Beginner to working out?

Question

I joined a gym about two weeks ago and i go every morning doing the same exercises everytime,4 sets of 10-12 reps on the chest,arm and leg machines.Now it is not as hard as it was when i first started but its not easy either,Like i said i am a complete newbie to working out and i want to know when should i increase my workout/weight/reps or what?I asked the gym if they could help me with some sort of workout plan and they told me to look in some muscle magazines,lotta help they are huh.

Thanks...

Answer 1

I would consult a personal trainer if u r a newbie to working out. and do cross training. cross training means do different stuff diferent days like say on mondays you do a certain exercise the next time u do that exercise do a different exercise that works the same muscle groups I recomend a 3 day planned progression workout consisting of the upper body,lower body and core(stomach area, chest and lower back)

I recomend this only afetr you have checked and obtained approval from your doctor! if you don't cross train your muscle developes the same routine in it's muscle memory and will end up using less efort because it will become adjusted to the workout ie you won't see results. when you first workout within the first week or two u will see huge improvements then the improvemnts will decrease and ultimitaly only a little muscle strength will be gained each time that muscle is worked THIS IS NORMAL! but cross traing will increase the effectiveness of each muslces ability to become stronger.

Answer 2

Here's a little trick I have heard numerous times.  It's simple and easy to remember.

If you want to build muscle, do less reps with a lot of weight.  If you want to burn fat, do less weight and a lot of reps.  I can't exactly explain this but for some reason it makes perfect sense to me!  I also like this trick because in some parts of my body I want to tone and build muscle and others I want to burn fat instead.

Hope I helped!