Help with Exercise

Hi Everyone its been sooo long since I post. I need your help. I just joined the gym but Im not sure what I should be doing and what days. Any input is helpful. Thanks Cindy

congrats on joining up! I would start with basic cardio. Jump on a bike, a treadmill, elliptical trainer - you will have to find out what you prefer. Start with whatever you can do and work your way up to 30-60 minutes for about 5 days each week. For me, I looked into the cardio classes offered at the gym and I found I prefer those several days a week to ensure I don't cheat myself (I tend to get a little bored and pay way too much attention to the little timer on each machine and truthfully, after about 10 minutes, I have emotionally checked out and am ready to quit. But the good thing is I am capable of going longer, I just have to find things to keep it interesting. Usually I machine hop, but stay at a med to high intenstity on each machine.) I found that I love kickboxing! The swim classes are great too. Also, you will eventually need to do some strength training. I found I like the Pilates and Body Scuplting classes for some of this, but you should try to meet with a trainer at the gym (usually they offer 1-3 free sessions to get you started on using the machines correctly). The machines are a little intimidating, but they work a broader range of muscles than the scuplting type classes. Also, I was really surprised that my self-taught method was mostly wrong and once I learned how to use them correctly, I saw a much greater benefit. With the strength training, I believe you will really see a difference in your body shape, but you really need the cardio too. FInd a balance, know that any activity is EXCELLENT and a step in the right direction.

Cindy, I felt exactly the same way you did when I started, so I got a trainer. It's expensive but well worth it. He has me warming up with cardio, then I do strength training. Upper body Monday, lower body on Wednesday. Then I go Saturday on my own and do a combination of both. But no matter what you do, the most important thing is to go! Don't let excuses get in your way! Good luck! Michele T

Hi Cindy, Check with the gym and see if they have a complimentary trainer meeting. Start with that. If they don't, do at least 20 minutes on whatever cardio machine floats your boat and one run through the Nautilus machines every other day. Have fun!! Dawn 258/147/135

Hi Cindy- I have been working out - on and off over 3 yrs- with and without a trainer and have exercised throughout my 20s/30s & 40s..mostly exercising in the gym.. here is what I recommend: *take some lessons with a trainer- if you cant afford it- ask about small group lessons- Ballys offers these- this will get you the individual attention you need and you will learn correct form. Without proper form- you are just waisting your time and could injure yourself *begin everything with a 5-10 minute warmup..stretching is good. * start with Cardio- doing 20mins daily. get into the habit of doing it everyday..getting started is the hardest..after a week- you feel better- after week 2- keep yourself motivated and add 1-2mins with each workout..by week 3 you will be doing 30mins. If at anytime you feel its too hard or feel pain - stop yourself and walk it off. * pick up a good book - or video- or tape a show. I highly recommend you check these out: www.bodiesinmotion.com and www.bodyforlife.com TWO VERY DIFFERENT trainers..I Love GILAD..he has a show currently on FitTV..I have been following him since the 80s..he still looks great and his exercises move you naturally- from one movement to the next- he "builds you into the exercise" which only great teachers do..plus he has body sculpting on FitTV, and I have taped his shows.. he begins with cardio, uses handweights and shows you proper form all the time..He is very aware of you and is very motivating..plus he shoots from Hawaii..so its nice to see .. Body for Life- has a different approach- you dont have to follow the diet- but the exercise regimen gives amazing results.. There is also a book with the same name and you can learn different free weight exercises ... They both have a fitness program- but I say give any program 12 weeks and you will see your body changes... I hope that helps you..remember, the RNY is a tool and to maximize results exercise and weight training is THE way to go..I have more explained concerning this, in my profile..along with my most recent workout..The reason weights are important is this: they help you burn more fat throughout the day- even when you are sleeping or doing nothing. Weight training raises your metabolism and gets you burning more fat more often. Good luck! You should join Tammy's thread and log in with us and write your exercise for the day..I know you will do well! Donna

Thanks Everyone for the information. I wish i could afford a personal trainer for about 6 months, but I did get 1 free session by joining LA fitness. Im still nervous about going, I feel like everyone is watching me. ( I know Im being silly) I went today and did 10 min warm-up 20 weights arm, stomach, legs and 30 min on the treadmill. And boy do I feel it. Once again THANK YOU Cindy