new to the gym

[lilhokulani]

hi! im new to the exercise world and need some help
today i joined a sport 24 hour fitness... exciting!!

im 20 year old female and weigh 120lbs
i would love to slim down and tone up.

i just cleaned up diet eating small meals thru the day.
and i cut out the soda and starting to drink more water and juice.

as far as cardio i know what i need to do.
i plan on using the tredmill/bike/eliptical for 30-40 min.
should i be doing this every day or every other day?

but when it comes to weight/strength training im clueless.
what machines should i be using?
and how many days a week i should be doing it.

thanks everyone

[swanso5]

get hold of a trainer there and tell him you want a 3 day a week bodyweight or free wts program using compound movements only and the same goals you stated here...also get them to set up an interval training program for cardio for 2 a week to start with...let me know how you go and what they give you

[SarahPT]

Welcome! Good for you for making positive changes in your life.

Machines aren't all bad, especially if you're a beginner, but free weight and body weight exercises are better. In the long run using solely machines can lead to problems. It's important to make sure you are working every muscle group. Keep in mind as well that larger muscles groups need more to work them thoroughly than small muscle groups. Compound movements are wonderful, as they work more than one msucle group, instead of just isolating one.

Once you become accustomed to exercises and proper form don't be afraid to continually increase the weight you use. To get that toned look you want you will need to have a decent muscle base. You won't get big and muscular.

DOing cardio every day is not necessary, or even good. Nothing wrong with 30-40 minutes on a cardio machine. Once you are more cardiovascularly fit doing some high intensity intervals would be beneficial.

Please let me know if I can help.

Sarah