Home Gym routine questions...

[bjorn again veg]

Ok you fitness freaks.
I have just inherited a home gym for free. It is an oldish beast of a machine.
I have never been into gym or fitness equipment at all. I walk my dogs daily, go for the odd run & cycle rides but I have no knowledge of gym equipment or gym exercise routines at all.
Can anyone point me to some good websites or have any advise on how to start off?

[debatechick]

What type of machine do you have?:confused:

[bjorn again veg]

hi debatechick,

here is a link to a photo: http://www.olympicgymnasium.com/FRWS45.jpg
It is quite similar to this but has a pulley & weights system on it.

[msbunnicula]

I like this site, but I don't think that any of the exercises require equipment, http://www.acefitness.org/getfit/freeexercise.aspx

This is a great site for women, http://www.muscleandfitnesshers.com/hers/062502/strength_train.html

Here's a workout for men, http://www.mensfitness.com/fitness/77

Here are some other sites:
http://www.exrx.net/Exercise.html
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/exercises.htm
http://www.shapefit.com/training.html
http://thetrainingstationinc.com/exercises.html

[bjorn again veg]

Thanks, I will check out the sites. I did 'google' previously but did not find anything too helpful for a total wimpy novice. I didn't even understand the language they were using on some sites!

Cheers...

[msbunnicula]

You might like these articles, "Exercise for Beginners - Strength Training", http://exercise.about.com/cs/exbeginners/a/begstrength.htm and "Weight Training 101", http://exercise.about.com/cs/exerciseworkouts/a/weight101.htm

You might also want to consider setting up a personal trainer appointment at a local gym and have the personal trainer show you the proper way to do exercises before you try them at home.

[bjorn again veg]

Thanks, I appreciate the links.
Seems simple enough for even me to understand, even has pics too!
Now I just need the inspiration...