First time to gym today

I'm overweight, in bad shape (haven't worked out in years) what is a good beginner workout plan?

Replies

  • ColoradoDogMom
    ColoradoDogMom Posts: 23 Member
    I would like to know too. There are lots of workouts that sound fun to try, but I feel I need to 'get in shape' first so I don't wheeze and poop out in the first 5 minutes :#
  • GrumpyHeadmistress
    GrumpyHeadmistress Posts: 666 Member
    I stepped into a gym for the first time this week for an induction. I've booked a personal trainer session so that he can set up a plan for me. Maybe your gym offers the same service?
  • arditarose
    arditarose Posts: 15,573 Member
    First time to the gym? Try walking on the treadmill, maybe an elliptical machine, or a stationary bike. It's your first day, do whatever you fancy
  • KathyApplebaum
    KathyApplebaum Posts: 188 Member
    What's your goal at the gym? Cardio? Lifting? Something else? What things do you already like to do?
  • SonyaCele
    SonyaCele Posts: 2,841 Member
    do anything that will encourage you to continue going. Find or create a program with some structure so you will know what to do. And if you are overweight and want to lose weight, you need to clean up your diet starting today.
  • rickchen451
    rickchen451 Posts: 6 Member
    First day, make a friend or ask a trainer for help.
    They will show you the basics so you avoid injuries.
    If weight loss is your goal - maybe more cardio/aerobics with some strength training.
    Also diet is 70 - 80 percent of weight loss and getting into shape.
    I would say -
    Treadmill 30minutes.
    And total body workouts with reasonable weights. That means 1-2 exercises for the main muscle groups - chest, arms, abs, legs, shoulder and back
    Youtube videos are great for a beginner but having a live demonstration from a friend or trainer is way better.
    Also this person can give you tips for correct form, spot you with heavier weighs and offer some motivation.

    Best of luck to you
  • callsitlikeiseeit
    callsitlikeiseeit Posts: 8,626 Member
    do anything.

    treadmill, bike, elliptical... whatever you can handle.

    as you do it more and more, your endurance will build. you will be more likely to try new activities/ machines.

    right now, to begin with, just get into the routine of GOING and doing SOMETHING

    when i first started, 10 minutes on the elliptical was ALL i could do.

    everyone starts somewhere :)
  • cnbbnc
    cnbbnc Posts: 1,267 Member
    do anything.

    treadmill, bike, elliptical... whatever you can handle.

    as you do it more and more, your endurance will build. you will be more likely to try new activities/ machines.

    right now, to begin with, just get into the routine of GOING and doing SOMETHING

    when i first started, 10 minutes on the elliptical was ALL i could do.

    everyone starts somewhere :)

    Yup. Just jump in and try things out. See what you like. If you're very out of shape, just walking a nice pace on a treadmill is a great place to start. The bikes are good too. Just do what you can and you'll start getting stronger and building endurance fast. Weights are great (and fun!) too. Get someone there to show you some things to start with.
  • minniestar55
    minniestar55 Posts: 350 Member
    edited January 2016
    Check out the group fitness classes if they offer them. They may have specific beginner classes, or stuff like dance aerobics or Zumba (you didn't mention gender), or step classes, give a few of them a try.
  • Zampa13
    Zampa13 Posts: 75 Member
    My advice would be to find a routine that suits you. I began going to the gym in early December. I didn't know what the hell I was doing. I've done lots of reading on line and have bought a fit bit tracker to keep on top of my workouts.

    My routine has changed since I started but that's down to the fact that I can last longer or my recovery has gotten quicker.

    Initially I could barely do anything..but i have seen my resistance improve. Keep it up it's amazing how quickly your body improves.
  • mis1022
    mis1022 Posts: 109 Member
    Try each cardio machine, treadmill, bike, elliptical, at the gym even if its only 5 minutes on each. You will be surprised how much easier it feels the second time you go to the gym. My plan was to go slow so that I would go back to the gym. If i wore myself out the first time chances of me going back were slim. Long ago I would do videos made by Susan Powter which I don't know If you could find them but she gave great tips on how to modify exersice to for you. Good luck.