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To include weightlifting or not: Looking for Advice

jakeyuma
jakeyuma Posts: 335 Member
edited February 17 in Fitness and Exercise
Help? i am thinking of throwing in some weight training into my routine 2-3 times a week. I may join Planet Fitness again as its a nice facility and I am not a body builder. I have couple options if I choose this route:

1. Can use machines
2. Do free weights
3. There is cicruit resistance room think where you are cued to move from 1 excersise to the next every minute or so for a circuit.

Does it matter which one I choose? Will the 2-3 days of muscle work help me on my journey? Does T25 Alpha/Beta/Gamma offer enough body weight resistance to help me continue building muscle while burning fat?

I hate weight lifting so it will be something I have to force on myself if I choose to go that route. Hoping for some advice from the group as there is so much info on web wich is overwelming. I much preffer to stay with pure T25/Month 1 insanity back and forth if it allows me to build muscle as well as burn fat.

Replies

  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    planet fitness does not cateror to free weight use- it's mostly a cardio place. with a few machines in there to convince people they are weight lifting.

    Proceed at your own caution.

    But - the answer is weight training has so many benefits that it's almost stupid to NOT do it. It just makes life better and helps you live your life more fully and with less pain.
  • Leadfoot_Lewis
    Leadfoot_Lewis Posts: 1,623 Member
    Free weights are always going to be better than ANY machine you'll use because you're not relying on a machine to keep you in a fixed position + your stabilizer muscles are used much more.

    There are TONs of proven programs on the internet - Bodybuilding.com, New Rules of Lifting, etc. Don't get caught in the circuit training when you do a zillion reps with a light weight then immediately jump to the next exercise and do the same. This is a very ineffective way to train for strength.

    Be sure not to work the same muscle group everyday e.g. if you worked your upper body (chest, biceps, back, etc.) on Monday wait until Wednesday to work those muscle groups again. Muscles are built outside the gym - when you're recovering.

    Also, like anything in life you need to love what you do or your chances of sticking with it are not very likely. That goes for weight lifting.
  • Mia_RagazzaTosta
    Mia_RagazzaTosta Posts: 4,885 Member
    If you really want to get into lifting give up on Planet Fitness.
  • crystalflame
    crystalflame Posts: 1,049 Member
    Doing some sort of resistance training while losing weight is extremely important - you want to retain muscle while losing fat. And then there's the added benefits of increased strength, increased stamina, increased brain function, etc.

    Free weights will most likely give you the best results. They engage your stabilizer muscles, and doing compound movements will hit a lot of muscle groups at once so you don't have to do a billion isolation exercises to cover all your bases. Lifting heavy is the preference of many because of the strength gains and definition it gives your body. Free weights are safer than machines in a lot of ways because they don't force your body to move in ways it doesn't want to naturally move.

    All that said, you're new to lifting - start with a routine you will stick with. Try the circuit. Get a personal trainer to give you an orientation session with the free weights. Figure out what you like most, get on a program, and do it until it doesn't challenge you enough. The important part is to do SOMETHING.... Maybe as you get better at it, you'll find out you really like it =)
  • ecottencat
    ecottencat Posts: 46 Member
    When at the gym that is my weights are my only thing I use now that I feel comfortable and know what I'm doing. I also had a weight training class for two mos and that helped show me some things that I can do. The work out machines I never felt like it was doing anything except some being awkward so I use free weights and the weight bars. I do use the sitting row machine and one or two others that are close to free weights. I have seen some good changes to my body and feel better about my appearance. Can't wait to see what I look like in a few mos of do weight training. It has also helped my running as well which I am excited about,. Also like others mentioned do not go to Planet fitness not a place for weight training.
  • qtgonewild
    qtgonewild Posts: 1,930 Member
    definitely include weights.
  • dixiewhiskey
    dixiewhiskey Posts: 3,333 Member
    Please.. PLEASE include weights. Your body (and those who love your body) will love you for it.

    PF is absolutely awful from what I read... dumb dresscode, no grunting, etc,.. If I were you, I'd consider going somewhere else. If there is anything you take from this, LIFT HEAVY.
  • Mr_Excitement
    Mr_Excitement Posts: 833 Member
    I'd definitely suggest you give it a try-- but I wouldn't bother with Planet Fitness.

    You can pick up a set of used dumbells very cheap on Craigslist, and start a beginner routine from Scooby's site using nothing but those ( http://scoobysworkshop.com/ ). It'll save you money, you'll get a better weight training workout, and you'll have the first piece of a personal gym, should you decide you enjoy it.
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