Weight Training : Starting Out - What to Expect

Scott Andrew Birdby Scott Andrew Bird | December 16, 2008
Filed in Articles , featured , video


Girlwith Noname
A little lat work.
This is a guest post by fitness-obsessed Girlwith Noname - Weight Training : Starting Out - What to Expect. Enjoy.

Has weight training as a way to get fit caught your eye? Feeling intimidated about getting started? Don’t know what to expect? Or what the right first step is? Yep, check, check, check, check. That sounds exactly like me when I was just starting out.

Two things you should learn right away is the difference between good pain and bad pain. Yes, weight training will cause some pain, but don’t let that be a barrier to getting started. You just need to know the difference between harmful pain and the good pain that signals accomplishment.

First things first, learn about proper form before you ever pick up a dumbbell. Get the advice of an experienced weight trainer, whether it’s a friend, a professional personal trainer, or someone who works at your gym. Knowing proper form will ensure you are doing everything possible to avoid hurting yourself while weight training by straining a muscle or tendon. Protect yourself from this kind of pain!

And then hit that weight stack and get ready to experience the fun pain: DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness). This is the good pain that signals that your muscles have done some work and are now in a reparative state. Learn to love this pain!! Who knows? You might even wind up craving it eventually!

Good Luck!!

Girlwith Noname is a confirmed fitness junkie, enjoying everything from light cardio to serious weight-training. Find out more over on her blog.

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