Patriot Health Digest
It goes without reporting that Schwarzenegger is a very good source for getting weightlifting advice you can count on. The 73yo seven-time Mr. Olympia and former Mr. universe has always graciously shared his fitness and workout recommendations. So it is not surprising that when a fan asked for his tips about getting into weight training, the Terminator was there to help.
The question showed up in his newsletter: “Do you have any recommendations for a girl getting into weight training?” Schwarzenegger began his answer by saying, “I would have the same recommendations for girls as any boy!” From there, he gave some starting considerations. What sort of weight lifting are you interested in doing, and what goals do you have? Someone who is looking to tone up and feel good has a different routine from a person who wants to go into powerlifting.
Schwarzenegger encouraged his fan not to allow anyone to doubt her due to her gender. “If someone gives you crap about this, let your lifting do all the talking,” he said. For anyone wanting to do Olympic lifting, he recommended reading about Kate Nye, who went from gymnastics to weight lifting, and five years after delivered the United States’ best result in almost two decades, winning silver in the Tokyo olympics. “She overcame a lot of mental health roadblocks,” he said, “and I hope she gives you inspiration, because she definitely gives me inspiration.”
For people wanting to look and feel better, Schwarzenegger’s simple advice is this: Start with less weights, focus on getting your technique mastered, and focus on the basics—doing squats, deadlifts, and presses. From this stronger foundation, you can begin to build up more. “Stay consistent and confident and no one will be able to beat you!”
This is good advice for everyone who is starting a weight lifting routine, but even more important for people who are over 40 years old. Mastering your form as you lower yourself into a squat for example is especially important to prevent injury. Try your exercises without any weight at first. It might look silly, but this will go a long way in keeping you safe, and guaranteeing you get the most out of every rep.
Author: Steven Sinclaire
