wanting to do it right!!!! HELP!

kasslass2
kasslass2 Posts: 337 Member
edited November 9 in Fitness and Exercise
When starting out (in BAD shape) how is it best to proceed? cardio and weights? Just cardio and body weight exercises? Advice appreciated. Thanks!

Replies

  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    first do it, then do it "right".

    Personally, I suggest that people do both. My doctor is insistent that I keep a 1:1 ratio.

    Which sucks because I don't mind 2 hour lifting sessions, but a 2 hour bike session and I'd be walking like I survived a bear attack during pride week.
  • BJPCraig
    BJPCraig Posts: 417 Member
    The best advice I ever heard is: "The best exercise program is the one you're going to stick with." Balancing cardio and strength training is fantastic, but if you hate strength training, you won't do it. Lots of people get fit & lose weight by running, but many (myself included) find that boring. There are several exercise programs avail on YouTube if you're totally lost and aren't even sure what you will or won't like. BeFit in 90 is pretty good, and I LOVE the FitnessBlender stuff.
  • SideSteel
    SideSteel Posts: 11,068 Member
    kasslass2 wrote: »
    When starting out (in BAD shape) how is it best to proceed? cardio and weights? Just cardio and body weight exercises? Advice appreciated. Thanks!

    That's really a context dependent situation.

    Making the assumption that your goal is fat loss I would suggest that you start by choosing the most enjoyable or least objectionable form of exercise. Precisely because you will have the greatest chance at sticking to it.

    Using some form of resistance training (whether that's weights, or whether you start with body-weight training, or SOMETHING that provides resistance) will be very beneficial for retaining muscle as you diet.

    And there are some programs that are better than others but ultimately if you are just starting out I'd still stick with "whatever you enjoy most or hate the least" and use that as a starting point.

    I could point you to a program that might be "theoretically optimal" but if you are on an optimized program that you only do twice per month, vs a not-so-great program that you do 3-5 times/week, the latter will probably provide better results especially in the short-term.
  • Horsejumper1
    Horsejumper1 Posts: 25 Member
    The preceding advice is perfect - do what you will stick with! I used to lift and hated it. Now I do mostly cardio and I am much more consistent. Ideally, we would get in both. But in reality, especially if you are starting out, find something you enjoy. No matter what you do though, start low and slow and build slowly. Otherwise you'll injure yourself.
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    There's enough hedonist in me that the only activities that stuck were the ones I enjoyed. I took various classes, had a few weeks with a fitness trainer, and picked up tips as I went. If something was boring I switched it up or dropped it for something else.

    Doing it right means doing it right for you.

    I suggest a class to start if it is something new so you can do the new activity without causing injury.

    Some of the tips I learned along the way is be religious about my "rest days" when running. That gives my muscles a full 48 hours to recover and strengthen. I can do something else on my "rest day", just not more running.

    I am looking at the HIIT model for lifting so that it is more productive.
  • kasslass2
    kasslass2 Posts: 337 Member
    Thank you for answering. Wanting to just be healthier, have more energy and all around feel better. Have also scheduled a vacation as a motivator and would love for optimal results by that date (last week of May).
  • kasslass2
    kasslass2 Posts: 337 Member
    I guess I should throw in there running is not an option. I HATE to run. Yes, I could still do it but I am naturally very large busted and it hurts to run.
  • Roxiegirl2008
    Roxiegirl2008 Posts: 756 Member
    Like others said chose something that you are going to stick with. I have a balance of cardio and weight training for me and it works. I get bored really quick so I need things like HIIT, cross fit or TRX that mixes up things. I also add spin class and running as part of my week so I can just focus on the cardio aspect.
  • sofaking6
    sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
    Will you be going to the gym? Try different classes and maybe do one personal training session to learn your way around the weights. Try the different cardio machines. See what you like and what challenges you.

    I think a mixture of both is best, but everyone is right that anything is better than nothing.

    And if you haven't already, double up that sports bra :)
  • BJPCraig
    BJPCraig Posts: 417 Member
    Okay, it sounds like you're not even sure what ou might like. In that case, I'd say to check out BeFit in 90 on YouTube. There are 90 days worth of workouts already laid out for you. But more important, they include general cardio, cardio kickboxing, weights, yoga ... a fairly good range of things. So even if you decide that then overall program isn't for you, it should give you enough variety to decide, "Yoga's great and I like to lift, but the kickboxing sucks" or "I need to find more cardio kickboxing and steer clear of yoga completely!" Then you can build from there.

    In the same vein, check gyms in your area if you think you might be interested in joining a gym (I prefer to workout at home, but to each his/her own). Most of the gyms around me offer a week or two introductory plan so you can try it out. You can try the equipment, the classes, and even the "vibe" of the place to see if you want to do that full-time. There are also "drop-in" type of Zumba, Jazzercise, etc. classes you might want to check out.

    Good luck, and enjoy your upcoming vacation!
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