exercise routine needed

[dreamin2B150]

Hi. I plan on starting a workout routine. I'm apple shaped(bigger in the midsection). My legs are thin. I'm top heavy and have some fat I'd like to lose on chest and back. I would really love to have a waistline again-lol!

I have a treadmill (cant run on it, it skips if i go to fast), i also have a tony lil gazelle. I'd like to start here at home and eventually jog on a track.

How many times per week should i workout and how long ?

Emma gave me a tip on calve raises for the lower legs(I have skinny ankle syndrome-lol!)

start date 7/30/07
SW188/CW182/GW150
35 F/ 5'6

[LooseShoes]

Re: exercise routine needed

You sound like you have my body type. You will have a waist, but unfortunately it will probably be some of the last to let go. I work out 6 days a week one way or another. I've been in the pedometer challenge trying to get in at least 7000 steps a day. Lifting weights has helped me a lot, I think. I walk every day, do cardio 3 times a week and strength training (weights) 3 days a week--alternate days. Julirama swears that weights have changed her body type--I'm still trying!

Start out doing what you can and try to increase a little every week. I don't do heavy weights, I just bought 10 pound weights today. I started with 2 and 3 pounders and have worked up. If you choose to do weights, check out the website bodyforlife.com--it has exercises to get you started.

The main thing is to do something you like and keep doing it. If you like the treadmill, do it. If you'd rather swim, find a way. If you want to try the Couch to 5k--becoming a runner, try that. The main thing is to start making exercise a part of your life--as often as possible.

Congratulations on starting an exercise program! I didn't start right away and I wish I had.

Look around the board and find some challenges and jump into something!

[dreamin2B150]

Re: exercise routine needed

Hi Caryl- Thanks for the motivation. I will checkout the link you gave me. Everynight I review all the success stories. It really motivates me to see all the then/now pictures-its amazing!!!

[Outback Jess]

Re: exercise routine needed

Hey Dreamin, I've been reading up on running and there is a man named Jeff Galloway. He has been an active marathoner for years...He suggests walking and then taking 30 sec jogs, and eventually switching to 3min or so jogs followed by a minute of walking.
I started on a treadmill last Winter and I walked and jogged 30 mins a day, 6 days a week...then I would hop on a stationary bike while my friend did the other 30 mins.
Working up to 30-45 intense mins of exercise a day, with a rest day...
Or you could do one day on the treadmill, one day on the gazelle...and one day walking or wogging outside...Finding the time, place and equipment that makes it fun, challenging and easy to return to on a daily basis was my goal...It's been a year and I just rode 14 miles and then ran 3mi. I am training for a triathalon.....My body is finally accepting this new level of fitness and endurance, and I am not completely exhausted....which is wonderful!

[LooseShoes]

Re: exercise routine needed

Definitely listen to Jess about exercise! She's an inspiration to us all here.

If you check out the weight lifting website, ignore their diet. Julirama, Valid Rouge and several others have had great results doing Atkins woe along with the weights--carb loading really isn't necessary, even though a lot of weightlifters and runners insist you can't do it without carb loading. There are many examples on this site that proves that's just not true!

Good luck!