Beginner Weight Lifting Questions
Hello! I have quite a few questions as I've never weight trained before. I have researched, but the problem is that I've found conflicting opinions, and I'm never sure which sites to trust.
My first question revolves around whether it's better to do high weight/low rep or low weight/high rep. Stumptous.com says that doing low weight/high rep is a waste of time because if you're not pushing yourself, you won't be getting stronger, but I've heard so many times that if you're looking to add some but not a whole lot of muscle, low weight/high rep is the way to go. Any thoughts?
Is it better to do cardio before or after weights? I don't plan on doing a whole lot of cardio (less than half an hour), but I'd like to do both on the same day.
Is it necessary to eat something high in protein after (or before) a workout? My best male friend always drinks a shake after a workout, but he is fairly muscular and looking to add a lot more, so I don't necessarily know if I should be adopting his tactics.
Free weights versus machines? I've heard free weights are better because they involve more muscles to keep stability, but is there a big difference or just a small one?
Is it better to isolate muscle groups and do them on alternating days, or to do a full-body workout a few times a week? My problem areas are arms, stomach, and thighs. Should I have an arms, stomach, and thigh day twice a week or just do all three groups a few times a week? How important is it to do a full body workout if I'm happy with other parts? Should I just concentrate on problem areas?
Any advice would be much appreciated.
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