I have been working out 4-5 days a week for 40 min of cardio for years now and watching what I eat and have successfully maintained my weight for years. Now, that I am getting married I would like to go down about another 10 pounds something I think will call for some serious changes. Can anyone suggest anything that has worked for them. I know this is going to be challenge but I want to start now when I have some time. THanks!!
Diane
Posted:
Member since
Re: I want to see a change...
are you doing the same thing everytime?? You should change your routine a little, sometimes if you do the same thing...you just plataeu, and dont go beyond that. I found I changed the type of machines, and took classes. Are you doing any weights??
How are your eating habits??
Becky
Posted:
Member since
Re: I want to see a change...
I agree with Diane, but I just wanted to add that you really should start weight training. That is the easiest way to reshape your body. Plus, it is the best way to prevent osteoporosis from developing.
Chloegirl
Posted:
Member since
Re: I want to see a change...
I have a treadmill and eliptical trainer at home and some free weights. I also bike ride so my cardio is varied however I dont weight train. I have some free weights I could start using but that only really tackles the uper body.
Eating habits are pretty good I think. Either dry cereal with skim or egg whites on wheat for breakfast, turkey sandwhich or salad with an apple for lunch and dinner varies...chicken usually or shrimp etc...nothing too big because I work out at night and FH runs to karate after on most nights. I also have some snacks in between. I dont know where to cut back.
Becky
Posted:
Member since
Re: I want to see a change...
Lunges and squats with weights are excellent for the lower body. You should really consider it
Diane
Posted:
Member since
Re: I want to see a change...
I was just going to suggest that Becky.
Try lunges and squats, that will tone your legs, and your but area. I found the best abdominal workout are those big medicine balls for your tummy. It works GREAT, and see results. they have one at my gym, but I think I want to buy one.
Chloegirl
Posted:
Member since
Re: I want to see a change...
What is a Medicine Ball. Is it the ball you sit on and do sit ups on? I am going to start the lunges and squats AGAIN....I tend to start and do them for a week....I must stay motivated!!!
Do you do weight training before or after cardio? I am always so tired after cardio....
Diane
Posted:
Member since
Re: I want to see a change...
yes, the Medicine ball is that big bouncy ball. You lay on it, and do sit-ups. It is great, because your resistance is yourself, so you are working more muscles, rather laying on the floor.
I do weights after cardio...because your muscles are all warmed up. You can do it before. Maybe just walk on the traedmill about 10 minutes to warm up your muscles.
I tried doing cardio after weights, and I was achy.
Chloegirl
Posted:
Member since
Re: I want to see a change...
Thanks for all your help....do you think the weight training will help me burn more fat or only build muscle? Cause I want to really try to slim down not bulk up.
Also one more question...sorry.....how many times a week do you do the weight training and how many reps do you do? I do cardio 4-5 times/week.
Diane
Posted:
Member since
Re: I want to see a change...
lifting weights does burn fat/calories. If you just want a little tone, I would suggest using lighter weights, and less reps. I go to the gym...well trying to this week has been bad. I usually go about 5 times a week. I do weights about 4 times, and cardio about 4 times a week too.
i thought a medicine ball was a basketball sized heavy ball...
I used to take kick boxing lessons...and I would lay on my back with someone over me and throw the ball up to the person and they would throw it back...
also you can throw it over your head...
I am a big fan of push-ups...they really do tone up arms...I can get a little flabby...a week or two of 10-20 'real' push-ups a day...will make my arms look defined...
to lose weight...try doing intervals...for 3 min run 80% and then cool down 2 min...and keep repeating...
Diane
Posted:
Member since
Re: I want to see a change...
Im not sure what they are called Erica....but you ladies knew what I was talking about. That huge ball. We use it a lot in the abs class I take.
februarybride
Posted:
Member since
Re: I want to see a change...
Self magazine has some good tips. They highly recommend the intervals when doing cardio. Here's what it says:
Treadmill: Walking/running Warm up - 3.5 mph for 3mins Workout - Speed up to 4mph for 3mins. Jog at 5 to 5mph for one minute (or speed walk at 4.5) to complete one cycle. Repeat pattern for a total of 6 times. Cooldown: Walk at 3.5mph for 3mins.
Elliptical trainer: Warm up - 85 strides per minute for 3mins Workout - Move at 130 strides per minute for 3mins. Speed up to 170 strides for 1 minute. Slow down to 130 for 3 mins, then spped up. Repeat cycle 6 times. Cooldown: Go slowly for 3mins
Stationary bike: Warm up - Pedal for 3mins at 50 rpm. Workout - Cycle at 80 to 90 rpm for 1min. Slow to 55 to 65 rpm for 3 mins. Repeat routine a total of 6 times. Cooldown: Pedal at 50 mph for 3mins.
They recommend trying a new activity once a week. You'll burn more calories by using your body in a different way.
