In the United Kingdom, almost a quarter of gym goers are too embarrassed to use the equipment.
One of the main reasons for this is that they’re unsure how to use it at all, or often simply copy other gym goers who may not be using the correct form.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about some of the best gym machines to use, especially for a total beginner. You don’t need to guess with some of the machines, and even a total newbie can get a good workout on the equipment.
Read on for more.
A Note for New Gym Goers
If you’re just starting to use the gym, that’s great. You should be proud of yourself for taking that first step. However, there are a few words of warning we must issue you.
Always be careful about hydration, and bring a bottle of water with you to your workout session. This is especially the case if any part of your workout is outside, as you can lose water much more quickly in the sun.
Drink whenever you feel like you need one, and don’t hold back.
If you’re a newbie and don’t know where your fitness levels are, don’t go in hard and expect to bounce back just fine. Instead, go slow at the beginning. Like, slower than you think you should.
If you go too hard, you’ll end up crashing and telling yourself the gym sucked and never go back.
1. The Treadmill
The treadmill is a classic for a good reason. It gives your body a total workout without too many bells and whistles. They’re great for runners who are training for their next marathon, and old people who just want to keep in shape.
A treadmill is pretty self-explanatory, but some people like to use it in different ways. If you want to get a great workout for your legs, you may want to consider raising the incline just a little bit.
If you’re interested in doing short bursts, try running for a couple of minutes and then stopping and going at a walking pace.
When you’re at the gym, especially as a newbie, it can be easy to think that people are looking at you while you’re working out. But trust us, they’re not.
If you still feel self-conscious, take your phone or iPad and watch your favorite TV show while you’re working out. You won’t notice the time passing as you’re walking, and you won’t be focused on who is, or who isn’t, staring at you.
2. The Stationary Bicycle
A stationary bicycle can give you one heck of a workout, or you can go gentle on yourself and have a nice and easy workout that gets your heart rate going.
If you’re daring, you may want to take a spin class. These are incredibly popular at a variety of gyms across the United States and all over the world, and you might find there’s a biker inside of you yet.
The bike is fantastic because, like the treadmill, you can focus on something else while you’re on it. It gives you a great cardio workout without being overly taxing on your knees.
In fact, this is a perfect workout for those who are nursing knee injuries or have arthritis in their knees. It gets your heart going and burning fat without putting added pressure on your joints.
3. The Rowing Machine
Interested in a full body workout that’s a calorie torcher? Try the rowing machine.
The rowing machine is adaptable and can be used for a senior citizen looking to do strength exercises as well as an experienced rower looking to keep up between practices.
A rowing machine allows you to focus on your upper body, but you’ll also use your knees to propel yourself forward. As you’re pulling your entire body weight, you’ll actually be burning even more calories than you realize, and it can be done in record time.
You can even try and beat out your previous time and set personal bests and competitions with yourself or your gym buddy.
A rowing machine is low-impact on the knees, but still gives you everything you need for a total body workout.
4. The Elliptical
It seems like every woman under the age of 40 uses the elliptical, and even many older women as well. There’s a good reason for that: it offers a total body workout without much impact.
The elliptical is perfect for those who have issues with their knees and ankles, as the impact is nonexistent or very minimal. This is directly opposed to the treadmill, where the impact can actually be pretty hard.
The elliptical also gives you the option of using your arms for a full body workout, ensuring you’re not just working your core, but your extremities as well.
Don’t Be Afraid of the Gym Machines
If gym machines scare you, you’re not alone. But, don’t let them intimidate you. They’re there to help you on your way to meeting your fitness goals.
Whether you want to lose weight or get stronger or create and meet a goal of moving more, gym machines are a good way to get there without having to brave the elements.
When you’re in the gym, if you find yourself confused by one of the machines, ask someone who works there. That way, you can be sure you get the best bang for your (literal) buck.
Be sure to check out our health section for more on staying active and thriving.
