STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

crystal · Kate Spade

what machines do u use at the gym (and for what)?

Elle · Hermes

I would actually suggest using free weights for as many excercises as you can - they tone/build muscle more quickly b/c they require you to use your smaller stabilizing muscles as well as your larger more dominant muscle groups.

Drew · Gucci

Crystal, I highly reccommend that you make an appointment with a trainer at your gym; usually they give you at least one free session when you join so check into that. Either way, it would definately be worth your while to spend the money at least for a session or a few so that you can learn proper techniques and get a program tailor made to help you meet your goals. IF this isn't possible perhaps you could buy a book (or get one free on loan from your library) on programs; get something with detailed pictures so you can learn proper form.

Unless you are short and have a larger frame, it will be very difficult for you to build big muscles. I know most girls are afraid of lifting because they don't want to look masculine, but let me tell you from first hand experience it is really, really, really hard to build large muscles as a female (again, unless you are short with a large frame), so don't be afraid to lift weights. Remember, you only burn calories while you do cardio, but when you lift weights, muscle burns calories 24 hours a day (because of the repairing of the muscles).

Don't just wander around the gym; make the most of your time, and use what you paid for wisely. Spend the time to develope a program and track your progress - that in itself is really motivating. Also, if you have someone who you are close with that works out as well and has similar goals it is also incredibly motivating.

Good luck, have fun, and stick with it!

honey · Gucci

i agree with drew and lmonet. you definitely should make at least one appointment with a trainer. it's essential b/c the trainer will show you proper form so you get the most out of your workout. even if you don't end up getting a personal trainer, and take classes this will really help you since most instructors can't monitor everyone's form and you could end up like those women (every gym has them) that spend hours at the gym, but don't see any results for their effort.

that being said, i personally have benefitted more from free weights than the machines, though this could be due to the fact that i learned about proper form from a trainer before using free weights and i just use to freestyle it on the machines.

other than that i primarily use the treadmill. though running is not for everyone, i've gotten the best results from it. the ellipticals are good, but you have to have good form when using them --stand up straight, don't lean on the machine, or you may not get the results you want. also i tend to get bored on them, but that's just me.

Joina · Kenneth Cole

Treadmill is the most effective by far. I do interval training once or twice a week, 10 min jogging warmup (heart rate 155), then 1 min of fast running (175 hr), 2 min jog (150 hr) for about 20 min. Lastly I cool off for 10 min. My stamina has def improved since I started doing this.

Other than treadmill, may I suggest spinning classes (if your gym has them), they are great for legs and butt.

Dizzy · Marc Jacobs

I use the squat machine, free weights, ellipitcal (my favorite), the back curl press, the quad press and everything for the arms. Don't be intimidated. Just jump in and try them (safely) almost no one at the gym actually knows what he or she is doing. Oh, and I second the free weights idea, although I get bored with them. They do seem to work more quickly... good luck!