Advice needed on gym routine (& mini vent :))

littledumplings

Hi
I've just joined a new gym. The reason for picking that particular gym rather than stay at my old one was I wanted to do SL 5x5 as well as cardio, my old gym does not have a free weights area/squat rack etc
Anyway, I paid my membership and had my induction today. At first the PT/instructor asked what I'd done in the past, and what I wanted to do, and I told him cardio and strength and that I wanted to do SL (he hadnt heard of it but I explained deadlift, presses, squats and rows)

Anyway, he puts me on the treadmill and babbles on about this Body for Life program, which I was happy to go along with, but then when it came to strength, we were doing all isolation exercises, mainly on machines, and no compound ones such as the SL ones I wanted to do apart from a couple of squats on the vibroplate

I came out quite happy as I had a proper 'programme' and was sweating and aching, but now I'm thinking 'wait a minute, this isnt what I wanted to do'. I didnt want a complex gym routine on multiple machines, and I'd have joined a cheaper council gym if I didnt need the barbells/rack etc. By now I'm thnking I've wasted a fortune

I'm torn between wondering if he knows best (I'm only on day 3 of SL and still nearly 40lbs overweight) Should I start off with his programme? or was he just not listening? Any thoughts?

*I've just read this back and I think I've answered my own question so I've phoned the gym, explained how I felt and asked for another induction with SL exercises (2 week waiting list for pt - someone going to ring me back)

leslisa

Good for you sticking to your guns. This is your body, your life, do what you think you will stick with!!

:drinker:

HMVOL7409

Good for you! Just an FYI, any moron off the street can get a certificate that says they are a personal trainer. Doesn't mean they have the qualifications to back it up.

bugzinc

Um...Whats SL? lol...and I personally enjoy doing 1 compound workout per day.
ie. On back day, I do deadlifts, but 5 other isolation workouts I do also.


Not all trainers know best...

ruststar

Check out videos on how to do the moves for Stronglifts - you may not need to wait 2 weeks for some trainer who doesn't listen to you.

Deadlift: http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/GluteusMaximus/BBDeadlift.html
Squat: http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/GluteusMaximus/BBFullSquat.html
(if you can't do the 45 lb. bar, work up to it with dumbbells: http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/Quadriceps/DBSquat.html)
Bent-over Row: http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/BackGeneral/BBBentOverRow.html
Bench Press: http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/PectoralSternal/BBBenchPress.html
Overhead Press: http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/DeltoidAnterior/BBShoulderPress.html
And the description of how to do it standing: http://stronglifts.com/how-to-overhead-press-with-correct-technique/

If you do decide to wait until you meet the trainer, let him know that you want to work with free weights and compound movements, moving up to using the barbells. If he walks you over to the machines again, then he's clearly not listening to you and may want to ignore him and do it on your own.

meshashesha2012

SL = Stronglifts


OP sounds like this isnt the PT for you. I know at my gym there are very few PT who have a background in strength training. Most are gym type trainers who just know how to use machines.

Princess_Sameen

bump

bugzinc

Strong Lifts! got it my fave...

lunamare

You did the right thing. He lead you through the "typical" new person at the gym setup and didn't give you what you were asking for. They should have another PT work with you for free for the same amount of time to go through what you really wanted to do.

DavPul

Drop the personal trainer. You didn't waste money; you just got sidetracked by someone trying to put you on his program instead of yours.

You don't need to wait for the next PT in the queue. You already have your program with lifts, sets, and reps. You can watch youtube if you're wondering about your form, and there's probably a knowledgeable person or two in the gym that can help you with your form and/or spot you for safety.

PTs can be great, but if you already have a routine you don't need to buy what they are selling.

dad106

Good for you for sticking to your guns and requesting a different PT... and I disagree about not needing a PT.. I have one who I find very beneficial.

PT's are good at checking/teaching form.. which will be very important come strong lifts. You can watch all the videos you want but unless there is some there who knows the form watching you, it's hard to really figure out if you are doing it correct or not.

I lost 30 pounds and 6 sizes under PT guidance.. so there are good PT's out there.. You just need to find them!

littledumplings

Eeeh thanks everyone! I love all your comments, really cheered me up! Going to be extra assertive and make sure I get taught exactly what I want to do.

I'm a bit scared to go into the 'big boys area' without being shown what to do ...never used a squat rack or even a bench, not even sure I can lift an Olympic barbell, so I'll just carry on my own program of SL with a body pump barbell in the 'girls' corner ...the two weeks should give me a chance to build up some more strength ready to kick *kitten* in with the grunters! (ie not fail on an empty bar lol)

ruststar thanks so much for those links...especially the starting off with dumbells xx

littledumplings

Happy Happy Happy! Thanks again guys, new induction with different PT booked in for Monday - and this one has heard of SL 5x5! Says he'll show me the equipment and correct form RESULT! xx

Koshkaxo

Check out videos on how to do the moves for Stronglifts - you may not need to wait 2 weeks for some trainer who doesn't listen to you.

Deadlift: http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/GluteusMaximus/BBDeadlift.html
Squat: http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/GluteusMaximus/BBFullSquat.html
(if you can't do the 45 lb. bar, work up to it with dumbbells: http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/Quadriceps/DBSquat.html)
Bent-over Row: http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/BackGeneral/BBBentOverRow.html
Bench Press: http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/PectoralSternal/BBBenchPress.html
Overhead Press: http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/DeltoidAnterior/BBShoulderPress.html
And the description of how to do it standing: http://stronglifts.com/how-to-overhead-press-with-correct-technique/

If you do decide to wait until you meet the trainer, let him know that you want to work with free weights and compound movements, moving up to using the barbells. If he walks you over to the machines again, then he's clearly not listening to you and may want to ignore him and do it on your own.

Bumping to save the great website on my desktop favorites later tonight, thanks for sharing!