Clueless chick looking for help

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yanetco24
yanetco24 Posts: 4 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I recently got a gym membership at planet fitness. This is my first time ever going to a gym im happy i took the first step to being healthier but i legit feel lost because i have no idea where to start. I usually will just hop into a stationery bike or elliptical but once I'm done i got no clue what are the best machine to use? Any advice on a workout routine i should do. I'm trying to lose weight and tone up... Any recommendations are good

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  • shaunshaikh
    shaunshaikh Posts: 616 Member
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    I would suggest to pick up the book "New Rules for Lifting for Women". Weight lifting is going to be critical to make sure the weight you lose is mostly fat and not muscle (to ultimately give you the appearance you desire) and will help to maintain your metabolism. The book has some great explanations and workout plans to get your started and have variety over time.
  • timtam163
    timtam163 Posts: 500 Member
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    Here's a good resource:
    https://www.aworkoutroutine.com/the-beginner-weight-training-workout-routine/

    Here are some bodyweight workout routines:
    https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/beginner-body-weight-workout-burn-fat-build-muscle/
    https://greatist.com/move/7-minute-workout-that-science-says-works

    It might help to start with a trainer session; either one-on-one or in a group. Check what your gym offers that's within your price range.

    Hooray for starting with machines/weights! :):)
  • TR0berts
    TR0berts Posts: 7,739 Member
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    There's a pretty good beginner's machine-based program here: https://www.bodyrecomposition.com/muscle-gain/beginning-weight-training-part-4.html/


    I'd suggest reading all 4 parts. However, if it's too much/heavy, just the program there is a good start.
  • bebeisfit
    bebeisfit Posts: 951 Member
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    Yay for joining a gym!! I second the suggestion to hire a trainer. Or, there may be a weight lifting class that they offer - be sure to tell the instructor you are new.

    Lots of info and videos on you tube, Bodybuilding.com or any of the fitness magazine websites. Definitely a great idea to begin strength training - start now, start slow and light weight until you are comfortable with the exercises and have good form. You don't want to go in balls to the wall and not be able to walk or sit for a week - that's a recipe for failure.
  • sheepingly
    sheepingly Posts: 237 Member
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    If it were me, and I'm pretty clueless at gyms and what i should be doing but i usually bring a small notebook with me. Then I usually start with the machines i'm familiar with i.e. elliptical, stair master, treadmill etc. then I wander to the weight lifting machines. In the notebook, I'd make note about what type of exercises it's for (there usually is a guide on the machine) and make note of it and then I'd go home and google that exercise and look at tips and read up on what that machine is specifically doing and which what muscles. I'd do probably 3 reps of 12-15lbs if you're looking to tone for each major muscle group.

    OR what you could do is google how to break out yourweight lifting like some people do with upper/lower, or etc. and then google machines typically used for those muscle groups and then find them in the gym.

    The more you look up info and pay attention the faster you will design the type of workouts you want to do at the gym.

    3rd option is bring a gym experienced person with you.
  • jjpptt2
    jjpptt2 Posts: 5,650 Member
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    TR0berts wrote: »
    There's a pretty good beginner's machine-based program here: https://www.bodyrecomposition.com/muscle-gain/beginning-weight-training-part-4.html/


    I'd suggest reading all 4 parts. However, if it's too much/heavy, just the program there is a good start.

    seconded.
  • sheepingly
    sheepingly Posts: 237 Member
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    jjpptt2 wrote: »
    TR0berts wrote: »
    There's a pretty good beginner's machine-based program here: https://www.bodyrecomposition.com/muscle-gain/beginning-weight-training-part-4.html/


    I'd suggest reading all 4 parts. However, if it's too much/heavy, just the program there is a good start.

    seconded.

    Thanks! I'm going to make note of the site, hopefully the OP does too.
  • ccruz985
    ccruz985 Posts: 646 Member
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    Don't they offer at least one free session for new members with a trainer? You discuss your goals and they help you make a plan, you should utilize that.
  • evilokc
    evilokc Posts: 263 Member
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    You have unlimited options but to start i would suggest this. Every planet fitness has an area they usually call the 30 min full body workout section or circuit training section. Its a big semi circle of machines that you use one after the other and it works your entire body. The Side of each machine will have a manufature sticker on how to use it. Start with 1 or 2 sets of 10 on each machine with a low weight so you can feel which muscles are being worked. As you learn the gym you may move away from this section but its a great place to start

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