I don't know how to use the machines at the gym...

Ask a trainer to show you. If they aren't willing to do that without charging you for a personal training session, find another gym - STAT.

You should receive at least an orientation at the gym to show you how to use the machines, etc. I would not hesitate to ask the gym personnel to help. You paid for a membership and deserve to get the most from it. :flowerforyou:

Definitely ask the folk that work there! I just started at the gym at my work & they did me a full workout & explained all the machines and what needed to be set for each one. Naturally I forgot most of it the next time I went & I just asked the person on the desk again :-)

You should be able to get at the very least an introductory session on how everything works. You may also be able to get a workout programme from them - I know when I went to my gym the guy asked what my goals were & what sort of things I liked so that I got a workout that suited my goals, times & me :-)

Best of luck with it :-)

At most gyms there is always a Gym orientation where they show you how to use the machines. We joined the YMCA, and they showed us how to used all the weight machines, and how to set them correctly, then asked if there were any other machines or work outs we had questions with. And then there is always someone working in the work out room, so if you have questions you can ask them. So if you see a personal trainer walking around your gym, just go up to them and tell them that you had some questions about the equipment and you have never used it before, and they will be able to either help you right then, or set up a time to meet with you and show you. They look pretty intimidating, but all the ones I have met and worked with are all really nice and love helping. Good luck!

The trainers in your gym are your best bet, but if you, for whatever reason, find it hard to talk to them you could always write the name of the machine/exercise down and search YouTube for a vid showing you proper form. While this isn't perfect it can be a good stepping stone to get you comfortable with new equipment/exercises.

Most gyms have people who are trained and will walk you through how to use the equipment at no extra cost. You could always just ask them for help. I feel intimidated too, so sometimes the first few times I want to try something new I'll go to the gym when I know there will be less people there so I don't feel as silly. Once I'm comfortable, I start incorporating it into my daily fitness.

http://www.exrx.net/Lists/Directory.html

http://www.livestrong.com/weight-machines/

My husband doesn't work out as often as I do, but every once in a while he comes with me and shows me how to use the various machines (he did a lot of weightlifting in his younger days). Today we noticed some great new equipment for doing squats and rows. He also gave me some new routines using kettle bells.
If you don't have a spouse or friend to show you, ask around at the gym. If you have paid money to join, it is the gym's responsibility to provide someone to show you how to use the equipment. Do not be afraid to ask. If you want more than just a quick run-through, you might also consider hiring a personal trainer who works at your gym. I once paid about $100 for three sessions with a trainer, and I thought it was money well-spent because he helped me set goals and customize routines for various muscle groups.
Also you might see if there's a friendly looking person working out on a piece of equipment that you would like to use and simply ask if he/she could show you how to use it. It's a great way to meet new people and get some pointers.
In any case, do not feel intimidated about asking for help. Classes and cardio equipment are fine, but to get the most out of your gym membership, you need to work out with free weights and other weight machines as well. Once you feel comfortable using them, you will love going to the gym and doing your own workout, custom-designed for you.

http://www.exrx.net/Lists/Directory.html

Thank you!

OP, I'm in the same situation. I got a 24-hr mbrship in April. I got an orientation, but no info on how to use the equipment. When I called a few months ago, the first person told me that I may be able to get free help and he passed me on to a trainer who told me there would be a fee. I was planning on getting a trainer anyway, but won't be using that particular trainer. I don't like ppl trying to use me. Why would you charge someone over $100 so that they can learn how to use equipment in YOUR gym? If they charge me, I won't be renewing my membership.

I belong to LA Fitness and other than the orientation for new members there is no assistance by the staff or trainers. I was told by one they are not allowed to advise members as the intention is to sign members onto a training contract. One trainer who actually would provide advice was terminated.

Do not the machines have placards indicating muscles used, body position and recommended setup? They should if they are from Icarian, Hammer or Life Fitness.

I should mention the orientation here consist of a walk through which is about five minutes at most.

I see a lot of employees sitting down at their desks, but I thought they were personal trainers?? I have no monies for that.

AT my gym, they have trainers who are there to help people learn the machines and stuff (when they are not working with paying clients) When I first started, I went to the trainer on duty and said " I want to work my core, can you show me a few machines to do that?". it took a whole 5 minutes for him to show me. A few months later I asked him to teach me how to barbell squat. He did that without charging me. I talked to/got advice from him for a good 6 months before I ended up hiring him to work with me privately.

I belong to LA Fitness and other than the orientation for new members there is no assistance by the staff or trainers. I was told by one they are not allowed to advise members as the intention is to sign members onto a training contract. One trainer who actually would provide advice was terminated.

Do not the machines have placards indicating muscles used, body position and recommended setup? They should if they are from Icarian, Hammer or Life Fitness.

I should mention the orientation here consist of a walk through which is about five minutes at most.

I train at Lifetime..
Most all of our members receive LT$ for 2 free personal training sessions.. and I am all day long walking the floor answering questions, demonstrating exercises, and when I see people doing things I'm pretty good at, completely wrong (Olympic lifts) I get excited and practically give them another free session. I've never denied anyone who asked me a question an answer b/c they are not paying me lol. In fact, when they decide to pay someone.. I'm the one they are going to come to b/c I did help.

At most gyms there is always a Gym orientation where they show you how to use the machines. We joined the YMCA, and they showed us how to used all the weight machines, and how to set them correctly, then asked if there were any other machines or work outs we had questions with. And then there is always someone working in the work out room, so if you have questions you can ask them. So if you see a personal trainer walking around your gym, just go up to them and tell them that you had some questions about the equipment and you have never used it before, and they will be able to either help you right then, or set up a time to meet with you and show you. They look pretty intimidating, but all the ones I have met and worked with are all really nice and love helping. Good luck!

THIS^^^ My YMCA has super hot, muscled guys working the fitness floor weekday mornings ( when I go). They are the sweetest, nicest men I know. I absolutely adore them. My favorite one right now is married and expecting his first baby in the spring. Next week he finds out if it is a boy or a girl, and I am crocheting a blanket for the baby.

:laugh: Do you go there for the men or the workout?

#2 stop caring if you look dumb and just play around and figure it out. Everyone learned how to adjust the seats at one time or another.

That's what I was afraid of. :embarassed: ...I just called my gym again and explained that I signed up in April and wanted to know if they teach ppl how to use equipment. He said that after I signed up, I should have had an hour-long orientation going over this and I didn't get that. I said earlier that I did, but I just signed up for a guest pass and got a tour, and signed up officially online. He doesn't think that there's a deadline and is gonna have someone call me to set up my orientation! :bigsmile: