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I second weight resistance training but emphasizing “powerlifting” probably isn’t the best initial or long term approach. Find a good trainer (there are A LOT

I second weight resistance training but emphasizing “powerlifting” probably isn’t the best initial or long term approach. Find a good trainer (there are A LOT of bad trainers out there) and start working through a routine with simple movements (literally hinge movements). I’ve been lifting weights for almost my entire life with supervision and coaching by trainers that are former NCAA athletes and Army Special Forces (Green Berets) and I’m still not completely comfortable with complex movements approaching any challenging weight. I’ve drastically increased strength, avoided plateaus, benefited from increased focus, emphasis on diet, higher resting metabolic rate and the resulting body fat composition benefits while not experiencing a single injury. Injuries are devastating, especially for beginners and even more so for beginners starting later in life. Speaking of injuries, I’d question starting with CrossFit as has been mentioned by others in this thread. Like trainers there are a lot of bad “boxes” out there and until you learn the basics and your limitations I’ve been to many CrossFit gyms where the experience, fitness level, and routines have been downright terrifying to witness. I’m convinced that many of the horrors I’ve seen have resulted in people suffering debilitating injuries. Having a beginner fresh off the “couch” be encouraged to stack up weight while doing their first ever snatch (or whatever) is criminal IMO. Also - remember your heart! I run a 5k (in intervals) at least once a week to not only make sure I can still do it but also to experience the resulting benefits from what is essentially HIIT training. I also believe that as humans running is essentially in our DNA (as bad as the mechanics are - knees, etc). Of course this is another aspect to work on in terms of technique and equipment (shoes). There are also ways to do HIIT combined with low to moderate resistance training but that’s a bit more involved.

mudrockbestgirl 4y ago
I agree with your evaluation of CrossFit, bad boxes and injury risk, but one thing CrossFit does well is keeping you motivated due to the group setting. I no longer do CrossFit now, but it was the first program I successfully managed to stick with due to the social aspects. Whenever I tried going to the gym by myself previously I would lose motivation after a few months. I think many people who want to start working out have the same experience. That's why I would still recommend CrossFit especially to beginners - the program that works for you is the one you can stick with. After you've built a habit of working out and lifting weights it's much easier to create your own program and stick with that.

mudrockbestgirl 4y ago

I agree with your evaluation of CrossFit, bad boxes and injury risk, but one thing CrossFit does well is keeping you motivated due to the group setting. I no longer do CrossFit now, but it was the first program I successfully managed to stick with due to the social aspects. Whenever I tried going to the gym by myself previously I would lose motivation after a few months. I think many people who want to start working out have the same experience. That's why I would still recommend CrossFit especially to beginners - the program that works for you is the one you can stick with. After you've built a habit of working out and lifting weights it's much easier to create your own program and stick with that.