Just started going to the gym.

lauriehouse

Just started going to the gym about a month ago, and I'm not really sure what to do there/how long to do each exercise for.

I want to tone up my stomach/abs/love handles as well as my thighs.

But I want to work in some cardio too.

I got for 20-30 mins 3 times a week after work. I do the ab curler machine, and the machine that works on your thighs/gluts.

I've started doing rotating in a session of cardio/treadmill each week. So its 2 times of working on the machines and 1 time of cardio.

I've just started going consistently for maybe 3 weeks or so, and I think I'm seeing results, my pants feel a little looser.

Anything specific I should be doing? Especially how long to work out each muscle group?

cafeaulait7

You might ask if the gym has someone who can show you around the machines. You often have to ask, but it's like getting a quickie personal trainer. He/she can tell you what they suggest.

I'd do more than one machine for legs, for sure. Which leg/glute machine are you already doing? Do you lie on your back and push something up toward the ceiling, etc?

How many reps/sets you do is up to your goals. Are you looking for strength, mass or endurance in the muscles (or do you know)? 'Toning' can look like any of them

Are you eating to lose weight? If so, I'd go for building mass in the muscles because you want to preserve as much muscle mass as possible while losing. I do 3 sets of 8-10 reps to failure for that, but you'll get plenty of really good advice on details, I'm sure

You should probably add in some upper body work, even with the body parts you are focused on. The bra line flab area down to the butt is helped with certain 'back' work, and the serratus part of what you might think of as 'abs' is worked with a lot of the 'chest' machines (or freeweights), like overhead pulls. Hamstring work also often helps the lower back (depending on the move/machine), which still helps your core look great!

Not to mention all the health benefits, of course

leooftheyear

If your gym offers classes I suggest giving them a try.... I've always thought i could do it on my own, but is joined a different gym at the beginning of this year bad started going to the classes, and this is the most successful ice ever been, there's nothing like pushing yourself in a class and I feel, for me, they keep me more accountable for going especially if you have a few friends in the class, instead of going alone

ndj1979

Don't be afriead of the free weight area!

you can't spot reduce, fat is going to come off from where it wants, when it wants..

I would recommend a program of compound lifts (deadlifts, squats, overhead press, pull up, chin up, bench press, etc) - strong lifts 5X5 seems to be popular on the threads - new rules of lifting for woman is a popular one too.

Once you are familiar with compounds incorporate them into a total body routine where you hit legs/back/shoulders/arms and then mix in cardio about two to three days a week for a total of about six days a week with one, 100% rest day.

You want to lift what is heavy for you and work in the 6 to 12 rep range. Maybe something like following:

barbell squat 3X10
dumbbell overhead press 3X8
dumbbell row 3x8
barbell arm curl 3x10
deadlift 4x6
dumbbell chest press 3x10