Everyday Fitness

The way I see it, gyms has three basic parts to it:

• Cardio machines:
  This is where you find treadmills, ellipticals, stair-climbing, exercise bikes, and rowing simulators to name a few. The cardio section is where you want to be if your goals are losing weight and improving endurance.
  
  
• Weight machines:
  This is where you find unique machines for specific motions, with adjustable stacks of weight for resistance. Weight machines are a great place to start if you're new to working out. I'm not going to focus much on these because most of what you can do with machines, you can and should be doing with free weights instead.
  
  The reason? Machines are built so that you move through a guided track, only working the primary muscles. With free weights, you need to use stabilizing muscles to keep the weight on track, on top of the primary muscles. Imagine you're holding a weight in your hand and lifting it straight up above your head. Not only do you push the weight in an upward motion, but you also keep it from falling forward, or falling off to the left or right, etc.
  
  
• Free weights:
  Probably the most versatile section of the gym. Free weights can be used for building muscle, increasing strength, and defining your body. It's really unfortunate that more women don't take advantage of free weights, and the biggest reason I hear is because they're afraid they'll get big man-like muscles.
  
  This simply isn't true.
  
  For one, it takes intense training with heavy weights to gain size; using lighter weights instead will shape the muscle that's already there, giving you a defined and fit look. Primarily though, women don't have the testosterone it takes to put on that kind of mass.
  

Honestly, if you're new to this scene and have no idea what to do at first, just mess around and find some exercises you like. Building a routine will come in time. If have any questions on how to use any of the equipment don't be afraid to ask someone. You want to be safe and prevent any injuries. I know where I'm at, most people that go to the gym are just loving life and won't hesitate a second to help people out. On that note, one of the many benefits to working out is the endorphins; human-made morphine that get's released during strenuous exercise. This loving life feeling is also know as the "runner's high." I'd say aim to be at the gym for at least an hour three days a week, or more. I find it works best for me to get up a little early and hit the gym before class. Some people prefer to go after work, while they're already up and out of the house. Maybe you're a "before-bed" gym go-er? Not to be overlooked, weekends present a pretty open schedule for fitting in fitness. Pick a time that suits you best, and that you won't have a problem making consistently! Expected posts in the future: 1) Starting to eat right