Gym workouts (first timers)

I'm asking for a gym membership for Christmas. SO is, too, that way we can encourage each other through our weight loss journey. He's around 250 and I'm around 150. He'd like to reach 175 and I'd like to reach 125 again. 120 would be awesome. We've both never been to a gym before, so we'll feel fat and dumb at first I'm sure. I've got to stick with exercises that are easy on my knees and back because they're pretty much smurfed. So, running is a no go for me. Would stationary bikes and ellipticals help me and him start the pound shredding? What do you recommend as far as exercises go? What sort of routine would you start out with? We're new at this so please be detailed. When we receive memberships, we'll take pics as we progress.   TIA!

Consistency. That's all that matters. And start slowly.

Mix cardio (monitor your heart rate) and weights.

It's really hard for me to advise you with out knowing you and online. lol

Do 30 minutes of cardio first, then 30 minutes of strength training. You can do elliptical or bike for the cardio (or just walking on the treadmill to start out). As far as strength exercises, perhaps a trainer at your gym could give you some things that will be specific for you. That's what my old gym does, and they'll give you a new work out however often you'd like.

oh and Congratulations! Good for both of you!

I loved he elliptical. It helped me lose and tone at the same time. I would do an hour of that. And you can adjust the resistance and incline, so its easy to work your way up. I would then do 3 rounds of weights.

Eta: do 30 minutes of cardio then weights then another 30 of cardio.

Quoting Colt's mommy:" Do 30 minutes of cardio first, then 30 minutes of strength training. You can do elliptical or bike for ... [snip!] ... that will be specific for you. That's what my old gym does, and they'll give you a new work out however often you'd like."

Do trainers cost extra or are they part of the membership cost?

Quoting Cap'n Obvious:" Do trainers cost extra or are they part of the membership cost?"

If you actually work out with the trainer, they cost money. BUT, I would hope that when you sign up, that they would give you and initial check to see where you're at and give you a routine, all included. It would vary by gym though.

Quoting Boobie On Demand:" I loved he elliptical. It helped me lose and tone at the same time. I would do an hour of that. And you ... [snip!] ... of that. And you can adjust the resistance and incline, so its easy to work your way up. I would then do 3 rounds of weights."

Sounds like the best regiment for me, really. I won't strain my back or shred my knees to pieces. We're Catholic and even kneeling down in church makes me want to cry! hahah.  

<blockquote><b>Quoting Cap'n Obvious:</b>" Do trainers cost extra or are they part of the membership cost?"</blockquote>




They usually cost extra

Quoting Funny Feminist:" oh and Congratulations! Good for both of you! "

Thank you!  )

Quoting Boobie On Demand:" I loved he elliptical. It helped me lose and tone at the same time. I would do an hour of that. And you ... [snip!] ... to work your way up. I would then do 3 rounds of weights. Eta: do 30 minutes of cardio then weights then another 30 of cardio."

This is good, but I never have enough time, lol.

Quoting Boobie On Demand:" <blockquote><b>Quoting Cap'n Obvious:</b>" Do trainers cost extra or are they part of the membership cost?"</blockquote> They usually cost extra"

Could you give me an estimate? We're really pressed for money.

Quoting Cap'n Obvious:" Could you give me an estimate? We're really pressed for money."

like $30+ for each session.

<blockquote><b>Quoting Cap'n Obvious:</b>" Sounds like the best regiment for me, really. I won't strain my back or shred my knees to pieces. We're Catholic and even kneeling down in church makes me want to cry! hahah.  "</blockquote>




Yeah I have a bad knee and the elliptical was the best thing for me. Oh, and I don't know by individual session, but when my mom used a trainer at 24 hour fitness she signed up for 2 sessions a week for 3 months and I *think* she paid $1200 so I think that's like $50 a session. But I don't know if that's a usual amount. Also, when you sign up ask if they do like an initial meeting with a trainer or I'd the have a trial you can do.

Quoting Boobie On Demand:" <blockquote><b>Quoting Cap'n Obvious:</b>" Sounds like the best regiment for me, really. ... [snip!] ... usual amount. Also, when you sign up ask if they do like an initial meeting with a trainer or I'd the have a trial you can do."

I think that would be best. Trainers cost so much. I'm sure that once we start and get more experienced that we'll figure out what we're missing and what to add and stuff.