Not sure where to start

amylouisechambers
amylouisechambers Posts: 70 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi everyone.

I joined bannatynes gym a couple of weeks ago and it's awesome! i've been going most days- doing mostly light cardio- either rowing, the treadmill or the cross trainer. I try to go on some of the weight machines but to be honest I don't really know what i'm doing and I don't like to hang about too long on them because it's usually full of big muscled men posing in front of the mirrors and lifting really heavy weights and I feel a bit uncomfortable/intimidated and self conscious. I also feel uncomfortable with the free weights because I feel like I look stupid. After I do what I can I will finish up by going for a 15 minute swim in the pool.

So what I wanted to get at was that I don't know what I need to be doing with my exercises to achieve what I want. I am quite slim and I don't really need to lose weight but I don't have a lot of definition and I guess i want to build lean muscle all over. What should I be doing in terms of exercises and weights to achieve what I want? Does anyone have any good advice or resources or is anyone in the same position?

p.s I am trying my best to eat reasonably well too.

Thanks guys :)

Replies

  • FrankWhite27330
    FrankWhite27330 Posts: 316 Member
    Lots of folks say start a routine that's well documented there's a bunch. Stronglifts 5x5 is one favorite on here.. it works. Google it download the app. It has videos to show how to do exercises. I would start there and jump in on free weights tell those bone heads to move over and do u some "posing" in the mirror

    Good luck and good for you. You will do just fine!!!
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    to gain muscle you need to be eating in a surplus and doing some strength/resistance training. if you're not comfortable with weights, get a PT at your gym for a couple of sessions.
  • amylouisechambers
    amylouisechambers Posts: 70 Member
    Thankyou! I've just downloaded the app :) I'll give it a try tonight!
  • brichic
    brichic Posts: 5 Member
    Most gyms if you ask will give you a free orientation, I was scared of the machines till one of the lovely people walked me through each one, told me what weight to start with, how many reps and how to track my progress. You can always do weight free and body weight exercises too! Pinterest has loads of them
  • darlin1131
    darlin1131 Posts: 18 Member
    A woman lifting around a group of (muscle men ) is queen. Try doing compound exercises, start with no weight to learn proper form, and work your way up.
  • BethAnnieT
    BethAnnieT Posts: 263 Member
    Seconding SL 5x5. I just started 2 weeks ago... love it! Not too complicated, no million exercises and weights to remember. In & out of the gym in <45 minutes.
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