Gym Reply

Thank you for the replies regarding working out.  I knew that I could count on you guys... As always!!!!  Since surgery, eating at home...cooking meals.....finding snacks...etc..has been pretty much easy to deal with.  Going out to dinner and finding foods that I could have to eat...that I could tolerate for a week (left-overs) has been pretty easy.  However, since trying to start to go to the gym.... I have found that I am in a situation of total newness!!!  It has been difficult enough trying to get into the habit of going to the gym....an activity that I HATE... However, to be honest...physical activity/exercise...is something that I just am not comfortable with or knowledgible about.  I know your response............... TALK TO THE TRAINER!!!!   Well, the gym is brand new, and they still don't have a trainer...hard to find one in the area...each time they have tried (the gov't decides to put them on active duty).  I just want somebody to say, HEY, DANIEL....  I AM GOING TO WORK OUT WITH YOU DAILY...AND HERE IS THE PROGRAM THAT WE WILL BE DOING!!!  lol  Needless to say, we know this won't happen...  Back to hitting the books...way too many of them to be honest with...they all contridict one another... Cardio vs. resistance...free weights vrs. machines.... bike vs. treadmills, etc..etc..

Hi Dan:

Looks like you're well on your way. I don't think you need to talk to a trainer, just experiment on your own. None of those "vs." are actually either-or's. Actually. if you incorporate cardio and resistance on both freeweights and machines and rotate your cardio from one machine or activity to the other, you're fitness will be more balanced and you'll stand less chance of getting injured.

Good Luck,

Dave

For what its worth Dan, here's the training method I've been taught and always used,...well when I use it. About 10 minutes of warmup (bike, stairs, something cardio) at a warmup ,...not kill yourself pace. Alternate days between upper body and lower body or total body hard and light days like walking or easy swimming. Start with the larger muscle groups and work to the smaller ones, or ez version; top down. Upper body days; Bench, flys, rows, curls, pull downs, press (free weights or machine but machine is easier to do if you have no workout partner to spot you if you get in trouble with a lift (espcially on the bench or press).  Finish up with inverted situps (for the back) and situps/crunches. There are also other exercises that can certainly be added but those are the basics, building good foundation standard exercises. Lower body:  leg press (both and single leg), squats, deadlift, hamstring curls, leg extensions, toe lifts/raises.  You can also do some ab work with leg lifts that are good for the lower abs, hips and butt if you roll to each side and do single leg raises.   You should have a good case of rubbery legs when done.  A 15 to 30 minute suana ia always a good finish if available. A routine that works for you and that keeps you motivated to do it with regualrity is what is best for you.  So wahtever you read or are shown, feel free to customize with in reason, for your liking. Best of luck with your continuing success.

Daniel, Ask yourself this question?  Do you "HATE" exercise because of your past physical limitations, or do you truly "HATE" the activity?   Pre-op:  Speaking from personal experience I loathed the physical activity because I simply could not do it...and when I tried, I was so self-conscious of others seeing me struggle to keep up and gasping desperately for air - it was embarrassing.   Fast forward to Post-Op:  In the beginning it was indeed difficult to get started, some of the things I tried, I didn't like.  The treadmill - UGH is there anything more boring.  Stationary bike - a little better, but still a zero as far as keeping my interest.  Walking - now that wasn't bad...the fresh air was great and at least the scenery changed - hummmm, okay not too bad.  Admittedly I was still a little bit bored...I needed something to keep my interest.   Then I got an IPOD - the single most important piece of exercise equipment I own or workout with.  I loaded that puppy up with songs that motivate me...rock, jazz, blues, alternative, country, hip-hop - music that makes me want to move.  That was the key for me - and so simple.  My exercise whether it was weights or walking suddenly became shorter (in my mind), more productive and more enjoyable.  It helped me pace myself.   A friend of mine who is quite the bookworm couldn't get motivated by the music on the IPOD started downloading audio books instead - now he can't wait to get out and walking, jogging or exercising  so he can listen to his books - the progress he's made since has been amazing.  What I'm trying to get at is find something that you enjoy and stick with it.  And if you're still finding that difficult, find something that helps you make that activity more interesting and breaks the monotony.  What you'll likely find is that exercise that you "HATE" now actually becomes a favorite and then you get the big payoff in results you can see and feel. Don't wait on someone else to get you started - the basics you can do all on your own and when the time comes that you can meet with that trainer - you'll be better prepared and better shape to take on those new activities and might even find that you enjoy them because it's not so darned difficult to perform them. The time is now! Cards Fan "STEP OFF THE SIDELINES AND GET IN THE GAME!"