Help me? :(

chubbyfarzana
chubbyfarzana Posts: 1 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I'm 13.7 stones, 5"6 girl.

My ideal weight is about 10 stones. I have started gyming for the past month, I'm aiming about 4-5 times a week but that's ambitious - so far i have done 3-4 times a week.

I have never used any equipment ever so im so nervous. Usually I walk on a treadmill (about 50mins at speed 4.5, and burn about 178kcal) HOWEVER, I'm ever so scared of running :( I'm scared I will fall. Trust me, I have tried! I put the speed on 5.4 today and my feet just kept walking faster, I wouldn't let my legs go into "hopping" mode to run, do you know what I mean? How can I overcome this?

I have tried using the cross trainer but I feel like it doesn't do as much as a treadmill. Which other machines burn a lot of fat?

Replies

  • goldthistime
    goldthistime Posts: 3,213 Member
    edited October 2015
    5.4km/hour or 5.4mph? I ask because 5.4km/hour (which translates to 3.35mph) might be too slow a pace to comfortably run. But I think even at my most fit, I couldn't walk at 5.4mph, I'd have to break into a jog. So assuming your pace is in km/hr, upping the pace a little more might help. Also, is there a time of day when there are fewer people there or someone you know that you could drag along to go with you (who you could giggle with if there happened to be a misstep)? And lastly, LOTS of machines burn calories. I row at the gym whenever my knees/ankles/feet are bothering me. The elliptical machine is the favorite of many because it's easy on the joints and includes some upper body movement.
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    All physical activity burns calories. A caloric deficit is what you need for your fat loss goal. Walking is a perfectly fine method of burning calories. Running is not required.
  • mwyvr
    mwyvr Posts: 1,883 Member
    Your's is an unusual story! Normally all one would do is crank up the treadmill until it forces you into a running gait. Try it. Maybe ask someone to spot you. Use the safety clip on the machine (triggers shut down).

    If ever unsure about this or any other machine or piece of equipment, ask gym staff to assist you. That's what they are there for.

    Need motivation to run? Imagine you are being chased by a psychopath and then start running?

    Change the location? If you want to try running, why not try running outside? Get the motion down.

    If after trying you find running doesn't suit you, there's the elliptical machine. Or you can walk - a fast walk delivers more benefit than a slow casual stroll, but if you can't manage fast right now, start where you can and work up to it. You can walk outside too.

    Good luck. Don't be fearful of the gym or the machines or the staff - ask them for help, not us.
  • ppearo
    ppearo Posts: 3 Member
    For me it was easier to start running/jogging on pavement, before I was comfortable doing it on the treadmill. Also the elliptical us awesome and works alot more muscles.
  • AsISmile
    AsISmile Posts: 1,004 Member
    Machines don't burn fat, a calorie defecit does.
    Most of your weightloss will happen in the kitchen. Exercise is to improve your cardio vascular system, and maintain muscle during weightloss if you weight train.

    I second asking help from an instructor to explain the different machines. That is their job.
    Also, Elipticals are great :) But do the exercise you enjoy, because that is the one you will be able to continue doing.
    Regardless if that is the treadmill, eliptical, group classes, weight machines or free weights.

    (Ps. I would suggest you do some weight training as it helps maintain muscles, which will prevent your BMR from decreasing. Plus, weightloss will then be fat, not fat and muscle).
  • Noot30
    Noot30 Posts: 54 Member
    Does your treadmill have a cord on? The ones at my gym do, and you can clip it to your waist band, then if anything happens (like you slip or miss place your footing) its like hitting the stop button, and the treadmill stops quickly... Might help with confidence?

    Or as others have said, outside running is great, and I prefer it.

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