Going to join a gym...don't know what to do

I would definitely invest in a trainer - usually when you join, they will have a special where you can get a few sessions. I thought it would be a waste but it was the best money I've ever spent. At the very least, you won't be nervous about going into the weight area, and you'll get a good baseline of what you are comfortable with and you can gradually move from there. Good luck!

I would say you most defiantly need to speak with a trainer. They will explain everything to you and often physically show you how to use different machines. Many gyms will do this for free. Honestly, your best bet would be to get a personal trainer of your own, even if it's for a short time. They can take all of your measurements and set up a plan that will work for you. I hope this helps!

As for your heart rate? YES YES YES You should pay attention to it. Obviously you should listen to your body as well, but a HRM will show you exactly what your heart is doing and how hard you are pushing yourself.

All exercise complements weight loss and will burn extra calories. I’d seek out a trainer at your club to get started. He or she will give you a full tour of the facility and show you many of the machines and proper techniques. Start off very, very slow and slowly build up your endurance. Lifts requiring a spotter just ask the cutest guy there to spot you and he will, trust me. Everybody should do both cardio and strength training. Lastly, have fun and eventually it will become addicting and you’ll feel guilty when you miss a workout! ; )

I bought new rules of lifting for women. Gave me a plan of action so I wasn't wondering around the gym looking confused. I also do 30 minutes of cardio while I'm there. Trainers are expensive. Youtube is cheaper. I suggested googling 5x5 stronglifts, go on pinterest and check out the health and fitness pins, or bodybuilding.com to get some sort of routine and then go on youtube or google images and check out what each exercise is and how to do it properly. Don't forget your water! and proper gym strip

The HRM is great -- I use it all the time.

The danger with just calorie restriction is that your body may decide to convert muscle into energy, instead of just fat. You want to avoid that. However, I presume you ALSO don't want to become a body builder, so you probably want to avoid building huge new muscles at the same time.

My gym has a great weight routine, using only 9 machines. Back Extension, Leg Extension, Leg Curl, Seated Row, Bench Press, Shoulder Raise, Bicep Curl, Tricep Extension, Ab Crunch. Do talk to a trainer, or at least get an orientation, because technique is important, and you can hurt yourself with poor technique. I would avoid freeweights -- they are great for bodybuilders, but (I'm assuming) you're only looking to tone and maintain, and the machines are easier and safer and adequate for that goal. Pick a weight that you can comfortably do 12 times (not straining too hard), and just keep that up.

And do cardio. That will help you burn calories. Do NOT go as hard as you think you can -- you'll hate it to the point you may not stick with it, quite possibly injure yourself, and at the same time, not burn a lot of extra calories. My reading suggests that doing 20 - 30 mins per machine, in your target heart rate zone, will have the most beneficial effect on your body. (Doing the same machine for an hour, your body starts to get used to it, and you get diminished returns.) I rotate walking on the treadmill, stairmaster, eliptical, and the bike. What you should do is pick the machines you enjoy (or at least, hate the least), and work on them.

Most important -- think of this as a lifestyle change, not a quick fix. If it's something you're putting yourself through to reach a certain goal, you'll likely either hit the goal, and then start to slip into bad habits again, or you'll find it too hard, and give up. Find things you enjoy doing, and do them. Make exercise a part of your life from now on, and not just a means to an end -- you'll feel way better for it, and be more likely to stick with it.

Best of luck!

Congrats on your decision to join a gym. I agree with what others have said in starting slow and speaking/working with a personal trainer to at least get you started if at all possible.

I'll also add this: don't be intimidated by going to the gym. People will respect you for the effort you put in regardless of your fitness level. The hardest part about it is getting into the habit of going consistently.

The HRM is great -- I use it all the time.

The danger with just calorie restriction is that your body may decide to convert muscle into energy, instead of just fat. You want to avoid that. However, I presume you ALSO don't want to become a body builder, so you probably want to avoid building huge new muscles at the same time.

this is ignorant, and very wrong. You won't build huge muscles unless you dramatically increase your testosterone levels (injections). You can lift as heavy as you can and you won't look like she-hulk. Do your research or you'll get sucked into crap like this. I'm not sure where you get that your body will all of a sudden convert muscles into energy either.

Oh and mytrainerbob.com has some great exercises for free...It's Bob Harper from the Biggest Loser.

Thanks to everyone who has responded! I will be getting a free trainer session so I will definitely take advantage of that info.

I'm not worried about "bulking" I know that's a myth and I think muscular women are hot so it wouldn't hurt my feelings.

So, I guess I'm hearing (and reading in other places) that I should cardio it up like...5 days a week and strength train 2 or 3 days a week, does that sound right? My ultimate goal is very aggressive but I know I shouldn't just jump into "beast mode" (but SO WANT TO!)

It sounds like you don't do much in terms of exercise right now, so I think cardio 5x and weights 3x would be considered beast mode. Remember, you don't want to get hurt overdoing it. Take them up on that trainer and do lots of research for your specific fitness goals. Does your gym have a pool? That can be a great cardio and strength workout that is less likely to get you injured. Start off with low impact things until you are certain your body can handle some additional stress. Muscle aches are usually a good thing, joint pain is a warning sign. Pay close attention to what your body is telling you and don't be afraid of rest days. Tthey really do let your body repair itself. Good Luck!!