Can a treadmill and healhty eating get you in shape?

motivatethismom · February 2014

If I purchased a treadmill, I already have a stationary bike. If i do those two things along with squats/lunges and maybe a fitness dvd is it possible to get in shape on my own? I don't think this gym thing is for me. It's too hard to know what to do and with such short time working full time i miss too much time with my kids going :-(

BrettWithPKU · February 2014

When you say "get in shape" are you saying "lose weight" or "tone"?

You can definitely lose weight doing all that. In fact all you really need is a treadmill OR a bike, plus healthy eating. (some might argue you don't even need the exercise equipment; but exercise makes the process SO much easier)

If you're looking to just add definition, it's be far easier for you if you had resistance in the form of weights.

SherryTeach · February 2014

A treadmill can be part of a plan for healthy living. I have had a high quality True treadmill for a dozen years and I use it. But I also stay in my calorie goal, eat a nutritionally balanced diet, ride my bike, use a stability ball, and do strengthening routines that I find on-line. One does not have to join a gym to maintain good health and fitness.

randomtai · February 2014

Strength resistance is needed or you will lose lean muscle mass.

lawrville1 · February 2014

I use an elliptical, and diet. It is important to note that at times ones weight fluctuates up or down. Persistance helps you achieve your goal.

workout_ninja · February 2014

Ive lost 60lbs and never set foot inside a gym. I went out and ran or cycled so yes you can lose weight. However, now that I have lost weight, I am trying to build muscle so a gym is needed for weights

rondaj05 · February 2014

^^ Yup!

2013sk · February 2014

WOW!! Well done that's fantastic..............!

Eating healthier, moving more, drinking plenty of water.......... : )

I was thinking of working out from home, But I do love that buzz when everyone is working really hard on the machines, socialising, a set programme with the instructors etc

Good luck!! x

MamaFunky · February 2014

You can also purchase a set of free weights to use at home. We have a set that ranges from 25lbs down to 2 lbs and it works great for doing weights at home. Ours also came with a small adjustable bench for doing various exercises. We have a treadmill and I have my favorite workout DVD's(30DS and Zumba are my favs) that I do at least 5 days a week.

Good luck and best wishes to you!!

chelso0o · February 2014

That, and plyometrics. Check out bodyrock.tv on Youtube. Zusana is a big proponent of the home workout movement.

Tiff050709 · February 2014

I started with just a treadmill. I have added a stability ball, resistance bands and free weights. You can def get in shape without going to a gym.

Cobb_66 · February 2014

I've gone to gym err... twice? And I've lost double what my ticker says (or at least... I've lost it twice.. but that had nothing to do with a gym and all to do with unhealthy mindsets).

You can absolutely lose the weight with a treadmill and healthy eating. As for toning, I disagree with many people that that absolutely requires a gym. I tone up using dumb bells and Jillian Micheals videos (and they work! I swear!). I suppose it depends on if you want to "tone" or "bulk". I know very little about bulking but I would imagine it takes more weights and weight machines - so yes, that would require a gym.

But I tone just fine (my picture is before that though so don't be fooled!) with my HIIT dvds and PopPilates with Cassey Ho (FREE online for anyone!! www.blogilates.com). I find the mixture of resistance and strength from the Jillian DVDs and the pilates to be incredibly effective in a short time.

Good luck!!

Roadie2000 · February 2014

Yes, it will help you lose weight and build your cardiovascular endurance but you won't get very toned or get stronger unless you do some strength training.

fortally · February 2014

I second that!

I have a very old treadmill, an even older step bench, resistance bands, 1.5-5 lb. weights, and a variety of workout videos. That was all I needed to get in the best shape of my life a few years ago (5' 6", mid 120s weight, size 4 jeans!

), and it's all I'm using this time around too. (Exercise wasn't my problem - it was sticking to a healthy, sustainable diet. Stupid oreo cookies!).

motivatethismom · February 2014

I don't have much weight to loose, actually I'd be fine to stay at where I am now 122lbs if I didn't have the extra belly and thigh fat from having babies. so basically i just want it gone. Is it possible to get rid of doing a treadmill and say possibly the Jillian Michaels 30 day shred dvd?

randomtai · February 2014

You would need weights or Bodyweight exercises more than a treadmill IMHO. Google "You are your own gym" and check out some lifting programs (Starting Strength, Stronglifts 5X5, New Rules of Lifting for Women). Also look around craigslist for some used plates and set ups.

DjinnMarie · February 2014

I'm a mom of 3. To get rid of the belly and thigh fat you need to increase your lean muscle mass and lower your BF%. Otherwise you can get rail thin and still have the dreaded mommy muffin top. If money is tight I would keep the bike and skip the treadmill in favor of some dumbells.

fortally · February 2014

In all honesty the treadmill doesn't do much to reshape my body. I have the most success with toning and tightening by using resistance bands and doing a whole lot of sculpting exercises (squats & lunges with weights, etc.). Workout dvds are awesome for that. My advice, though - don't rely on just one video. You need a variety to give your body a break and to hit difference muscles (or the same muscles in different ways).

I do love the treadmill (& other pure cardio) for other reasons. The treadmill is great for a "rest" day between sculpting days. I also find that I build endurance & stamina a LOT faster if I incorporate cardio. When I just rely on the dvds it takes me a lot longer to be able to get through them without keeling over. But you absolutely do NOT need to buy a treadmill. I was just lucky to get a free cast-off from a relative. Walking outside is free, so is pushing a stroller and chasing kids around the yard.

eldamiano · February 2014

Run in the street....

motivatethismom · February 2014

what exactly would I need to do at home to achieve this?

MrsG31 · February 2014

-Hand-held weights, starting at whatever you feel comfortable doing. (3 lbs, 5 lbs, 10 lbs) You can always buy heavier ones as you get more comfortable and especially once doing 3 sets of 8-12 reps is way too easy.
-Perhaps a kettle ball - also come in different sizes/weights
-Resistance bands
-Jump rope?
-Sneakers
-Work-out DVDs - get a few different ones so you can switch up
-and YOU - you need no equipment to do crunches, lunges, squats (although it can help add more resistance), planks, tricep dips (I use our ottoman for those), push ups (which you can also do off an ottoman or a wall until you build up more strength)

And stop second guessing yourself! You CAN do this!

icemike · February 2014

I think that should work for you just as well if not better than a gym. You could add some free weights if you feel like increasing the workout. The biggest benefit to going to a gym is that when you are there you can just focus on your workout and not procrastinate or skip it altogether.

With 3 kids I would suspect the bigger weight loss challenge would be with your diet. In general, kids keep you active but they eat horrible food and make it hard for their parents to eat right.

walterm852 · February 2014

Great list, I might add a timer. Your smartphone or a $20 gymboss where you can set the time of the exercise and the rest. I set up 1 min stations with 10 sec breaks between sets.

Check out the site, do a little research on different methods.
Weightlifting - lots of info here
Hiit - bodyrock.tv or you tube zuzanna for great HIIT workouts that can burn cals and build strength in small amounts of time

Good luck

alienrite · February 2014

I used cardio to support my weight loss. While I shrank towards a good size, it was lifting weights that really started defining a good shape. It's a common thing for men and women. Weight lifting is physique changing

jigsawxyouth · February 2014

I recommend looking into PopSugar's workout plans for the treadmill! They're free and very easy to follow. If you're on Pinterest, their account posts the workouts on there, too.

ihateroses · February 2014

I'd say since you are at around your ideal weight you would be wasting energy on a treadmill.

Get into a good kettle bell routine and bodyweight workouts (someone already mentioned bodyrock.tv also Fitnessblender on youtube has some).

If you just do the treadmill and eat better you might see more weightloss but you will still be "soft" and it won't give you the results you want.

Mr_Knight · February 2014

Yep. You don't even need that much stuff.

Diet is key, though!

CatfishZ · February 2014

It sounds like you are fine-tuning and planning on upkeep.

From what you've said your goals are I would suggest looking into bodyweight training. "You Are Your Own Gym", as someone else suggested, is a good place to start. No special equipment needed and if you are confused on exercises, or how to string them together into a workout, there's tons of info online and videos on Youtube.

Once you build up more muscles they will help burn calories and fat and, at your weight, you'll likely just need to do some maintenance (which could be treadmill).

That said, if you are really sold on treadmill, you might consider choosing increased incline over speed after warming up. I did that about 12 years ago when I was in super fitness mode and my butt and thighs looked great, if I do say so myself. ;D

kbmnurse · February 2014

Purchased a Sole Treadmill use it 6 days week + do JM Dvd 5x weekly.

lawrville1 · April 2014

I use an elliptical, started with 20 minutes at lowest weight loss setting. Burned 200 calories my first time 3 months ago. Fitness pal and the elliptical have helped me lose 56 plus pounds. I now burn unto 1200 calories in 50 minutes of the elliptical and feel great. Weight will go up and down, stay true to your course and do not let the scale be the one to make you quit.

nkeklund · April 2014

Well said. Exercising speeds the weight loss process up at least in my exp.

Can a treadmill and healhty eating get you in shape?

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