Where to start?
That is always the question. After you’ve gotten over the initial fear of tiptoeing into the weight area and have managed to convince yourself that not everyone is staring at you, why not pick a program to guide you along on your fitness journey? I am primarily going to discuss weightlifting here because that is my personal passion but this could relate to any sport or activity. If you are going to do something, do it well with good technique. If you do not lift with correct form, the possibility of injury increases exponentially.
One “cookie-cutter” beginner weightlifting program is StrongLifts 5×5. I have done this program myself (with some minor alterations) and I would highly suggest it for beginners. The premise behind this program is very simple: perform the major compound (full-body) lifts, do NOT overtrain, and you will gain muscle mass and strength easily and effectively. You will only have twoworkouts (that alternate) and will only work out 3 times a week. THREE! I know a majority of us are on the busy-college-student grind so this program would be perfect for many of you.
Sound too good to be true? It’s not. Check out the program here! However, before you start, YOUTUBE. Youtube “proper squat form,” “proper deadlift form,” etc. I have learned so much about lifting via Youtube and knowing what you are doing at the gym will go a long way in boosting self-confidence and preventing injury.
If you are a Princeton student and would like some (free) in-person form checks on your lifts, feel free to email me at pyeh@princeton.edu. I really hope you give this program a try! It is well worth it.