Designing a fitness program

teknoid

Senior member
Nov 10, 1999
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At the end of this week I?ll have finished my 90-day probation at my new job. That means all of my benefits will kick in. One of these is access to the company ?fitness center?. The owner of the company made a HUGE deal about the fact that the fitness center was reserved for the use of ?senior management? only. I guess I qualify because the HR Director told me to stop by and pick up my key. (HMMMM? whoodathunkit? me, senior management?)

I?ve had the tour and seen the fitness center. It?s VERY nice. It?s outfitted with the full range of Nautilus Nitro exercise equipment (about 30 stations), an assortment of cardio type machines and a small free weight area. The room is large and well appointed with mirrored walls several LCD TVs (with DVD players) and a stereo. Adjacent to the main room is a private bathroom / changing room with a shower.

In years past when the transportation industry was a bit more prosperous the company had a professional trainer available on a part time basis to assist the users with designing their personal fitness program. I?m told he?s been gone about 3 years. A victim of lean times in the trucking business.

What I?m looking for is a good online resource (or two, or three) that will help me design my routine. I?m not opposed to purchasing a book or maybe a DVD or two.

I?m in reasonably good health and have no issues or physical limitations that would prevent me from taking full advantage of this facility. I turned 50 early this year and took that long look in the mirror and realized that I should be doing better.

Any suggestions?
 

gramboh

Platinum Member
May 3, 2003
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Definitely do Stronglifts 5x5, ignore the weight machines, compound movements with freeweights is much more efficient use of time especially as a novice. Hopefully they have a power rack, bench and barbell (most office gyms seem to have one). The best thing is that I bet no one will ever be using it. Sounds like a perfect opportunity! Good luck. You can mix Stronglifts 5x5 or Rippetoe's Starting Strength with a few sessions of cardio per week (say lifting MWF and cardio tues/thurs if you really want).