What to do at the gym? (first timer)

Castrofreak
Castrofreak Posts: 67 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I'm trying out a gym that I just found out is by my apartment, and I wanna get my $4 worth lol. So whats a good workout for the first time? I'm best at cardio at home, but I've never done any strength training. Any reccomendations?

Replies

  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
    edited April 2015
    That's like saying you're going to the grocery store for the first time, what should you buy?

    I guess a better question would be, what do you WANT to do? What is your purpose for going to the gym? Or what are your goals at least? What kind of gym is it, what kind of equipment is available? Are there trainers, classes available? Does any of it sound interesting?
  • 4leighbee
    4leighbee Posts: 1,275 Member
    Wow ... $4?
    Anyway ... You should try everything, but not without some guidance. Was there a sport in gym class or college that you preferred? Is there a way to get a trainer into that $4 fee? I would ask if they have assistance or programs (the YMCA has specific programs you can follow - I don't know much about them, but I know they exist). These can help a person to feel they have a plan. In terms of just getting comfortable initially at your gym, go with what you know at first. Do your cardio - it will help boost your confidence in a new place.
  • Castrofreak
    Castrofreak Posts: 67 Member
    4leighbee wrote: »
    Wow ... $4?
    Anyway ... You should try everything, but not without some guidance. Was there a sport in gym class or college that you preferred? Is there a way to get a trainer into that $4 fee? I would ask if they have assistance or programs (the YMCA has specific programs you can follow - I don't know much about them, but I know they exist). These can help a person to feel they have a plan. In terms of just getting comfortable initially at your gym, go with what you know at first. Do your cardio - it will help boost your confidence in a new place.

    Its $4 for a walk-in. I'm checking the place out before I pay membership lol. I liked volleyball but thats pretty much all. I'll start with cardio tho.
  • Castrofreak
    Castrofreak Posts: 67 Member
    DopeItUp wrote: »
    That's like saying you're going to the grocery store for the first time, what should you buy?

    I guess a better question would be, what do you WANT to do? What is your purpose for going to the gym? Or what are your goals at least? What kind of gym is it, what kind of equipment is available? Are there trainers, classes available? Does any of it sound interesting?

    Its kinda a small gym. So they have some cardio machines and some weight equipment and thats it. Theres two classes, a cardio one and another one I cant remember. Its $20 a class even with membership so I can't afford it. I'd like to work on toning so that as I lose the weight I don't end up looking skinny fat. I also need to get out of the house cause I'm going stir crazy and need a hobby.
  • 4leighbee
    4leighbee Posts: 1,275 Member
    Castrofreak wrote: »
    DopeItUp wrote: »
    That's like saying you're going to the grocery store for the first time, what should you buy?

    I guess a better question would be, what do you WANT to do? What is your purpose for going to the gym? Or what are your goals at least? What kind of gym is it, what kind of equipment is available? Are there trainers, classes available? Does any of it sound interesting?

    Its kinda a small gym. So they have some cardio machines and some weight equipment and thats it. Theres two classes, a cardio one and another one I cant remember. Its $20 a class even with membership so I can't afford it. I'd like to work on toning so that as I lose the weight I don't end up looking skinny fat. I also need to get out of the house cause I'm going stir crazy and need a hobby.

    something progressive then ... does the idea of lifting weights appeal to you? Lots of people love it - and it puts you on a path (that you should follow closely). I am not the one to ask about this, as I've only just started myself within the last year or so, but look up stronglifts 5x5 - someone will provide you with better links and such. It's fun and inspiring to see yourself improve your weight from week to week, but you will need to be patient getting started - and you should still find a trainer or someone to check your form. Proper form is essential. Good luck!
  • gonnasnap
    gonnasnap Posts: 146 Member
    Jim Wendler's 5/3/1 program is a foolproof way to measure your strength gains while getting in better shape. It focuses on the four major lifts; bench, squat, deadlift and standing overhead press. It's impossible to not improve your physique while doing this.
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    edited April 2015
    If it's so tiny you don't have a power cage/squat rack- I'd shift focus to something body weight oriented and use the free weights for accessory lifts.

    Edit: progressive body weight
    convict conditioning
    body by you
    you are your own gym
  • AllanMisner
    AllanMisner Posts: 4,140 Member
    To gain strength/maintain muscle mass, you’ll need to lift on a progressive program (adding weight as you get stronger). What weight equipment do they have (barbells, dumbbells, machines)? If you have a good enough set, you can probably do something like New Rules of Lifting for Women or Stronglifts.

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