New to fitness... help.

[chiefbrody]

I have been going to the gym for four weeks. Using the treadmill, bike, arc trainer, rowing machine, cross trainer and stair stepper... This week I was shown some weight training.

Love love loving it.

I need to lose 3 stone and get fab fit.

This week I ran on the treadmill and did 5k in 50.14 minutes.

I was so chuffed....although I know its not fast....

So my question is how often should I train and how long for............ Or could you tell me what you do?

I go twice a week, 1 hour after work and 1.5 hours at the weekend. Usually leave a few days between visits for recovery.

Just build up gradually, that way you stand a better chance of keeping going and less likely to pick up an injury that will keep you away from the gym for longer.

Well done you so far, keep up the good work.

Wow - you ran for 50 minutes! I'm fit but can't do that much!

Does your gym have yoga or pilates classes? If you're building up your muscles by doing all this cardio it's worth thinking about working on your strength and flexibility also. It won't help with weight loss but will streamline your muscles without bulking out and strengthen your abs and back.

You've made a fab start! Keep working on your 5k times, but don't run every day. I'm a big Parkrun fan, maybe you could see if there are any of those near you.

Other weight training is excellent, again not every day, and make sure you work different muscles.

I was shown some weights on Friday and although I came home feeling great the next day I was aching and so tired.

Will look into yoga [no classes but maybe a you tube video will help]

The 50 min 5k was not all running ranging from 5-8 on the treadmill, but I did not stop.......... If I was running the streets I would of collapsed on a wall half way through ;-) I think the treadmill keeps me going.

I will attempt 5k again in four weeks...........

Thanks for replying

I don't have anything useful to add. Except that I wanted to say thanks chiefbrody I'm in exactly the same position, 3 stone+ to lose and just starting back at the gym. You've inspired me to have a go at the treadmill now... do you run on an incline?

No i have not run on an incline yet...........

What is your plan at the gym.......

My biggest test do far was getting tracksuit bottoms that looked respectable...lol

Haha, I'm in full moisture wicking lycra. With the biggest knickers I can find
I've heard that running on a slight incline is better for your knees but then I can't run/jog for more than 1 minute without feeling like collapsing so I wouldn't be able to tell the difference.
I tend to use the elliptical for 25 mins, alternating between steps and longer strides and then the bike for another 25 mins. Occasionally, I spend 15 minutes on a few of the weight machines but I prefer the cardio.

What is the elliptical?

I prefer cardio but doing what my trainer tells me at the mo.....

I like the treadmill and cross trainer.... not the bike and rower so much.

I also like the stair climber but can only manage 3 mins on it but I always do it last....

Im usually at the gym for about an hour........ at the mo i am always finishing with a 2.5k walk/run on the treadmill....

Lets keep this thread up with our progress.

EATING IS A PROB FOR ME

I am a lover of cheese and chocolate...... the diet will be more a gradual change.

Which weights have you been doing?

I went back to the gym today and feeling good - it was lovely and quiet so I tried the treadmill. I normally feel too self conscious to have a go. Managed to alternate 1 min running with 2 min walking for 10 minutes so I'm feeling quite proud of myself. Thanks for inspiring me to have a go!

The elliptical is another name for cross-trainer. There's a fancy adaptive motion trainer (which is similar) at my gym which allows you to climb and then do longer strides.

Yeah, food is a problem for me. I'm trying weight watchers at the moment but I have problems with snacking - I'll quite happily eat a whole packet of something and then that's all my good work ruined. Cheese is my downfall.

I Have been doing a couple of weight machines and some free weights.

Well done for jumping on the treadmill..... I love it.

Mapped out a 5k run around my village today, so thats the next plan in about 4 weeks....

cheese cheese give me some cheese......

The thing with the treadmill is that it slightly 'runs you'- you gain a little momentum from the movement of the belt. Adding a small incline (0.5-1%) neutralises that, which in turn reduces joint impact.

Thank you next time I will add an incline.