Looking for direction

gillila

I've been working out (mostly elliptical and walking) and averaging around 1000 calories per day (net of my exercise) for over one month and I've lost 10 lbs. My profile says i've lost 5 - but it is using a one-year old starting date. I had gained weight before I started up one month ago. Now that I put it in print, that doesn't sound too bad. However, I've been a little disappointed with the slow progress - and i'm wondering if i should change my workout schedule. I do 30 minutes on the elliptical at least 5 days a week, walk at least 30 minutes at lunch 4 days a week, and i just finished week 2 of Slim in 6. (6 days/week - plus 3 days/week of the Slim in 6-pack). My goal is to consume 1200 net calories/day, but i seem to come in less than that most days -

I haven't read many posts referencing the success of Slim in 6 - but I think it is a good starter for me. Perhaps I will graduate to some more advanced programs when I am ready.

Does anyone have suggestions as to what i'm doing wrong, and/or right? I have lost a few inches and I can wear my rings again - so there has been some progress. I have a long way to go, and I want to make sure I am doing what I should to get the results i'm looking for.

Thank you.

Angie__1MR

Add in some weight training!

gillila

I have a set of hand weights at home - what do you suggest?

jos05

Add in some weight training!

I couldn't agree more!!
When I first started I started with Cardio only and by month two...I added weight training...that's when the inches and the weight started to come off faster!!

Good luck!! :happy:

Angie__1MR

Anything is better than none at all! What kind of weights do you have? If you give me an idea of how heavy they are, I can give you some ideas for exercises

gillila

I have a small set - two "dumbells" and weights that add up to I think 30 lbs. probably 2's, 3's and 5's? I haven't opened the box in a while. I also have a set of two 5 lb hand weights.

IreneAdler221

These are all good Ideas, but I just want to point out that 10lbs. in a month is healthy. If you're working out then you are likely gaining muscle weight on top of that, so I think you are doing a great job! If I were to change anything, I would up my calories to at least 1200 and maybe some weight training for dramatic results.

Angie__1MR

The weights are very light, but you can definitely do some exercises with them!

Bicep curls, tricep kick backs, squats holding the weights above your head, lunges, hundreds and hundreds of exercises. Adding weights to your routine will help burn fat faster. If you only do cardio, you are going to not only burn fat, but you will burn lean tissue as well.

Don't be put off by this, but go to http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/ This website is AMAZING! You simply click on the body part you want to train, and it will give you video demonstrations of all kinds of exercises for that body part. Don't be intimidated by this, it will help you learn proper form and give you a lot of ideas.

gillila

Thank you - I also have a membership to a local gym. I go in the morning and do my 30 minutes of elliptical - would it be best to trade off every other day for weight training? Or should I add the weight training to my existing 30 - 60 minutes /day? They have a lot of equipment that i could incorporate into a weight training program. I will check out the website you recommended.
Thanks again

Angie__1MR

Great, a gym membership is even better! I would do the 30 minutes of cardio AFTER weight training. The more lean tissue you have, the more calories you burn at a sedentary state.

How many calories are you eating a day - without backing out exercise calories?

gillila

Anywhere from 1200 to 1600 -

sonjarogers72

Thanks for that website Angie! This is why I love this site- always learning from you guys!

Angie__1MR

Thanks for that website Angie! This is why I love this site- always learning from you guys!

Yes ma'am! Happy to help! Bodybuilding.com is AWESOME, great articles too! It's not just for bodybuilders!

Angie__1MR

Anywhere from 1200 to 1600 -

1200 is WAY too low, for any woman, especially a woman that exercises!

gillila

I don't get hungry and i get full very quickly. I try to snack throughout the day (trail mix and cheese sticks mostly) but I don't always remember to do it because i don't get hungry. ...and I'm trying to drink enough water and it fills me up!