Do you even lift, AF bro?

[SteelCurtain]

Toes to bar.

That is the best core exercise I can think of---slow, controlled, no swinging, toes to bar.

Muscle ups are another insane core exercise, but my shoulders are too fucked to do them.

But I 100% agree with Strider, good form on the basic strength exercises will do more good for your core if only for the fact that you use it in all of those exercises. Your core is your stabilization. Use it as such, and it will get stronger.

[Regina]

It sounds like good advice. I suffer from having absolutely NO upper body strength whatsover. I'm so weak. I really want to improve.

Haven't been able to get out to the gym lately though. I work full-time now and I'm usually too exhausted by the time I leave every day, then on weekends I'm busy. It sucks :/

[Napoléon]

*Serious hat*

What is a good resource for people who want to begin proper weightlifting, is there any 'beginners guide' so I don't look like a total dick?

I've been to a few gyms but I honestly just stick to the machine weights. The free weights are usually taken up by steroid pumped walking tanks, and if I were to waltz in and be like "ey mate, can I use the bench" they'd all give me very dirty looks behind my back and I would not be able to cope with the societal pressure, which is why I always end up leaving gyms because the people in there are way too healthy anyway. Gyms should be for fat people.

Uh, what was I talking about again?

Oh right.

How do I actually lift?

[Strider]

*Serious hat*

What is a good resource for people who want to begin proper weightlifting, is there any 'beginners guide' so I don't look like a total dick?

I've been to a few gyms but I honestly just stick to the machine weights. The free weights are usually taken up by steroid pumped walking tanks, and if I were to waltz in and be like "ey mate, can I use the bench" they'd all give me very dirty looks behind my back and I would not be able to cope with the societal pressure, which is why I always end up leaving gyms because the people in there are way too healthy anyway. Gyms should be for fat people.

Uh, what was I talking about again?

Oh right.

How do I actually lift?

The problem with getting started with weightlifting is the information overload. Honestly, between all of the magazines and the various sites, I didn't know what the hell I was supposed to do. Here is my recommendation for whatever it is worth:

The best thing for person new to lifting is a full-body routine 3x a week. You could stick with that for anywhere from 6 months to a year. You can do a search for full-body programs or check out some of these:

http://www.aworkoutroutine.com/the-begin...t-routine/
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=4195843

Another very popular beginner's program is Rippetoe's Starting Strength 5x5 program. You will find loads of info on it if you search. It straddles the fine line between building muscle and strength. If you try it and stick with it, you will not be disappointed. Sometimes you'll read about people on this program drinking up to a gallon of whole milk a day (identifiable by the ridiculous acronym GOMAD) in an attempt to get bigger...just don't. If you do this, you will get strong and massive...ly fat.

The rest is going to depend on your goals. Want to lose weight or gain weight? Want to focus on getting muscular or just stronger? If you can give me additional info, I'll do my best to get you started in the right direction.

Oh yeah, last advice. Fuck the gym brahs. Seriously, they probably don't actually care what you're doing and if they do then they're not working out hard enough.

[Iroscato]

Well, I just bought myself a pull-up bar from Ebay. Damn this forum and its healthy-minded people!!

[Napoléon]

Want to focus on getting muscular or just stronger? If you can give me additional info, I'll do my best to get you started in the right direction.

Mainly I want to lose weight anyway, I'm about 15 and a half stone at the minute (dunno what that is in yank measurements). However a couple years ago when I was actually relatively fit and could run further than 2 feet, I used to always just go around the machine weights, not really thinking about sets/reps or even sticking to any kind of routine.

I guess if I lost about 3 stone I'd seriously consider proper lifting. Just wouldn't know where to start.

[Strider]

Mainly I want to lose weight anyway, I'm about 15 and a half stone at the minute (dunno what that is in yank measurements). However a couple years ago when I was actually relatively fit and could run further than 2 feet, I used to always just go around the machine weights, not really thinking about sets/reps or even sticking to any kind of routine.

I guess if I lost about 3 stone I'd seriously consider proper lifting. Just wouldn't know where to start.

As far as beginning a lifting program now, your mobility could be a problematic factor for some of the movements - squats and deadlifts in particular. In your case, I'd focus on nutrition first and getting more active. First, figure out your base metabolic rate (i.e. how many calories you need to stay at your current weight at your current activity level). You can use a calculator like this one: http://www.freedieting.com/tools/calorie_calculator.htm

After you get your daily required calories to maintain your current size, take in about 500~700 less than that number. In the beginning there isn't any need to get specific amounts of protein, carbs, and fats. Just eat good, wholesome foods. Coupled with activity such as brisk walking, machine weights, etc. you will begin to lose weight. Reevaluate your calories on the calculator after you've lost a few kg and adjust your calories accordingly. If you're diligent, I guarantee you will lose weight.

[Napoléon]

Tbh I could lose a stone in about 2 weeks if I really wanted to. I just don't have the motivation to do so right now lol.

[SteelCurtain]

Really, the best advice is to pick a plan that you honestly think you can maintain.

If you don't think you're ready to change the diet drastically, change it up a little bit. Drop soda and sugary drinks first, then eat more fresh veggies, then try to cut carbs (cereals/starches/breads) , etc. A little at a time.

Select a workout plan that ramps up slowly, and if you want a guide on how to do weightlifting movements correctly, I would find an e-copy of Arnold Schwarzenegger's "Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding." It has pictures and excellent diagrams. Very helpful in mastering form and understanding the physiology behind what you're doing.

[Iroscato]

I've always struggled with yo-yo workouts, as I call them. I go through phases of bloody-minded determination to get drastically into shape, then lose most of my motivation when I remember ice cream exists. More recently, I think I'm getting a better balance established. I suppose the idea is to just gradually incorporate it as part of a routine, and don't expect the body of a god just because you blasted it out for five minutes on an exercise machine