New To The Gym. Tips Needed!

SBT0001

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So I recently joined a gym and it can be very intimidating. Especially when everyone else looks like a body builder or model and I am far from it haha

I am not over weight but I have a little extra weight in my lower abdomen covering any abs I may have. I also have very small pecs, almost nonexistent. So I was wondering the best exercises or machines to use to help with this. Should I do a lot of cardio? Again, my main goal is not to lose weight but more to tone up what I’m already working with.
 
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DSF140

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So I recently joined a gym and it can be very intimidating. Especially when everyone else looks like a body builder or model and I am far from it haha

I am not over weight but I have a little extra weight in my lower abdomen covering any abs I may have. I also have very small pecs, almost nonexistent. So I was wondering the best exercises or machines to use to help with this. Should I do a lot of cardio? Again, my main goal is not to lose weight but more to tone up what I’m already working with.
You can't get your abs to show unless you lose the fat that is covering them. Since there's no such thing as a spot reduction of fat, you will need to get into a caloric deficit.
 

mike2411

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You should have an induction to show you how to use the equipment. This will prevent you injuring yourself and they may give advice on the best exercises for what you want to achieve. I suggest you ask the gym's receptionist or an attendant.
 
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deleted10143361

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Cardio shouldn’t be your focus. There’s no such thing as “toning.” You either lose fat, gain muscle, or both. Weightlifting will be your best bet for either goal.
 
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MilfBanger78

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Do some research, check out youtube videos etc. It will be trial and error for a while with you being new. Main thing is stick with it, and try to progressively add weight to your lifts (with good form). Progressive overload is key.

Also, try not to feel intimidated. I know it can be daunting but Trust me, 90% of us at the gym are focused on our own training, not looking at what other ppl are doing!
 
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Swallow your pride on weight. Use some good core exercises that work the bigger muscles -that you enjoy and work for you.
Perfect your form and find clean eating habits that you can stick with.

it’s not rocket science — but some will try to make you believe that it is.
Don’t get caught up in all the bullshit and “trainers” out there.
If it’s light - add more weight
If it’s heavy- reduce the weight.

Eat, rest and repeat
 

ToxicCrow

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If you wish to lose weight the thing is not to eat less, but to eat foods with less calories in them. Losing weight is mostly about the diet more than anything. One of the easiest ways to do this is to remove sugary drinks or juices from your meals and replace these with water. Or slowly phase them out.

I would recommend to try the machines that guide you through the motion if you don't have that much experience or muscle. Some people will diss at the machines but I think it's a quick way to slowly get strength or muscles adjusted without injuring with free weights. Just get to know your body and what feels comfortable!

Cardio should be mixed in with weight training. I would recommend to find a cardio exercise session that you really like. That can be jogging outside, treadmill, rowing, air boxing, etc. Just find something you enjoy and stick with it. Eventually spice it up once in a while.

Pro Tip from an amateur. Don't be afraid to ask the BUFF DUDES for HELP. These guys usually love helping and even will show you new exercises.
 

mike2411

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Every gym will have its show-offs -- those who are really buff. Don't feel intimidated by them because they too had to start as a new gym user once. There will be all types there - super-fit, fat, those who delight in flashing their equipment by walking around naked in the changing rooms. Ignore them - you are what you are.
 
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So, I recall one interesting morning heading to work when I had a conversation with a family member, and physical therapist/trainer overheard us.

From what I recall what she said, strength training over cardio, as you'll need the strength to support your body when you do cardio.
 
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Youtube fitness community has everything you need to know. But for first timers, literally nobody is judging your physique, and I'm not saying that to be nice. Anybody at the gym who looks like they lift is very concerned with how they look in the gym, not you. You will look silly if you grab way too much weight tho, so don't try more than you can handle.

For upper body learn to bench press (flat / incline), stay in the 8-12 rep range. Warm up with some light cable crossovers first. And I'm sure your gym has a fly machine.
But if you're focusing on upper body, you should also focus on shoulders: throw in a few sets of lateral raises and some type overhead press.
Don't do a lot of cardio if your looking to build muscle, but some light cardio isn't going to kill your gains. up to you