On track? - Weight Loss Message Board

AnnePerry · 04-19-2003, 09:44 AM

Hello,
I have just started working out after being cooped up in the house
for the last 3 years. Gained about 60lbs in the meantime. I would
like to lose the bulge for health reasons.
I go on the treadmill for about 15 mints, the bicycle for 15 mints,
adn the eliptical trainer for 1 hr. Have burned 3,200 + calories in 4
days. Not to sound "show offiy" or anything was wondering
am I on the rite path, and if not what can I do to improve my weight
loss strategy?. Will i be able to achieve my goal soon?
Would appreciate any kinda help!
Anne

P.S> Thank you ZUZU8 for your suggestion.

DonnaDe · 04-19-2003, 11:42 AM

I think you're overdoing the cardio. It is not necessary to do 1.5 hours/day. Are you really working out hard, or kinda taking it easy? I'm just wondering because I don't see how a beginner would be able to work out that long, unles s/he is hardly exerting him/herself. Also, how did you come up with the figure of burning 3200 calories in 4 days? 800 calories/day? That's very unlikely, sorry! The calorie counters on machines are notoriously inaccurate. Even if you can program in your weight, the big factor that is missing is your fitness level. That's the most important factor in determining how many calories you burn.

Since you're just starting out, I'd recommend 30-40 minutes of cardio 3-4 times/week. Really get your heart working... no light strolls! :-) Also, it is very important to lift weights. You'll build muscle, and burn more calories at rest.

The other part of the equation is a good diet.

Cardio + weight training + diet = weight loss

Will you be able to achieve your goal "soon"? Losing 60 pounds, you mean? No, the weight isn't going to come flying off. A safe rate of weight loss is 1-2 pounds/week. Plan on it taking about a year, and if you're lucky, it will take less time. We all lose at different rates.

Hope this helps! You're definitely on the right track, but overdoing it can lead to injuries and/or burnout.

AnnePerry · 04-21-2003, 08:09 AM

Although I am a beginer... I have / am a dancer. Have been doing it for 25 years now. Was pretty atheletic in my teens. I actually don't feel tired after workign out, but just this "relaxed" feeling I guess.

As for the calories, well the machines are showing 800 + calories. I do agree that they may be inacurate adn stuff, to my knowledge I have been working out at my highest level. Its not a stroll

. I have also started lifting just a little bit of weights...
But have to start workign more on my eatign habits I guess.

Have got a referal for a nutrisionist, but have not heared from them in the past 6 months.What a rip off and waste of money. Guess I am on my own???

DonnaDe Thank you so much for your advice.