Q&A for How to Get Fit in the Gym

Start off with bodyweight or resistance exercises before moving onto weights or machines.

Chest muscles can be built by doing push-ups, bench press, and pec flyes as part of your weekly resistance training.

Drinking chocolate milk is what many bodybuilders do to get the right post-workout balance of carbohydrates and proteins. It is easy and fairly inexpensive.

Start with less weight and focus on doing each movement with perfect form and as much control as you can. Sometimes, doing an exercise perfectly with lighter weight can be harder and give better results than using heavy weights with bad form! If you use heavy weight too soon, your body will find ways to "cheat" and you will learn bad habits, see slower results, and might even hurt yourself. If possible, ask a trainer or someone knowledgeable in the gym to watch and correct your form with light weights. Then, you can gradually add more weight as long as your form stays good.

Consider changing the time you visit the gym if possible. There are slow times at the gym, such as mid afternoons or later at night. Try asking the gym management when it's least busy. Or, look for an alternative gym that has more space or isn't as well known and thus has less people.

If work is put into it, results will start showing after about three weeks of four days each week of intense workouts.

Don't eat while actually working out -- wait until you're done. After the workout, bananas are good as they have potassium, which is good to replenish, and get a protein shake to have with it.

Eat carbs, because they provide the energy that will carry you through your workout. Do not eat too much of anything before a workout because you may feel full and bloated during your workout.

There won't be a "problem", but proper dieting is a key factor in becoming fit.

See How to Burn Belly Fat Fast for a set of steps to help you.

Of course. Anyone can start a gym workout, as long as you're in decent health. Just make sure to use all the equipment safely and don't overstrain your muscles.

Your body needs time to recover, so I would not recommend going every day. I would encourage you to start simple, three days a week, start with 10-15 minutes of cardio, then 20-30 minutes of weight lifting (the machines are a fabulous place to start), then stretch afterwards.

Put some music on, and keep telling yourself you're amazing!

It depends on what you're doing there...for vigorous cardiovascular exercise, you want plenty of time to digest -- at least an hour-and-a-half.

You can, if your parents and your gym allow it. Make sure you don't go overboard with the weights though.

You are doing nothing wrong. Unfortunately, losing weight takes time, and three weeks its not a long enough time to see results. Keep up your pace and you will start to see results eventually!

Not really, except that you're running in place on a treadmill, which might be more or less enjoyable for you depending on your preferences (you don't get any change of scenery, or fresh air, but you can, e.g., watch something on TV while you're running).

Yes, you should actually drink water whenever you exercise to ensure that you stay hydrated.

There is no right age to start working out at the gym. But you do need to be careful not to go overboard with the exercises at an early age. If you're a kid, ask an adult to supervise you.

Make sure you eat a solid 3 meals a day (including a source of protein, carbs, etc.). Add a few healthy snacks throughout the day that are high in protein and/or good fats, like Greek yogurt, almonds, avocado toast, etc.

The rowing machine is a good workout, while fun at the same time.

No. Wait until you are 18 to use it.

Focus more on cardio than strength training or weight lifting. Exercises like running in particular will help you burn fat quickly without putting on a lot of muscle, although you might gain some muscle in your legs.

Weight loss comes down to calories in and out. It's primarily about changing your diet over time -- a truly elusive goal. Working out complements the process and builds muscle, but won't take the place of long term gradual calorie modification. If you don't increase your caloric intake to make up for the calories burned while running, then you will lose weight over time.

Yes, but you'll likely need a parent to sign you up at a gym.

Skipping rope or swimming will work all your body. These two activities are ideal to begin with. Additionally, you may do walking or jogging to get used to working out. Push ups and sit ups are also a good starting point.

If you are a beginner, work on major parts of body, rather then specific parts. Start with equipment that works complete areas. as opposed to that which works, say. the lower arm or upper leg.

Yes and no. There is evidence that starting as preteen (10 yo) improves the bones. However, heavy weight or wrong movement can destroy the a child's bones (which cannot be undone!). So, if there is a specialized kids sports expert then it is fine, otherwise find other activities.

Most people spend anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour at the gym. But it really depends on what you’re doing. Riding an exercise bike, for example, could reasonably be done for a longer time than running on a treadmill. It also depends on your body, i.e. your age, general health status, etc.

Start by running, 30 minutes every day if you can. Do a run-walk to start, and slowly decrease the time walking as you run on the treadmill more often. You can also mix in other routines like lifting weights, biking, or doing the elliptical instead of running.