traineo community
Member of traineo? Sign in here
traineo Community / Exercise & Training Tips / BTS Fitness Classes
Author Message
Tara C
traineo Regular
Posts: 60
Post History
 # Posted: 1 Feb 2008 07:21


Hello Everyone.

I've recently joined a gym, and they run BTS classes.

I was wondering if anyone else has done any of these classes. Are they worth going to?

I'm really quite new to the gym... I havent been active for many many years, and I'm quite lost while at the gym. Im terrified of hurting myself with unfamiliar equipment, and I cant really afford a personal trainer ontop of my membership fees right now.

The only machines I'm comfortable using are the cardio machines. I dont even know where to start when it comes to the weight lifting machines or even the free weights.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!
Dean Grimshawe
Fitness Guru
Posts: 1177
Post History
 # Posted: 1 Feb 2008 10:23


I don't know a great deal about BTS classes, however if they help expand your awareness of technique and give you some new ideas then I can't see why it would harm you any.

Like Bruce Lee says, take all of the available information in. Then keep the good and discard what is useless to you.
Splint Chesthair
Fitness Guru
Posts: 471
Post History
 # Posted: 1 Feb 2008 14:55


I thought BTS classes were all sorts of different things, like weightlifting, or kickboxing, or spin classes. I don't think it's just weightlifting on machines, or maybe it is at your gym, I dunno.

But if you're interested in the classes you should talk with one of the instructors and tell them exactly what you said here. A good instructor should have no problem showing you the basics in order for you to take part in the classes right from the get-go.

If the instructor makes you feel uncomfortable or seems annoyed because of your questions, then you should find another instructor.
Tara C
traineo Regular
Posts: 60
Post History
 # Posted: 1 Feb 2008 15:40


Thanks Splint. Thats what the BTS classes are. I was wondering about taking more of the BTS classes rather than trying to use the actual gym equipment =P. Also, I went to one Power class, and the instructor spent almost 40 minutes with me after the class to help me with my technique. I was basically wondering if I can get a similar workout just doing BTS classes and cardio rather than cardio + weights.

Thanks to Dean as well ^^.
Jeff Bristow
Fitness Guru
Posts: 280
Post History
 # Posted: 1 Feb 2008 15:59


Tara,

Does your gym have someone that can spend a few minutes and show you how to use the weight equipment? (not a personal trainer, just a staff person?)
Tara C
traineo Regular
Posts: 60
Post History
 # Posted: 1 Feb 2008 16:02


Maybe... I haven't asked because they want you to use their personal trainers it seems. I will maybe try tonight to see if anyone can help me. I'm about to leave for a step class, and I'm going later tonight for some cardio with a friend.

My fear of the weight machines is:

I don't want to hurt myself
I have no clue about form or reps >.<
Dave Nicholson
The Master
Posts: 2094
Post History
 # Posted: 1 Feb 2008 18:01


Take it slow on the weight machines and you should be fine, they are designed to be fairly safe for someone new to weight training.

As for form, the weight machines restrict you to the form that is allowed, so maintain control of the weight through the full range of motion and that will be a good start - no bouncing, rushing, using momentum, etc. Go slow and steady, do not let the weights touch the stack between reps.

As for reps, work up to a weight that you can do 8-10 times to start, and no more. That is, on your 8th or 9th controlled rep, you could not do another with strict control. Do that 3X per exercise.

Most gyms will have some machines setup in a 'circuit', that is several lined up that will work your whole body if you go from one to the other in succession. They will have little diagrams on them to show the weight they work and the proper execution. This is a great place to start as it can be quite a cardio workout as well if you are able to limit the rest between exercises.
Dean Grimshawe
Fitness Guru
Posts: 1177
Post History
 # Posted: 1 Feb 2008 18:38


Even if they want you to use their Personal Trainers, it is the duty of the gym to ensure that the members are training in a safe environment. Trust me, they don't want another lawsuit cos the next Jo broke his back not knowing what he was doing.

They may take exception to planning your next 12 month regime complete with meso/ macro cycles. However, genuine questions about form and technique are exactly why they are there. You are paying for it by virtue of owning a gym membership, so grab old Johnny Bravo from chatting to the receptionist and get him to do his job.

You deserve that much
Tara C
traineo Regular
Posts: 60
Post History
 # Posted: 2 Feb 2008 05:09


So I went to a BTS class today. It was really fun, and also difficult. After the class the trainer spent some time with me and offered some pointers.

The most embarrassing part of the whole class was the pushups. I had actually never done a pushup before in my life. Whats worse, is I could barely do them. The trainer showed me a "Free Motion" chest machine that simulates push ups, so I'm excited to do that.

I have tendonitis in my wrist, so I found it very hard to support my weight when trying the pushups. However, I do know that weight training will help the tendonitis.

Anyhoo, I'm rambling now.

Thanks for the advice everyone!
Please sign up to traineo or log in if you wish to post.
 
© traineo 2007