What is your routine before, during and after the gym?

Goodmorning TMB and happy Monday!!!

So I have fallen off the wagon, been ran-over frontwards and backwards by the wagon and I need to get back on the ball. I come to you all for advice. I am going to the gym tonight and I would like to know what you all do before, during and after the gym. 

Here are a few of my questions....

Should I eat before or after the gym?

What machine increases weight loss the best (treadmill, eliptical, etc)?

How long do you work out?

Your input and advice would be greatly appreciated!! I have not worked out in about 3 weeks so I need to start off slow, I just don't know where to begin. Thanks!

-Hugs
Erica

The best help for me was to work with a trainer for a few sessions - 3 was all i could afford, but he helped me with learning how to use the machines, and how to build my core. A lot of it is floor work, with mats, exercise balls, etc.
I usualy work out in the morning, after my protein shake and meds and supplements. I do about an hour on different weights, or balance exercises, core exercises, etc., whatever is in store, then do 40 to 60 minute cardio. sometimes i'll hit the pool , to do squats and lunges and stuff. Great resistance but i seem to be able to do it better in water than on dry land, due to knee issues.
I do come home and have some kind of lean protein and a bit of complex carbs afterwards. If not, i crash.
But a trainer at the gym and i had a conversation today. He told me to do about 15 minutes cardio, then weights and other exercises, then back to cardio. Alternating, he said, is more effective than just doing a lot of cardio and then being so burned out i don't want to do anything else.
Not really news to me, but it might help someone.
I'm eager to hear what others say - as i always can use some great tips and advice
 

I have no routine...  each day it's i sure hope to get to the gym, get some kind of workout and get home.  Working 2 jobs doesn't leave much time!!!!  Some days I do cardio, then weights, then cardio.  Some days just weights.  Some just treadmill.  Depends on how much time I have.

Sorry I'm not much help. 

But, the real reason I responded.....

Adorable picture and you look absolutely fabulous, my dear!!!!!

I can't eat a meal right before I go to the gym, but I don't like to go on an empty stomach so I either time it to go an hour after a meal, or eat a small protein snack (cheese stick or something) before I go.

I don't know which machine increases weight loss, but I do know the elliptical gets my heart rate up higher than a treadmill, unless I am jogging on the treadmill.

I vary how much cardio and weights I do - no set routine.  Sometimes I do 15 minutes cardio on the elliptical and then hit the weights.  Sometimes I do 30 minutes on the treadmill and alternate between walking and jogging so then less time on the weight machines.

I always treat myself to the jacuzzi and wet and dry saunas when I am done - my reward for getting my butt to the gym :-)

I don't eat before i go to the gym. 

When I was going to gym and now starting back...

I do a 10-30 warm up on the elipitcal.  Then do weight training for 30-45 minutes.  Go back to the treadmil and and some more cardio for 20-30 minutes and then to the Sauna.  This is a every other day.  I swim every other day.

Marti

Thank you all so much for your input!!! In the past I didn't eat before I went to the gym but I notice that I tend to get light headed and my friend suggested maybe eating a string cheese and a slice of deli meat because it's good protein and it's not too heavy or to drink a protein drink but to me a protein shake is a meal but when I try and drink one for dinner I either get hungry an hour or two later or I wake up starving. I am thinking I am going to try new things this week and just see what works.

You should have a snack or meal about 2 hours before any intense exercise.  Intense is defined as more than 90 minutes at a rate of percieved exertion of more than 7 on a 1-10 scale.  Otherwise, stick to your usual meal plan.

Any cardio machine will burn calories.  The amount burned depends on the energy and time that you're able to put into it.  If the elliptical is too hard and you can't go for more than 10 minutes, you might want to stay with the treadmill and build up to the elliptical.  The trick is to keep moving for more than 30 minutes with your heart rate elevated.  You should be able to speak single words but not sing.  If you're singing along with the iPod, you're capable of doing more. ;)

Start with 20-30 minutes and work your way up.  The AHA and the ACSM recommends at least 60 minutes (as much as 90 minutes) on most days for those under 65 years of age who want to lose weight..   

Congrats on your renewed commitment!! 

My trainer said that I should have some sort of protein within an hour before working out.  I usually have half a banana and some peanut butter or a protein shake made with 1% milk, banana, and pb2.  As far as my work out I do weights for 30-45 minutes start with squats then dead lifts.  do about 4 machines after that... chest press, pec fly are a couple of them.  Lastly I do some exercises with dumbells and the ab wheel.  I spend the remainder of my workout on the eliptical to make my workout equal an hour.  I usually burn 600-700 calories...  I usually have dinner about 1.5 hours - 2 hours later...

Hope that helps...

Better late than never, but here's my routine :)

I'm an after work gym rat, so - I come home, eat something carby (like a banana), then head to the gym. I alternate cardio with weights.  Cardio nights are 40 minutes on the eliptical with an automatic incline/resistance routine.  Weight nights are 10 minute eliptical warm up, 50 minutes weights, either arms or legs.  I prefer the eliptical over treadmil because it burns more calories, but had to work up to the time/speed that I'm at today; max for me is 45 minutes full out.  Plus, it's no impact so my knees don't complain.  Basically, I run on the eliptical for 40 minutes at a time :) 

Some weeks I'm more consistent than others; depends on my workload, but I try to get 2 workouts minimum in any given week.  Some weeks as many as 4...  Depends on my travel schedule and hours worked... No excuses, just the truth.   Also, I've spent some time in the past 2 years working with a trainer to help keep me on track for shaping without bulking.   Personally, I stick with light weights and long reps to help with lean muscles.

Good luck!