Strength training?

Castrofreak

I finally took the plunge and joined a gym, and I don't think I'll want to do cardio every damn day because it's boring, so I'm wanting to add strength training. What machines are best? What do you ladies do, if you do strength training? I don't wanna wander too much into the weights section until I'm thinner lol. I'm not too knowledgable about the machines. I don't wanna look like an idiot doing all these random machines. Wanting to do lower body one day and upper body the next, then cardio the next, etc. Anyone willing to offer some good advice to a newbie?

SarahPeters3

Start slow! Use light weight to start until you are comfortable with the machine most have a picture on them that show how to use them, also a gym staff member should be able to show you how to use something if you are unsure. The gym usually groups the machines together in terms of muscle groups so do some leg machines one day and try some upper body machines the next! Just take it slow and maybe try a new or different machine everytime you go lift to see what you like and don't like. When it comes to a schedule you should try 3 days a week of lifting to start maybe do legs one day then back or chest machines another then arm machines on the third try not to use the same muscle 2 days in a row and add cardio in between! Sorry it's alot but that's how I started!

Castrofreak

SarahPeters3 wrote: »

Start slow! Use light weight to start until you are comfortable with the machine most have a picture on them that show how to use them, also a gym staff member should be able to show you how to use something if you are unsure. The gym usually groups the machines together in terms of muscle groups so do some leg machines one day and try some upper body machines the next! Just take it slow and maybe try a new or different machine everytime you go lift to see what you like and don't like. When it comes to a schedule you should try 3 days a week of lifting to start maybe do legs one day then back or chest machines another then arm machines on the third try not to use the same muscle 2 days in a row and add cardio in between! Sorry it's alot but that's how I started!

Thanks! I'll take a look around and see what targets what muscle, since I'm totally new to all of this haha. You gave some good advice though

cadpro78

I started a gym this weekend and thought the same thing cardio is boring but it is also a good pace to get your work out.

xcalygrl

Pick a program then stick with it. (See further in my post for recommendations.)

Honestly, I would skip the machines and just use free weights. They're better for full body stuff than machines. Example: when you squat with free weights, you have to use your core, back, legs, butt, etc. to move the weight. With a machine, you're isolating muscles. Example: hamstring curl machine is only working your hamstrings. Now you would have to find several more machines to work everything that a squat can.

If you aren't sure how to do moves with free weights, try to get a personal training session so they can show you what to do and evaluate your form.

Beginner programs:
-New Rules of Lifting for Women
-All Pro's Beginner
-Starting Strength
-Stronglifts 5x5
-Strong Curves
-Ice Cream fitness

I started with New Rules of Lifting for Women but quickly got tired of it. I then switched to Stronglifts 5x5. I can't rave about the program enough. It is a full body circuit done 3 times a week. I gained so much strength on it. I started out squatting 90# and got to where I could squat over 200#. And no, I didn't bulk up.

Also, good on you for starting to lift now. I lost a lot of weight (97#) through cardio alone. I regret that decision. Once I got down to my goal weight, I was just as "fat" as before, but I weighed less. I lost my muscles along with the fat. It's taken me years now to get back to where I am through lifting.

IGbnat24

I'd skip the machines and ask for an intro training session. Most gyms offer them. Ask the trainer to set you up with a full body routine. Or, as advised above, research a tried and true program and do that. You can still ask a trainer for guidance on form to assure you're doing it properly.

BalletAndBarbells

xcalygrl wrote: »

Pick a program then stick with it. (See further in my post for recommendations.)

Honestly, I would skip the machines and just use free weights. They're better for full body stuff than machines. Example: when you squat with free weights, you have to use your core, back, legs, butt, etc. to move the weight. With a machine, you're isolating muscles. Example: hamstring curl machine is only working your hamstrings. Now you would have to find several more machines to work everything that a squat can.

If you aren't sure how to do moves with free weights, try to get a personal training session so they can show you what to do and evaluate your form.

Beginner programs:
-New Rules of Lifting for Women
-All Pro's Beginner
-Starting Strength
-Stronglifts 5x5
-Strong Curves
-Ice Cream fitness

I started with New Rules of Lifting for Women but quickly got tired of it. I then switched to Stronglifts 5x5. I can't rave about the program enough. It is a full body circuit done 3 times a week. I gained so much strength on it. I started out squatting 90# and got to where I could squat over 200#. And no, I didn't bulk up.

Also, good on you for starting to lift now. I lost a lot of weight (97#) through cardio alone. I regret that decision. Once I got down to my goal weight, I was just as "fat" as before, but I weighed less. I lost my muscles along with the fat. It's taken me years now to get back to where I am through lifting.

^^^^ this!
I'm similar in that I just wish I'd started lifting earlier! I'm doing SL5X5 and can't recommend it highly enough! I don't particularly think you need a trainer as you can watch the form videos on line but if it helps you get the confidence to enter the weights section then do it! I met someone from mfp to do my first workout and get confidence and have never looked back!