[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Sep-03-02 AT 10:47AM (Est)[/font][p][font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Sep-03-02 AT 09:53 AM (Est)[/font]
Hello,
Yes, the cardio cardio cardio bit is true if you want to lose weight. However, equally as effective is weight lifting because you are turning fat into muscles and that uses more energy even while you are resting.
In my personal experience, intensive cardios are v. effective: running is the best, so get those running shoes on. Here's my advice on a good weight loss programme: 2 weight sessions a week and 3-4 cardios.
My favourite weight training are PH, MIS and BodyMax (it combines cardio as well so you can do this as a weight and cardio in one day instead of weight and cardio on seperate days).
You start off easy with a run/walk programme (if you have never run before and is v. unfit). Best thing to keep you motivated is to sign up for a race, say 5km, in your town, (aim for this in 6-8 weeks).
Here's a rotation:
Mon: 30-45mins run/walk programme.
Tues: MIS or PH or PS series for the upper body
Wedns: Cathe's step (if you can do it) or 30-45mins run/walk
Thurs: Rest
Fri: BodyMax
Sat: 30-45mins run/walk or rest (if you are tired)
Sun: Any Cathe step or 30-45mins run/walk or rest (if you worked out the previous day)
A good run/walk programme follows thus: warm up 5mins incl. stretching: run 3-5mins: walk 5mins to recover: run 3-5mins: walk 5mins: after 30-45mins, cool down with a brisk walk and stretch. As your fitness improves, reduce the walking time and try to run for longer and also increase the run to 1hr.
It is important that you buy the correct shoes for running (go to a shoe shop that specialises in running shoes and get yourself measured. You should also bring with you the socks that you will wear when running (I reccommend towelling sports socks that are quite thick and soft). If you have a target to aim for, like the 5km run then you will find it easier to motivate yourself to stick with it.
NOTE: I can't stress enough the importance of a good pair of running shoes because they can be the deciding factor that keep you running in the long run. A uncomfortable pair will give your sore feet, cause injuries and put you off.
Diet wise, eat a healthy diet that includes fresh food: meat, vegetables and fruit. Lots of healthy carbohydrates like boiled rice and potatoes and wholemeal bread, and vegetable stir fries with chicken or beef and steam fish. Cut down on cakes and biscuits, sweets (cut these out all together if you can), fast food restaurants and all ready made meals and processed foods. Try to limit them to 1-2 portions a week, for instance, allow your self 3 doughnuts, or a hamburger meal, or 3 portions of ice creams a week. You can have some chocolate before a race to give you energy (a banana if you really want to be healthy). And drink plenty of water, 1-2litres a day to flush out your system.
Oh, and consider taking supplements like cod liver oil (joint mobility) and multi-vitamins (vitamins A, C and E). I also take Aloe Vera gel to boost my immune system.
I follow this programme myself and I have found it to be v. effective. And I am running my first 10K on September 22nd.
Good luck.