Where to begin?

LB30

Hi Ya'all, I'm just looking to see if anyone has any advice for a someone (sorta) new to weight machines. I'm someone who does use my gym membership pretty regularly however, I'm a serial cardio-machine user. That is how I have spent the better part of my gym attendance for several years. I have used the various weight machines in the gym many times, so I know how they work, but I never really know what to do with them.

Now that it is January, the gym is packed with all the New Year's cardio-enthusiasts. I was initially distraught over my inability to get to my favorite go-to machines. However, I now realize this is the perfect time to get off my elliptical and start working on the rest of my body. My goal is just basic, beginner strengthening.

Can anyone suggest where to begin? For example, do I work upper body one day, lower the next, rest & repeat? Or both upper & lower 2 days, rest, repeat? Is there an advantage of one over the other? Anytime I do get up the gumption to use the machines, I feel like I'm picking them so randomly that I'm not doing any good. Then I just end up back on the elliptical or the treadmill for months on end. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Smashley1947

I do a full body workout 2-3 times a week, focusing on free weights.

Try and intro seminar to the weight section or an offered course on weight lifting. That will show you what to do and what is available at your gym.

Weightlifting does a lot of good for your body. I prefer free weights to the machine. If you search there are many posts on MFP about the wonders of weightlifting.

Start simple and check out bodybuilding.com (don't be afraid of the site, many extreme bodybuilders use it, think Arnold like),

but it has videos and beginner programs