Exercise Questions

[kristenxo]

I'm at a loss for what to about exercise. I just had a baby and am REALLY out of shape. I have NO stamina whatsoever. I'm really unsure what to do for toning and abs. Should I just do crunches? Should I be doing something with weights? I can only do like 30 crunches at a time right now (pathetic!). Is it even worth my time? I know these are dumb questions! Right now I'm only walking for exercise.

[ttdriver]

Re: Exercise Questions

Don't underestimate the power of walking. How far are you currently walking and at what pace? If you can walk a mile or two everyday at an increasingly faster pace, that will go A LONG WAYS toward increasing your endurance, stamina and energy.

I would also consider adding some form of weight training; you can start with very inexpensive dumbbells you can get at Walmart to work your arms and upper body. Do you have a stability ball? They aren't very expensive either and you can do great crunches on them.

You don't need to invest alot of money or time; just be consistent and persistent.

YOU CAN DO IT! Believe me, I am a totally reformed ex-couch-potato extraordinaire turned marathon runner at age 52!

Betty

[Bastet]

Re: Exercise Questions

Kristenxo, those are soooo NOT dumb questions!!!

When I started lifting weights in June'08, I was incredibly unfit! But in the past 3.5 months, I have come to love working out, and I find it very empowering! The site I have learned the most from and been the most inspired by is Stumptuous Index The author is very grrl power, has a great sense of humour, and the site is specifically geared towards women, with lots of photos and video clips to help beginners do the exercises correctly. She emphasizes learning to use the free weights at your gym, rather than getting stuck on the machines.

BTW, 30 crunches is not bad at all. Back in June, I could barely do 10. Now I do 2 sets of 15 on my gym days, holding a 10 pound plate behind my head. You'll be amazed at how quickly a regular practice will improve your strength. Also, most of what I've read regarding ab work (especially for the ladies) says not to go crazy...you want to have sexy, lean, defined abs, not a heavily muscled midriff, right?

PS. If you're thinking about joining a gym, my recommendation is the local YMCA--it's a very friendly, non-threatening atmosphere for us beginners!

[liv]

Re: Exercise Questions

I also found the library to be a great source. I rent books and vidoes and try things out. I found this video called strength training for dummies when I started and it helped me with a beginning routine. You want to put together a strenght training workout that is upper body and lower body and abs. I also borrowed yoga tapes, pilates tapes, aerobics tapes. Not all of them have worked for me but I am finding things I like. I do walking too. I like walking tapes for indoor aerobics.

30 crunches is not pathetic. When I started I could only do a few. I do 16 in a set now.

You can join some exercise challenges here. They help me stay motivated.

[kristenxo]

Re: Exercise Questions

Thank you for the advice and encouragement! I really appreciate it. I am going to look at the stability ball this weekend.