The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Beginners – A Gen Z’s Journey into the World of Iron

Hey there, fellow Gen Z-ers! It’s your favourite online confidante, Sophie, back with another article that will hopefully make our lives a tad easier. Today, we’re diving headfirst into the world of weight training. Fear not, my friends; I’m here to guide you through this seemingly daunting endeavour.

The Why

First things first – why should you even consider weight training? Well, apart from making you look like a superhero straight out of a Marvel movie (and who doesn’t want that?), it also has numerous health benefits. It improves bone density, boosts metabolism and enhances mood. Trust me on this one; I’ve been feeling like Wonder Woman ever since I started lifting weights!

Getting Started

Alright, now onto the good stuff. Getting started with weight training can seem overwhelming at first – trust me, I’ve been there. But don’t worry! We’ll break it down.

Finding Your Gym

Your gym is going to be your second home (or maybe your third if you count Starbucks), so pick wisely! Look for a gym that’s clean, well-equipped and preferably close to where you live or work. Remember when I once joined a gym 30 minutes away from my place? Yeah… let’s just say my attendance record wasn’t exactly stellar.

Setting Goals

Next up is setting goals. And nope, ‘looking like Thor’ isn’t an acceptable goal (sadly). Be specific with what you want to achieve – whether it’s losing fat or gaining muscle mass – and set realistic timelines for these goals.

The Workouts

Now, let’s talk workouts. Here are some basic exercises to get you started:

Squats

Also known as the ‘king of all exercises’, squats work your entire body and are a must in any weight training routine.

Bench Press

The bench press is another classic that targets your chest, shoulders and triceps. Remember when I couldn’t even lift the barbell? Good times…

Deadlifts

Deadlifts are fantastic for working on your back and legs. Just make sure you’re doing them correctly – we don’t want any injuries!

Nutrition

No weight training guide would be complete without talking about nutrition. Eating right is just as important as lifting weights – if not more so. Aim for a balanced diet with plenty of protein, carbs and healthy fats.

Rest and Recovery

Last but not least, rest! Your muscles need time to recover after a workout session. So make sure you’re getting enough sleep and taking rest days in between workouts.

And there you have it – your ultimate guide to weight training for beginners! Remember, everyone starts somewhere (yes, even Thor). So don’t be discouraged if progress seems slow at first – keep at it, and soon enough you’ll start seeing results.

Until next time, fellow Gen Z-ers! Stay strong (literally)!