6 weeks ago I was a total beginner at weight training. I had started a couple routines at different times, but never got past about 2 weeks.
For the last couple years, I have been doing lots of cardio, but in the back of my mind I knew I should be strength training, too.
Well, I started, 6 weeks ago... and stuck with it! I'm posting this now so beginners might know what to expect.
First, I found this routine:
http://www.muscleandstrength.com/art...g-routine.html (During this same time I was also doing cardio a couple times a week and counting calories.)
I modified it a little bit to suit my needs. The first time I did it, I had to spend a lot of time wandering around the gym looking for the right machine, then figuring out how to set it up. I felt stupid, but I stuck with it. I told myself, "I pay for this membership! I have a right to use these machines just like anyone else!" After a few sessions, I knew all the machines and what settings to use. Obstacle 1 down!
In the first few weeks, I just used whatever weight "felt right" at 15 reps, something challenging but not killer. Most of them were embarrassingly small weights! But whatever. You have to start somewhere. Now I pick a weight where I can complete 2 sets of 8 reps, but can't finish 2 sets of 12 reps. When I can do 2 12's, I add some weight. Simple.
I wasn't losing weight for about 4 weeks, then in week 5, it started to drop quickly. This was upsetting for the first few weeks, but I have read that it's common. It may not be related, but about that same time, I got really serious about drinking enough water, and I think that helped.
Now, here's the best part! After only SIX WEEKS doing this twice a week, I can LIFT MORE and I can SEE NEW MUSCLES! Seriously, there are no words or emoticons to express how happy this makes me!
And almost as great, after sticking through those first few awkward weeks... I started to like lifting! I'm one of those people who grunts and sweats on the machines, and I don't feel one bit of shame about the tiny stack I'm lifting, because it's working.
I'm so excited about this and really wanted to share, so thanks for reading.
Also, if you haven't started yet and feel paralyzed, I really encourage you to find a routine, make it your own, and promise yourself to keep doing it steadily for 6 weeks.