Do I join the gym?

ladylocolisa
ladylocolisa Posts: 27 Member
edited November 18 in Fitness and Exercise
I walk my dogs twice a day should I also join the gym to help loose weight?

Replies

  • DMLC2014
    DMLC2014 Posts: 71 Member
    You want to do about 3 hours per week of hard non stop exercising. Here is a place to get you started. http://darebee.com/workouts.html
    http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/circuit-training-exercises.html
    Remember to take a rest day every week.

    You don't need to join a gym-- maybe down the road it could be an option for you. Just search around to find the right one. Remember to ask questions and do the research to see if the gym thing is right for you.
  • earlnabby
    earlnabby Posts: 8,171 Member
    What do you need that a gym offers? Do you need to consult a PT? Do you want to begin strength training with equipment you don't have to buy? Do you want to take classes? Do you want to swim laps? Can you afford a membership?

    No, you do not need to join a gym. Yes, you may want to if it would provide something you need to achieve your goals. I have lost over 100 lb so far. I did join a gym, but only for the pools because I swim laps and take a water exercise class. I am not interested in lifting or using strength equipment. I also walk about 1-2 hours a day. Your dogs (assuming they can walk faster than 2 mph) will give you great incentive and motivation to walk for cardio.
  • DMLC2014
    DMLC2014 Posts: 71 Member
    earlnabby wrote: »
    What do you need that a gym offers? Do you need to consult a PT? Do you want to begin strength training with equipment you don't have to buy? Do you want to take classes? Do you want to swim laps? Can you afford a membership?

    No, you do not need to join a gym. Yes, you may want to if it would provide something you need to achieve your goals. I have lost over 100 lb so far. I did join a gym, but only for the pools because I swim laps and take a water exercise class. I am not interested in lifting or using strength equipment. I also walk about 1-2 hours a day. Your dogs (assuming they can walk faster than 2 mph) will give you great incentive and motivation to walk for cardio.

    I'm here to change your mind about strength training. I didn't think I would like it until I started doing it. I get this tingle feeling like my muscles are working-- goes into the next day. It is like I'm still burning calories.
  • earlnabby
    earlnabby Posts: 8,171 Member
    DMLC2014 wrote: »
    earlnabby wrote: »
    What do you need that a gym offers? Do you need to consult a PT? Do you want to begin strength training with equipment you don't have to buy? Do you want to take classes? Do you want to swim laps? Can you afford a membership?

    No, you do not need to join a gym. Yes, you may want to if it would provide something you need to achieve your goals. I have lost over 100 lb so far. I did join a gym, but only for the pools because I swim laps and take a water exercise class. I am not interested in lifting or using strength equipment. I also walk about 1-2 hours a day. Your dogs (assuming they can walk faster than 2 mph) will give you great incentive and motivation to walk for cardio.

    I'm here to change your mind about strength training. I didn't think I would like it until I started doing it. I get this tingle feeling like my muscles are working-- goes into the next day. It is like I'm still burning calories.

    I didn't say I don't strength train, I said I don't lift or use gym equipment. Lap swimming is great strength training.

  • DMLC2014
    DMLC2014 Posts: 71 Member
    I just don't know the reason why not-- it helps to build muscles.
  • earlnabby
    earlnabby Posts: 8,171 Member
    edited May 2015
    DMLC2014 wrote: »
    I just don't know the reason why not-- it helps to build muscles.

    So does swimming and it is much more enjoyable. I have much better muscle definition than I ever did lifting.

  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
    ladylocolisa wrote: »
    I walk my dogs twice a day should I also join the gym to help loose weight?

    Weight loss happens without any exercise at all, as long as you eat less than you burn. Exercise is for health and fitness and can happen anywhere. Walking is awesome exercise, so unless it does not work for you, there is no need to change it.
  • JBROC5
    JBROC5 Posts: 37 Member
    I haven't joined a gym. I hike, bike, run, as well as do circuit training videos in my living room. I am a big believer in doing weights of some sort. I have worked out solely cardio and not lost near as much as when I incorporate weights. Not only that but I have heard that weight bearing exercise helps osteoporosis.
  • DesertGunR
    DesertGunR Posts: 187 Member
    Gym is not an absolute need for you from what you've said. Walk your dogs everyday. Time your self. Get MapMyWalk App on your phone. Make a set of goals to walk faster and farther over a set period of time. Faster one week, further the next, that kind of idea. You choose. It will be good for you and good for your Dogs.

    Other than that keep eating at deficit and good luck!
  • rejectuf
    rejectuf Posts: 487 Member
    It depends on your goals.

    Walking your dogs really isn't very much exercise. But if strength and fitness aren't an issue for you, and you can keep your weight down without more exercise then don't bother.

    If you want to be stronger and in better shape, then a gym or another exercise routine will be a good idea for you.
  • DesertGunR
    DesertGunR Posts: 187 Member
    rejectuf wrote: »
    It depends on your goals.

    Walking your dogs really isn't very much exercise. But if strength and fitness aren't an issue for you, and you can keep your weight down without more exercise then don't bother.

    If you want to be stronger and in better shape, then a gym or another exercise routine will be a good idea for you.

    Obviously not a dog owner. Not sure what breed she has and it is not really relevant. Walking is a cardio based exercise which is a proven method for improving one's health. Walking a pair of dogs is a much better incentive to get out and walk every single day, regardless of weather and a much better view of the world than seen from a treadmill. You improve your health and the dog's simultaneously. Win/Win.

    If she decides that after a few weeks of walking faster and farther if she feels like adding a strength routine in of some kind in the future, she can, and even then that does not require a gym.
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