Getting the most out of the gym..

Laurajo_2

Hi all.

I'm looking for a bit of advice...

I joined a gym a year ago, and until December, went fairly regularly.

Reasons for joining were primarily weight loss at the time (as I has a forthcoming wedding) and, together with healthy eating, I managed to lose a couple of stone. Weight loss aside, I really enjoyed the excercise and feel that it has been very beneficially to me emotionally - I feel better and have a lot less anxiety if I am exercising regularly.

For various reasons, I have not been able to go throughout December and am unlikely to go through January either (temporary work relocation with no local gym)...I am really looking forward to returning in February!

However, I feel like I am just 'pootling' about at the gym....I use this and that bit of equipment for 10 minutes or so, do some weights etc.

I would like to develope a workout programme that challenges me and gives me a bit of focus, but I don't know where to begin. Can anyone recommend any sites, apps or at least a starting point that will help me develope my own workout programme?

Just for info, I usually go to the gym three times a week, swimming (badly-I've only learnt to swim in the past 12 months!) once a week and a six mile walk or bike ride one day per week.

fannyadams

ask at the gym if they have someone who can sort you out a training plan. our local gyms have a lady and a bloke who know stuff about nutrition and excercise (think one of them went to Loughborough - THE sports university) and they put together training plans for you once they've discussed what you want to achieve and where you are at right now. takes about 90 minutes for the assessment and it was free!

Dovah_diva

If you can afford a personal trainer, then they will be able to devise a plan for you. Failing that, if you are interested, I could tell you what my routine is.

LiveOnce

You really need to get to know the gym staff at the gym. Get to know their specialities, your chemistry with members of staff. And then ask the staff member who you think is best for advice and see if they can give you a plan based on what you are looking to achieve.

You also need to educate yourself, there are plenty of books on weightloss and health & fitness on Amazon. Research and pick a book and use it as a aid to what you are looking to achieve.

Above all, you need to continue exercising and sort out your nutrition and rest. You have to be consistent. Stopping and starting all over again is not going to help your progress.

Laurajo_2

Thanks, I'll have a chat with someone at the gym.

I have had a few PT sessions before with a couple of different PTs....I guess it's just finding one that I click with - the last one I tried was a bit of a disaster, got me to do a few weights then sat me on an exercise bike for twenty minutes whilst he disappeared off for a coffee. I can't complain because it was a free session, but it did make me feel that I was glad I didn't pay for it!

Dovah Diva, I would be interested in your routine. As I said, I'm pretty clueless.

LiveOnce, I totally agree with the need to be consistent. I'm hoping that by taking a more structured approach, and having actual aims and targets it will help.

pinkbubbley

Laurajo wrote: »

Hi all.

I'm looking for a bit of advice...

I joined a gym a year ago, and until December, went fairly regularly.

Reasons for joining were primarily weight loss at the time (as I has a forthcoming wedding) and, together with healthy eating, I managed to lose a couple of stone. Weight loss aside, I really enjoyed the excercise and feel that it has been very beneficially to me emotionally - I feel better and have a lot less anxiety if I am exercising regularly.

For various reasons, I have not been able to go throughout December and am unlikely to go through January either (temporary work relocation with no local gym)...I am really looking forward to returning in February!

However, I feel like I am just 'pootling' about at the gym....I use this and that bit of equipment for 10 minutes or so, do some weights etc.

I would like to develope a workout programme that challenges me and gives me a bit of focus, but I don't know where to begin. Can anyone recommend any sites, apps or at least a starting point that will help me develope my own workout programme?

Just for info, I usually go to the gym three times a week, swimming (badly-I've only learnt to swim in the past 12 months!) once a week and a six mile walk or bike ride one day per week.

What kind of areas of your body to you want to target, or is it just general health you want to improve? How often do you got and for how long? Also how is your diet as this can impact dramatically on the gym benefits? Happy to help if needed - i'm a gym bunny xx

TricycleGangsta

Try varying your routines. This always helps me get back into the gym.

If you're interested in weight-lifting, check out bodybuilding.com for routines and exercises.