Y'all know I ain't a lady. But is it still OK for guys participate in these discussions too?
Quote:
Originally Posted by tellico
My question is, is this a bad idea, since I have never been instructed in the use of free weights? I have always used the machines at the gym- they don't even have free weights beyond a few dumbells. Do you think you can you truly learn to lift properly and safely from watching the ExRx.net videos and the like, or do I need to wait till I can afford to pay someone to teach me in person? I'd like to start doing deadlifts and squats (despite dr's orders) rather than the machines, but due to the risks associated with these lifts, I'm not sure if it is a good idea to start doing them without in-person instruction. So, am I being overly concerned, and need to just do it?  |
My opinion is if you don't have any serious health issues due to surgery, previous injuries, birth deformities, ect., then you should be fine learning free weight exercises on your own.
Free weights are great for beginners too, whether you had experience with machines or not. When I started lifting weights as a young teenager, I started lifting with free weights before I ever touched a machine.
Tellico, you're an experienced young lifter, and you certainly seem to know a lot about the human body since you participate on this forum. So I think you're purely capable of learning how to lift with free weights on your own. However, if you feel you need an extra hand in helping teach you the proper way to lift and use good form, you can always hire a personal trainer or have one of your friends (who is experienced in lifting with free weights) watch you and teach you how to use proper form.
If you decide to teach yourself how to lift with free weights, always start off with light weight (even start off with your own body weight if you have to). It's better to be safe than sorry. When injuries occur in the gym, the majority of the times it's from using improper form and/or too much weight.