I come here for guidance.

Sadwings
Sadwings Posts: 7 Member
edited November 2024 in Introduce Yourself
Hi. I'm a 42 year old 280 lbs woman. I joined the gym up the street which opens up soon, and I'm not sure on where to start in regards to an exercise routine. I'm a chef, so I'm surrounded by yummy unhealthy foods all the time, and I get cravings for everything that's not good for me. So, my questions are:

a) Where do I begin in regards to excercising
b) Is there a meal plan online that can help me get on the right track

I'm sure there are more questions that I'll have as I go along.

Thank you in advanced.

Replies

  • tiptoethruthetulips
    tiptoethruthetulips Posts: 3,388 Spam Moderator
    With regards to exercise perhaps walking, swimming and some body weight exercises.

    Will you be signing up for any personal training at the gym? May be good to do for 2 to 3 months if you haven't used gym equipment before. Hopefully they will will you develop good form and show you how to progress.

    MFP doesn't have a meal plan. Have you determined your daily calorie allowance for weight loss via MFP yet? You can build your own meal plan using the allowance. Plan/track your daily meals and snacks in advance (allow for some flexibility) .
  • Sadwings
    Sadwings Posts: 7 Member
    I was looking more for advice on where I should start at the gym. I'm a chef, so I can walk for days for no problem, and I consider myself in better shape than most my size. I don't get out of breath easily. I live on the 5th floor, and I can walk up the stairs to my apartment before I get winded.
    Personal Trainers are pricey, so I'm trying not to use one. And yes, I do know what my calorie allowance per day is.
  • winejunky143
    winejunky143 Posts: 153 Member
    I would stretch like crazy either before or at the gym. Try warming up by doing 20 minutes of treadmill, elliptical or bike. You want to be a bit sweaty by the end but not exhausted.
    Focus on different muscle groups for each day, upper body, lower body and core. When I had a gym membership I would use the machines instead of free weights. Start with a lower weight on the machines and work your way up. Do at least three different exercises 3 sets of 10. Believe it or not strength training can and will help you lose weight and gain muscle at the same time.
    Finish with cardio. Either treadmill, elliptical or bike. I suggest at least 20 minutes at a good pace then a 10 minute cool down. Make sure to drink lots of water and stretch afterwards as well. If you have a heart rate monitor I strongly suggest to check it periodically to make sure your still in a safe zone. Good luck I hope that helps!
  • happysherri
    happysherri Posts: 1,360 Member
    Look at bodybuilding.com - click on find a plan, put in your info and your goal and they will suggest tons of weight training and transformation programs. I downloaded their BodySpace app (free) and ad programs to my calendar each day. The workout is laid out what exercises to do, with instructions and videos on how to properly execute each exercise. They also have nutrition plans and recipes to coincide with each program.

    There are also articles about training, nutrition, etc. by professionals. I love it.
  • Sadwings
    Sadwings Posts: 7 Member
    Thanks everyone, your advice is very helpful!
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