I started the Weight Watchers program on 9/16. Unfort I have only lost 4.2(?) including 2 small gains I've had. I just recently started to go to the gym about 2 weeks ago.
Lee has been helping me out w/ routine. I'd much rather stick to the machines b/c I enjoy them and I'm comfortable...but SHE says (LOL) that I have to "mix it up" in order for body not to get bored & thus I will lose weight quicker. So she's been suggesting some classes (hate 'em)
So SHE thinks it's a good idea to post here and get advice from the "professionals".
Right now I'm trying to get in at least 4 days of working out at the gym along w/ walking dog every morning, and on busy days at work, running around the office.
We discussed, today, weight strengthening/traning so that once the lbs start shedding (not soon enough! darn it!) i won't be too flabby..
so any advice anyone has out there...shout it out!
i wouldn't classes over weight training...the key to losing wt is to increase your metabolism...this is done by either exercising hard and intense and frequent feeding on the right foods (solid protein, veg etc)...classes might be hard for starters but once you get good at them they're pretty much useless i think unless you can advance it which being in a class setting, you can't...weight training with dumbell's and barbell's will use more muscles so are more efficient than machines...the biggest key though id finding what you will enjoy to do so you stick with it
Just to clarify the issue about classes...she's not picking one thing over another...classes aren't just step or cardio...just some of the classes gym offer are geared and focused on strength training and helps for those like myself than have a hard time structuring a routine around the free weights and weight machines. Now not all gyms may have that but I advocate classes because for people who have a hard time getting in and staying in the gym classes are good to help structure their schedule as well as fitness routine and decrease boredom.
Beginners take baby steps then leap...I wouldn't throw a beginner like Vanessa on free weights and say lift baby. She'd look at me like I'm stupid. LOL. I told Vanessa to start small and make sure there is variety. Cardio and strength training are equally important as we all know and that's what I stressed to anyone starting off a workout routine.
Anywhoo I'm not the expert but just wanted to clarify a few things to help out.
that's fine, just point of view that's all...i would have her do a progressive bodyweight program before wts and hold the cardio off for a while as she should see changes with that alone if done properly along with food
here's what i have most of client's who haven't trained before do;
SB Wall Squats alternated with Supine Bridges 2 x 20 each
Wide Grip Seated Row or Inverted Row depending on equipment alternated with Push Ups 2 x 15
Static Lunges alternated with Step Ups 2 x 20 each leg
then i have 4 progressions to follow for some of the exercises and once they reach all of them, i extebd the program out as a 4 x week deal with the same exercises and some variations thrown in
For a beginner I wouldn't recommend sending her off to the gym by herself. If she had someone advance near her to go with her or show her that's a different story. In opinion that's too advanced for someone starting off that has little experience in the gym. I would be intimidated, scared off and probably not be interested.
Remember I said she was not working with a trainer...going by herself and that's why I recommended the classes. The problem with people working out is getting to the gym and getting them to go back!
That's the number one reason why people fail...loose interest and no motivation.
Hi there,
Welcome! I would say that sticking to machines for strength training is not the best idea. Doing some machines is fine, especially in the beginning when you are learning, but using machines too much for strength training can actually lead to injury. Here are a couple paragraphs on the subject from new e book, which is just about to come out:
"On the downside, machines are not made for your body and may not be the best fit for you to properly perform an exercise. Machines can limit growth and strength development of muscles because they limit range of motion and natural movement of the body. On the other hand, during free weight exercises smaller muscles are used to support the movement that aren’t used on machine exercises. Muscles are forced to balance and stabilize, which will give you better balance and more even muscle development.
A danger of strength training solely on machines is developing pattern overload. Paul Chek, founder of the Corrective Holistic Exercise Kinesiology Institute, describes pattern overload as an injury to the soft tissue, caused by overuse of a pattern of movement or being restricted to a specific motion. If a person does machine chest press as their chest exercise twice a week for an extended period of time, their muscles are developing in a specific way. They are moving in a limited motion, and stabilizer muscles are not being activated. The body is not forced to balance. Chek states that “machines play an enormous role in the development of pattern overload.â€Â
VanessaButterflyzz23 wrote:
I started the Weight Watchers program on 9/16. Unfort I have only lost 4.2(?) including 2 small gains I've had. I just recently started to go to the gym about 2 weeks ago.
Lee has been helping me out w/ routine. I'd much rather stick to the machines b/c I enjoy them and I'm comfortable...but SHE says (LOL) that I have to "mix it up" in order for body not to get bored & thus I will lose weight quicker. So she's been suggesting some classes (hate 'em)
So SHE thinks it's a good idea to post here and get advice from the "professionals".
Right now I'm trying to get in at least 4 days of working out at the gym along w/ walking dog every morning, and on busy days at work, running around the office.
We discussed, today, weight strengthening/traning so that once the lbs start shedding (not soon enough! darn it!) i won't be too flabby..
so any advice anyone has out there...shout it out!
Hey Vanessa!! I think WW is the best weight loss program . They seem to promote a well balanced eating plan that is easy to understand and stick to.
It takes time to get "into" strength training. Just start small and give everything a try. Dont get too confused with all the "opinions". Like the old saying goes..."there are lots of ways to skin a cat"
You will find what works for you ......set goals...dont give up
Well, I'm happy to do classes that interest me. Some are intimidating though, like the fit ball class, just b/c i don't feel comfortable w/ it. I'll give it a try..eventually..i would really like to get the hang of one class for now though - the total body workout, which includes a step..it's looks fun once i get the hang of it..i enjoy the machines..the biggest problem right now is just making it to the gym...but once i'm there..i'm good, i'm happy
VanessaButterflyzz23 wrote:Well, I'm happy to do classes that interest me. Some are intimidating though, like the fit ball class, just b/c i don't feel comfortable w/ it. I'll give it a try..eventually..i would really like to get the hang of one class for now though - the total body workout, which includes a step..it's looks fun once i get the hang of it..i enjoy the machines..the biggest problem right now is just making it to the gym...but once i'm there..i'm good, i'm happy
ur reply was nice appleoo..thanks!
I would think that a full body class is perfect for you. It is something you can do at your own rate. Think of a way you can mark your progress that does not have to do with number of pounds lost. How many step ups can you do in a minute? Get your friend to time you and then try it again in a couple of weeks and look for progress.
Not many excercises are fun unless it is a sport you enjoy....or maybe a dance aerobics/spinning class if you like to move to the beat of the music. I do not excercise without music anymore. I find it really helps me.
You will not make much progress with excercise unless you leave your "comfort zone". Push yourself to work harder than you think you can.
Our bodies are like spoiled children. They only want treats to eat and hate to do work. You know in your mind that this is not healthy and always giving in makes you feel like you are weak. When I started "get fit" life style I treated cravings and " dont want to's" as though I was 2 people. Kind of like Sybil...lol split personality. If you dont give in to your self for a couple of weeks and start to see results it will inspire you to keep it up and viola!!
Just dont talk to yourself out loud cause people will think you are bonkers.
Lee