Hi everyone - hopefully some questions can be answered here!

[lauraa016]

Hi everyone,
I'm new to this site and joined with a goal in mind - to get some questions answered from those who are knowledgeable in the world of fitness!
Here's a little background that may be relevant:

I'm a nineteen year old female and have never been athletic or active - I was always the slowest one in gym class, always out of shape and out of breath. I get tired physically very easy and have never participated in sports or any form of working out. I am not overweight but consider myself to be extremely inactive/out of shape. SO, I just recently have joined a gym in hopes of getting fit and living a healthy lifestyle, and noticed something startling. After 10 minutes on an elliptical machine, my heart rate was measured at 179. I was on level 2 difficulty, and it had only been ten minutes, so this heart rate alarmed me. Since I'm new to the world of fitness, I'm not sure if this is to be considered 'normal'. Any input is greatly appreciated!

Also, what methods of exercise are best for toning muscles and just being 'fit' and healthy in general, without the goal of weight loss?

Thank you all so much!

 

[anthony.m.d]

i can't really determine whether that's bad or not because i don't know the intensity of the machine you were doing. but if your resting heart rate is more then 60 beats per minute you are consider unfit. and if your resting heart rate is extremely higher lets say 120 for rest i would get that cheked out. In regards to getting toned and fit weight training and cardio will be good for you. 4 sets of 12 reps in weight training. and after weight training half hour of low intensity cardio to burn fat. O and 5 small meals a day, lots of water, get all the vitamins and minerals, milk. 50% protein 50%carbs 50%fat in your daily diet. you should do great then. Tony D