Care to lend some beginner help?

justformyself23

I have started losing my weight by counting calories and eating healthier but I'd like to do more than just walking and stationary biking. In fact, I'd like to tone up but not be too muscular. I know I won't be super tone until I lose my weight but what are some things I can do now to help the process along the way so I won't be left with a lot of excess skin at the end of my weight loss? Maybe weight training? What would be a good starter DVD or workout for someone like me? I ask this here because I've asked my gym several times to set me up with a trainer and they keep dropping the ball on me and I'd really like to be proactive in getting toned instead of having to catch up later. Thanks for any help!

jklei169

I found a great, inexpensive DVD titled you are your own gym by Mark Lauren. It shows some great body weight excercise you can do at home in 20 minutes using your own body as resistance.

AllanMisner

You can look up strong lifts. It is a 5 x 5 compound movement program that works very well for beginners. Start light, add as you feel comfortable with your form. You’ll gain strength and maybe add some muscle (tough to do eating at a calorie deficit). Don’t worry, you’re not going to get muscular, it takes months and years of intense training to add significant muscle.

Mrsallen6_11

I've slowly started using the app Nike+ training and pocket yoga. My husband and I purchased a small weight set and the Nike app helps me utilize those weights. It also has a few exercises that don't require weights or equipment which I like. I have a couple workout videos but they're mainly yoga videos.

dougpconnell219

As the others mentioned, strength train.

As for cardio, I agree, the hamster wheel gets old. Try to find something that can become a hobby. Biking, running, hiking, boxing, whatever. Helps make it a true long term lifestyle change.

KickboxDiva

I never worked out as good at home as I did in the gym. One of the best places to look is Pinterest. It's unlimited ! Decide how many days a week you will lift. 3-4 is good. Choose a body part and look on Pinterest at routines you can do. Examples would be. Monday. Quads glutes. Tuesday. Shoulders/ Back. Wednesday. Cardio/ yoga. Thursday biceps/ triceps chest. Friday hamstrings and plyometrics. Or whatever combo you like. Then just search Pinterest for " hamstring circuit " You can do the same circuits for a couple of weeks slowly adding weights then search for a new circuit. Womens fitness magazines all have Pinterest accounts with lots of good fresh info.

justformyself23

All of these are great ideas and places for me to start looking! Thank you everyone!

punchgut

Like mentioned above. Start a weight lifting program. After a few weeks, you'll wonder why you didn't do it before.

Here's some inspiration and help:

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/535512

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/977538/halp-heavy-lifting-made-me-supah-bulky

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/987513/lifting-is-the-most-horrible-thing-to-a-woman-since-twiggy

http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/

http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2012/10/09/veronica/

http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2013/02/28/strength-training-101/

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/4601-stronglifts-5x5-for-women

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/102-new-rules-of-lifting-for-women-nrol4w


Research the movements and learn how to do them. EliteFTS has youtube series on "so you think you can..." squat, deadlift, bench press, etc. that are pretty good. Learn technique outside of being weighted. You'll save yourself pain and frustration.

Don't be afraid to woman up!

justformyself23

Thank you for all the information! I will look into this!