The gym can be a confronting place. There are lots of sweaty people, music so loud it rivals a rave and various curious-looking contraptions that most of us have no idea how to use. For fear of embarrassing ourselves, we stay well away.
But while your kettlebell and cardio routine has its merits, you’re missing out if you’re not getting stuck into the equipment on offer over in that feared weights section.
According to Fitness First personal trainer Leanne Tesoriero, the area is nothing to be afraid of — and even better for you if you’re a beginner to the gym workout.
“Between me and you, everybody at the gym is focused on their own training so they don’t pay attention if you are lifting too much or too little. Don’t worry about it, just focus on your plan. There is no reason to put the weights floor into the ‘too hard’ basket,” she says.
Here are the five machines you should be trying in your next workout.
Watch: The Bachelor’s Sam Wood’s easy body weight workout you can do anywhere. (Post continues after video.)
Top Comments
Muscle strength is so important - along with adequate calcium and vitamin D it's the best possible way to prevent yourself getting osteoporosis later in life. And as anyone who has osteoporosis can attest, you really, really don't want to get osteoporosis.
I also agree that a few sessions with a personal trainer would be invaluable if you're a newcomer to the gym.
Just an fyi to anyone who isn't familiar with these exercises, the
pictures in this article don't necessarily match up with the
descriptions. Also, most machines will have pictures on them showing
how to perform the exercises.
I'm against weight machines for the most part, but these are the good ones if you have to use them.
Just stay away from the Smith machine unless you are doing something like incline rows.
Just out of curiosity, why are you against weight machines?
Most people at the gym don't look like that - unless it's Fitness First Platinum Bondi! Love the gym and weights personally, you get much faster and more defined results than spending hours on the cardio machines. A PT is definitely a good investment if you are new to working out or plateauing. There should be more emphasis on building muscle as it holds you in good stead as you age, particularly for females.
Much prefer free weights, then you work more muscle groups such as core. The old-school exercises as best I find - squats, dead lifts etc.