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First day in the gym...

2K views 21 replies 12 participants last post by  sleeperLS 
#1 ·
Man there are so many machines i dont know what todo.

I biked for as long as my knees could take it at a level i could take. About 30 min on that machine.

Then i hit the treadmill and walked at 3.5mph for 20 min.

I then did 40 reps of 75 pounds on the think you lay on your back and push up with your feet.

I did some other things as well.

Where can a guy find a routine to start with? My goal right now is to get some weight off before it gets to late.

5'7 and 176 pounds.

Id like to put on some in my upper body and shoulders to help stabilize my joints.


I'd like to go in with a plan.
 
#3 ·
Real common issue for anyone starting to work out. completely overwhelmed by all the machines, and a general lack of knowledge on how anything works.
Afraid to be the new guy, so you simply dont ask...
Somewhere in your life you know someone that works out. Go once or twice with them, and have them show you the machines. Wont be so overwhelming after that.

Like pete said, RPM.
Personally, if I was attempting to lose weight, I would do 75% cardio. If you hit the weights keep the reps UP, and the weight DOWN.
 
#5 ·
They actually didnt hurt if i kept the resistance down and the rpms up.

Its not my joints in my knees that hurt its the tendons around them.

I walk alot with work and im glad to say i dont hurt today like i figured i would.
 
#6 ·
Consider getting a personal trainer from the gym for a few days. My wife did and it helped her drastically.

I'm going to as well. I know how to lose weight, get great stamina/cardio and strength. (General military type characteristics) However, regardless of how strong I've been I've never had any significant muscle definition. Sooo, as soon as I'm done cutting a certain amount of weight I'm going to utilize a personal trainer myself. I'm determined to get some before I get much older.

For my wife the one she uses made a huge difference in her knowledge and ability. Either way, my point is they will help.

If you don't want to pay, I'm sure you can talk them into a brief walk through and discussion. However, a good trainer will help you drastically - especially for getting started.
 
#7 ·
Most personal trainers are basically told what to do by lawyers who don't understand how the body operates. Take what they say with a grain of salt, and do your own research. There are plenty of good reference sites online, but message boards, even this one, are not always the best place to learn, because you never know who or where the information comes from.

My advice, pick a goal, find an accredited specialist or coach who has written books/articles relating to your goal, and start there.

If you're looking for lifting info, start with Mark Rippetoe's "Starting Strength."
 
#8 ·
Sounds gay, but yoga is the shit!
 
#9 ·
Today went well. I was able to go 3 miles with a rmp of 78-84. My ass is what makes me stop. Did some more walking on the treadmill and a few other things.

Each of our machines has an instruction sheet on it and what muscles it works. I just need to research more of what I need to work on to reach my goals.
 
#10 ·
I hired a trainer for a few weeks when I first started. He really cared and enjoyed his work and has helped get me going in the right direction. It was worth every penny because I know me well enough to know that I would have done it all wrong and given up already.

There's still a lot of stuff I don't quite understand. Its like I have this jumbled up puzzle with just a few pieces here or there connected. I could stand to learn more.
 
#13 ·
I shit you not, buy this book. There is more info than you would believe and a lot of solid routines. Sometimes when I hit a rut or plateau, I can go back and re-read it and find stuff that may not have applied a couple week/months/years ago and suddenly makes all kinds of sense. May be overwhelming for a newb, but a good solid foundation.

http://www.amazon.com/New-Encyclope...7219/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1288340225&sr=8-1
 
#15 ·
Well guys i did run into a friend there last night. I havnt seen alot of him in a few years and he has put on a ton of muscle. He is willing to show me the machines, and invited me to work out with him and 6 other guys.
 
#19 ·
Listen to your body, but do as much as possible. Alternate type, length, and intensity to keep from getting stale.
 
#20 ·
Went to the city today(us northern country people have todo this ;) ) and looked at the book at barns&noble.

I did the same as above wal-mart to my door for 20 bucks.

Thanks again everyone for time and help.

maybe ill start a progress thread once i get a few months in.
 
#22 ·
Awesome.

Thanks again guys.

Tonight sucked. Put in a solid kick my ass work day and then went and kicked my ass some more.

My shoulder i had surgery on continues to get stronger since june. Im up to 10 pound weights. Dont laugh before it hurt to lift my arm above my head.

I still get a tendon on the ac joint that pops and it will hurt from time to time.

I hope once the shoulder continues to get stronger that will go away.
 
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