moving to free weights, unsupervised ok?

[tellico]

I guess I'll kick off the new women's section with a question about free weights. I had really enjoyed my gym previously, but in light of the current women-only gym getting pansier by the day (since new management took over in February), I am considering moving my workouts home- looking to get a set of power rings, a barbell, and a couple dumbells.

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?

BTW, I love the new expanded women's format!

[Italianangel]

power rings, very very cool!!
I think its a great idea, a good change, one which will spark new results, new goals and renewed motivation, challenging you again!
I think you one can do fine educating themselves the form and you have been practicing on machines........go light and use your common sense but if you are self reliant I think you will do fine!
Linda

[tellico]

Thanks, Italian Angel! I'm looking forward to this... I think it will be a good thing.

Funny, when I posted this thread, there were NO threads at all in ANY of the women's forums... now they're all filled up Somebody worked hard to sort all this out!

[Italianangel]

You got in there in the mid of things.......keener!
Linda

[Insex]

Y'all know I ain't a lady. But is it still OK for guys participate in these discussions too?

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.

[Italianangel]

Originally Posted by Insex

Y'all know I ain't a lady. But is it still OK for guys participate in these discussions too? :
.

of course..........and don't you roll your eyes at me!!!