beginning weights.......a journal of my progress

[JerseyGirl05]

I am pretty new to these boards and have learned so much in my very small time here. I cam from shape.com which really didn't help me very much at all. I have never really taken weights seriously, but from the info I have gotten here, I plan on tracking my progress as I begin training. My goal - to look great naked : ) - to put on a swimsuit when summer rolls around and actually be looking forward to it, and - to get STRONGER! rah!

Right now I am 22, 110, 5'4.
I feel like my body is "soft" and would like to tighten and tone it up.

Currently I am doing a routine suggested by Newntrying that looks great. I think I will be adding a few more leg exercises to it as well.
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/berardi12.htm
Along with that I will be doing cardio 3-4 times a week.

Feel free to comment/suggest/advise me. I need all the help I can get!!

Jersey

[JerseyGirl05]

Well, it was my first day to begin weights today. I went to the gym at my college during my lunch hour and was glad noone was in the weight room because I was nervous about looking out of place. My plan was to do 3 x 6 for squat and deadlifts and 3 x 15 ea. leg lunges. I had 30 min. to get this done in and was worried that maybe that wasn't enough time.
Boy was I wrong!!
After my first set of squats I could feel the burn. I was glad for this because I hadn't felt that burn in a while and it was a good burn. Next first set of deadlifts, after that I was burning a little more and my legs felt a little shaky, and I starting thinking hmmm...... this heavy stuff is really making me feel it. Well, I kept going and kept feeling the pain! I felt like my legs were going to collapse underneath me. I got through 3 x 6 squats, only 2 x 6 deadlifts, and 3 x 10 ea. leg lunges and a little ab work in the 30 min. I am sore and felt like I was walking funny as I left the gym. I got in my car and was sweating like crazy. I started feeling a little discouraged, because I didn't finish what I had intended too. I felt very weak and like progress would take forever. I did feel good b/c at least I got some exercise, but it wasn't very fun, it hurt and was really hard. I just hope I can keep this up. It will be hard for me to keep motivated. I did feel good though that I did it and could see a harder stronger me in my future if I keep it up. Wish me luck.
I was so hungry when I got done, the whole way back to work I could just see my lunch I brought. Some spegettie made with a homemade tomatoe sauce ww pasta and soy......it was soooo good when I finally got to eat it. But I still feel hungry, not very satisfied. I want something to fill me up, I'm craving bread. So I am sitting here forcing my self not to go for the chocolate muffin sitting only feet away in our breakroom!! : )

Jersey

[egoatdoor]

Hey J G. You have the right attitude. But take it easy to start. If these exercises are new to you, start off with 12 rep sets with light weight and do not train to failure. Get the form down right and let your body get used to the movement. In a few weeks, then drop down to low reps.

OMG, I think you're not going to be able to walk tomorrow...