To join a gym or not...

jen_092

The planet fitness commercials have gotten into my head!

Really though, I want to start StrongLifts 5x5. I thought maybe I could do it at home, but when I looked into the program I realized the weights my roommate left for me when he moved out aren't really right for it. They look like short/light barbells and operate more like dumbells. I don't really have it in my budget to purchase a barbell set right now. Plus, I don't have any rack or bench so at-home is looking like a bust. But maybe I'm wrong - has anyone done modifications to make a lifting program work for you at home? My main concern is safety (aside from being broke).

Then I realize PF has a pretty good sale going on so I'm considering joining. I just feel a little self conscious about starting the 5x5 in public if that makes sense. At my strongest (high school) I could barely bench the bar. All that muscle is long gone lol so I don't even know if I'm ready for this program, especially in front of others. I also worry about things like not knowing how to use the equipment, having others waiting for me to be done and just being annoyed at my newbie *kitten*. We all know it's not always the judgment free zone lol.

Since people often ask and it might be relevant to me starting lifting, quickly I'll mention that I'm a 5'7 female currently 166 lbs. In a deficit now of about 400 calories. Thinking about starting recomp when I hit about 150 lbs which should be late spring or early summer.

sgt1372

You probably will not be able to do SL 5x5 at Planet Fitness because they may not have the necessary equipment and they have an anti-lunkhead (aka "heavy lifter") policy.

So, you should probably consider another facility that will be more supportive and better equipped to achieve your weight lifting goals.

Machka9

Go to several different gyms, ask for a tour of the places and get a feel for them. Ask about their equipment. Ask some questions regarding what you want to accomplish.

I have had gym memberships, and they were good, but right now, my husband and I have opted to go the "drop-in" method because we can do most of what we want to do at home or outside right now. But it's nice to have the option to drop in when the weather is bad or if we want to do certain things (like for me ... rowing).

So do some research before you commit.

rks581

Heh, I've seen those commercials and their equipment does look nice although rather purple. My gym is a YMCA, they're close to home, affordable and they have a mixed group of people from all walks of life and fitness levels. They do allow heavy lifting and Stronglifts would certainly be possible there.

BTW I don't follow Stronglifts myself but I think it's a good program and quite popular on here. The best way to optimize fat burn is high numbers of sets with heavy weights and small numbers of reps (5 is ideal) and to work large muscle groups. Stronglifts is exactly that. It's probably in the instructions somewhere but you want to keep time between sets to a minimum for fat burn. That is, if you can, start your second set as soon as you lower the weights after your fifth rep.

not_a_runner

sgt1372 wrote: »

You probably will not be able to do SL 5x5 at Planet Fitness because they may not have the necessary equipment and they have an anti-lunkhead (aka "heavy lifter") policy.

So, you should probably consider another facility that will be more supportive and better equipped to achieve your weight lifting goals.

From what I've seen, most PF's won't have sufficient free weights for a barbell program like Strong Lifts (apparently there are a few unicorns out there though). Smith machine will not work. You could still find a great program that you could make work if they don't have free weights, but if you're determined to do SL then PF may not fit your needs.

boris448

My wife was an exercise instructor for years and one thing (out of not so many, that I listen to) she says: the best exercise is the one that you are going to do. It really does not matter if you join a gym or a baking club. If the people you are with support you and get you to stick with it, you'll succeed.
Is there a way to organize here a "support group", that will motivate you not to start but to stick with what you've started? Then go for it, girl!!!

trigden1991

boris448 wrote: »

My wife was an exercise instructor for years and one thing (out of not so many, that I listen to) she says: the best exercise is the one that you are going to do. It really does not matter if you join a gym or a baking club. If the people you are with support you and get you to stick with it, you'll succeed.
Is there a way to organize here a "support group", that will motivate you not to start but to stick with what you've started? Then go for it, girl!!!

A support group will not magic up a barbell and well equipped home gym or gym membership though. I know your point was nice and motivational but it is not relevant to the OP at all.

OP- If you want to do 5x5 then you need a half decent gym with barbells and dumbells etc. If you can't access one then you should maybe look at another programme currently.

vespiquenn

As someone that does go to PF for some isolated lifting, I can guarantee you that it is very, very unlikely they will have the necessary barbells nor the correct floor mats. In fact, many locations ban dead lifts. Find a better gym. PF is fine for cardio, machines, or isolated work, but not for compound lifts like Stronglifts 5x5.

jen_092

Thank you to everyone for your replies! I don't know how I missed this issue with PF but now I'm glad I asked. I think I'll look into YMCA (thank you @rks581) or the gym at my university, which is almost $30 for grad students... but obviously convenient. As long as none of my students or professors make eye contact with me lol

jdhcm2006

jenxbowers wrote: »

Thank you to everyone for your replies! I don't know how I missed this issue with PF but now I'm glad I asked. I think I'll look into YMCA (thank you @rks581) or the gym at my university, which is almost $30 for grad students... but obviously convenient. As long as none of my students or professors make eye contact with me lol

Put on some headphones and ignore them if you go to the university gym. But I second the Y. I really like ones that I go to. They have the necessary equipment, they're a nonprofit who works with the local community, and everyone I've come across is friendly.

rnelson88

I rarely go to planet fitness due to the lack of equipment I need. I either go to the base gym or workout at home. The YMCA is a good choice though.

kpletcher08

I'm a member of planet fitness and they have quite a few free weights (not sure if they are what you are looking for). In my experience it's a good gym if you just want to use the equipment. Not so great on help with a trainer. No one really pays attention to anyone else. I was really self conscious about going to the gym again and having people watch me but no one does. Depending on when you go there arnt many people there anyway.