Beginner

[Original1]

I'm a beginner. I'm 46, 5'6" and about 155lbs. I'm looking to join a gym and wanted to know if joining something like the YMCA or a smaller local gym is the way to go.

[hmcl281]

they usually will give you a week long pass to try out the place, try out a few and see if you like it

[Garage Rat]

Those are perfect places to get started providing they have all the basic equipment and not just a room full of machines.

[muhsanar]

Anyway, as a result I have studied macronutrients and training plans to bulk. Been bulking for 3 weeks now training 4 times a week split routine. Macros are 45/25/30 eating as clean as possible. I am at 17.8% bodyfat 6 feet tall, 210 pounds. I have a naturally large frame and gain fat easily if im not careful. I am eating every 3 to 4 hours and 3600 cals a day. I have a physical job and as i say train 4 days a week split routine.
I am looking for advice, am I off to a good start??? I have gained 7 pounds in the last 3 weeks is this too much? My belt is on the same notch so my waist size has stayed the same. My strength has improved over the last 3 weeks too.


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ahsan

[MoldyGopher]

I'm a beginner. I'm 46, 5'6" and about 155lbs. I'm looking to join a gym and wanted to know if joining something like the YMCA or a smaller local gym is the way to go.

I'm a member of one of those chain 24/7 strip mall gyms and it does just fine.

[NorthernMusicia]

The only suggestion I'd have is to check it out during the hours that you would normally use it. Some of these small gyms are packed at peak hours. Their rates are often good, and if they know how to keep up the equipment, they're just as serviceable as a big gym. Lifting doesn't have to be with fancy equipment to get results. In fact, I find too much equipment distracting, which is why I now workout in my basement with a barbell, dumbbells, and a power rack. When I've traveled I've usually found the gyms at the Y's were quite good.