What machines to use? *confused*

[AmberAnne]

Hello everyone! I'm new to the site and this is my first post! Hurrah!

I need some advice. I recently started college, and live in a great apartment complex that has a wonderful 24 -hour gym. Problem is it's one of those "Use at your own risk" gyms, and there is no one there to tell you how to use the exercise equipment, or what's best for you. The treadmill I can figure out, but what are the best machines for a 19 year old female to use? I don't want to bulk up, just slim out. Any insight would be appreciated! Thanks!

[Missy]

Bulking up is a myth. I've been lifting pretty heavy weights for over a year now and I wouldn't say I look masculine at all. I spoke with my trainer about it once too and said there was no way I could "bulk" unless I was taking steroids of some kind. So, with that said. Don't worry so much about it.

Try out some of the machines, slowly or possibly ask a friend who has worked out before to go in with you to show you some of them? Generally you'd want to aim to work all the muscles and get a full body workout. So, anything with leg curls or extensions, calf raises, thigh machines, leg press, squat machine. Ab machines are pretty easy to figure out. Look for some machines that work your lower & upper back, your chest, shoulders, biceps and triceps. Do the machines have labels on them that tell you what it is or what muscles it works? They have that in my gym, so if I want something new, I can look at the labels and try them out that way.

[Injuryprone]

Is there an Exercise science program at your school? If there is , ask the prof for student assistance. they can even get paid through the school

[mifsit]

As Missy said females don't bulk up (unless you take steroids or have an unusually high testosterone level).

If you're just starting out go for light weights and only do one set of reps (10-12) per machine. If you like I can give you a program for 6 weeks, pm me.

[dreamthin]

hello,
Most gyms have a guest pass program, the trainers will show you how to use the machines. Try them all. One of the nearby gyms has a 2 week free pass for people to try out and see if they like the facilities. The trainers are obligated to help you to use the equipment safely. It would take years of daily use and the addition of drugs to bulk up a female. We do not have the kind of muscles that react easily that way. Weight training is an excellent way to get in shape or stay in shape. Start out slowly and only increase by 10% per week. Always warm up first and never shortchange the cool down and stretching; this avoids injury and stiffness. good luck.
dreamthin