Exercise and not going to a gym

jlg759

I am trying to lose weight however I just don't have the time to get to a gym for workouts. I did notice that MFP has wII games in the list of exercises. I have children so I do have time in the evenings to play the wii and fit in a walk two or more times a week. I am not trying to build muscle or balk up, is this enough exercise for me or do I need to do some type of strenth training? If so can someone suggest what i might do? I am 292 LBs and I am now eating at my calorie mark of 1880 or less each day.


Thanks

Joe

bpotts44

You don't need strength training but it does help. Walking, jogging, and body weight exercises can really take you a long way. Check out the following websites for advice on home anywhere/anytime workouts:

www.nerdfitness.com
www.scoobysworkshop.com

I basically ride a bike, run, and do a combo of the nerd fitness and scoobys beginners workout 2-3 times per week. I spent 150 bucks on craigslist for the weights. Nice set too.

LoraF83

You don't need exercise to lose weight. However, exercise has a lot of benefits! Anything is better than nothing. So, if all you can do/want to do right now is games on the wii....that's a good start! Going for a few walks every week is also good.

Strength training is what will make your body look awesome when you get to your goal weight. You don't have to bench press 200lbs, but doing body weight exercises could be a great start. Squats, pushups, lunges, tricep dips, etc will all have a positive impact. I would second bpotts44 in saying that you should check out the webistes listed. They will be great resources for you. Eventually, check into getting some weights or a gym membership.

You won't "bulk up" by lifting weights. Bulking up requires a calorie surplus and lots of time. Building muscle is hard. Making the muscles you have look better and burning fat is much easier - and that's what will happen when you start doing strength training.

bcattoes

You'll likely be happier with your results if you add some strength trainging in. But you don't need a gym for it. Calisthenics (body weight exercises) will do the trick nicely. Pushups, pullups, squats, lunges, planks, etc.

faithchange

Look at my profile picture....that's all been done at home. I never stepped into a gym. I have used at home DVDs. The most expensive being the P90X program (which I got more than 2 years ago for my birthday present). Many workouts will have some strength training on them whether it be with the use of 3-10lbs weights, kettle bells or using one's own body weight.

If you can do lunges, squats and bridges these help tremendously with lower body. With upper there are tricep dips, shoulder presses, bicep curls, just to name a few.

As people say, you can do anything as long as your moving...so, yes Wii is great. Walking is super too! As you get closer to goal, you'll have to change it up with some strength though to get more loss and toning in too.

Hope this helps!

Michelle

BigGuy47

You do strength training to hold on to the strength you have now. You don't want to end up skinny and weak. A combination of cardio (walking counts) and strength is a good approach.

As mentioned already, the biggest factor with weight loss is diet.