Beginner at the gym

The one thing I feel comfortable recommending (my knowledge isn't as vast as others in this realm) is to make sure you start by finding all your base times and numbers. My first session when I haven't worked out in a while I'll hop on the treadmill (or whatever cardio machine you prefer) and I'll start by finding a resistance or elevation that makes me feel like I have to put in a bit of effort, and I'll see how long I can walk (up to 30 minutes usually, since I'd be restarting) until I feel a little worn out. Not a lot. Just enough I have to stop and breathe. Then I'll literally go to every machine and find my weight limit again, by starting lower than I'd expect, and adding weight until I can feel myself having to work against it. You should be able to get anywhere between 12 and 15 reps before you feel your muscles wearing out. I'll only do one set on each machine, since I'm finding my starting points. But I definitely make sure to stretch after and I'll take at least 2 days off due to the slight overworking. I notice after I do that though, I can go back in and work closer to what I use to without hurting myself. Think of it like your own self-led fitness assessment.

Also, if this membership includes the classes too, pretty much ignore that first paragraph and eat those up like candy. They're way more fun and the instructors can be very helpful. Zumba and any kind of yoga are always worth doing.

AllanMisner wrote: »

Exercise should be geared toward meeting other health and fitness goals. I advise people to lift weights to help retain muscle mass, which will help for body composition. It makes little sense to me to work out just to burn calories when you’ll eat back those calories to maintain that activity. Also, for many people, hard cardio increases appetite, making it even harder to stay on a deficit (not to mention that calories burned by an activity are often over estimated, leading to even more over-eating).

Whilst I don't disagree with this, and agree with much else they posted, I just want to shout out for the cardio lovers...
Any kind of exercise is beneficial. Weights will help keep your muscles as you lose weight. Cardio (as the name suggests) will work your heart and lungs. Most peeps of here advocate a bit of both. You may prefer one over the other. That's fine. You may loathe one. That's fine too. You do you. But do try them rather than relying on someone else's opinion. You'll have much more sticking power of you love it...

And now to be more specific- does your gym not have an induction where they show you the machines/weight rokms/facilities? This is where I'd start. They often help write up a basic plan that fits your interests. If not, I'd investigate getting a PT do a program for you. Yes, it may be pricey, but better pay extra and recoop it in time spent working out, than go it alone, injure yourself and spend that 2 months recovering...