Did 1st gym session - 20 mins cardio then Weights? Is this right?

vassovass

Did my first gym session since I started really trying to be healthier and lose weight - my blog/accountability tool has some extra info.

I have a knee issue (torn ligaments) so am weary with doing running and any other impact exercise.

Weight training is more efficient in terms of time to benefit ratio apparently as it builds more muscle which burns more calories over the long term. To be honest, strength training holds my attention more than cardio does.

I do need to build the muscles around my knee so that I lessen future injury.

What should I be focusing on?

TavistockToad

See a physio to get your knee sorted or both strength training and cardio could make it worse

Azdak

Your workout routine will supplement your weight loss program not drive it.

You would be best to focus on the exercises that you can do with your knee issues, that you enjoy, and that will contribute to your overall fitness.

Most of what you hear about the “benefits” of one type of exercise over another for weight loss are either misstated or wrong so it’s probably best to just do what you want.

ninerbuff

vassovass wrote: »

Did my first gym session since I started really trying to be healthier and lose weight - my blog/accountability tool has some extra info.

I have a knee issue (torn ligaments) so am weary with doing running and any other impact exercise.

Weight training is more efficient in terms of time to benefit ratio apparently as it builds more muscle which burns more calories over the long term. To be honest, strength training holds my attention more than cardio does.

I do need to build the muscles around my knee so that I lessen future injury.

What should I be focusing on?

Assuming you're speaking of a FORMER injury that's never healed correctly or you've gotten treatment for on the ligaments? Also how do you know you tore them?

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

rainingribbons

If your knee issue is from a recent injury it will be more beneficial to you to hold off starting until your knee heals, to prevent future injury.
Elsewise, for cardio I recommend swimming if there is somewhere near you where you can do that. With swimming you don't have to worry about the rough impacts your knee would take compared to doing running or other forms of cardio. Another benefit is that swimming works your muscles as well due to the resistance of the water, as well as providing cardio benefits.
When you start working with weights, I recommend starting with a personal trainer if possible. Your PT will work with you to figure out what weight exercises you should and should not perform based on your injury while still working with you to help you obtain your fitness goals.

Muscleflex79

Cutaway_Collar wrote: »

Oh wait, I read the title and went straight to post. Like going to the comments section on the guardian without reading the article at all.

Since you have knee issues, get the services of a gym trainer.

I would go to a doctor or trained physio - not a gym trainer - when it comes to advice on injuries/knees!

amywhoa

Get one of those compression knee sleeves, it will help keep your knee secure.

stanmann571

amywhoa wrote: »

Get one of those compression knee sleeves, it will help keep your knee secure.

IT might. Or it might disguise abuse or overuse as it progresses to injury or disability.

TavistockToad

amywhoa wrote: »

Get one of those compression knee sleeves, it will help keep your knee secure.

bad idea unless its been recommended by a physio or doctor

xvolution

Does this gym have exercise bikes that have resistance knobs? You can use these (with your doctor's permission, of course) to help strengthen your knees. I had problems with my knees last year due to an allergic reaction to statin drugs (caused muscular degeneration) and working them on the bikes helped to strengthen them back to normal.

MeanderingMammal

amywhoa wrote: »

Get one of those compression knee sleeves, it will help keep your knee secure.

Or it might exacerbate a problem...

MeanderingMammal

vassovass wrote: »

Did my first gym session since I started really trying to be healthier and lose weight - my blog/accountability tool has some extra info.

I have a knee issue (torn ligaments) so am weary with doing running and any other impact exercise.

Weight training is more efficient in terms of time to benefit ratio apparently as it builds more muscle which burns more calories over the long term. To be honest, strength training holds my attention more than cardio does.

I do need to build the muscles around my knee so that I lessen future injury.

What should I be focusing on?

I'll start by supporting the suggestion that you get some advice from a physiotherapist, but in general you'll get different and complimentary benefits from CV and resistance work.

That said, I recognise that CV on machines in a gym can be dull as hel.

Fwiw the idea that muscle burns more calories is technically correct, but utterly meaningless in real terms as the benefit is marginal.

SonyaCele

amywhoa wrote: »

Get one of those compression knee sleeves, it will help keep your knee secure.

I've been wearing compression knee sleeves for quite some time and i have bad knees, and they are awesome.

You don't need a doctor to recommend or prescribe them. If they aggravate your knee issues you can easily not wear them. Pain is a good indication of something not working. There is no harm in seeing how they feel. They are life savers for my knees and my sports doctor never recommended them, in fact he told me not to lift heavy weights anymore since i'm over 40 so i'm not following his advice.