Need some advice from exercise enthusiasts

Rmfowler1990
Rmfowler1990 Posts: 83 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I've been counting my calories for a few weeks now and seen NO movement on the scale to speak of.
I'm pretty sure I need to exercise but I've never been a huge fan. So i was wondering if I could get any input on what people have A) gotten the most out of, B) managed to finish (as a newbie preferably), and C) Not gotten too bored with.

I have tried p90x - I got about 30 days in 1 1/2 ago and it just got too hard for me as a novice exerciser.

I get discouraged when I don't see improvement either in the scale or in measurements so I'd like something that I know is helping.

I have exercise bands so anything that I could use those in place of weights would be awesome (or workouts that don't require weights at all work too).

Programs I have been thinking about: Slim in 6, 30 Day Shred

I like the idea of working out in my home (I have a decent size living room so I should have ample room).
Also I like the idea of a 30 min work out. That was my biggest dislike about p90x, it was hard to maintain intensity and want to even start it when I have to dedicate a full hour. I think i'd do better being able to do 2 separate workouts in a day if I feel up to it rather than dedicating a full hour off the bat. I apologize if this seems lazy, I just know my downfalls. I think once I see results consistently I will have more drive to go longer but for now I think starting small is the best way for me to stay consistent.

My cw is 159 and I'm 5'4 and I'm medium build if that makes a difference with workouts.

Thanks in advance!!

Replies

  • fitnessgal1318
    fitnessgal1318 Posts: 70
    Hi there....sounds like you already have an idea on what will work for you right now, shorter workouts to establish consistency. I'm sure more folks will contribute but the most important thing will be finding what you enjoy doing and that may or may not take a little trial and error so to speak. Lots of people on here are doing the 30 day shred with some pretty great results so that may be a good idea to start and there will be lots of support on the message boards. Walking outdoors can be made easier and harder by adjusting pace, adding hills etc. Lots of folks quit exercising when they don't achieve immediate results..I know this can be frustrating but try to think about exercising as something more than a way to get rid of fat/weight (though we all love that aspect of it). Set small goals, today I did five pushups, last week I could only do 1, I walked for 20 minutes, last week I could only do 10...you get the idea. It can also get us through those times when the scale moves slowly. Feel good about yourself each time you exercise..think about what you've accomplished and how many people still aren't doing what you are!!! Good luck to you!!
  • daylily2005
    daylily2005 Posts: 203 Member
    I suggest 30 day shred and the c25k program.

    c25k is GREAT for beginning exercise, because it intermingles walking with running. You can't do it "in" your home, but you can do it in your neighborhood or on a treadmill. plus there are free iphone, android, and blackberry apps that give you cues on when to run and when to walk. i'm on week 7 (starting tomorrow) and have built up to a 25 minute jog. running is a quick way to burn calories, and honestly you work some muscles when you do it too.

    30 day shred i'm having a few problems with. i started it 5 days ago. you do 1 level for 10 days, then move to the next and then repeat til you get to level 3. I find that on my running days, 30ds feels like torture. But I'm not used to a running workout (then the half hour walk back to my house) then weight training+more aerobic. People love it though.



    Whatever you choose to do, I'd advise you get measurements as they will show a different type of progress from the scales. i measure waist, hips, arms, thighs, calves, and biceps.

    oh--plus, make sure you drink TONS of water. sometimes not drinking enough water can hinder weight loss.
  • joeyplatypus92
    joeyplatypus92 Posts: 39
    start squatting and deadlifting tbh imo. ill give you better results then any "shredded/ripped" gimick program you do
  • daylily2005
    daylily2005 Posts: 203 Member
    start squatting and deadlifting tbh imo. ill give you better results then any "shredded/ripped" gimick program you do

    sure, 30 day shred isn't going to make you ripped. honest truth is that takes a crap ton of work. BUT, 30 day shred incorporates aerobic activity with weights. and you don't need a weight room. deadlifting is great, i'm sure. but deadlifting alone isn't likely to show a vast difference. add in some aerobic activity. your body will thank you for it, and give you more endurance.

    30 day shred isn't a gimick program. they aren't promising that you'll look like jillian michaels when you finish. anyone with half a brain knows that 20 minutes of workouts a day for a month isn't going to make you look like her or her compadres on the screen.

    i'd say go with a program you think you'll like--at least at first. once you get into working out and exercising, branch out on your own if you want. But if you've never been a big workout person, you'll likely need instructions and structure at the beginning.

    also if you have a gaming console--the zumba and step games are fun and give you a darn good workout. almost like a real class at the gym. you'll get out whatever you put into it.
  • flamax
    flamax Posts: 17 Member
    I tried p90x too but can't stick with everyday for me it was boring then I discover Turbo Fire and falling in love... Fun,lots of music and Chalene is great never boring!
  • Venturin
    Venturin Posts: 244 Member
    I've been at this exercise and diet game for well over a year now (lost 42 pounds so far). I've been trying a lot of different things and the thing that's working best for me is running. If I don't do my five miles at least once a week I really miss it. Being out in the park on good trails with my iPod playing my music, the sun and warmth, it's a terrific workout and great cardio.

    I'm seeing and feeling constant improvement and more stamina. At first it was difficult to jog up small inclines but now I am powering up the hills and running faster as I go instead of slower.

    But here is the key part; Nothing else makes me feel as GOOD as I do after a run. I feel amazing contentment and I really feel my body got great exercise. I work with the weights and all too, but my focus is now on running. It's all about getting my run. (It's even gotten about buying the right clothes FOR the running LOL)

    I understand what is addictive about running now.

    And BTW 7 years ago I was a two pack a day smoker. So if *I* can do this I believe many other can as well


    Good luck in finding something fun that right for you

    -V-
  • Rmfowler1990
    Rmfowler1990 Posts: 83 Member
    Thanks everyone!

    I started with biking tonight for aerobic and I'm thinking about finding 30 day shred on Youtube tomorrow to try it out and see if that's for me. I plan on buying whatever I decide I like but I don't see a point in wasting so much money finding something if there is a free way to try it out first.

    I'd love any more responses just so I have more programs to try. I'm not looking to be the next Muscle Lady of the USA or anything but I would LOVE to be IN SHAPE for my body type.

    Thanks again!!
  • Johlawrence
    Johlawrence Posts: 236 Member
    I used Slim in 6 last spring/summer and lost quite a few inches, however, the last level is about an hour long. I tried it again this year, and got into the last level, but was dreading working out for an hour. I am now doing Jillian Michael's Body Revolution (90 day program) and I love it! I just started month 2 today. The workouts are only 30 min, which to me is VERY doable. Also, I wear a heart rate monitor and all through the first month burned 250-300 cals per workout. Today, my first workout in month two, I burned 369...it was definitely harder! I really enjoy it though!!! I see a huge difference in my stamina and endurance and I am getting smaller and firmer. I hope the scales will eventually catch up! Good luck with whatever you choose! I always say, anything is better than nothing!!!
  • Johlawrence
    Johlawrence Posts: 236 Member
    I forgot to add, each week you do two dvd's of strength training twice (four days) and two days of cardio. It's a great combination.
  • Becky3701
    Becky3701 Posts: 49
    start squatting and deadlifting tbh imo. ill give you better results then any "shredded/ripped" gimick program you do
  • Rmfowler1990
    Rmfowler1990 Posts: 83 Member
    I forgot to add, each week you do two dvd's of strength training twice (four days) and two days of cardio. It's a great combination.

    I'm not sure if this is the Revolution DVD or the 30 day Shred but either way, would I be able to substitute my own cardio workout for the DVD's?

    I think my biggest problem is boredom so I'm thinking if I mix up the DVD's with bike riding / running / whatever and use the cardio DVD's on rainy days or something I'd get less bored.
  • PLUMSGRL
    PLUMSGRL Posts: 1,134 Member
    SI6 boring !!!


    Take a look at these freebies!

    Body weight only, many different routines (some harder than others):

    http://www.youtube.com/user/ZuzkaLight

    Multiple workouts you can do at home (yes you can use bands/tubes):

    http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/index.html

    Mixed stuff:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/599372-free-workout-videos-i-want-you-to-know-about


    Mix it up and have fun!!!
  • shakew8
    shakew8 Posts: 9
    start squatting and deadlifting tbh imo. ill give you better results then any "shredded/ripped" gimick program you do

    sure, 30 day shred isn't going to make you ripped. honest truth is that takes a crap ton of work. BUT, 30 day shred incorporates aerobic activity with weights. and you don't need a weight room. deadlifting is great, i'm sure. but deadlifting alone isn't likely to show a vast difference. add in some aerobic activity. your body will thank you for it, and give you more endurance.

    30 day shred isn't a gimick program. they aren't promising that you'll look like jillian michaels when you finish. anyone with half a brain knows that 20 minutes of workouts a day for a month isn't going to make you look like her or her compadres on the screen.

    i'd say go with a program you think you'll like--at least at first. once you get into working out and exercising, branch out on your own if you want. But if you've never been a big workout person, you'll likely need instructions and structure at the beginning.

    also if you have a gaming console--the zumba and step games are fun and give you a darn good workout. almost like a real class at the gym. you'll get out whatever you put into it.


    http://alwyncosgrove.com/2010/01/hierarchy-of-fat-loss/

    Only cardio is great if your goal is to be a runner. If you want to change the way your body looks and increase your BMR then doing large compound movements (not 10,000 air punches in front of the tv) is a great way. And, it can burn similar calories to cardio...so two birds, one stone. Find your goal and work towards that, general fitness can (and should) include some of each.
  • daylily2005
    daylily2005 Posts: 203 Member
    start squatting and deadlifting tbh imo. ill give you better results then any "shredded/ripped" gimick program you do

    sure, 30 day shred isn't going to make you ripped. honest truth is that takes a crap ton of work. BUT, 30 day shred incorporates aerobic activity with weights. and you don't need a weight room. deadlifting is great, i'm sure. but deadlifting alone isn't likely to show a vast difference. add in some aerobic activity. your body will thank you for it, and give you more endurance.

    30 day shred isn't a gimick program. they aren't promising that you'll look like jillian michaels when you finish. anyone with half a brain knows that 20 minutes of workouts a day for a month isn't going to make you look like her or her compadres on the screen.

    i'd say go with a program you think you'll like--at least at first. once you get into working out and exercising, branch out on your own if you want. But if you've never been a big workout person, you'll likely need instructions and structure at the beginning.

    also if you have a gaming console--the zumba and step games are fun and give you a darn good workout. almost like a real class at the gym. you'll get out whatever you put into it.


    http://alwyncosgrove.com/2010/01/hierarchy-of-fat-loss/

    Only cardio is great if your goal is to be a runner. If you want to change the way your body looks and increase your BMR then doing large compound movements (not 10,000 air punches in front of the tv) is a great way. And, it can burn similar calories to cardio...so two birds, one stone. Find your goal and work towards that, general fitness can (and should) include some of each.

    I agree with you completely! i think a little of both is a necessity. Sure you can work on intense cardio if you "want to be a runner," but in general, cardio is recommended by every doctor and nutritionist I've ever talked to. I'm not saying everyone needs to do 6 days of cardio for their workout, but 2-3 a week should be incorporated along with weights etc.

    btw-- to the OP--if you want a cheap way to check out (and keep) JM's 30 day shred--Amazon has the dvd for like $8 and you can buy the digital version for like $5. You can probably get some of her other stuff on the cheap there as well! :)

    best of luck! Whatever you choose to do is better than no workouts! :)
  • Rmfowler1990
    Rmfowler1990 Posts: 83 Member
    SI6 boring !!!


    Take a look at these freebies!

    Body weight only, many different routines (some harder than others):

    http://www.youtube.com/user/ZuzkaLight

    Multiple workouts you can do at home (yes you can use bands/tubes):

    http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/index.html

    Mixed stuff:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/599372-free-workout-videos-i-want-you-to-know-about


    Mix it up and have fun!!!

    Woah thank you SO much. This is exactly what I need. I can try a bunch and stuff and see what works for me.
    :)
  • LifeIsNotADressRehearsal
    LifeIsNotADressRehearsal Posts: 745 Member
    30 day shred! Only 20 minutes and great results!

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