[jeezchris.]

I just got a gym membership @ LA Fitness, but it's my first time going to a public gym... so basically I'm a newbie at gym-ing. I have been working out by myself at home, though. (I only have 2 x 25lbs dumbbells though)

SO...
Any advice/tips on gym-ing? D:
For example, what food to eat before/during/after, DOs/DON'Ts, what to wear, etcetc..!

I don't want to make a fool of myself the first time I go. x_x

thanks! <3

[thosaid]

ahh hahaha. we're in the same boat! someone needs to help us out! i need to figure out a good workout routine on the machines that'll get me to slim down and tone up but not get bulky >.<

[deportedkorean]

i'd suggest some water, good carbs, and proteins before...during: water...protein after (and water)...

...that is if you're looking to bulk up (carbs fuel your workout though)


what to wear depends on what you're planning on doing at the gym (showering...etc)...
for the shower: bring rubber flip flops (you dont wanna be in there with bare feet). Bring swim trunks if you're shy or they dont have seperate shower stalls with functioning doors. soap (i dont like to use the one at the gym...i like using my own). towel. extra clothes.

You're also gonna need a small towel (otherwise, they'll probably not let you in without buying a towel)...so you can wipe off your nasty sweat from the machines and such. water bottle (some gyms require a water bottle, but i'd suggest it anyway).

misc. stuff: ipod (or mp3 player)...it'll be your savior when the gym's music doesnt cut it for you. please use deodorant. money in case they make you pay for the lockers...cause you're gonna want one to keep all this crap in something without having someone steal it from you.

[:: ShaDoW ::]

go easy and get to know the machines, dumbells and barbells. ask help when u need it and it should be a good experience.

[thosaid]

no routine recommendations for slimming down and toning up??

[Tamar1973]

Also...if they don't charge you for the locker, you may still need to buy your own lock.

Also you might want to bring some sanitary wipes to wipe down equipment, yoga/pilates mats, etc. I use Jo Sha brand lavendar wipes-- http://www.joshawipes.com/

[Deafz]

Bring tampoons. You'll need them.

Okay. In all seriousness, I think one of the most important things to know is to ask questions. If you have any questions don't be shy to ask. You'll be surprised at the kind of help you can get just by asking. Don't hesitate.

[emc123]

for thosaid:
i'm more aerobic exercising so i start w/ 30 min ellipticals (on weight loss program) then 15 min running on the treadmill and warming down w/ stretching. sometimes i switch the ellipticals for stairmaster. but i sweat a lot more on stairmaster. i've been doing this about 5 times a week for 2-3 months and i've definitely slimmed down.
if you have questions you should ask the fitness trainers at the gym. they're usually free and really helpful.
and just know that, yes there are going to be naked, showering people in the locker rooms

[suzzah]

BRING A TOWEL.
once i didn't bring a towel, and eveyrone stared at me funnily. then i realised u had to so u could wipe off your sweat after using the machine.

and bring a drink bottle too

good luck !

[envyandy]

my friends have gone and they say do wear anything too.... revealing, some ppl tend to stare

[...MoMcMaster<3...]

oooh. this is helpful!
i am joining a gym this month and i was like flipping out cause i didn't know what i would need to bring.
and i wanted to make sure it looked like i knew what i was doing. haha. thanks to people who said stuff.

[pr1ya]

eat sumthin b4 u go to tha gym... not just b4 but at least 1/2 hr b4 so that u get energy...
lol
once i went to da gym and i dint have any concentration cuz i waz hungry.. lol... n i came out in like 1/2hr without doin any exercise..