Proper Stretches & Strength Training Question

kekagel
kekagel Posts: 94 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
So far my cardio consists of just walking at a 3mph rate. I'm trying to get my body used to daily exercise. I've noticed a bit of soreness in my shins and some in my back and shoulders (this could be due to sitting at the computer).

Does anyone know or can point me in the right direction of a list of the proper stretches to do? Also, I have 80 pounds I would like to lose. Should I begin to incorporate strength training now? If so, where can I look to tell me exactly what I should do?

Thanks!

Replies

  • MelStren
    MelStren Posts: 457 Member
    I'm sure you could look to youtube to get directions for stretches. Take an advil or ibuprofen 30mins before you walk to help with the after walk pain and be sure to strecth before and after you walk. And yes, start your strength training now! You'll want a lifting program that uses light weights and works your core body muscles. I like all of Tony Little's dvds.
  • debussyschild
    debussyschild Posts: 804 Member
    If your shins are bothering you, you might want to consider the shoe that you are wearing. If it feels like shin splints, then a better walking (or running) shoe would be best. A good running shoe is always worth the investment, especially when you go to a reputable sporting goods store and have them fitted by a professional. Good stretches for your shins are just normal quadricep stretches, just pull a little more. Soreness from sitting at the computer will get better the more you incorporate stretching and exercising into your daily routine. I always got a lot of shoulder tension from sitting at a desk. My favorite stretch is just to stand with legs straight, bend at the waist, and let my upper body hang, head pointing to the ground. Just lets all of those muscles relax and let gravity take over.

    To answer your question about weight training: it is NEVER too soon to start. In fact, the sooner you start, the better! If you are inexperienced at weight training, I definitely recommend perusing www.bodybuilding.com Lots of useful information for beginners as well as training programs. They have an online exercise library with videos that explain any exercise you can think of! It's great!
  • gramacanada
    gramacanada Posts: 557 Member
    Libraries are full of books that answer these questions, And give you visuals with good form- bad form. And explicit how to's. It gives you more time to practice the positions and poses. Un - like a video you have time to refer back. A lot of stretching is very similar to yoga. Shin splints? Yes, better shoes are a good idea. Also take shorter steps and walk on softer surfaces. You may just have done too much too soon. Don't force it. It'll come:smile:

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