Gym experience: Tips for a beginner?

Question

I want to join a gym and I'm kind of scared because I don't think I'll know what to do with everything and I'm a pretty meek person (personality flaw yeah I know tell me about it) and I'm generally afraid to approach people. I can only afford a basic membership right now. It's a pretty big gym and I expect most gyms have the same type of equipment. What are the most important rules to follow? Is there someone there to show new people how to use the machine properly or do I need to hire a personal trainer to do that? Are there any good websites that you use to plan a routine? I'm 22 female whos looking to lose weight and maybe build a little bit of muscle, but not alot. I have a website that recommends diets to follow but I nothing on routines. Are there specific do's and dont's that you wish other members would follow? Tell me what youve experienced as a new gym member and how you learned the ropes?

Answer 1

gymming requires dedication and commitment and no less patience. You have to make up ur mind that you love you body and this is all for you  (which I guess you have done with) .  Most imp thing is before you join gym look for instructor who answers your questions in a way reasonable to you, or whom you can confide on. Next thing is while on gym course, you will find that you are not gaining much as you used to earlier. But dont lose patience , keep going. Remember its just about time you will reap benefits. And yes keep the water bottle handy at all times. Regarding diet, eat proteins, greens as much as possible. Avoid oily stuffs and junk food of course.

Well, if you can afford a personal trainer, then you may go for it. I cannt comment much as I never hired one.

Welcome to good health and all the best :) Cheers.

Answer 2

just dont overwrk urself the first few times..believe me ur body will not like it and u can get sick.. :)

Answer 3

Hi there...first of all congrats for taking such a systematic measure to get your health in control!Let me warn you that the human body gets more sensitive to food once you start working out.So even with powerful workouts if you are eating the wrong food you will gain weight instead of losing it..your objective shoudn be losing fat,nothing else...when you go to a gym ask the people in the customer service area to get you a trial membership as well as complimentary personal training sessions...ask them also if they can measure your body fat % for free..you dont need to hire personal trainer unless you really are trying to get a six pack or something like that,or if you feel that a personal trainer can help you get motivated. When you visit a gym,either the customer sales representatives or one of the trainers there should give you a tour of the facilities that they provide. Each time you go to workout, make sure you bring a set of clothes(to change after your shower,including undergarments) and your own toiletries/make up...most gyms do offer members a locker for storing belongings,locker key,,a complimentary towel,t shirt ,shorts and at some gyms even shoes and socks(its better you get yourself your own pair of sports shoes and socks for hygene purposes)...keep to a variety of workouts and go as often as possible,maybe 5 times a week for best results...each time you need to reload your membership,watch out if there are any special offers or discounts. If they do organize any Open Day or Marathons,try to participate too..thats the best way to maximize social support and keep your motivation strong...dont be shy to make friends with other guys or young women there...when you start working out dont be shy to ask any trainer on duty nearby to guide you to use the equipments...hope you get into shape soon!

Answer 4

Hiring a personal trainer is a great idea if you can afford it, but if not; don't fall into the idea of strengthening muscles, strengthen movements, especially those you do a lot; for most movements, you should do an opposite movement. Unless your trying to build show off muscles, don't worry about small, peripheral muscles, work the larger ones. A very basic routine might be;lunges,chest press,low pulley or dumbbell row,overhead press,bicep curl,{opposite upward push,upward pull}, crunches,45-degree back extension. these will build a strong base, and you can add other exercises later, if you chose. At some point, you will plateau. this is when you quit gaining strengthh, in spite of working out. When that happens, you have to change your routine. Different order of exercises, different number of reps or just lay off for a week.If you don't know what the exercises I've named are, any half-decent book on weight training will help, but a trainer would be better.