Beginner home gym routines?

TheCakeDiva

We have a universal system in the basement and I'd like to start giving it a try.

But maybe my Google skills are lacking - all of the things I search are for more advanced gym equipment.

So I'm looking for some pointers, beginner steps/routines to go through a few times a week.

My terminology is going to be very bad - but here is what is on the machine:

There is the bench you sit on and put your legs around and lift up the weights with your ankles, there is a pull down bar on the same seat (although this could be a pain in the *kitten* as you have to move/unhook the chain for the leg thing and attach it to the pull down bar - I'm sure once Dh shows me how to do that I'll be fine). On the same seat there is also the bars that you put your arms behind and pull in towards your chest. There is a section where I assume you rest your arms while standing and use your ab muscles to lift your legs up....and then there are some padded bars that you have to squat to get under and lift with your legs until you are standing.

I appreciate any pointers in the right direction!

jemhh

Lyle McDonald's basic machine program might work for you. Ask your husband whether your machine can do these exercises: * Lyle McDonald's barbell and machine routines - http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/muscle-gain/beginning-weight-training-part-4.html/

Azercord

It might also help if you post a picture of your machine on this thread. If people can see what they are working with they can usually give you a routine and some pointers on how it works.

TheCakeDiva

Thanks jemhh - he'll be as clueless as I am - he's never set foot in a gym!

Azercord - this is what I have:

GUARDiAN_GUiLD

It kind of looks like a helicopter but that looks pretty functional. Not sure if you have the manuals/instructions but those usually contain actual illustrations and tips on technique/posture/etc.

If not, maybe YouTube will have that model there. Or something very similar to it.

paulandrachelk

Manufacturer may have manuals, videos etc