long term workout effect - question

chasetwins
chasetwins Posts: 702 Member
edited January 22 in Fitness and Exercise
OK so I lead a VERY busy life with limited time to work out..and by work out I mean AT HOME. Due to family / work etc if I joined a gym I would not be able to go until the weekend. If I tried to go during the week it would be a rushed mess!

So I workout Monday through Friday between 11:30 and 12:30. (if I can I try to get one in over the weekend) I use Zumba mostly, started out with the first easy DVD then moved onto the next in line which is about 40 minutes. i am burning about 335 ish each time. I do this 4 times a week and then I also add in one day a week something more on the lines of toning / strength (either zumba toning, hip hop abs,shred etc.) I am not ready for the next DVD as I tried it already (did the whole 60 minutes / burned about 500 ish) and came extremely close to pulling a muscle taking me out of the workout world. Luckily I caught it before it wreaked havoc!

At any rate - my question...pretty sure I like the routine I have....I can easily stick to it..more importantly I ENJOY it!!!
Will burning only 300 to 500 cals per day via workouts be enough long term? Or do you think I am going to have to switch it up more once I lose more weight and be forced to get something more intense?

My goal is to lose weight..however I do not want to be "skinnyfat" either lol

Replies

  • DalekBrittany
    DalekBrittany Posts: 1,748 Member
    Any amount of exercise is a good amount. I think a good point to do something more intense is when whatever you are doing now is no longer a challenge. We can build up tolerances to anything, drugs, alcohol, medicine, and even exercise. Eventually, your stamina will increase and it will no longer be a challenge for you! I think that would be a good point to switch it up :)

    Also, good for you for finding the time. A lot of people come on here and go on about how they don't have time to workout so they aren't losing weight quick as they like. You can either make time, or make excuses.
  • chasetwins
    chasetwins Posts: 702 Member
    Ya I am all about No excuses this time! LOL I want to be healthy and thin...who says you can't have it all LMAO :)

    I am just afraid that my one hour home work outs someday just will not be enough. Maybe when I get through all the Zumba and get bored with hip hop abs...then maybe I will check out insanity. But I know that will not be for a long time! I am too prone to injuring myself with home workouts! :)

    Thank you for input - I think only upping the intensity when i no longer feel challenged is a great idea!
  • BeachIron
    BeachIron Posts: 6,490 Member

    Will burning only 300 to 500 cals per day via workouts be enough long term? Or do you think I am going to have to switch it up more once I lose more weight and be forced to get something more intense?

    My goal is to lose weight..however I do not want to be "skinnyfat" either lol

    If you want to avoid the "skinny fat" look, i.e. be lean and muscular then you need to focus on strength training. The weight will come off with or without cardio so long as you eat at a calorie deficit. That said, cardio helps as it gives you more calories to eat and helps with health through cardiovascular conditioning. Your body is not going to suddenly change when you hit goal weight and force you to work out longer or more intensely. In fact, you may get away with doing less because you will be able to eat at maintenance.
  • chasetwins
    chasetwins Posts: 702 Member

    Will burning only 300 to 500 cals per day via workouts be enough long term? Or do you think I am going to have to switch it up more once I lose more weight and be forced to get something more intense?

    My goal is to lose weight..however I do not want to be "skinnyfat" either lol

    If you want to avoid the "skinny fat" look, i.e. be lean and muscular then you need to focus on strength training. The weight will come off with or without cardio so long as you eat at a calorie deficit. That said, cardio helps as it gives you more calories to eat and helps with health through cardiovascular conditioning. Your body is not going to suddenly change when you hit goal weight and force you to work out longer or more intensely. In fact, you may get away with doing less because you will be able to eat at maintenance.

    hmmm good point :/ and something to keep in mind for sure!!
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