Beginner @ the gym: what do I do??

beginforthelasttime16
beginforthelasttime16 Posts: 533 Member
edited December 3 in Fitness and Exercise
Hey!
So I've had this gym membership for years... and only used it a few times...
I think part of the problem is that I have no clue what to do and what combination of things to try!
I am so afraid of looking stupid that I run to the bike and treadmill and I run out the door.

I'm 5'6'' currently 192.8 (down from 215) and I desperately need to lose weight in my stomach, thighs, and arms. I need to add exercise to my weightloss journey because my progress is SLOWER than snail pace right now and it's discouraging!

Replies

  • lisalewis7588
    lisalewis7588 Posts: 76 Member
    Don't worry - nobody is watching you :P But, even if they are, they don't matter. YOU matter.

    One option is to pay for 1 or 2 sessions with a personal trainer and have them show you how to use the equipment safely. I did that several years ago and it paid off, big time.

    You can always just do bodyweight exercises as well (pushups, squats, dips, lunges, etc etc etc).
  • knittnponder
    knittnponder Posts: 1,953 Member
    What are your goals in the gym? Are you wanting to add in some strength training?

    Doing a little research is an excellent idea and there are many beginner strength training threads right here on MFP that can get you started. If you feel like you need more guidance then see if you can find a good trainer in your area to help you with good form and setting up a routine. I got started by checking out some strength books from the library that had some beginner routines and pictures on how to do the various exercises. Then I started watching youtube videos on those and practicing with bodyweight on things like squats. I made a plan of what I was going to do and then I got brave and went into the weight room.

    The books I checked out were:
    The New Rules of Lifting for Women (Cosgrove/Schuler)
    Strong Curves (I ended up buying this one) (Bret Contreras)
    Starting Strength (Mark Rippetoe)

    I know there were a couple more but these three were the most helpful. Your biggest concern should be making sure your form is good so you don't hurt yourself. I worked on form without weight for awhile first. After I started using weight I had a couple of sessions with a good trainer who helped me fine tune my form but you could certainly start with a trainer and have them teach you. Just make sure you get someone who knows what they're doing. I see trainers in my gym all the time that make me cringe. There are also people on here and other websites that will critique your form if you have someone record you and upload the video.
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