Starting weights - where to go?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m 49 and was in not great shape. I have a personal trainer who comes to my house two evenings a week after work. It’s amazing what can be done with light weights, resistance bands, a kettlebell and a Pilates bar— all of which he bring with him (but I’ve started investing in bands and a Pilates bar and yoga mat of my own ).

I mean to use a private trainer for 12 sessions to get me started on strength training, balance, flexibility, bone density. I have a joint replacement, another to go, some low back issues, etc. and I’m not coordinated. So the risk of me getting injured is high. It has been amazing to have someone work 1:1 with me, safely, but also ramping up the challenge every week. My 12 sessions became 48, and I’m about to get another 12 or 24 sessions. Worth cutting back elsewhere to keep it up.

I started with Wegovy (Ozempic) in mid-April 2023. Added the trainer in June. 70 pounds down— and my body scans show less than 10% of my weight loss is muscle. I've been traveling this winter, and am shocked by how much better I feel— strength, endurance, etc. Plus, actual muscle definition in my arms and legs.

I hired my trainer through Dehenzel Training Solutions, which is all over NOVA and they have been fantastic to work with (and no— I’m not an employee— just a happy customer.

Can you give your trainers name?

Anthony B. As I said, I hired him through Dehenzel Training Systems. Small family owned company, but great customer service. They did an extensive intake call covering my general health, specifics I needed to work around (like a joint replacement and back strains, my goals (lose weight, but mostly maintaining muscle and improving balance and flexibility). They asked about my diet and current exercise, what motivates me, what type of trainer would be a good fit (encouraging vs boot camp), etc. and assigned a trainer based on that. Mine is a great fit. Started with strength training and an adding in Pilates as part og my circuits and yoga during cooldown. I also started a beginner yoga class, so we work on positions I’m struggling with and find modifications that work.

[Anonymous]

I haven't tried Peloton, which I'm sure is great, but there are folks on YouTube who also do weight videos that are pretty good. Caroline Girvan and Heather Robertson come to mind if you wanted to try out something free first

[Anonymous]

I can recommend Fitness Together if it’s not too far for you. I’m in MD, but there’s one in Georgetown and Alexandria. I’ve gotten stronger working with them.

[Anonymous]

I highly recommend Starfit in Arlington. They have a great program. Its all women and focus on lifting and strengthening.

starfitstudio.com

[Anonymous]

https://starfitstudio.com/services-our-studios-in-arlington-and-alexandria-offer/

They have two locations

[Anonymous]

Any places like these in Bethesda or Rockville?

[Anonymous]

I think they need to create a sub forum where all these Peloton fan boys can go so everyone else can have a meaning conversation without them cluttering it up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any places like these in Bethesda or Rockville?

Onelife

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Peleton app

Lightweights arms, get 2lb weights

Get 20lb for lower body workout,

Or if you can afford lifetime I love lifetime

Do arms, lower body 3x a week. Walk the other days 3 miles to start.

Why bother arms at all with 2 lb weights? Unless you're a frail 80 year old this will do nothing. You need to lift actual weights. 8-10 to start for arms and you definitely need to go up.

20lbs for legs is fine to start if you truly have never lifted weights before.

[Anonymous]

Dehenzel Training Systems

How much are they? do they come to NOVA?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any places like these in Bethesda or Rockville?

I recommend Fitness Together in Bethesda, and often work out with Elena. She is great.

[Anonymous]

I am a member of Lifetime - do the alpa strength and alpha conditioning classes and you will build muscle in no time. Don't be intimidated. The classes are small and the trainer will correct your form and show you what to do. The book "Body Scultping for Women" changed my life 20 years ago. The motivation section at the beginning is worth reading.

[Anonymous]

https://www.amazon.com/Body-Sculpting-Bible-Women-Fourth/dp/1578266130/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=598656679345&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9008156&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=13767950484132174721&hvtargid=kwd-94344340&hydadcr=15555_13558560&keywords=the+body+sculpting+bible+for+women&qid=1707596731&sr=8-1

Body Sculpting Bible for Women

[Anonymous]

I think the Peloton hater needs to realize we're just talking about an app with some workouts on it - you don't even need the bike. Not threatening at all!

Thanks so much for the Matty recommendation PP. I realized I was searching "weights" workouts and couldn't find very much but I guess they call it all strength. Just saved a bunch of his workouts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Peleton app

Lightweights arms, get 2lb weights

Get 20lb for lower body workout,

Or if you can afford lifetime I love lifetime

Do arms, lower body 3x a week. Walk the other days 3 miles to start.

Why bother arms at all with 2 lb weights? Unless you're a frail 80 year old this will do nothing. You need to lift actual weights. 8-10 to start for arms and you definitely need to go up.

20lbs for legs is fine to start if you truly have never lifted weights before.

Agree on 8lbs to start. (Maybe 5 if you’re super weak, but quickly move up to 8).

For lower you may want to start with 10lbs for each hand. But, again, quickly move up. That’s why they call it progressive…20lbs is what you want to settle into. Once that becomes too comfortable the next step is a barbell bc 25lbs in each starts to hurt.