I joined the gym today

I know I should have along time ago but I have a few machines at home but I wasn't using them like I should and they just take up room, I did 20 hard mins on the elyptical machine which is going to hurt like crazy tomorrow I just know it!   I was very surprised that I could do 20 mins I thought for sure it was going to be a 5 mins thing at first. Think i should stick with the cardio for awhile and then go to weights or should I start in with the machines at the same time?  any suggestions are welcomed.  Thanks!  Estelle

My doctor was big on just cardio for the first 6 months, so I did just that. But I think it would be fine to start earlier - it certainly won't hurt! For me, I started with cardio and just concentrated on building up my endurance and strength that way. It worked pretty well for me and I usually run 3-4 miles a day now and then do weights every other day. If you have never used the machines be sure to get a trainer to go through them with you and put you on a good schedule - I think weights are essential for women and a good trainer will know what is the best program for your needs. Congrats on starting this terrific journey, you won't regret it!

I go next wednesday for my 3 month I have been afraid to put any real strain on my abdomen . Its probably just me being a dork but I am afraid that I will rip something, Think i'm beyond that stage?  Thanks

Estelle

I wasn't cleared for weight training or heavy lifting until 3 months out so I would talk to your doc on that one first.  I don't know if I was a special case because of my hernia/bowel obstruction complication or if that is what he generally recommends to his patients.  I have started weight training recently (at about 4 1/2 months out) and I have to say I like it more than cardio, but I need to up the cardio too.  I hope you use your gym membership more than I've used mine so far!

I still can't do the elliptical for very long, my knees feel like they want to snap in half.  I currently do five minutes or so.  I may try to increase that in small increments, because it is fun. I'd start with cardio first. Kix

The owner of the Gym I joined said he would do a walk through with me any time I wanted so I think I will start after my 3 month next week.   I have to admit i'm afraid of the machines a litte :( Thanks for the info :) Estelle

I focused on cardio for the first 12 months, then added strength training at least 2x per week.  Just depends on what you want to do.  The strength training is beneficial long-term because it builds more muscle mass, whi*****reases your metabolism so you burn more calories on a day-to-day basis.  But the cardio is great because it burns calories and improves your cardiovascular fitness.  I say find a routine that's comfortable for you for now, then revisit your plan in 12-16 weeks to see if it needs to be "tweaked."   Congrats on your gym membership; I hope you get LOTS of use out of it.  Also, there's a daily entry in this forum to post your exercise - hope to see your entries there soon!!! Kellie

Thanks Kelli,  I looked at everyones posting about their calories and there amounts of expelled calories from working out and I have to admit that i'm not that organized lol   ( I so wish I could be) You think my secretary would figure that all out for me? lol  Thanks Again :)  Estelle

wow! youve done great....107lbs down already!!! Also thats great you can do 20 mins on the eliptical. i could only do 5 and that was with PUSHING my self! hopefully several more pounds and i can do more

The elliptical makes me motion sick or something.  I'm not sure what the deal is - it LOOKS fun but then I get on it and realize my mistake.