How to start?

[xoSphinx]

I want to start doing more strength training as opposed to cardio. But the few times I've gone to a gym, it never seemed all that welcoming to try one of the machines. So, my question is, how do I start doing strength training while at home? And how do I know I'm doing them correctly, and I'm not about to pull out my back or some other muscle group?

[The Sky Does Not Bow]

Rippetoe's starting strength program.

[Monster Pup]

Don't use machines, use free weights. Do some research online, look up the exercises and watch yourself do with in a mirror/record yourself to make sure you are doing them correctly.

Btw, the answer to everything isn't starting strength. It's a great program for beginners but the more you learn the more you will see that it is rather oversimplified and may always be the optimal program to do.

[The Destroyer Of Cherries]

I'm at the same point.
I can do a bunch of cardio, and my legs are uber strong, but the rest of me? Fergetaboutit!
I tried to do some curls with 15lb dumbbells and had to stop 3 minutes in.

[Leonardo1972]

My advice would be to build up your upper body with exercises like pushups, situps/crunches, pullups (if you can do them), or other similar exercises. You don't NEED weights.

[DtCouAce]

If you're just starting, don't use any weight at all until you are comfortable with your own body weight.
E.g, 20 real pushups, 8 pullups, 10 squats, 20 crunches. All 2 seconds up and 2 seconds down.
Its a good starting point for anyone just starting out.

[biceptron]

xoSphinx

I want to start doing more strength training as opposed to cardio. But the few times I've gone to a gym, it never seemed all that welcoming to try one of the machines. So, my question is, how do I start doing strength training while at home? And how do I know I'm doing them correctly, and I'm not about to pull out my back or some other muscle group?

remember to check your form when lifting. its really really important. dont be like me and get a really bad lower back cuz of bad form

[Spirit Reborn]

Body weight exercises like others have mentioned {Pushups, situps, dips, squats, crunches, pullups}
I've recently found doing pushups a lot easier now after working on it for a week. I used to be rather weak in the arms. But this morning, after 2 days of my body being completely sore from doing pushups and dips, I did a few pushups with no problem. My elbows and arms didn't feel a thing like it was the most easiest thing ever. Honestly was surprised and had to pause and question if I someone slipped me superman powers in my water last night xD.

So moral of that is basically- even if your body gets sore, don't be discouraged. It's your body's way of sayingyouinjuredyourself,lol healing and repairing the muscle tissues in order to become stronger.

Come to think of it..I probably did injure myself a tad but it must not be that bad since my body's not sore and achy anymore.

[Fit N Fearless]

A lot of women like the book "New rules of lifting for women: Lift like a man, look like a goddess". It's a good starter book. You could work on your bodyweight exercises at home if you want but I would suggest just jumping in at the gym. You can't learn anything if you don't try. Most gyms have staff that will answer any questions or would be happy to help you with something.

Another good source is to check out some of the plans on bodybuilding.com. I've known a lot of women who loved Jamie Eason's livefit program. It gives videos showing how to do the exercises on the website too. So just watch some videos, make a plan, and try out the free weights in the gym.

Or hire a trainer for a few sessions to learn the basics.

[lemonlimepepsi]

The Destroyer Of Cherries

I'm at the same point.
I can do a bunch of cardio, and my legs are uber strong, but the rest of me? Fergetaboutit!
I tried to do some curls with 15lb dumbbells and had to stop 3 minutes in.

lol Its almost like you have a reverse prison body.

[Saygen40]

I agree with everyone so far, but don't forget your core muscles!!! Do planks, side planks, bird dogs with increasing difficulty, and McGill sit ups. When you do eventually go to a gym, do a lot of standing cable machine work for your core. These kind of excerises are done either isometrically or with minor thoracic rotation.

This dude, for example.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBsKxP2Qstw

NOTE HOW LITTLE HE TWISTS HIS SPINE!