6 Tips for Getting Started with Lifting Weights

If you're just starting out on your journey towards better health, congratulations! You need to understand that strength training combined with diet and cardio exercise burns fat far more than cardio and diet alone.  But perhaps you've never lifted weights before, how do you get started?  Here are six tips.

1. Buy the Weight Training for Dummies book.  You're no dummy, but the book is geared towards beginners and will give you good information to get started.
   
2. Hire a personal trainer.  I know, you're thinking that personal trainers are only for rich people and are harsh taskmasters.  When I had 75 pounds to lose and didn't know where to even start, I turned towards a personal trainer a friend had recommended.  He taught be the basics of healthy eating and exercise.  He continually changed up my exercise routine so that I could continue to progress.  It was really nice not having to worry about how to put together my own workouts. And the money I spent was far less than the money I would have spent on medications and health complications.  Click here for my post on the benefits of working with a personal trainer.
   
3. Don't be afraid to go to a gym.  Gyms aren't for the skinny and fit people although it sometimes seems that way.  There are many different kinds of gyms geared towards all levels of fitness.  Chances are there is one where you will comfortable not too far away.  Click here for my tips on gym basics.
   
4. Try working out with dumb bells.  They are an inexpensive and effective way to get started with weight training.  Click here for my post about working with dumbbells.
   
5. Use YouTube.  YouTube has thousands of videos on exercise.  The quality varies greatly, but spend some time looking through them and you'll more than likely find something that gives you the instruction you need.  Click here for a place to begin.
   
6. Consult other web sites.  Here are some more web sites for you to read for further information on getting started:
   

Scott H. Young's Beginner’s Guide to Lifting Weights
Nerd Fitness -  Strength Training 101:  Where Do I Start? 

Quick and Dirty Tips:  How to Start Weight Training

It isn't hard to get started.  Often the thing holding you back is more mental than physical, but with the right information and a plan in place, you'll be able to get started and start noticing the many benefits that strength training has to offer.