Please, I need advice for beginning

shellyrene · 11-22-2006, 06:48 PM

Hi, I am brand new to exercise and fitness but ready to take it on. As a matter of fact I want to lose 60-70 pounds before my 40th birthday..next September. Mt question is: does it matter if I exercise after dinner? I work full time 7-4 but dont want to get up earlier than I already do.Thanks for any advice, Shelly

ChocoChick · 11-22-2006, 06:55 PM

It doesn't matter when, only that you do it.

BB2K · 11-22-2006, 07:11 PM

Nope, doesnt matter. I hate early morning workouts, I feel very weak. Mid morning or afternoon/evening is best for me. Best wishes on your goal! As long as your diet and exercise are in check you will make it!!

shellyrene · 11-23-2006, 07:45 AM

Thanks for the replies. I am doing my workout this morning treadmill and then weights. I was reluctant to use weight training until I lose some of my weight. Since I have 60-70 pounds to lose it will be awhile before any muscle is visible under these 'layers'. Do you think I should just focus on cardio first? I am excited to use weights because I think muscle is beautiful in the way that it transforms the body!!HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Hibiscus09 · 11-23-2006, 08:03 AM

No, don't focus only on cardio. Do your weights first, then the cardio. You will have depleted your glycogen stores during the weight training and, therefore, will burn more fat while doing cardio.

Plus, the more lean mass you have the more calories (and fat) your body will burn.

There's so much more to tell you.

I'm busy getting Thanksgiving dinner together, but I'm sure everyone here would love to give you helpful advice and you strive to achieve your goals.

Welcome to our little journal land!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

BB2K · 11-23-2006, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hibiscus09

No, don't focus only on cardio. Do your weights first, then the cardio. You will have depleted your glycogen stores during the weight training and, therefore, will burn more fat while doing cardio.

Plus, the more lean mass you have the more calories (and fat) your body will burn.

There's so much more to tell you.

I'm busy getting Thanksgiving dinner together, but I'm sure everyone here would love to give you helpful advice and you strive to achieve your goals.

Welcome to our little journal land!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Daaas Rrright, Great advice. I always do cardio after the weights. Works best in my opinion.

Chubby Mom · 11-23-2006, 04:26 PM

Hibiscus is right the more muscle you gain the more fat you lose. Cardio is good but it will only increase your metabolism for a short period of time, where as muscle will burn calories around the clock, so concentrate on the lifting then add about 20 min of cardio after it. The scale is not really your friend use measurements to track your progress and of course how your cloths fit. Last don’t cut your calories too much other wise you are going to slow down you metabolism Just keep track of your intake and make sure you are eating healthy food.

shellyrene · 11-23-2006, 05:01 PM

i admire the fact that you homeschool your children & get up at 5:00 am to workout! Thanks for replying.

joed · 11-23-2006, 11:52 PM

SR, 60 lbs in a year? Pffffttt, no probs. I'd suggest reading the stickies in the Nutrition Forum, and the first couple of pages in the "Are you new here" sticky in our main forum. You can also browse some of the other journals here. Welcome to the club.

shellyrene · 11-24-2006, 08:04 AM

thank you! There is so much information & learning to navigate this website. I'll be around...take care

IdahoViking · 11-24-2006, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chubby Mom

Hibiscus is right the more muscle you gain the more fat you lose. Cardio is good but it will only increase your metabolism for a short period of time, where as muscle will burn calories around the clock, so concentrate on the lifting then add about 20 min of cardio after it. The scale is not really your friend use measurements to track your progress and of course how your cloths fit. Last don’t cut your calories too much other wise you are going to slow down you metabolism Just keep track of your intake and make sure you are eating healthy food.

The "Tale of the Tape" is far more telling than the "Tale of the Scale".

ChocoChick · 11-24-2006, 08:52 AM

Shelly, are you going to start a journal here? You'll get lots of targeted advice if you do.

freedom_myth · 11-24-2006, 09:37 AM

doing the weights b4 the cardio is a very good idea, i would say (after a physical by the doc) you would see good results with at least 30 min of cardio at your target heart rate at least 3 times a week. and try to avoid any really high impact cardio until much of the extra weight is gone and your joints are very strong and secure. connective tissue builds at a much slower rate that muscle.

if you go with a mon, wed, fri type routine to get going... with a balanced full body program of weights followed by the cardio, you may get bored after a month or so and want to start looking for alternate lifts to hit the parts of the body you are working, and also doing a different type of cardio on each day. like chest for example... maybe bench press monday, DB flies wednesday then cable crossovers or pec deck friday. and on the cardio... maybe treadmill monday, bike wednesday and then punching and kicking a bag or box aerobics class friday. this will keep you from getting bored and also keep your muscles from adapting to the same movement.

if you really get into the weights, you will probably want to experiment with other ways to split up your body parts during the week and increasing the weight and number of sets after you get the body fat % down a little and feel you have a good strong base.

but the nutrition will play a big role too, 5 or 6 small meals or snacks a day. one every 2-3 hours. no starving all day at work and then eating a big dinner... and NO food right b4 bed!