Wimpy newbie...

[foodfromafar]

Hi, all! My name is Pauline and I just started Stage 1 today. I may have to work up to really starting Stage 1! I do not need to lose any weight. I've been on SparkPeople over a year and have been at my goal range of 98-102 lbs since Oct. 2007. I'm 5'2" and 48 years old and have never STed until I started SP last year. I really enjoy STing and seeing muscle definition! I cannot afford a gym membership and would like to do NROLFW at home if possible. Any hints there would be appreciated. I don't own a barbell yet. I do have smaller weights 3#, 5#, 8#. I did Workout A today and even with the smaller weights, it was a real workout for me. Is it OK to start with weights that are that light? I can't imagine being able to do squats with a 45# dumbbell right now! Am I just a wimp?

[rixatrix]

No. You're just underestimating yourself.

You're going to need bigger weights. Trust me.

[Phaedrus49er]

+1

A girl I'm training had the same apprehension--she thought even bodyweight would be too much, but after just over a month, she's blown past that and the stretch bands I gave her to use--in fact, she did her first Olympic bar deadlift yesterday--so she's adjusting her budget to join a gym in the next week or two. You'll want heavier stuff before you know it.

[Bytsi]

You'll definitely need bigger weights BUT if you're 5'2" and weigh 98-102#, you're very thin - and muscle is going to add pounds. You're going to need a new mindset about what defines success (not just a number on the scale) if you do this program - I can't imagine a way to have decent muscle on a 5'2" body at 100#!!!

[ledove]

Originally Posted by foodfromafar

I do have smaller weights 3#, 5#, 8#. I did Workout A today and even with the smaller weights, it was a real workout for me. Is it OK to start with weights that are that light? I can't imagine being able to do squats with a 45# dumbbell right now! Am I just a wimp?

Where you start doesn't make you a wimp. Everyone has to start somewhere.

But don't stay there. I think the first thing that NROLFW does is help you realize that you actually can use heavier weights than you thought.

So use what you have at the moment, but definitely start looking around for more weights or a gym to join. You'll need them sooner than you think.

[Libellula]

When I started I thought that 45 pound squats would be too much and within two sessions was up to sixty-five because 45 was just too light!

[kfisherx]

I also agree with the "thin" comment. You need to eat girl if you want to be strong and get past the "scale" mindset. Step away from the treadmill and pick up some iron. And welcome to the forum.

[foodfromafar]

Thanks, everyone, for the pointers so far. I am so encouraged to see what I can do...

I am going TODAY to join the gym branch that just opened near my office. I was so inspired by your e-mails to research the gym option that I called this morning and they are having a $25 start up special for a month and then $30 a month after that. If it's a priority, I can make it work in my budget, right? Just like making time to exercise in a tremendously busy schedule.

Bytsi, I am tiny and very, very small framed. I am not afraid of gaining muscle weight - it's actually my intent in beginning this program! I think that muscle is beautiful! It's fat that I don't want! I am already on a maintenance plan of 1500 - 1650 calories a day. I do plan to increase it and add even more protein. I know that I will be tweaking things a lot as I get into the program.

Thank you again, everyone, for the encouragement and wisdom you have shared with me. I have a lot to learn.

Pauline

[Cynthia]

Good luck, Pauline and welcome to the forum!

[Morkai]

Great attitude Pauline Muscle definitely is beautiful *grin*

Congrats on the gym, we all started somewhere, the weight that pushes you is the best one, not what the gal next door is doing. I came into this program have spent 8 years lugging heavy water heating equipment around a warehouse so I started at a higher weight than someone who has never lifted. Doesn't make me any better at lifting than you. Just a bit further along

[UConnJulie]

Pauline, welcome! You have gotten lots of good advice thus far ... and congrats on joining a gym. Start where you are and progress from there ... post any questions you have (none are stupid ... we were all n00bs at one time) and we'll help you through!!
Julie

[Bytsi]

Bytsi, I am tiny and very, very small framed. I am not afraid of gaining muscle weight - it's actually my intent in beginning this program! I think that muscle is beautiful! It's fat that I don't want!

I'm so glad to hear that! Welcome (if I forgot to include that in my earlier post)!

[prof41]

Welcome Pauline

Don't forget to start a training log on the forum. It's a great motivational tool and fun to get feedback from the gang!!!

[foodfromafar]

Thanks, Annie, I did with DanceDiva's help!! Pauline