Newbie needs advice from the pro's

[Kickie]

Hi Everyone,

I'm a "sometime" exerciser. I need some direction on getting in shape quick. (I know...I know...there are no quick fixes) I have to lose about 15 pounds.

My boyfriend just surprised me and told me that we're going on vacation in 8 weeks. AACK! And after I've been a slug all winter. I just joined Weight Watchers yesterday and I should reach my goal by the time we leave in 8 weeks. I'm ready to get serious about working out, too. For good this time.

These are the videos that I have. What's the best rotation? I can't really afford to buy any new ones. I'm already walking/jogging 3 days a week for 30 minutes.

Muscle Endurance
Power Hour
Pyramid Upper
Pyramid Lower
Leaner Legs

Any input would be appreciated immensely!

Christine
:7

 

[Aquajock]

A bit of tough love here:

You do need to become a regular exerciser, and increase your workout sessions to at least 5 per week. Since you have no cardio routines in your current video collection, this means adding in at least 1 and preferably 2 more walk/jog sessions each week. You're a tad limited in flexibility of programming since you have videos as opposed to DVD's, so I'd suggest this:

Week 1:

Day 1: Walk/jog 30 minutes; Pyramid Upper Body
Day 2: Walk/jog 30 minutes; Pyramid Lower Body
Day 3: Walk/jog 45-60 minutes
Day 4: Walk/jog 30 minutes; Power Hour
Day 5: Walk/jog 45-60 minutes
Day 6: Muscle Endurance

Week 2:

Day 1: Walk/jog 30 minutes; Pyramid Upper Body
Day 2: Walk/jog 30 minutes; Leaner Legs
Day 3: Walk/jog 45-60 minutes
Day 4: Walk/jog 30 minutes; Muscle Endurance
Day 5: Walk/jog 45-60 minutes
Day 6: Power Hour

Repeat the above as appropriate.

If you're willing to add some cardio videos into your collection that would help immensely to vary the entertainment value of your cardio component.

HTH -

A-Jock

 

[clareMc]

I would qualify the above suggestions with a caution. Going from 3 * 30 min walk/jogs to the above mentioned rotations will be quite a jump. This is a huge demand in energy, endurance and strength.

It concerns me that this rotation leaves no time for rest at all. When you first really commit to an fitness program, and I agree here with Annette that you do need to commit, for the sake of your long term health, you cannot go all-out at once because you cannot predict ahead of time how tired you will become by the new demands you are placing upon your body.

I would qualify the above rotation for the first couple of weeks as follows:

Week 1:

Day 1: Walk/jog 30 minutes; Pyramid Upper Body
Day 2: Walk/jog 30 minutes; Pyramid Lower Body
Day 3: Walk/jog 45-60 minutes
Day 4: rest
Day 5: Walk/jog 45-60 minutes
Day 6: Power Hour or ME
Day 7: rest

Week 2:

Day 1: Walk/jog 30 minutes; Pyramid Upper Body
Day 2: Leaner Legs
Day 3: Walk/jog 45-60 minutes
Day 4: rest
Day 5: Muscle Endurance
Day 6: Walk/jog 45-60 mins
Day 7: rest

After following this for at least 2-3 weeks, then you should find that your strength, endurance and energy levels pick up and you can do several things:

1) work out an extra day

2) make your walk/jogs more jogging than walking to increase the calorie burn and your cardiovascular endurance.

I also disagree that you need to work out more than 5 times per week. As the intensity of each individual workout increases, you will see increased strength, cardiovascular endurance, and an overall improved health level. But working out with Cathe at this intensity for 5 or even 4 days as I often do, is really enough. It does not have to be 6 or 7 days per week. Time may not allow, boredom may set in, and rest is always needed, at all points of progress along the fitness journey. It doesn't become less needed just because you get fitter.

Good luck!

Clare

 

[Kickie]

Thanks so much, ladies. Now I have some direction!

Christine