transition from home to gym...

Everend
Everend Posts: 90
in Fitness and Exercise
I have been working out regularly at home now for almost one year now. I have been doing strength training, coupled with plyometrics, and yoga. I am very proud of the results I have gained. However, I have decided that in order to take it to the next level, I am going to need to get to the gym. I feel that I need to surround myself with like minded individuals, and see how other people do it. My main concern with making the transition is my little to no experience in a gym setting. How do I go about translating my workout regimen to a gym setting. I'm at a loss.

Replies

  • rakufire
    rakufire Posts: 21 Member
    When you join the gym they should give you an induction of some variety, you can query this at the time. They would likely run through some suggestions and maybe even draw up a new regimen with you.

    Failing this, you could always purchase one or two PT sessions, to get you on track and comfortable with the new environment..
  • onwarddownward
    onwarddownward Posts: 1,683 Member
    I'd also suggest paying for a couple of personal trainer sessions. After all, it behooves them to teach you how everything works, since a happy fitness nut is one who eventually brings in new clients. Show hm our routine and they'll help you punch it up.

    I'm al this point, too. My house is too small to bring in the weights I'd need to to what I want to Do, but I'm afraid of looking like an *kitten* in front of people who know what they're doing!

    The weight room is intimidating to me, but it's where I need to be.
  • sarahrbraun
    sarahrbraun Posts: 2,261 Member
    My gym is the YMCA...my branch doesn't really DO inductions, but they do have a series of classes called "fitstart" that covers machines, cable machines and weights. If you ask the fitness monitor or the wellness coach/trainer, they will show you around a bit and help you.

    Don't be scared of the free weights area. My YMCA has some seriously muscular people who hang out in that area, but I have found that they are super nice too. I never set foot over there before my trainer took me. I've been venturing over there for about 6 months now, and have started to get nods, smiles, and occasional comments from the regulars.
  • Everend
    Everend Posts: 90
    I'd also suggest paying for a couple of personal trainer sessions. After all, it behooves them to teach you how everything works, since a happy fitness nut is one who eventually brings in new clients. Show hm our routine and they'll help you punch it up.

    I'm al this point, too. My house is too small to bring in the weights I'd need to to what I want to Do, but I'm afraid of looking like an *kitten* in front of people who know what they're doing!

    The weight room is intimidating to me, but it's where I need to be.

    This...

    Im not in bad shape, but some of the people in that gym are so fricken strong. Makes me feel a little small...OK a lot small...I suppose it I take it slow and ask around, I should pick up a new regimen fairly quickly. Can anyone suggest a place to get a good free weight workout for the gym? Currently, I'm using p90x at home.
  • MyOwnSunshine
    MyOwnSunshine Posts: 1,312 Member
    You look very fit and strong, so the transitions shouldn't be hard for you at all.

    I would recommend buying a book that helps you create a workout plan. The big ones that everyone here agrees on are:

    "Starting Strength" Mark Rippetoe
    "New Rules of Lifting (Supercharged is the latest)" Lou Schuler & Alwyn Cosgrove
    "5-3-1" by Wendler

    Or download Stronglifts 5x5, which is an online program that is focused on the big lifts.

    Also, I like t-nation.com for articles and videos related to weightlifting. It answers a lot of questions about nutrition, programming and form. I know other people use bodybuilding.com as well.

    Good luck! I was scared to venture into the free weight area at first, but after a short period of time, I began to be inspired instead of intimidated by the regulars.

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