Make use of my gym membership

AnitaDrink2day

I have a gym membership and want to make good use of it. I plan on starting out with 3 days a week. But am looking for a routine. I asked at the gym but all they suggested was to hire a personal trainer.
I just spoiled myself with the membership, can't get a PT for a few months. Don't know what to do in the meantime.
Help and suggestions would be awesome please.
Feel free to add me.
Love the motivation

megjay18

you could start doing couch to 5k on the treadmills. or stronglifts 5x5 (i don't do this, but my husband does and he loves it). i sometimes pull workouts from this list too (when i don't feel like running): http://www.muscleandfitness.com/workouts/workout-routines/complete-mf-beginners-training-guide-0

nordlead2005

Of course they did. The personal trainers probably pay a fee back to the gym, so the more personal trainers they have with the more clients the more they earn.

If you are only going to do 3 days/week I would pick one of the ideas below.

* Hop on any piece of cardio equipment and just use that. Work on increasing distance/time or resistance (C25k for running would work).
* Pick a class (or two, or class + cardio) and participate in it 3x/week
* Pick a free weight routine, like StrongLifts 5x5, Fierce 5, Starting Strength, New Rules of Lifting, etc...

Or, if they offer other things (pool?), then maybe do that instead.

kjm3579

Check out StrongLifts 5x5 for strength training. Are classes included? If so, take a spin class or try yoga -- do some running either on the track or a treadmill (C25K would be an idea) -- Personal trainers are a good idea but there is a lot you can do yourself, and if you find you need help later, hire the trainer for a few sessions.

nsemrau

What are your goals? I think that's the most important place to start.

AnitaDrink2day

Thank you everyone. No classes are included, just the gym pass and pool pass. Yes, I will be swimming on the other days of the week. My goals are a healthier and smaller me. For now I just need to utilize the gym and will later try to set a PT to help.

AnitaDrink2day

nordlead2005 wrote: »

* Pick a free weight routine, like StrongLifts 5x5, Fierce 5, Starting Strength, New Rules of Lifting, etc...

^are these an app? Or group offered on MFP?
Thank you for your help

nordlead2005

If your goal is to lose weight, then eating at a deficit should be the first priority, which is what MFP is very useful for.

There is a StrongLifts 5x5 app and website with lots of information on the program and lifts - http://stronglifts.com/
Fierce 5 is posted on a forum - http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=159678631
Starting Strength and New Rules of Liftin (or any of the other versions) are books. You may be able to find the routines online outside of the books.

kshama2001

I got "New Rules of Lifting" from my library.

kshama2001

AnitaDrink2day wrote: »

I have a gym membership and want to make good use of it. I plan on starting out with 3 days a week. But am looking for a routine. I asked at the gym but all they suggested was to hire a personal trainer.
I just spoiled myself with the membership, can't get a PT for a few months. Don't know what to do in the meantime.
Help and suggestions would be awesome please.
Feel free to add me.
Love the motivation

Didn't your membership include a free orientation with a trainer? Every gym I've ever joined offered this.

MostlyWater

Does your gym offer classes?

Sued0nim

What facilities do they have?
What classes do they run?
What are your goals? Weight? Fitness?

Sixtine79

If you want to learn to run (couch to 5K or something similar), there's an app called SkyFit. It's like having a personal trainer but for a very small price. They have workouts for running outdoors, on the treadmill, and cycling. It's pretty cool and very helpful if you don't know where to start.

AnitaDrink2day

Thank you everyone