Weight training for obese beginners is a great way to embark on a journey toward a healthier and fitter life. It is a commendable decision that can pave the way for numerous physical and mental benefits. Workouts for obese beginners are a little different, because you need to take it slow and not injure yourself or burn out too quickly.

weight training for obese beginners

According to the World Health Organization, obesity has tripled worldwide since 1975. It is crucial to address this health crisis, as obesity can lead to various ailments such as heart disease, diabetes, and even some cancers. Weight training, often overlooked by those who are obese and beginners alike, is an incredibly effective tool in combating obesity and enhancing overall well-being.

In this guide, we will explore the importance of weight training and how it can be strategically employed to aid in weight loss and muscle building for those who are obese. Weight training is not just about lifting heavy weights; it is about building a better version of oneself. Often overshadowed by cardiovascular exercises, weight training is an essential component for weight loss and improving body composition. We’ll delve into the myriad benefits it holds, especially for those dealing with obesity.

One size does not fit all. Crafting a personalized weight training regimen that caters to individual capabilities and goals is crucial. This guide will offer steps and considerations for formulating an effective plan. For obese beginners, it’s vital to know the proper techniques to avoid injuries. Learn the significance of form, appropriate weight selection, and understanding your body’s signals. Complementing weight training with proper nutrition and a support system enhances results and keeps motivation high. Discover the importance of a balanced diet, the role of hydration, and the value of community. If you want to learn good techniques one on one, I can help you with personal training sessions in Muskogee at Training Kamp. You can also see some resistance band training on my YouTube channel that will help you start building strength and burning fat.

Let’s embark on this empowering journey together. With determination, guidance, and support, weight training can become an invaluable ally in your battle against obesity and a catalyst for positive change in all facets of life.

Remember, before starting ANY kind of exercise, consult with your doctor to make sure they recommend it.

obese beginner working on weight machine

Circuit weight training

Circuit weight training is a form of resistance training that combines cardiovascular exercise with strength training. It is designed to be an efficient workout by targeting different muscle groups with minimal rest in between exercises, thereby maximizing calorie burn and improving muscular endurance.

Here is an overview of circuit weight training:

Circuit weight training typically consists of a series of exercises performed one after another. Each exercise is performed for a certain number of repetitions or for a set period, with minimal rest in between. Once all exercises in the circuit are completed, that is considered one round. Depending on your fitness level and goals, you can perform multiple rounds with a short break in between rounds. There are many benefits:

  1. Because circuit training involves minimal rest between exercises, it allows you to get a full-body workout in a shorter amount of time compared to traditional weight training.
  2. The fast-paced nature of circuit training can elevate your heart rate, helping to improve cardiovascular health.
  3. The combination of strength training with minimal rest helps to keep your metabolism elevated, which can lead to burning more calories and fat.
  4. By performing exercises for a longer duration or more repetitions, circuit training can help improve your muscles’ ability to work over time.
  5. It can be easily varied and customized, preventing boredom and plateaus.

Example Circuit:

  • Push-ups – 30 seconds
  • Squats – 30 seconds
  • Bent-over rows with dumbbells – 30 seconds
  • Plank – 30 seconds
  • Jumping jacks – 30 seconds
  • Dumbbell shoulder press – 30 seconds
  • Bicycle crunches – 30 seconds
  • Glute bridges – 30 seconds

Rest for 1-2 minutes and then repeat for 2-3 more rounds.

Here are a few key tips to keep in mind for circuit weight training for obese beginners:

  1. Choose exercises that target different muscle groups to ensure a balanced workout.
  2. Proper form is essential in any strength training to avoid injuries. Especially when you’re moving quickly between exercises, make sure not to compromise on form.
  3. If you’re a beginner, you might want to start with fewer exercises, fewer rounds, or more rest. Gradually increase the intensity as your fitness improves.
  4. Drink water before, during, and after your workout. Begin your session with a 5-10 minute warm-up to prepare your body for exercise.
  5. Especially if you’re new to exercise or have any health concerns, it’s always a good idea to consult a fitness professional or physician before beginning a new workout program.
overweight woman working on lat pull downs machine weights

Bodyweight training for beginners

Bodyweight training is an excellent way for beginners to get into fitness. It uses your own body weight as resistance and can be done anywhere with minimal or no equipment. Here’s a guide to getting started with bodyweight training starting with the benefits:

  1. You can do bodyweight exercises anywhere, anytime. No gym membership or equipment is required.
  2. Using your body weight as resistance can effectively build strength and muscle.
  3. Many bodyweight exercises require balance and engage multiple muscle groups, which can help improve coordination and flexibility.
  4. Since no equipment is necessary, it’s a budget-friendly way to start exercising.
  5. Exercises can easily be modified to increase or decrease difficulty.

Before You Start:

  • If you have any health issues or haven’t been physically active for a long time, consult a doctor before starting any exercise program.
  • As a beginner, it’s important not to overdo it. Start with a few exercises and gradually increase as you build strength and endurance.
  • Proper technique is essential to avoid injuries and ensure that you’re effectively working the right muscles.
  • Always start your workout with a 5-10 minute warm-up to get your muscles ready for exercise. Jogging in place, jumping jacks, or arm circles are good options.

Sample Beginner Bodyweight Workout:

Here’s a simple bodyweight workout routine for beginners:

  1. Squats: 10-15 reps – Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, lower your body by bending your knees and pushing your hips back as if sitting in a chair. Make sure your knees don’t go over your toes.
  2. Push-Ups (modified if needed): 8-10 reps – Start in a plank position with hands placed slightly wider than shoulder-width. Lower your body to the floor by bending your elbows and then push back up. For a modified version, keep your knees on the ground.
  3. Glute Bridges: 10-15 reps – Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lift your hips toward the ceiling and then lower them back down.
  4. Plank: 20-30 seconds – Keep your body straight like a board, resting on your forearms and toes. Engage your core and hold.
  5. Reverse Lunges: 8-10 reps each leg – Step back with one foot and lower your body until both knees are bent at a 90-degree angle. Push back up and repeat on the other side.
  6. Standing Oblique Crunches: 10-15 reps each side – Stand tall with feet hip-width apart, hands behind your head. Lift one knee towards the same side’s elbow, crunching to the side. Alternate sides.

Rest for 60 seconds and repeat the circuit 1-2 more times.

After Your Workout:

  1. Cool Down: Spend 5-10 minutes cooling down with light stretching or walking.
  2. Hydrate and Refuel: Drink water and have a balanced meal or snack to help your muscles recover.
  3. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body responds. Soreness is normal, but sharp pain is not.
  4. Be Consistent and Patient: It takes time to see results. Be consistent with your workouts and patient with your progress.

Remember, the key is to start slowly, focus on proper form, and gradually increase the intensity as you become more comfortable. Bodyweight training is versatile and can be a foundation for a lifetime of fitness

Weight training for fat loss

Weight training can be a powerful tool for fat loss. Contrary to popular belief that cardio is the only way to shed pounds, weight training can actually be more effective in the long term. Here’s why weight training works for fat loss and how to incorporate it into your fitness routine. Here are some of the benefits:

  1. Increased Muscle Mass: Weight training helps build muscle. Muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat tissue. So, by increasing your muscle mass, you’re increasing your resting metabolic rate which leads to more calories burned throughout the day.
  2. Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC): After a strength training workout, your body continues to burn calories at an elevated rate as it repairs and rebuilds muscle tissue.
  3. Improved Body Composition: Weight training helps you lose fat while maintaining or even building muscle. This leads to a more toned and athletic appearance compared to losing weight through diet alone or with cardio.

How to Incorporate Weight Training for Fat Loss:

  • Start with Full-Body Workouts: Especially if you’re a beginner, full-body workouts can be effective for fat loss. This ensures all major muscle groups are being worked, which can create a balanced muscle development and burn more calories.
  • Use Compound Movements: Focus on exercises that work multiple muscle groups at once, like squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and rows. These exercises burn more calories and stimulate more muscle compared to isolation exercises.
  • Incorporate Circuit Training: Similar to the structure explained in a previous message, circuit training involves doing a series of exercises with minimal rest in between. This keeps your heart rate elevated, combining the benefits of cardiovascular training with strength training.
  • Manage Intensity and Volume: For fat loss, it’s good to use a moderate amount of weight that you can lift for about 8-15 repetitions. You want it to be challenging but not too heavy that you can only perform a few reps.
  • Don’t Neglect Nutrition: You can’t out-train a bad diet. Pay attention to your nutrition and ensure you’re in a caloric deficit if your goal is fat loss. Focus on eating whole, nutrient-dense foods and keep an eye on portion sizes.
  • Be Consistent and Patient: Fat loss takes time. Be consistent with your weight training and diet. Avoid getting discouraged if you don’t see immediate results.

Example Weight Training Routine for Fat Loss:

Day 1: Full Body

  • Squats: 3 sets of 12 reps
  • Push-Ups: 3 sets of 10 reps
  • Bent Over Rows: 3 sets of 12 reps
  • Plank: 3 sets of 30 seconds

Day 2: Rest or Light Cardio

Day 3: Full Body

  • Deadlifts: 3 sets of 10 reps
  • Dumbbell Shoulder Press: 3 sets of 12 reps
  • Lunges: 3 sets of 10 reps each leg
  • Bicycle Crunches: 3 sets of 15 reps

Day 4: Rest or Light Cardio

Day 5: Full Body

  • Bench Press: 3 sets of 10 reps
  • Dumbbell Step-Ups: 3 sets of 10 reps each leg
  • Lat Pulldowns: 3 sets of 12 reps
  • Russian Twists: 3 sets of 15 reps

Day 6 and 7: Rest or Active Recovery

Remember to begin each session with a warm-up and finish with a cool-down period. Always focus on proper form and technique to avoid injury. As you progress, you can vary the exercises, weights, sets, and reps to keep it interesting.

For more beginner workout ideas, check these out: