A newbie question?

agrant85
agrant85 Posts: 92 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I just started my journey. I haven't exercised regularly since high school.....so over 10 years ago. I have an elliptical machine, which I did 30 minutes on last night. Should I started out slow at like every other day. Or do 5 days per week with weekends off? I also have the 30 day shred dvd that I've done a couple times in previous months. I don't plan on getting a membership at this point because I have 4 young kids, and a husband with a crazy work schedule. So it's hard to get to the gym.

Replies

  • RipperSB
    RipperSB Posts: 315 Member
    IMHO, the elliptical is something you can start off with right away at 30 mins a day, five days a week (this is what I do... 35 mins incl cool down). I generally use a gluteal workout that is mainly high incline, low resistance. Worked great for me, burning 260-280 cals per workout. Cheers.
  • rmarie98
    rmarie98 Posts: 36 Member
    Honestly, whatever works for you and your body. I started at a mere 20min but over the past few days I've already worked up to 50min after just a week :) I've been doing the elliptical for 4-5 days a week (busy schedule gets in the way...) and thats what works for me. you really have to experiment and see what works for you... :)
  • Seaglass1123
    Seaglass1123 Posts: 500 Member
    Find what works for you. If setting a schedule works then do that. 30 mins a few times a week sounds like a great start!

    I started out walking a few days a week and then you will find yourself wanting to do more. GOOD LUCK!
  • agrant85
    agrant85 Posts: 92 Member
    I think I could do 30 minutes per day, with a couple of off days. My husband is worried if I start out every day, I will get burnt out. Like I said, it's hard to get exercise in, with 4 kids. But last night, I got on my elliptical after I put my two toddlers to bed.
  • Ssand_257
    Ssand_257 Posts: 90
    Congrats on starting your journey! MFP is a great place for motivation and support!

    With the elliptical you should be okay to workout five days a week as long as you listen to your body and rest when you need it, your body needs to recover! I you move onto something that is higher impact such as running use the ten percent rule. Start with a base time it can be whatever you can handle then every week or two weeks increase your time or distance by ten percent. This gives your body some time to adapt to the changes your putting it through (also it is important to take rest day especially if your doing long distance running to allow your muscle to heal). This is the method I used while training for triathlons.

    And most important of all... STRETCH :D

    P.S. feel free to add me as a friend if you would like some motivation and support!
  • BflSaberfan
    BflSaberfan Posts: 1,272
    I think I could do 30 minutes per day, with a couple of off days. My husband is worried if I start out every day, I will get burnt out. Like I said, it's hard to get exercise in, with 4 kids. But last night, I got on my elliptical after I put my two toddlers to bed.

    I do the elliptical late at night too. I dotn think 30 minutes of cardio 5 days a week will burn you out, depending on your fitness level now but that is a pretty light activity so I think you'd be fine.

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