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When you first join a gym question

LynPag Posts: 8 Joined: 2002/09/09	2002/09/09, 09:34 PM When you first join a gym, and they take you around for an orientation, they always put you (girls anyway) on a Cybex circuit or Hammerstrength, etc. to follow. My question - does this really yield results? Or is this just something to keep you occupied when you don't really know what you're doing??
bb1fit Posts: 11,105 Joined: 2001/06/30	2002/09/09, 09:56 PM I think the reason for this is usually when someone first starts, the balance isn't there. A machine will take the stabilizers out of the exercise for you. With free weights, that is one reason they are so much more effective, you have to use much more muscle recruitment. After your tendons and ligaments get worked some with machines, you will find it much easier to go to free weights. It is just a precautionary measure that we use as trainers.
LynPag Posts: 8 Joined: 2002/09/09	2002/09/09, 10:16 PM I appreciate your honesty. Do you have time for one more question? I really joined the gym for the classes, because they're fun for me, but want to incorporate some kind of weight training (I don't have too much lose, but I am flabby and I need tone) - I tend to get really bored with the rotation and don't stick with it long. Do you think if I gave it my all for 10 weeks I would see anything and be ready to move on? Thanks if you can answer. By the way, good luck in your contest if that's not an old post! :) It looks like you've been working hard!
Summer Posts: 9 Joined: 2002/05/30	2002/09/09, 11:15 PM I got bored with the circuit real fast but it did work in the "weightloss" area for me. When I started I did the circuit (machines) and cardio right after and saw results..but it wasn't before long that I needed to find more challenges and that's when I moved on to a total body workout with mostly dumbbells. I really enjoy free weights because the movement is more natural.
bb1fit Posts: 11,105 Joined: 2001/06/30	2002/09/09, 11:43 PM In 10 weeks with good training intensity, whether it be machines or free weights, and cardio, and a good diet, you will see pretty phenominal results, plenty enough that should make you WANT to move on. Best of luck, and no,that is not an old post. I have just under 4 weeks till my next contest. Thanks for the encouragement.
Philia2 Posts: 4,078 Joined: 2001/10/19	2002/09/10, 02:10 AM I love circuit training and I've had absolutely great results. It speeds up your metabolism, tone your body AND you don't have to stay the whole day at the gym...... About machines versus free weights, both are good and you should change between the two. When first starting and learning an exercise I'll ask my clients to use the machines as well. THEN after a while we'll attack the free weights. -------------- - Nina :o) Les Victoires éternelles sont celles du coeur.
CJFit Posts: 58 Joined: 2002/07/26	2002/09/24, 12:38 PM Whether it is a machine or a free weight exercise, when you first start weight training you should ease into it and go light in order to learn the movement. There will be many theories on whether you should start off with machines or free weights. I feel free weights are the way to go because they are more functional as opposed to machines. Again, go light, learn the movement and ease into it. Once you develop the motor skills and balance then you can go heavier and try more advanced stuff and of course the machines too.
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2002/09/26, 04:29 PM The posts above give great advice. I also use, the if I do not feel good about it I tend to not use it, method. Someexercise you are not going to like but need to do, in my case I really have a love/hate thing with bench presses. But I also try out every type of exercise. If I feel it will not work for me for any number of reasons I drop it from my routine. My point is take it slow, but try a lot of different exercises, then decide what works -------------- Life comes by only once....Live it to the fullest!