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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask what your favourite thing is to do at the gym?

47 replies

hollyblueivy · 15/10/2023 19:39

I am quite new to the gym so still sussing it out and haven't used all the machines or free weights or cable things yet.

I do like using the kettlebells and next time my challenge will be to have a go with the smith machine. I want to get into deadlifts to see how strong I can get.

What's your best thing to do at the gym?

Anything you really don't like? I find bicep curls really hard.

OP posts:
Antst · 15/10/2023 19:52

I hate glute thrusts. They always hurt my neck (pretty sure something is weak there).

My favourite thing is deadlifting because I like the challenge. Definitely ask a trainer to help you figure out the technique if you want to try it because it's easy to get injured if it isn't quite right. Lat pull-downs are also a favourite because I can feel the muscles in my back working when I do them. Building the muscle has really helped me to be a lot more coordinated.

Another one I'm a fan of (don't know if there's a name) is standing while holding a weight in one hand, then raising one leg behind me (so it's perpendicular to the floor) and dropping the weight on the floor by my foot at the same time. Then I pick up the weight, put down my foot, and stand normally. I do three sets of 10 repetitions. It has really helped my hamstrings and glutes so that walking up hills or carrying shopping is a breeze.

Most gyms offer free training sessions sometimes. At my gym, it's once every three months. I highly recommend you ask because a trainer can help you figure out effective combinations of moves to do to improve your strength all over your body. Let us know how you do!

Siameasy · 15/10/2023 19:53

I like the power plate do they have one at yours?

Im enjoying compound exercises and ones that mimic real life. I’ve a tendency to get lazy and stick to weights machines so the other day I gave myself a kick up the arse. I use the 20kg barbell bar to squat with and now I can’t move lol

Sprinkles211 · 15/10/2023 19:54

Pretty much paying for it with the intention I'll go

Liloandswitch · 15/10/2023 19:54

I love hamstring curls and hate wall sits.

Crossinsomekindaline · 15/10/2023 19:56

I quite like to sit on the most popular bit of equipment browsing mumsnet. Sometimes I get up to take a mirror selfie but I always leave my water and towel on the equipment to reserve it.

Seriously, I love the various squat equipment. My thighs are the only muscles I can work hard without dying.

Wanttobekind · 15/10/2023 19:57

I love the hip adductor (or abductor) can never remember which. It’s the one where you sit and push your knees out to the side to push the weight out - basically man spreading with a weight. Bizarrely despite being a total weakling on every other machine I can complete that one endlessly while holding for ages as well so it makes me feel like I am Iron Woman. (Please no one add to this thread to say that actually, it’s super easy and every one can complete it as well, that’s the way the machine is set up. I don’t think my fragile gym ego could cope 😂)

UndercoverCop · 15/10/2023 19:57

Aqua pilates, it's been really good for my core strength and because it's a class I can't give up half way through!

Wormwoodgal · 15/10/2023 19:59

Favourite thing? Not going.

Original poster
hollyblueivy · 15/10/2023 20:01

Wormwoodgal · 15/10/2023 19:59

Favourite thing? Not going.

S you do anything else? I don't always want to go but I feel so good afterwards that it's worth going for three endorphins

OP posts:
Original poster
hollyblueivy · 15/10/2023 20:01

Liloandswitch · 15/10/2023 19:54

I love hamstring curls and hate wall sits.

Oh I don't like the hamstring curls - they feel a bit crampy

OP posts:
Original poster
hollyblueivy · 15/10/2023 20:02

Siameasy · 15/10/2023 19:53

I like the power plate do they have one at yours?

Im enjoying compound exercises and ones that mimic real life. I’ve a tendency to get lazy and stick to weights machines so the other day I gave myself a kick up the arse. I use the 20kg barbell bar to squat with and now I can’t move lol

Yes they have a power plate. I wouldn't even know how to turn the thing on!

OP posts:
Gnomegnomegnome · 15/10/2023 20:02

My least favourite is the lying down ham string curl thing. I feel really vulnerable on it and hate the cramp feeling!

My favourite is the showers either the weighted leg press or the barbell deadlift.

Get someone to show you each piece of equipment and get a PT if you can. I would sell my car and maybe my children before getting rid of my PT.

user1471556642 · 15/10/2023 20:05

Deadlifts, squats, single leg RDL’s with kettlebells and kettlebell swings are my go to favourites

KimberleyClark · 15/10/2023 20:09

I like the chest press -great for the bustline, rowing machine and lat machine.

Thehonestybox · 15/10/2023 20:09

I love walking on the treadmill at the highest incline. Partner says it's way too boring but you can really get in the zone for 15 mins that is just impossible to do walking outside (unless you live in beautiful countryside maybe!)

Goodmirror · 15/10/2023 20:17

Wanttobekind · 15/10/2023 19:57

I love the hip adductor (or abductor) can never remember which. It’s the one where you sit and push your knees out to the side to push the weight out - basically man spreading with a weight. Bizarrely despite being a total weakling on every other machine I can complete that one endlessly while holding for ages as well so it makes me feel like I am Iron Woman. (Please no one add to this thread to say that actually, it’s super easy and every one can complete it as well, that’s the way the machine is set up. I don’t think my fragile gym ego could cope 😂)

Edited

I love that one too but am not good like you, I'm a complete weed but love the feeling.

Stretching is amazing 😍

cuthbertthecat · 15/10/2023 20:21

I like barbell squats and RDLs , the big weighted leg press (when you sit and push up).

My PT has just started me on bench presses which I love so far.

I generally don't like dumbbell work.

Hariboislife · 15/10/2023 20:26

I prefer classes to using the gym although I do use the treadmill. My gym has this boxing thing where it tells you the moves but I find classes better as I never know what to do in the gym. The les mills body pump and body combat are great as are kettlebells, circuits and LBT.

xyz111 · 15/10/2023 20:28

If you're new to the gym be careful of the kettlebells. So many people don't know how to use them properly with good form.
Get a PT for a few sessions to teach you how to squat, deadlift etc. it feels great lifting a huge amount of weight 👍🏻

ScandiNoirNuit · 15/10/2023 20:29

When I’m not feeling too motivated, I tend to drift towards the machines, when I have more energy I like using the dumbbells (and think they work you in a more comprehensive way). Faves are Lat pull-down and fly machine - one I have never used before but I like the one in this gym.

ScandiNoirNuit · 15/10/2023 20:30

I would love to try some of the barbells stuff but it looks pretty intimidating! I don’t know that I could even lift the bloody bar!

MrsRetriever · 15/10/2023 20:30

Deadlifts and squats are my favourite, but there’s very few free weight exercises I don’t enjoy in some way.

Littleguggi · 15/10/2023 20:32

Kettlebells and bosu ball

pacificoceanwhale · 15/10/2023 20:32

Leg press machine is my favourite. I save it til last so as I have something to 'look forward to'

YachtMistress · 15/10/2023 20:33

I love it All (always have music on)
Find it meditative.
There are loads of online workouts to copy/adapt for your own program. Use technique gurus, I love Caroline Girvan (for her attention to detail and variety, beginner through to advanced) to work on your technique.

Working out in front of the mirrors is very helpful for technique analysis.
Hard to choose a fave, but find bulgarian lunges with weights tough every time.
Enjoy 🏋