Best strength workouts for a rank beginner (good form pointers)

susan p · 10-30-14, 10:28 AM

Hey all, what are your recommendations for the best strength workouts for a rank beginner who has never worked out before and probably needs TONS of form pointers?

Firm Basics with Weights seems to me like a good choice. . . the one with Tracie Long. What else? Maybe Jari's original Get Ripped? OH, gosh, the tutorial from Body Pump would be great except I wouldn't expect a beginner to know how to modify to dumbbells from a barbell tutorial. Hmm. All suggestions welcome.

Cardio is easy, there are plenty of beginnerish workouts out there with simple choreography or an emphasis on simple walking, but strength training really needs some good form pointers.

My daughter wants to start working out a bit and asked me for recommendations for fitness apps, so if you have any good beginner strength training apps, that's great too.

THANKS!!

yogapam · 10-30-14, 10:52 AM

I am doing Slim Series and it's pretty basic although the workouts are long at 57 - 78 minutes. The pace is good, form pointers are there, moves are basic. I think it was designed to follow Slim in 6 which I am not familiar with but might even be a better starting point.

bubbles76 · 10-30-14, 11:18 AM

Kathy Smith's Super Slimdown Circuit aka Secrets to a Great Upper and Lower Body. Excellent form pointers. In fact, I think I used this when I was a rank beginner

Cafelattee · 10-30-14, 11:24 AM

https://www.totalfitnessdvds.com/ASA...DVD-p/1113.htm

This is a very basic beginner, good form pointers (what is shown in the clip) and also option for music off so she can play more inspiring music. I've not done this personally but have done his kettlebell workouts. He is a solid instructor.

athompson10 · 10-30-14, 11:36 AM

It's a real golden oldie, but I think Cathe's Max Intensity Strength is great basic weights with good form pointers.

Sue B · 10-30-14, 11:36 AM

I just got Mark Moon's strength DVD, and if your dd doesn't mind an older dude with an Australian accent, this is very good for beginners, with a thorough tutorial and lots of form pointers and cueing. It's well chaptered, too.

I wrote a review here.

summer breeze · 10-30-14, 11:41 AM

KCM's 30MTF Start Here maybe.

alisoncooks · 10-30-14, 11:51 AM

Is her fitness level beginner? (ie. has she done other stuff, like running or classes)

I always return to Powerfit Harmony when I'm at my most beginnerish. Calm and very detailed, encouraging. And short -- easy to build up to more (better to start simple and easy, than jump in to something that might become discouraging).

yogapam · 10-30-14, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alisoncooks

Is her fitness level beginner? (ie. has she done other stuff, like running or classes)

I always return to Powerfit Harmony when I'm at my most beginnerish. Calm and very detailed, encouraging. And short -- easy to build up to more (better to start simple and easy, than jump in to something that might become discouraging).

Yes, I agree! This set is a great place to start.

cherimac · 10-30-14, 12:13 PM

KCM Start Here and Powerfit came to my mind too.

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10-30-14, 10:28 AM
susan p VF Supporter Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Kansas City	Best strength workouts for a rank beginner (good form pointers) Hey all, what are your recommendations for the best strength workouts for a rank beginner who has never worked out before and probably needs TONS of form pointers? Firm Basics with Weights seems to me like a good choice. . . the one with Tracie Long. What else? Maybe Jari's original Get Ripped? OH, gosh, the tutorial from Body Pump would be great except I wouldn't expect a beginner to know how to modify to dumbbells from a barbell tutorial. Hmm. All suggestions welcome. Cardio is easy, there are plenty of beginnerish workouts out there with simple choreography or an emphasis on simple walking, but strength training really needs some good form pointers. My daughter wants to start working out a bit and asked me for recommendations for fitness apps, so if you have any good beginner strength training apps, that's great too. THANKS!!

10-30-14, 10:52 AM
yogapam VF Supporter Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: West coast of Canada, eh. ;)	I am doing Slim Series and it's pretty basic although the workouts are long at 57 - 78 minutes. The pace is good, form pointers are there, moves are basic. I think it was designed to follow Slim in 6 which I am not familiar with but might even be a better starting point. __________________ **~Pam~** Certified Level 4 Essentrics Instructor - March 2021 Hatha YTT - 2011 Your body keeps an accurate journal regardless of what you write down..... "Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live." Jim Rohn "It’s not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives, but what we do consistently.” - Tony Robbins Check out my Instagram account, @fitness.ficti0n.inspirati0n

10-30-14, 11:18 AM
bubbles76 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: New Jersey	Kathy Smith's Super Slimdown Circuit aka Secrets to a Great Upper and Lower Body. Excellent form pointers. In fact, I think I used this when I was a rank beginner __________________ "You humans have the potential to be the most wonderful beings there are - if you can get past all these enormous stupid spots you seem to have in your hearts. It's not your fault. You just don't know how to work your hearts right yet. That's why there are dogs." - Jim Butcher, Zoo Day

10-30-14, 11:24 AM
Cafelattee Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Gulf Coast	https://www.totalfitnessdvds.com/ASA...DVD-p/1113.htm This is a very basic beginner, good form pointers (what is shown in the clip) and also option for music off so she can play more inspiring music. I've not done this personally but have done his kettlebell workouts. He is a solid instructor.

10-30-14, 11:36 AM
athompson10 VF Supporter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Brooklyn, NY	It's a real golden oldie, but I think Cathe's Max Intensity Strength is great basic weights with good form pointers. __________________ Allison

10-30-14, 11:36 AM
Sue B VF Supporter Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Maryland	I just got Mark Moon's strength DVD, and if your dd doesn't mind an older dude with an Australian accent, this is very good for beginners, with a thorough tutorial and lots of form pointers and cueing. It's well chaptered, too. I wrote a review here. __________________ Move your body often, sometimes hard. Every bit counts. Drop Two Sizes, Fit Body Blueprint, STRONG Eat. Lift. Thrive. and Revamp grad DISCLOSURE: I have a professional relationship with a seller or producer of fitness videos or products. For details, please see my profile.

10-30-14, 11:41 AM
summer breeze VF Supporter Join Date: Aug 2005	KCM's 30MTF Start Here maybe.

10-30-14, 11:51 AM
alisoncooks Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: TarHeel country	Is her fitness level beginner? (ie. has she done other stuff, like running or classes) I always return to Powerfit Harmony when I'm at my most beginnerish. Calm and very detailed, encouraging. And short -- easy to build up to more (better to start simple and easy, than jump in to something that might become discouraging).

10-30-14, 12:13 PM
cherimac Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Georgia	KCM Start Here and Powerfit came to my mind too. __________________ Cheri