Help suggest an exercise regime.
By ladyjava
@ladyjava (1184)
Malaysia
February 8, 2007 11:52pm CST
I am not one would call "overweight". In fact when i tell people i want to lose weight, they say I'm crazy and I'm obsessed. However, I do feel "fatter" than what i was before. Currently I'm 1.61m (around 5"3) and 55Kilos (around 110lbs). I used to be much lighter though. My problem is I want to lose "fat". I also need to get fit. I've never exercise. I don't like or play sports. In fact, I lead a very sedentary life.
I want to get fit, get on an exercise program, but I don't know where to start. Can anyone suggest anything?
3 people like this
8 responses
@nicolec (2671)
• United States
9 Feb 07
That's really tough to start an exercise program when you are generally sendentary. I'm an active person and still have trouble getting myself to the gym sometimes.
Check around where you live. they have these places called 'circuit gyms' where you basically do a full body workout in only 30 minutes. Some of them you do it in groups so you can bring friends for encouragement.
I saw the other poster said walking. This is good too. A lot of people mall walk. A mall is a perfect place because it's already a 'track'. Just be sure to go when it's not so crowded so you can pick up some good speed.
How about riding a bicycle. If it's not too cold, get out and enjoy the scenery.
Good luck to you.
3 people like this
@cashnono (1135)
• Hong Kong
10 Feb 07
This article maybe helpful:
Experts say if you have to choose between a diet or exercise to lose weight, choose exercise. A new study suggests it's better to hit the weight room than cut back on how much you eat.
And although the goal is the same -- use more energy than you stockpile -- working out has more benefits.
People who exercise tend to be stronger, have more muscle mass, and an increased aerobic capacity. Dieters tend to lose muscle mass and strength.
"If push comes to shove and somebody wants to know if they should diet or exercise to lose weight, I would suggest exercise, provided they are willing to put in the extra time and effort and not offset the gains they make by eating more," said study lead author Edward Weiss, a researcher at Saint Louis University's Doisy College of Health Sciences.
Weiss and his colleagues studied 34 people between the ages of 50 and 60 who were in the high end of normal weight or overweight. Of the participants, 18 dieted while 16 exercised.
The dieters reduced their calorie intake by 16 percent the first three months and 20 percent for the next nine months. The exercise group worked out to burn 16 percent more calories the first three months and 20 percent the following nine months.
Both groups lost around 9 to 10 percent of their body weight. But the dieters lost muscle mass, while the exercisers did not.
"It's important that dieting not be seen as a bad thing because it provides enormous benefits with respect to reducing the risk of disease and is effective for weight loss," Weiss said. "Furthermore, based on studies in rodents, there is a real possibility that calorie restriction provides benefits that cannot be achieved through exercise-induced weight loss."
The study is detailed in an online edition of the Journal of Applied Physiology.
3 people like this
@simran1430 (1790)
• India
11 Feb 07
Walking is great. No expertise or equipment is required, you can do it anytime and it’s free! What’s more, provided you do it regularly and for long enough, walking can be just as beneficial as any of the more vigorous activities (like jogging etc). Aim to walk briskly (swinging your arms) for 30 minutes, each day. This should include at least one reasonably steep slope. Please note: This may take you several months to achieve, so don’t be in a hurry. Remember, exercise is for LIFE!
@cabergren (1181)
• United States
9 Feb 07
I think the simpliest thing and easiest thing to do is to start walking. They say to walk about 30 minutes everyday. Not only will you lose weight, but you will feel just great. It's that simple.
@za_applez (66)
• Australia
11 Feb 07
Yea walking is the simplest thing to do..to be motivated..find a walking buddy who will push u to do it even when u dont feel like it....come walk wif me babe hehe
3 people like this
@noyida (795)
• Singapore
13 Feb 07
How about some belly dancing girl. You can just do it at home with some very nice Arab song.
Anyway, I don't think that you are fat, it quite an ideal weight. If you just want to lost that fat sitting around your tummy, just do some sit up before you sleep. Make it a routine say 10 for a start and gradually increase when u are more comfortable. You can even do it in your pyjamas. If you are into the momentum, do it also when you wake up in the morning. It helps to strengten the muscle around your tummy plus get rid of the spare tyre there. Good Luck!
2 people like this
@ladyjava (1184)
• Malaysia
13 Feb 07
Belly dancing?? hmm that i can try. As for sit-ups, we actually have this thingy that we bought which is actually supposed to encourage us to do situps.. initially i was really into it but then when i don't see results, i started to get bored :(..
2 people like this
@ctinabina (386)
• United States
12 Feb 07
I would suggest picking up a sport. I suggest anything with a training schedule like running for a certain race or training for a triathlon. Many people exceed at triathlons because there are 3 sports, so you don't get bored as easily. And, almost anyone can do a sprint distance triathlon with only a bit of training.
I also want to stress the importance of weight lifting in any exercise regimen. It will help you exceed in your cardio advancement and also help with posture and metabolism. You already sound very thin, so if you feel like you're out of shape, it could very well be because your muscle mass is low so you feel weak and fatigued. I recommend this website (it's free) for weight lifting tips for women: http://www.stumptuous.com
I've also found this running website with free training schedules, depending on the distance you want to train for (5K, 10K, 1/2 marathon, marathon).
http://www.halhigdon.com
Good luck!
3 people like this
@atisha (79)
• Malaysia
13 Feb 07
hi bab....YES! you are crazy!! The last time i saw you, you are NOT fat and there is NOTHING to loose. I think its all in your mind! And I also think that its time for you to start a new lifestyle,(if you want to loose those 'fats') hehehehee....Maybe play badminton with your hubby or friends. I will suggest swimming. It a whole body exercise with pleasure. Easier one, like the rest was saying, walking but not just a normal walking, probably should try to walk FAST. So, my dear friend, from now onwards, you must have that determination and interest to do some sports, OK! You go gal!!!
@ladyjava (1184)
• Malaysia
13 Feb 07
For a mom of two, YOU have a great figure.. Unfortunately I HATE sports.. I really don't know why.. From young till now.. in fact physical education class was my hated moment in school. I treat it like the plague :(.. I guess got to change huh?
1 person likes this