Gazemm

First post here so a big 'hi' to everyone.

Anyway bit of background on me, I did a few months of training back last year and managed to put on 2 stone...although I did have the help of some 'suppliment' given to me not so legally (yes, stupid i know...now). I did train properly and did stick pretty well to my diet mind.

However, a lot of the weight i felt i was putting on was not so much muscle as i had hoped and a bit more body fat!! I stopped training not long after and didnt really get back into it.

Anyway, one person told me the above weight issue could be down to the fact i was training in my works gym (all machine weights) and that i would have been much better off joining a decent gym with free weights etc.

I'm going to get myself in gear and get back into it but im just wondering if joining a gym focused on bodybuilding is my best bet? Will it really make that much of a difference?? Have to admit im a bit imdimidated about the thought of joining a gym...havnt really got a workout planned yet, dont know the names/uses for half the equipment HAHA

Thanks,
Gaz.

Gazemm

Sorry, i probably should add i was doing 2 days cardio a week...each day i was doing between 30-45 mins.

shorty

welcome gaz....

the best advice i could offer is not to buy supplements or gear (if thats what you ment) or even go to the gym (yet!)

But to read about training & nutrition... then form a plan on puting it into practice... then find a gym train hard, keep your diet good and go from there!

Personally find a gym you like... forget about which gym has only machines or only freeweights, its what you do with them... thats the key!

try these links....

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/bbmaintrain.htm

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/bbmainnut.htm

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/exercises.htm

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/workout.htm

hope this helps and good luck!

Gazemm

Yeah ive been doing a bit of reading today after joining here...more to it than you would first think, especially with nutrition!!

Im by no means going to rush into things like i did last time (and yes, it was some type of steroid i used), i'll probably just end up injured and have nothing to show for it...im determined to do it right this time.

Im sure i can get most of the training/diet info just be reading around but my one worry is about the gym i use. I dont have any friends interested in going to a gym so i would need to go and work it all out for myself, and not being very confident i would find it all awkward...im sad i know.

So basically, can i get just as good a workout/shape using machine weights as i would with free weights, or are there added benefits to using free weights??

Thanks again.

samurai69

Kezz

Diet and recovery is No1 mate, you can build a decent physique using machines only if that all you have available, get your diet sorted and everything will fall into place... that much i can promise you

shorty

nice one samurai!!

gaz... it's hard when you have to go in a gym on your own and that you dont know anyone...
once you find a gym you like.. just get your head down and train.. you only want to be in the gym 1 hour tops anyway..!!

go and have a look around at some gyms that you can easliy get too... speak to the staff there and ask for an induction they will show you how to work all the equipment etc...

then just practice and stick at it... the staff in most gyms are good and will defo help you out as they want your business!!

as for freeweights yes they are (i think) more benificial because they work the stabliser muscles more... but a mixture of machines as well is fine... mix it up!

Gazemm

Nice one guys...looks like its time to knuckle down and get on with some reading then!!

I'm sure you'll hear from me again before long.

diaita

Gazemm dont feel intimadated about joining gyms,the majority are there for weight lose and fitness,like shorty says the staff aer there to help

Rosko

Where are you from mate? There's prob someone on here that can recommend a gym to go to near you.

Don't worry about being intimidated, just get stuck in and train hard, everyone knows that genetics dictate not everyone can be big but as long as people see you doing the right stuff to the best of your ability no one can question you!!

Good luck!

smithy26

id sort ure diet out first, check out the relevent section, if ure holding to much weight. ie. body fat then cardio twice a week probably aint enough, along with both these sorted, and a good trainning program u should be fine, and see some gains soon.
Personally id join a gym with free weights

Gazemm

I'm from Caerphilly, down in South Wales. There are 2 decent gyms in the area aimed towards bodybuilding...the one i think is now owned by a former Gladiator (Hawk maybe?).

Think my problem is the nerves, you are all right and i shouldnt let the intimidation get the better of me. Im sure after only a few visits ill feel more comfortable, but the size of some of the guys who hang around there...HAHA

I'm going to take all your advice anyway, first thing first is sort out my diet as there is sooo much more to it than i first thought. Once thats sorted ill look up all the different exercises/machines i want to be going for and THEN ill pluck up the courage to get myself down to a tidy gym.

beequeth

I'm from pontypridd area, so not far from you mate.

I would HIGHLY recomend one-to-one gym, in treforest mate.
They have a really good free weight room, plus a good cardio area as well as plate loaded machines.

Seems quite popular with bodybuilders and rugby boys at the moment.
The staff there can help you with your training and diet if you ask them.

chrisj22

Yep, I used to train at Hawks gym, it's called 'The Edge'. Bloody good gym, but very small. He's a real nice guy, IFBB Pro isn't he, Alex someone or other?

ba baracuss

If you've done gear did you do any PCT afterwards?

If not, check the steroid forum and possibly ask what course of action might be appropriate, as your body may be a little 'fooked' from this.