Summer is coming! Lose weight get fit? Ask here.

[AlexMack]

Originally Posted by cutie_cat_4ever

Well, my problem, just like some others, is that I couldn't find time to go to the gym. I commute about 3 hours a day back and forth and work 10 hours, which doesn't really help that much.

I have a fairly moderate body, though I would like to get rid of the fat around my tummy. I started to do sit ups since I can do it at home and I heard it's better to get rid of the tummy fat.

But I also heard it would do the opposite because you would gain muscle and not lose the fat there...is it true?

You don't need a gym. You can go outside and walk/run during your lunch break. You can do some situps and pushups in commercial breaks while watching tv. There is no need for a gym, seriously. I'm a little out of it, but I'll write a better post later.

[valkyrie]

Originally Posted by centaur532

You don't need a gym. You can go outside and walk/run during your lunch break. You can do some situps and pushups in commercial breaks while watching tv. There is no need for a gym, seriously. I'm a little out of it, but I'll write a better post later.

I disagree with this. Walking isn't a workout and if you really want to be in shape, you need to do actual weight training, not just situps and pushups during commercial breaks. That might be a good start and it's better than nothing, but it's not enough.

[AlexMack]

Originally Posted by valkyrie

I disagree with this. Walking isn't a workout and if you really want to be in shape, you need to do actual weight training, not just situps and pushups during commercial breaks. That might be a good start and it's better than nothing, but it's not enough.

Well if the point of going to the gym is to hop on a treadmill or elliptical (and sadly, so many people do), then it is pointless. Get a watch with a stopclock and a pedometer and don't waste the money.
The weight training is different...that is something that cannot be done at home. The percocet has worn off a bit so I can articulate better. Anyway, my point before was, to get a good start at least, just try going for a brisk 20-30 minute walk everyday. Gradually start running, 1 minute at a time, walk for 5 minutes, run for 1 minute, etc etc. until you've done 30 minutes. Start increasing.
Cardio can be done without a gym...hell I hated running on a treadmill with a passion. I was much happier outside.
Eventually a gym will be necessary, but again, the cardio is a start.

[blueangel]

I agree that you don't need a gym to begin getting in shape. In fact, I'll take it a step further and say that you don't need a gym at all. When I was doing heavy-duty judo competition, I didn't belong to a gym.

I jogged and ran wind-sprints in my neighborhood park, I swam at our swim club's pool, I stretched on the living room floor, and I lifted free weights in my basement. It's all about being motivated and knowing the proper exercises and how to do them correctly. I had a training diary and kept to it religiously.

There's certainly nothing wrong with a gym if that's what you like. Personally, I prefer exercising on my own because-- although there are some serious athletes in there, there are also too many peacocks and gym bunnies in many of those gyms for my taste.

And... if running and lifting aren't your thing.. look into a good martial arts class. You can get all of the cardio, stretching and weight resistance in many of these classes.

BTW.. someone mentioned swimming to lose weight. Although swimming is an excellent exercise, it is not the exercise of choice if losing weight is our primary goal.

http://www.thefactsaboutfitness.com/...h/swimming.htm

For those with back problems or knee problems, brisk walking is an excellent form of exercise. Get a heart monitor with an alarm and calculate your target heart rate. Start slow and stick to it-- rain, shine, sleet or snow! I find keeping an exercise journal keeps me on track.

[James]

Another resource is:

www.fitday.com


Its an online journal that tracks your calories and food intake.

[cutie_cat_4ever]

Originally Posted by blueangel

And... if running and lifting aren't your thing.. look into a good martial arts class. You can get all of the cardio, stretching and weight resistance in many of these classes.

I have friends who did cardio kickboxing, and they lost weight pretty fast!

[aggieAXO]

Originally Posted by cutie_cat_4ever

I have friends who did cardio kickboxing, and they lost weight pretty fast!

This is what I have started doing and man it is a good work out! I have a trainer that comes to my house 1 to 2 times per week and then I run 5 miles 3times a week. You can do weights at home, my trainer has shown me all sorts of exercises using your own body weight. I also have barbells. I cancelled my gym membership though will likely join again as it will be 100 degrees outside soon enough and I almost heatstroked twice last summer running. Plus, I like the pilates classes that are available.

[James]

[KSig RC]

Originally Posted by blueangel

I agree that you don't need a gym to begin getting in shape. In fact, I'll take it a step further and say that you don't need a gym at all. When I was doing heavy-duty judo competition, I didn't belong to a gym.

I jogged and ran wind-sprints in my neighborhood park, I swam at our swim club's pool, I stretched on the living room floor, and I lifted free weights in my basement. It's all about being motivated and knowing the proper exercises and how to do them correctly. I had a training diary and kept to it religiously.

Basically, everything you said here is why most people use a gym - I would infer, then, that unless you have access to these things . . . a gym membership (or acquiring access to these things) is probably necessary.

I agree completely with James and Valkyrie, though - integrating some form of weight/resistance training will dramatically increase your results . . . and even better, if you're starting to get "cubical sickness" or similar, it really helps energy levels and metabolism a lot more than simple cardio routines.

Find something you like, and go nuts - some people like lifting, some like classes, some like competitive judo . . . generally the path can go in almost any direction, it's a matter of putting in the effort and consistency, and enjoying it helps immensely.

[macallan25]

Originally Posted by KSig RC

Basically, everything you said here is why most people use a gym - I would infer, then, that unless you have access to these things . . . a gym membership (or acquiring access to these things) is probably necessary.

I agree completely with James and Valkyrie, though - integrating some form of weight/resistance training will dramatically increase your results . . . and even better, if you're starting to get "cubical sickness" or similar, it really helps energy levels and metabolism a lot more than simple cardio routines.

Find something you like, and go nuts - some people like lifting, some like classes, some like competitive judo . . . generally the path can go in almost any direction, it's a matter of putting in the effort and consistency, and enjoying it helps immensely.

High repetition, low weight lifting + running = big time weight loss.

[valkyrie]

Originally Posted by macallan25

High repetition, low weight lifting + running = big time weight loss.

I think low repetition, heavy weight lifting is more effective.

[Eggroll]

I wonder how many calories they consume.