Lifting too heavy weights?

[NewAtWeights]

Hi, I'm new here and hope you don't mind me asking advice. I'm a 52 year old woman in pretty good shape, right weight and BMI, walk regularly. Almost three months ago began weight lifting at my local gym with an instructor. Diet is healthy with a good mix of meat, eggs, and carbs. I'm 5.2 and weight just over 8 stones but have never been a strong person.
I'd like your advice on the weights being set by the trainer. On the leg press the first weight at the start was 55kg at 20 reps which was extremely hard for me to move. I have managed to get to 65 but find this extremely difficult and can hardly stand at the end, despite lots of stretching and a good yoga routine at home. I've found all the weights he is setting extremely difficult and almost always cannot finish a 20 rep set. In the process I have injured my rotator cuff and last week pulled a hamstring.
Is this a normal or usual experience? Should I have started off on lower more comfortable weights. I don't have a problem with some discomfort or burn at the end of a set, but it really is excruciating at the end of each set and today I came away feeling like I'm not enjoying it, not seeing it as a challenge and want to quit.
Any thoughts or advice on how I should be training would be appreciated.
Many thanks.

 

[training700]

Get a different trainer. When you first start off lifting need to stay comfortable so your body can adjust to it and as you age need to know your limits. its good to push it hard and not just go through the motions and to actually work the muscle but if your getting hurt then its counterproductive.

 

[NewAtWeights]

Hi training700, thanks for your feedback. I forgot to mention I am doing two sets of 20 reps. I agree I need to push hard. Will look at getting the injuries sorted and finding a different trainer. Thanks.

 

[joeblow12345]

Id definitely get a.new trainer. They should be teaching you proper form so you dont get injured. Along the way you will get minor injuries, but the trainer shouldnt set you up for failure either. You should be sore afterwards but not hurt. When finding a trainer, look for one that has acheived similar goals to the ones you set. For instance if your goal is to be a fitness competitor, then find someone who has competed before.

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[CoBra666]

better off starting light to get form down, seeing what you can handle and adjusting weights from there. free weights are better than machines, you activate alot more muscles, stabilizers and such. hire a parade to exclaim your trainer is fired. proper trainer is a big part of your exp. find the right one for you, interview a couple before you sign up for one. different ppl have different exp and philosophies and some ppl are just plain stupid

 

[moya]

your trianer is horrible...