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Exercise

Chat to other fitness enthusiasts on our Exercise forum.

Recommend me some exercise?

6 replies

Combusting · 21/07/2023 10:05

Context: Full-on career + two kids 7 and 3 - very hectic lifestyle.

Issues: Need to lose 2 stone, feel better, feel fitter, have more energy and not be in an afternoon slump (despite religiously taking Berocca at 1 pm, and a good quality multi vit).

My work has a fabulous gym and pool, where I have secured a very discounted monthly membership. Loads of classes, olympic sized pool. I might even have identified 45 mins each day to spend in this place.

Nobody ever taught me to swim where I was raised (different continent!). I taught myself a version on breaststroke and can manage just about 3/4 mins before getting out of breath (although only a size 12-14 - but vanity sizing hey!). I would LOVE to be able to polish that so i can eventually maybe swim far enough for even 1 or 2 laps. On waiting list for 1:1 swim lessons.

In the gym - I am clueless. I know the flabby upper arms need to go, as do the tum and bums. But I faff around on the treadmiller/crosstrainer/bike not doing anything for the arms.

Can anyone recommend me a gentle start regimen to exercise using this facility I have got access to, and that can be done in say 5 days a week, 45 mins each time?

I know the advice is to pay for a PT for a few sessions but I thought I'd ask here first...

OP posts:
Combusting · 21/07/2023 10:12

PS: I fully grasp that diet is the key to weight loss, so although I did mention weight/size - my quest for exercise isn't tied to that.

My motivation to do something is mainly seeing an array of female relatives succumb to obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and related illnesses and simply accept these and a generic lack of mobility as part and parcel of life. That's the motivation- not the weight thing directly if you see what I mean....

Late 30s by the way - and wanting to get sorted before 40th birthday :)

OP posts:
CindersAgain · 21/07/2023 10:16

It’s a great idea to get fit 😊

Does the gym do an induction? If you book onto that they should give you a walk through the machines but also come up with a programme for you.

The weights machines look scary but are fine to use and more interesting than just doing cardio, for example.

SportsAndExerciseMedicineDoc · 21/07/2023 11:26

Hi @Combusting ,

Sounds like you’re motivated.

Given your access to facilities at work, I’d use the 4-5 times per week gym access to build strength. The trick here is to not overdo it leading to overtraining and loss of motivation after the initial burst of excitement. I’ve seen people progress well using Easy Strength by Pavel Tsatouline.

Go simple; a push, pull, squat, hip hinge and loaded carry.

Push- Any bench press variation. Overhead Press, Seated Press, Landmine Press.
Pull- Any deadlift variation (usually good to start with hex bar deadlifts). Pullups, Rows.
Squat- Again, any variation is fine. Box, Front, SSB etc.
Hip hinge - kettlebell swings.
Loaded carry - start with farmers walks using kettlebells. Vary weight and distance each session.

Do 2 sets of 5 reps and don’t go anywhere near failure. First week focus on 55% of 1 rep max weight. You can increase in increments every 2 weeks. 1-2 weeks 55%, 2-4 weeks, 57.5% etc etc. Using 55% of 1 rep max, you should feel you're working out, learn the movement patterns in a safe way and not injure yourself.

After 8 weeks, you can change up the exercises and start again.

The above gets you into the habit of going to the gym without beating yourself up each session whilst getting some considerable volume in. I’d still pay for a PT to get down some form.

Outside of the gym, I’d focus on increasing your opportunities to move (OTM). Take the long cut instead of a shortcut, walk meetings, coffee walk with friends etc etc. Maybe start going to Parkrun and walking at first, then jog and then build up to running. In the long run, your cardio fitness is going to dictate how out of breath you get doing any activity. Focus on frequency, then duration and then intensity. If swimming is your thing to improve, get lessons and then apply the frequency, then duration then intensity rule.

If you get bored with the above, do it less frequently and substitute one session for a class. Maybe use that session to add in intensity. Only do the class you think will be fun.

Once you get into a comfortable pattern on the strength front you can decrease the number of strength sessions down to 3 and take the other two sessions to build your cardio. Beyond a certain amount of strength any extra gains are marginal, but cardio will help you be fit enough to enjoy doing what you want in life.

If you feel tired, sore or demotivated, take a rest day. This doesn’t mean sitting on a sofa, but a gentle walk.

Might be worth spending some cash on a dietician to clear up the diet.

Combusting · 21/07/2023 11:36

Wow thank you SO much for taking this time to write out all of this. I don't think I am knowledgeable enough yet to understand some of the terms (such as doing something to failure?) - but I am going to screen shot this and take it to the gym induction (Which I still have not had but will today!). Thanks so much :)

OP posts:
Onewildandpreciouslife · 21/07/2023 11:38

Does the gym offer body pump classes? Transforming, in my view

RayKray · 21/07/2023 20:34

Find something you enjoy then you'll stick to it. For me that's lifting. Get an induction and I would expect they'll also write you a simple programme. I really wouldn't overcomplicate it when you're starting out. You don't need to know what all the terms mean when you're starting out. You just need to try stuff and have fun. I got this book when I started to understand some basics. www.amazon.co.uk/New-Rules-Lifting-Women-Goddess/dp/1583333398/ref=nodl_?dplnkId=265517e8-8acf-4844-8783-eb3d6b09489f
I'm now training for powerlifting and it's only now I have (knowingly) had anything to do with %s of one rep maxes. Unless you want to do that of course, then go for it. But having fun and finding a love for what you're doing is IME the most important thing, as then you'll keep doing it. Enjoy!

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