Just signed up for a new gym and need advice

AnthonyRees · #1 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 02:36 PM

Just signed up for my new gym, as everywhere else here as closed to accomadate for it. Thing is its all machines!!! and a smith machine!!!! they have a few DB's and a dip and pull up platform but thats it.

They have leg press, leg extensions and curls for lower body. Upper body they have chest press and shoulder press and certain rows and pull downs. they have DB's up to 40kg. They then have pull up and dip station, but u cant add weight as theres no belt. they also have a smith machine. Its like wat am i meant to gauge my progress on? smith machine squats and bench presses???

somebody help, theres no where else to train and ive never been in this dilema lol.

stego · #2 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 02:43 PM

Assuming you don't own a portable gym yet (aka kettlebell)... I would focus on compound exercises with barbells.. such as squats, deadlifts, clean and presses, bench press etc... and some bodyweight stuff like pullups and dips.

You could do some TGUs with either a barbell (more advanced) or dumbells... for added weight to pullups and dips, hook a dumbell between your ankles (by crossing them over the handle).. and voila... a kettlebell would be easier, simply hook your feet through the handle.

AnthonyRees · #3 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stego

Assuming you don't own a portable gym yet (aka kettlebell)... I would focus on compound exercises with barbells.. such as squats, deadlifts, clean and presses, bench press etc... and some bodyweight stuff like pullups and dips.

You could do some TGUs with either a barbell (more advanced) or dumbells... for added weight to pullups and dips, hook a dumbell between your ankles (by crossing them over the handle).. and voila... a kettlebell would be easier, simply hook your feet through the handle.

thats the problem though lol, they actualy dont have a barbell

its pretty damn silly!!!

Dermanus · #4 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 02:51 PM

In all honesty, the place seems hopeless. Cancel your membership, save what you would have spent for two months (maybe three) and buy a kettlebell.

Last December I was paying $30/month for a gym membership (that actually had a free weight section, cramped though it was). I bought a 16kg kettlebell for $65. 65/30 = 2 and change. I got four months mileage out of it before I moved up to a higher weight. The 24kg has kept me busy since. Total investment: ~$150. I've got six months out of it so far, for a total per month cost of $25. I'm considering picking up a 32kg in a few months, but I could easily get another year out of the two bells I already have.

That's not counting the fact they'll last long enough for my grandson to use.

Heimdal · #5 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 02:52 PM

Com. AnthonyRees,

Have you not got a KB of your own? I'm not a machine fan at all. Over time, (6 1/2 yrs) I've acquired my equiptment. Two 24kg, two 16kg, & two 32kg, plus a 9lb sledge, a tractor tire(got it for free), and a doorway pullup bar. I would get my cash back from the gym, If I were you and work out at home. You'd be better off. No waiting on machines, no lines, no having to work in. Thats my advice...get your cash back and get a kb. If you've got a KB, then get another, or go ones size up, and work on presses and pullups ala E.TK.

I hope this was helpful.

stego · #6 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 02:55 PM

No barbell!!!? I agree with other comrades on the thread... get a refund and invest in kettlebells.

AnthonyRees · #7 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stego

No barbell!!!? I agree with other comrades on the thread... get a refund and invest in kettlebells.

ye maybe your right, i want to get bigger and stronger for rugby though, arent kettlebells mainy for conditioning?

Ken Froese · #8 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 03:02 PM

KettlebellEvolution.com

stego · #9 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnthonyRees

ye maybe your right, i want to get bigger and stronger for rugby though, arent kettlebells mainy for conditioning?

I would say kettlebell training was made for rugby! You'll develop speed, power and stamina... hip snaps in swings and snatches etc... I think will help tremendously in scrums, tackles etc... if you train with heavy KBs... definitely will impact your performance in your chosen sport.

Dermanus · #10 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnthonyRees

ye maybe your right, i want to get bigger and stronger for rugby though, arent kettlebells mainly for conditioning?

Five minutes of get-ups will change your mind. I'm still on a 24kg and I'm stronger than most people I know (including athletes). Raw numbers don't tell the whole story. 53lbs doesn't sound like much, but you'll change your mind when you try it. There's enough games you can play with leverage to make it feel like a whole lot more.