Starting Point

kweede14
kweede14 Posts: 29 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
So I'm obviously out of shape and in no way fit but I'm also not like a complete bum (ie. I walk to class everyday and do light workouts like situps and pushups in my room a few days a week) but I would like to start running and possibly join a gym soon. My question is: is it better to just jump in full force and let your body adjust at that level (workout hard 5 days a week until it gets easy) or ease into it and slowly add more as you go along (workout like 2-3 days a week and add when I think I'm ready). I think I'd rather just go hard from the beginning (easing up obviously if my body physically can't handle it) but idk what best from a weight loss/fitness/health standpoint. Thoughts???

Replies

  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    I suggest easing into it but it's a personal preference. Going from zero to "workout hard 5 days a week" in one fell swoop likely will increase your risk of injury and, when coupled with a reduction in calories (if you are dieting), is a great way to end up overwhelmed. You know your level of fitness better than anybody else though.
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    try C25K app which helps ease you into running.

    When I started 2 years ago I did a few of those 30 day challenges like squats etc. I Then moved onto a workout video 30 day shred and did the modified until I could keep up with the instructor. Then I redid it all at advanced.

    So I basically slowly worked into it and I was still sore...tired...wanting to give up...I mean I laid on the floor on day 11 of the workout video with tears I was so out of shape...at modified.

    I guess what I am trying to say is this...if you are out of shape jumping into something will not be a good thing. Demotivating.

    Work your way up to it...I mean you aren't going to run a marathon without training and working your way up to it right? treat your fitness like that.

    Even being in great shape now I did C25K this summer as I hadn't run in years...it helped a lot.
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    Good way to cause overuse injuries.

    To lose weight, limit your calorie intake.
  • hill8570
    hill8570 Posts: 1,466 Member
    Start slow. It's a marathon, not a sprint.
  • theawill519
    theawill519 Posts: 242 Member
    In your case, I wouldn't start "slow." I would start at an intermediate level. You're already doing some exercise, so I would just kick it up a notch or 2. Your body is the best indicator of what's too much. Push yourself, but listen to your body. Slight fatigue and delayed muscle soreness is normal, but pain is not.

    Personally, I jumped right into it, doing 6 workouts a week (some high impact, some low) because I knew I could handle it, but that's not for everybody.

    Good luck!
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