Gymgoers - how do you use yours?

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I've just joined a gym (DL) with a pool, classes and gym floor.

I haven't done regular exercise for years (and never really stuck at it when I did). I do enjoy classes and swimming/gym (though slightly less). I want to get fit and lose weight (and realise that exercise is only a part of that).

There's just such a lot of choice at the gym that I can't decide how to approach it. My week tends to be unpredictable so I can't guarantee I'll be able to make the same classes every week, but should be able to get there 3-5 times per week i.e. gym/swim if I can't make classes.

I wondered if anyone could share the way they approach gym time/getting fit. Do you stick to the same activities each week, or just have a target number of exercise minutes each week? Any tips gratefully received!

I do a class every day except Sunday. Same routine every week. It becomes automatic after a while which means you stick to it. I'm sure others will come along and say they like to mix it up.

I've got my gym routine down to a science at this point. I'm in every other day working out different muscle groups. My gym doesn't have classes or anything, but on my off days I do Beachbody workouts. I've got their on demand service which gives me a ton of options to choose from on any given day: www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/on-demand-workout-videos.do

Yes routine is key. I do 4 classes a week, pretty much the same ones. You get to know people too which is really nice.

I've just joined a gym and at the moment have no real plan. I'm trying out different classes to see which I like and what works for me.
Tonight I'm going to bodypump for first time.
I also do some time in the gym.
I agree a routine is good but would suggest changing it around so you don't get bored.

RAC how did you like Pump?

It was tough and I kept to really light weights but I enjoyed it and think it will help lose weight quickly.

I currently weigh 83kg and I have started the following the routine:

10 Mins Air walker
5 Mins stretching
20 Mins Abs workout
20 Mins Bikes

I've been seeing slow progress but I feel I need to increase the intesity to see quicker results

I can have an unpredictable working week, but I generally know by the Friday what I'll be doing next week.

I decide on the Friday when and what classes I'll take next week and book them/put them in my diary. I know I want a minimum of 2 gym days a week but can squeeze in 3.

Prep is key. I also know (if I'm not doing classes that day) what I want to cover at the gym. E.g. 40 mins of cardio and 15 mins weight training. And what muscle groups I want to work.
If I don't do that then I just mull around. And ain't no one got time for that.

Routine.
And prioritising i.e. Someone suggests a coffee on a gym morning, even though I might really want to, I reschedule for a day when I won't be gymming.

At very least 3x a week. I go 5x but built up to that.

Classes. Even if you're not on the mood, you soon get on to it when someone in front, behind and to left & right of you is going for it.

Shower and get ready t the gym. Then you walk out ready to go. Whereas if you think you'll shower later it can often end up dragging and before you know it you're slobbing in the gym gear that you worked out in that morning, at 9pm!