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Beginner! Need Help!

aevonnegilbert
aevonnegilbert Posts: 1 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi everyone,

I'm Arlene, Im new here. I'm looking for some advice and I'm hoping some of you can shed some light. I currently weigh in at 287lbs I'm 5'1 and 23 years old. I just joined a gym and am so lost. I don't know what to do at the gym. One of my fears of losing weight is having a lot of excess loose skin, I know sometimes theres just nothing you can do, but I would like to help in preventing it as much as possible. I do not just want to rely on cardio so I would like to implement strength training into my workouts. I do feel intimidated at the gym. I don't know what the equipment is for and I don't know how much I should be lifting. I know this may seem silly, but I just don't want to look like a fool. Can anyone suggest a workout routine. How do I know what to workout on what days? Should I do full body workouts everyday. I'm not to familiar with "technical terms" Anything will help:)

Replies

  • butterbuns123
    butterbuns123 Posts: 150 Member
    People may look at you but 90% are thinking right on she's taking control. You will look funny doing pretty much anything when you start because you muscles aren't used to the movements. I'd start a lifting program that concentrates on compound movements (uses a large chain of muscles). This will burn more calories than cardio and also improve strenght. Cardio In my opinion should only supplement wieghtlifting. Do rows, presses, and some kind of leg press or squat. 3-4 times a week at the start and then start to add more days when you are comfortable. Dont slack off always work hard on your lifting and diet.
  • folgers86
    folgers86 Posts: 84 Member
    Have you looked into a personal trainer? Most gyms have some on staff. You don't need to hire one for months on end, but I found having someone show me, and more importantly correct me, to be very beneficial. They are also usually good at pushing clients to work a bit harder than if the client was working out solo (another issue I have). It also decreases the intimidation factor, I think. I for one never would have approached free weights until I started working with a trainer. Once you get an idea of what a 'good' workout is then you could branch out on your own more. Some trainers will also give their clients homework on non-training days so you still have to hit the gym.

    I could give you workout advise that I know, but honestly I think that would be your best bet, especially if you're feeling really intimidated.
  • cathipa
    cathipa Posts: 2,991 Member
    Find a program that works for you (bodybuilding.com - Jamie Eason Live Fit trainer is a good beginner program). If you want free at home workouts look at fitnessblender.com.

    Don't worry. Most of the people in the gym feel the same way you do and no one is going to fault you for getting out there and making the effort. Most of them would be happy to show you how to do something correctly. We all started somewhere.
  • tillerstouch
    tillerstouch Posts: 608 Member
    Weight loss gcomes down to burning more calories then you take in, so most importantly for weight loss youll want to accuratly track caloires (food scale is a great chrap investment).

    One thing that should help a bit with lose skin is not losing too fast. 2 pounds per week i think is good, as you approach your goal weight you may want to slow down.

    I would recommend using free weights, dumbells, and barbells.

    For a weight lifting program do an established one and itll tell you what to do on each day. Find a program that uses compound lifts. (This means lifts that use a lot of muscles, deadlift bench, squat, row.)

    One very popular program is strong lifts 5x5. It tells you what to do, how much to lift, and has an app. Or you can find a different program, bodybuilding.com has tons of them. (A lot are for intermediate/adv lifter in my opinion but there are beginner ones too).

    Most new lifters start with a full body routine (strong lifts is one that is full body). But it doesnt HAVE to be full body, you could do one that has a split (for example works chest and triceps, then back and biceps, then legs and shoulders).

    Ok last bit of advice, how much to know to lift. The best advice is just to start out light. You can always go up in weight if its too easy. Also lifting light weight is a good way to warm up anyway.
  • DancingMoosie
    DancingMoosie Posts: 8,619 Member
    Ask a trainer at the gym to show you how to use the equipment. This is part of their job.
This discussion has been closed.

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