Gym Talk....

IrishCloud
IrishCloud Posts: 71
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi I hope some one can help me with this.
I want to go to gym tomorrow (all going well) and I dont know where to start.
I am fairly unfit and have Asthma too. ..1 big reason why I want to get rid of the extra weight.
my question is ...WHERE DO I START??
Could anyone tell me a gym plan that might suit me please.

Replies

  • theba2il
    theba2il Posts: 548 Member
    GF, I'm not going to a gym right now. Check out fitnessmagazine.com and oxygenmag.com. They have a lot great info! xx
  • dad106
    dad106 Posts: 4,868 Member
    I'd see if they can offer a free session with a personal trainer. If you've never been before and have asthma, they can help you create a routine that won't cause you to flare up. They can also intro you to the weight machines and show you the proper form for free weights.
  • IrishCloud
    IrishCloud Posts: 71
    Thanks I will.
  • kslindner
    kslindner Posts: 107
    I would consult with a trainer or manager at the gym before starting, especially if you have asthma. Most of the time the trainers are willing to sit with you for an hour for free to get you started.
  • MarieNevada
    MarieNevada Posts: 395 Member
    best thign to do is book a session with a trainer that works at the gym. even just to get a plan. and an orientation so you know the machines and how they work.
  • lynn1982
    lynn1982 Posts: 1,439 Member
    When I first joined my gym, I had a free consultation with a personal trainer. She did a fitness assessment and then we talked about my goals. She then set up a program for me and took me around the cardio and weight rooms and showed me how to do everything. I know not all gyms offer that complimentary, but if your gym does or for a reasonable fee, then it's worth it.
  • emmaleigh47
    emmaleigh47 Posts: 1,670 Member
    If you have asthma, before you even get to the gym you should see your primary care provider. Make sure your asthma is under control, and make sure that you have a rescue inhaler and a plan for exercise.

    I have moderately severe asthma and I have not let that hold me back, but I need to pre-med with my inhaler before really any workout or I get too wheezy and into spasm ...

    After that ... book with a trainer. Most gyms have it for free... but even if you have to pay for a session it would be well worth it.
    Good luck ... you can do this!
  • jg627
    jg627 Posts: 1,221 Member
    Make sure to ask how to use the equipment if you don't know. People tend to end up on youtube when they try to use the pull-up bar as a monkey bar.
  • marie_2454
    marie_2454 Posts: 881 Member
    Ask someone who works there. Also, a lot of gyms have deals where when you sign up you get like 3-4 free personal training sessions for free or for a discount. If you've never been before you should definitely ask someone to make sure you're using correct form, the right weight, and using the machines correctly. Don't feel embarrassed to ask someone either; that's what they're there for! Lol once you get in the routine of going you'll love it!
  • IrishCloud
    IrishCloud Posts: 71
    Thank you all for your help.
  • IMYarnCraz33
    IMYarnCraz33 Posts: 1,016 Member
    I have asthma... and used to go to Curves.
    I always brought a bottle of water and my rescue inhaler just in case
    but never had to use it.
    If there's one in your area, check it out. =)
  • corgifan
    corgifan Posts: 155 Member
    If you have asthma, before you even get to the gym you should see your primary care provider. Make sure your asthma is under control, and make sure that you have a rescue inhaler and a plan for exercise.

    I have moderately severe asthma and I have not let that hold me back, but I need to pre-med with my inhaler before really any workout or I get too wheezy and into spasm ...

    After that ... book with a trainer. Most gyms have it for free... but even if you have to pay for a session it would be well worth it.
    Good luck ... you can do this!

    I can't agree more. An asthma attack is something to be taken seriously, plus negative effects of asthma can really impact your results. Definitely see your physician if you're having asthma problems and have a plan for any problems you may encounter.

    That said, it can be done. I started at 236 pounds and always said I couldn't run because of my asthma. Turns out I could, I just had to learn what worked for me and how to handle triggers (smoke outside, allergens, etc). I dropped 40 pounds and got into running. I've now finished a half marathon and am training for my second and third this fall.

    I can tell you that a big part of your exercise is going to be learning to fine tune signals from your body. I had to learn what was legitimate asthma problems and what was more myself psyching myself out because I was out of shape and afraid of an impending asthma attack. Start slow and work your way up and you'll do great!
  • csmith4567
    csmith4567 Posts: 82 Member
    0. Water and a towel should always be with you..

    1. Warm up - Get on a cardio machine (treadmill, elliptical, etc.) and get to your target heartrate ... this info is usually on the machine based on age ... You should work hard enough to get to that heart rate within 5-7 minutes ... no more than 10.

    2. Every work out should include the core (abs!) ... I like to do "push" exercies one visit ... then "pull" exercies the next ... That way I'm giving my muscles time to recover in between visits. Especially, if you are going every day. Some people like to do upper body vs. lower body ... there are alot of schools of thought on this ... whatever works for you. The main thing is to do it!

    3. Breathe. Work out slowly and mindfully. Pushing too hard and fast without good form can cause more damage than help. If you can do more than 10 reps without a struggle, you are not using enough weight. If you have to use momentum to lift the weight, it is too heavy .... pay attention to your body.

    4. Stretch ... Stretch ... Stretch. Before .. during ... after ... You can never stretch too much.

    5. Back to the cardio machine .... Finish up with a good 20-40 minutes ... at least. Get the heart rate back up ... then cool down and stretch again.

    I did this at least 3-4 times a week ... years ago ... when I was a good girl and in shape. Aaah ... those were the days. :D

    Good luck! Have fun! And do not lot let anything stop your progress!
  • DavidH85
    DavidH85 Posts: 19
    the one time I took lessons from a personal trainer, the guy was an idiot, and I probably had grounds to make a lawsuit against him... know your own personal limits, be willing to push it a bit, but keep in mind not to overdo it. I ended up taking 12 generic advil in hopes to stop the pain and barely slept that night, had to get an Rx from how bad I was hurting... from just that one session.
  • IrishCloud
    IrishCloud Posts: 71
    thanks again every one for all your advise. I will do it because I want to and I can.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,050 Member
    When I first joined my gym, I had a free consultation with a personal trainer. She did a fitness assessment and then we talked about my goals. She then set up a program for me and took me around the cardio and weight rooms and showed me how to do everything. I know not all gyms offer that complimentary, but if your gym does or for a reasonable fee, then it's worth it.
    This. As a trainer I do fitness assessments and sit downs with new members. Also involved is a weight room orientation. I hardly ever ask for anyone to consider personal training since my gym keeps me totally busy and I'm approached all the time by members to see if I have any session openings during the week. Unless they specifically ask that they want it, I just let them know I and others are available for training if they want it. Nothing like having a client who was "talked" into the training and seeking it out on their own.
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