tips for beginners that no one told you.
Replies
-
don't worry about getting off track and having some pizza and beer, etc. This is a long term effort. Just get back on the track when you have an occasional detour.3
-
You DON'T have to go balls to the wall hard for every single workout. Just do your best. Sometimes your best tomorrow will be less than your best was today and that is okay! Don't get down on yourself and most importantly, don't quit!2
-
I don't entirely agree with this. "That's what free choice is all about"? Well, people can also freely choose to sit on the couch and eat donuts. Free choice has diddly squat to do with fitness.kidrauhldrew wrote: »I learned to not skip out on the exercises I don't like. I never enjoyed running and would always go with another alternative for cardio that was easier for me. I realized that I only never enjoyed it because I was never good at it, not for any other reasons. So I need to get off my behind and run, improve myself to the point that I can say I don't suck at it anymore and actually find the fun in going out for a run.Work on running, even though you don't currently like it.
Everyone doesn't need to run to get fit.
I hate running because I'm no good at it, never enjoyed doing it and have no desire to get better at it or to learn to like it. Same for swimming
I lift, walk/hike and do other things to stay fit, which work well for me. I assume this applies to others.
Nothing wrong w/skipping out on things that you don't like to do as long as you're doing something else that's equally beneficial.
That's what free choice is all about.
As far as running goes, you can certainly lose weight without running, and to a certain extent, you can be "fit." If you want overall functional fitness though, there is really no substitute for doing SOME running -- just as there is no substitute for doing some resistance or flexibility training.
Sure, not everyone likes to run. And I'm not saying that people need to log massive mileage. Once again though, it's about overall functional fitness. If a situation occurs when you need to run -- and that will almost certainly happen -- no amount of walking or Zumba will help with that.
7 -
There is so much truth to this. A lot of magazines say things like "Find an exercise that you like!" That's certainly useful advice when someone is a beginner and lacks motivation. For people who are motivated though, it's often important to do things that we DON'T like if we want to be well-rounded in terms of functional fitness and athletic ability.kidrauhldrew wrote: »I learned to not skip out on the exercises I don't like.
2 -
- You don't need to be flexible to do yoga. It is not about twisting yourself into a pretzel.
- I once read an article that talked about how simple, healthy, and inexpensive running was. Just lace up your shoes and head out the door. Liars! Those shoes are expensive -- along with the running clothes, race entries, fancy running watches, etc....
- You can't loose weight by training for a marathon. Seriously guys, I had no idea what hunger was until I started running long distances. OMG
- Oh, one more thing. Don't try a Zumba class if you are uncoordinated. People (including yourself) could be seriously hurt. And your pride....ouch
6 -
Yeah runningamymoreorless wrote: »
- You don't need to be flexible to do yoga. It is not about twisting yourself into a pretzel.
- I once read an article that talked about how simple, healthy, and inexpensive running was. Just lace up your shoes and head out the door. Liars! Those shoes are expensive -- along with the running clothes, race entries, fancy running watches, etc....
- You can't loose weight by training for a marathon. Seriously guys, I had no idea what hunger was until I started running long distances. OMG
- Oh, one more thing. Don't try a Zumba class if you are uncoordinated. People (including yourself) could be seriously hurt. And your pride....ouch
Yeah running isn't a cheap sport. Good shoes aren't cheap. But then there's the gear and potentially the injuries from a high impact sport. And some races are stupidly expensive not including travel and lodging. There aren't a lot of poor people jogging for a reason.3 -
Recommended serving sizes on food packages don’t have to be (and probably should be) followed. There’s nothing wrong with four servings of veggies at a time, and only half a serving of spaghetti sauce.5
-
When you start a new physical activity - especially in a group setting - plan to feel awkward, clumsy, and utterly incapable, for at least the first few sessions.
It's OK. It's part of the process. Everyone was new once. Others are not paying as much attention to you as you think, anyway (they're focused on themselves).
Commit to multiple sessions of anything, right up front, no matter how it goes (as long as it isn't actually injuring you, of course).
Things that are easy at the start get boring in the long term. Things that are more difficult get fun when you start getting the hang of them, and stay fun much longer.4 -
Push away the food, count the calories and get moving. Water all day every day.
1 -
There is so much truth to this. A lot of magazines say things like "Find an exercise that you like!" That's certainly useful advice when someone is a beginner and lacks motivation. For people who are motivated though, it's often important to do things that we DON'T like if we want to be well-rounded in terms of functional fitness and athletic ability.kidrauhldrew wrote: »I learned to not skip out on the exercises I don't like.
There's also the truth that maybe try something you don't think you're going to like. If you haven't done much physical activity period, you might really have no idea what you like.3 -
tracymegan wrote: »Eons ago, I was a heavy lifter, so have lottos thickness and muscle mass...even though I have padded the crap out of that mass. In seeing a trainer, I changed my routine from 10-12 reps of 3 sets to 20 reps of 4 sets..no breaks and stepped training! Cannot believe the changes!!! Huge in literally weeks! Have lost 5 inches on each thigh!
High or low weight? Are you increasing weight on each set?0 -
Work on running, even though you don't currently like it.
I wasted way too much time walking as a beginner. Fitness magazines completely oversold its health benefits. It was only years later that I realized how much I was wasting my time. I later learned that doctors and mags exaggerate its benefits because it's hard to get people to do anything more strenuous.
I don't know.. I lost 50 pounds just walking. I wouldn't say I got "fit" but for someone with a good amount to lose it is a great start.4 -
amymoreorless wrote: »[*] I once read an article that talked about how simple, healthy, and inexpensive running was. Just lace up your shoes and head out the door. Liars! Those shoes are expensive -- along with the running clothes, race entries, fancy running watches, etc....
Shoes need not be expensive, and running kit is no more expensive than any other sports kit.
Fwiw as a runner I'm not spending any money on gym membership, so in that sense running is costing me less.[*] You can't loose weight by training for a marathon. Seriously guys, I had no idea what hunger was until I started running long distances. OMG
Oddly I've never had trouble, just a question of keeping on top of the calorie balance.
2 -
Work on running, even though you don't currently like it.
I wasted way too much time walking as a beginner. Fitness magazines completely oversold its health benefits. It was only years later that I realized how much I was wasting my time. I later learned that doctors and mags exaggerate its benefits because it's hard to get people to do anything more strenuous.
I don't know.. I lost 50 pounds just walking. I wouldn't say I got "fit" but for someone with a good amount to lose it is a great start.
Nobody's saying that it's impossible to lose weight by walking... just that its benefits have been greatly exaggerated. I started out walking as well, but I could have trimmed down a whole lot faster with more vigorous exercise.
Not to mention that walking, while it has its benefits (low impact, non-intimidating, etc) doesn't really do much for either strength or cardio endurance. There is some effect, but only at a very basic level.
2 -
Work on running, even though you don't currently like it.
I wasted way too much time walking as a beginner. Fitness magazines completely oversold its health benefits. It was only years later that I realized how much I was wasting my time. I later learned that doctors and mags exaggerate its benefits because it's hard to get people to do anything more strenuous.
I don't know.. I lost 50 pounds just walking. I wouldn't say I got "fit" but for someone with a good amount to lose it is a great start.
Nobody's saying that it's impossible to lose weight by walking... just that its benefits have been greatly exaggerated. I started out walking as well, but I could have trimmed down a whole lot faster with more vigorous exercise.
Not to mention that walking, while it has its benefits (low impact, non-intimidating, etc) doesn't really do much for either strength or cardio endurance. There is some effect, but only at a very basic level.
Yeah but when someone has a lot to lose, doing something more vigorous is next to impossible. Everyone has to start somewhere.
If your knees and back hurt because you're carrying 100+ extra pounds, low impact is the best way to go. I would definitely add weights into the mix from the beginning, but a lot of people can't start off with hiit or running.5 -
Nobody's denying that. As I said, there are benefits, and I specifically mentioned the low-impact aspect. It's just one of the most basic, low-effort exercises available though, and is one of the least efficient as a result. It might be one of the better options available in certain extreme cases, but for most people, there are more efficient alternatives. (Heck, even for the majorly obese, I'd argue that a low-impact boot camp class will produce faster results and greater overall strength benefits.)Work on running, even though you don't currently like it.
I wasted way too much time walking as a beginner. Fitness magazines completely oversold its health benefits. It was only years later that I realized how much I was wasting my time. I later learned that doctors and mags exaggerate its benefits because it's hard to get people to do anything more strenuous.
I don't know.. I lost 50 pounds just walking. I wouldn't say I got "fit" but for someone with a good amount to lose it is a great start.
Nobody's saying that it's impossible to lose weight by walking... just that its benefits have been greatly exaggerated. I started out walking as well, but I could have trimmed down a whole lot faster with more vigorous exercise.
Not to mention that walking, while it has its benefits (low impact, non-intimidating, etc) doesn't really do much for either strength or cardio endurance. There is some effect, but only at a very basic level.
Yeah but when someone has a lot to lose, doing something more vigorous is next to impossible. Everyone has to start somewhere.
If your knees and back hurt because you're carrying 100+ extra pounds, low impact is the best way to go. I would definitely add weights into the mix from the beginning, but a lot of people can't start off with hiit or running.1 -
Nobody's denying that. As I said, there are benefits, and I specifically mentioned the low-impact aspect. It's just one of the most basic, low-effort exercises available though, and is one of the least efficient as a result. It might be one of the better options available in certain extreme cases, but for most people, there are more efficient alternatives. (Heck, even for the majorly obese, I'd argue that a low-impact boot camp class will produce faster results and greater overall strength benefits.)Work on running, even though you don't currently like it.
I wasted way too much time walking as a beginner. Fitness magazines completely oversold its health benefits. It was only years later that I realized how much I was wasting my time. I later learned that doctors and mags exaggerate its benefits because it's hard to get people to do anything more strenuous.
I don't know.. I lost 50 pounds just walking. I wouldn't say I got "fit" but for someone with a good amount to lose it is a great start.
Nobody's saying that it's impossible to lose weight by walking... just that its benefits have been greatly exaggerated. I started out walking as well, but I could have trimmed down a whole lot faster with more vigorous exercise.
Not to mention that walking, while it has its benefits (low impact, non-intimidating, etc) doesn't really do much for either strength or cardio endurance. There is some effect, but only at a very basic level.
Yeah but when someone has a lot to lose, doing something more vigorous is next to impossible. Everyone has to start somewhere.
If your knees and back hurt because you're carrying 100+ extra pounds, low impact is the best way to go. I would definitely add weights into the mix from the beginning, but a lot of people can't start off with hiit or running.
Let me add that low-impact is good for lighter people, too. Not everyone has great backs, knees, ankles, or feet. Also, not everyone at age 50 can jump around like a hyper spider monkey like they did at 25. And high impact workouts naturally carry a risk of injury. (Not that people shouldn't run or the like because of that risk, but it's a truth.)
Also, even though I can run and do some higher-impact exercises like Zumba, I really prefer low-impact. For one, I do a lot of workouts at home in an apartment and high impact workouts make a lot of thumping noises that may make me unpopular. Also I can get a great workout that isn't so hard on my 40+ year old body and still get fitness benefits. Sure I can run, but I can also walk the same distance just slower and get the same benefits.3 -
Take a lot of pictures from ALL angles in the same clothes or underwear
Patience is a muscle to train every day
Think of it as 'one day at a time' to get through it easier
Buy smaller clothes as you loose weight, so you don't get body dysmorphia
Both lift weights and do cardio, it goes hand in hand
Make Pinterest boards for motivation
Take measurements and weight yourself often enough to track progress
Make a workout playlist that gets your butt of the couch
Always take the stairs
Do grocery shopping AFTER workouts
7 -
In the end, you truly only compete with yourself.5
-
I took up selling crack because running from the police is good motivation.[/quote]
I took up using crack because running from crack dealers is even better motivation.[/quote]
Rotfl great advice, keeping it real lol0 -
my lesson from yesterday and trying to keep this light.
Never attempt to fix children's toys under the influence of a good preworkout. The rage is real people.
I attempted to fix something for my daughter right after taking my powder and before I started lifting. I had to put it down, go lift, and return to the project in a saner state of mind later that morning.1 -
On a more serious note. Find a dedicated time. My time is early am between 4:30am and 6:30am. My reasoning for this is because I can get a good workout in without being sidetracked by things my brain thinks is more important. I'm already under the bar or running down the road before I remember that load of laundry I didn't do or that work project that I don't want to do.2
-
with all the comments im sure its been said but ...
the world is not going to end, if you go over your calories
special occasions (holidays, bdays, etc) are just that - special. eat and enjoy
a bad workout is better than no workout
you (probably) didnt gain the weight fast, you wont lose it fast
no one is looking at you in the gym
dont do an exercise you hate. theres lots of options out there. find what you love, or at least LIKE OKAY, and youre more likely to keep it up
make room to eat what you want. i want chocolate every day. i make room for it. if i want pizza, ice cream, beer, whatever - i PLAN for it.
there are no bad foods or good foods. just foods that have more or less nutritional content.
theres so many more, and probably most of it has been said, but this is what popped into my mind first thing
4 -
SchweddyGirl wrote: »In the end, you truly only compete with yourself.
This is one of the ones I enjoyed the most, and goes in line with people comparing themselves to others that several mentioned.
For most weight loss and non pro level workouts, don't make it harder than it needs to be. Most or the basics are simple, they just require the drive and dedication to reach towards your end goals.
Great thread idea OP!2 -
If you decide to do planks naked.....
Don't worry if you find a shar-pei clinging onto your well defined abs- gravity's a b!tch.
Cheers, h.10 -
middlehaitch wrote: »If you decide to do planks naked.....
Don't worry if you find a shar-pei clinging onto your well defined abs- gravity's a b!tch.
Cheers, h.
I don't know whether this is "insightful" or "awesome" . . . but it's freakin' hilarious.
Love ya,@middlehaitch!1 -
amymoreorless wrote: »
- Oh, one more thing. Don't try a Zumba class if you are uncoordinated. People (including yourself) could be seriously hurt. And your pride....ouch
I tried to do some Youtube Zumba at home once and ended up getting my legs all twisted up and I fell over. I'm totally not coordinated enough for anything dance-like.
0 -
amymoreorless wrote: »
- Oh, one more thing. Don't try a Zumba class if you are uncoordinated. People (including yourself) could be seriously hurt. And your pride....ouch
I tried to do some Youtube Zumba at home once and ended up getting my legs all twisted up and I fell over. I'm totally not coordinated enough for anything dance-like.
i will proudly do zumba and look like the hippos from fantasia. or were they elephants? whatever! i laugh, make fun of myself, and get in a helluva workout!4 -
callsitlikeiseeit wrote: »amymoreorless wrote: »
- Oh, one more thing. Don't try a Zumba class if you are uncoordinated. People (including yourself) could be seriously hurt. And your pride....ouch
I tried to do some Youtube Zumba at home once and ended up getting my legs all twisted up and I fell over. I'm totally not coordinated enough for anything dance-like.
i will proudly do zumba and look like the hippos from fantasia. or were they elephants? whatever! i laugh, make fun of myself, and get in a helluva workout!
I'm sure they were hippos.
And I did Zumba and belly dancing just to help with my coordination and balance.
Was I ever good at either? No
Did I have a good giggle? Yes.
Did I care that I was going in the opposite direction than most of the class, even after 2 years of Zumba? No, and neither did anyone else.
So out of all that- for someone just starting- stretch your boundaries, you don't have to be perfect or even good, just give it a go. You may surprise yourself.
Cheers, h.3 -
Don't let your trainer push you beyond what you know your body can take ... he/she cannot feel the pain that you are feeling.3
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.2K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.2K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 422 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.7K MyFitnessPal Information
- 23 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions