Seeking help with a MASSIVE overhaul

JuneyCleaves

OK, I admit it: I need help with my workouts.

I've neglected myself and, subsequently MFP, and I need to get it together again.

I feel like I am not making time for my workouts because the time I DO spend feels misappropriated.

There are so many well-educated and resourceful people meandering around this website. I'm hoping one of you will be kind enough to throw me a bone and provide me with some help.

Misappropriation.
I would like some guidance in devising a guideline within which to work based on the equipment I have at my disposal at home to maximize my time:results ratio (read: 60 minutes can be better spent than just hacking away on the recumbent; I'm confident of this, but I don't know how to correct this.)

I am a shift worker with a small child at home and I need a routine that I can:
1) do from home
2) alternate between days of shorter / longer sessions (short = 30-40mins max)
3) finally see some lasting results with

I have some equipment available to me, namely:
- a York machine (similar to this: http://www.yorkfitness.com/product/York-925-Home-Gym/)
- 5lb dumbells
- 20lb dumbells
- a recumbent bike/rower (similar to this: http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/Avari-Conversion-II-Rower-Recumbent-Bike/6493697/product.html?refccid=ZHIACBMLUKLZRECODGU3F67PHE&searchidx=32)
- resistance bands
- stability ball
- P90X, TapouT, 30 Day Shred
- and, most importantly, two feet and a heartbeat.

With the equipment I have coupled with the strange hours I work, I have zero desire to get inside a gym. However, by keeping removed I've yet to be able to seek out the advice on how to make this all work for me.

My goals are weight loss (15-20lbs) & toning.

If there is anyone out there who is interested in imparting some of their knowledge on me, please shoot me a message -- you'll be well received.

Thanks for glancing my way!

JC x

segovm

Not to rip on the recumbent bike but yeah... easy to get lazy on one of those.

I was using one a lot the gym for a while and one day decided to get on a real bike and go for a ride. Discovered it's actually work to push myself forward on a real bike vs. sitting in a comfortable recliner with pedals and reading.

I just do the real bike now.

If your schedule lets you, anything you can do outside is likely going to be infinitely more fun than working out at home in the basement. I struggled to do an hour on the recumbent at the gym but find time flies on a real bike that goes places. Same with just walking or running, going somewhere makes a world of difference in motivation.

I'm sure you'll get lots of suggestions but if you ever end up in a bookstore (do they have those any more?) you might want to look for one called "You are your own gym". It's got a lot of good body weight exercises that folks forget they can do and work their whole body without a bunch of equipment.

The equipment you have is going to target a few body parts where as something as quaint as a pushup will do it better. The other perk is that something like a pushup is a pretty natural movement of our body as opposed to some of the movements a poorly adjusted machine can force people to do.

Anyway, best of luck to you! Hopefully you find a routine you can fit in that works well for you.

AllOutof_Bubblegum

If you're strapped for time, some HIIT intervals can be your best friend. Google search some exercises, and you'll find thousands of options to choose from.

JuneyCleaves

My thanks to you both for taking the time to respond!

JuneyCleaves

I have some equipment available to me, namely:
- a York machine (similar to this: http://www.yorkfitness.com/product/York-925-Home-Gym/)
- 5lb dumbells
- 20lb dumbells
- a recumbent bike/rower (similar to this: http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/Avari-Conversion-II-Rower-Recumbent-Bike/6493697/product.html?refccid=ZHIACBMLUKLZRECODGU3F67PHE&searchidx=32)
- resistance bands
- stability ball
- P90X, TapouT, 30 Day Shred
- and, most importantly, two feet and a heartbeat.

ETA: Add an elliptical to that roster. I must've forgot to add it because I so rarely use it.