Need help starting workout?

[amateurathlete]

So info on me:
5'9"
125 pounds

Basically yesterday I went to the gym for first time! Needless to say, I didn't do very well! I could only run on the treadmill for 10 minutes according to these intervals: 1 minute at 4.0, 30 seconds on 6.5. Any tips?

Also, if anyone has tips on the assisted pullup machine, could use it! Is it "easy" or "hard"? Like could a beginner who has never done a pullup do it? Also, how effective are the ab crunch machines?

[Boss Man]

Hi there AA, good to talk to you.

The assisted pull-up machine should be fine for beginners. I've never used one, but even most females could use one as a beginner, because that's the whole point of such a machine, it assists you until you're ready to do some unassisted ones on your own and as far as I know you alter the amount of assistance you need, depending on the level of ability.

As for the ab crunch machine it's a load of rubbish and I wouldn't use it.

You can do a lot of abs stuff with things like planks, reverse crunches, v-ups a.k.a bananas, roman chair,s leg raises, side planks and cable crunches and you can also indirectly work the abs with things like squats, deadlifts, cleans, dragon flags, round the worlds, wood choppers etc.

[Nokie173]

Work your way up with treadmill and endurance. You can try the elliptical machine, it might be easier to start out and you can do intervals with it too.

Bossman mentioned a lot about the abs already but I also like to add the exercising with the big ball helps when starting out! It’s also great for stretching too!!! I like to do planks and abs stuff towards the end of workouts; I use the ball to stretch back. Below link will show you some examples of the workout.
http://www.ball-exercises.com/exercises/abs/

I also workout abs all day long… I flex and suck in stomach when I’m working out and even sucking in stomach now as I’m typing this… In and out... burning some calories now! (ok, maybe that’s a bit extreme!)

[gapage]

The pull-up machine is a good start. Don't neglect other sound back exercises such as cable pull downs and seated rows. These will help develop strengthen the back and if possible try some dead hang pull ups with a spotter. I don't like the ab crunch machine. I prefer the stability ball for crunches. There's nothing wrong with doing a walk/run on the treadmill until your endurance builds. It will not take long at all. Here's a few things that might help. http://www.fit2balive.com/blog/the-perfect-pull-up" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.fit2balive.com/blog/august-06th-2014" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;