Workout Routines

Faith413

Hi! I am a 34 yr old female needing to shed about 50lbs. I have been working out but am currently stuck and not losing like I was before. Any recommendations on a workout routine or something I should add to my daily workouts?

jjpptt2

How about something that is suited to your goals? Not all routines are created equal.

But if your goal is weight loss, I would look to diet rather than exercise.

steveko89

^^^ This.

Focus on your calories to manipulate your weight, exercise for enjoyment, health, and/or physique goals.

Faith413

Yeah that's true! My main goal is probably weight loss however I want to tone up as well. I workout about an hr most days and do a combination of strength and cardio but wasn't sure if I should add more cardio.

jjpptt2

I'm making some assumptions here, but in most cases, with posts like this...

you should probably be doing more strength, NOT more cardio, if toning is one of your goals.

kami3006

Focus on a calorie deficit with accurate logging to lose the fat. Do resistance training to preserve muscle and improve your body composition. Toning comes down to having a low enough body fat to see the underlying muscle.

Faith413

I guess a part of me was hoping for more exercise or a different exercise to be mentioned since I don't struggle much with the working out part but I am sure my nutrition could be much better.

Any recommendations on nutrition? Calorie counting? or?

trailgurl26

I would recommend doing Kettlebells! They are super fun, provide a huge variety, and you can get by with only having a couple different weights and they take up very little room. I have two in the living room and I have been using them on my non-run days. I would also recommend finding someone to teach you proper form so that you get the most out of the workout and learn the techniques. I got my weights at Wal-Mart and they are just as good as the ones I have used at the gym with a trainer.

jjpptt2

Faith413 wrote: »

I guess a part of me was hoping for more exercise or a different exercise to be mentioned since I don't struggle much with the working out part but I am sure my nutrition could be much better.

Any recommendations on nutrition? Calorie counting? or?

You need a calorie deficit to lose weight. Many find calorie counting to help with that, but it's certainly not necessary. Other can simply cut out a meal or snack. You'll have to find out what works for you.

You can add in more exercise/cardio if you want... but depending on your diet/intake, that may not fix your stall. It's very easy to out-eat a good exercise program.

Additionally, the ability to manage/control your intake is a good skill to develop for the long term.

steveko89

Faith413 wrote: »

I guess a part of me was hoping for more exercise or a different exercise to be mentioned since I don't struggle much with the working out part but I am sure my nutrition could be much better.

Any recommendations on nutrition? Calorie counting? or?

The best nutrition plan is the one that you will be consistent on, and help you meet your goal. It could be a named/structured diet, IF, calorie counting, intuitive eating, etc. As mentioned, for losing weight, the overall key is to be in a caloric deficit. Get adequate protein to preserve muscle, stay consistently in the green and you'll find success.

Personally, I have the most success when I log my calories meticulously and can come close to guaranteeing that I'm in a deficit consistently. However, I recognize this approach isn't for everyone.

As far as working out, following an established routine is much likely going to be more beneficial than not. This thread has a big list of linked programs for varying experience levels and equipment availability.

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1

Faith413

I've currently doing the Thinner, Leaner, Stronger workout but was looking for a change but maybe I'll just stick with that one.

sarahlucindac

Circuit training + elliptical 3 days a week (takes about 1.5 hours) and C25K training (takes 30 minutes) 3 days a week (6 days total in the gym) has been working nicely for me.