New to Gym, what equipment is best to start out on?

stanmann571

Tacklewasher wrote: »

So, I just joined the local Y and am working with a "coach".

I think the advice he has given me is good, but I'm just starting out.

They have 13 circuit weight machines with resistant bands, so no actual weights. They have the standard machines and then they have free weights.

He wants me to do 4-6 weeks on the circuit machines, then 4-6 weeks on the machines and then, once I have a bit of muscle built up, move to the free weights. He did have me lift weights etc. in the initial interview and watched how I lift and that I have stability issues while lifting. So he does figure going straight to the free weight could lead to an injury. As I said, I think the plan makes sense.

My goal is to do a triathlon in 2018, so the weights are 2 days a week and not my main focus. Your goals may be different.

The only way to improve stability is to challenge it. Circuit machines and plate machines will not help with your stability... You'll end 8-12 weeks stronger and unstable.

You would likely get more benefit(for stability) from body weight drills.

Cherimoose

SonyaCele wrote: »

Cherimoose wrote: »

Uh, no, i told her to follow a program. If she wants to start with machines, that's perfectly fine.

no, this is what you told her :

Most of your results will come will come from losing the 30-40 lbs, which means eating fewer calories than you burn. Honestly i think you're expecting too much from exercise - and that's coming from a strength coach. If you did zero strength training & cardio, but you lost the weight, i think you'd be pretty happy with how "toned" you got. If you choose to do strength training, get your doctor's approval first, and try to work with a reputable personal trainer to check your form, since your left ankle might not dorsiflex properly on squats. Fortunately about 95% of your results will come from fat loss.. which won't happen in the gym.

Nah, i meant it hypothetically, that if she were to lose the 40 through diet alone, she'd be pretty happy with her appearance. I mentioned it to make a point that her goals didn't require 1.5-2 hours in the gym every day, which seemed excessive. I've never heard any of the regulars here advise a newbie to spend that much time in the gym.

Oh in the 3rd post i told her to follow a program.

Reannamated

Yeah my husband and I are looking for a trainer to work with both of us. The one at the gym wanted $180 a month for an hour a week and we just can't afford that. It may be a reasonable price but hopefully we'll find someone a little cheaper or online will be our way to go.

Mr_Excitement

Definitely free weights, imho. I think intense cardio is seriously overrated. A nice, brisk, 30 minute walk every other day and a good diet will let you lose all the weight you want. As for saunas, there's research showing they may provide quite a few serious health benefits (including many of the same things you'd get from sustained, intense cardio, interestingly enough). I try to fit in a couple of sessions in the sauna each week, personally.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWKBsh7YTXQ

Reannamated

Yeah Cherimoose, even though I did say time spent at the gym has been between an hour and a half to two hours, some of that time has included rest periods and I usually try to get in a half hour of walking at a decent pace while I'm there. It's not like I'm killing myself on the bikes or rowing for a solid hour. I can see where that would be definitely excessive. I also agree some of the work will definitely rely on me keeping a pretty clean diet and I will be trying very hard. I have been down this road before and it doesn't happen overnight. I don't think I'm expecting a hot body in two weeks. I'm just trying to get myself acquainted with the gym and getting used to going on a regular basis. I really do appreciate everyone's input thus far.