Cycling

[Buddhastic]

I hate the gym but am managing to drag myself there three times a week to cycle 10k. If i get into a routine of doing this I am hoping to add other exercises too but at the moment this is big enough for me to deal with. How long will it take for some differences to show on my body? Or is it rubbish and Im kidding myself that i am achieving something? Be gentle I know I need to be realistic but it really is a big thing for me to be going and to keep going so easy for me to give up. No will power!

Firstly very well done for keeping on going!

Personally, if I was only going to use one piece of equipment in the gym, I'd choose the rower over the bike as it gives more of an all over body workout.

So how long does the 10km take you and what resistance range are you working through? And most importantly what is the aim of your exercise? How long it'll take to see a difference depends on so many things but keep an eye on your calves, thighs and bum!

All and any exercise helps towards your meeting your goals but it may help to have some specific goals... a general "to get fitter, to tone up, to lose weight" approach may not help you so much as something more measurable maybe.

But always remember that exercise, lifestyle and what you eat have to work together if you want to make differences.

It takes me 26mins and I use the Hill workout at level 3 and my goal at the moment is to keep going three times a week because I need to lose weight and tone up. My legs and bum are pretty dire so I thought cycling would be a good place to start. But I do have a sizeable tummy that I would like to get rid of too. My biggest problem is being so unfit its hard to do anything although I do feel like I am getting stronger and faster. Should I keep going like this for a wee while to build up fitness then add the rowing machine?

That's great that you can feel yourself getting fitter and stronger. :) And if it's working - as it obviously is - that can be a great motivator in itself!

Why not have a word with one of the trainers at the gym? If you explain to them what you've said here they should be able to give you some good advice about when to add in other and which equipment - remember you don't have to do everything they say straight away!