newtosfitness07
12-09-2007, 08:12 PM
Hello all - thanks for listening!
I am a 52 year old woman who has never exercised a day in her life until the last two months. I joined the gym at my office and am going in everyday and doing both cardio and strength training 5 days a week. I am overwieght and need to lose about 40 pounds. My kids are concerned that I am overdoing it. I started out slow (real slow) and have worked my way up on the elliptical to 35 minutes at the base resistance. There is a trainer at the gym but not real helpful She showed me how to use the machines but that's about it.
Couple things - am I really overdoing it? My kids are saying I shouldn't be doing the cardio and the strength training everyday. I do cardio and then 2 of the weight machines (different machines each day - rotating every three days).
What should I be doing and when? I started out on the treadmill and worked up to 30 minutes at 3.5 mph with a 3% incline but got some real bad shin splints so I moved to the elliptical. That seems to be working out better for me.
I just don't know - I obviously don't want to hurt myself and I don't want to lose the current momentum or rythym I am in. I actually find myself liking it. (really strange for me - I was an avid despiser of exercise).
Anyone have any suggestions for me? I can't hire a trainer and have them work with me at the gym - our office won't let non-employees on site.
Thanks for your help.
I am a 52 year old woman who has never exercised a day in her life until the last two months. I joined the gym at my office and am going in everyday and doing both cardio and strength training 5 days a week. I am overwieght and need to lose about 40 pounds. My kids are concerned that I am overdoing it. I started out slow (real slow) and have worked my way up on the elliptical to 35 minutes at the base resistance. There is a trainer at the gym but not real helpful She showed me how to use the machines but that's about it.
Couple things - am I really overdoing it? My kids are saying I shouldn't be doing the cardio and the strength training everyday. I do cardio and then 2 of the weight machines (different machines each day - rotating every three days).
What should I be doing and when? I started out on the treadmill and worked up to 30 minutes at 3.5 mph with a 3% incline but got some real bad shin splints so I moved to the elliptical. That seems to be working out better for me.
I just don't know - I obviously don't want to hurt myself and I don't want to lose the current momentum or rythym I am in. I actually find myself liking it. (really strange for me - I was an avid despiser of exercise).
Anyone have any suggestions for me? I can't hire a trainer and have them work with me at the gym - our office won't let non-employees on site.
Thanks for your help.
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Naxis
12-09-2007, 08:26 PM
That's not overdoing it at all. Doing different machines each day is exactly right, so that the muscles you work have a chance to recover. And 30 minutes at a brisk walk is an excellent starting point. You're doing just fine.
If you're interested in a whole program for beginners, you might check out a Body for Life book. You can be your own trainer (with a little help :) ). It's a very good diet and exercise program that can get you fit and lean for good. Easy to follow, understand, and apply.
If you're interested in a whole program for beginners, you might check out a Body for Life book. You can be your own trainer (with a little help :) ). It's a very good diet and exercise program that can get you fit and lean for good. Easy to follow, understand, and apply.
newtosfitness07
12-09-2007, 08:52 PM
Thank you so much - I am going to let my kids read this one!! :)