“I Don’t Know What Exercises to Do”

If you’re anything like I used to be, you go to the gym, and start with some cardio. Then it’s time to lift free weights and you’re blank. You don’t know what to do. Of course you know exercises, but they’ve just all gone out the window.

That version of me found the gym boring and only went when because I knew it was good for me.

That version of me was unmotivated.

A few things (that aren’t taking group classes) that have helped me get where I am today. I have a plethora of exercises in my back pocket & have no, ”I don’t know what to do“ thoughts as I workout.

1. I worked with a personal trainer for 2.5 years and gained the tools I needed (aka a bunch of new exercises). I learned about different pieces of equipment around the gym and how to properly use them. I learned different exercises to do for my biceps, triceps, abs etc.

2. Once I had worked with my trainer for a bit and knew many exercises, when going to the gym on my own, I began creating a routine ahead of time. I’d write it on a piece of paper and bring it with me. This way I was going in with a plan. This eliminated me going blank, and thinking, “I don’t know what to do.”

3. I don’t work with my trainer anymore. Most of my workouts are classes or at the gym on my own. However, a few days a week I have time to fit in a workout, but not enough to go to the gym.

When this is the case, I’ve been trying different workouts on YouTube and Amazon Prime. They’re free! From these, I‘ve gotten a lot of great ideas on new and different exercises to incorporate into my gym workouts.

When I do workout on my own at the gym, I scan the room and people watch a bit. I get new exercise ideas from these obsevations as well.

So today I wanted to share what I did at the gym to inspire those who may still be struggling.

Cardio

- 33 minutes on the stationary bike

Free Weights

***For each exercise I did 3 sets of 10 repetitions***

- Bicep curls

- Tricep kickbacks

- Shoulder Presses

- Squats while holding a dumbbell horizontally at chest level

- Side lunges with arm extensions

Today I used 5 pound free weights as I’m

coming off an injury. Typically I use 8 or 10 pound weights.

Abs

- Oblique twists

- 2 planks each held for 1 minute

For the oblique twists, I sat on the mat with my feet in front of me, heels on the ground and legs slightly bent. I leaned my upper body back a bit so my abs were working. I held the dumbbell horizontally with one hand on each side. Then I twisted from one side of the mat to the other. Left, right etc.

I hope this helps you go into your next workout with a constant flow of ideas. I hope this eliminates your mindless walking around wondering what to do the next time you go to the gym.

Readers, let me know if you’re still struggling for ideas. I’m always happy to help you feel successful in your workout endeavors.

Xo,

Elizabeth