How should I start? - Exercise & Fitness Message Board

Kristin777 · 08-07-2006, 03:17 PM

I'm a 5'3" 112 lb 17 year old female with a medium to small frame. I used to be in very good shape, with tons of muscle, but since January of this year I've been sick off and on, so my exercising has gone directly down the tubes.
My muscle is basically nonexistant. I also have patella-femoral syndrome and other knee issues, that I have to tape my knee before any type of running, jumping, etc.
Right now I'm healing from sinus surgery, but would like to start exercising by September (that's when my Doctor will allow it.)
I don't want to get super skinny, but lose a few pounds and have defined muscle. (So I don't look like a waif) My abs are fairly easy to whip into shape but my thighs and glutes are a whole different story. I have never had muscular thighs or buttocks no matter what kind of exercise I do.
Is there any type of exercise I could do that would promise results, even miniscule????????
I want to begin toning myself back into shape, but I basically have to start from scratch. I'm incredibly frustrated, because this is my Senior year of highschool, so I don't have a lot of free time, but I don't want to be out of shape and whatnot.

Help me please...lol

chopsky · 08-07-2006, 05:15 PM

If youre looking for thigh and buttocks muscles, the best exercise to do would be squats, but since you say you have to tape your knees up when you do anything that involves them, it might hurt. It shouldnt though if you have proper form (i.e. you sit back when you squat instead of dropping down with your knees going forward). Other great exercises for the glutes and hamstrings too would be stiff legged deadlifts or good-mornings.
Look up how all these exercises are performed and constantly work on making sure you have good form. It's all about correct form or you could injure yourself in the long term. And that applies to all exercises.
I hope you have access to a gym

Good luck.