reps?

I guess my first goal is to cut fat and tone (particularly the bat wings) then build muscle. I've read you can't really cut body fat and build muscle at the same time.

Basically the more I read, the more confused I get. Can anyone help a sleeve sister out and share your free weight workout or resistance band workout with me?

THANKS!

[goestogym]

There's lots of videos free to rent at our local library on all types of workouts. I'm amazed that not more people take advantage of this.

[Toopie2Seater]

Hey, I'm a Beach Body addict. I have several series of their videos and two of the series use lots of weights. I get bored doing the same routines though, so sometimes I'll just do my own thing. The general rule for weights is: Lighter weights and lots of reps will tone musculature. Heavy, heavy weights with less reps builds muscles quicker. (At least that's what I learned from the personal trainer I used to have and from school). I tend to do the heavy weights more often, especially for my legs. I do squats with 110 lb weights and I've noticed a big difference in my legs.

[apythia]

goestogym - I didn't think to check the library. That's a great suggestion. Thanks!

[justilou]

Also youtube and pinterest, Apythia!

[apythia]

The only Internet I have is through my phone's hotspot, so I can't stream video. I did however hit Pinterest and print out a ton of different weight training routines. I did about a half hour of arm weight exercises today. I was only using 2 pound weights since I am a wussy beginner, but I have to start somewhere, right?

[zmdh39]

It will depend on your current level of capabilities, I have few routines my PT gave me that I could send to you. We worked on strength interval training, which I think worked the best for me. Its a combo of weight and cardio. But like he always told me, you need to ease into, make sure you are working as hard as you physically can, but don't try to go balls to the wall from the very beginning.

[jmw]

Good for you for getting a jump on a workout routine. For a basic strength training workout, you want to hit five basic exercises: squat, deadlift, bench press, overhead press, and (assisted) pull-ups(or inverted rows for the same pulling exercise). In general, I think that starting with 8-15 pounds for upper body(depending on the exercise) is pretty average for women. As far as lower body exercises go, as you begin, using your own body weight is generally sufficient until you get the movements down. Using proper form is key and youtube has some great videos to help explain each exercise.

Good luck!