what gym equipment?

[Morrisonker]

I'm going to the gym tomorrow for the first time in my life with a friend.  I'm not going to try anything too strenuous (weights etc) just the bikes and so on.  I was just wondering what would be the best machine to use to slim/tone my thighs and what would be best for my tummy.  Thanks!

[issy]

If it is a decent gym it will offer an assessment service. This may have a fee but it will be well worth it as using the wrong equipment with the wrong set-up could well do you more harm than good.

[Morrisonker]

it's the Uni gym, i'm sure they do offer this, but I'm not going to be trying any difficult machines, as I said.  I just want to know what machines would work these parts of my body the best.  If I don't already know how to use the machine, i won't use it.

[El D]

for you:

leg press

adductor/abductor

leg curl

leg extension

thats all the machines the gym will have which will be practical for working your thighs. Toning effect is from lowering bodyfat mainly, maybe adding a small amount of muscle. I'm sure the highly qualified and knowledgeable people running the uni gym can help you out.

As for your tummy - stop eating so much  ;)

[5029]

The cycling machine will be good for your legs and sit ups on the gym ball will tone the muscles in your tummy.



The cross trainer is also a good all rounder!

[morg_monster]

just remember that a toned tummy is no use if it is covered by a layer of flab. to get rid of that you need to use more energy than you take in. Any CV exercise will help with that: bike, treadmill, cross trainer etc. plus of course a reasonably healthy diet will help too.

[Octavius]

The manager of the gym should know which of their machines willl work best for you,

[Hammer]

You cannot lose fat in any particular area by exercising. All you are doing, as morg_monster says, is building up a layer of muscle beneath the layer of flab.

Exercise and a good diet will help you lose body fat from all areas, which in my opinion is even better than targetting your thighs or tummy.

[Cockney_si]

Tummy flab aside the best way for tummy firming is cruncges, situps and leg raises, do them ALL in that order (even if it is inly 2 or so to start with!) and you will feel the benefit....just don't overdo it or you'll end up not being able to sit up and get out of bed the next morning!!!

[Morrisonker]

hehe, thanks guys.  I feel much better for the exercise which was one of the main reasons for going and it wasn't anywhere near as scary as I thought it was going to be ^_^