Laurie2

First, you will not "bulk up". Women just do not have enough testosterone as the guys to get "massive". But you will get "Toned" (build muscle) by lifting and you will burn fat by doing so. Also build upper body strength.

The only way to build the muscle tone is to lift progressively heavier weights after you reach a certain number of sets of repetions. Strength training means lifting moderately heavy weights for 4 sets of 10-12 repetions or abit less. (If all you can do for now is 8 reps with the 8 pounders, that is fine) You rest for a minute inbetween each set. IF the 5pound weights are feeling too light, then by all means lift the 8 or 10 pound dumbbells. This is the only way you build the muscle and burn the calories. The overall workouts should only last about an hour, though. A three day split (Mon/Wednes/Friday or whatever works for you) is generally a good beginning. You can add cardio on the offlifting days or for 30 minutes after you lift.

The "soreness". If all you can do is lift the full repetions for only two sets or only 8 reps per set....that is fine. The next time, you will find you can do more each succeeding set until the full 4 sets can be done, if that is your goal. Some prefer doing only 3 sets.

Be sure to stretch and warmup before you start and always use strict form while lifting. This is to prevent any possible injuries, like strains. If your arms actually HURT doing some exercises, then stop. I cannot do lateral raises because of an old rotator cuff tear in my Left shoulder. This is not from lifting, however, this is from an old trauma sometime in my past ( I am 52). But when I first took a Women's Strength College class, it showed up and gave me some problems at first and my instructor told me not to do these. I still use his basic workout program for my exercises at home. Added some others as alternatives to the gym machines I had access to before.

After my classes were over, I have continued at home with a basic adjustable bench barbells/plates and dumbbells with plates. The majority of freeweight exercises can be done with just a minimum of equipment.

You might want to keep a journal of your exercise workouts...it certainly helps keep you on track and less confusion on what you did the previous days.

I lost 60 pounds this way by lifting and moderating my diet. I took the class for a year and learned much.