For the gym "experts".....

I started going to the gym a while back and pretty much have just stuck to the treadmill which is crazy because I have one at HOME!!  So the last 2 weeks I've ventured out.  I'm building up my time on the eliptical.. 5 minutes now without dying WAHOO.... Yesterday, I managed to get a guy to show me how to use the abdominal machine and the one for my thighs and calves.  My question is this....how many sets should I do on the ab and leg machine every day?  I was only there about 35 minutes yesterday.  I thought I got a pretty good workout but I don't feel sore or strained at all today and I suppose that's good.  Help?

When doing weights, you should not do the same muscle group on consecutive days.  Start out with 2 sets of 10, build up to 3 sets, and when you can do it easily, increase the weight.  Do upper body one day, then lower the next, and alternate days when you do abs.

If you can, get a couple personal training sessions so they can make a plan for you and show you how to use all the equipment properly.

Have fun!

Kim

Do you use the treadmill and eliptical on the same days that you do weights?  And if so, how long do you use each of those?  There really isn't anymore there to show me how to do it.  The guy at the window is too busy doing his own weight lifting in the back with younger guys....which is actually pretty funny watching GUYS admire themselves in the mirrors as they lift!

I alternate cardio days with weight days.  Here is a typical week for me:

Sat-run 4 miles, mow lawn
Sun-yoga
Mon-abs, arms and shoulders
Tues-run 4 miles
Wed-abs, back and chest
Thurs-cardio boxing
Fri-rest day

Usually for my weight workouts I use P90X.  If I can't run outdoors due to weather I'll use the treadmill.

I do not consider myself an expert, but I usually do 10-15 reps 3 times in a workout session.  I like to feel a little pain, but not to the point of injury.  Start low weight and increase to the next level the next day to see how it feels.

Sarah

Thanks...I like to feel the challenge and didn't yesterday.  I may increase a little today and see how it feels.

Just my 2 cents ... anytime you go to the gym you should always try and do your cardio (treadmill, eliptical, etc.).  You should alter your weight workouts.  One day maybe do uppper body (arms), next day do lower body (legs) ... you can always work on your abs.  BUT the key is to not over do it.  We do not want any injuries.  Just because you are not sore doesn't mean it isn't doing something.  You have to start out slow because your body isn't use to it and build it up. As they say ... just keep moving!  So proud of you ...

Thanks...I'm actually pretty proud of myself.  2 days in a row with no excuses made! 

i do agree with alot of these but i havent gone to the gym in a while. When i did go  I normally do 30 min eliptical or stairmaster, then monday arms, tuesday legs,wed back and shoulders, thursd arms, and friday legs. I do abs everyday. and then do 30 min more cardio before i leave. Start doing what you can and work your way up. I do 3 sets of 15 reps on each machine. Start off in the 15 or 20 lbs and increase with time. I feel great AFTERWARDS.

Do your cardio at every visit. If you miss the gym, still walk or do something else to get the cardio work in. It is a great way to support your body as you burn fat and calories.

Alternate your resistance training to work different muscle groups on different days. Upper body/chest one day, legs the next.

It's too bad that your gym does not have someone interested in instructing you. Maybe you could watch for a friendly face of another client who seems to know what they are doing and ask for some guidance. Truth? I'd also check out options for other gyms.