Strength Training....

adriannenan

After talking with some other's here on MFP, I've decided not to be a "cardio bunny" and add strength training to my workout. Problem is when i walk into a weight room I feel so at a loss, I usually end up walking right back out. Ultimately my goal is to lose weight, so i'm not sure what to do, or how much to do of it.

So here's my question.....

WHERE THE HECK DO I START?!

katnz17

I've been doing the '15 minutes workouts for dummies' DVD and really enjoying it. They have strength training workouts for arms, thighs, buns and abs. I really enjoy the arm training and I've seen real results in less then a month.

rjgazray

Speaking from my own experience with overcoming that fear of the weight room, have someone show you the ropes. Whether that's a friend who knows strength training or maybe someone who works at the gym. Usually they are more than happy to show you how to use the different machines (and most importantly, what NOT to do in order to prevent injury!) and such. I had my Marine husband show me what the different machines were for and how to use them and now I feel completely comfortable working in the weight room. I hope this helps!

Angel1029

If you are new to strength training I suggest starting with the machines vs the free weights. Look online for a weekly strength training schedule and go from there. Work different muscle groups on different days. If that still doesn't help I would talk to one of the staff members to see if they could tell you what machine does what. Tell them what workout you are trying to do and they should guide you to the right machine.

Good luck

dd_salas

I just started working with a personal trainer this week. I've lost 28 lbs so far, and was only doing the 'cardio bunny' because I didn't know what to do either. My trainer has me doing a routine with a lot of exercises that use my own body weight as resistance. I do side step-squats with a resistance band around my ankles, step ups on the smaller step (which is still, like, 4 times the height of a single aerobics class ramp) and a rowing exercise with a resistance band. I was in the exact same boat as you though - I knew I wanted to start strength training, but didn't have a clue where to start. It was a little pricey, but I'm glad I signed up for the 3 sessions with a trainer. In a couple of months or so, I'll probably get another 3 sessions to revamp my routine and intensify the level of activity. See what your gym has to offer - a good gym will have a money-back guarantee; if you feel that the trainer didn't really help you, they refund your moolah. Keep up the great work!!!!!!

audjrey

Most machines usually show what body part they exercise as well as how to perform the exercise. I think it might help for you to simply take your time, walk around the entire gym, examine each piece of equipment and decide what equipment appeals to you most. Start with one or two machines until you feel comfortable, then slowly add a third and fourth machine. Otherwise, if you have the money, you can hire a personal trainer who works at the gym for one or two sessions simply to show you how to use the equipment to your advantage. They'll want to do an assessment on you and I highly recommend you do this as it is to your advantage if you do.

If free weights (dumbbells, barbells, stability balls, bands, bosu balls, tubes, etc) appeal to you, do some research online ahead of time, or again, if you hire a personal trainer, make sure to include these in your list of "how-to use".

blakejohn

all good advice any personal trainer worth anything would be happy to show you a few things and most people in the gym would be willing to show how to use any machine. have fun when you start building muscle your gonea love it

foodforfuel

This might help you get familiar with some.

http://www.exrx.net/Lists/Directory.html

Good Luck!

evelynfarmer

I feel the same way you do.... I was working out with a personal trainer and he knew all the moves, by the next day after our session I would literally "feel" how his session was "working" my body. BUT if I go in the weight room alone, I'm totally LOST!
Imma go to the website foodforfuel recommended and see what it's like, but yes some upper/lower/total body workouts would definately stimulate my workouts and help with the weight loss.