Used to workout?

[Iain1974]

How long does it take to get used to a workout routine?

I started working out ~3 months ago and initially dropped relatively swiftly from 250(Thanksgiving) to 221(Feb 1st). Since then I feel as if I've stalled. The lowest number I've seen on my set of scales is 218lbs. It says my bodyfat % has dropped from 32% to 26.5% though these numbers seem to vary wildly. I'm 6'0" and 35 yrs.

I try to workout weights/cardio on alternate days. For cardio I like to push myself for 60minutes on either elliptical or bike. I find the treadmill a little rough on my knees. I can manage 20miles+ bike or ~8 miles elliptical in the hour.

For weights I alternate with today being shoulders/biceps/triceps/chest. Next time will be back, legs, torso.

My diet is OK. I eliminated junk-food and soda (and cigarettes) completely a few months ago. I'd guess I average 2000 calories a day though could do better with drinking more fresh water.

My question is this, how long should I cardio on the same machine for? Should I do one machine repeatedly for say 10 sessions or continually rotate?

Why is it important to change up exercises? Surely one type of chest press is similar in results to other types?

 

[Harold14370]

My guess is that you are eating a bit more than you think. The only way to be sure is to count calories. The combination of diet and exercise that worked at 250 pounds will not necessarily work at 221 because your metabolism slows down along with the decrease in weight. I don't think it is important what kind of cardio you do, at least not as far as burning calories is concerned.

 

[Iain1974]

Eating more is quite possible. I try to be good with cooking real rather than processed foods but sometimes portion size is an issue for me.

I'm also inclined to think that weighing 3x daily might not be as productive as I'd initially hoped

 

[dobner]

Nice job on the fitness program and losing some big weight. I suspect it is what you are eating. Keeping track of every little thing you eat in a day is very revealing. I keep a spreadsheet of my daily food intake and record everything.

The most important thing that I have gained from this is realizing how much I really was eating. In the last three weeks I am now onto something really new and lost 10 pounds. I am not seriously overweight, but I am still losing. I am going to be looking good this summer. You?