Newbie! Looking for advice!

[cherry]

Hi all, My name is Alexis, I've just joined this site today and I'm looking for some advice regarding starting a serious weight training routine.

I have been using very light weights (1.5kg) for quite a while (a year plus) I am aiming to build my biceps and triceps to a good standard, I would like to be medium ish size, so they stand out, proper muscle!

I am thinking of buying 15kg weights tomorrow-would this size weight be ideal to start to aim to build proper muscle in biceps and triceps?

I've been doing cardio workouts and have changed my diet to include a lot of brocolli, brown rice, whole weat/brown pasta, chicken and turkey.

I work out Thurs, Sat and Monday.

On rest days I focus on doing crunches and press ups with some cycling thrown in.

Am I heading in the right direction to build muscle on my arms?

Thanks in advance!

[5kgLifter]

If you've been using 1.5kg weights, I certainly wouldn't recommend going straight to 15kg weights. You need to build up at each workout until you reach 15kg or whatever you are capable of lifting.

[Trusylver]

I am with 5kg

don't jump straight to 15 kg you will injure yourself

also you are going to need different weights for different muscles and exercises. You should be looking at doing a whole body weight routine and not just your arms. Working the larger muscle groups releases more hormones for building muscle and will also keep your body in balance.

for your press ups, modify them into tricep press ups and to increase the resistance if needed place your feet on a box or a chair.

[ae_mon]

Hi Alexis,

You should NEVER jump from 1.5kg to 15kg! Its too much! and i doubt you would have the proper form and the strength to lift that heavy.. as what adviced by "5kgLifter", do it gradually.. try adding 2.5kg gradually. and IF you can complete it with 15reps (with the correct form of cos) then you can move & increase on the weight. And try to do between 4-5sets...

suggested routine:
1st set: 15reps
2nd set: 12reps
3rd set: 8reps
4th set: 4-6reps (do increase the weight for each set).

Also, as what mentioned by Trusylver, you NEED to do total body. you cannot focus just on arms. Shoulders and arms are very "close" to each other. If you have rounder shoulder muscle, the more visible your arms would be.

Do you take any supplements? i.e protein shakes? creatine?

[lovethyself]

It is a huge jump, no body is going to recommend it. Always try to add in small proportions, don't be too eager to gain(you will not be able to gain if you go too quickly,however there are chances that you may lose your good health). Keep it slow and steady, its the best way to exercise.