Am I Doing This Right?
Hello all, New to the gym and unfortuanately with no proper guidence, I'm pretty much just winging it in there. I'm 5'7" 170 and just trying to lose my stupid gut and put some muscle on (not bodybuild, just enough for a "beach body") I'll do about 35 mins on the cross trainer and then hit a few machines. I have no idea if i'm doing enough weight / reps. Now I'll do like 3 reps of 10 t0 15 and i leave the gym going "that cant possibly be it..." Any help is greatlly appreciated!!!!!

Try doing your weights first then cardio to burn fat at a faster rate. Sounds like your workout is too easy. 3 sets per exercise is good, but if 10-15 reps is not much of a challenge increase the weight. Shoot for a weight where it starts to get really hard around 12 reps. Use the machines for a few workouts and then definitely move onto free weights as well. T

well I'm not sure if its too easy, its tough when I'm doing it but after I leave nothing really hurts so I thought maybe im not doing enough weight or reps. Also should I stay away from the machines all together?

On most of my exercises, I don't feel like I'm doing it with enough intensity unless I'm flat-out dreading that last set or that last few minutes of cardio (especially cardio). And when I'm done, I'm drenched with sweat and ready to hit the showers and get into some dry clothes. I ain't pretty when I'm working out. That's when I know I've trained hard. But I must emphasize that good, strict form is CRITICAL. It helps prevent injury and gets you the results your looking for. The idea is "quality" reps over a huge quantity of half-assed reps. There are no short cuts. It's all about discipline and intensity.

Incorporate both machines and free weights in your training at the gym, as well as cardio and stretching. Both free weights and machines are good, there has been a machine designed for every possible free weight exercise at this point. Some machines are excellent, especially the really new stuff is really incredible. Variety is key in weight training, always mix it up, never do the same workout twice. The body adapts very fast. T

ok... today was 10 min cross trainer Bicep Curls - (machine) 3 reps / 10 - 55 lbs Bicep Curls - free weights 3 reps / 10 - 22.5 per arm Standing Hammer Curls - 3 reps / 10 - 17lbs Standing EZ curl bar - 3 reps / 12 - 30lbs. 23 mins - Cross Trainer

Excellent, 30 mins cardio and 12 sets for Bi's - both free weight & machine. Nice work! T

Phew! OK cool, cuz I still walk into the gym not having a friggin clue what I'm doing.

weds 10 min - bike 6 sets ab machine 65lbs 4 stes leg lifts 20 mins treadmill

Looking good, instead of doing 6 straight sets on the ab machine on your next ab workout try 3 or 4 different exercises with 3 sets each. Maybe crunches, leg raises on a Roman chair, ab machine, and then some decline crunches. Mix it up, do something different everytime. T