Should I have a more varied exercise plan?

astronomyoverdrive
astronomyoverdrive Posts: 5
in Fitness and Exercise
I'm currently walking around 30-40 mins. a day and cycling about 15-20 mins, 4 times a week. One day a week I am unable to do this and instead I walk 40 mins.

This is the only exercise I am doing on a diet of 1200 cals. Should I be switching things up a bit (eg; running, going to the gym) or is this alright?

Also, what are your favorite and most effective exercises to do at home (crunches, press ups etc.)?

Replies

  • Hadabetter
    Hadabetter Posts: 942 Member
    When your body adapts to an exercise it become less beneficial to you, so you need to mix things up a bit. For instance, run/walk a little instead of just walking. Vary your speed on your bike rides, etc.

    It would be great if you could incorporate some strength training in there also.
  • FullOfWin
    FullOfWin Posts: 1,414 Member
    A balanced resistance training routine would serve better than all the cardio.
  • ValerieMomof2
    ValerieMomof2 Posts: 530 Member
    Yep, add strength training and do interval training with your walking (increase speed for set time or if on a treadmill, increase incline). It's important to change the demands on your body
  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,329 Member
    A balanced resistance training routine would serve better than all the cardio.
    this. but if you want more variety, you can do a mix of both : 3 days resistance work and 2-3 days of the cardio

    if you dont have access to a gym, look into doing body weight exercises.

    the main benefit to resistance training is to help your body save as much lean body mass as possible while you lose weight. the more lean body mass that isnt lost means that more fat (in proportion) that will be lost. that way not only will you lose weight, but you'll also look like you've lost weight.

    it's pretty easy to tell the people who have lost tons of lean body mass because they find that even after losing 30,40,50 pounds there's very little difference in their measurements and clothing sizes.
  • astronomyoverdrive
    astronomyoverdrive Posts: 5
    I do have a very varied cycling/walking workout, as I've started cycling/walking to and from work. The journey includes a lot of big hills and I have to switch between cycling and walking several times, so the routine itself does change slightly everyday.

    What sort of strength/resistance training could you recommend? I don't have access to a gym and I'm trying to avoid building bulky muscle at all costs!
  • astrampe
    astrampe Posts: 2,169 Member
    I do have a very varied cycling/walking workout, as I've started cycling/walking to and from work. The journey includes a lot of big hills and I have to switch between cycling and walking several times, so the routine itself does change slightly everyday.

    What sort of strength/resistance training could you recommend? I don't have access to a gym and I'm trying to avoid building bulky muscle at all costs!

    If you want to avoid bulky muscle don't take steroids....:sad: You cannot get bulky if you are a female (which I take it you are?) Go read up on females and strengh training - not body building, pick up some heavy dumbells and start lifting,.... Your body will thank you and you will look and feel better and healthier....
  • FullOfWin
    FullOfWin Posts: 1,414 Member
    And if you really can't get to a gym or buy equipment for home, google "you are your own gym" for a good bodyweight routine.
  • astronomyoverdrive
    astronomyoverdrive Posts: 5
    Thank you! I know I'm not going to gain muscle like a man would, but I am quite muscular for a woman (especially my legs- ugh!) and I'm afraid I might just build it up. I've never dieted properly before, and I'm not a fan of working out so I have no idea where this will take me!
  • ValerieMomof2
    ValerieMomof2 Posts: 530 Member
    Thank you! I know I'm not going to gain muscle like a man would, but I am quite muscular for a woman (especially my legs- ugh!) and I'm afraid I might just build it up. I've never dieted properly before, and I'm not a fan of working out so I have no idea where this will take me!

    I am a more muscular woman as well so I understand. The key is to work with someone even just a couple times to learn proper exercise so find someone who has a clue that can work with you on proper form/technique and exercises. Even doing body weight exercises will be beneficial
  • Cassierocksalot
    Cassierocksalot Posts: 266 Member
    Thank you! I know I'm not going to gain muscle like a man would, but I am quite muscular for a woman (especially my legs- ugh!) and I'm afraid I might just build it up. I've never dieted properly before, and I'm not a fan of working out so I have no idea where this will take me!

    My aunt is this same way. She's been doing Pilates for 2 years now and is down over 60 lbs.
  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,329 Member
    What sort of strength/resistance training could you recommend? I don't have access to a gym and I'm trying to avoid building bulky muscle at all costs!
    you wont get bulky muscles.

    i promise.

    i've been regularly lifting things that are as heavy as or heavier than me and I've lost 5 pant sizes . 5 pant sizes being the difference between having to shop at the fat girl store and being at the highest size in regular girl store :laugh:

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