"Getting in shape"

S

Sam Seaborn

0
Hey all,

I just joined up, and had a couple of questions. Basically, I'm 17, 6'3ish and am a bit overweight. Not fat-fat, but I wouldn't want my top off in public, if you know what I mean :p. Anyway, I have a couple of options available to me - biking, running, or swimming. Which is the best, and how long should I do them? I have no frame of reference for what's reasonable - is running for an hour or two considered nutty, or? Hehe. If this helps anyone, I can usually base a schedule around early morning at the weekends or after school on weekdays. Should I be biking/running etc every day for an hour, or? And if I did, how long would it take for me to 'get in shape'?

Sorry for sounding so absolutely clueless! Thanks for reading! :)
 
I think swimming is probably the best to lose weight because of the water resistance presented while swimming but it probably wouldnt hurt to do the one you do the least of since your body will be surprised and not ready for such work, thus your body will ultimatly raise its heart rate and increase matabolism.
 
Most experts recommend 30-60 minutes of cardio exercise 4-5 days a week. Any more than 60 minutes you run the risk (risk only, not guarantee) of beginning to catabolize (break down for energy) muscle.

Throw some weight training in there (2-4 times a week) for good measure, you'll see some results with a clean diet and right caloric intake.
 
just do whatever cardio you like best...they all work...running and swimming are very efficient fat burners.

listen to your body...if a certain interval/frequency is too much for your body, cut it down...
 
Butcher said:
I think swimming is probably the best to lose weight because of the water resistance presented while swimming but it probably wouldnt hurt to do the one you do the least of since your body will be surprised and not ready for such work, thus your body will ultimatly raise its heart rate and increase matabolism.
Click to expand...

A couple of people have mentioned that to me too. Cheers! :)

aevans410 said:
Most experts recommend 30-60 minutes of cardio exercise 4-5 days a week. Any more than 60 minutes you run the risk (risk only, not guarantee) of beginning to catabolize (break down for energy) muscle.

Throw some weight training in there (2-4 times a week) for good measure, you'll see some results with a clean diet and right caloric intake.
Click to expand...

Say I go swimming 4 days a week for about 45 minutes, and watch my diet generally. How long do you think until I start seeing results? I'm not talking anywhere near a six pack or anything, just being slim (haha). I know these things are difficult to predict, but are we talking six months? Thanks. :)

freddy said:
just do whatever cardio you like best...they all work...running and swimming are very efficient fat burners.

listen to your body...if a certain interval/frequency is too much for your body, cut it down...
Click to expand...

Hehe, good advice! :)
 
Providing you eat clean, provide yourself a decent caloric deficit (google "calorie intake calculators) of 500-1000 calories, you can see some results in 4-6 weeks. Adding weight training though can increase any progress you make, I highly recommend both.
 
running is also a very good cardio but you dont quite just the full body work out you get with swimming, but you dont have to take your shirt off :p
 
If you enjoy biking, running, and swimming, I say do them all - alternating between the types of cardio you do will help to prevent a plateau. 4-5 days of 30 minutes or more of cardio will be just right for, as you put in quotes, "getting in shape."
Don't forget that a clean diet will be key in losing body fat.

And I also agree that you should start weight lifting, too.
 
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