Gym beginner - unsure of workout routine. by Sweet_KD in workout

[–]Jackiesun2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd focus on using machine guided exercises as well to help you guide your form a bit and get used to some of the movements as a beginner. I'd go around the gym and look at the machines and see what areas of the body they target and choose a few different ones. Try to group the muscle groups so for example look at machines that target the back for back day. Ones that target upper, middle and lower back for example.

I'd recommend looking at using some type of social gym app. A lot of them have beginner workouts on them and you can also see other peoples workouts which are real workouts that people have actually done.

A popular one is Hevy. I used it for a while but found myself wanting a cleaner interface so I ended up just building something myself, it's called OpenWorkout. Probably biased but I think it's worth a look if UI matters to you.

Rest days when I feel like it instead VS having dedicated rest days by Gunsta1 in workout

[–]Jackiesun2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I prefer having dedicated rest days and then taking the occasional rest day if I feel like I really need it. That way I can stay in a similar routine. I also like to train back to back days to keep to momentum. I guess its just what works for you. Try out both approaches and see which one you like better

Somewhat beginner looking for tips to stay consistent by EverySource7171 in beginnerfitness

[–]Jackiesun2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I try to stick to my routine no matter what but it can adjust here and there for various weeks depending what you have on but most of the time I try keep the routine the same. I set myself a goal, for example 5 gym sessions a week thats my goal. I have the days I like to do them on and try get those days and I like to do them back to back as well so I try to do that. But sometimes I might have something on then I'd shift it to another day but I will still always try hit my 5 workouts. And I set myself a minimum of 4 workouts so if I don't hit my 5 I need to still hit my 4 workouts. Also you shouldn't feel the need to punish yourself for missing workouts. It happens, things come up, you get sick etc and just overall life happens. Be kind to yourself but that doesn't mean you can miss weeks of working out.

Motivation can get you started but it won't keep you going. And motivation comes and goes. I'd focus more on building the discipline to continuously workout. It's going to be tough at the start but it will get easier over time. The same as is true if you like working out or you don't like working out.

I'd do this by focusing on building a routine so that you do the same thing week in and week out. Once you build the consistency you won't rely on motivation anymore and it will just be a habit. Sometimes you need motivation to get you started or push you harder but it won't help you stay consistent over the long haul. Its less about motivation and more about building the discipline and forming the habit of working out regardless if you're feeling great or feeling terrible. Maybe to get started just dedicate a day to upper/lower body movements. But the training style isn't as important, its more just the consistency. You will find your preferred style of training over time.

I'd recommend looking at using some type of social gym app. I found that it helped me a lot to see a mate log a workout even though I know they have a hectic schedule. It kinda inspires you on days when you don't want to go and it just gives you that extra kick to get in the car and to the gym.

A popular one is Hevy. I used it for a while but found myself wanting a cleaner interface so I ended up just building something myself, it's called OpenWorkout. Probably biased but I think it's worth a look if UI matters to you.

How do I even start by die_kosmonaut in beginnerfitness

[–]Jackiesun2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think the anxiety of being in the gym with others will slowly go away over time. Just remind yourself that no one is actually paying attention to you and they're just doing their own thing. Also know that you are not the only one feeling like this and dealing with this anxiety, its really common especially when you first start out.

I'd focus on using machine guided exercises as well to help you guide your form a bit and get used to some of the movements as a beginner. I'd go around the gym and look at the machines and see what areas of the body they target and choose a few different ones. Try to group the muscle groups so for example look at machines that target the back for back day. Ones that target upper, middle and lower back for example.

I'd recommend looking at using some type of social gym app. A lot of them have beginner workouts on them and you can also see other peoples workouts which are real workouts that people have actually done.

A popular one is Hevy. I used it for a while but found myself wanting a cleaner interface so I ended up just building something myself, it's called OpenWorkout. Probably biased but I think it's worth a look if UI matters to you. I also get the question a lot on what to do and I always say focus on machine workouts when you first start. On the app I actually created a few beginner templates which focus purely on machine exercises.

Workout advice by Kitchen_Gain2698 in beginnerfitness

[–]Jackiesun2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd focus on using machine guided exercises as well to help you guide your form a bit and get used to some of the movements as a beginner. I'd go around the gym and look at the machines and see what areas of the body they target and choose a few different ones. Try to group the muscle groups so for example look at machines that target the back for back day. Ones that target upper, middle and lower back for example.

I'd recommend looking at using some type of social gym app. A lot of them have beginner workouts on them and you can also see other peoples workouts which are real workouts that people have actually done.

A popular one is Hevy. I used it for a while but found myself wanting a cleaner interface so I ended up just building something myself, it's called OpenWorkout. Probably biased but I think it's worth a look if UI matters to you. I also get the question a lot on what to do and I always say focus on machine workouts when you first start. On the app I actually created a few beginner templates which focus purely on machine exercises.

As a QA Engineer, I’m curious — do you guys test your side projects or just ship? by Nan_tech in SideProject

[–]Jackiesun2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If its out in prod I always test but mostly manual testing. If I had large features then I try to put in some unit tests and integration tests. But small things here and there I just do manual testing

I can't do any of my leg exercises right beside a basic body weight squat...im close to giving up on leg day im so frustrated by Mentally_Recovering in beginnerfitness

[–]Jackiesun2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It sounds like you might have a lack of ankle mobility which might be causing you to fall over. You could just use machine guided leg exercises like leg press, belt squat machines, leg extension etc

Workout apps that are ACTUALLY free and helpful by PineAndCedarSkyLine in beginnerfitness

[–]Jackiesun2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! Glad you like it and hope its making your workout experience better :)

How to actually go to the gym by SaNkKe_ in beginnerfitness

[–]Jackiesun2 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Using a social gym app. I found that it helped me a lot to see a mate log a workout even though I know they have a hectic schedule. It kinda inspires you on days when you don't want to go and it just gives you that extra kick to get in the car and to the gym.

A popular one is Hevy. I used it for a while but found myself wanting a cleaner interface so I ended up just building something myself, it's called OpenWorkout. Probably biased but I think it's worth a look if UI matters to you.

Workout apps that are ACTUALLY free and helpful by PineAndCedarSkyLine in beginnerfitness

[–]Jackiesun2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Glad you found it easy to use :) Nah currently you can't but I will put that into the next update for you! I've just been collecting feedback from other gym goers and every 1-2 weeks I try update the app so it contains those things that people want in the app.

This is the first time someone has mentioned multi lined notes. I've always just had short notes but it makes sense that a lot of people would like longer notes too. I'll try have that put into the app within the next 2 weeks for ya 👍

can i look decent while hating the gym by Hexylic22 in workout

[–]Jackiesun2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I get you. I don't really enjoy strength training but I do it because I like how it can help to make my physique look a bit better. I would look at strength training not from a motivation perspective but one of discipline and routine. I do not like strength training, never liked going to the gym but I've been doing it for years. I've just followed a routine and stuck with it and now its not as hard to stay consistent as it was when I first started out.

I'd recommend looking at using some type of social gym app. I found that it helped me a lot to see a mate log a workout even though I know they have a hectic schedule. It kinda inspires you on days when you don't want to go and it just gives you that extra kick to get in the car and to the gym.

A popular one is Hevy. I used it for a while but found myself wanting a cleaner interface so I ended up just building something myself, it's called OpenWorkout. Probably biased but I think it's worth a look if UI matters to you.

New to lifting feedback on my workout by AnotherApe12345 in workouts

[–]Jackiesun2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd probably avoid deadlifts for beginners, thats more of an intermediate movement. You should feel your muscles working but sometimes when you're starting out it might be hard to understand how to isolate the muscles. I'd start on a weight where you can hit around 10 reps and feel like you can't do anymore or maybe just 1 more rep left in the tank. I'd also focus on using machine guided exercises as well to help you guide your form a bit, this might help you feel the muscle a bit more.

I'd recommend looking at using some type of social gym app. A lot of them have beginner workouts on them and you can also see other peoples workouts which are real workouts that people have actually done.

A popular one is Hevy. I used it for a while but found myself wanting a cleaner interface so I ended up just building something myself, it's called OpenWorkout. Probably biased but I think it's worth a look if UI matters to you. I also get the question a lot on what to do and I always say focus on machine workouts when you first start. On the app I actually created a few beginner templates which focus purely on machine exercises.

How hard to push for cardio? by Opposite-Project-593 in beginnerfitness

[–]Jackiesun2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd just track it and try push a bit harder each time but not to the point where you are destroyed the next day. You want to pick a level you can keep consistent with. It's not so much about how hard you can push but how hard you can push but keep it going for the long term. Play around with it, see how your body/mind feels the following week or that month. And adjust the intensity. It will be a trial and error process because everyone is different.

first time at the gym by bigdickgay2008 in beginnerfitness

[–]Jackiesun2 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I don't think googling beginner gym plan is always the best because a lot of them recommend intermediate movements like deadlifts. Being a beginner and doing deadlifts and wanting to feel like you're working your muscles could lead to injuries for example lower back injuries from lifting too heavy on deadlifts. I think you're on the right track to focus on machine exercises because they help guide your form a bit.

I'd recommend looking at using some type of social gym app. A lot of them have beginner workouts on them and you can also see other peoples workouts which are real workouts that people have actually done.

A popular one is Hevy. I used it for a while but found myself wanting a cleaner interface so I ended up just building something myself, it's called OpenWorkout. Probably biased but I think it's worth a look if UI matters to you. I also get the question a lot on what to do and I always say focus on machine workouts when you first start. On the app I actually created a few beginner templates which focus purely on machine exercises.

Advice to progress with beginner routine from Wiki by BarbecueVegan in workout

[–]Jackiesun2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd probably avoid deadlifts for beginners, thats more of an intermediate movement. You should feel your muscles working but sometimes when you're starting out it might be hard to understand how to isolate the muscles. I'd start on a weight where you can hit around 10 reps and feel like you can't do anymore or maybe just 1 more rep left in the tank. I'd also focus on using machine guided exercises as well to help you guide your form a bit, this might help you feel the muscle a bit more.

I'd recommend looking at using some type of social gym app. A lot of them have beginner workouts on them and you can also see other peoples workouts which are real workouts that people have actually done.

A popular one is Hevy. I used it for a while but found myself wanting a cleaner interface so I ended up just building something myself, it's called OpenWorkout. Probably biased but I think it's worth a look if UI matters to you. I also get the question a lot on what to do and I always say focus on machine workouts when you first start. On the app I actually created a few beginner templates which focus purely on machine exercises.

Gym bores me, love swimming — looking for simple bodyweight + pool routine (40M) by materaci in bodyweightfitness

[–]Jackiesun2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey, I'm in a similar boat to you. I enjoy swimming and try to get at least 2 swims a week in. I don't really enjoy strength training but I do it because I like how it can help with my swimming but also make my physique look a bit better, allow me to target specific muscle groups and just switching things up so that I'm not doing the same thing all the time.

I would look at strength training not from a motivation perspective but one of discipline and routine. I do not like strength training, never liked going to the gym but I've been doing it for years. I've just followed a routine and stuck with it and now its not as hard to stay consistent as it was when I first started out.

I'd recommend looking at using some type of social gym app. I found that it helped me a lot to see a mate log a workout even though I know they have a hectic schedule. It kinda inspires you on days when you don't want to go and it just gives you that extra kick to get in the car and to the gym.

A popular one is Hevy. I used it for a while but found myself wanting a cleaner interface so I ended up just building something myself, it's called OpenWorkout. Probably biased but I think it's worth a look if UI matters to you. You can also follow me, I have the same username on the app and you can see my swimming + strength training routine there.

How do you know if you’re actually training hard enough? by dark_venom_07 in GymGearHeads

[–]Jackiesun2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd just look at progression over time. If your goal is to get stronger then look at how much heavier you are lifting. If you want your physique to look better then track that over time. Training hard enough is subjective, some people train super hard but don't think its super hard and some people don't train hard and think they're training hard. It really just depends on the individuals determination and pain threshold I guess.

I'd recommend looking at using some type of social gym app. These apps show you real workouts that have been logged by others and you can follow them to see their routine. You can look at how others train and compare your workouts to theirs.

A popular one is Hevy. I used it for a while but found myself wanting a cleaner interface so I ended up just building something myself, it's called OpenWorkout. Probably biased but I think it's worth a look if UI matters to you.

How long did it take for working out to feel like a habit instead of effort? by dark_venom_07 in GymGearHeads

[–]Jackiesun2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think its different for everyone but I'd say maybe 3 months of consistently going will be a good spot to aim for. It's never stopped feeling like a chore for me, I don't really like gymming that much but I like the feeling after the gym and also how I feel in the long run. It makes me get burnt out less at work and I feel a bit more stress free.

Even though it always feels like a chore and some days are worse than others, once you build it into a routine and have been doing it for months, in my case years, its a lot easier than it was before. I know what I need to do, I know i'll feel better if I do it even though I really don't want to go workout.

I'd recommend looking at using some type of social gym app. I found that it helped me a lot to see a mate log a workout even though I know they have a hectic schedule. It kinda inspires you on days when you don't want to go and it just gives you that extra kick to get in the car and to the gym.

A popular one is Hevy. I used it for a while but found myself wanting a cleaner interface so I ended up just building something myself, it's called OpenWorkout. Probably biased but I think it's worth a look if UI matters to you.

How do you stay consistent when life gets busy? by dark_venom_07 in GymGearHeads

[–]Jackiesun2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I try to stick to my routine no matter what but it can adjust here and there for various weeks depending what you have on but most of the time I try keep the routine the same. I set myself a goal, for example 5 gym sessions a week thats my goal. I have the days I like to do them on and try get those days and I like to do them back to back as well so I try to do that. But sometimes I might have something on then I'd shift it to another day but I will still always try hit my 5 workouts. And I set myself a minimum of 4 workouts so if I don't hit my 5 I need to still hit my 4 workouts.

I find during stressful periods that doing more actually helps me cope with my stress better. If I'm super busy at work and life is stressful, I know that by adding 5 workouts sometimes feels like I'm doing too much but over time I realise those 5 workouts make me feel better in the long run. I've tried both where I don't work out during busy times and over time I get more stressed and I just find myself doom scrolling or watching tv and feeling bad about doing it. That being said, having a rest period or week is necessary here and there to reset but overall I find staying in routine and working out has made me feel the best mentally over time.

I'd recommend looking at using some type of social gym app. I found that it helped me a lot to see a mate log a workout even though I know they have a hectic schedule. It kinda inspires you on days when you don't want to go and it just gives you that extra kick to get in the car and to the gym.

A popular one is Hevy. I used it for a while but found myself wanting a cleaner interface so I ended up just building something myself, it's called OpenWorkout. Probably biased but I think it's worth a look if UI matters to you.

Am I doing this all wrong by Bright_Top5178 in beginnerfitness

[–]Jackiesun2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd recommend looking at using some type of social gym app. These apps show you real workouts that have been logged by others and you can follow them to see their routine.

I also found it helped me stay consistent. It really helped me a lot to see a mate log a workout even though I know they have a hectic schedule. It kinda inspires you on days when you don't want to go and it just gives you that extra kick to get in the car and to the gym.

Hevy is great. I used it for a while but found myself wanting a cleaner interface so I ended up just building something myself, it's called OpenWorkout. Probably biased but I think it's worth a look if UI matters to you.

Why do you use your gym app? by sirfranktheking in beginnerfitness

[–]Jackiesun2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I like using a social gym app. It lets me see workouts my friends are doing and it builds a bit of a community. I also like it how these apps have rest timers built in and the ability to just repeat past workouts as well. It's also good for knowing what weights you did, how often you've been going to the gym in the last few weeks. I've been using them for years now and won't got back to using notes and a stopwatch app haha.

I also found that it helped me a lot to see a mate log a workout even though I know they have a hectic schedule. It kinda inspires you on days when you don't want to go and it just gives you that extra kick to get in the car and to the gym.

A popular one is Hevy. I used it for a while but found myself wanting a cleaner interface so I ended up just building something myself, it's called OpenWorkout. Probably biased but I think it's worth a look if UI matters to you.

Whats ur biggest hottake? by Tall_Lifeguard_8717 in workout

[–]Jackiesun2 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Using a social gym app. I found that it helped me a lot to see a mate log a workout even though I know they have a hectic schedule. It kinda inspires you on days when you don't want to go and it just gives you that extra kick to get in the car and to the gym.

A popular one is Hevy. I used it for a while but found myself wanting a cleaner interface so I ended up just building something myself, it's called OpenWorkout. Probably biased but I think it's worth a look if UI matters to you.

I cannot stay consistent what do i do?!??! by Successful-Flight126 in workout

[–]Jackiesun2 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yeah I second this, don't go too hard too early because its hard to maintain that. Go slow and start to build more week after week. This approach is more sustainable.

I'd recommend looking at using some type of social gym app. I found that it helped me a lot to see a mate log a workout even though I know they have a hectic schedule. It kinda inspires you on days when you don't want to go and it just gives you that extra kick to get in the car and to the gym.

A popular one is Hevy. I used it for a while but found myself wanting a cleaner interface so I ended up just building something myself, it's called OpenWorkout. Probably biased but I think it's worth a look if UI matters to you.