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Exercise

Chat to other fitness enthusiasts on our Exercise forum.

Which machines do you use at the gym?

31 replies

PrunellaMcTat · 16/10/2022 08:12

Apart from the cardio I mean.

I mostly only go to the first circle of machines that the gym-residents don't seem to be very interested in. I'm working up the courage to stride confidently deeper into the gym and use the more popular machines.

I'm particularly interested in one that is without doubt the most popular machine at the gym - you lie face down and bend your legs upwards at the knee. All the teenage boys use that one, but I've noticed the awesome fit older ladies do too. Diagram for reference!

Which machines do you use at the gym?
OP posts:
NeverDropYourMooncup · 16/10/2022 16:59

You've got the face spot on for hamstring curls.

Bastarding thing. But it has made my arse rather wonderful and, together with the other legs machines (press, extension, adductor and abductor), has made it possible for me to actually get into a full squat for the first time in my life - and as importantly, be able to get back up again.

They've done wonders for my core muscles as well.

dickiedavisthunderthighs · 16/10/2022 17:01

Another vote here to get a PT. As a total exercise-phobe who was easily intimidated by gyms, the progress I've made in the last 10 months is nothing short of miraculous. As well as learning what's right for you, and what you'll actually enjoy, you learn so much about the body, correct posture when exercising and how far to push yourself.
There is some training I do now which could be construed as 'train to fail' but as the PP pointed out, no trained instructor will ever recommend that until you're well underway in your journey.

WindyHedges · 16/10/2022 18:29

What are you looking to achieve in going to the gym?

This is an excellent question.

superplumb · 18/10/2022 20:21

FlowerArranger · 16/10/2022 16:26

What @WindyHedges said. Especially re. using weights and booking a few sessions with a PT. Resistance training is only real way to get fit.

I don't go to the gym but if I did it would be for the rowing machine and anything that uses weights/resistance.

However, I train at home with Caroline Girvan. Currently near the end of her EPIC Heat programme. She uses serious weights and her workouts are incredibly well structured. Life changing and free on YouTube.

Which ones would you suggest if you were starting out?

FlowerArranger · 18/10/2022 20:58

You have to be fit to train with Caroline Girvan. She does have an Epic Beginners programme, but even this is pretty tough. What weight dumbbells have you been using up until now, @superplumb ? I started out with 3 kg and worked my way up - 5, 8, 10, 12 kg. I still use all but the 3 kg, depending on the moves, but always try to challenge myself.

If Caroline's Epic Beginners looks too tough for you, check out her shorter workouts that address abs, shoulders, glutes etc. She has loads of those too. In my view she is the best online trainer out there and her workouts are very professional.

Also look at Growingannanas HIIT, with and without weights. She too has a huge back catalogue of excellent workouts, so you never need to do the same workouts twice - though they mostly follow a similar format.

To get into shape generally I'd recommend the following, which I still do regularly:

Lucy Wyndham Read's Thighs & Glutes and some of her other leg and floor based workouts, such as those aimed at pear shaped women and her muffin top workouts.

Rebecca Louise's Best Abs, as well as Bingo Wings, Ageless Arms and Best Arms.

The Bowflex 3-minute plank, which I do virtually every day.

MrsTuxedo · 19/10/2022 20:43

I like the standing abductor machine

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