how do i learn to use weights at the gym?

Question

i'm twenty-one and for most of my life i've been slightly over-weight. last summer i  dropped almost twenty pounds running and with pilates (my mom is one of the top rated pilates instructors in the world.) i've maintained my wieght with a good diet for months now, but i have not been exercising and i have not lost much extra weight. i'd like to lose at least another five pounds of fat and start building some muscle, so i plan to start going to the gym. unfortunately, i've never lifted weights before and i don't want hurt myself. are there programs at most gyms that help you familiarize yourself with the equipment so you can get the best results from workouts?

? · Accepted Answer

alot of gyms offer strength training for beginners, or private trainer instruction sessions for you to get started

if thats too expensive, or not your style, you can always ask a gym employee-- alot of gyms have staff that periodically circle around the gym making sure everything is running smoothly-- ask them for a few pointers or instruction on a specific machine

alot of weight machines also have little diagrams on them, instructing you how to use them properly.

i've personally learned how to use the weight machines and hand weights from a beginners class, and from personal instruction from a gym staff member

Tom C · Answer

Most good gyms have trainers, but they usually cost extra.

You can find websites and books that give some basic guidance, though they are not as good as having someone in person.  

Perhaps you can just watch what others are doing and politely ask questions of them when they are done with their sets to see what works for them.  Remember though, everyone is different so just glean information for various people, try it in small doses to see what works for you and keep the parts that do work as you go along. 

Also, always go easy at first and build your workouts up.  Too much too soon will make you overly sore and scare you off.

Anonymous · Answer

Hello, with it being the begining of a new year it seems to be on everyones list to try and get into shape and lose a few pounds. My freind just started a new diet program on the 1st and has already lost 5 lbs. It's called the diet solution, I'm actually going to start it tomorrow.  They have a ton of free healthy recipes too! It's at my link below.

Best of luck!

pianoforte308 · Answer

get a few sessions with a personal trainer. they'll teach you how to use all the equipment and give you a training plan! the only disadvantage is that they are kind of expensive. also, most gyms will have staff members who you can ask if you have questions about how to use certain machines.

BM · Answer

The instructors there will be more than happy to help you with this, that's what they're there for.

Anonymous · Answer

hey see www.womencover.com 
for this.
you'll see the links specificly about this on the left and the right side so you dont have to go and search everywhere
Source(s):
searched and visited personally.

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how do i learn to use weights at the gym?

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