Help me with a gym routine

[Blackstar]

So I need to get fit, lose weight and hopefully feel better about myself.
But I have no idea where to start! I have access to my university gym which is super well equipped and as my best friends dad is the Dean there I can go for free.
If someone could give me some pointers that would be great, I have to deal with the problem of having hyper extension in my joints which makes it painful to run for too long.
Masters of the gym machines please help!

[leowyatt]

Would you consider rowing and cycling? How often would you look to go?

[Mark]

Leo's suggestions seem sound. Ask the staff (preferably instructors if they have any) to show you how to set the machines up correctly to suit you and don't forget the stretches.

[Blackstar]

I have used gym machines before and am quite happy setting them up, but thank you for your suggestion.
Leo - Rowing isn't so good but I can do it and cycling is fine, looking to go maybe twice/three times a week if I feel up to it. I know they run various classes.

[BBx]

Set yourself small goals and build yourself up

i.e run for 5mins, then 6mins next session etc etc

As someone said above, try and get a free program from one of the instructors there, they should be able to advise you on the best stretches and exercises to do.

Also dietwise too - my failure!

You go girl!

BB x

[Kitten]

Paula, my dad is a fitness instructor/personal trainer/dietician type person. I can ask him to set you a plan up if you like? He's just done one for me for my RFL training.

If you want me to ask, just send me a pm/email with your aims, a bit about what you like doing, what you really don't like doing, and anything else you think is important (that you'd say to someone inducting you at the gym) He can advise on diet stuff too (i.e. what to eat pre/post workout) and he'll do a plan for you

[lostkat]

What a kind offer Kitten

Originally Posted by Kitten

P...a bit about what you like doing, what you really don't like doing

Most important thing of all I think. If you hate some of the exercises you're doing then you'll end up finding excuses not to go, or at best, give up gymming as soon as you've hit your target and make the weight loss unsustainable.

What classes do they do? Might be worth trying a few out to see what you like. I was never keen on fitness classes because I felt too self conscious, but as soon as I went along, I realised that people are far too interested in what they're doing to look at anyone else. It also motivated me because there was someone at the front pushing you to do better and I fell into a weekly routine of doing my classes. It's easier to sack off the gym than a class you've booked onto.

Good luck anyway

[Piggymon]

How much time can you commit to it ?

It's pointless writing a programme for 1 hour 4 times a week if you don't have the time because you'll get fed up of it and trying to squeeze it in.

I would reccomned a full body weights work out once a week and cardio on other days.

You need to be doing at least 45 mins cardio for it to be effective for fat burning.

Can you tell me what machines are available for weights and also do you have free weights there ?

You will need to sort your diet out as well, what is a typical day's eating ?
Kitten's Dad will have much more knowledge than me but happy to help as well

[Stan_Lite]

Originally Posted by Piggymon

You need to be doing at least 45 mins cardio for it to be effective for fat burning.

There is a a large body of opinion that shorter sessions of HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) are as effective (if not more so) than steady state cardio for losing weight. This would be useful if you're short on time - although it's bloody hard work.

I've been following the Body For Life system which alternates upper and lower body weights sessions with HIIT sessions and has good suggestions and help with nutrition. I've lost nearly a stone in the six weeks I've been following it - might be worth a look

[Blackstar]

Originally Posted by Piggymon

How much time can you commit to it ?

It's pointless writing a programme for 1 hour 4 times a week if you don't have the time because you'll get fed up of it and trying to squeeze it in.

I would reccomned a full body weights work out once a week and cardio on other days.

You need to be doing at least 45 mins cardio for it to be effective for fat burning.

Can you tell me what machines are available for weights and also do you have free weights there ?

You will need to sort your diet out as well, what is a typical day's eating ?
Kitten's Dad will have much more knowledge than me but happy to help as well

Maybe 1 1/2 hours about 2/3 times a week. http://www.sport.ed.ac.uk/ this is the gym facilities are top right the are 3 different free weight rooms (under resistance training).