Gym/weights questions

There was a thread about this recently, personally I enjoy the gym so am down there 5am Mon-Fri and 6am Sat doing a pull/push/legs & core/pull/push/core split that has enough variety to keep me interested. I do a 5k treadmill run at the end of each session to finish, this will move outside when it's lighter.

I would go mad without the routine, it sets me up for the day and helps keep me on track with diet/water intake etc.

Over the years I have tried it all, Stronglifts, bro splits, crossfit etc and this is what works for me. I am a year or so younger than you so not interested in putting muscle on (or I wouldn't be running every day) but this routine certainly keeps me in shape and defined.

As for what's best for you...are you motivated to go on your own when it's cold/you're tired/busy etc? If not...the class may be better as you won't want to be the one that doesn't show up!

With the functional fitness gym, I take it after a month or so of attending the 6pm class you would be able to just use it at a more convenient time.

I would go with the functional fitness option, with the proviso that you don't have to commit to a stupid long contract, so you could get a feel for the training, instruction and atmosphere.

With the functional fitness gym, I take it after a month or so of attending the 6pm class you would be able to just use it at a more convenient time.

Does vary, some are classes only in the 'popular' hours as they're quite small, they might do 'open gym' during the day when most people are at work.

would like to build shoulder, back, chest and core strength.

Strength, or size? I ask as the functional strength all of that lot can easily be done without a gym.

I hugely envy morning people but i train with weights around 6-8pm for about an hour and do the 5*5 stronglifts and some additions. Cannot run anymore (knee osteoarthritis) but cycle to the gym on my uban bike which is a 15 mile round trip so added cardio. I used to play rugby too and there is some muscle memory from your past work outs that may surprise you.
Oh and if you can do some swimming as this helps with muscle ache and subtlety.

Got a TRX I try to do 10-15 3 times a week but it's bitty. Suppose I could make the effort to do it religiously.

Worth a watch...(well, I think it is but could be wrong)

In an effort to combat age, weight and lack of flexibility I’ve signed up with an online personal trainer. Initial chat about where I am, what I’ve done before, any injuries weaknesses and then what I want to achieve. A program through a phone app to follow and check ins.

I’ve got a treadmill at home and some kettlebells etc

Only 2 days in though so I’ll let you know how it goes

Option 1 sounds average and option 2 really bad. But if they're really the only options then a free machine gym is a lot better than nowt, especially if there is space for some mats so you can do other stuff.

I'm effectively doing 1 through the MTB Fitness 12-week programme (mentioned on here a while back). I have a barbell, dumbells, resistance band kit, a log i use as a bench etc. I only ever exercise outside and i'd have to travel a fair distance to a gym, so wouldn't dream of gym membership. It's well worth doing.

The best thing about the programme is that it changes all the time so you don't get bored of the same exercises.

Another gym user here, fortunately I have a 24 hour gym opposite my house, so 5am sessions are my go to.

I've also signed up for the MTB Fitness app, which is going well.

I used to do TRX at home for 30-40 min 2x week but found it boring as hell.
So I joined a gym that's a 5 min walk from home and I workout 3 x week for about 90 min and find it way more fun and enjoyable than the trx at home.
I am going for strength and size though as I've always been very skinny.

If you're looking for a full body workout plan for beginers drop me a message and I'll share the one I do.

PD: You need to eat a lot.

Whatever you do, spend the first month lifting weights that you can push / pull for 15-20 reps, don't go heavy from the start, so you learn good technique and you strengthen the ligaments and connective tissues first.

Once you feel your technique is good, then i tend to train 3 weeks of 3 sets of 8 for the big compound exercises, then the 4th week, go back to lighter/ higher reps work, to have a bit of a rest.

I find the 10 mins on rowing machine, again with good technique, a great warm up as you use a lot of muscle groups, before going into lifting.

I'd definitely consider buying your own free weights rather than spending on a gym membership. I still have the weight discs I bought when I was 16, plus a few more added since. It's probably the best investment I've ever made. I know everyone's different, but it's more convenient and time efficient than a gym membership and exponentially cheaper over the years.

Sure you don't get the social interaction of a gym, but then who the hell goes to a gym to socialise? I mean really.

but then who the hell goes to a gym to socialise? I mean really.

I've got a good few mates over the years that came from the gym, all types of people.

Have you thought about an outdoor bootcamp type membership? Expect to pay about £25-30/month. My one is twice during the weekdays (7-8pm) and Sat 9-10am. Yes, its outdoors, so can be very wet and cold, but I prefer to be outside anyway. Equipment will be a lot more battered than the gym too. Classes will vary, but it'll be full body, sometimes weights, sometimes cardio, sometimes mix. Also great for social.

Spent a fair bit last august on building a gym at home. Havent regretted a second of it. I go with what BWD says. I dont really have any interest in chatting to anyone when i am lifting and now that i have everything, its reasonably cheap to add little extras from time to time to compliment it.

I use the Jeff Nippard programmes which i happily pay for. I have a PT friend who checks my form and answers my questions from time to time. Latest programme cost me about £30 and last for next 26 weeks so good enough value for me.

£500 gets you a very healthy home gym setup especially if you use facebook marketplace.

I kitted out the garage as a home gym, spent around £350 so far - power rack, barbell/dumbells and a bench.

Loving it, and having the setup at home makes it many times more likely to get used.

On the flip side, for a few years I had a home gym (power rack, 240kg of Olympic plates, hex dumbbells from 5-30kg, dip/chin rack, TV and Matt for cardio etc) and whilst it was convenient, even at gumtree/FB prices it cost a fortune.

My 24/7 no frills gym is 5 mins from home, loads of free weights and machines so much more variety of workout.

I always thought I'd be happier training alone, but the odd chat between sets makes the time fly, met a few great lads down there and we all support each other. It's also safer when the weight starts to get heavy...

You guys who are in the gym at 5-6am - what time do you go to bed?!

^ bed at 9.30, up at 4.30

Wife works 13 hour shifts as a nurse so by 930 she is falling asleep, no point me being up watching shit on TV.

but then who the hell goes to a gym to socialise? I mean really.

I made loads of friends at the local Cross Fit box, it had a really good social scene going on. Went bust in the end (bad management), but still have the friends...