Some tips when lifting weights.

Photo taken by Joseph Valo III

We all have been there when we first start working out and it seems like a whole new world that you just walked into. At times it can be a little confusing as well if you don't know what kind of machine to work out on and what type of exercises to do. what diet you want to start when you start your and so forth. 

Here are a few Ideas to get you started..

1. Set Goals   These can go day by day and are a great idea to start with and then you can set weekly goals and then monthly and then set a big one for the end of the year. Just keep in mind that the smaller goals are there to help you to achieve your final goal. 

2. Do Your Research  This goes with anything that you do. You can check out the local gyms to get an idea on what all is included with the membership price. Take notice what all is included in the membership as well as how close it is to where you live and what all equipment is there. do you remember earlier when I was talking about what diet you want to do? Well, this is the perfect opportunity do do your research on the different ones and there are a lot of them out there. Don't forget about if you were going to use any supplements this is a great time to research that as well.

3. Have Someone Work Out With You  Just starting out it can be a little confusing as what exercises to do and also when you are working out and need that extra motivational push as well. The other person motivate you when you need to do that 1 extra rep or if you just feel like quitting in the middle of the work out or when you need a spot when you are bench pressing and so forth. 

4. Work On Your Form Having proper form in any exercises will keep you from tearing a muscle, tendon or ligament. To work on your form do the exercises in front if the mirrors and start out with low weight and focus on the movement and and the form. Take the bicep curl for instance: stand with the feet together, knees slightly bent keeping the stomach tight, keep your back strait and keep elbows in. That is just part of the form for that exercise. 

5. Supplements There are many types of supplements out there today from fat burners to vitamins and everything else in between. Knowing what you are putting in your body and what the supplements are doing is a must. Do your research. And the main thing to remember about supplements are that they are to either boost or supplement. So don't go over board with the supplements and read the whole label.

6. Don't Over Do It When you first start to exercise for the first time your body is not use to all the work that your muscles are doing. And you will be extremely sore for about the first week or so. I will take your body about 2 weeks to get use to everything that you are putting it through. The soreness is due to your muscles producing Lactic Acid that helps to break it down to build more. Also don't go so heavy with the weights as well. Start off lifting light and work on your form. when doing Cardio don't over do it as well. But before you start working out consult with your doctor first. It will help you in the long run as well.

Here are just a few tips to get you started. Here is a little fun fact about your muscles that you didn't know. When your muscles contract your muscles uses calcium for the contraction.  A lot of people think that when you go to the gym and work out that you are body building and so forth, but they are wrong. all the work out is doing is causing the muscle to tear. The real body building is done while you are sleeping when your body repairs it's self. 

Well, there you have it. Those are just a few things to keep in mind when you start to work out. Just remember this. As with anything, you get out of it what you put into it. Through hard work and dedication you can and will achieve your goals. Until next time, stay motivated, positive and never give up.