To not know how to use the gym?

11 replies

seesawteddy · 22/04/2019 17:36

I am 35 and have never been. I need advice about how to use the machines, what machines I should be using and for how long, but I don’t have the money for a personal trainer and also I don’t want somebody watching me. How can I find out what I should be doing before I walk in and look like a wally?

OP posts:

internetpersonme · 22/04/2019 17:37

You don't need a personal trainer. You will get an induction when you sign up. I know you will with the council/better leisure centres.

LeSquigh · 22/04/2019 17:37

They will show you! Gyms have an induction.

shartsi · 22/04/2019 17:39

A good gym gives you 1 to 3 induction sessions to show you how to use equipment and which work outs are good for you. You can also watch YouTube videos on how to use the equipment.

CupOhTea · 22/04/2019 17:40

Yanbu! You will be shown how to use the equipment by someone who works there. I think they have to do it so that you don’t injure yourself.

RedPanda2 · 22/04/2019 17:52

I had an induction but it was rubbish tbh, so I looked at YouTube videos. A lot of the machines have set up and use guides on them which is really helpful. I was using an arm machine incorrectly and a bloke showed me how to use it. Luckily he wasn't at all condescending. I just need a bit of confidence to go to the (male instagram model type dominated) free weights area... just be honest and let them know you don't have a clue!

hidinginthenightgarden · 22/04/2019 17:55

I had an induction and it was great. We spoke about my goals, they showed me the machines and how they worked and also drew up a plan for me based on my goal.
It was a list of exercises - 5 minutes cardio warm up, 15 squats, sit ups, lunges etc.

Original poster

seesawteddy · 22/04/2019 17:57

Oh great! Thanks. Will they give me advice about how long I should be spending on the machines, how fast the treadmill should be going etc, or just how to use them? I’m clueless, I don’t know if it would be better to do a hard exercise for a short while, or an easier exersise for a longer time. I really need to be talked to at beginner level.

OP posts:

eurochick · 22/04/2019 18:14

It depends on the gym. Some will just want you to be able to use the equipment safely. Others will design you a program to get you going.

VanessaShanessaJenkins · 22/04/2019 18:19

An induction will only go so far. I got a lot of useful info from finding some trainers to follow on insta.
The nuffield I go to also has an app and all the machines (weights, cardio etc.) all link up with the app. When you scan the machine you are on a video comes up showing you how to use it. It also comes up with personalised programs depending on whether you want to target fitness, weight loss, toning etc and how often you can train. It then tells you what to do for each workout. For a complete beginner it's fantastic.

PineapplePatty · 22/04/2019 18:19

Couch to 5k app is a good place to start

CupOhTea · 22/04/2019 18:22

My gym does give you a program to follow op, but not all of them do. Maybe ask when you start if they offer that?

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