I was talking to my wife about my workout routine and she was complaining about not knowing how to do certain things properly. But our schedules differ most of the time so she jokingly said that I should take pictures. I thought it funny at first and especially vain, but the more that I thought about it the more it started sounding like a good idea.

I admit that it will feel very arrogant and shallow to take pictures of me working out, but it might possibly be helpful. What say you guys? Do you think it is vain and egotistical or do you think it is a good idea?

@@KMA0910 - I don't need to take any pictures or do any video to address some of your concerns/thoughts.

Women are of course welcome on this thread. More often than not I post workout related topics here because I tend to think of my routine as more male oriented. That's not to say a woman couldn't or shouldn't do any of them, they just don't seem to be as interested in my chosen routine.

You said you do the elliptical first, I don't like doing cardio before weights. When I do cardio, I attack the machine and by the time I am done I am usually wobbly legged and fairly spent. That doesn't leave much energy or proper weight lifting. A decent 10 minute warm up on the elliptical or around the walking track is enough to get the blood pumping. Exaggerated movements help loosen limbs and stretch muscles when you are walking too.

As for your choice of exercises after your cardio work, again I am not a fan of the leg press nor the ab machines. Too much isolation is the problem. Using a broom handle something similar to go across the back of your shoulders for an unweighted squat is a better use of the posterior chain than the leg press machine. And as for your abs, the roman chair or a Pilates ball will activate more of your core muscles than the ab machine.

One thing that I wish I could pass onto other people who may be new to the gym, I know the fear of looking ignorant and I realize it is daunting. But don't let potential embarrassment hold you back from bettering yourself. Many of us let that happen once we got fat and then it just snowballs and starts affecting other things.

The more I talk about this stuff, the more I really do thing this may be a worthwhile endeavor.

Edited June 21, 201610 yr by BigViffer

Thanks for your help as usual @@BigViffer tomorrow morning I will start with the weights first. Maybe if I do end up looking ignorant one of the nice beefcakes will help me out

I've had a personal trainer for about 18 months. My surgery date will more than likely be in August. How long is the norm from taking off a weight routine? What did your work outs look like when you started back? Last Friday I did 80 squats, step ups, leg extensions, leg presses and calf raises. Upper isn't as strong as lower, but curious what y'all did. How was your energy level?

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Here is a few threads/posts that may help you:

This thread is very much applicable to your question:

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/370974-post-sleeve-working-out/

Once you have ramped up after several months of gym use, this thread may be of some use:

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/361768-by-request-bigviffer-workout-routine/