Starting the gym....

9 replies

fastandthecurious1 · 09/12/2022 21:27

Hi all I have joined my local gym! For swimming and gym access and classes etc. now I am in bad shape as I have just not really focused on myself so I'm not able to keep up in classes just yet.

Can anyone give me ideas of routine etc for the gym so I have seen the 12/3/30 treadmill workout so want to incorporate this with some weights possible stair master or rower / cross trainer but the main thing I don't want to use what time I have going there to be wandering aimlessly.
Any helpful tips welcome I am still a bit shy to ask the trainers in the gym in case the suggest things I can't manage

OP posts:

Pieministers · 09/12/2022 21:41

If it’s your first time at a gym, you should ask for an induction to show you how to use the equipment and get the most from your time there.

If you want to improve fitness, lose weight or have a specific aim, it’s probably a good idea to book a couple of PT sessions as they will be able to give you a programme to help you achieve that as well as make sure you’re using equipment correctly. Talk to your gym and find out what they offer.

RayKray · 10/12/2022 16:59

Does your gym offer to do a programme for you? They would be your best bet, the PTs won't suggest things you can't do (unless they're very crap). And they like to help people.

As someone who never used to stick at the gym but now can't get enough of it if really recommend the weights bit of a programme. It's made a massive difference to my life. And it's so good for women especially as we age.

dementedpixie · 10/12/2022 17:05

I dont know why you find classes daunting or feel you arent fit enough for them. I much prefer them to going to the gym and you can always hide at the back and go at your own pace. The first thing I went to when I joined the gym was body pump. I was fat and unfit so tailored the weights/workout to what I was capable of. The instructor will always offer advice and alternative moves for you.

You should ask the gym staff for an induction and see if they can suggest a programme to suit your abilities

RayKray · 10/12/2022 17:08

I get it - I don't like classes, the gym for me is a solitary thing where I get headspace.

dementedpixie · 10/12/2022 17:12

I like classes for the social side too. I have made friends through going. I dont have the same motivation in the gym.

RayKray · 10/12/2022 17:14

I get why people do like them of course. But you said you didn't know why the OP didn't, so I was sharing my understanding of that feeling. I've made friends at the gym but I still like to do my own thing and love going.

TabithaTittlemouse · 10/12/2022 17:46

You don’t have to keep up in classes. Try a few even if you do one and never go back.
Definitely agree with getting a PT, mine is lovely. He gave me confidence as well as teaching techniques etc.

Stellaris22 · 11/12/2022 19:41

What do you want to achieve? Upper body strength? Lower strength? Mixture?

Does your gym offer weight lifting intro sessions? Free weights are fantastic but I'd recommend a PT for understanding correct form to avoid injury.

You want to build regular routines to build progression rather than changing constantly or just wandering between machines.

PunishmentRoundupWithJoon · 13/12/2022 14:14

Congratulations on joining the gym! Don't be afraid to talk to the trainers in the gym, you can say you're a beginner and need to keep it simple/easy to begin with. That's what they're there for. What kind of classes do they have? Do you know how to use the weight machines? Free weights are great but machines are useful to get started - many have instructions on them.

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