How to use weight machines in the gym?

rl3384
rl3384 Posts: 1 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all

I go running outdoors and the gym on alternate days. I am new to the gym and I have been easing myself in. I tend to do 30 - 40 minutes concentrating on cardio such as rowing machine, cross trainer and bikes. But I want to be able to use the weight machines too, I'm sorry I don't know what they are called, but the ones where you bring your arms into your chest, and any others!!

However I don't know how I am meant to use them, what weight do I use, how long do I work each machine for?

How many calories do you reckon is acceptable to be burning per gym session? I guess it varies from person to person...

Thanks!

Replies

  • Alissakae
    Alissakae Posts: 317 Member
    Does your gym have any personal trainers? Most gyms will give you a free session or two when you join, it's definitely worth looking into to have someone teach you to use the equipment.
  • xenu01
    xenu01 Posts: 117 Member
    Method one is to station yourself nearby and watch other people when they use the machines. I try to be cognizant of when someone is trying to check out what I am doing versus just waiting for a machine, and when I am certain of it, I go slow and am really obvious about what I am doing and why.

    Depending on your gym, there may be at least one attendant on duty whose job it is to monitor everyone, and sometimes those people will help you out.

    Honestly, I get a lot of my information from the pictures and diagrams on the machines themselves. There are usually hilarious drawings of very pumped people with helpful arrows as to what you are supposed to do.

    And of course, the internet is there to help. Here is a video I found on youtube of a trainer showing how to use some basic strength equipment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dE8m2LPm2Ac
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    How many calories do you reckon is acceptable to be burning per gym session? I guess it varies from person to person...

    Depends on what intensity you reckon is acceptable.
  • TrailNurse
    TrailNurse Posts: 359 Member
    Sit on the machine, adjust the weight to the lowest setting and keep adding weight until it is heavy. When you can do 10 reps, increase the weight. You can figure out most machines by looking at the diagrams on the machine. Don't wait for anyone to show you....figure the damn thing out for yourself! You will feel more accomplished.
  • Sam_I_Am77
    Sam_I_Am77 Posts: 2,093 Member
    Best is to determine what your strength-training goals would be and talk to a trainer about them. He / she can help (hopefully) find a program to achieve your goals and select the right machines for you. Also, don't limit yourself to machines.
  • eslcity
    eslcity Posts: 323 Member
    I have found that the gym is full of people that want to help... if you ask... or look lost...

    Don't be afraid to ask... you may make a friend.

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