Some advice please

stac3wa
stac3wa Posts: 36 Member
edited November 28 in Fitness and Exercise
Hey!
So I’m in a funk with my workouts. I’ve just come back from a 3 month work thing, where I was using the gym everyday mostly for cardio. Before this I was ‘training’ with my gym friend who I suppose you can class as a weight lifter. (I’m still coming to terms with different programs/trainings etc!)
So fast forward, I haven’t been properly to the gym in 3 weeks and was thinking maybe I need to try something else. Possibly. So I found a gym a while away from me that does ‘powerlifting’
It’s coming at a massive cost (£180 for 6 weeks - he wants me to do PT with him plus the gym)
But I’m just in 2 minds. Do I just go back to working out on my own (and with friend) combining her training and cardio. Or do I invest in powerlifting?
I like to lift. I want to be strong. I’m not interested in being a certain weight. But at £180 every 6 weeks , it’s a steep step. I’m sorry to jabber on.
I just don’t know what to do. Can I train myself powerlifting? Or do I stick back to cardio and weightlifting but alter it to get the body I’d like?

Replies

  • DancingMoosie
    DancingMoosie Posts: 8,619 Member
    You can find a free weight lifting program online, like stronglifts or starting strength, etc. Or you can workout with your friend. Whatever fits your goals. I do cardio at home with videos, mostly kickboxing and aerobics, then lift 2-3x weekly on my own, something similar to stronglifts.
  • stac3wa
    stac3wa Posts: 36 Member
    Thank you @DancingMoosie I want to really cut my fat back (I’m quite over weight - 5’1 & around 78kilos) I carry it all on my belly.
    So go it alone?
  • DancingMoosie
    DancingMoosie Posts: 8,619 Member
    I see no reason to pay that kind of money.
  • spiriteagle99
    spiriteagle99 Posts: 3,745 Member
    Unless you really want to do the powerlifting, I'd find something less expensive.
  • DancingMoosie
    DancingMoosie Posts: 8,619 Member
    You can still lift weights without paying that kind of money. Do you have access to a gym with free weights? Just learn how to use them and pick a plan.
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    stac3wa wrote: »
    Thank you @DancingMoosie I want to really cut my fat back (I’m quite over weight - 5’1 & around 78kilos) I carry it all on my belly.

    The fat loss will happen if you eat fewer calories than you burn. If you choose to lift by yourself, pick any of the beginner plans listed in the pinned post, watch lots of form tutorial videos on youtube, and also video yourself to check your form. If you're unsure of your form, you can post them here for the trainers to critique. :+1:
  • dragonghost
    dragonghost Posts: 68 Member
    The reason it is so costly is because your getting a trainer.

    Do you need one? Only you can decide if its an investment you want to make.
  • middlehaitch
    middlehaitch Posts: 8,486 Member
    edited September 2018
    Here is the list of most recommended proven programmes.

    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1

    Chose one that suits your abilities, equipment and time available. Don't worry if your first choice doesn't suit, you can change it.

    There are plenty of videos available showing you form.
    It sounds like the gym and trainer you found would be more suitable for you if you were working toward competing.

    Not sure where you are in the U.K., but check out your local leisure centre. They usually have classes, some are conditioning like Pilates, others are circuit training using machines and weights, others are teaching you how to use weights.

    You may also be able to find a trainer there who will work with you at a more reasonable price.

    Cheers, h.

    ETA: If fat loss is your goal, use MFP to track your intake. Give yourself a reasonable deficit, and use a food scale for accuracy.
    Eat back your exercise cals. MFP doesn't include them in your deficit and you may under perform or become lethargic if underfuelled.
  • stac3wa
    stac3wa Posts: 36 Member
    Thank you everyone.
    I do have a gym more local to me which does have free weights. It’s where I worked out with my gym friend before. Her workouts aren’t something I’m into. I don’t like her menial workouts and she usually stays well away from any kind of lower body workouts. so maybe following one of the programmes mentioned above may help me. Maybe I should go it alone. I am pretty competent working out alone. To be fair, I actually prefer it.
    I’ll save that £180 and invest in some nice new gym wear.
  • TrishSeren
    TrishSeren Posts: 587 Member
    The link above is very helpful, I'd suggest Strong Curves to get you started as it's a full body program 3-4 times a week (you can choose if you do 3 or 4 days).
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