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

[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]

[macallan25]

[CutiePie2000]

I compete in Figure, have had some level of success with it and these are the magic 3:

1) Resistance Training: don't be afraid to lift heavy. If you are a woman, you will NOT bulk up. If anything, you will get smokin' hot toned bodyparts.

2) Cardio

And MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL:
3) Eat Clean - the nutrition that you eat is 80% responsible for your body's appearance. (the other being 10% genetics and 10% training).

If you don't know what clean eating is, "Eat Clean Diet" by Tosca Reno is pretty good for learning what it's all about.

[RU OX Alum]

does anyone have any tips for getting over a plateu? I knew the last 15 pounds or so would be the hardest but eessh..

Seriously, what should I change in routine? Go more? go harder?

In gym: 5 days-one hour cardio, 3 days - weight training
In dojo: 5-6 times per week, various activties, including about 500 jumping jacks or more depending. Endless sit ups, I seriously loose track of those, however many push ups, until my arms fall off and reattach themselves then one more set.

and I want to loose another 15-20 pounds, i've lost like 55 pounds so far, this is the worst plateau ever.

[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.

[KSig RC]

Originally Posted by valkyrie

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

CONDITIONER IS BETTER.

[valkyrie]

Originally Posted by KSig RC

CONDITIONER IS BETTER.

I prefer long walks on the beach, holding hands, watching Grey's Anatomy, reading chick lit, and picking out wedding dresses. Are you the man for me?

[KSig RC]

Originally Posted by valkyrie

I prefer long walks on the beach, holding hands, watching Grey's Anatomy, reading chick lit, and picking out wedding dresses. Are you the man for me?

OH MY GOD eHARMONY SAYS IT IS A MATCH MADE IN INTERNET HEAVEN

COMMENCE DOING IT ALL BAD, SLOPPY AND VANILLA-LIKE

[DeltAlum]

Originally Posted by valkyrie

I prefer long walks on the beach, holding hands, watching Grey's Anatomy, reading chick lit, and picking out wedding dresses. Are you the man for me?

Not until you paint your living room.