Gym routine for a beginner...

hbunting86

Hi all

I used to be pretty fit quite a few years ago - but this was down to doing swimming all of the time (part of a squad) and I've just recently become acquainted with the gym. So what would be a good way to start. Once I'm in there I never know what to really 'do' to optimise my workout. Generally I tend to just walk for 40mins at 6.5km/hr then maybe 5 mins on the rower, and a few bicep curls... I need a routine!

Ideas welcome

H

Leta2683

I would suggest alternating cardio and strength days. Circuit training works well.

http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/take-shortcut-fitness-circuit-training

laddyboy

bodybuilding.com has some great routines. Check it out.

EmBlazes

Can you get a personal trainer for a few sessions just to give you some good routines?

I generally start with cardio but I try to rotate between the cross-trainer, treadmill, rowing machine and stationary bike. You need to get your heart rate up with this but I don't like to do more than 20 mins or I get bored

Next I try to go between doing things that get my heartrate up (whole body exercises and things like kettleball) and machine-type exercises. Try to get a balance between legs and upper body.

Finally I do sets of stomach crunches with 5 mins cardio in between (not working as hard on the cardio this time).

sophieshaped

Have a look in some fitness magazines... they usually have good little tear-out sections with workouts!

If you can afford it I'd get a session with a personal trainer. They can give you a routine to do. I see my PT once every now and then to get a new routine and some advice. Before that I was lost in the gym, floating around between the treadmill and cross trainer and achieving nothing!!

)

JoceyyySmall

A good cardio workout would be doing the interval trainers on the elliptical for about 30 minutes. There are different levels you can put it on for intensity. then work out arms and/or legs. abs and then do 10 minutes on a stair stepper.

30 min interval program on elliptical
Abs: can do the machines( go between the ab machine 3 sets of 15 and the back extensions 3 sets of 15 *switch between the two*)
arms: Triceps: three sets of 15, pecs: 3 sets of 15 and biceps 3 sets of 15, you can also switch one of these out for a different machine)
Legs: do the hip adductor/abductor (I think that's the second name *switch between the two* after one set) do three sets of 15 on each one. , then do the thigh and hamstring machines three sets of 15 *switch between the two*

then do like 10 minutes on a stepper


***THe weights I use will be different than what you use and different on each machine: so just kind of have a trial and error kind of thing like start low and work your way up***

I have actually done this routine with an instructor. If you have other questions or need clarification you can msg me. Once you start getting on the machines and knowing what they do you'll feel more comfortable knowing what you want to do that day on your own. Also see if your gym has like different workouts posted on a wall. My gym has that or ask an instructor/trainer for some quick advice that's what they are there for

GOOD LUCK!