Emily Maxie
My collection of workouts is a lot like my purse. I’ve got a general idea of what’s in there, the staples—phone, wallet, hand sanitizer. Similarly, I’ve got my workout staples—running, Pilates, biking.
But whenever I turn my purse upside down on my bed, I inevitably find something I’d forgotten was in there. Like that fire engine red lipstick I bought on a whim and haven’t ever worn.
Two weeks ago, I was sorting through my workout options looking for something like that red lipstick. Something new, exciting and fresh. And I found it when I came across this amazing article. (Seriously, read it. Now. Did you read it? The answer had better be yes.)
I’m sure at some point I’d seen the whole “fat vs. muscle” illustration before (pictured below), but it never really registered until I read that article. All of the sudden it hit me—I have control of the way my body looks. Not just the size—losing weigh to become a smaller version of myself—but the way my body is shaped. I’m not talking about some radical transformation (though it’d be nice of course), but I mean working toward a body that feels strong.
My collection of workouts is a lot like my purse. I’ve got a general idea of what’s in there, the staples—phone, wallet, hand sanitizer. Similarly, I’ve got my workout staples—running, Pilates, biking.
But whenever I turn my purse upside down on my bed, I inevitably find something I’d forgotten was in there. Like that fire engine red lipstick I bought on a whim and haven’t ever worn.
Two weeks ago, I was sorting through my workout options looking for something like that red lipstick. Something new, exciting and fresh. And I found it when I came across this amazing article. (Seriously, read it. Now. Did you read it? The answer had better be yes.)
I’m sure at some point I’d seen the whole “fat vs. muscle” illustration before (pictured below), but it never really registered until I read that article. All of the sudden it hit me—I have control of the way my body looks. Not just the size—losing weigh to become a smaller version of myself—but the way my body is shaped. I’m not talking about some radical transformation (though it’d be nice of course), but I mean working toward a body that feels strong.
So I decided to give weight training a try. And because weight training in general is terrifying enough, I decided to start with the weight machines (after all, they have instructions on them, so I at least have a little direction). I’m reporting back with some tips I wish I’d known when I first walked into the weight room.
1. Dress the part
Trust me on this, you’re gonna want to wear tight-fitting shorts (or pants) when you use the weight machines. The last thing you need to worry about while working out is whether your bits are accidentally on display for the world to see. If you don’t love how your legs look in spandex (who does, right?), you can wear a pair of looser shorts on top for modesty.
2. Timing is everything
I personally like to do weight training when the gym is a ghost town, and I highly recommend it for fellow newbies. During the slow hours, I can take my time with my workout without feeling rushed by someone waiting to use my machine. Plus if you need help with a machine, you don’t have to fight for the gym staffer’s time.
Don’t know when your gym’s slow times are? Just ask! Chances are that the people who work there know when the place is at its busiest and can help you avoid the rush.
1. Dress the part
Trust me on this, you’re gonna want to wear tight-fitting shorts (or pants) when you use the weight machines. The last thing you need to worry about while working out is whether your bits are accidentally on display for the world to see. If you don’t love how your legs look in spandex (who does, right?), you can wear a pair of looser shorts on top for modesty.
2. Timing is everything
I personally like to do weight training when the gym is a ghost town, and I highly recommend it for fellow newbies. During the slow hours, I can take my time with my workout without feeling rushed by someone waiting to use my machine. Plus if you need help with a machine, you don’t have to fight for the gym staffer’s time.
Don’t know when your gym’s slow times are? Just ask! Chances are that the people who work there know when the place is at its busiest and can help you avoid the rush.
3. Check your ego at the door
You are a beginner. And guess what? Every person in the gym was a beginner at some point too. You’re not here to win awards or impress people (though if you just so happen to impress people with your gym-chic style, that’s OK, too). You’re here to work hard to make your body stronger.
So when you come across a machine and see that the person before you was lifting 230 lbs and you start to feel a little twinge of shame as you move the pin to 30 lbs—stop! Don’t compare yourself to others. You’re working to be healthier than you were yesterday, and that’s something to be proud of.
4. Keep it simple
Is there a machine at the gym you already know how to use? Start there! And don’t kill yourself on your first time. If you work so hard you think you’re going to die, you’re not very likely to go back a second time, right? So take it slow and easy, and focus on learning to use new machines. Once you’ve got that down, you can start to really push yourself.
And remember, you don’t have to try every machine your first time. But it’s a good idea to try all of them at least once so you know which ones work best for you.
5. Follow directions
I can’t stress this enough—read the instructions on each machine all the way through before you start using it. You might feel silly standing around reading while other people are working out (I know I did). But you’ll feel even sillier (and could hurt yourself) if you use a machine incorrectly. If you’re still unsure how something works, ask a gym employee or a particularly friendly-looking gym-goer (or you know, if you're single, that hot guy at the next machine).
After five trips to the gym, I’m already noticing a difference. My muscles are more defined, and I feel stronger! Will I keep using weights instead of my cardio staples? I’m not sure, I’m still waiting to see the full results. But I’m definitely glad I shook up my exercise routine.
You are a beginner. And guess what? Every person in the gym was a beginner at some point too. You’re not here to win awards or impress people (though if you just so happen to impress people with your gym-chic style, that’s OK, too). You’re here to work hard to make your body stronger.
So when you come across a machine and see that the person before you was lifting 230 lbs and you start to feel a little twinge of shame as you move the pin to 30 lbs—stop! Don’t compare yourself to others. You’re working to be healthier than you were yesterday, and that’s something to be proud of.
4. Keep it simple
Is there a machine at the gym you already know how to use? Start there! And don’t kill yourself on your first time. If you work so hard you think you’re going to die, you’re not very likely to go back a second time, right? So take it slow and easy, and focus on learning to use new machines. Once you’ve got that down, you can start to really push yourself.
And remember, you don’t have to try every machine your first time. But it’s a good idea to try all of them at least once so you know which ones work best for you.
5. Follow directions
I can’t stress this enough—read the instructions on each machine all the way through before you start using it. You might feel silly standing around reading while other people are working out (I know I did). But you’ll feel even sillier (and could hurt yourself) if you use a machine incorrectly. If you’re still unsure how something works, ask a gym employee or a particularly friendly-looking gym-goer (or you know, if you're single, that hot guy at the next machine).
After five trips to the gym, I’m already noticing a difference. My muscles are more defined, and I feel stronger! Will I keep using weights instead of my cardio staples? I’m not sure, I’m still waiting to see the full results. But I’m definitely glad I shook up my exercise routine.
What's your favorite weight machine to use? I love tips and tricks! Comment below or tweet me @adventuringMISS using hashtag #dontsweatit