Can a treadmill and healhty eating get you in shape?

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motivatethismom
motivatethismom Posts: 42 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
If I purchased a treadmill, I already have a stationary bike. If i do those two things along with squats/lunges and maybe a fitness dvd is it possible to get in shape on my own? I don't think this gym thing is for me. It's too hard to know what to do and with such short time working full time i miss too much time with my kids going :-(
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Replies

  • BrettWithPKU
    BrettWithPKU Posts: 575 Member
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    When you say "get in shape" are you saying "lose weight" or "tone"?

    You can definitely lose weight doing all that. In fact all you really need is a treadmill OR a bike, plus healthy eating. (some might argue you don't even need the exercise equipment; but exercise makes the process SO much easier)

    If you're looking to just add definition, it's be far easier for you if you had resistance in the form of weights.
  • SherryTeach
    SherryTeach Posts: 2,836 Member
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    A treadmill can be part of a plan for healthy living. I have had a high quality True treadmill for a dozen years and I use it. But I also stay in my calorie goal, eat a nutritionally balanced diet, ride my bike, use a stability ball, and do strengthening routines that I find on-line. One does not have to join a gym to maintain good health and fitness.
  • randomtai
    randomtai Posts: 9,003 Member
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    Strength resistance is needed or you will lose lean muscle mass.
  • lawrville1
    lawrville1 Posts: 2
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    I use an elliptical, and diet. It is important to note that at times ones weight fluctuates up or down. Persistance helps you achieve your goal.
  • workout_ninja
    workout_ninja Posts: 524 Member
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    Ive lost 60lbs and never set foot inside a gym. I went out and ran or cycled so yes you can lose weight. However, now that I have lost weight, I am trying to build muscle so a gym is needed for weights
  • rondaj05
    rondaj05 Posts: 497 Member
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    A treadmill can be part of a plan for healthy living. I have had a high quality True treadmill for a dozen years and I use it. But I also stay in my calorie goal, eat a nutritionally balanced diet, ride my bike, use a stability ball, and do strengthening routines that I find on-line. One does not have to join a gym to maintain good health and fitness.

    ^^ Yup!
  • 2013sk
    2013sk Posts: 1,318 Member
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    Ive lost 60lbs and never set foot inside a gym. I went out and ran or cycled so yes you can lose weight. However, now that I have lost weight, I am trying to build muscle so a gym is needed for weights

    WOW!! Well done that's fantastic..............!

    Eating healthier, moving more, drinking plenty of water.......... : )

    I was thinking of working out from home, But I do love that buzz when everyone is working really hard on the machines, socialising, a set programme with the instructors etc

    Good luck!! x
  • MamaFunky
    MamaFunky Posts: 735 Member
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    You can also purchase a set of free weights to use at home. We have a set that ranges from 25lbs down to 2 lbs and it works great for doing weights at home. Ours also came with a small adjustable bench for doing various exercises. We have a treadmill and I have my favorite workout DVD's(30DS and Zumba are my favs) that I do at least 5 days a week.

    Good luck and best wishes to you!! :smile:
  • chelso0o
    chelso0o Posts: 366 Member
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    That, and plyometrics. Check out bodyrock.tv on Youtube. Zusana is a big proponent of the home workout movement.
  • Tiff050709
    Tiff050709 Posts: 497 Member
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    I started with just a treadmill. I have added a stability ball, resistance bands and free weights. You can def get in shape without going to a gym.
  • Cobb_66
    Cobb_66 Posts: 65 Member
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    I've gone to gym err... twice? And I've lost double what my ticker says (or at least... I've lost it twice.. but that had nothing to do with a gym and all to do with unhealthy mindsets).

    You can absolutely lose the weight with a treadmill and healthy eating. As for toning, I disagree with many people that that absolutely requires a gym. I tone up using dumb bells and Jillian Micheals videos (and they work! I swear!). I suppose it depends on if you want to "tone" or "bulk". I know very little about bulking but I would imagine it takes more weights and weight machines - so yes, that would require a gym.

    But I tone just fine (my picture is before that though so don't be fooled!) with my HIIT dvds and PopPilates with Cassey Ho (FREE online for anyone!! www.blogilates.com). I find the mixture of resistance and strength from the Jillian DVDs and the pilates to be incredibly effective in a short time.

    Good luck!!
  • Roadie2000
    Roadie2000 Posts: 1,801 Member
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    Yes, it will help you lose weight and build your cardiovascular endurance but you won't get very toned or get stronger unless you do some strength training.
  • fortally
    fortally Posts: 78
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    A treadmill can be part of a plan for healthy living. I have had a high quality True treadmill for a dozen years and I use it. But I also stay in my calorie goal, eat a nutritionally balanced diet, ride my bike, use a stability ball, and do strengthening routines that I find on-line. One does not have to join a gym to maintain good health and fitness.

    ^^ Yup!

    I second that!

    I have a very old treadmill, an even older step bench, resistance bands, 1.5-5 lb. weights, and a variety of workout videos. That was all I needed to get in the best shape of my life a few years ago (5' 6", mid 120s weight, size 4 jeans! :smile: ), and it's all I'm using this time around too. (Exercise wasn't my problem - it was sticking to a healthy, sustainable diet. Stupid oreo cookies!).
  • motivatethismom
    motivatethismom Posts: 42 Member
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    I don't have much weight to loose, actually I'd be fine to stay at where I am now 122lbs if I didn't have the extra belly and thigh fat from having babies. so basically i just want it gone. Is it possible to get rid of doing a treadmill and say possibly the Jillian Michaels 30 day shred dvd?
  • randomtai
    randomtai Posts: 9,003 Member
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    I don't have much weight to loose, actually I'd be fine to stay at where I am now 122lbs if I didn't have the extra belly and thigh fat from having babies. so basically i just want it gone. Is it possible to get rid of doing a treadmill and say possibly the Jillian Michaels 30 day shred dvd?

    You would need weights or Bodyweight exercises more than a treadmill IMHO. Google "You are your own gym" and check out some lifting programs (Starting Strength, Stronglifts 5X5, New Rules of Lifting for Women). Also look around craigslist for some used plates and set ups.
  • DjinnMarie
    DjinnMarie Posts: 1,297 Member
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    I don't have much weight to loose, actually I'd be fine to stay at where I am now 122lbs if I didn't have the extra belly and thigh fat from having babies. so basically i just want it gone. Is it possible to get rid of doing a treadmill and say possibly the Jillian Michaels 30 day shred dvd?

    I'm a mom of 3. To get rid of the belly and thigh fat you need to increase your lean muscle mass and lower your BF%. Otherwise you can get rail thin and still have the dreaded mommy muffin top. If money is tight I would keep the bike and skip the treadmill in favor of some dumbells.
  • fortally
    fortally Posts: 78
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    I don't have much weight to loose, actually I'd be fine to stay at where I am now 122lbs if I didn't have the extra belly and thigh fat from having babies. so basically i just want it gone. Is it possible to get rid of doing a treadmill and say possibly the Jillian Michaels 30 day shred dvd?

    In all honesty the treadmill doesn't do much to reshape my body. I have the most success with toning and tightening by using resistance bands and doing a whole lot of sculpting exercises (squats & lunges with weights, etc.). Workout dvds are awesome for that. My advice, though - don't rely on just one video. You need a variety to give your body a break and to hit difference muscles (or the same muscles in different ways).

    I do love the treadmill (& other pure cardio) for other reasons. The treadmill is great for a "rest" day between sculpting days. I also find that I build endurance & stamina a LOT faster if I incorporate cardio. When I just rely on the dvds it takes me a lot longer to be able to get through them without keeling over. But you absolutely do NOT need to buy a treadmill. I was just lucky to get a free cast-off from a relative. Walking outside is free, so is pushing a stroller and chasing kids around the yard. :wink:
  • eldamiano
    eldamiano Posts: 2,667 Member
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    Run in the street....
  • motivatethismom
    motivatethismom Posts: 42 Member
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    I don't have much weight to loose, actually I'd be fine to stay at where I am now 122lbs if I didn't have the extra belly and thigh fat from having babies. so basically i just want it gone. Is it possible to get rid of doing a treadmill and say possibly the Jillian Michaels 30 day shred dvd?

    I'm a mom of 3. To get rid of the belly and thigh fat you need to increase your lean muscle mass and lower your BF%. Otherwise you can get rail thin and still have the dreaded mommy muffin top. If money is tight I would keep the bike and skip the treadmill in favor of some dumbells.


    what exactly would I need to do at home to achieve this?
  • MrsG31
    MrsG31 Posts: 364 Member
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    I don't have much weight to loose, actually I'd be fine to stay at where I am now 122lbs if I didn't have the extra belly and thigh fat from having babies. so basically i just want it gone. Is it possible to get rid of doing a treadmill and say possibly the Jillian Michaels 30 day shred dvd?

    I'm a mom of 3. To get rid of the belly and thigh fat you need to increase your lean muscle mass and lower your BF%. Otherwise you can get rail thin and still have the dreaded mommy muffin top. If money is tight I would keep the bike and skip the treadmill in favor of some dumbells.


    what exactly would I need to do at home to achieve this?

    -Hand-held weights, starting at whatever you feel comfortable doing. (3 lbs, 5 lbs, 10 lbs) You can always buy heavier ones as you get more comfortable and especially once doing 3 sets of 8-12 reps is way too easy.
    -Perhaps a kettle ball - also come in different sizes/weights
    -Resistance bands
    -Jump rope?
    -Sneakers
    -Work-out DVDs - get a few different ones so you can switch up
    -and YOU - you need no equipment to do crunches, lunges, squats (although it can help add more resistance), planks, tricep dips (I use our ottoman for those), push ups (which you can also do off an ottoman or a wall until you build up more strength)

    And stop second guessing yourself! You CAN do this!

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