Starting out in the gym

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I'm thinking about starting to work out in the gym now that I have lost 20 lbs and have my eating under control. I have been walking but feel that I need to do more. The problem is I don't have a clue what to do when I get there. Just wondering what you all did just starting out at the gym? Any advice is appreciated. Would rather not go and make a complete fool out of myself lol.

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  • alyssa0061
    alyssa0061 Posts: 652 Member
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    I hired a personal trainer for six - one hour sessions. It got me used to being there without feeling uncomfortable and taught me enough of a foundation to be able to go by myself. It was well worth the investment.
  • megan_elizabeth8
    megan_elizabeth8 Posts: 216 Member
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    I went with a friend the first time, and she introduced me to a few things until I was comfortable in the environment. After that I did a few sessions with a trainer to learn exercises and make sure I was doing then correctly. Definitely worth it as it gave me the confidence to keep going on my own! :smile:
  • JoJosAnatomymfp
    JoJosAnatomymfp Posts: 178 Member
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    I'm new in the gym. I'm 70 days on mfp and I noticed the weight was going very quickly (2st 8lbs). I signed up with a PT to get me started with strength and conditioning training and to ensure I'm building muscle while losing weight (hopefully now at a slower pace). I could use the threadmill etc but I wouldn't have a clue with weights or some of the difficult looking machines. Anyways, I have done two PT sessions and gone through my plan and I did one day by myself. Its not so bad, bar a fight with a seated leg curl machine on the day I did myself, it isn't too bad. Maybe to get your confidence up, I would suggest you ask the gym staff to show you as part of induction or sign up with a PT. Best of luck to you and well done on your weight loss. It's fantastic.
  • tuckerrj
    tuckerrj Posts: 1,453 Member
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    The personal trainer advise MIGHT be okay. If you can convince them you want to do conventional strength training. The PT's at my gym have everyone doing weird psuedo-crossfit rope whipping, kettlebell swinging, burpees & tire flipping. Uh, no. That really doesn't seem like what a beginner ought to be doing.
  • laxbballmom
    laxbballmom Posts: 11 Member
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    If you have more than one gym available, I would recommend doing intro passes to different ones to get the right feel and fit. A lot of them have one week unlimited access for a small amount. That way you can see if it is good for you. Each gym can be different - some are very lifting focused, crossfit, classes etc. An app you may want to try is Mind Body. I use it for the facility that I go to and they have deals in the app based on your location. I used it to find a massage therapist after a half marathon in another city and was happy with it. Good luck!