Question for the Fitness Savvy

nightmare, RN · Feb 16, 2008

First work out when and where you have time! if you have a'window' when you can go to the gym then go to the gym.If you only have spare time at home then think of an exercise prog. at home.I can't go to the gym so the gym comes to me.I have hand weights that I use and various exercise bits and pieces that I use in the house.I like to watch TV in the kitchen so ,during the adverts(3min)I hop onto something and do a 3 min.workout.So far,with diet,I've lost 30 pounds and it doesn't cost me anything.Most of the equipment I got from charity shops(check the stuff thoroughly before buying!!)

nspeed22 · Feb 16, 2008

The key to working out effectively is to have a plan. Don't go to the gym without a plan of action, otherwise you'll either do too much or too little. If you firmly tell yourself "I'm doing 20 minutes on the treadmill", you will more likely reach that goal. Its also very important that you have a small preworkout meal about 30 minutes prior to workout. This should be a combination of complex carbs that will not spike your blood sugar too fast and a decent amount of protein. Minimize or eliminate fat preworkout because it stays in the system long and will weigh you down. A good option may be a turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread and fruit. Having a small meal postworkout is also a good idea if you are looking to gain muscle. This meal should be a simple carb that will be digested quickly and again a moderate amount of protein. Fat will slow the absorption of the post workout meal so avoiding it is optimal. A banana and whey protein shake is a good option. Or some skim milk if you don't want to buy whey. As for the workout itself, I don't know if you have tried weight training, but it will do wonders for you combined with cardio, rather than doing cardio alone. Look up a workout routine on line, you will get many options for men and women. Stick to a routine you like and fit in your cardio sessions on off days or right after you lift. Lifting will improve your cardio workouts (and vice versa), and significantly boost your resting metabolism. Start a novice weightlifting routine and progress slowly. I am very into bodybuilding and working out/nutrition, so feel free to email/pm me if you have any questions. Good luck and hope this helped!

Guest717236 · Feb 18, 2008

If your gym offers Nia or Zumba it might be a good way

to get started. Zumba is a latin based dance fitness

class. Its fun because you don't feel like you are

exercising and you don't want to stop!

Nia is a fusion fitness exercise form. It blends modern

dance, martial arts and healing art forms. In the same class,

the instructor gives direction for 3 levels for the same exercise.

You can select which level is right for you-3 being the most

advanced. Nia has a concept that exercise should be a pleasure and

not a dreaded activity.

If you do a search on You Tube there are examples of Zumba.

If you go to Google videos there are Nia instructions from

Debbie Roses, the founder of Nia.

I am giving these two as examples of exercise you can do at

home or while traveling. Or take class when you have the time.

There are many more, find what you love to do!

As for the gym, great advice from the posts above. I found it did not work for

me in school or when working.

Good luck with your fitness goals!

Jahra