gym questions

[SunnyDays]

I have recently joined a gym, and I love going, I just have a few questions about making my workout the best it can be!!

I have just under 100lbs to lose, and I am a large boned and muscular female. I was an athlete in my younger years, and I have the body type that "bulks" easily.

I want to incorporate weight lifting into my gym routine, but I am afraid of increasing that bulky look, when I want to tone, and get the long lean muscles.

I did a google search, and got conflicting information. I am especially concerned about my arms....no girl wants to have muscley looking arms!!! Should I use lighter weights for more reps/sets? Or what?!?

Also, I love the eliptical machine and I was reading one of the sticky posts about running....is that like the same thing? Will it have the same benefits as a walk/run program?

I really would like to spend an hour at the gym daily, maximize that hour and see RESULTS!

Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks

[Brook]

Re: gym questions

Women can and should weight train. Women do *not* bulk with weight training. It's a common misconception, but it's exactly that- a misconception. Women who do bulk work their butts off for hours upon hours upon hours, as well as very specialized supplementation and/or special <ahem> vitamins to do it. We just don't have the genetic makeup for it or the testosterone for it.

You can do heavy lifting if you choose, or you can do light weights/high reps. Personally, I prefer to go somewhere in the middle, but that's me. Find what works for you, but don't avoid heavy lifting out of fear. Tons of women do it with high success and they don't look like female body builders or feminine men!

Eliptical machines are a fantastic form of aerobic activity. I'm not sure what you're asking about walk/run program. If you're asking will you gain the same type of aerobic benefit from an eliptical, the answer is yes. If you're asking if you'll work the exact same muscles or your body the same way, the answer is no.

There are so many schools of thought about exercise and what the best way to get to your goal is. Heavy lifting/short reps, light lifting/high reps, run/walk/eliptical/step/hike for hours or do HIIT training, or classes like Body Pump or Jazzercise that combine weights and aerobics.

I'm gonna tell you to start off doing something you enjoy and build up. Most gyms will give you a session with a personal trainer when you join...utilize it!!! They will show you how to lift weights properly and build a routine that is for you and your abilities. It's well worth it.

Good for you for getting going, Jill!
~Brook

[fowlergirl]

Re: gym questions

Hi Jill. I agree with what Brooke said. I recently joined a gym and started weight training. I scheduled a session with one of the personal trainers. She asked what my goals were then she showed me how to use the different machines. My next session with her, she had designed a workout plan for me to follow.

Now I follow the plan three times a week. I highly suggest talking with one of the trainers at your gym. I started with low weights and high reps. I intend to slowly work my way up. My upper body is weak but I am working on it. Best of luck to you. I hope that helps.