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Original poster

Can I get fit going to the gym twice a week?

34 replies

generallyfailing · 26/12/2021 20:43

And if so, what should I do? Aiming to lose weight and tone up. I know 3-4x a week would be much better but unfortunately not realistic with everything else I've got on at the moment. Gym has pool and all the usual equipment and classes. Just don't know what type of exercise would have the best impact so any and all advice very welcome!

OP posts:
EmmaStone · 27/12/2021 09:17

Perhaps look at a PT not linked to your gym - may be cheaper, and then you can supplement what you're learning in the gym.

kokoalemon · 27/12/2021 02:44

Oh and years back the book ‘New Rules of Lifting for Women’ would be regularly recommended for weight training (for women, anyway!), that contains lots of info and I think routine IIRC. I don’t know if that’s been superseded since then but possibly worth having a look.

kokoalemon · 27/12/2021 02:40

It all depends on the gym but some will have trainers available as hoc for advice or as part of classes, rather than as a PT, who will be able to give advice on weights, routine and form without being a costly extra.

Definitely ask them about what is available on that front, it’s so easy to injure yourself even with really light weights (voice of bitter experience!).

Original poster
generallyfailing · 26/12/2021 22:17

Oh cool good to know re body pump, thanks. What's the best way of devising a weights programme if I don't get a PT?

OP posts:
rainbowandglitter · 26/12/2021 21:54

Body pump is more of a cardio workout than a weights session. Use the free weights in the gym and gradually increase the weights you're using. Heavy weights get the vest results.

StiltonIsLife · 26/12/2021 21:50

Any day is better than nothing but I agree weights is the way to go. I'd use bodypump as cardio, rather than weights exercise.

Original poster
generallyfailing · 26/12/2021 21:48

Thanks for the advice. Sounds like weights is the way to go. They do a body pump class so that might be worth trying. Will also see about a PT.

OP posts:
kokoalemon · 26/12/2021 20:49

If you want to see a difference in appearance (and overall feel better too), weight training will be the main one. I couldn’t say how many times a week as I’m not sure anymore, but it will get you stronger, fitter and you will see an impact in appearance. Getting some professional input (like from a trainer at the gym, or maybe weights sessions if they have them) would be important for proper form.

It can be hard to lose a noticeable amount through exercise alone unless you’re burning masses, through extensive or very frequent exercise, so diet would need to be part of that.

As with all things, best is to make sustainable changes and go for the long haul. Like “in a year I could look, feel etc…” rather than aiming for drastic change in a month. Obviously if that happens then fab but if so let that be an unexpected bonus Grin

RJnomore1 · 26/12/2021 20:45

You can definitely get fitter. I’d do big weights if I was going twice, a push day and a pull day and some legs both. You’ll see a difference.