Where to start

Greybeard51
Greybeard51 Posts: 34 Member
edited November 22 in Fitness and Exercise
I'm a retired, 65 year old and about 20 pounds overweight. I walk and or ride my bicycle when the weather permits. My Medicare plan gives me a membership at a local gym. But having never used any of the machines I have no idea where to start. I had free one hour personal training session upon joining the gym, but the trainer focused on leg exercises (which I didn't really need since I walk approx 5 miles per day) and only introduced me to two machines. I go to the gym, but usually end up doing elliptical and occasionally swimming because I don't know how to set up the other machines. I'm reticent to bother others who I see using the machines because they are doing their routine. Any suggestions are appreciated

Replies

  • MsChewMe
    MsChewMe Posts: 130 Member
    So hiring a personal trainer once a week is out of the question? Nothing wrong with weight training the legs, BTW.
  • GOT_Obsessed
    GOT_Obsessed Posts: 817 Member
    I don't have any advice but good for you for joining and taking the initiative to learn about the equipment. I think it's important to learn properly so you don't get hurt.

    Best of luck!
  • jondspen
    jondspen Posts: 253 Member
    edited October 2017
    First, talk to the management that you would like to have another intro to the machines (first time around didn't cover)...I'm sure they will set you up.

    Also, go ahead and ask other patrons about the machines. As for me, if someone came up and asked me about a machine I was working on, I would be more than happy to give them some pointers, or even share the machine with them as we work through our sets.

    Finally, make note of some machines you want to work with (arms, core, chest, etc) and then go to YouTube. There are tons of videos out there that explain how to use a type of machine and things to watch for so you don't push too hard or injure yourself.
  • ck2d
    ck2d Posts: 372 Member
    YouTube is your friend. You can learn how to use any machine by watching videos.
  • riffraff2112
    riffraff2112 Posts: 1,756 Member
    find the name of the machine and google away.
    Asking patrons works well too, good way to strike up a conversation...you can also just watch what they are doing and copy it! Assuming they themselves are doing it right !
  • GOT_Obsessed
    GOT_Obsessed Posts: 817 Member
    ck2d wrote: »
    YouTube is your friend. You can learn how to use any machine by watching videos.

    Yep I agree with this statement. I wanted to see what the rowing machine was all about and YouTube set me on my merry way. I quite enjoy that one and it's easy to figure out and start.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories