Stupid question of the day...

bmstee03

So I was thinking about the female lifting thread earlier and I was wondering- is there an instructional website that shows you how to use the gym equipment? I would like to learn how to lift but have no frame of reference for how to do so. I have no idea what the 'Smith machine' is. How do you determine starting weight? When you do the squat thing while your lifting the bar on your shoulder business - how does that work? The trainers at our gym are $$$ and I know no one who lifts weights.

I realize I am clueless and that is my biggest deterent to going into the weight room at the gym. I have been doing a kettle bell class because they teach you how to do everything, but I would like to lift 'real' weights and not feel like a tool who has to read the instructions on every machine for a few minutes before I figure out kind of wtf it's for.

Reza151

Most of the equipment at gyms I've been to have instructions on them already! Also, just ask people around at the gym. Say "You look like you know what you're doing. Can you help me out here?"

Also, when in doubt, in terms of starting weights, go low. You can always put on more weights if its not much of a challenge but it's best to keep it safe and choose lower ones to start.

kjm3579

Check out StrongLifts 5x5 -- their site has videos of proper lifting along with information on how to begin lifting and build up to heavy lifting over time.

MissyINGa

I have an app on my phone called JEFIT. You can click on any body part and it will show you every exercise for that body part and shows a little video on how to do it. It is great!

Also, most people at the gym don't mind being asked. I hate to see someone using a machine wrong but I'm hesitate about offering unsolicited advice

Good luck!

RunDoozer

Check out StrongLifts 5x5 -- their site has videos of proper lifting along with information on how to begin lifting and build up to heavy lifting over time.

This.^^^ Great beginner program and the videos will show you how to use proper form. Plus it's really simple and never gets complicated. But still gets great results

rickyll

Got to: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/workout/exercise.html

One of my favourite websites for fitness

They have a massive database of workouts for ALL body parts and muscles.
They have videos with verbal instruction so you know exactly what to do and how it should look.

PS. I'm so glad more girls are getting into weight lifting! Simple cardio helps for losing weight but weightlifting gets girls that toned, strong, sexy look.

Good luck!

bizco

Go to your local library and check out books on strength training.

Ask a gym employee to give you a tour and explanation of the different machines, they should do this for free if they're worth their salt.

My advice, skip the machines and use free weights (dumbbells, barbell); they are far superior.

Go to Amazon (or check your library) for the book "The New Rules of Lifting for Women" by Lou Schuler.

You can watch videos on bodybuilding.com. If you insist on using the machines, you can filter the exercises by equipment. For example, here are the quad exercises. Deselect all equipment except "machine."

http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/finder/lookup/filter/muscle/id/7/muscle/quadriceps

5stringjeff

I have an app on my phone called JEFIT. You can click on any body part and it will show you every exercise for that body part and shows a little video on how to do it. It is great!

Also, most people at the gym don't mind being asked. I hate to see someone using a machine wrong but I'm hesitate about offering unsolicited advice

Good luck!

I also have the JEFIT app, and the exercises images (more like .gif files, than videos) are great. Actually, i like everything about the app and the website. Highly recommended.

And I'll agree with everyone else about asking other people at the gym for help. Almost everyone will be friendly enough to at least get you started.

dogacreek

Not a stupid question from my point of view. I'm at that point also. I'll check out StrongLifts 5x5. I asked at my gym for an instructional type class for women and got nowhere with the female owner.

bmstee03

Thank you!

LittleMissNerdy

I agree about asking gym staff. You might have to pay for a trainer but when you join they should be showing you around and explaining how to use all the equipment.

jimmie65

This doesn't even come close to the stupidest question of the day.

pamperedlinny

This doesn't even come close to the stupidest question of the day.

so true.

I agree with asking for a tour at the gym and asking questions of the other gym members. I have had lots of questions and asked other people at the gym before. I think only once was someone rude. Normally everyone is pretty good about helping out the new guy/gal.

bcf7683

Got to: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/workout/exercise.html

One of my favourite websites for fitness

They have a massive database of workouts for ALL body parts and muscles.
They have videos with verbal instruction so you know exactly what to do and how it should look.

PS. I'm so glad more girls are getting into weight lifting! Simple cardio helps for losing weight but weightlifting gets girls that toned, strong, sexy look.

Good luck!

This is where I go if there's a lift in my routine that I haven't done before. Even if I know what it is, I still go watch the video to make sure I nail the form.

As far as what weight to start with, start with something you feel comfortable with. Honestly, when I'm doing a new lift, I'll do very light weight so I can focus on form first. Then I start adding on the iron.