Newbie-feel-fitter training program?

oat_bran
oat_bran Posts: 370 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I used to walk/run/swim and do some light strength training a few times a week, but haven't done any of this for months and I feel really out of shape. I'd like to start being active again but my main goal is not to look fitter - I don't really care much for a "fit look" to be honest, my goal is to feel fitter and stronger - and quickly, if possible. I'm tired of feeling sluggish and weak. Burning a few hundred additional calories would be a plus, too, of course.

Does anyone know any training program or general guidelines you could recommend? Should I focus more on cardio or strength training or both? If you think I should start running again, what is the best way to start in your opinion? Please take into count that I cannot afford a gym membership or special home equipment at the moment. But there's a park not far from my house where I can go to exercise.

Replies

  • heidilane28
    heidilane28 Posts: 8 Member
    I'm no expert but I do have some education with nutrition and exercise. I would start off light. Id you haven't been running, start with walking at a swift pace. For strength, so that the opposite days of your cardio and use lighter weights. Pay attention to your body cues to avoid injury.

    It's actually motivating to read your post. I am actually in a similar mind set. I want to get back into the swing of things and looked on here for people doing the same.

    I know a lot of information but my action stage needs work. Best of luck to you and feel free to add me if you like. :)
  • Spook_Skywalker
    Spook_Skywalker Posts: 180 Member
    Like Heidi said, I would not start running a lot right away. Start with walking at quick pace. I would focus equally on cardio and strength if you're wanting a fit & stronger feeling.

    Jump rope is an excellent form of low impact cardio and can be done in HIIT. For strength training you can do a lot of things with your own body weight, i.e. push-ups, squats, bench dips, etc.

    Hope this helps a little :)

  • wishfuljune
    wishfuljune Posts: 2,604 Member
    edited September 2016
    Hey OP! I completely understand where you're coming from. I would suggest walking, or trying to run. The Couch to 5K is a great platform to get you running again. It's a free app you can download on your phone, and usually requires 30 minutes or less of walking/running, three times a week.

    There are a lot of great websites out there that offer free workouts. If you're interested in Yoga, there's Yoga with Adriene on Youtube. If you're interested in pilates, there's Blogilates on Youtube. If you want to get into bodyweight training, you can find some Jillian Michaels videos on Youtube too. I like FitnessBlender and Darebee for strength training when I don't have time to hit the gym. Even if the printouts that have weights, you don't have to use weights. You can grab some books, or cans and do a workout that way too.

    Try whatever works for you. Most youtube videos and printable workouts are 30 minutes or so.
  • oat_bran
    oat_bran Posts: 370 Member
    Thank you all for the replies! I will start with walking and light jogging, I guess and will look for some simple workouts on YouTube!
  • Wraiythe
    Wraiythe Posts: 780 Member
    Look up JessicaSmithtv on YouTube. She's got a bazillion workouts. And they are all different types. Cardio, Flexibility, Strength, and from Beginner to Advanced too. She's' one of my go to's when I can't think of anything that sounds interesting to do for a workout
  • mgalovic01
    mgalovic01 Posts: 388 Member
    push- ups, pull-ups, crunches and jump squats. Do all four at your own pace. Then, do them again if you're up to it.
  • oat_bran
    oat_bran Posts: 370 Member
    edited October 2016
    wishfuljune wrote: »
    Hey OP! I completely understand where you're coming from. I would suggest walking, or trying to run. The Couch to 5K is a great platform to get you running again. It's a free app you can download on your phone, and usually requires 30 minutes or less of walking/running, three times a week.

    There are a lot of great websites out there that offer free workouts. If you're interested in Yoga, there's Yoga with Adriene on Youtube. If you're interested in pilates, there's Blogilates on Youtube. If you want to get into bodyweight training, you can find some Jillian Michaels videos on Youtube too. I like FitnessBlender and Darebee for strength training when I don't have time to hit the gym. Even if the printouts that have weights, you don't have to use weights. You can grab some books, or cans and do a workout that way too.

    Try whatever works for you. Most youtube videos and printable workouts are 30 minutes or so.

    Hey, I just wanted to thank you again. I started the Couch to 5k app program training and then found a few similar apps and I've been training with them for over a week and I love i! I'm feeling stronger and fitter already.

    Also, Blogilates is pretty awesome, too. Those exercises are really hard but I can tell it engages so many muscle groups - exactly what I need!

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