Mixing it up at the gym

lorelei68
lorelei68 Posts: 30 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I have been going to the gym in the mornings for quite a while now and I love it! However, I'm getting a little bored with my usual routine of 25-30 minutes of cardio on the elliptical and then weight machines for 15 - 20 minutes. I do switch up the weight machines daily and occasionally flip on whether I do the cardio or weights first. I will say that the free weights intimidate me as I am not sure I would have the right form and not have it be counter productive to my goal. I have tried looking at the sample lists of excersizes they have there but some of the terms confound me as I don't know what the heck they are talking about.

I am very limited on my time there in the morning and after work is out due my schedule so asking staff isn't the best option for me.

Is there a website that any of you have as the 'go to' place for new routines or ideas?

Replies

  • tubzzy77
    tubzzy77 Posts: 104 Member
    Don't let the free weights intimidate you. If you are worried about form watch some form videos on youtube. Start light and work your way up with the weights. I also don't understand how lifting weights is counterproductive to your goal unless your goal is "I don't want to have muscles" then yes that would be counterproductive.
  • lorelei68
    lorelei68 Posts: 30 Member
    Toning is the goal but I don't want to injure myself because I was doing the work wrong.
  • mamamia29
    mamamia29 Posts: 32 Member
    Does ur gym offer classes?

    I do a mixture of classes: step, spin, body pump, kettlebells...

    Classes def motivate me to push a little harder whilst mixing it up keeps it interesting!

    Good luck:smile:
  • Penelope2738
    Penelope2738 Posts: 66 Member
    Does ur gym offer classes?

    I do a mixture of classes: step, spin, body pump, kettlebells...

    Classes def motivate me to push a little harder whilst mixing it up keeps it interesting!

    Good luck:smile:
    I also take classes at the gym, it motivates me to go harder, and I get a little instruction on form. My gym offers am and afternoon classes, see if there is anything that fits your schedule and try something new! I take a muscle class, kickboxing, and interval training. I find the interval training great for cardio and losing inches, and the muscle classes super fun! Plus, muscle burns more fat:wink: Good luck!
  • grantdumas7
    grantdumas7 Posts: 802 Member
    For free weight routines go to bodybuilding.com. There is a female section. Also watch youtube videos on how to properly perform each exercise. Once you find a routine you like, stick to it for at least 3-4 months. Your body needs to adapt to the routine. DON'T keep changing the routine because you are bored or another routine promises results. Now toning. This is word that gets thrown around alot. It's a misnomer. To look more toned you need to drop the bodyfat while maintaining your current muscle. This doesn't mean endless cardio and doing high reps 15+.
  • lorelei68
    lorelei68 Posts: 30 Member
    I wish the classes were more convenient. I go early in the morning as my evenings are usually taken up with various meetings. I have had the same routine for over 6 months. Just looking to try something different and hoping to boost the fat burning as well.

    I will try the bodybuilding.com though... Thank you!
  • ValerieMomof2
    ValerieMomof2 Posts: 530 Member
    Look up HIIT workouts--with weights/plyometric type exercises, not cardio HIIT
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    compound lifts - squats, deadlfts, over head press, bench press, pull ups/chin ups...do it! and don't be scared of the free weight room....you are paying for that sh&t too!
  • donnam40
    donnam40 Posts: 246 Member
    Try doing a circuit - do a warm up then a weight based exercise and then carido and continue for about 45 mins to an hour.

    For example:

    10 min warm up on treadmill
    Squats (10 - 12 reps)
    90 seconds burpees
    Squats (10 - 12 reps)
    90 sec treadmill (fast)
    Tricep dips (10 - 12 reps)
    90 sec box jumps
    Tricep dips (10 - 12 reps)
    90 sec skipping
    Etc.....

    I find this challenging and it keeps my heart rate up.

    Donna

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