I want to start weight lifting (ftm pre - t)

[Canl]

I want to start weight lifting but I don't know whether to get 20kg or 15kg dumbells from Argos. I will be going to the store myself to buy it but I'm not sure if I would be able to carry the 20kg or even 15kg dumbells. Do you think I would? I should probably get a taxi right? Because I don't think I'll be able to carry those home? And does anyone know if they come in a huge box?

[adrian]

Could you get someone to help you carry the stuff? I got a 20kg set (one dumbbell with different weight plates) and that was a nightmare to carry tbh (I'm a weakling ).

[Canl]

I don't have anyone to help me. Do you think I could atleast carry it out of the shop? Lol I'm short and weak I look like a kid so it will be embarassing if I buy it and it comes in a huge box that's even bigger than me and if I can't even carry it, well, that will be even more embarassing. I would get a taxi since I know I wouldn't be able to carry it home.

[adrian]

I don't know about the Argos ones, but mine came in a fairly flat package that was ok to carry. It just got heavier and heavier the longer I walked.

Couldn't you buy them online and have them delivered?

[whatismylife]

what's your goal for weightlifting?  i ask this only because dumbbells are usually for accessory movements to pad out weak spots for bigger lifts... or for isolation movements to target lagging parts in an advanced lifter.

[darkblade]

If you're just starting to work out, I'd say focus more on bodyweight exercises. They're great, don't cost you anything, and are pretty effective at building up to a decent strength. The risk of injury is much less than with lifting too, if you're unfamiliar with dumbbells make sure to watch your form so you don't hurt yourself. A single pair of dumbbells weighing 15 or 20kg wouldn't be a good idea though, a set of lighter weights would do to start off.

[whatismylife]

If you're just starting to work out, I'd say focus more on bodyweight exercises. They're great, don't cost you anything, and are pretty effective at building up to a decent strength. The risk of injury is much less than with lifting too, if you're unfamiliar with dumbbells make sure to watch your form so you don't hurt yourself. A single pair of dumbbells weighing 15 or 20kg wouldn't be a good idea though, a set of lighter weights would do to start off.

also with dumbbells, you can't just have a pair.  you need a whole huge set because different exercises will require different levels of resistance.  like with me for example... a bicep curl is like 20lbs, side raise is 15, incline chest press is 55-75, one arm row is 65, front raise is 10, etc. etc.

so maybe yea, bodyweight exercises is a good idea as a beginner.

but it also depends on your goals.  if your goal is to get big and/or lift heavy for example, best to get accustomed to the gym and barbell/racks now even using light weights.

[bambam]

Variety in dumbbells is always nice to have.

[Sammy]

If You are unsure that You will be able to carry them outta store, how You are going to exercise? I would advice looking into the option when You buy a pair with adjustable plates (if possible, just a bare set of handles and some plates for starters) and then buy extra plates when You feel that You are strong enough. If You have never done this sort of exercise, starting with about 6 kg for each hand will be enough. I have totally no idea about effects from T, but if they resemble those of cis-guys, then with enough exercise You should be able to move from 6 kg to 16-20kg (single-handed) in a matter of 4-5 months, if You are determined enough.
Oh, and good luck with those weights .

[Deborah]

If you are really interested in building strength read this book.  Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe.  You will need a gym and it consists of only 5 barbell exercises; Squats, Deadlifts, Overhead Press, Bench Press, and Power Cleans.  The program works, you will get strong, and it works whether you are on T or not although with T you will get bigger and stronger.

[HumanBeing]

If you are worried about carrying it, maybe just get it delivered?

[whatismylife]

If you are really interested in building strength read this book.  Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe.  You will need a gym and it consists of only 5 barbell exercises; Squats, Deadlifts, Overhead Press, Bench Press, and Power Cleans.  The program works, you will get strong, and it works whether you are on T or not although with T you will get bigger and stronger.

starting strength is EXCELLENT.  one of THE best things out there.

altho one thing i never understood was how beginners are supposed to incorporate cleans into their program when it's a bit of an advanced technique.  i like the stronglifts idea of doing bentover barbell rows instead, but going by starting strength's 3 sets instead of 5 (because that's too much for beginners).

[Tysilio]

I agree that cleans are a bit too advanced for a beginner.

Stronglifts 5x5 is an excellent program. If you start with light weights, as recommended, doing five sets isn't a problem -- keep in mind that it's only three exercises per session. I'd be cautious, though, about increasing the weight by five pounds every session as instructed; that's quite a lot for a female-bodied beginner.

With any exercise, and especially the whole-body ones mentioned by Deborah, correct form is very important. If at all possible, get professional coaching to start out right -- or spend a lot of time studying YouTube videos, and video yourself to see what you're doing. (Omar Isuf, Athlean-X, and Elliott Hulse (strengthcamp) have good instructional videos for those exercises.)

[Deborah]

The other things you need to do is eat and sleep.

You have to eat enough, and be getting enough protein, so your body has something to build with.  1.5 to 2 grams of protein per kg of body weight per day is about right.  You will gain fat at the same time you are building muscle.  You can lose the fat later.

And you need to sleep, 8 or more hours a night.  That's when most of the building happens.

If you don't eat and sleep enough any program you do will be much less effective and progress will be a whole lot slower.


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[Polo]

If You are unsure that You will be able to carry them outta store, how You are going to exercise?

^This. You should only be doing weights you would feel capable at least carrying for a short period of time (ie: store to taxi) or else you either won't be able to use them at all or run the risk of injuring yourself.  I'd take a taxi to carry the weights back if it's too far of a distance, but like others have said bodyweight exercises are great and you'll see a lot of gains if you're a beginner...Plus it's free!

[whatismylife]

I agree that cleans are a bit too advanced for a beginner.

Stronglifts 5x5 is an excellent program. If you start with light weights, as recommended, doing five sets isn't a problem -- keep in mind that it's only three exercises per session. I'd be cautious, though, about increasing the weight by five pounds every session as instructed; that's quite a lot for a female-bodied beginner.

With any exercise, and especially the whole-body ones mentioned by Deborah, correct form is very important. If at all possible, get professional coaching to start out right -- or spend a lot of time studying YouTube videos, and video yourself to see what you're doing. (Omar Isuf, Athlean-X, and Elliott Hulse (strengthcamp) have good instructional videos for those exercises.)

a big NO to elliott hulse.  he used to make decent videos (not great, decent) then started going off the rail and over 90% of his stuff isn't even fitness related anymore.  it's him blabbering about nonsense, hearing himself talk, giving bs motivation inspiration, etc.  it's all garbage now.  and he seems to have some really gross ideas about relationships and dating which he is way too eager to share.

omar is great.  jonnie candito (candito training hq) is great.  jason blaha (juggernaut fitness) is good, tho he can say some bs on his channel sometimes too (but has a youtube playlist of lift demonstrations which are excellent, complete with demonstrations of accessory movements if you need it).