help - am i doing this right?

kinnieb

New Member
I have just started - OPERATION BABY - as I am 30 years old, set in my career, and mentally ready to have a baby. The first gift I want to give my baby is a healthy start in the womb, therefore I am not even going to start trying to get pregnant until I have reached my goal weight. My husband, a weightlifter, introduced me to Cathe's workouts on FITv and they have definitely peaked my interests. I used to do the Firm, but lately, I have just been weight training 3 times a week and doing cardio 2-3 times a week and I am not losing any weight, but am maintaining my current weight. I have started by recording the 9 am workout on FITv and will be doing that every evening when I get off work. From my understanding the show comes on @ 9am, 6 days a week. So, my question to Cathe or anyone with some experience on this matter is - AM I doing this right? Should I be doing these workouts 6 days a week recorded from the 9 am show? Is this enough or too much? Should I also add some extra cardio-only workouts in 3 more times a week? I'm confused. HELP!!
 
I'm not sure what the FitTV schedule is, but be sure not to do two weight (or cardio/weight) circuit workouts two days in a row, to allow muscles time to heal. Looking at your current schedule, I'd stick with weight training 2-3 times a week, but add some cardio, or, even better, some interval workouts (Is IMAX 2 on FitTV?) which can help burn more calories and boost your metabolism.

Also, be sure to give yourself a day of rest (or a light workout, stretching or yoga) one day a week.
 
Hi and welcome Kinnieb,

As I was gathering my thoughts, I see Kathryn has said basically what I was going to say.

I don't get FitTV either. But here's some general thoughts.
*If you are doing total body weight workouts, I would continue with 2-3 per week. Cut back to 2 for now if your time is tight in order to fit in more cardio.
*Attempt 3-4 cardio workouts per week. After a few weeks you may need to adjust.
*Crosstrain with your cardio. I don't know how much step you are used to, so I wouldn't do Cathe step 4 times a week if it is new to you. There is kickboxing, floor hi/lo, walking/running etc.. And consider alternating impact and intensity. Cathe has some nice variety. Running is very effective and you could modify to walking when you get pregnant.
*Throw in an interval workout.
*Consider some type of streching and adequate rest for recovery and rebuilding. You will need to avoid injury and overtraining.
*Keep your workouts enjoyable and in perspective.
*Evaluate your results and tweak as necessary. Adjust your rotation to your fitness level.
*Remember the closer to your healthy weight range, the harder it may be to lose weight. Don't get discouraged. Come back for support.
*A healthy diet is key, both for you and your future pregnancy.
Don't underestimate this area. Clean up your diet.

Goodluck,
jordan
 
Jordan is right--diet is key. As far as cardio is concerned, you should be doing it 4-5 times a week for a minimum of 30 minutes to lose weight, 3-4 times a week 30 minutes to maintain. You can do a variety of cardio, including walking/running, swimming, jump rope. step/floor aerobices, etc.

Weight training is also very important as it helps your body burn fat more efficiently. A minimum of 3 strength training days per week will also help.

I know this all sounds intimidating, but you need to take some time & develop a routine that works best for you & your schedule. If you hate what you're doing than you'll wind up giving it up. Go to the library, read up on different exercise routines, subscribe to Fitness magazine or something similar. Exercise is not something you can just decide to do one day, jump into & be in great shape w/in 6 months. It's a learning process & a lifestyle change, so you have to prepare yourself mentally, intellectually & physically.
 
Everything you have been told so far is right on.

One more thing---if you only have a few lbs to lose, by a few I mean 5 or 10, don't expect exercise alone to make it come off. You need to add a healthy eating lifestyle to assist in losing those pounds. The healthy eating lifestyle you adopt now will help you during and after your planned pregnancy.:7
 

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