Went to the gym or the 1st time ever

[Bowielee]

One thing I would like to add is that results come slowly. Anyone who tells you differently is selling snake oil. I try to look at my progress a little at a time by setting short term goals rather than looking at the larger picture. If you can do 7 minutes on the elliptical machine, then your next goal may be to work up to 10 minutes in 2 weeks time. If you make it to 10 minutes before that two weeks is up, then set your next goal for a week and a half instead. Push yourself to work hard, but remember that overdoing it is counterproductive. Another way to stay motivated (for me at least) is to have someone to work out with. Maybe a friend, a co-worker, or a family member also would like to get in better shape. I found it kept me in check when I had a little friendly competition and someone who would hold me accountable versus going to the gym on my own.

That's not neccecarily true. When I've lost weight, it has been very rapidly at first, but then I plateau. The important thing is that when that happens to not get discouraged.

 

[Chad Sexington]

One thing I would like to add is that results come slowly. Anyone who tells you differently is selling snake oil. I try to look at my progress a little at a time by setting short term goals rather than looking at the larger picture. If you can do 7 minutes on the elliptical machine, then your next goal may be to work up to 10 minutes in 2 weeks time. If you make it to 10 minutes before that two weeks is up, then set your next goal for a week and a half instead. Push yourself to work hard, but remember that overdoing it is counterproductive. Another way to stay motivated (for me at least) is to have someone to work out with. Maybe a friend, a co-worker, or a family member also would like to get in better shape. I found it kept me in check when I had a little friendly competition and someone who would hold me accountable versus going to the gym on my own.

Definitely this. I went maybe twice a week when I started on my own, but now with a friend, I manage to go every week day before work.

 

[Chummer]

Is 4 times a week good? I'm thinking Mon, Tues, Fri, and Sat.

 

[Bowielee]

Is 4 times a week good? I'm thinking Mon, Tues, Fri, and Sat.

I think the general normal amount suggested is at least 3 times a week. When I was working out regularly, I would do it monday, wednesday, and friday.

 

[Wasabi Poptart]

One thing I would like to add is that results come slowly. Anyone who tells you differently is selling snake oil. I try to look at my progress a little at a time by setting short term goals rather than looking at the larger picture. If you can do 7 minutes on the elliptical machine, then your next goal may be to work up to 10 minutes in 2 weeks time. If you make it to 10 minutes before that two weeks is up, then set your next goal for a week and a half instead. Push yourself to work hard, but remember that overdoing it is counterproductive. Another way to stay motivated (for me at least) is to have someone to work out with. Maybe a friend, a co-worker, or a family member also would like to get in better shape. I found it kept me in check when I had a little friendly competition and someone who would hold me accountable versus going to the gym on my own.

That's not neccecarily true. When I've lost weight, it has been very rapidly at first, but then I plateau. The important thing is that when that happens to not get discouraged.

I was thinking more in terms of seeing results rather than the number you see on the scale. I have had times when I've lost weight, but to me I didn't look any different. Rather than expecting to go to the gym for a month and be a buff, hot looking stud, it's better to be realistic.

 

[Chazwozel]

There's been a lot of advice here, some I'll agree with some I won't. Slowly building endurance is your best bet. But there are also things that can and should do outside of the gym that will train you and build your endurance even when you are not "training".

Quickest and easiest example I give people is your trip to the grocery store, the mall, where ever you happen to be going. Stop trying to find the closest spot to the store. Look instead for a spot a long ways away from the store then make your walk up to the store and on your way back to the car a brisk paced walk. Have a basketball court anywhere near you? Just pick up a Ball and go shoot some hoops sometimes. You don't have to get crazy with it, just have fun with it. The more you make things be "work" the less likely you are to stick with them. And my personal favorite: Go swimming.
But the big key is, don't make your workout your only form of exercise, and have fun with it. You'll get more out of it, you'll have more fun, and you are a lot more likely to stick with it.

Also, for weight training, stay away from the weight machines. Stick with free weights. They are a much better exercise and give you a lot more benefit.

For those who think they can't make it to a gym but would love to work out, may I suggest checking out a kettle bell. Secret of the Russian strong men and best single piece home gym I've ever found. Hit youtube for an example or twelve.

Also a [strike:1f3u92eq]good[/strike:1f3u92eq] great source for tips and exercise (and diet) comes from the Men's Health monthly magazine. Also a good thing to check out.

Not for a novice. If you don't know how to do free weights correctly, you won't get jack shit out of the workout and possibly hurt yourself.

-- Sat Jul 11, 2009 10:30 pm --

Is 4 times a week good? I'm thinking Mon, Tues, Fri, and Sat.

Weight train 3 x week

Run 2x week

 

[Alucard]

Me: Weight lift 3x times a week
Cardio 5x times a week