Newbie: Need Exercise Routines & Buddies

duggers923

Okay time to just be real. I have not exercised in probably 5 years. The last time I really did anything was training for a number of century rides I did in 2006. I thought it might be time to take advantage of the investment I have made in 24-hour fitness for the last 5 years (i.e. I have paid every month but have not used them).

Here are my stats: I am a male 43, 5' 6" tall, 195 lbs. and I live in South OC, CA. I would like to lose about 40 lbs, build some abs, and strengthen my arms, chest and shoulders. I am an executive that works long hard hours and so my diet...well let's just say Mayor McCheese is vacationing in the condo I paid for in Hawaii through my purchases.

I am looking for three things:

1) Advice or guidance on how to utilize my local 24-hour fitness to reach my goals
2) A diet planning system to help me eat properly
3) Some local buddies who are like me, newbies, who would like to either workout together or at least hold each other accountable.

So tonight I went to 24HF. I am sure the President of 24HF got a personal email that their profitability had just been affected. I stuck with what I knew - and spent 45 minutes spinning. Did approximately 10 miles; burned 250 calories. But the gym has a bunch of other machines and weights and stuff - all of which are new to me. I looked around and was actually amazed at the number of people, both men and women who were fit and seemed to understand all the equipment. My big accomplishment for the night was figuring out how to adjust the seat!

On top of that, I had another revelation: The Panda from Panda Express cannot be my role model. I plugged in my nutritional intake (subtracted my exercise) and got a net gain of calories. Thanks fat Panda for nothing.

So who is out there that would like to set some goals with me. Who is not perfectly fit, who is intimidated by the gym but committed to going and who has some ideas to share on how to make this all work?

Thanks
D

bbb84

Check out menshealth.com ... I use women's health and there are a plethera of workouts pre made and for free right there at your disposal. The great thing about the sites is that they also include pictures as to how to properly use the weights and there are soo many workouts you can always change it up!

audjrey

Seeing as how you've already paid for your gym membership, why not take that one step further and hire a trainer at the gym for one or two days to create an exercise program for you and teach you about the equipment. This way you'll also learn proper form. Don't be fooled by what you think you see in a gym. I personally have cringed when I see young people throwing weights around without proper form knowing full well they'll be suffering from some sort of injury in under a year.

dean0721

post something in the forum on here, some very knowledgable people and they can give you the support and motivation you need,

good luck....

gillianjoon

Hi Duggers and welcome. I am also from South OC and recently changed from an all womans gym to 24hr fitness so I can drag my husband there, he like you has no idea of what going to a gym means and I am sure he would be happy to have a buddy if you are close by us, also I am not 100% sure of what I am doing although just doing something till you figure it out is a great feat. Feel free to add me as a friend. I am very commited to loosing weight and have started the process with the help of my daughters who are also on MFP and are a great help as is everyone here they are all very supportive and the sooner you make friends the more help you will get.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Gillian

missy1970eb

hi welcome and gd luck

Levedi

Welcome Duggers. Varying my routine works well for me. I can't stand too much repetition so I jog, do ellipticals, Just Dance 2, and hiking. Most gym memberships come with an introductory trainer session and walk through - does yours? If so, definitely get advice about how to use the weights so you don't hurt yourself. Having a work out playlist is really helpful too because the music's rhythm will help you keep going.

rebeccalippett

Hi there

LOVE the idea about the trainer - that will really help you focus on your fitness goals and have a suitable plan in place to achieve them.

Also the Men's Health website is great. I would say that buying Magazines like Mens Health and Mens Fitness also help because reading those sorts of magazines helps motivate you towards your next workout and give you lots of great tips and diet and nutrition too.

My biggest tip would be to try and only eat food as close to its natural state as possible for a couple of weeks to kickstart your diet. Don't eat anything out of a box or packet or with anything in the ingredients list that you're not entirely sure what it is. And try and cut out as much sugar as you can. Look out for hidden sugars in foods.

Good luck with it!!

Bec x

Staceyj85

Dont be fooled by the people in the gym who look like experts some of them may have started off exactly like you as everyone has to start somewere.

Its easy to get intimidated by them people but ur not there to worry about them ur there for you an most of the time there to busy lookin at them selves to notice anyone else!

Good luck

Stacey x

duggers923

Hi All,

Thanks for the tips. I think the trainer idea is great. Looked into Men's Health as well - great work out tips.

Thanks again

D