Starting aerobics, what weight should I start with?

[les_oiseau]

I guess I could google this but I'm here so.... Just went to my first aerobics class and the instructor dude told me to use 3 lb weights next time instead of 2s. I think he's right I didn't really get the most intense workout and a higher weight would have made it more intense I'm just wondering if there is any reason to start lower and make your way higher?

[utuss]

I'm not sure if I'm answering your question, but I think you did fine for your first time with low weights....as you said, you can always add weight later. I think the big problem is when people try to go all out with the heavier weights initially and end up injuring themselves! Just keep adjusting to your comfort level! When I have total conditioning classes, I may start with a ten pounder, and may switch to a heavier weight mid stream, depending on the exercise, and then go back to the ten pounder later. I guess there is no hard and fast answer!

[les_oiseau]

hmm... I guess my concern is partially that we did a lot of arm exercises and I thought it was weird that he told me to use heavier weights without knowing anything about my physical condition. We had not talked prior to the class, or after the class, before he told me to use heavier ones. With 2lb weights I felt a lot of muscles in my neck, shoulders and abs being worked out, which is awesome and felt great but I have terrible posture and lousy abs right now from not working them at all after baby #2. So I don't want to hurt myself. I'm on the smaller scale so maybe he just assumed I am more in shape than I really am.

[bec]

I guess I would ask what kind of exercises you are using these weights for?  Different muscle groups will require different weights.  For example, if I am doing bicep curls, I would use a 10-12 pound weight.  If I was doing lunges, I would probably use a 35 pound weight.  Shoulders would be something high as well. 

2lbs is really not very much (about a can of vegetables).  I think that using very small weights really isn't very productive.  I agree with being conservative to begin with, but after working out, you should feel muscle fatigue.  Not strain, but fatigue.  It is all right to switch to a higher weight in the middle of a rep if it is too light.  It is not uncommon to be a bit sore the following few days after working out with weights.  I would urge you to read The New Rules of Lifting For Women.  It recommends high weights with low reps as a way to build muscle, tone and lose fat. 

Good luck!

[les_oiseau]

thank you bec! wow 10-12 pounds and 35? I am such a wimp!! lol!

We were working out mainly our arms, but the whole thing is inconsistent..... we didn't use weights all this week....  I borrowed some 5lb weights from a friend and will see how that goes....I guess mainly my issue was with working out the muscles around my shoulders, neck and back, which is something I guess I've never done, or done properly and consistently enough to know how it feels. I have pretty bad posture so after that work out the soreness throughout those areas concerned me at first.  After another work out that worked out the same muscles and ones around it I think they just got worked out for the first time, lol!

Thanks for the recommendation ont he book! Will def get that and read it as I really enjoyed the weights