New to weight lifting

I really want to work on toning up my body, but i feel so intimidated to use the weights at the gym since i have no idea what im doing.  I want to focus on flattening my stomach and toning my legs/butt, what are the ideal machines to use for this?  how much weight do i use and how many reps (im 115 at 5'5 with pretty much no muscle)?  how many days a week should i do this, 3? any advice or tips would be great.

also, would running be benficial for shaping my body?  ive tried reading older posts about this and have found mixed results.  what about the basics like crunches, lunges, squats, etc?  or do i have to have a really low body fat % for those to do much?

Haha sorry about the million questions, i have a lot to learn!!

Best thing is to talk to someone who works for the gym so that they can teach you how to use the machines properly.  The biggest thing as you are tiny is that you want to lots of reps with light weights so that you tone and don't bulk up on muscle.  The heavier the weight the more muscle you will develop.

Also the professionals at the gym can tailor a workout for you that includes everything, you do want to do some cardio so that you don't just tone muscle and running is good for that as is swimming or walking on the treadmill if you struggle to run.

Flattening your stomach, they have several machines for that but as I say talk to them as I don't know what set up they have.

emerald,

I agree with lisajb - you should make an appointment with one of the professionals at the gym to set you up with a routine that'll help you meet your goals.  Do some reading too before your before you go to prepare yourself - maybe write down some questions you may have . Check out this link: http://exercise.about.com/od/beginnerstrength training/Strength_Training_for_Beginners.htm  It has alot of good information for someone just starting off.  Good luck and have fun.

You will not *bulk* up!  Unless you eat a lot and work out like an animal or take steroids, lifting heavy weights will give you the "toned" look that you want.

Lunges, squats, deadlifts, push-ups, chin-ups, and all the things listed in so many of the weight lifting programs will help you a lot. 

Do talk to someone at the gym, but try to get them to show you how to use free-weights, not just the machines. 

And honestly, flattening your stomach is about what and how much you eat.  Not how many crunches you do. 

Original Post by karozel:

You will not *bulk* up!  Unless you eat a lot and work out like an animal or take steroids, lifting heavy weights will give you the "toned" look that you want.

Lunges, squats, deadlifts, push-ups, chin-ups, and all the things listed in so many of the weight lifting programs will help you a lot. 

Do talk to someone at the gym, but try to get them to show you how to use free-weights, not just the machines. 

And honestly, flattening your stomach is about what and how much you eat.  Not how many crunches you do. 

This. 

Hi

I strongly recomend www.stronglifts.com

There you can find a simple plan to boost your strength and look great.  Its based on a 5*5 lifting plan.  Check it out.  I'm on this program and seeing great results.

Plus, it's all free.

Bragi

Don't feel intimidated by the weight room, but do make sure that you have some idea of what you're doing.  Regarding lower-body training, the basics like squats, lunges, and leg press are the best.  Lift heavy weights - 8-12 reps per set is a a good range and YOU WILL NOT GET BULKY!! It just aint gonna happen.  I would recommend that you do some weight training for your upper body as well - it will make you look balanced, increase your functional strength, boost bone density..etc. Chest presses, pushups, lat pulldowns, barbell rows, shoulder presses, lateral raises, bicep curls, tricep extensions (you can look these exercises up or ask someone who knows).  Again, try for 8-12 reps per set.

Good luck.  If you lift weights you'll see really great results :)