Pre/post workout? Supplements? Group gyms? Help?!

@warriorinchrist14 Going in a different direction with my thoughts. You didn't explicitly state your goals, but you mention your stomach, which leads me to think the goal is weight loss. In that case, what you need to invest in is a calorie tracking app and healthy diet. Not a fad diet, not a "only X every other Thursday" diet, not a "no carbs ever" diet, just a well-rounded and healthy diet that puts you at a caloric deficit.

There's a saying, "Abs are built in the kitchen," and it's true. You can't spot reduce or lose weight from one single area. You want to lose weight, you need to be mindful of what goes into your body.

That said, you asked for supplement advice and there's a LOT of crap being pushed. I was in the same spot when I started my fitness journey. Most of them are junk. I do use a pre-gym supplement to get my heart rate up and focus, creatine helps with fighting muscle fatigue (but does often have the side effect of bloat), and BCAAs can help with muscle recovery (I use one that has cayenne pepper because I like to sweat - scientifically shown to not really make a difference, but it makes me feel good).

The big one, protein powder, is really only recommended if you're trying to build muscle. If you do a powder, make sure it's low cal, low carb, low sugar. Even with the goal of muscle gain, I wouldn't start supplementing your diet with protein powder until you have a regular regimen and your body has started to "warm up" to your new lifestyle, 2-3 months of regular exercise.

As for fitness gyms, they can be great or they can be garbage, just depends on the people and how disciplined you want to be. I think they're particularly good for beginners because they often have classes and you'll find enthusiasts who will be happy to help you on your own journey, and when/if you want to move on or do your own thing you can. See how many free trials you can get in on and find what you enjoy!

Last chapter on this novel I'm writing... More than ANY supplement or gym, the thing you NEED is the right attitude. Fitness isn't to punish yourself for being the wrong shape or weight (not saying YOU experience that, just a mentality I see a lot). It's not a fix to a problem. It's a lifestyle and one to be enjoyed. Don't work out because you HAVE to, work out because you GET to. Connect with yourself and love all the things your body can accomplish!
 
@dawn16 Thank you so much for the insight! I really appreciate it. While one of my goals is weight loss, the mentality behind it is to improve my overall health. I should not be a 24-year-old with back pain lol but I am also overly cautious because I know there’s so much BS out there, so I want to make sure that I do it right! I think my head is finally in the right place, because I am mostly wanting to find exercise that I like, and find a routine that is going to be sustainable because I agree, I should not be working out because I have to, but because I get to! As far as diet goes, I do think that Macro tracking is going to really help me figure out a good idea of what I should, and should not put into my body because I am already seeing how some foods are more beneficial to my health than others. I don’t have to restrict myself, but I have to make sure that when I’m putting in my body is helping me reach my goals! I did mention my stomach because I do think that is my biggest area of opportunity, but I know that you can’t specifically target an area. I am just hoping that if I start to see the weight come off, hopefully I will start to see some improvement in that area!
 
@dawn16 Thank you so much for taking the time to help me out with your original comment! Hearing my mind is in the right place from someone else too is really motivating and reassuring. I really appreciate it!
 
@warriorinchrist14 If you’re having a hard time with structure, I have found orange theory to be incredible. One hour of dedicated time, ever-changing templates so I know I’ll work out different muscles, but consistent cardio effort means that you are bound to get fit if you make it a habit. I had a reallllly hard time with being consistent and this has helped me. I shut off my brain for one hour and just follow the coach’s directions and leave feeling incredible. I do plan to eventually quit and go to a gym once I learn the proper form, get more comfortable on the treadmill/rower but going to a gym requires some knowledge and a lot more will power to stay long enough to get consistent results. Orange theory you kind of have to follow the class format and stay for an hour. Highly recommend for beginners.

Cons: Very pricey
 
@warriorinchrist14 Protein is great because it keeps you full and helps build muscle. Creatine has also been proven time and time again to have a number of health, cognitive and energy benefits. Caffeine is also good when used mindfully to enhance energy and manage hunger. But overall supplements are an extremely small part of fitness. Diet is the number one. Building muscle is number two (more muscle means higher amounts of calories burned at rest (in general) everything else is just staying active doing things you like.
 
@warriorinchrist14 Pre and post workout supplements are not needed. Although I would recommend a protein shake for after although I class that more of a dietary requirement than a supplement.

If you change your liquid intake to solely water with an occasional black coffee you will notice multiple benefits.

These pre-workouts are largely caffeine based and are there to take your money.

I lift weights 5 days a week whilst working a physically active job…I’ve never needed a pre workout.

The best thing you can do is eat cleanly and read up on what foods are not going to help you. The disinformation out there is huge. I’m talking about good sources of protein, and natural foods like fruit, vegetables and nuts.

Not low calorie snacks, breadcrumb chicken and a low fat dessert.

Most importantly as well is consistence. Consistent exercise and a good diet will beat any supplement.
 
@dawn16 I do think I’m going to switch to solely water, as I know the benefits are tenfold. I will do coffee too because as of now I need it lol but I don’t usually have more than a cup or two!
 
@warriorinchrist14 You need to invest in literally nothing to lose weight.

You might want to consider a gym membership of some basic equipment for home if you want to work out.

You might also want to consider investing in a PT for a few sessions if you're a total newbie.

You don't need pre workout, you don't need protein supplements, you don't need BCAAs. Get the basics in place first -> calorie deficit and some form of exercise (in that order).
 
@roguemouser Thank you!! I am a member of a gym, and I’ve been working out for a while now. Definitely still learning but I have the basics down! Thankfully my husband is very active and he’s really good as far as guidance in the workout department. Our diet is pretty good considering he also wants to stay in shape, but I definitely think I need to be focusing more on hitting my protein and calories to start seeing results!
 
@warriorinchrist14 Hi, here I have a list of supplements that will help you reduce some of that extra weight.

Chrome Picolinate 200mcg/day.

Coenzime q10: 100mg/day improve glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity

Myo-inositol: improve thyroid duties and overall metabolic health 2g twice/day

Capsicum augment fats utilization as fuel
5-10mg/day or 3-10g of bell peppers

Yohimbine lose fat from waist line and below: 0.09mg/lb/day (must be cycled) only works when your BMI is 25 or lower

Aswagandha: 650mg 2/day

If you have any doubts or more questions you can DM me.
 
@warriorinchrist14 I think when starting out, you just need to be consistent and dedicated.

->As you said, you already started tracking your macros and so that's already a good start..

-> As for the supplements, if you're a beginner, try taking it after a month in gym after perfecting your exercise form a bit. You can take supps below based on what your goal is..

Whey protein:
The most basic supp for gym. If your looking to build muscle and good source as protein, this one's good and safe. Some good brands are ON, Muscletech, QNT, Myprotein, etc

Creatine:
This one's good if you take this as pre-workout and your goal is looking to build lean muscle..
Some people would say it only builds water weight and not real muscle, But it can really improve your workouts if you take it 10 or 15 mins before exercising and really gives a good muscle definition..

->Other supps which are safe to take are Citrulline Malate for good pump and Carnitine if you are looking for fat burn and recovery after excersise

->Don't really know much about group gyms. But my advice is all you need is a gym buddy you can rely on to help and motivate you to lift harder..
 
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