Getting Started.... Help!

rklein71

I have been on and off MFP and my weight yo-yos. From November to February I was "on" MFP and lost 20 pounds and it felt great. I went "off" MFP and very easily slid back into my old habits and have gained back 25 of the 20 pounds I lost. My current weight is about 190 lbs. I have never incorporated exercise into any diet plan I have tried.

Today I took a big step and joined the Y. I am meeting with someone next week to show me how to use the machines properly, etc. My question is how do I know what I am supposed to do? How much weight? How many reps? Cardio or weights? How many times a week? Are the classes good? I know absolutely nothing except that I need to get off my derrière and get moving.

Any advice or information that you have would be appreciated.

VballLeash

My best advice is to do what you will do! There is no "best cardio" The best is what you will do and enjoy hopefully. Exercise classes are good and very motivating usually and it helps to have a set time. Since you seem to be new to everything I suggest trying different things out, find out what you like the best. Also, do cardio and weights. I do more cardio than weights but you definitely need to do cardio to get rid of fat. Good luck! :happy: Oh and frequency-wise, I workout 6 times a week as many do cause you need one day of rest thats for sure but don't push yourself too much, ease yourself into it especially until you become more fit and don't get discouraged :happy:

~Leash

homemommy

The person you meet with at the Y should go through all the machines with you, show you how to use them and what weight you should start with. The best advice I can give is do both weights and cardio...weights to tone up your muscles and cardio to burn the fat. I do weights twice a week and cardio at least 4 times a week for at least 30 minutes.

Good luck and hope this helps.

Mamakatspokane

Try ALL cardio and pick the one you like...You won't stick with anything you don't like. Buy a few mags like Shape and they usually have different excercises for you to try. Also, the person who will show you around will give you lots of advice and most peopel at the gym are happy to help
As long as your moving, your goign to see some results. The longer you do it the better you'll become.
I personally LOVE classes but it's a personal choice. They keep my energy level up and on days I want to give up after 2 minutes I won't because I won't leave the class Plus I learn all sorts of new moves & techniques.
Good Luck!
~Kat

pkgirrl

congratulations on getting started again!

and yeah, don't limit yourself cardio wise. jump on the first thing that appeals to you, most machines will tell you cals, and measure your heart rate, so you'll know if you're getting a good enough workout, if not, go faster

a buddy is really good for this though, sometimes its hard to stay motivated when its just you and th machine, whereas if you have a partner, you'll push a little harder just cause they're there for you