Am I not doing enough?

vintagecrimes
vintagecrimes Posts: 24 Member
edited November 30 in Fitness and Exercise
Started back up exercising about 2 weeks ago, and I go everyday 4-5 days of effort and 2-3 days of taking it easier. I usually go for around 45 minutes, maintain my heart rate around 160-180, try and burn at least 300 calories and come home and do a few reps of light 5lb weight lifts and ab work outs. I don't really break a sweat at all...honestly, never really been a person to sweat, even when I was heavily involved in sports and running. I have slowly increased my resistance and do feel stronger. However, I have been told I am not pushing myself hard enough. I pull back a lot because I am worried I will strain my heart to much. I have been a smoker for 12 years ( I know, I know it's time to quit, especially when I've already made such drastic healthy lifestyle changes... Don't judge, I am trying to quit) Also, I have been on some form of ADD stimulant medication for about 13 years which also puts a lot of extra work on the heart. So questions...Am I not doing enough already? or should I try a different exercise routine that doesn't involve as much cardio but still gives the desired toning aspect...If so suggestions on what I should try doing. Also to note I am sort of limited in mobility in any exercise that requires me to put any pressure on my wrist where it is bent (push-ups) the pain is excruciating (something to do with the lunate bone) I have to improvise on things like crunches that tell me to lean on my hands. Thanks :)

Replies

  • SonyaCele
    SonyaCele Posts: 2,841 Member
    who is telling you you are not pushing yourself hard enough? dont listen to other people unless its your doctor or PT. the fact that you are doing more than you were doing 2 weeks ago is enough.
  • successgal1
    successgal1 Posts: 996 Member
    You're doing fine, other people need to keep their noses out of your business. It will take more than 2 weeks for you to build your fitness level enough so that you feel you can step it up a notch, and you should discuss your concerns with your doctor.

  • Buff_Man
    Buff_Man Posts: 623 Member
    What does your doc say? If you can reach 180 that's pretty good. Resistance wise I guess you need to go harder. Maybe look at what you can do and build a routine around that?
  • jessef593
    jessef593 Posts: 2,272 Member
    Yeah Id say try to increase the weights when it comes to lifting. I honestly get a kick out of people who are still lifting the same weights they were when I first joined that gym 7 months ago. You have to keep the progression going in order to maintain a certain degree of difficulty other wise results will slowly wither away.

    For your cardio with a 45 minute session. 300 calories sounds fairly low. I usually break 400-500 calories in about 35 minutes doing a steady pace on the stationary bike.
  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
    You didn't really mention what you are trying to accomplish, so "doing enough" is going to be a pretty arbitrary thing. For example, if you're trying to lose weight, diet is going to be paramount. If you're trying to get strong, heavy weights are going to be your focus. You get the idea.
  • SonyaCele
    SonyaCele Posts: 2,841 Member
    jessef593 wrote: »
    Yeah Id say try to increase the weights when it comes to lifting. I honestly get a kick out of people who are still lifting the same weights they were when I first joined that gym 7 months ago. You have to keep the progression going in order to maintain a certain degree of difficulty other wise results will slowly wither away.

    For your cardio with a 45 minute session. 300 calories sounds fairly low. I usually break 400-500 calories in about 35 minutes doing a steady pace on the stationary bike.

    I'm actually impressed when i see people still lifting 7 months later. kudos to them for not quitting. the amount someone lifts is none of anyone's business but the lifter. I bench the same as i did 7 months ago, and i am far from withered away, i'm sure you'd get a kick out of me.
  • vintagecrimes
    vintagecrimes Posts: 24 Member
    DopeItUp wrote: »
    You didn't really mention what you are trying to accomplish, so "doing enough" is going to be a pretty arbitrary thing. For example, if you're trying to lose weight, diet is going to be paramount. If you're trying to get strong, heavy weights are going to be your focus. You get the idea.

    I am trying to lose weight and tone up i'm about 118 now started at 121 and my goal is 105 and I'm a little under 5'2. I have been really good with my diet high protein, low calorie, and balancing all the food groups. It is really hard to lose smaller amounts of weight. I know its only been a few weeks...and there is progress mainly in my face and stomach which is starting to flatten out a lot. And thank you to everyone for the feedback. I am so happy to have such awesome support all the time from the people here on MFP. Such a great community :)
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