Fitness Plan, Need Advice - Exercise & Fitness Message Board

TROLLONE · 05-20-2008, 08:33 PM

I'm about to create a fitness plan for myself and at the moment all it will consist of is jogging every day or every other day. I would just like some advice from people who have experience as to what kind of distance I should be running and how much each day. Also, advice on safe foods to build my energy rather than my fat.

Thanks in advance

mod-anon · 05-21-2008, 05:26 AM

Please note that this thread is moved to the Exercise & Fitness Board.

tUrRrRa · 05-21-2008, 11:34 AM

Have you currently been doing any fitness routine as of now? Or is this all new?

There is no definite answer on how much you should jog. Every person is different. I'm not a very fast person, so I know I can't do as many miles as some people with my schedule. I try to run 5x a week on the treadmill for about 3 miles. Sometimes I don't get to do that if I'm short on time. Just do what you can and I think you will be able to figure out what works best for you. Just make sure it isn't too easy but not too tough to the point where you are way too exhausted or you will just end up sore the next day. Also, be sure to stretch!

When I first started out, I would alternate walking and jogging around my apartment complex for about half an hour or so. I am not sure what the distance was. I now jog on the treadmill because I live in Texas and it's just too hot outside right now! I also like to lift light weights. I have had MUCH better results after starting to lift weights. My body looks much better than when I only did cardio.

Keep in mind that if you run every day, you don't need to do as much than if you run every other day. I know some people who work out an hour and a half a day, but they only go to the gym 3 times a week. I try to aim for about an hour of exercise 5 times a week instead. Just do what works for your schedule best! I also like to do other cardio in addition to my running. I like to use the elliptical machine, dance, go for a walk, things like that. Just try to stay active... take the stairs when you can or go places where you can walk around a lot. It all helps!

I like to have some protein when I'm working out a lot. I like to make a low calorie whey protein shake (I buy the powder and mix with skim milk at home). Or I like a Balance Bar or Powerbar. That way I get plenty of vitamins during the day too.

getinshape18 · 05-27-2008, 07:04 AM

My first recommendation would be to add weight lifting to your routine, as tUrRrRa said, this will bring about much more dramatic positive change in your body. Also think about developing a good nutritional plan, and consider HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training). I believe both medium intensity and high intensity interval training are very beneficial. However I also believe you can achieve the same if not better results quicker with HIIT. By quicker I refer to workout times for both. I have noticed better results in 20 minute HIIT sessions then double that in jogging a few miles, but there is plenty of room for differing opinion here!

Just remember the harder you work for your body the harder it will work for you.

Also as tUrRrRa said protein is very important for energy, as are vitamins and minerals. Make sure however to get a fair balance of carbs and about two servings of veggies as well.