Workout newbie

[DanP71]

Hey all! I am new here and I just thought I would get some feedback from those who have been at this for awhile.

I have been steadily working out for 3 weeks now. I had started in mid June for around 2 weeks and lost 4lbs. I then went on vacation and was able to maintain what I had lost incredibly. So now I have been on a solid 3 weeks and I am at a total of 8lbs lost. I have changed my diet and cut down portions as well. No more burgers and fries from McDonald's when I go out. If I eat out during the week it's subway. I'm drinking a lot of water and have cut out sugary sodas. My weekly routine that I have been using is the following.

Mon, Wed and Friday - Men's Health Belly Off Workout
Tues and Thurs - Kickboxing Cardio Burn Workout

I find it easier for me to work out by using these DVDs. I have started to notice that my jeans are loose and it looks to me that the fat is slowly going away and I might try to throw in an ab workout middle of the week to try and tone that up. Any suggestions on an ab routine? Im not looking for 6 pack abs right now but they would be nice. I do know that if I want them I have to diet better and lose the belly fat. Those abs are there!

Cheers!

[fitoverforty]

Congrats on the 8lbs lost! Sounds like you are making some great changes in your diet - and that is a BIG part of seeing those abs appear.

A great exercise for your abs (and one of the most effective, in my opinion) are planks. Planks strengthen your entire core. Start with trying to hold a standard plank (on elbows, legs straight out resting on toes) for 30 seconds, then rest 1 minute and do another 30 second plank. Build up the time you stay in plank, adding seconds to each one as you get stronger. A goal of 1 minute in plank position is good to work towards. Remember to keep your back straight, don't sag or rise up too high.
Other good core strengtheners are mountain climbers, burpees, even pushups.

Good luck on your continued fitness and weight loss efforts!

[DanP71]

Skinnymum - Im not sure if the DVDs are available for download but I do know the Belly Off Workout is available in sections via youtube. Just search their site for Men's Health Belly Off Workout. That's what I did to get an idea what the workout contained before buying it. Happy to be a bit of motivation for you and thanks for the kind words of encouragement.

fitoverforty - Thank you too for the kind words of encouragement. The Belly Off workout does contain a plank exercise with a leg raise. I think I will incorporate a standard plank into my routine and give it a go. Mountain climbers and burpees are in there as well along with push ups. I didn't realize until really doing this workout and listening to the instructor that push ups do help tighten your core if you perform them correctly by pulling in your abs. Thanks for your input.

[karatepride]

Has anyone seen the new workout from MET-Rx. Its called the MET-Rx 180 program. They say they have 3 phases that take you from basics to toning. If anyone has seen it let me know what you think.

[DanP71]

I have not heard of that one karatepride but looks like I will have to google it.

[DanP71]

Check out SteadyHealth.com on youtube. They have some good workouts.
http://www.youtube.com/user/steadyhealth?feature=results_main