Joined the gym, now what?

RRB2000
RRB2000 Posts: 77 Member
edited November 14 in Fitness and Exercise
I have a treadmill at home and that's what I've always used to lose weight. Usually only did 30 min per day...jogging. I have slacked off and haven't used it in a good 6 months. I decided to join the gym, thinking I would have more of a selection of things to use. Cardio, weights etc. Tonite will be my first nite, but now I'm not sure what I should do. I don't want to just use the treadmill, I could save myself money since I have one. But should I focus on cardio, since I'm just starting out? Should I incorporate weights and cardio? Should I do cardio some days, legs some days, arms some days? Someone help me out with what to get started with. My goal is to lose 40 lbs, but I know its not always in the scale, its inches too...and I accept all that. Just help me get started...please!

Replies

  • Roxiegirl2008
    Roxiegirl2008 Posts: 756 Member
    Did the gym offer a free intro session with a trainer? Mine did and they used that time to show me how to do the machines and things like that. Also, does yours have classes. I also do those as part of my workout plan.
  • Capt_Apollo
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
    http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2010/02/15/how-to-build-your-own-workout-routine/
  • Angela7zFit
    Angela7zFit Posts: 53 Member
    look into the trainer - free sessions or even pay for some to get you in to the gym and doing some weights with proper form. I use JEfit to down load some work out routines now. Look into some classes - try different ones and try different instructors you might not like how a class it taught by one instructor but love another.
  • 999tigger
    999tigger Posts: 5,235 Member
    That link by Apollo should sort you out. You are looking at a combined workout of cardio and resistance. Its a good idea to know what you are going to do when you get there and why. If you are confused, then maybe get a PT or do some classes.
  • Capt_Apollo
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
    999tigger wrote: »
    That link by Apollo should sort you out. You are looking at a combined workout of cardio and resistance. Its a good idea to know what you are going to do when you get there and why. If you are confused, then maybe get a PT or do some classes.

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  • slideaway1
    slideaway1 Posts: 1,006 Member
    Ask for an induction and then hit the machines...not the vending machines :D
  • RRB2000
    RRB2000 Posts: 77 Member
    Great info Apollo..thanks so much for that. I know there is a trainer at the gym, so I can ask questions. Maybe pay for a few workouts with him, until I get going. Thanks for all the comments.....it will surely help me.
  • jbgibso3
    jbgibso3 Posts: 40 Member
    I agree with all of the other replies, in that, you will want to get some direction from a trainer, especially if you've never done strength training before. That being said, I have been an inconsistent gym member before simply based on the goals that I wanted. If you go into it wanting to simply lose 40 lbs, you may not be able to stick with it. I would suggest thinking about your long term goals. The moment that I made my long term goals about becoming a healthier woman who is stronger, both physically and mentally, I began to notice more drastic changes. Set small term goals for yourself; "I want to have lost 5 lbs by this day". If you don't reach your short term, then change your routine up.

    One more great thing is to have a work out partner/accountability partner. Having someone there to encourage you to regularly work out will help you achieve your goals.
  • Roadie2000
    Roadie2000 Posts: 1,801 Member
    Other than getting a trainer, I would clearly define what your goals are. Losing 40 lbs is a great start, but you can do that by diet alone. How many days a week do you think you can make it to the gym and for how long each day? Does your gym offer any classes you might be interested in? Do they have any other facilities like a pool or a track?

    You just need to figure out everything you have at your disposal, and ask yourself what you think you would have the most fun, or be the most comfortable doing. The best program is the one that fits you best and you will stick with the longest.

    Other than that, a good rule of thumb is a mix between strength training and cardio. I even throw some yoga in once a week for good measure.
  • RRB2000
    RRB2000 Posts: 77 Member
    jbgibso3 and Roadie...you guys are so right...its not just about the fact that I want to lose 40 lbs....its that I want to lose, get stronger, and be more physically fit all together. Like I said in my first post, I've lost and gained so many times over the years. I'm ready for it to be a total lifestyle change, and not just be about being "skinny" but being FIT. I can go to the gym every day....I would like 1 rest day at least. There is no pool or track, just cardio machines, weights, a circuit type thing, with all these different machines to work different parts of your body. They do a have gym with tires and ropes and basketball, and they do offer classes. I'd like to take some of the ones offered in the evenings and weekends. I really appreciate your advise...I need all I can get!
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