Weightlifting Routine for Beginners
From LoveToKnow Exercise
If you follow a quality weightlifting routine for beginners you will be able to see results in three to six weeks.
Getting Started
Women in particular are often intimidated by weightlifting because they are concerned that the exercises will be too challenging or they don’t want to bulk up. Following a proper weightlifting routine can eliminate both worries. Lifting weights is a simple process. What's more, building muscle boosts your metabolism, allowing you to burn more calories, which results in a sexier, more sculpted body.
Form
Proper form is critical in weightlifting. Poor form can lead to serious injury. Beginners should start out with lighter weight and concentrate on perfecting form. Avoid jerking, throwing and bouncing the weights around. Your goal is to execute smooth, fluid motions with the weight. Once you have mastered proper form and balance, then you can advance to a high-intensity weightlifting routine.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask for help while you are at the gym. If you are having trouble with a certain exercise, ask a trainer for help. They should be able to answer your questions and give you guidance on proper form free of charge.
Warm-Up
Before diving into your weightlifting routine, it's important to warm-up first. Ideally, you should participate in 10 minutes of aerobic activity such as jogging or riding a stationary bike. Once you get your blood flowing, then start stretching. An effective stretching regimen will help prevent stiffness and pain following your weightlifting workout.
Hydration
A major component of a solid weightlifting routine for beginners is water. Remember to drink at least 16 ounces of water before starting your exercises. In addition, you should be consuming at least 32 ounces of water during your workout to avoid dehydration and injury.
Sample Weightlifting Routines for Beginners
There are hundreds of available weightlifting routines for beginners, but the most effective ones include proper rest time between workouts. Review the sample routines below before deciding which is the right one for you:
Sample Routine #1
| Day | Body Part | Exercise |
| Monday | Back and Chest | Lat Pull Down and Bench Press |
| Tuesday | Total body | Cardio—Running or Biking |
| Wednesday | Legs and Shoulders | Squats and Military Press |
| Thursday | Total body | Cardio—Rowing Machine or Stairmaster |
| Friday | Arms | Bicep Curls and Tricep Dips |
| Saturday and Sunday | Rest | Rest |
Sample Routine #2
| Day | Exercise | Amount |
| Day 1 | Flat Bench Dumbbell Press | Three sets of 10-12 reps |
| Day 2 | Rest | Rest |
| Day 3 | Leg Press and Leg Curls | Three sets of 12-15 reps |
| Day 4 | Rest | Rest |
| Day 5 | Barbell Curls and Tricep Extensions | Three sets of 12-15 reps |
| Day 6 | Rest | Rest |
| Day 7 | Lat Machine Pull Downs and Dumbbell Press | Three sets 10-12 reps |
Sample Routine #3
| Day | Body Part | Exercise |
| Day 1 | Legs | Squats and Standing Calf Raise |
| Day 2 | Rest | Rest |
| Day 3 | Chest and Triceps | Incline Dumbbell Press and Tricep Kickback |
| Day 4 | Rest | Rest |
| Day 5 | Back and Biceps | Lat Pull Down and Hammer Curl |
| Day 6 | Rest | Rest |
| Day 7 | Shoulders and Abdominals | Military Press and Crunches |
Weightlifting Tips
Fitness experts suggest following a beginner’s routine for six to eight weeks before advancing to heavier weights and a high-intensity regimen. Other tips to consider while working to tone your body include:
- Keep a journal. By logging your daily weightlifting exercises, you will be better able to monitor your progress and define areas that need more work.
- Be patient. Remember, you want to establish proper form as opposed to throwing around heavy weights and risking injury. Over time you will be able to lift like the pros.
- Stay Positive. You won't see results from weightlifting overnight. However, that doesn't mean you should get discouraged. To see faster results stick with your program, eat a healthy diet and participate in aerobic activity.
- Rest. It is important to allow your muscles to rest in between workout sessions. If you are still sore the day after a workout, take it off and do the workout the next day. Remember, the aforementioned routines are merely samples and can be adjusted to meet your needs.
Finally, if after six to eight weeks you don't feel as though your current routine is challenging enough, consider adding more sets to your program and increasing the weight. Depending on your level of fitness you should be adding about two more sets to each exercise. You should see results by the end of your third month.
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This page has been accessed 3,591 times. This page was last modified 16:43, 14 December 2008.
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