u/Dark_Cloudy_Day

I'm 5'4", 25F, just started going to the gym, this monday will be my second week. Over the last few months I have fixed up my diet and been doing regular cardio. I dont really track calories or macros, beyong just noting down what I eat and prioritizing protein and fiber, its beein working great and I am on a steady weight down track, recently having passed 60kg mark.

My question is sort of about gym. Is it okay to just sort of vibe it for a bit and still get some general results? My current goal is to make sure I dont lose muscle in my cardio and continue the weightloss/fatloss progress by building some muscle.

I like the machines quite a bit, and some exercises like weighted squats, lunges, some ab stuff, and some dumbell are okay too. My gum has a machine room, small stretch area for calisthenics and few weights, and a massive fancy/scary weight room (which I do not want to go into right now at all... its too bro-y there)

I downloaded Hevy app that tracks exercises and muscle groups I hit, and it sort of suggests some stuff to do, but I basically just try to go it, got full body in some way and leave within hour and a half.

Is there a set of exercises you swear on? Like absolute musts you would suggest doing? I really want something super simple and curious to hear what yall must have in your regular routine?

I just really want to build consistent habit first but not pointless, and since I am a total beginner I hope as long as I do something, something will come out of it.

Im 5'4" and currently at 133lb, since about December I lost roughly 20lb by mostly just walking (hitting 20k on many days in January especially) and controlled apetite from some adhd meds I am taking.

Since May, I picked up some more serious cardio like incline walking and inline skating, alongside actually trying to eat well (not counting anything, but being more mindful about carbs and trying to prioritize protein).

For the last month my scale was the same, all clothing fit the same, and I was getting rather discouraged despite putting in daily effort.

Randomly checked my calves the other day and OMG! omg! They were FLAT, totally smooth in May!!!! It was not for nothing after all!!!!! Glutes are also feeling a little tighter I think, but less clear.

Probably helps that I used to be heavy hiker and skater back in teenage days, so regaining some of that lower body muscle in mid-20 is not *that* hard but I am still rather pleased.

Upper body is whole other conversation, and I am gonna start attending gym for some strength training starting next week after seeing yalls preaching on the benefits. Just hoping the promise of newbie gains will carry me through sheer tedium of an indoor sports activity.

Cam I just yolo the gym for a bit? Any tip on your must haves?

Super pleased at seeing first signs of some progress!