Starting a workout plan

khalamity said:

I am considering joining the local YMCA. However, I am not sure what

types

Quoted message said:

of equipment I should use, for how long, etc. Can anyone give me

some

Quoted message said:

idea's or tips on what a total beginner should do? My target areas

are my

Quoted message said:

abs and my back.

Thanks.

Been low carbing since Wednesday, Feb 9 2005

191/185/140

Cyn

GIYF:
Go to misc.fitness.weights
Search for FAQs
Read FAQs

khalamity wrote:
:: I am considering joining the local YMCA. However, I am not sure
:: what types of equipment I should use, for how long, etc. Can anyone
:: give me some idea's or tips on what a total beginner should do? My
:: target areas are my abs and my back.

What do you mean by target areas? If you mean you're trying to lose fat,
then you need to focus on that by continuing to lose weight. Anything you
do that moves the scales downward over time is good, but diet is your
primary tool.

Since you have a Y to attend, consider:

1) resistance training, either on machines or free weights, depending on
which are available and your comfort level. IMO, this one is most important.
In the long run, it will make you look better once the fat comes off.
Shapely arms, legs, buns, etc.
2) cardio - walking, swimming, treadmill, etc. (walking is always a great
place to start)
3) any of those fun-type classes that get you to move your butt.

Remember this: you can't spot reduce. So doing a [censored] of situps
(crunches are better) won't get the fat off your abs. Calorie restriction
(via eating less and exercising) will.

How much sort of depends on you. You can do resistance training 3 times a
week, for 20 to 40 minutes. Then you can add some cardio on the other days.
It can vary all over the map, really. What is important is that you not
overdo things so that you're sore or hurt all of the time (which is what
beginners typically do - which leads to burn out) and that you be consistent
in your program over time (that part is majorly important). So, I suggest
you start out easy and try to get a pattern started. Do what feels right for
you at first and try to learn. 15 minutes on the machines followed by 15
minutes of cardio activity might work, with walking on the days that you
don't go to the Y. That's just a suggestion, though.

Reading:

http://www.stumptuous.com/weights.html

Roger Zoul said:

khalamity wrote:
:: I am considering joining the local YMCA. However, I am not sure
:: what types of equipment I should use, for how long, etc. Can

anyone

Quoted message said:

:: give me some idea's or tips on what a total beginner should do?

My

Quoted message said:

:: target areas are my abs and my back.

What do you mean by target areas? If you mean you're trying to lose

fat,

Quoted message said:

then you need to focus on that by continuing to lose weight.

Anything you

Quoted message said:

do that moves the scales downward over time is good, but diet is your
primary tool.

Since you have a Y to attend, consider:

1) resistance training, either on machines or free weights, depending

on

Quoted message said:

which are available and your comfort level. IMO, this one is most

important.

Quoted message said:

In the long run, it will make you look better once the fat comes off.
Shapely arms, legs, buns, etc.
2) cardio - walking, swimming, treadmill, etc. (walking is always a

great

Quoted message said:

place to start)
3) any of those fun-type classes that get you to move your butt.

Remember this: you can't spot reduce. So doing a [censored] of situps
(crunches are better) won't get the fat off your abs. Calorie

restriction

Quoted message said:

(via eating less and exercising) will.

How much sort of depends on you. You can do resistance training 3

times a

Quoted message said:

week, for 20 to 40 minutes. Then you can add some cardio on the other

days.

Quoted message said:

It can vary all over the map, really. What is important is that you

not

Quoted message said:

overdo things so that you're sore or hurt all of the time (which is

what

Quoted message said:

beginners typically do - which leads to burn out) and that you be

consistent

Quoted message said:

in your program over time (that part is majorly important). So, I

suggest

Quoted message said:

you start out easy and try to get a pattern started. Do what feels

right for

Quoted message said:

you at first and try to learn. 15 minutes on the machines followed

by 15

Quoted message said:

minutes of cardio activity might work, with walking on the days that

you

Quoted message said:

don't go to the Y. That's just a suggestion, though.

Reading:

http://www.stumptuous.com/weights.html

Roger,
You forgot to mention the exercises to avoid while trying to lose fat;

Fork Curls and
Spoon Presses

warehouse wrote:
:: Roger Zoul wrote:
::: khalamity wrote:
::::: I am considering joining the local YMCA. However, I am not sure
::::: what types of equipment I should use, for how long, etc. Can
::::: anyone give me some idea's or tips on what a total beginner
::::: should do? My target areas are my abs and my back.
:::
::: What do you mean by target areas? If you mean you're trying to lose
::: fat, then you need to focus on that by continuing to lose weight.
::: Anything you do that moves the scales downward over time is good,
::: but diet is your primary tool.
:::
::: Since you have a Y to attend, consider:
:::
::: 1) resistance training, either on machines or free weights,
::: depending on which are available and your comfort level. IMO, this
::: one is most important. In the long run, it will make you look
::: better once the fat comes off. Shapely arms, legs, buns, etc.
::: 2) cardio - walking, swimming, treadmill, etc. (walking is always a
::: great place to start)
::: 3) any of those fun-type classes that get you to move your butt.
:::
::: Remember this: you can't spot reduce. So doing a [censored] of situps
::: (crunches are better) won't get the fat off your abs. Calorie
::: restriction (via eating less and exercising) will.
:::
::: How much sort of depends on you. You can do resistance training 3
::: times a week, for 20 to 40 minutes. Then you can add some cardio on
::: the other days. It can vary all over the map, really. What is
::: important is that you not overdo things so that you're sore or hurt
::: all of the time (which is what beginners typically do - which leads
::: to burn out) and that you be consistent in your program over time
::: (that part is majorly important). So, I suggest you start out easy
::: and try to get a pattern started. Do what feels right for you at
::: first and try to learn. 15 minutes on the machines followed by 15
::: minutes of cardio activity might work, with walking on the days
::: that you don't go to the Y. That's just a suggestion, though.
:::
::: Reading:
:::
::: http://www.stumptuous.com/weights.html
::
::
:: Roger,
:: You forgot to mention the exercises to avoid while trying to lose
:: fat;
::
:: Fork Curls and
:: Spoon Presses

Yes, yes. Table pushways are the very best thing you can do!

In article <Ek%Ud.20065$r55.16021@attbi_s52>,

khalamity said:

I am considering joining the local YMCA. However, I am not sure what types
of equipment I should use, for how long, etc. Can anyone give me some
idea's or tips on what a total beginner should do? My target areas are my
abs and my back.

Thanks.

Been low carbing since Wednesday, Feb 9 2005

191/185/140

Cyn

At my YMCA, one of the staff members helped me set up a routine on the
weight machines. Services at the Y vary by location, so go down there
and find out how much help they can give you. Take a tour and talk to
the staff at the fitness areas and find out how they can help you reach
your goals.

khalamity said:

I am considering joining the local YMCA. However, I am not sure what types
of equipment I should use, for how long, etc. Can anyone give me some
idea's or tips on what a total beginner should do? My target areas are my
abs and my back.

Thanks.

Been low carbing since Wednesday, Feb 9 2005

191/185/140

Cyn

Before you join the Y, look at some of the private fitness centers in
your area. I have a great Y in my area, but it always is too crowded
for when I can go, has too many kids running around - and I mean
running around! - and smells like a gym. Not for me. Also, no sauna,
or jacuzzi.

I belong to LA Fitness. It is a short distance from my house, has a
dry sauna, pool, basketball courts, racquet ball courts, aerobic and
cycling room, along with a lot more machines than the Y. It has a
nice variety of classes, too. It is clean, the youngest members are
few and far between, meaning no hordes of kids, and it doesn't smell
like a locker room. Much happier there.

Kaede

176.5 / 171 / 115
LC since 2/20/05
http://knakao.blogspot.com/

In article <[email hidden]>, Kaede Nakao <>

Quoted message said:

khalamity said:

I am considering joining the local YMCA. However, I am not sure what types
of equipment I should use, for how long, etc. Can anyone give me some
idea's or tips on what a total beginner should do? My target areas are my
abs and my back.

Thanks.

Been low carbing since Wednesday, Feb 9 2005

191/185/140

Cyn

Before you join the Y, look at some of the private fitness centers in
your area. I have a great Y in my area, but it always is too crowded
for when I can go, has too many kids running around - and I mean
running around! - and smells like a gym. Not for me. Also, no sauna,
or jacuzzi.

I belong to LA Fitness. It is a short distance from my house, has a
dry sauna, pool, basketball courts, racquet ball courts, aerobic and
cycling room, along with a lot more machines than the Y. It has a
nice variety of classes, too. It is clean, the youngest members are
few and far between, meaning no hordes of kids, and it doesn't smell
like a locker room. Much happier there.

Kaede

176.5 / 171 / 115
LC since 2/20/05
http://knakao.blogspot.com/

She should look at the Y too. They can be so different. Mine smells
like chlorine from the pool, it's hardly ever crowded, and does have a
sauna though I've never used it.

Actually, I chose the Y for a couple reasons. 1) I have two children who
would love to swim or maybe do something else while I'm working out. 2) The
programs the Y offers children are incredible, such as camping, classes and
even free child care for my little one.

Kids and Stink don't bother me, but I do understand how it would be tiresome
for others.

I considered Curves for Women and LA Fitness, but decided the cost of those
did not justify the loss of other activities from the Y. Also, the Y will
give me a discount based on income, which is a bonus. :-)

Thank you Warehouse for the misc.fitness. weights reference. I went and had
a gander and found the faq you were refering to and I saved a copy to read
over.

Thank you also Roger, the website you provided was very interesting and I am
still going over all the information. I was pleased to see reference to low
carbing there.

And to both Warehouse and Roger, thanks for the humor... the two of you gave
me a chuckle.

Luna, I will certainly do as you suggested and go have a gander at the Y,
hopefully by tour. I've been to my local Y before so I do have a general
idea of where everything is. And, my Y smells like the pool too, so it's
all good.

Ignoramus, Thanks also to you for the advice, which also makes perfect
sense. When I am finished here I will likely go for a stroll at the Mall,
just for the heck of it. Its still cold in Iowa, and I am a wimp when it
comes to wind and cold.

Finally, Kaede, thank you also for responding. I found your information
just as informative as the others. I understand where you are coming from.

Thanks also to anyone else I may have missed.

Be blessed
Cyn
"Luna" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

In article <[email hidden]>, Kaede Nakao <>

Quoted message said:

khalamity said:

I am considering joining the local YMCA. However, I am not sure what
types
of equipment I should use, for how long, etc. Can anyone give me some
idea's or tips on what a total beginner should do? My target areas are
my
abs and my back.

Thanks.

Been low carbing since Wednesday, Feb 9 2005

191/185/140

Cyn

Before you join the Y, look at some of the private fitness centers in
your area. I have a great Y in my area, but it always is too crowded
for when I can go, has too many kids running around - and I mean
running around! - and smells like a gym. Not for me. Also, no sauna,
or jacuzzi.

I belong to LA Fitness. It is a short distance from my house, has a
dry sauna, pool, basketball courts, racquet ball courts, aerobic and
cycling room, along with a lot more machines than the Y. It has a
nice variety of classes, too. It is clean, the youngest members are
few and far between, meaning no hordes of kids, and it doesn't smell
like a locker room. Much happier there.

Kaede

176.5 / 171 / 115
LC since 2/20/05
http://knakao.blogspot.com/

She should look at the Y too. They can be so different. Mine smells
like chlorine from the pool, it's hardly ever crowded, and does have a
sauna though I've never used it.

warehouse said:

GIYF:
Go to misc.fitness.weights
Search for FAQs
Read FAQs

GIYF?

Ignoramus12015 said:

Walking and pushups is not that much worse for long term health than,
say, running and dumbbells, or fancy gym machines.

Agreed....I have had great sucess with running, biking, pushups and
crunches....all done for free.

khalamity said:

I am considering joining the local YMCA. However, I am not sure what types
of equipment I should use, for how long, etc. Can anyone give me some
idea's or tips on what a total beginner should do? My target areas are my
abs and my back.

http://www.stumptuous.com/weights.html

Xtile said:

warehouse said:

GIYF:
Go to misc.fitness.weights
Search for FAQs
Read FAQs

GIYF?

Google Is Your Friend

Unless its Google Groups Beta.

warehouse said:

Xtile said:

warehouse said:

GIYF:
Go to misc.fitness.weights
Search for FAQs
Read FAQs

GIYF?

Google Is Your Friend

Unless its Google Groups Beta.

haha, I was thinking that it was something nasty, trying to figre out
how that "F" fit in there.

Yeah, they really ruined GGs with the beta. Made me end up buying a
$3.95 subscription to Teranews. 🙂

Pick up something heavy and then put it back down. Repeat the last step
until you can't.

--
Most people are dumb as bricks; some people are dumber than that. -- MFW

"khalamity" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:Ek%Ud.20065$r55.16021@attbi_s52...

Quoted message said:

I am considering joining the local YMCA. However, I am not sure what types
of equipment I should use, for how long, etc. Can anyone give me some
idea's or tips on what a total beginner should do? My target areas are my
abs and my back.

Thanks.

Been low carbing since Wednesday, Feb 9 2005

191/185/140

Cyn

Lift with the legs. Else you'll end up with back and sciatic pain like
moi.

In article <[email hidden]>,

JC Der Koenig said:

Pick up something heavy and then put it back down. Repeat the last step
until you can't.

--
Most people are dumb as bricks; some people are dumber than that. -- MFW

"khalamity" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:Ek%Ud.20065$r55.16021@attbi_s52...

Quoted message said:

I am considering joining the local YMCA. However, I am not sure what types
of equipment I should use, for how long, etc. Can anyone give me some
idea's or tips on what a total beginner should do? My target areas are my
abs and my back.

Thanks.

Been low carbing since Wednesday, Feb 9 2005

191/185/140

Cyn

"khalamity" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:Ek%Ud.20065$r55.16021@attbi_s52...

Quoted message said:

I am considering joining the local YMCA. However, I am not sure what types
of equipment I should use, for how long, etc. Can anyone give me some
idea's or tips on what a total beginner should do? My target areas are my
abs and my back.

Thanks.

Been low carbing since Wednesday, Feb 9 2005

191/185/140

Cyn

its really great that you're adding exercize to your lifestyle change. i
see you're new to the low carb way of life, yay! once you figure out all
the details, it really is the best way to lose weight, imho. anyway, i dont
know how it works by you, but our Y has a service where a personal trainer
will show you all the machines and give you an idea of how to start out
based on what kind of shape you're already in. (usually its some
muscle-headed kid, but the premise is the same) 🙂 if the Y doesnt do it,
the local university might. I know by us, the school has a gym that costs
as much as the Y and has personal trainers you can utilize for a few dollars
extra. im sure folks here can give you an idea too, but you might fare well
with somebody locally to give you a few pointers as well. good luck.

-t

"Ignoramus12015" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Xtile said:

Ignoramus12015 said:

Walking and pushups is not that much worse for long term health than,
say, running and dumbbells, or fancy gym machines.

Agreed....I have had great sucess with running, biking, pushups and
crunches....all done for free.

Same here.

--
223/173.2/180

i had to use a bench press machine to work up to pushups. i never had the
upper body to lift myself off the ground, and considering how overweight i
was at the time, i'm not surprised i couldnt either!... once you're at a
weight where you can use your own weight as resistance its a lot easier than
going to a gym.

-t

khalamity said:

I am considering joining the local YMCA. However, I am not sure what types
of equipment I should use, for how long, etc. Can anyone give me some
idea's or tips on what a total beginner should do? My target areas are my
abs and my back.

There are as many different workouts as there are people. If you're
doing a google for routines, or speaking with others, the 'abs and
(lower) back' are usually referred to as the 'core'.

If you google 'core workout' you'll find tons. If you're speaking
with a personal trainer, etc. you'd probably say you want a 'full
body' routine with a 'core' emphasis.

Good luck!

Man, you people are great! Thanks so much for the kind advice! Really, I
am flabbergasted!

Cyndi