weight machines?

[Csara]

Anyone here use weight machines at the gym?

which ones are easiest and best to use for specific body parts like upper legs and back?

[Turtleheadfred]

Hey C! It's been a while, but I used to bodybuild, so I've used both free weights and the machines. Honestly, the machines are better at keeping your alignment correct so that you don't injure yourself while working out - Nautilus, etc.

Upper legs and back can be helped by a squat machine... but I prefer the one that you're laying reclined on a board and pushing up from there (you're facing the ceiling and your back is flat on the board/ramp). It keeps you from straining your lower back, which is easy to do otherwise.

Also, there should be someone at your gym that could show you a couple of the machines, and they shouldn't charge you anything to do so. It's part of what you pay for with your membership. Just ask at the front desk next time you're in and they should be more than happy to help you either right then, or the next time you come in if no one is available immediately.

Good luck! But if it hurts - STOP! It can be hard to do, but it's no supposed to be painful and sometimes people make that mistake and pull muscles. ALways STRETCH first!!!

[rdy2rac with]

THF had some good words of advice.

I personally have always liked free weights but thats probably because it's what I've always used (& they were cheap to buy when I was ready to purchase some).

[heather6773]

I've started going to a place like Curves. It also has treadmills and bikes and things like that. I would love to strengthen my body too.

[Turtleheadfred]

Weights are the thing for strength! It's truly something EVERYONE "should" do and it has great benefits. Again - you don't have to lift anything heavy to get the benefits.

[Deana]

Well, I've decided that it is time that I get back into the gym. I don't have the kind of time that I used to be able to spend in the gym, but I'm giving it a go this week. I am not sure how E will react to the 'kids club' at the gym... I stopped going last summer b/c they would call me after 10 minutes... she would be screaming. But she's older and I'm ready, so we will see what happens.
My plan is to go two days a week and lift for 30 minutes, stretching 5 min before and after. Because my time is limited, I am going to start off lifting upper body one day, lower body the other, and do cardio via walking/jogging (with the jog stroller) 2-3 additional days a week for 30 minutes each time. I might try to squeak in another cardio day at the gym while dh watches the kiddos on the weekend. Who knows, E could fall in love with the 'kids club' and my time might be freed up. That is my #1 obsticle right now -- how E will react to the 'kids club'. So I'm crossing my fingers.

This is not about weight loss either - I am at a very happy weight right now. I want to get stronger, I want to have a feeling of acomplishment, a sense of 'me time', and I want to take care of my heart!

[Csara]

I hate that we have that obstacle b/c I am right there with you. I'm not sure if you remember, but I had the same problem with Jax. They would call me after 10 minutes every time and I was so frustrated that I stopped going. But, then I decided I was going to make it work. I didn't expect to work out for long, I just told myself I was going to bring him every day until he liked it. Everyone told me it would take 2 weeks. It only took a week and he was begging me to go. That was my biggest motivation to go to the gym....my kid was actually asking me to take him!! Imagine that?! Then I was sick and we went away and there was a big hiatus. When we got home and I was ready to go back to the gym, he FREAKED. He was so distraught over the idea that I didn't push it and well then I found out I was pregnant and didn't feel like going anyway. But, here we are and I am finally starting to feel better and I want to go to the gym again so we are back to square one. I have to start the process over again.....

Good luck, D! I know it will work for you. Just give it time, be persistent and don't have expectations for a great workout those first couple of weeks.

[Deana]

thanks for the encoragement C. Knowing that J ended up liking it makes me feel that it is possible to get her acclimated. N loves it, and never really had a problem w/it. There were some days that she would fuss as I was leaving, but one of the workers would get her into an activity and she would be FINE.

I walked this morning - it was great! Pretty chilly here (45 degrees) but we were all bundled up.