I highly suggest getting a training session or two if you are even going to consider doing these movements as a beginner. Proper form on these is critical to not only getting the full benefit, but most importantly avoiding injury. Back in my trainer days I would never recommend these to someone that was a beginner. If you truly are a beginner, any level of weight training will benefit you, however you will quickly plateau if you stick to single-plane, machine type exercises. Machines are good to get started, but don't rely on them if you plan on developing and sticking with any weight training program. Mix it up every 2-4 weeks and get someone to train you in proper form.
Probably not quite what you're looking for, but I think setting realistic expectations and trying to make reasonable diet and exercise part of your life is healthier. This article is good about realism. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/05/16/AR2005051601142.html
OK, Tae Bo is a b****. I freaking hated it. That is one exercise that a woman can kill me on. As a smoker, I highly discourage going this route. T_J: I do 3 sets of 10 typically, when I actually do work out. I'm not getting what dead lift and bent over rows is. I'm assuming Deadlift: picking weights up from floor to standing position and then setting back down. Bent over rows: Some new rowing maching that you bend over while doing.
http://www.bodyforlife.com Excellent program. If you work this like they say, you WILL see results. I loved it and should actually get my fat ass back on it.
Cardio is a *****!! I can't even run two laps on the track without wheezing like an asthmatic!! I think the "getting fit this summer" phase should change to "be happy with all 35 inches of your waist."
I recently bought a treadmill. My wife and I priced local health clubs...and decided we wouldn't get our monies' worth, because we have two little ones at home. So now I can run at home while watching sports on TV, which helps take my mind off of it. Expensive...but cost-effective when compared to health club prices. Of course, at a health club there's more to do than just treadmills...but that's where I spend the bulk of my time exercising, anyway.
Once I've fallen out of shape the way I have, cardio is a real *****. I can't really jog, because I find it just too borring, and don't stick with it. Playing basketball is my preferred method, but I can't always find a game I'd fit into(sucky but good natured) or weather isn't right. That's why I paid out the money for the x-box and the dance game with the dance pad. It's kind of fun, and a good workout. I need to lose 2 inches around the middle and about 15-23 pounds this summer. It will be a struggle for me, so I'm definitely sympathizing with you, and wishing you the best.
Trader_J, I hate it when you do serious, informative posts. It throws me off balance. It harms your reputation, too. Cut it out!!
It is if you're 5'2''. Question: When you say you want to be fit, are you asking about getting stronger and buffer, or just slimmer and healthy because those are two different questions with different answers.
I am asking about both. I want to lose fat mass while gain muscle mass. I want to lose about 20 lbs of insulation while adding about 10 or 15 lbs of muscle.
Oh then that's pretty standard weight lifting then. I'd recommend working out 3-4 times a week weight lifting. If you want to speed it up, you can also do some cardio during the days you don't work out like some light running or basketball. For your 3-4 workouts, you could do some supersets or work the opposing muscles groups. For example, for one day you can work out your chest using 3 different exercises like bench press, dumbbell press, and some flies. This maximizes your workout and work different areas. I like to do two muscle groups per workout day like chest/triceps, back/biceps, and shoulder/legs. Usually you should just workout one or two major muscle and 1 minor muscle. So your workout can look like this: Mon - Chest/triceps (6 exercises, 3 each) Wed - Back/biceps (same) Fri - Shoulder/Legs (same) 3 sets, 10 reps is fine. Remember to warm up. You don't want to get injured. It should only last about 45 minutes to 75 minutes if you are efficient. You only need to work out each muscle group once per week. You get bigger during the time you REST, not the time you workout. You probably won't experience a weight change initially, but your fat will be replaced by muscle. By 1 month, you should feel the difference. By 2 months, you'll see a difference.
This workout is straight out of 1953 --- Three sets 6-8 rep (2 exercises) then 2-3 days off!? Don't wear yourself out there Trader_Atlas. AggieRocket there is no real way to set up a workout over the internet ~ if you decide to use a gym have a trainer recommend something for you after an evaluation. The above-mentioned 4-exercise routine is a basic start (if your not over 40), but you will want to include several more exercises to acquire real results. Btw - going to strip clubs 2-3 times per week is not a form of cardio.
