Starting Too Hard? Suggestions For More Variety?

MaiLinna
MaiLinna Posts: 580 Member
edited November 19 in Fitness and Exercise
Here's what I got goin so far:
100 Pushup Challenge: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Full Body Weight Routine YouTube Videos: Every Other Day, about 30 minutes
(Currently Beginner's Hatha) Yoga: 30 minutes every day
Dumbbell Lifting: 3 sets of 8, currently 5lbs, every 78 hours

I also walk 3-6 miles every day, but I don't count that because I'm just going to the store or visiting the ocean. I'll slowly increase the lifting up to 3 sets of 15, which if I can do that with a relative ease, I'll add weight. They're adjustable.

Replies

  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    It's best to follow a pro-designed strength training program, like NROLFW, for example, instead of a self-chosen routine, which usually ends up being imbalanced. When you're on a pro's program, i'd drop the pushup challenge and the "dumbbell lifting", because they're overkill, which can lead to overtraining injuries.
    To stay active, you can fill your non-strength days with cardio, yoga, sports, dancing, etc.
  • MaiLinna
    MaiLinna Posts: 580 Member
    Cherimoose wrote: »
    It's best to follow a pro-designed strength training program, like NROLFW, for example, instead of a self-chosen routine, which usually ends up being imbalanced. When you're on a pro's program, i'd drop the pushup challenge and the "dumbbell lifting", because they're overkill, which can lead to overtraining injuries.
    To stay active, you can fill your non-strength days with cardio, yoga, sports, dancing, etc.

    Pros tell you to go to the gym. It's not free here. I checked. I can't do sports or dancing because of a work injury that never healed. Guess I should mention I'm at home only.
  • jimmmer
    jimmmer Posts: 3,515 Member
    edited June 2015
    MaiLinna wrote: »
    Cherimoose wrote: »
    It's best to follow a pro-designed strength training program, like NROLFW, for example, instead of a self-chosen routine, which usually ends up being imbalanced. When you're on a pro's program, i'd drop the pushup challenge and the "dumbbell lifting", because they're overkill, which can lead to overtraining injuries.
    To stay active, you can fill your non-strength days with cardio, yoga, sports, dancing, etc.

    Pros tell you to go to the gym. It's not free here. I checked. I can't do sports or dancing because of a work injury that never healed. Guess I should mention I'm at home only.

    There are equipment-free or equipment-light strength routines.

    YAYOG - has an app (also a book)

    Convict Conditioning - has an e-book (not sure about app for that).

    But @Cherimoose is right, designing your own routine when you don't know anything about it will end up leading to niggling overuse injuries, poor progression and imbalances.

    Also: this "work injury" if you can't play sports or dance, what makes you think you can do other stuff? If you have a chronic injury concern, have you been looked over by a medical professional and given some advice?
  • MaiLinna
    MaiLinna Posts: 580 Member
    I love this site. I get told by countless people to go to Youtube and use their free videos, I ask for advice in balancing and I get told I can't. lol.

    I have 2 dimes in my wallet right now. Don't think that's enough for a doctor. The "free clinic" near me wants $500 just to see me. And my phone's too old to download apps. I can't even download the Starbucks app or Youtube it's so old.

    I just asked you to fill in the gaps and tell me where the imbalance is. If I could get a book I wouldn't be here. And no, I can't go to the library because I have TWO DIMES! Bus fare is $1.00!!!

  • MaiLinna
    MaiLinna Posts: 580 Member
    Tacked on a beginner body weight circuit that'll run through every other day and routine that covers quads, butt and hamstrings, push, pull, and core. That'll sort of take place of the 100 pushups challenge, except it's more like the challenge will go into the routine.

    I just wish I could for once post something on this site and get "You can do this, this and this," instead of "Go get this product and buy this book and get a gym membership."
  • jimmmer
    jimmmer Posts: 3,515 Member
    You want squatting, push, pulling, etc in there.

    Basically something like this:

    http://www.startbodyweight.com/p/about-start-bodyweight-program.html

    Do it 3 days a week.

    do some sort of cardio for 1-2 days on non-strength training days.

    do Yoga for another day.

    rest 1-2 days a week.

    The strength portion linked above is a) Free. b) Balanced. c) Sensible built-in progression system.

    My suggestions of Yoga will give you soft tissue work, help with recovery and increase blood flow and flexibility.

    The cardio could be anything you like from 30 mins walking up to a youtube HIIT type workout. Choose sensibly for your fitness level. Maybe start with some hill walking and build up slowly to something a bit more hectic if you feel like it. You could stick with walking and be fine though: it's most of my cardio and I do fine.
  • jimmmer
    jimmmer Posts: 3,515 Member
    MaiLinna wrote: »
    Tacked on a beginner body weight circuit that'll run through every other day and routine that covers quads, butt and hamstrings, push, pull, and core. That'll sort of take place of the 100 pushups challenge, except it's more like the challenge will go into the routine.

    I just wish I could for once post something on this site and get "You can do this, this and this," instead of "Go get this product and buy this book and get a gym membership."

    Yes. And I was typing it to you when you posted your acerbic replies. I wish I could for once post some help on here (for free) and get some thanks.

    But I guess I wasted 10 mins of my life?
  • MaiLinna
    MaiLinna Posts: 580 Member
    ...you're suggesting yoga? When I just told you I do hatha every day? Wut?
    MaiLinna wrote: »
    Tacked on a beginner body weight circuit that'll run through every other day and routine that covers quads, butt and hamstrings, push, pull, and core.

    Wut? I don't get it. Now you're parroting me?

  • jimmmer
    jimmmer Posts: 3,515 Member
    MaiLinna wrote: »
    ...you're suggesting yoga? When I just told you I do hatha every day? Wut?
    MaiLinna wrote: »
    Tacked on a beginner body weight circuit that'll run through every other day and routine that covers quads, butt and hamstrings, push, pull, and core.

    Wut? I don't get it. Now you're parroting me?

    Yeah you posted that whilst I was typing my reply. Didn't bring a crystal ball.

    You suggested doing Yoga every day. I suggested doing it once a week.

    I suspect you're going to do what you want anyway, so I'm out...
  • MaiLinna
    MaiLinna Posts: 580 Member
    Because stretching and meditation are worthless right? -_-
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    Don't be a whiner and don't complain when people take the time out of their days to make suggestions to help you. There are a ton of free resources online and if you take time to read through the threads here you will see many suggested. Take the time to google what has been suggested to you (cost = zero dimes) and you'll find the details. Other programs you can research:

    - startbodyweight.com basic routine
    - nerd fitness beginner bodyweight routine
  • sofaking6
    sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
    Lifting 5 lb dumbbells is not too hard lol.
  • MaiLinna
    MaiLinna Posts: 580 Member
    jemhh wrote: »
    Don't be a whiner and don't complain when people take the time out of their days to make suggestions to help you. There are a ton of free resources online and if you take time to read through the threads here you will see many suggested. Take the time to google what has been suggested to you (cost = zero dimes) and you'll find the details. Other programs you can research:

    - startbodyweight.com basic routine
    - nerd fitness beginner bodyweight routine

    Already did that and built routines and circuits around them. Cause there's so much more I can add to push ups. I just thought a push up challenge activity would be fun.
  • MaiLinna
    MaiLinna Posts: 580 Member
    edited June 2015
    sofaking6 wrote: »
    Lifting 5 lb dumbbells is not too hard lol.

    It is for me. I think I lost a lot of muscle mass when I lost weight. I'd like to take a weight off but it gets imbalanced. Not everyone has the same fitness level as you. I seriously can't do 8 reps, but I'm going to try and make myself do it tomorrow.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    MaiLinna wrote: »
    I love this site. I get told by countless people to go to Youtube and use their free videos, I ask for advice in balancing and I get told I can't. lol.

    I have 2 dimes in my wallet right now. Don't think that's enough for a doctor. The "free clinic" near me wants $500 just to see me. And my phone's too old to download apps. I can't even download the Starbucks app or Youtube it's so old.

    I just asked you to fill in the gaps and tell me where the imbalance is. If I could get a book I wouldn't be here. And no, I can't go to the library because I have TWO DIMES! Bus fare is $1.00!!!

    You have 2 dimes, yet you want the Starbucks app... Interesting priorities...
  • MaiLinna
    MaiLinna Posts: 580 Member
    MaiLinna wrote: »
    I love this site. I get told by countless people to go to Youtube and use their free videos, I ask for advice in balancing and I get told I can't. lol.

    I have 2 dimes in my wallet right now. Don't think that's enough for a doctor. The "free clinic" near me wants $500 just to see me. And my phone's too old to download apps. I can't even download the Starbucks app or Youtube it's so old.

    I just asked you to fill in the gaps and tell me where the imbalance is. If I could get a book I wouldn't be here. And no, I can't go to the library because I have TWO DIMES! Bus fare is $1.00!!!

    You have 2 dimes, yet you want the Starbucks app... Interesting priorities...

    I won a $15 gift card at a birthday party but I forgot my wallet in Canada. :c I just wanted a bagel and a water cup while I was trying to spend my last $5 on this week's dinners. Which, btw, turned out great! I got an avocado, whole wheat tortillas on sale, and a can of vegetarian refried black beans.
  • sofaking6
    sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
    MaiLinna wrote: »
    sofaking6 wrote: »
    Lifting 5 lb dumbbells is not too hard lol.

    It is for me. I think I lost a lot of muscle mass when I lost weight. I'd like to take a weight off but it gets imbalanced. Not everyone has the same fitness level as you. I seriously can't do 8 reps, but I'm going to try and make myself do it tomorrow.

    I'm totally unfit. And 8 reps of what, anyway? Shoulder press, bicep curl, tricep extension, lateral raise, deadlift, bent row...???
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    jimmmer wrote: »
    You want squatting, push, pulling, etc in there.

    Basically something like this:

    http://www.startbodyweight.com/p/about-start-bodyweight-program.html

    Do it 3 days a week.

    do some sort of cardio for 1-2 days on non-strength training days.

    do Yoga for another day.

    rest 1-2 days a week.

    The strength portion linked above is a) Free. b) Balanced. c) Sensible built-in progression system.

    My suggestions of Yoga will give you soft tissue work, help with recovery and increase blood flow and flexibility.

    The cardio could be anything you like from 30 mins walking up to a youtube HIIT type workout. Choose sensibly for your fitness level. Maybe start with some hill walking and build up slowly to something a bit more hectic if you feel like it. You could stick with walking and be fine though: it's most of my cardio and I do fine.

    Jimmmer gave you really good guidance here (and slipped in startbodyweight while I was slowly typing my previous post.) As for the suggestion to do yoga once a week, if I recall correctly, he does yoga himself so as a beginner perhaps you should consider his input.
  • MaiLinna
    MaiLinna Posts: 580 Member
    sofaking6 wrote: »
    MaiLinna wrote: »
    sofaking6 wrote: »
    Lifting 5 lb dumbbells is not too hard lol.

    It is for me. I think I lost a lot of muscle mass when I lost weight. I'd like to take a weight off but it gets imbalanced. Not everyone has the same fitness level as you. I seriously can't do 8 reps, but I'm going to try and make myself do it tomorrow.

    I'm totally unfit. And 8 reps of what, anyway? Shoulder press, bicep curl, tricep extension, lateral raise, deadlift, bent row...???

    Bicep curls, tricep extensions, and I can't remember what the name was but it's the one where you bend over straight out, hold your arms in at your armpits, then lift backwards until you're straight with your back. I got to 6 towards the beginning with the extensions, but after I had to struggle to hit 5. I seriously have trouble lifting the lightest of things.
  • jimmmer
    jimmmer Posts: 3,515 Member
    MaiLinna wrote: »
    Because stretching and meditation are worthless right? -_-

    If yoga was just stretching, I would agree with you.

    Yoga is a compound of stretching, strength, mobility, etc.

    It's a great adjunct to a fitness program, but if your initial strength level is low, then you'll find some asanas challenging and might interfere with other bodyweight training you may be undertaking. Hence the start with 1 day a week along with 3 days of full body training and some cardio.

    If you find the Yoga to be unchallenging, then by all means increase the frequency. A sensible approach is to start with low volume and increase. Whether that is strength, flexibility, mobility or cardio. Then you can see how you are reacting and remain injury free.
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    MaiLinna wrote: »
    I love this site. Thank you all for taking the time to help. Unfortunately i can't afford a gym, or a trip to the library. Any other suggestions? Thanks!

    :)

    There's a pro-designed program in my profile that uses dumbbells.

    Let me know if you need more help. :+1:

  • MaiLinna
    MaiLinna Posts: 580 Member
    jimmmer wrote: »
    MaiLinna wrote: »
    Because stretching and meditation are worthless right? -_-

    If yoga was just stretching, I would agree with you.

    Yoga is a compound of stretching, strength, mobility, etc.

    It's a great adjunct to a fitness program, but if your initial strength level is low, then you'll find some asanas challenging and might interfere with other bodyweight training you may be undertaking. Hence the start with 1 day a week along with 3 days of full body training and some cardio.

    If you find the Yoga to be unchallenging, then by all means increase the frequency. A sensible approach is to start with low volume and increase. Whether that is strength, flexibility, mobility or cardio. Then you can see how you are reacting and remain injury free.

    Oh, yeah sorry. That's why I'm doing beginner level hatha specifically. I can't reach the full extensions all of the time, but it's really low impact and mostly laying on the floor stretching in different poses. It's a good warm up and cool down.
  • MaiLinna
    MaiLinna Posts: 580 Member
    jemhh wrote: »
    It's nothing super hardcore though, like standing on your tiptoes on one leg with the other in the air behind you and your body and arms at some weird angle and all that stuff. It's literally laying on the ground stretching most of the time. It's super duper beginner hatha.
  • sofaking6
    sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
    MaiLinna wrote: »
    sofaking6 wrote: »
    MaiLinna wrote: »
    sofaking6 wrote: »
    Lifting 5 lb dumbbells is not too hard lol.

    It is for me. I think I lost a lot of muscle mass when I lost weight. I'd like to take a weight off but it gets imbalanced. Not everyone has the same fitness level as you. I seriously can't do 8 reps, but I'm going to try and make myself do it tomorrow.

    I'm totally unfit. And 8 reps of what, anyway? Shoulder press, bicep curl, tricep extension, lateral raise, deadlift, bent row...???

    Bicep curls, tricep extensions, and I can't remember what the name was but it's the one where you bend over straight out, hold your arms in at your armpits, then lift backwards until you're straight with your back. I got to 6 towards the beginning with the extensions, but after I had to struggle to hit 5. I seriously have trouble lifting the lightest of things.

    You can try dips as an alternative to the tricep extensions if you can't do 5 yet: http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/How-Do-Triceps-Dips-1055754
  • MaiLinna
    MaiLinna Posts: 580 Member
    sofaking6 wrote: »
    MaiLinna wrote: »
    sofaking6 wrote: »
    MaiLinna wrote: »
    sofaking6 wrote: »
    Lifting 5 lb dumbbells is not too hard lol.

    It is for me. I think I lost a lot of muscle mass when I lost weight. I'd like to take a weight off but it gets imbalanced. Not everyone has the same fitness level as you. I seriously can't do 8 reps, but I'm going to try and make myself do it tomorrow.

    I'm totally unfit. And 8 reps of what, anyway? Shoulder press, bicep curl, tricep extension, lateral raise, deadlift, bent row...???

    Bicep curls, tricep extensions, and I can't remember what the name was but it's the one where you bend over straight out, hold your arms in at your armpits, then lift backwards until you're straight with your back. I got to 6 towards the beginning with the extensions, but after I had to struggle to hit 5. I seriously have trouble lifting the lightest of things.

    You can try dips as an alternative to the tricep extensions if you can't do 5 yet: http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/How-Do-Triceps-Dips-1055754

    I actually had literally JUST added that to one of my options in my routine list. XD I say options because I have the set of what workout goes where and a mixed list of which workouts work for that, if that makes sense?

    It's like a list of things I know I can do at home from the list on Nerd Fitness.
  • MaiLinna
    MaiLinna Posts: 580 Member
    Here this is what it kinda looks like. There's lots of blank spaces because I've been editing it this morning which is why I've been kinda snippy because I jumped the gun without finishing my coffee:

    https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YM4QYQ3F5bl19AHqW1R2JlKrA9PrgOdUyr6YfqueSHU/edit?usp=sharing
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