How to choose the right weight to exercise with (Beginner Edition)
Don’t worry, you are not the only one overwhelmed
A walk into the gym shows countless weights staring back with menace and intimidation.
A quick search for weights on Amazon gives a overwhelming feeling with hundreds of options for size, color, and shape.
An online search for the correct weight to use brings up articles using words heard last in 8th grade PE class and no one wants to be reminded of those times.
This was my experience when I began to workout for the first time two years ago. I had no idea what I needed for my body and was overwhelmed by the options available.
Now as a personal trainer, I understand how to choose the right weight my body needs to be challenged and I want to help you do the same! I want you to walk into the gym or buy a set of weights armed with new knowledge and confidence knowing you have made the best decision for your body!
Important Information to Know Starting Out
To start, I want you to expect to find two different weights for your body. Different muscle groups in your body vary in size and therefore strength. Typically when you first begin exercising your workouts will be total body, meaning you will be working all different areas of the body together or doing moves that work two or more muscle groups together. For this reason, I encourage you to buy 2 sets of weights; a set of heavier weights that can be used for exercises involving your chest, back, arms, and legs along with a lighter set of weights for your arms, shoulders, and smaller muscles of your legs.
The amount of weight you chose to use will have a direct impact on how you build strength and how your body increases its fitness level. If you are beginning to exercise for the first time in a while or looking to exercise to lose weight on your fitness journey, our goal is to put a general stress on your body. There are two reasons for this!
First, you are helping your body achieve a foundation of fitness that will allow you to perform daily activities more effectively. Things like; household chores, running errands, playing with your children, or chasing your dog around the house when…
