Im new and need guidance

[tina1621]

So, Im a single working mother of 2 boys. Last year I was over 200lbs. I've tried everything in the book and slowly the weight started coming off. Recently I did the HCG diet and dropped 20lbs. I'm now at 170lbs but decided rather than another round of HCG I would do it with good old fashioned diet and excersize. I'm no stranger to the gym but I tend to stick to what I know. I do cardio and the machines because I know how. I do a lot of research on what to eat and when and I know that free weights are best to achieve my goals. I have to admit I am terrified of the free weight room. I watch videos on what and how to do it but then when I'm there it's like all the information abandons my brain and I'm left overwhelmed and confused and standing in the doorway feeling like everyone is staring at me (and I know they are more concerned with their workout than little old me) Logic would say to get a personal trainer but the reality is I just can't afford one. Luckily, what I lack in extra money I make up for in time. My work schedule allows me the time to spend at least an hour in the gym a day. Another thing I'd love to get into are the classes my gym offers, and again I find myself terrified to go. I need help :(

[jane-m]

congrats for dropping that weight so far!

yep, the weights room can be pretty scary at the start, but you really just have to be brave and go for it. once you've started you'll feel more comfortable pretty quickly. if you're new to free weights you should start off with simple exercises, and use reasonably light weights. no need to do anything complicated or too heavy cause you don't want to get injured. go in there with a plan of what exercises you want to do so you're not wandering around clueless. concentrate on your posture all the time; if something feels really uncomfortable, you're probably not doing it right. looking in the mirror helps.

it would be great if you had a friend who knows about weight lifting who could help you, but if you don't, you can go it alone. just don't be afraid to ask someone there if you're really stuck! good luck!

[ChubbyCharlotte]

hi everyone :D
I've been training for a while now. I guess everyone has the same thought as you do so dont worry too much. I started from scratch, knowing nothing about weight training whatsoever. Luckily when I joined the gym near my house, they gave me 3 free personal training sessions. I was booked with an experienced kiwi trainer who I have been working out ever since.

To a student like me, affording for a PT means I have to pay a quite big chunk of my budget. But he's so inspiring and experienced that I believe that I will gain not just result but more from him. So, I decided to sacrifice some of my other spending to be able to fund my personal training. I also have a difficulty when my family does not support what I do ever so things are a little bit harder but I know I'm not the only one. I will prove that my family's conventional way of thinking is wrong and they will have to admit that I'm right. I want to be a mirror to inspire my little brother to build up his body in the future.

Sorry for the long story... :)) what I want to say is get a good trainer, try to afford one and learn as much as you can from him in terms of weight training. Also, you can try other ways of firing up fat loss like HIIT, very easy to do alone. What i love about HIIT is that it is cardio but the impact is as much as weight training, less time consuming and is very motivated for me to keep on track of my diet because I found myself perform best (and fulfilled) when I eat clean and run fast.

Keep in touch!

Cheers,

Charlotte