Make sure barbells have collars or clips at the ends to keep the weights in place.
Start easy. For each exercise, pick a weight you can lift about 8 times. Do the sequence once (or, in gym jargon, do I set of 8 repetitions, or reps). As you gain strength, you may want to do 2 or 3 sets of 8 to 12 reps., and rest a minute or so between sets.
Don't lift too much weight. (If you can't lift a weight 6 times, you're lifting too much.)
Try to work out with a partner.
Lift and lower weights in a slow, controlled manner; never fling them.
Make sure your body is properly aligned with the weight you're lifting. Don't lock your elbows or knees, or arch your back.
Breathe evenly; don't hold your breath. Exhale with the effort (generally, as you lift a weight); inhale with the release.
Work through your range of motion. That means fully extending and contracting the muscles you're working.
To avoid strain, work opposing muscle groups, such as biceps and triceps; work large muscle groups first, then smaller ones.
Increase weight gradually. Add reps until you can do 12 per set to near exhaustion then increase the load by no more than 5 percent and go back to 8 reps per set.
Keep a progress log.
Don't work the soame muscles on consecutive days. Muscles need 48 hours to recover.
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Don't lift weights if muscles are injured.
This site is educative not prescriptive. Always consult doctor before treatment.
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