Are you interested in hitting the gym? Getting muscles, losing fat, getting bigger? Or even becoming a bodybuilder?
Look no further. This whole page is your COMPLETE guide (free!) on How to Start Lifting. There are no products I’m selling, nothing- this is all free and legitimate advice. From the beginning all the way to the end.
I will be constantly updating this, so check back frequently. The last time this page was updated was: 8/14/2021
There is no other complete guide like this. This is not some random ‘theory’ on how to put on muscle, it’s the only true and real way to put on muscle.
That’s what all those YouTube stars pushing their ‘hollywood body’ workout programs won’t tell you- their programs don’t work. They just want to make money off of you.
All of this content is free and true. If you are serious about bodybuilding, this is your page. If you aren’t serious about it, I’d recommend you turn back.
Let’s get started!
Step 1 – Making a Commitment
Lifting is not an easy commitment. You won’t go to the gym for one month then look like Arnold Schwarzenegger.
I’m sorry to say it, but this stuff takes months to years. In fact, you’ll probably have to weight lift for 9 months consecutively before people even look at you and think you’ve ever stepped foot in the gym.
Sure, you’ll get some muscle, but you’ll really just look ‘toned’.
The point is, you need to make this a long-term commitment.
No, you don’t need to go 7 days a week, 4 hours a day. You could even choose to just go 3 days a week.
My point is- bodybuilding is a process that takes time. Your body can only build so much muscle every month, there is a genetic limit. This means that it doesn’t matter if you go 7 days a week, twice a day, for 5 hours- you have a limit on the muscle that can be built. This again, means you have to keep going to the gym over a long period of time.
I understand, a ton of Instagram people post these revolutionary ‘7 week transformations’- they aren’t true.
The truth is, you ultimately may be in this for the long haul.
The real results- where people will start saying you lift- is around the 2 year mark.
Are you ready to make that commitment? To do something constantly for years before really seeing any progress?
If you’re able to understand that, then proceed forward. If not, the sport probably isn’t for you. I’m not trying to be mean, but it takes serious hard work.
#2 – Pick a Gym
Now you need to pick a gym.
This isn’t always easy. But, let’s keep it simple: try and find one that’s somewhat cheap and has a power rack and dumbbells.
Don’t make it complicated by picking a gym with crazy huge space or huge posters on the wall- pick a simple gym that has the stuff you need and is close to you.
For instance, my gym is literally a 2-minute drive for me, or better yet, a 15-minute walk.
All gyms will have a free tour thing, so you can always go there during their business hours and they will show you around. Plus they often give you like a free 7-day trial or something so you can workout there and see if you like it or not.
This is super important, I’ve seen so many people that never workout again because they hate the people at their gym, the environment, or worse. So…just pick a gym that you like and enjoy. And again, make sure it has dumbbells and a power rack.
I recommend Anytime Fitness, most of them will have what you need and they’re everywhere. Most SNAP Fitnesses also make the cut, but be careful as some of them don’t have power racks.
Check out what insurance company you have, often times they have a program called ‘Active & Fit Direct’ or a different version of it that will give you a super cheap or free gym membership. Plus, you’ll have access to most gyms in the United States.
#3 – Pick a Program
It’s time to pick a program.
