Which Weights Should I Start With?

H

hunter

0
hi, i'm 14, i'm 5 foot 8 i have a quite slender build and i'm quite into running (mainly longer distances of up to 5 miles). however i would like to start using some weights to help me improve my fitness and strength and get better at running. so obviously i don't want to be building tons of muscle, as it'll slow me down. but which weights would you suggest i start off with? i can't afford to spend hundreds on equipment BTW, and i don't have access to a gym.

cheers:)
 
hi, after much thought i have decided to change to shorter distance running from 400m to 100m. the reason for this is that i have a 'dip' in my chest, and when i run anything from 800m upwards i get a really bad pain in my chest. my doctor said that i could take pain relief before running, but that doesn't help at all. i am quite good at the 400m, and i ran that at costello stadium last year.

anyway, for shorter distance running i think you need different weights right? i think my best distance is the 400m, so really, which weights should i start with to improve my fitness and performance in 400m running.

cheers :)
 
hi, after a lot of thought, i have decided to concentrate on only short distance running, mainly 400m but a bit of sprinting as well. i have been doing running at that distance as well as the long distance, so i'm quite good at it. i have had to stop long distance running because i have a dip in my chest, and when i run anything from 800m upwards then it really hurts my chest. my doctor said i should take pain relief before i run, but it hasn't worked, so i'm going to have to stop. so now the question is which weights and exercises should i start with to improve my general fitness, strength and short distance running.

it may sound like i'm going to keep changing my mind and that i don't know what i'm doing, but i have been thinking about this for ages, and it was a tough decision.

cheers,
 
The weights you use depends on what you can lift already. If you're just starting out then a 3x10 routine can be good for learning the ropes, building some strength and endurance.
As for the lifts you need to perform, read the weight training 101 sticky
 
All you need to start is an adjustable barbell dumbell set. A solid metal one will last a lifetime, but the cheaper vinyl over concrete ones are a cheap alternative. Later you can get a flat bench with weight holders and much later a power rack and you have everything you need for many years of productive use.

Start each exercise with the empty bar and gradually add weight as you are able while keeping up 10-12 reps and good form.
 
cheers, i'm going to have a look in tesco to see what they've got, i don't know if they sell barbels? i'll go to see what they've got. should i buy a mixture of small to heavier weights to add on to them as apparently you buy them separate? if so, what sizes/quantity should i buy?
 
hi, i have looked at the weight training 101 sticky and found it rather confusing. it lists loads of exercises that i've never heard of and can't find on google. and it said that it's different for everyone as to how much of each exercise to do, so could you help with that? and would dumbbells + barbels be the only equipment that i need for working on my whole body?
 
I don't think they sell barbells. I didn't suggest getting one as they're a bugger to store at home unless you have a huge space available to train in, like an empty garage or basement. If you have the room and the money then they would be a good idea. Argos used to sell barbells so they would probably deliver.

As for the amount of weight, I have no idea, at least 40kg total weight I would imagine. You'll advance quickly if you're a training newb though so getting about 60kg might be a good idea.

If you can't find a lot of the exercises on Google then they should be on this site
Search Exercises: Weight Training, Stretches, Power Movements, Cardio Exercises
 
hi, i've looked in the argos catalogue and they don't seem to sell barbells separate to the dumbbells, so do you know of anywhere that does? because if i get the dumbbells first and then decide to get some barbells later i don't want to have to buy more dumbbells again. and is the 60kg for the barbells, and if so then how much weight would i need just for the dumbbells? and should i get the weight in a mixture of different sizes, or all of the same size? and finally, can you buy the barbells without the weights, so i can just get all of the weights from tesco?
 
I would suggest you actually go to a gym where you can find an instructor who will teach you proper form rather than shelling out on equipment and you are a beginner. Google "starting strength" by Mark Rippetoe and consider buying the book. Many, many people teens included start on Starting Strength, it has basic barbell exercises but they are very effective. Rippetoe also goes into the why's and wherefore's.

Unfortunately you need access to a proper gym.
 
Hey Hunter, I'm actually going to have to go with Blackbeard above and say you need to do a bit of reading and access to a trainer for a while as you seem to need spoon feeding with this and short of going out and buying equipment for you there's not much more I can say.

Suggested reading from me: The New Rules Of Lifting by Lou Schuler
 
yes, your right i don't have a clue.:cheeky: my mum has just said that the leisure centre near me does junior gym sessions, do you think they would help me to get started? i'll see if i can find those books in the library or wherever. :)

cheers for the help.
 
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