Hi everyone, this is my first post here, I just found these forums. I am currently 5'6" and weigh 198..I would like to get down to 145 or so, I am kind of big boned by nature so I don't expect to get lower than that, although when I do get to 145 I would like to be toned. I have my diet under control and I have joined a gym. I am doing pretty good losing weight right now, I started at around 210, but I am unsure as to what type of fitness routine I should be doing, whether all cardio or if I should incorporate weights. I currently go to the gym at least 5 times a week, when I am there I have only been doing an hour of speed walking on the treadmill. My idea was that I would lose most of the fat by doing cardio and then start toning things up with adding weights...am I right? Any thoughts or advise would be great. Thanks
Need advice on exercise routine
- Thread starter skittley
- Start date
Hi, Skittley.
There are tons of posts on this board that will help you out. I think most would agree that you should not wait to start with weights
Here are some tips that may help you get started:
1) Eat 5-6 small meals throughout the day. Each meal should be 2-3 hours apart. Each meal should contain one protein and one carb. The first meal should be eaten within an hour after waking.
2) Drink a cup of water at each meal.
3) Rest properly. This means taking at least 48 hours between strength training the same muscles, and it also means getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Lastly, it means taking 1-2 days off from exercising per week.
4) Cardio. This should be done at different intensity levels and different session lengths. Consider doing a low intensity/long session, a high intensity/short session and a few medium intensity/medium length sessions.
5) Strength Training. Strength train each muscle 1-3 times per week. You should lift a proper weight and perform the proper amount of sets/reps for your strength training method. If you need more guidance or exercise ideas you can head over
All of the above things combined will result in fat loss.
There are tons of posts on this board that will help you out. I think most would agree that you should not wait to start with weights
Here are some tips that may help you get started:
1) Eat 5-6 small meals throughout the day. Each meal should be 2-3 hours apart. Each meal should contain one protein and one carb. The first meal should be eaten within an hour after waking.
2) Drink a cup of water at each meal.
3) Rest properly. This means taking at least 48 hours between strength training the same muscles, and it also means getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Lastly, it means taking 1-2 days off from exercising per week.
4) Cardio. This should be done at different intensity levels and different session lengths. Consider doing a low intensity/long session, a high intensity/short session and a few medium intensity/medium length sessions.
5) Strength Training. Strength train each muscle 1-3 times per week. You should lift a proper weight and perform the proper amount of sets/reps for your strength training method. If you need more guidance or exercise ideas you can head over
All of the above things combined will result in fat loss.
Hi and welcome! Weights are a great idea. A good program should include strength training, cardiovascular training, and even some flexibility training. If you have not had an exercise routine before it may be a good idea to consult with a trainer. A strength training routine should hit all the muscle groups adequately. However, people who are new to weight training will sometimes do too many exercises in a workout. More is not always better.
With your cardivascular training, variety is key. High intensity intervals are great for fat loss, and mixing in some long steady state sessions, plus some fun forms of cardio is a good idea.
The most important thing is that your routine is enjoyable to you so you'll stick with it.
Please let me know if I can help at all.
Sarah
With your cardivascular training, variety is key. High intensity intervals are great for fat loss, and mixing in some long steady state sessions, plus some fun forms of cardio is a good idea.
The most important thing is that your routine is enjoyable to you so you'll stick with it.
Please let me know if I can help at all.
Sarah