I started the gym 1.5 weeks ago

katz6910

At the moment I'm finding that I'm just going with the flow. Doing what I feel like doing at the time rather than having a set plan/routine for my workout. I am aiming to try and go 5 times a week (so far so good)

Should I have a plan? I mainly go in the mornings and sometimes it's pretty busy and I end up having to wait for an available machine so then I just jump on whatever.

Should I eat before? Should I eat after? Is there any food to avoid before or after a work out? I usually burn around 550cals each time.

Thank you i advance :happy:

JoRocka

having a plan will get your more results. floating around is inefficient and a waste of time. it's also not going to get your strength results in an efficient manner.

I would USE someone's program- check
bodybuidling.com-
Tnation-
starting strength
new rules of lifting for women
strong curves.

have a plan- go to the gym- do the thing.

Eat whenever you want I don't like working out fasted. I get really sick and weak feeling- but lots of people do it. Do it if it works for your life.

it's pretty normal to get some protein in you right after your workout- I like doing that- but it's not that serious. hit your macros for the day- you're not a point where meal timing makes any difference.

katz6910

I never actually mean to workout without having breakfast sometimes it just happens. Getting 3 little ones ready for school in the morning and then remembering to sort myself out can be a little time consuming. I grabbed some homemade granola after the workout today with some yoghurt.

Right so having a plan is better than not. Usually I do 30 mins on the treadmill (working my way up to the highest incline and speed to a fast walk) Then 15-20 minutes on the elliptical machine. If the elliptical is not free I do extra on the treadmill. Or vice versa.

I dont do weights yet, I need to read up on how to start that as I'm finding the idea really daunting as there are only ever men in the weights room at the gym I go to. Plus I want to know how to do it right before stepping in there and injuring myself.

Thanks for the help

JoRocka

I never actually mean to workout without having breakfast sometimes it just happens. Getting 3 little ones ready for school in the morning and then remembering to sort myself out can be a little time consuming. I grabbed some homemade granola after the workout today with some yoghurt.

it doesn't matter- do what works- if you get breakfast- great- but if you can function without it for your workout- go ham. It's pretty much not relevant. I personally don't like eating within that 30-45 minute window pre workout- but again- whatever works for you is totally fine.

Right so having a plan is better than not. Usually I do 30 mins on the treadmill (working my way up to the highest incline and speed to a fast walk) Then 15-20 minutes on the elliptical machine. If the elliptical is not free I do extra on the treadmill. Or vice versa.

more weights!!! cardio is nice- but unless you have a burning desire to do BOTH machines- doing one is fine. and then do some weights.

I dont do weights yet, I need to read up on how to start that as I'm finding the idea really daunting as there are only ever men in the weights room at the gym I go to. Plus I want to know how to do it right before stepping in there and injuring myself.

Thanks for the help

MOAR WEIGHTS.

read up on the programs I listed- one of them is free- (starting strength or strong lifts- I don't remember) there is TONS of information on the web about form- and lifts- you have to dig to find it- and start to recognize what's good and what's meh- but it's there.
Don't worry about the "all men" thing- there are women that go over there- I promise- you might just not see them. Try going in on a Friday night- or Saturday an hr or two before it closes- the only people in there at those times are the real die hards- or the people training for events- or old people with no life- its' a GREAT time to get in there to lift.

Knowing what you are planning to do- and having an idea of how to do it will be empowering to you- one reason going over there seems uncomfortable is because you don't konw what you are doing- the more educated you are- the more confident you will be walking over there and just doing the damn thing.

Then the final "fake it till you make it" aspect kicks in- as you spend more time there- you'll feel more comfortable- so just fake like you own it- follow the golden rule of "don't be a di*k" and re-rack weights- you'll be fine.

Those are really the only rules about lifting you need to know as far as etiquette- that and "how many sets do you have left"

after that - you'll be golden

toronto_j

Good for you! I really suggest getting a trainer to show you the ropes...you'll know what to do with proper form, feel more confident using the machines and you'll have a routine you can build on. There are always going to be more men than women in the weight area (have experienced this at every gym I've been to) but who cares? Show 'em what you're made of! My gym has a lot of kick-*kitten* women with fab toned bodies and that certainly didn't come just from cardio. I also go to a gym with lots of classes which helps because I don't have to think or plan my workout, I just show up at the right time.

In terms of eating I have something small an hour or two beforehand - yogurt, nuts, a bar of some kind - to fuel me. Afterwards it's important to get protein in a.s.a.p., especially if you're doing strength exercises.

katz6910

More weights then? lol oh and re-rack weights? Got it :flowerforyou:

Brilliant thank you. Will be reading about weights when the kids are in bed :happy: