youngnlove89 Posted May 9, 2013 Share Posted May 9, 2013 I just joined LA Fitness after a long break of not going to the gym (1 year). With my recent bout of fatigue, I figured going back to the gym might help. My issue is that I don't really know how to get back into it and develop an efficient workout routine. Should I focus on cardio? Weights? Both? What's a simple and effective plan to get started on? Ideas? Thoughts? Link to post Share on other sites
USMCHokie Posted May 9, 2013 Share Posted May 9, 2013 My first bit of advice is to train like a guy would. Men and women should train pretty much exactly the same. My second bit of advice would be to wait for tman's much more detailed and useful response. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
KungFuJoe Posted May 9, 2013 Share Posted May 9, 2013 I just joined LA Fitness after a long break of not going to the gym (1 year). With my recent bout of fatigue, I figured going back to the gym might help. My issue is that I don't really know how to get back into it and develop an efficient workout routine. Should I focus on cardio? Weights? Both? What's a simple and effective plan to get started on? Ideas? Thoughts? Depends on your goal. What are you looking to achieve? Link to post Share on other sites
Author youngnlove89 Posted May 9, 2013 Author Share Posted May 9, 2013 Depends on your goal. What are you looking to achieve? I want big thigh muscles, abs and stronger arms...not manly though. Think Jessica Biel. Link to post Share on other sites
KungFuJoe Posted May 9, 2013 Share Posted May 9, 2013 I want big thigh muscles, abs and stronger arms...not manly though. Think Jessica Biel. Then do what Hokie said. Train like a man and don't worry about doing "too much". It takes a LOOOOOT more work for a woman to build muscle than a man, so don't worry about getting "manly". Those women body builders who look ripped and masculine are hardcore dedicated gym freaks. Start off slow since you've been out for a while and work your way up. You can google for women's weight lifting programs to get an idea. Pick up a beginner's program then when you're ready, move on to an intermediate program. And again, I can't stress enough not to worry about being too manly. 3 Link to post Share on other sites
tman666 Posted May 9, 2013 Share Posted May 9, 2013 I just joined LA Fitness after a long break of not going to the gym (1 year). With my recent bout of fatigue, I figured going back to the gym might help. My issue is that I don't really know how to get back into it and develop an efficient workout routine. Should I focus on cardio? Weights? Both? What's a simple and effective plan to get started on? Ideas? Thoughts? Women always look hottest when they lift regularly (squats, lunges, deadlifts, pressing, rowing). Just sayin'... That doesn't mean you shouldn't do cardio if you want either, but it's not necessary to spend hours and hours on a stairmaster or treadmill. 15-25 minutes after lifting is likely more than sufficient. As far as how to set up a lifting program, there are a metric sh*t ton of program templates out there that you could use as a starting point. For example, bodybuilding.com has a bunch of "celebrity trainer" programs. For example: Bodybuilding.com - Kathleen Tesori's Cutting Program While these types of cookie cutter programs probably won't be precisely optimal for your own goals, abilities, etc, it might help provide you with something to work off of for the time being. Since you're staring from a mostly beginner level, what you do isn't going to matter as much as the fact that you're doing something. Once you re-established your consistency and have some clear goals, you'll be able to continually re-evaluate your training and diet based on what is getting you results, what you like and don't like to do, and what not. What are your goals with getting back in the gym? Are the more general (feel better, look better, perform better) or more specific (want to do 5 pull ups, want to bench press your own bodyweight, want to squat 2 times your bodyweight, etc.)? Figuring out your reasons for going is the first step in determining what you should be doing. Link to post Share on other sites
thefooloftheyear Posted May 9, 2013 Share Posted May 9, 2013 With the others said... If I had a nickle for every time a woman said "I dont want to use weights because I dont want to bulk up"...Unless you are a genetic freak or are using synthetic testosterone..it wont happen. Use a balanced plan of free weights and some machines and mix in some cardio of your choice. What will happen with resistance training is that you will see a better look than jogging, spinning or any other of the aerobic based plans...Your back, legs, and arms will take on a look that is sexy and lithe. BTW, real "six pack" type abs on women are pretty rare. Its hard(and franklly unhealthy) for woman to get bodyfat levels that low. Dont sweat it if that doesnt happen. Good luck im sure you will be happy with the results TFY Link to post Share on other sites
Author youngnlove89 Posted May 9, 2013 Author Share Posted May 9, 2013 What are your goals with getting back in the gym? Are the more general (feel better, look better, perform better) or more specific (want to do 5 pull ups, want to bench press your own bodyweight, want to squat 2 times your bodyweight, etc.)? Figuring out your reasons for going is the first step in determining what you should be doing. Thanks tman! My goals are to get leg muscles...I love big leg muscle on me...looks good. I used to run track and I would get ENDLESS compliments on my legs. I have no certain goal then to just be fit and toned...to have other girls envy my body and men crave it 1 Link to post Share on other sites
tman666 Posted May 9, 2013 Share Posted May 9, 2013 I see lots of squats, Romanian deadlifts, and sled pushes in your future... Does your gym have a Prowler (or similar) sled? Link to post Share on other sites
Author youngnlove89 Posted May 9, 2013 Author Share Posted May 9, 2013 I see lots of squats, Romanian deadlifts, and sled pushes in your future... Does your gym have a Prowler (or similar) sled? I don't know yet :/ just signed up today! Link to post Share on other sites
Emilia Posted May 10, 2013 Share Posted May 10, 2013 What will happen with resistance training is that you will see a better look than jogging, spinning or any other of the aerobic based plans...Your back, legs, and arms will take on a look that is sexy and lithe. BTW, real "six pack" type abs on women are pretty rare. Its hard(and franklly unhealthy) for woman to get bodyfat levels that low. Dont sweat it if that doesnt happen. Agree, especially as you need to eat properly for resistance training. I can see the outline of my abs but I certainly don't have a 6 pack and don't intend to. It's easy to keep body fat % up to still look feminine but strong. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
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