Just joined a gym

[kaleidoscopeeyes]

...and I have no idea where to start O_O

Note: I have some medical/physical conditions I'd rather not get into, but basically I'm not ready to lift weights yet, my muscles are a lot weaker than the average person's, I'm a lot less flexible and my balance is a lot worse. I'm taking up ballet in three months or so, so I'd love to be in reasonably good shape by then. I'm looking to lose about 8% of my body fat, gain 10 pounds of muscle and lose 15 pounds of fat. WHAT DO I DO? :O :O :O

[buffalogal]

Hi!! I work at a gym and I know that alot of people join gyms and start working out without any idea of what they are doing!! The best advice I can give is to make an appointment with a personal trainer. Most gyms have them; many gyms include a consultation with their memberships. They will sit down with you, analyze your body, talk with you about your special needs (make sure you tell them everything about your particular situation as well as your goals), and they will set you up on a program. They will show you the machines that they feel you would benefit by, set you up on a program explaining how much weight you should be using, how many reps (repititions) you should be doing, etc. They will follow your progress and increase your weights and reps when they feel it's right for you. You will be amazed at your own progress, especially when you meet the goals you have set for yourself. If your gym membership does not include a personal training session to get you started, I still feel that it would be a good idea to make that appointment, pay their fee and consider it a good investment in your future!! Good luck!!:)

[Aleesha Sattva]

personal trainers are the best! i strongly recommend them as well. in the meantime, get on the treadmill and walk!

start off slow, don't go crazy and burn yourself out and be prepared for some very sore muscles!

congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!

[greenday]

Yes, personal trainer!! I am seeing one now and it is ~~money well spent~~

It may seem expensive but the results are so much better than trying to figure it all out by yourself (and potentially either risking injury or just not doing the exercises right and not getting the most out of the time you are spending at the gym). Best of luck and ((((huge applause)))) for taking such a great step towards improving your fitness and health!!! :)

[kaleidoscopeeyes]

Unfortunately, we cannot afford a personal trainer. But thank you for your suggestions :)

[Revvell]

O.k., I posted something about this long ago. It may be too late for Kaleidoscopeeyes but maybe not.

Hear this: EVERYTHING is NEGOTIABLE!

Before joining a gym at their "special prices".. negotiate. They will often wave the "initiation" fee and lower the monthly fee so you can get at least one session with a private trainer.

Most gyms will have someone available to give at least one free session to get you started, get to know them and potentially see you on keeping them.

Revvell

[Cinnamon]

Most clubs will give you one free session with a personal trainer just so you know how to use the equipment (like the weight machines) so if you can arrange for that, go for it!

I did make an arrangement with a personal trainer, she found out that I am a Pedicurist and we traded hour for hour services. I also purchased (later on) a package deal for training sessions at a discounted rate and didn't have to use them within a certain time frame so I could use a few here and there as I wanted to tweek my program.

Enjoy your membership, I love my health club and go there every day. Take advantage of all you can, I love all the classes and take as many as I can fit in!

[shashibala]

When I did go to a gym years ago, it was standard for someone to help you figure out what to do for no extra cost. You should ask for it and see what they say. You aren't looking for someone to hold your hand through the workouts,
but just to give you a general plan. If nothing else, they must provide an overview of the machines when you can ask a few questions. If that doesn't help, I'd just start out on cardio machines. If you aren't ready for weights, cardio is a good place to start.
Treadmill, elliptical trainer... Start slow and add minutes as you feel ready. I am no expert, but this is what I'm doing now. I started with 5 minutes on the elliptical machine a month ago and now i'm up to 30 minutes.
You will probably progress more quickly than I as I am old. Good for you for doing this now while you are young!! Good luck!!

[GoingRAW]

Most new personal trainers have to build their client base by giving free workouts, so ask around.

Does your gym have classes? Are you comfortable taking one?

Elliptical machines are awesome and have different programs to mix things up.

There are many websites out there that have videos to demonstrate exercises. bodybuilding.com is great for when you are ready to start strength training. But, as everyone else stated it is important to consult a trained professional to make sure you don't injure yourself by doing something incorrectly.

Good luck getting a free session!