|
2004/10/10, 01:45 AM
Hello to all,
I am a 39 yr old female (5'5) who is "re-entering" the gym...
When I turned 30, I began with step aerobics, and after about 9 months- I began using the resistance machines.
I ate a low-carb diet along with my work outs, and eventually got down to a size 3/4 (2 in skirts)
I maintained this for about five years...and felt great!
To make a long story short... I started having strange symptoms about four years ago (chest pains, feet swelling, eyes swelling) and eventually discovered that I had Graves' disease (a form of hyper or overactive thyroid)
I could no longer exercise (nor was I allowed to exercise for a while) and had to start taking anti-thyroid meds.
My thyroid levels are now improved, and I can really get back into working out, however, it has been over three years since I have really worked out.
I re-joined my local YMCA... and they now have Cybex resistance machines. Today I went through all of the machines... and want to plan a routine.
MY GOAL: TO FEEL AND LOOK BETTER! I want to lose the 25 lbs that I have gained from being sick, and to get my lean, cut looking body back!
When I first began working out nine years ago--I did aeorobics only (3-5 times a week)for the first 6 months or so... and then began doing resistance three to four times a week. I was also eating very low-carb, and I believe this is part of the reason why I was so able to look "cut".
I am older now, and I realize that I may not be able to get the same body back.. but I am definitely going to try ; )
Should I begin with all aerobics again, and put off the resistance until I lose the weight?
I would actually LOVE to begin with both aerobics and the resistance machines... because I LOVE doing resistance training...and dread the aerobics, although I know it's necessary.
I really have no idea where to start anymore... including the amount of weight to use when using the machines.
I used to be so into fitness and tried to keep updated on the latest news.. but I feel very out of it now.
I know that there is really no such thing as "toning" and that trainers are tired of hearing women state that they do not want to get "BIG AND BULKY", but I believe it is a normal concern for most women, especially considering the fact that we are always get conflicting info.
I think *most* women simply want to know how to enhance our muscle definition, without looking too big. AND the last thing that we want to do is add muscle on top of fat...
SO.... for the personal trainers and those of you with experience... what is the best way to go about losing the weight and enhancing muscle definition to appear lean and firm?
Thank you for your time and input,
Autumnbelle
|
