Beginner weighlifting & cardio schedule?

MePlus20
MePlus20 Posts: 55 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
The local gym has weight machines plus stair-steppers, bikes, etc. I'd like to start using them but am very confused about what a good program is for a beginner. They have so many machines - how do you choose which days you do which machines? How do you know how many sets, how many reps, how many days of rest, how many days of cardio, what machines on what days, how many minutes, etc.......ad infinitum.

It really seems needlessly complicated. All I want is a basic schedule of what to do on what day that I can check off as I've done them. Something that starts as absolute beginner progresses over time, and includes weights, but also the machines like treadmill, cycle, etc. I searched on the web but just got overwhelmed and confused. (And totally turned off by the pictures of overly bulked up people. I am NOT a power weightlifter here!)

Does anyone have any suggestions? Is there a schedule or checkoff sheet you use that you'd be willing to share, or tell me where you got it so I can download it?

Thanks!

Replies

  • Cre8veLifeR
    Cre8veLifeR Posts: 1,062 Member
    Yes and yes - Here you go. I followed the entire 12 week schedule and now I am super confident in the gym and have created my own routine. :) It's free! :)

    http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/jamie-eason-livefit-trainer.html
  • Bamacraft
    Bamacraft Posts: 175 Member
    Is this for fat loss, strength or just overall conditioning? in addition to the above link, try this site. routines are grouped by what goals you have and how advanced you are. Most exercises are linked to show what they are (how to do it, muscle worked etc..) As a beginner, i would start out with at least two days off per week. Also may consider a PT for the first month or two until you get the hang of it.

    http://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/main.html
  • MePlus20
    MePlus20 Posts: 55 Member
    Thanks for the replies! I'll check into the links you posted and see if one of those will work for me.

Categories