How much should I work out???

[soliver0012]

I have at least 40-50 pounds to lose. For safe, maximum results, how many days a week should I work out??? I want to lose weight fast, well I guess we all do, so I want to do the maximum recommended. Also, does anyone have any tips for sticking to a program and staying away from a lot of snacking????

 

[Bigreen]

does anyone have any tips for sticking to a program and staying away from a lot of snacking????

Tip for sticking to a program would be not to start with the maximum and work your way up. I would suggest starting at 3 times a week. Give a day of rest in between each workout.

Don't stay away from snacking, just change what you put in your body. An apple or yogurt or a healthy bar or anything that is not junk. And drink lots of water.

 

[ExercisePhysio]

Bigreen: Here is the problem. The amount of days you workout is often dependent on how hard you workout and for how long you workout...not to mention the consistency of the nutritional support you bring along with it.

So ideally, you need to make up a workout/diet plan...present it to us here...and then we modify it given our knowledge of the topic matter. You then commit to it fully, and monitor your results.

This is the way to bring about the best results for you.

I mean I could tell you a nutrition/exercise program that would likely bring about your maximum weight loss/body composition change possible within a relatively short period of time...but honestly? I doubt you could follow it.

Michael

 

[soliver0012]

I plan on sticking out at least 30-45 min of cardio, switching between the elyptical trainer and some sort of an aerobic class. As far as weight training goes, i'm sort of clueless on what to do there.

Food wise, I had planned on going about the good ole calorie counting way and there i'm still not sure how much i should really be consuming.

 

[siromar]

soliver,

Use a calorie calculator to figure out your maintenance. Go 25% below that number.

30-45 minutes of cardio sounds good. I suggest you do interval training on the elliptical with a challenging resistance setting. If started with 8 resistance (out of 20 levels) and now I'm up to 11.

As for strength training, I usually do 15-20 minutes after the cardio. Focus of different muscle groups every session. Use both free weights and machines.

Also, it is advisable to switch cardio machines every month or so. I personally don't do that as I find the elliptical to be the most enjoyable exercise. I do however play basketball or soccer in its stead whenever possible.