Lifting weights at the gym

[kelownagirl]

Does anyone know how you calculate how much weight you are lifting when you use the machines at the gym? I've been told that each plate weighs 15lbs. If I am lifting #2 (the top plate) I assume I am lifting 15lbs. If I put the pin into the next plate (#3), then does it stand to reason that I am now lifting 30 lbs? and then 45 lbs and so on for each plate added?

I know that important thing is to watch my progress and ultimately, it's not the weight itself but the progression from 2 to 3 to 4 plates, as well as an increase in reps/sets.

But I still wanna know anyway.

[three]

Not all machines are the same. Therefore, I can't imagine any information from me will help you much.

My first thoughts:

-don't the weights have their poundage written on them?
-is there not some handy staff person nearby that you can ask about weight calculation...or a kind fellow weights user (who isn't some boob-oogling dude)?

Sorry I can't help with anything more than my own questions. Good luck.

[kelownagirl]

I've asked the girls who've been working at the counter the last 3 times I was in and none of them have a clue. I also wrote a note and left my number so someone could call me. This is a good gym actually but I think a lot of them are on holiday this week so they've left the bimbos in charge. I also asked a couple of experienced guys there too but they could only tell me that the plates weigh 15 lbs each.

[Zen]

It depends on the machine. Machines already have a small amount of resistance without even loading a plate on. And different machines have different amounts of resistance.It's not standardized. But the basic principle 15/30/45 etc., stands.

start using free weights in combination with the stability balls if you really want to know numbers. And build your core strength at the same time.

[kelownagirl]

Wow those look tough! Too bad I just paid for 3 months at the gym. I'll bookmark that link for when it expires in March. Thanks Zen.

[KnottedYet]

kg - your gym should have the weights and physioballs. you can use them there and decide which sizes and wts you want for home.

[DirtDiva]

I've asked the girls who've been working at the counter the last 3 times I was in and none of them have a clue. I also wrote a note and left my number so someone could call me. This is a good gym actually but I think a lot of them are on holiday this week so they've left the bimbos in charge. I also asked a couple of experienced guys there too but they could only tell me that the plates weigh 15 lbs each.

Is there not a trainer actually working in the gym that you could ask? Or is that what you mean by the girls at the counter (I assumed you meant the counter in the reception area)? Who put your programme together? (I ask because in most gyms there is no extra charge for having an appointment with a trainer every 6-8 weeks to set up your exercise plan, and most insist you have this done when you first join to cover their a$$es should you hurt yourself using their equipment.) Surely she or he would know?

In my gym, some of the machines have 15lb plates and some have 10lb plates, then all the free weights stuff is in kg. All of it is clearly marked (except that the plates don't say that they're pounds, but the trainer could tell me when I asked), so it's just a matter of adding it up.

[SouthernBelle]

The 15-30-45 is usually correct. Keep in mind that it's as much for tracking your progress as anything else. Though I totally understand wanting to know how much you are actually lifting.

[kelownagirl]

Is there not a trainer actually working in the gym that you could ask? Or is that what you mean by the girls at the counter (I assumed you meant the counter in the reception area)? Who put your programme together? (I ask because in most gyms there is no extra charge for having an appointment with a trainer every 6-8 weeks to set up your exercise plan, and most insist you have this done when you first join to cover their a$$es should you hurt yourself using their equipment.) Surely she or he would know?

In my gym, some of the machines have 15lb plates and some have 10lb plates, then all the free weights stuff is in kg. All of it is clearly marked (except that the plates don't say that they're pounds, but the trainer could tell me when I asked), so it's just a matter of adding it up.

Yeah they do have trainers that I can talk to but I have to make an appt and it seemed kind of silly to set up an appt for one question. I kept hoping one of them would be around when I went in this week just to answer a quick question. I did have the orientation last time I went (2 years ago) and I have a plan to follow so I hadn't bothered to sign up this time.

Anyway, thanks for the info ladies. You have helped and I'm not surprised that there's no easy answer. at least you've confirmed the basics.

[sundial]

Zen, I'm wondering if 15# dumbbell is the max while using the ball.