A few years ago I couldn’t get into lifting, not even if my life depended on it. I would create this awesome workout, go to the gym, perform it, and then not even go back. I was 0% into it. But then I realized that it was because my mind wasn’t really into it. I wasn’t doing it for me. 😒
You see, when you start something or do something in general, you have to make sure that it is something you are doing for you. Because you like it and want to do it. Otherwise, it’s just going to feel forced and you will end up giving up quick. Just like I did so many times when trying to start my healthy lifestyle.
It took me a few tries, until I finally asked myself, why is it that I really want to do this? Why do I want to start working out? Lifting? So ask yourself those questions. Are you doing it to please someone else? Or is it really for you? Because you enjoy it? Because you genuinely want to change your lifestyle, to get healthier, and are you ready for it?
But now that I have actually stuck to a routine, I have to say that lifting is awesome. 💪🏼 Not only do you feel more powerful and confident when you are lifting things, but it can also do a lot of good to your body. Like improve your posture, build muscle, make you stronger, help you lose weight, and improve your health overall.
I mainly lift because it makes me feel good and I’m able to transform my body to the way I want it to look. 💁🏼♀️
So here are some tips you can use for when you are starting to lift:
- First of all, know that men and women can do the same workouts just fine. Ladies, it won’t make you look bulky. 🤦🏼♀️ Just make sure to adjust the weights to what you are capable of lifting and challenge yourself when you are choosing the weights. Don’t try to take the easy route. Choose a weight that challenges you while still being able to hold proper form.
- Try to use more free weights than the machines. Machines are good for beginners, but you want to strive towards the free weights more. Make sure you learn the proper form of each workout before you start working out, or before you start adding extra weights. If you feel a bit intimidated in the free weights area, read a few tips I shared on How To Become More Confident at the Gym.
- Usually I split my routines between lower and upper body. But you can start by doing full body workouts, targeting all parts of your body, until you get more used to a routine and familiar with what works with your body.
- For your reps, it all depends on your goal. If you are trying to build strength, shoot for 1-5 reps and between 1-10 sets. If you are looking to build muscle, aim for 8-12 reps and 3-4 sets. Now, if you are trying to build endurance, 8-12 reps works fine, but you can also try to aim for 15+ reps.
- Don’t try to be Superman and workout every single day. Remember to have your rest days. They are also important because you will get sore, specially if you’re just starting out. Listen to your body and know when to take a rest day.
- Do some research to create your workouts. Usually, the night before or a few hours before my workouts, I look up other fitness pages on Instagram to get inspired on the type of workout I want to do, and also to make sure I know the proper form. You can also YouTube ideas. Look for workouts based on your goal. They are all different. You can go on my Instagram @Fabby_FitLife and look for the hashtag #FabbyFitVideo to get some ideas of workouts you can do.
- And most importantly, you have to start eating right. If you want to lose weight, gain muscle, get strong, get healthy, shred, whatever your goal is, you HAVE to start eating right. You have to have a balanced diet, with adequate protein intake, good fats, carbs for energy, and the right amount of calories. Again, there are different plans based on your goal.
I’ll be more than happy to help you create a workout and meal plan that works based on your goal, just contact me and I got you 😉
I hope these few tips can help you get your lifting part of your workout started. I definitely love lifting and I hope you do too. There are just so many benefits from it.
If you lift, what are your best tips for someone who is just starting out?
