The best thing to do is speak to one of the instructors. They can usually put a programme together based on what you want to achieve, and also show you how to do each exercise properly (especially important with the weights!).

I did go to the gym quite regularly, but I haven't been able to do much for the past 3 months or so due to niggly little injuries

What's a gym?

what is this gym that you speak of?

Hehe not been in a veeeeeery long while, just can never get motivated! I need to lose weight from round my waist, the main place I put weight on....just cant really be arsed (Although my mums turned into crazy weight watchers/ gym woman and weighs less than me now so that might get me motivated!)

Definatly talk to the instructory people and they can usually tell you what you need to do to target specific areas! xx

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by Whistler
What's a gym?

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I used to think that until I kept having to buy bigger trousers, then I joined and Im buying smaller trousers(although its a long process. Oh and of course fit women to look at is s a bonus.

Seriously though as DJbilly said speak to one of the instructers and they will tell you the best ways, thats what you pay your fees for. Dont overdo it though or you will make yourself ill.

I personally dont use the weights I use the bikes (2 differnt sorts), rowing machine, stepper and sometimes go for a swim after. Using these Ive built up some muscles in my legs that i didnt know i had.

Good Luck and keep it up drink plenty of water

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by Whistler
What's a gym?

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Exactly! Gyms are dirty places full of dirty people

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by Teresa
(quotes)

Exactly! Gyms are dirty places full of dirty people

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Oi!!

I've been a member of my local Holmes Place gym for about a week now and I'm loving it!

Been swimming last week and I've literally just got in through the door from a session with the instructor. She's put together a good program and has shown me how to use every individual machine I need to. They are always there to give advice so just ask them if you aren't sure about anything.

Here we go...the flab fight!!!

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by Teresa
(quotes)

Exactly! Gyms are dirty places full of dirty people

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Maybe not dirty, but usually sweaty

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by JtB
Maybe not dirty, but usually sweaty

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There are a couple of dirty gorillas at my gym and a couple of huge cagefighters that use the free larger weights section (there are weights in that area the size of train wheels!) and I love getting a view of those while I'm there

I haven't been for a few weeks because of doing overtime at work instead, but I miss it when I'm not going regularily.

My one and only tip: Warm up properly - Resistance - Cardio - Stretch.

If you do the resistance first, you burn up the energy in your muscles and then when you do your cardio, you'll be using your energy reserves (flabby bits). Stretching properly after a heavy workout will stop the achey muscles two days later - although I've been known to not bother stretching so that I get that ache 'cos I kinda like it

oooh the stretching is soooo necessary, my boyfriend went to the gym with me for the first time, we stayed for two hours and he didn;t stretch out afterwards and the next day he was in complete pain!! could hardly move, wasn't a happy bunny i can tell ya

But it can be so funny to point and laugh

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by Spitefulangel
oooh the stretching is soooo necessary, my boyfriend went to the gym with me for the first time, we stayed for two hours and he didn;t stretch out afterwards and the next day he was in complete pain!! could hardly move, wasn't a happy bunny i can tell ya

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Two hours is a bit excessive especially for a first time.

it wasn't constant though, more do a bit then stop and have a chat for 10 minutes! it hasn't put him off though, he wants to go more often, even if most of the time it takes a bit of persuading from me!

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by Spitefulangel
oooh the stretching is soooo necessary, my boyfriend went to the gym with me for the first time, we stayed for two hours and he didn;t stretch out afterwards and the next day he was in complete pain!! could hardly move, wasn't a happy bunny i can tell ya

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A handful of glutamine tablets is as good as any stretch and also promotes muscle recovery and growth!!! But I'm guessing you don't want to look like Ronnie Coleman

Mon!

While you're about... Have you ever had elbow trouble, and if so what did you do about it?

I've had it for about 3 months and it's annoying me now!

I have terrible trouble with my some ligaments in my right elbow. The first thing I'll ALWAYS advise is consult your GP and if necessary have them refer you to a sports injury specialist.

(I think that's my ass covered in the event of a law suit )

In truth full rest including a brace or pressure bandage until it's healed is probably the best thing. I also take cod liver oil AND glucosamine tablets to maintain good joints.

Once you're able to train again start slowly and go lightly. If in any doubt, explain your situation to a personal trainer at the gym and ask them to go over triceps/biceps exercises with you to strengthen you elbow till you're back up to speed.

The body will heal itself though, you just have to give it time.

Good luck with it

Cheers

I've been resting them and they're almost better, but they've reached a kind of plateau for the last couple of months. It hasn't helped that I've not been able to take anti-inflammatories because of asthma/allergy to aspirin.

I think I'll go and question my GP next week