Confused on what to do at the gym? N00b lyfe

tinyfitlauren
tinyfitlauren Posts: 30
in Getting Started
Ok so I've been on myfitnesspal for a while now, but its been on and off. I'm finally committed to doing this RIGHT - losing weight AND getting fit and healthy.

I have always been doing mainly just cardio. Its always elliptical or treadmill, maybe a little stationary bike or rowing machine. If I exercise outside its usually a walk hike or occasionally a run.
Bottom line, I don't ever do strength training. The closest I've been to it is 5 days of 30 day shred level 1.

I want to start strength training! And continue to do cardio. What's the best way to do it?

Another embarrassing point - I don't understand "leg day".. what do people/you do on leg day or arm day and why is there certain days for different body parts and do you only do strength training for legs on leg days or do you still work most body parts but with a main focus on legs? And how much cardio?

Looking for explanation and tips for a beginner (18 year old girl) that wants to get fit!!

If you read this all and are willing to help, thank you SO much. Also feel free to add me as a friend :)

Replies

  • TheGymGypsy
    TheGymGypsy Posts: 1,023 Member
    Check out Jamie Eason's LiveFit on bodybuilding.com
    It's a great introduction to weight lifting with videos demonstrating every move. :) It will help you get acquainted with the equipment in the gym and how to use it.
  • amnsetie
    amnsetie Posts: 666 Member
    you should get someone to show you the correct form.
    don't trust everything you see on youtube

    people do upper body days and leg days because it's not good to stress the same muscles every day
    best to give them a rest day in between each heavy workout.
    so if you want to go to the gym every day, concentrate on leg exercises one day and upper body the next day. that bit is simple.
    If you do an all round routine, take every second day off. maybe do some light (weight) cardio. like walking, running, gardening or some sort of exercise machine

    15-20 mins of cardio on gym day is good.
  • WhyDelilah79
    WhyDelilah79 Posts: 54 Member
    Does your gym do any classes? I find them great as I don't tend to know what I'm doing either. :-)
  • stt43
    stt43 Posts: 487
    I do exercises that target my back and my biceps one day, shoulders and triceps the next day, and then legs the day after (i.e. squats, lunges, leg press, hamstring curls, calf raises, etc.) Then I have a rest day which I can use to do cardio and/or mobility work. Sometimes I will do cardio after my lifting too depending on time.
  • JTick
    JTick Posts: 2,131 Member
    I think for a beginner, a full-body routine 3 times a week would do wonders. This would introduce you to the compound lifts, and as you feel more comfortable in the gym and learn more you could develop a split routine if you like. I have been lifting for nine months and still do a full body routine...the program is still suiting my needs and I don't feel like a split program would benefit me at this point.

    Check out Starting Strength, Stronglifts 5x5, or New Rules of Lifting for Women. All of these are beginner programs that would get you going in the right direction.
  • kingscrown
    kingscrown Posts: 615 Member
    You definitely want to strength train. You want muscles that burn calories all day long. If you're going to the gym I'd look at what classes they have to offer. Mine has a lot of free classes. Group Strength training, Bootcamp, Group interval training are some really good ones to help teach you what you need to do.

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