Fat and going to the gym

[LovleyRitaMeterMaid]

I've got a monthly pass, do a couple of classes a week, usually yoga and zumba/spin/step but there's not always a class that fits in with when I'm free.

I used to go to the gym years ago but I'm a lot more chunky now, over 16st so lost a lot of confidence.

What would be best for me to do at the gym?

[Suzannewithaplan]

anything that gets your heart rate up a bit would be good LovleyRitaMeterMaid....what did you have in mind?

[ColdCottage]

I just used to do a little but often

15 mins each on bike, walking fast)ish) on treadmill and cross trainer.

10 mins on weights and 2-3'mins stretching/laying on mats.

[Josie314]

I really like the elliptical machines as I feel like they work more of my body than just my legs, but are also easy to hop on for 20-30 minutes and zone out to music while exercising.

[Mitchy1nge]

something you love doing and look forward to and will work hard at and can record progress of?

I am a big fan of the rowing machine, low impact but works you all over and think it helped keep my endurance up during times of not running so much - there are set pieces you can do, but don't be tempted to set a ridiculously high damper setting in case it hurts your back (I think rowers train between 4 and 6). You could keep a record of your times and increase distance or speed depending upon your preferences?

the other machines I find mainly rely on momentum and you don't really get the feel of doing actual work

[LovleyRitaMeterMaid]

Thanks for the advice. I'm wondering more about focussing on weights as my arms really need toning up and some cardio from the bikes and cross runner?

[Mitchy1nge]

toning means fat loss doesn't it, to make the muscles more visible, and also building the muscles up a bit? maybe the gym staff will help you come up with a routine that incorporates resistance training and you can increase the weights as you go?

[oliveobsessed]

It depends how over weight you are for your build (sorry if that sounded a bit tactless) rather than a local gym may be better looking for a local bootcamp that way you will have a qualified professional to help you. Also working out with other like minded people is generally more fun than the gym

[Suzannewithaplan]

I dont think 'toning' has a definite meaning, something along the lines of 'I want a firmer body but I dont want to look muscular'

[Suzannewithaplan]

can you ask the gym staff to help with some upper body strength training exercises, machines would be fine.
Something like a chest press, shoulder press and the lat pulldown would help to firm up your upper body

[Mitchy1nge]

(I love my own muscularity )

[Suzannewithaplan]

me too, I wanna look like this :o

[Mitchy1nge]

she looks INCREDIBLE, am looking forward to reading how she did it after round 2 of fun and fitness equestrian style in the pouring fucking rain

[Mitchy1nge]

(I see running and yoga played their part, yayyyyyyy)

[Suzannewithaplan]

to be fair that was back in the 90's she has had a more 'extreme' bber look at times.
Obviously it's all down to heavy training, genetics and erm, protein powder

[Mitchy1nge]

hah!

[BreakingDad77]

Dont forget light weights as well and lose the weight slooowly to minimize loose skin.

[TalkinPeace]

OP
your best bet is to get an induction session with one of the gym staff and get them to show you the different areas and bits of kit so that you mix up cardio and toning and stretching

HIIT is great for toning and shrinking

[Mitchy1nge]

what are light weights good for? have only ever heard people extol the benefits of lifting as heavy as you can for however many reps, like 8-12

[TalkinPeace]

Light weights in reps of 24 / 48 / pulses can have quite amazing effects on muscle tone
there is also a whole load of exercise based on bodyweight alone (basically yoga)
but even light weights can push muscles to lactic acid stage, without straining joints

[Mitchy1nge]

thanks, that makes sense

especially where the integrity of the joint is concerned (what puts me off doing any serious weights)

[ColdCottage]

I did the across body pull weights which really helped my arms as well as my middle.