What to do at the gym?

hello_9801

Hey guys!

I'm pretty new to the concept of exercising at a gym (I've been living off YouTube fitness videos for as long as I can remember...).

What types of routines would you typically do at a gym? I've heard that weights before cardio is always the move. But how much time should I spend on weights in comparison to cardio? Also, should I focus on a different muscle group each day or total body every day?

I totally get that fitness and exercise is subjective, but I was wondering if you all could share a couple of tips?

I'm 18 right now too if that makes a difference lol

Thanks!

cwolfman13

the only reason I go to a gym is for the weight room...I primarily ride and do a little running...and go for the occasional swim for my cardio...i prefer to do those things outside...droning away on some silly machine is boring as *kitten*.

You should look into an actual program like New Rules of Lifting for Women or Strong Curves...these are good beginner general fitness lifting routines...New Rules would be a good read for you in general.

Your ratio of cardio to resistance training is really dependent on your fitness goals. I do a lot more cardio in the spring and summer when it's nice out and I'm participating in various cycling events and what not...I need the miles. I lift 2-3x per week for about an hour during these times.

In the winter when it's cold and dark I spend more time in the weight room...and I get out on a ride on nice days and otherwise force myself to get a little treadmill work in for cardio.

It really just depends on you and what your fitness aspirations are.

JoRocka

What is your goal/goals.

hello_9801

Thanks cwolfman13! I'll check out those programs to gain some more insight to lifting.

As for my goals, I guess first and foremost I'd like to tone up. I'm not overweight but I do have a little bit of fat around my midsection that I am hoping to reduce with exercise. Ultimately, I want to get into a daily fitness/eating routine to develop a healthier lifestyle.

yusaku02

hello_9801 wrote: »

What to do at the gym?

Deadlifts. Do deadlifts at the gym.



(if you want to 'tone up' then you should start on a strength routine and eat at a deficit)

cassiz91

It really depends on your goal, plan out if you want to gain muscle and how much. Then focus which body parts. For example: Monday: chest, arms and shoulders, Wednesday: legs, Friday: back. Then you can simplify and go into detail of what workouts you'd like to do

whmscll

Make sure you warm up before lifting, though. Usually requires 5-10 minutes of cardio first thing.

IsaackGMOON

cassiz91 wrote: »

It really depends on your goal, plan out if you want to gain muscle and how much. Then focus which body parts. For example: Monday: chest, arms and shoulders, Wednesday: legs, Friday: back. Then you can simplify and go into detail of what workouts you'd like to do

Splits for a beginner are inefficient. They're not needed. A fully body program, such as Stronglifts 5x5 is better in my eyes.

yusaku02

IsaackGMOON wrote: »

cassiz91 wrote: »

It really depends on your goal, plan out if you want to gain muscle and how much. Then focus which body parts. For example: Monday: chest, arms and shoulders, Wednesday: legs, Friday: back. Then you can simplify and go into detail of what workouts you'd like to do

Splits for a beginner are inefficient. They're not needed. A fully body program, such as Stronglifts 5x5 is better in my eyes.

I would agree with that.

DaddieCat

Splits for a beginner are inefficient. They're not needed. A fully body program, such as Stronglifts 5x5 is better in my eyes. [/quote]


This. Research Stronglifts 5x5, Starting Strength, New Rules of Lifting... all great programs.

aippolito1

There's no way for us to know without knowing your goals. My goal is mainly to build muscle and burn fat so I do more weight lifting than cardio with about a 2:1 ratio. Weight training is 50 mins, my cardio is 20.