BAFFELED BEGINNER

[mpdavis53]

What is the best weekly exercise schedule for me, brand new to the exercise world? It's been probably 10 years since I seriously exercised. I'm 52 and about 20 lbs overweight, with moderately high blood pressure. Currently, I'm using an eliptical 20 minutes 3 times a week, weight training three times a week. My husband's afraid I'm jumping in too quickly and too deeply by exercising daily and muscle training every other day.... I'm hoping the exercise and getting into shape will let me eliminate the BP medicine.

ps - I LOVE the upper body pyramid (taped it off of FitTV).
Thanks for your help!!

 

[Amy Steppe]

Tell Hubbie to chill out -- it is the INACTIVITY that will kill you.

As long as you are working comfortably hard - not gasping for breath and dizzy, then go with what you are doing.

And the weight loss will more than likely help with your blood pressure. Blood pressure is controlled by many factors - from tumors of the adrenal glands to heredity to being overweight.

Maybe your husband should jump and join you!

I am also 52 and I say "go for it"

And as your fitness level progresses, try to go a little harder and longer with each workout.

And don't forget to use proper form when handling weights!

Good luck!

 

[Aquajock]

Read Amy's post over and over again until you know it by heart, and act on each and every line.

A-Jock

 

[JT]

My only suggestion, being a former certfied instuctor, is to do Rate of Perceived Exertion. Scale 1-10 on how hard you're working both with weights and cardio. You should fall somewhere between 5-7. Plus, also being able to speak your full name without slurring. Check with your physcian before beginning any type of exercise program.*******the most important thing to do***************
For me, I do cardio then weights then cardio, day off, then weights again. Recovery and stretching are just as important.