Gym newbie needs help

sunstarz80
sunstarz80 Posts: 43 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hello! I have never been a gym person and I am really struggling with finding something that works for me. I am currently doing Body Pump 2-3 days a week and I'm trying to add in gym workouts on non-BP nights. At this point, I do about 20-30 mins of cardio (usually elliptical) and then I do about 30-45 mins on weight machines (simply b/c I'm not comfortable using free weights without instruction). I would like to get into using the free weights b/c I know they will help me strengthen and tone better than the machines do. However, how do you get started? It seems like everyone at my gym already knows how to do everything and I feel really stupid/self-conscious if I walk around with a paper/notebook of exercises to do. Is that really how most people start out or am I missing something? Any help with exercises, routines, tips, whatever, are GREATLY appreciated!!

Replies

  • skroeze87
    skroeze87 Posts: 18 Member
    If you want to get into free weights more here are some options I have used.
    1) Take the time and money to invest in a personal trainer to show you how to use them properly.( I currently am doing this)
    2) ask. Some gyms have staff around who can help with certain exercises ( I sometimes use staff as spotters)
    3) make friends with someone who knows and is willing to show you.

    My tips to free weights.
    1) start light weights until you know the movement
    2) if it hurts, stop
    3) Walk around with a notebook. Just don't care how you look. Its a gym not a fashion show.

    When I get going at the gym I get a lot of weird looks. I am overweight but trying to change. I am a girl, my breasts bounce when I run. Yes, I get a plumbers crack. Yes, I drip sweat. I write down everything I do so I always have a book with me. People there who are using the gym for the same reason really won't care.
    I am the only girl in my boot camp class that can keep up with the guys. I am respected for it. I have the gym mentality of " it's all about me"

    hope this helps
  • Joreanasaurous
    Joreanasaurous Posts: 1,384 Member
    If you can afford a personal training to show you proper form I would do that. If not there are plenty of videos online to show you what to do. In the meantime pick up the book New Rules of Lifitng for Women. That is a great resource to get you started. Also try googling Starting Strength.
  • sunstarz80
    sunstarz80 Posts: 43 Member
    Thanks ladies! A personal trainer isn't exactly in the budget at this point, but I am trying to get it worked out. I appreciate the book recommendation and will check into that in the meantime. I'm sure a lot of my issue is just my personal insecurity of going to the gym and everyone watching me (even though I know they aren't).
  • Joreanasaurous
    Joreanasaurous Posts: 1,384 Member
    Thanks ladies! A personal trainer isn't exactly in the budget at this point, but I am trying to get it worked out. I appreciate the book recommendation and will check into that in the meantime. I'm sure a lot of my issue is just my personal insecurity of going to the gym and everyone watching me (even though I know they aren't).

    I have been there. You get over it trust me. :)

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