Former athlete getting back in shape

mehibbs
mehibbs Posts: 4
edited February 13 in Introduce Yourself
After a couple of years of less than mediocre training and exercise (I blame it on graduate school), I'm ready to get back in the gym! BUT, this time, I'm a little intimidated. I've been an athlete all my life and have had the ability to jump back into fitness after being out of it for a while. Well, this time, it's different. I'm about 20 pounds lighter now that I'm not working out. I understand to gain 20 pounds of muscle is pretty darn unrealistic for me, but I'm at least hoping for 5 pounds of muscle to start with. I'm looking for a great whole body workout that will really help me gain muscle, but I would love to really focus on my legs and glutes as those two body parts show the most muscle atrophy. Any help/suggestions?? Thanks in advance!

Megan:smile:

Replies

  • echoslug
    echoslug Posts: 73 Member
    I recommend swimming if you have access to a pool. Works the whole body, especially if you're switching strokes and provides cardio, resistance and endurance training all at the same time. Plus it has the added benefit of being low impact. If you can get a 1-2 hour session in a couple times a week you'll start building those muscles back.

    To focus on your legs just grab a kickboard. Trust me, you'll be feeling those muscles real quick.
  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,329 Member
    former athlete here as well. i took a lot of time off but generally have had a great time feeling like i'm working out like an athlete again, especially since i have some competitive goals in place.

    check out starting strength, strong lifts, strong curves (i plan on switching to this once i get closer to my goal) or if you're really desperate new rules of lifting for women (sorry but that is my least favorite lifting program)
  • Roadie2000
    Roadie2000 Posts: 1,801 Member
    Stronglifts 5x5 is what worked for me.
  • mehibbs
    mehibbs Posts: 4
    I've heard great things about the StrongLift 5X5. Is this something that you still do or was it just used to get you where you are now?
  • mehibbs
    mehibbs Posts: 4
    Thanks! I am fortunate enough to have access to a pool everyday, so I'll start that!
  • Roadie2000
    Roadie2000 Posts: 1,801 Member
    I've heard great things about the StrongLift 5X5. Is this something that you still do or was it just used to get you where you are now?
    I am not actively doing it right now but I've done it in the past with great results. I plan on doing it again when I'm done with P90x3 but I'm taking a little vacation from the gym.
  • TapouTFTW
    TapouTFTW Posts: 72
    I am ex-Army and ashamed of what I let myself sink into, apathy about diet and exercise breeds fat. I have never had the problem building muscle, as I have always had to worry about fat. Have you thought about cross fit training?
  • mehibbs
    mehibbs Posts: 4
    I have entertained the idea, but from what I know, CrossFit is incredibly expensive (I've heard $70/month). I have a beautiful gym for free that includes all free classes and an Olympic size pool, so I would hate to pay that when I have all of the amenities available for free.
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