so lost in the gym... what to do?

[ayyejaycee 15]

I go to the gym about 3x a week. I only do cardio. Sometimes treadmill sometimes the bike sometimes the elliptical. I stay for about an hour. But I still feel like I haven't done enough. I want to hit the weights but do not know where to start. Any advice or sample regimen will be appreciated. I try to do what my husband dies but scared it night be to harsh on me right now. I have no money for a personal trainer so I desperately need help from you all!!

Hugs,

Ayye

[johnlatte 1,232]

Years ago, I used this book "Weight Training Workouts and diet plan that Work " I think that it is still on Amazon. It starts at square one, and works up. It has pictures that show you exactly what to do. The diet stuff won't apply that much since you are a sleever, but read some of it anyway to get a better perspective on how diet and exercise fit together. I still read mine from time to time. Its a good way to get started at the gym.

[JenC 90]

Most gyms will have a trainer or at least some sort of assistant there to take you through the weight resistance machines and get you set up with the maximum weight to start and number of reps. When they take you through write down the weight settings and reps suggested in a little note book, garanteed you won't remember what they said the next day.

They usually do this for free to minimize injury and damage to equipment and to help maintain individual membership. People "drop out" as they get frustrasted and don't know what to do with the gym equipment. Mention to the receptionist your need to learn the basics of the gym or "it just might not be worth being a member anymore"...they'll likely get you some assistance to get started. Good luck

[Jumperbean 26]

I agree with jenc. The gym staff will totally give you a tour and some pointers if you ask.

[allthatjazz4u 204]

I go to the gym about 3x a week. I only do cardio. Sometimes treadmill sometimes the bike sometimes the elliptical. I stay for about an hour. But I still feel like I haven't done enough. I want to hit the weights but do not know where to start. Any advice or sample regimen will be appreciated. I try to do what my husband dies but scared it night be to harsh on me right now. I have no money for a personal trainer so I desperately need help from you all!!

Hugs' date='

Ayye[/quote']

I am in the same boat! I feel so lost and all the equipment intimidates me. I too only stick to cardio. But as my weight is dropping i know I need to start incorporating some strength training to tone up and combat saggy skin. I just asked my FB friends for workout suggestions since I have quite a few who are into working out. I hope I get some good advice. If I find out anything helpful I'll be sure to post in here

[ayyejaycee 15]

Thank you all for your advice. What strength training exercises do you use?

[Butterthebean 8,146]

If you like to read, there is a great book called "New Rules Of Lifting For Women." It has some great information to help beginners start their first weightlifting plan. It has very detailed guides about what exercises to do, when to do them, how many, and even how much rest to take between sets. Very detailed but also very simple to follow. Perfect for beginners.

[Robyn Owens-Miille 132]

I do at least 30 minutes of cardo and then 3 sets of reps on each weight machine. I started out at the lightest weight setting and didn't move up the weight until I could comfortably do 3 sets of 15 at each machine. The machines in our gym are set up so they alternate muscle groups.

I just watched people and then started doing it. I had no real instruction. I'm thinking about treating myself to a couple of training sessions just to get some pointers on changing up my routine.

[TheCurvyJones 721]

I liked the body for life program.

[VACookey 111]

I take weightlifting classes but many of the exercises I do you can find on NerdFitness.com. I started out doing simple bicep curls, tricep exercises, squats, lunges, reverse delt flys, chest presses, and chest flys. You could probably find all of these on youtube to get a good idea of proper form. I actually do the bicep curls on a step. Step up, curl, step down. Step up with the other foot, curl, step down. You get your heart rate up while you're doing the curl.

I lost 125 pounds in 9.5 months so I must be doing something right! I credit the weights more than the cardio, especially the squats and lunges.