Just Joined a Gym, Now What?

[universalsigh]

After months of putting it off, I finally joined a gym. I'm kind of bummed about having another monthly expense, but if I use my membership correctly, it will be worth it to get in shape.

 

I'm kind of wondering where to begin. I ran 2 miles on the treadmill after joining, but did not lift any weights. I'm wondering where I can find out the best program to put myself on. I'm about 6' and 175 pounds. A little on the skinny side. I basically just want to bulk up.

 

Any advice on where to learn more? Any good sites online?

[mouseno4]

I would never suggest an online site.

 

What you need to get is a personal trainer i think they are called. At the gym go looking for a personal trainer. They will tell you everything you need to know to reach YOUR specific goal. If you just want to tone up, that is what they will tailor your program for. If you want to be super man (or girl?), i guess they can do that too.

 

But you also need to see a doctor or a dietician as i am told you cant only go to the gym to fix anything with your body. Not 100% on that but that is what i have been told.

[NJD HockeyFan]

link removed

 

This is probably the best site out there. You can read personal success stories, and it's just a really motivating place. It'll teach you how to do each exercise, and even recommend workouts based on your time committments and goals. Nice site if you don't have the money for a personal trainer. Also don't be shy to ask for advice at the gym. I love it when people come up to me and ask how to do a certain lift, or even ask about my routine and what I did to get to where I am today. I'd recommend cardio at the beginning of every session, and then hit the weights after that. Again, check out that site and try to build your own plan. Biggest word of advice, make sure your form is correct for every excercise (aka start with low weights, don't be embarrased, everybody started somewhere). But good form is absolutely essential. Ask the guys and girls that look like they're in shape to spot you and judge your form. And use this board for any questions as well

[BMP2CPM]

Lift free weights, but learn from a trainer. Seriously, 95% of the people in the gym who use free weights or equipment or machines have NO idea what they are doing. Form is everything. When you're doing the lifting motion, you should feel the muscle you're working out. Workouts are less painful if you cheat. That's why everyone needs to work on their form.

 

A great book is:Starting Strength (2nd edition) by Mark Rippetoe

 

Also the beginning of Flawless: The 10-Week Total Image Method for Transforming Your Physique by Bob Paris, explained to me the high level concept of good form.

 

Good luck!

[onemoretime]

I would never suggest an online site.

 

What you need to get is a personal trainer i think they are called. At the gym go looking for a personal trainer. They will tell you everything you need to know to reach YOUR specific goal. If you just want to tone up, that is what they will tailor your program for. If you want to be super man (or girl?), i guess they can do that too.

 

But you also need to see a doctor or a dietician as i am told you cant only go to the gym to fix anything with your body. Not 100% on that but that is what i have been told.

 

I recommend the total opposite given that you've already expressed concern about the price and a personal trainer would cost an arm and a leg. I think if you look around the internet you can find some good information. Really the basic idea is that you have to eat more (smaller meals more often) in order to to gain muscle mass. You also want to be doing low amounts of reps at heavier weights and giving yourself days off after lifting. You can find more specific information on the internet or just figure it out for yourself as you go.