Where do I get started?

[kid320]

I am a 27 year old 5'11" and, at any given time within the last 8 years, I have weighed somewhere between 205 and 210 pounds.

I am not, and probably never will be really into physical fitness and working out, yet I would like to start getting into SOME good habits before I lose metabolism, begin to gain weight and lose control of the situation.

I want to start some kind of a regular workout schedule. As I said earlier, I will probably never be all about working out, but if I can find a way to go at it for 30 to 60 minutes 3 or 4 times a week, I would be able to stick to that.

I am not really looking at becoming extremely built and have muscles upon muscles and you will probably never see me consider signing up for a 5k. I just want to lose gut, allow myself to run up a few flights of stairs without feeling dizzy and strengthen lower back muscles (I ended up in the emergency room after slipping on some ice because that muscle very painfully tightened up for about a week. The ER doctor said that I need to strengthen those muscles.). Anything that happens above and beyond those goals would be great.

I don't want to join a gym or pay a personal trainer - I know myself and would never stick to that type of thing. I've tried to start running in the summer months, but the impact on the hard concrete just KILLS shins. parents owned a treadmill that I would use from time to time. I started running on it 2-3 times a week, but shins, knees and ankles would kill me the entire time. So, I became discouraged and stopped.

Someone I know mentioned that they love using an elliptical machine as a replacement for a treadmill, as it doesn't have the high impact that running does. I am considering purchasing one of these, but wanted to know if I am on the right track before I do so. I realize that any type of physical activity is better than sitting on the couch watching tv every night, and, for now, that is goal: To get off of the couch and start moving. If I were to work out for 30 minutes 3-4 times a week on an elliptical machine, is this really all I would need to do in order to accomplish goals? I wouldn't be against doing some push-ups/pull-ups in addition to this, but I honestly could never see myself on a weight bench or wearing yoga pants (do guys wear yoga pants?). I also don't want to discourage myself by starting to do too much at one time.

Am I on the right track with thinking here, or do you guys have other suggestions for me?

Any advice is appreciated!

[jasjotbains]

Hi
Firstly,running (summed up for all cardio exercises) is the best thing to keep your metabolism up and running.As far as hard concrete is concerned,find a grassy area,like a park,to go for a run.Since you don't have a thing for treadmills,this will be the best alternate for you.
You can also try yoga,power yoga in particular.
Hope it helps

[kid320]

Thanks a lot for the reply. I guess I am thinking on the right track as far as getting started... some type of cardio exercise.

I've never heard of power yoga... it sounds a bit like an oxymoron, but I will look into it.

Also, I just realized that I put this in the "Strength Training" forum. Didn't mean to do that... apologies to any admins who anger easily.

[Boss Man]

Don't worry dude, posting that here is no biggie .

[sb_boy]

try this to help you start

http://getphenomenallystronger.blogspot.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[fatman2011]

First, you start to your attitude. . Have self-discipline and Self-motivation, these two are the key to have success. there is a saying "NO PAIN, NO GAIN". Well its normal to make your muscles ache, especially when you have just started your routine, but if you keep doin' it, our body adopts to it. Soon, you can run, many miles. But if you really hate it, do some preliminary exercise, first, try have some simple strecthing then walk, walking will help your body build muscles you need, then after 1 or 2 weeks your body is prepared to have a light jog, do a jog-walk routine, then after 2-3 weeks, your body is ready to run the extra miles. try to do a walk-run-jog routine. DON't FORGET TO HAVE A BALANCED DIET. EAT PROTEIN RICH FOODS TO BUILD THOSE MUSLCLES.. .

[fitscientist]

What kind of physical activity do you enjoy? I think it's important (in the beginning stages at least) to do things you enjoy rather than trying to endure through weeks of stuff that you'll just get sick of and give up on.

Remember when you start up, the training isn't about losing weight, getting fit or even achieving any of your goals. The most important thing for those first few weeks is just developing a habit of CONSISTENT and REGULAR exercise.

I'd go as far as to say (and I tell all students and clients this if they're starting out) set daily/weekly goals that you know you'll easily achieve and don't follow conventional thinking of 'pushing yourself'. The reason being is that if you can tick off your 'to do list' the 3 or 4 completed exercise sessions you intended to do that week (regardless of how weak those sessions may seem), it's far more motivating psychologically than setting 'out of reach goals' and not being able to 'tick off' one complete session...Make sense?

This stage is about becoming addicted to the exercise habit and getting into it mentally...once you're addicted, then you can start challenging yourself and getting out of your comfort zone.

I hope that helps

[bodyworkslubock]

Find a physical activity which interest you most. Trial and error or even vary it in a week and you won't able to notice that you are actually working out everyday. Try swimming, cycling, basketball with your peers, a walk in the park, jumping rope, dancing, do some biceps curl, push ups. There are several routine you can do, find one that suits your interest. Play your favorite music while working out to give you more energy while doing the routine. Have a fitness partner who will have the same goal.