New to exercise...help

[pearlygirl 1]

Sort of. I used to actually work in a gym and was very fit, worked out daily and sometimes more. Okay, that was 10 years ago. I don't know where to start now. I can walk on the treadmill or with my dogs but how do I build up? I tried getting on the elliptical machine...haha 2 minutes in I was huffing and puffing with a side ache. I used to stay on that thing for an hour!!! Any ideas on how advance beyond walking?

[gaetano54 0]

hi pearly

Know what your going through, have patience and build up your endurance, don't over do it. I started back to the gym after my surgery in November,I've lost 65 LBS since my surgery. I am up to 4 days a week at the gym, I do 20-25 mins on the treadmill or stationary bike and another 20 minutes with weights. I still can't do more than 5 minutes on the elliptical machine.My advice is to try an add 1-2 minutes a week. Another is to break up the walk I started doing 15 mins and added another 5 after resting a bit.

I guess it took a long time in getting it on so be patient and don't shoot for the moon.

Guy

[snuffy65 1]

How i built up was on the treadmill. I started with brisk walking for 60 minutes at 3mph. Thats 3 miles a day. Then, I added to the speed slowley every couple of weeks. You will be running 5 miles a day in no time.

[neveragain 9]

Just take it slow and build up. If you rush things, you'll probably get injured, so take it easy, but increase everything 2-3 minutes every week or so. Give it a bit, then worry about weight training.

[make33 2]

May I suggest Curves?!! About five years ago, this circuit-weight training facility popped up literally everywhere!! And it's (1) only for women and (2) made pretty much for people our size!!

It takes about 1/2 hour three times a week (or more if you want), and is 8 - 11 machines with the same number of "pads" inbetween, on which you can walk, dance, jog, swing your arms or whatever! 30 seconds on each machine and pad, two to three times around and you're done!

I find it great for comraderie with other women! Been a member five years and although I also started at the YMCA last year weight training (needed a little more challenge) I still belong to Curves and go twice a week just for the aerobic activity!

When I began, they offered a month-to-month payment plan ($10 more a month than signing up for a year though)--but I guarantee you won't regret it! :rolleyes2:

[OH Juli 15]

If you can only do 5 minutes this week, do 5 minutes. Plan on doing 6 or 7 next week.

THEN DO IT.

Plan on increasing your time until you reach 30 minutes. Only then increase your speed. I mean this on a bike, a treadmill, an ellypitical machine, walking outside.

You'll want to throw in some weight training after a month or so. Again go at is slowly. but be consistent.

I started walking 10 minutes a day in October 06.

I ran a 5k a few months ago and can ride a bike for over 50 miles in a morning.

Trust me girl, it can be done. Keep setting new goals and keep achieving them!

[pearlygirl 1]

I do okay on the treadmill. Today, I walked for 30 minutes at 3.0 on an incline of 3.0 That was fine. It just seems like if I try to do anything more it all goes to hell...I guess I'll have to be patient. I did just start this last week.

[Cerrin 3]

I started the Elliptical March first Now April 18 I am at one hour 60 minutes

Do what you can today. Then tomorrow make a goal to do AT LEAST that much. Today you can do 2 minutes fine tomorrow shoot for 3 or 4

Just keep at it. You can do it.

Muscles have memory. They remember being fit. You are more likely to get back to that fitness level quicker then someone that was never fit.