5 Gym Questions You Have Always Wanted to Know Answers to But Never Asked

With a plethora of fitness information now available at the click of a button, it’s easy for things to get lost in translation. So to simplify a little, Personal Trainer Carly Pizzani has given the answers to five common gym questions that most are too afraid to ask.

1. WHAT IS THE RIGHT WEIGHT FOR ME?

The amount of weight you are lifting should be the most you can manage for the amount of repetitions you’re doing. For example, if you are aiming for 12 reps but feel as though you could do more, it’s time to go up a weight class. The weight is also determined by your goal, are you looking to burn fat, or build muscle?

If you are new to strength training, consulting a personal trainer is the best idea as they can set you up the the right weights for your goal and ensure you are performing good technique. Once you have established your base load, you will be able to increase your weights accordingly as you grow stronger.

2. SHOULD MY HEART RATE BE IN THE CARDIO OR FAT BURNING ZONE?

Working out at a lower heart rate taps into your fat metabolism, but this is also the case when watching tv or sleeping. Although all exercise is beneficial, you’ll have to work out for a lot longer in order to hit your cardio benchmarks than if you’re working out at a higher heart rate.

Again, the answer to this will depend on your goals, if you are looking to burn fat, then yes, the fat burning zone is the best. However, if you are looking to increase your fitness AND burn fat, then a mixture, or interval training may be the best option for you. The best and easiest way to track your heart rate wis with a fitness tracker.

3. WHAT’S SOME RECOMMENDED READING FOR STRENGTH TRAINING?

For women new to strength training, Pizzani said a great book to get you started isThe New Rules of Lifting for Women. Doing your research will help you set the framework for incorporating weights into your regular workouts.

4. WILL I BULK UP FROM WEIGHTS?

Despite what many think, it’s almost impossible for women to build up the bulky physique they want to avoid. But if you’re concerned, try focusing on building endurance with higher reps at lower weights.

Building muscle is HARDER than putting on fat, and having muscle actually helps you burn more calories, so don’t shy away from the weights area.

5. HOW DO I USE THIS MACHINE?

If you’re not sure where to start, don’t be afraid to ask a Personal Trainer at your gym about the best ways to use a particular exercise machine. They’ll often be able to show you some exercises you’ve probably never heard of.

Once you have the foundation of techniques for a few key exercises, as you build confidence you will be able to increase your weights and even add new exercises into the game.

• Bio

AIF

The Australian Institute of Fitness

The Australian Institute of Fitness (AIF) is the largest and longest established fitness training organisation in Australia, with dynamic training methods and expert course coaches nationwide - spanning fitness, massage and nutrition. The AIF qualifies more fitness professionals than any other provider in Australia, as well as offering a broad range of continuing education courses (CEC), upskilling resources and partnership programs for existing industry.