Where to start in the gym?

The answer is both. Plus cleaning up your diet.

One of my starting resources is a book called "Strength Training for Women"* by Lori Echelon. She covers a lot, including the differences in training programs, and nutrition. It is organized well (great for beginners and carries through to advanced) and I think is a great resource. I still go back to it from time to time.
*men can benefit from this too as weight loss/strength training is basically the same for both

Keep an eye out for a good trainer at the gym. Watch for his/her attentiveness to their client, especially when they are focused on form. If you start liking what they are having their client do, approach them (when they aren't w/client), talk with them and if your gut says you'd like to work with them, then ask rate. If you can afford it, definitely go for it. A good trainer should help you through that awkward stage.

You have to start somewhere. Another good resource, if you want to get yourself started at home, a good app is "Body Weight, You Are Your Own Gym" by Mark Lauren. A great variety of workouts from novice to elite. It comes with videos (for preview and as you are doing it), keeps time for you as well as warm ups & cool downs. I think I paid 3.99 for the app and have been using it for the past 2 years when I can't get to the gym.

Keep working, you'll get there.

Most people should be doing both.

Look into established weight lifting routines and pick one that sounds reasonable based on the time you have and the equipment your gym has. Then try it for a month or so and see what you think. If you choose a free weight program, spend some time with youtube to learn form/technique before you start the program.

Personally, I think it is down to preference. I don't particularly do cardio. Not running, jumping or any kind of jiggling, but I will swim for an hour.
When I go to the gym I do weights because I loved doing weight training classes and I'll warm up on either the elliptical or the static bike.

turtle0022 wrote: »

Hi! The gym I joined offers free fitness assessments with a personal trainer. He took weight, measurements and a basic physical assessment of where I was - physically. He then took me on the floor and worked up a basic plan from which to start using machines and other skills to get started and to do it the proper way. It was a great place to start, with basic instruction and an actual plan. The center offers you the ability to revisit the trainer - without cost - at certain intervals to update your assessment and revamp your plan. For me, right now, my best form of exercise is swimming and aquatic classes - much easier on my body. But my point is if you're interested in a starting point and a plan, perhaps your gym offers a similar service. I find it's so important to enjoy what you're doing by way of exercise. That will help keep your commitment. Good luck!

exactly this.

start with an organised orientation and go from there.

nuffield gyms in the uk do this quarterly as part of membership.

At the entrance with your mind and focus