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Amount of weight to start with?

DebJoseph330 Posts: 5 Joined: 2014/12/29	2014/12/30, 11:54 PM Hi, I've been out of the exercise/work-out lifestyle for over a decade now due to a vehicle accident and other medical conditions that followed. Well, I'm back to somewhat "good" and have approval from my Doc's to get back in the gym...slooowly, easily, without overdoing it because I will hurt myself, I am overzealous and will be on the floor in no time, that's just my personality. So I am here trying to do it right but I have no idea what amount of weight to start out with. I'm just trying to tone up and regain muscle mass, after so many years of being inactive my muscles have atrophied. I don't need to worry about weight loss/fat loss, this is just toning and getting back what has been lost. So what's the best, safest to start at? Thanks!
DebJoseph330 Posts: 5 Joined: 2014/12/29	2014/12/31, 12:04 AM I guess I should include that I do belong to a gym, I can use both machines and free weights. I just haven't had any luck with their trainers at all, I've been waiting for 2 months to get a consult. I gave up.
Mr_Geezer Posts: 91 Joined: 2013/08/08	2014/12/31, 12:37 AM The gym undoubtedly has trainers. You don't have to hire long term but you may want to buy a block of sessions as long as you can choose when to use them. A trainer can help evaluate where you are. You need to be rigid and proper in your form. A trainer can  get you past bad habits. You could buy ten sessions, use a couple to get started and then as you change routines, get another session or two. Workouts should change about every 6 to 8 weeks. Not a bad idea to get help with the first few months especially in light of your history. Injuries are avoidable with proper technique. It's worth the expense to learn it right.
Mr_Geezer Posts: 91 Joined: 2013/08/08	2014/12/31, 12:43 AM To answer your main question, look at the Freetrainers workouts. You may want to start with the home workout for a month just to adjust. Then you can try the build lean muscle workout and start with weights that can be as light as a soup can in each hand. Then move to weights as you are able.
DebJoseph330 Posts: 5 Joined: 2014/12/29	2014/12/31, 01:36 AM Alright thank you, and thank you for responding.
BeauBody38 Posts: 42 Joined: 2014/12/25	2014/12/31, 11:55 PM Walking is the best form of exercise. Do it at least an hour daily.
DebJoseph330 Posts: 5 Joined: 2014/12/29	2015/01/01, 11:57 PM Yeah I have a Treadclimber that I use, it's just time to incorporate some weights.
Mr_Geezer Posts: 91 Joined: 2013/08/08	2015/01/02, 12:14 AM If you have specefic questions they are easier to answer. The exercise section here tells you what  exercises hit which muscle group. It takes a little research on the sight to find the workout you want to try.  Once you do you have to experiment to find a starting weight for a given movement.
BeauBody38 Posts: 42 Joined: 2014/12/25	2015/01/02, 11:20 PM 4 lbs of weights are a good start for your arms. Gradually increase them as tolerated.
DebJoseph330 Posts: 5 Joined: 2014/12/29	2015/01/07, 04:33 PM Ok great, thanks guys, every bit of input helps.