Calling fitness gurus

[lilv]

Hi, I have just discovered that there is a gym in the basement of the block of flats I'm about to move into. How lucky is that!? I have'nt been to the a gym in a long long time due to lack of funds/motivation/guts but I really want to make the most of my new gym. Does anyone have any advice on an exercise plan for me ie how much I should be doing, and what. I am 35, 5ft 4 and weigh 9st 9lbs, I would really like to tone up and get down to 8st 8lbs. My doc says go for it!

[lil123]

Thats great a gym in your house! I would go for cardio interval training to get your body burning as much fat as possible if your goal is weight loss. Treadmill good idea, stepper and some kick boxing and dancing it works for me anyway !! x

[haysi06]

You are indeed lucky to have a gym in your building. We have one at work, and I try to go 3 times a week for an hour and 45 minutes.

Alternate your cardio with weight bearing exercise, make sure you warm up and cool down properly and build up your stamina gradually. Enjoy!

[lilv]

Brilliant, thanks for the advice, I have been today and did 15 mins each on the bike, crosstrainer and treadmill and about half an hour weights. I was absolutely knackered after 15 of cardio so did weights in between. Is this ok or does it defeat the purpose and am I better doing all 45 mins of cardio together? Had the whole place to myself and actually enjoyed myself! What is meant by cardio interval training?

[lil123]

Interval training means that you might do say 3mins of hard running followed by a slow pace for 5mins then pick it back up again it really heaps your body burn fat and by varying your routines you can also keep your body burning more fat. Just do what ever you enjoy that is the key to sticking to it x

[lilv]

I have been doing interval training on the treadmill and on the bike, and been doing some weights too. I feel better mentally and phsically I no longer ache for days after although I can't see any results yet but I know it's early days! Was just wondering, I usually go early morning as soon as I get up, should I have breakfast first or is it more effective to exercise before eating?