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2004/08/02, 08:14 PM
Well, started my at-home workout today, and boy, was it a disaster. I'm a lightweight, out-of-shape (5'9", 170 lbs), 24-year-old newbie using FT's at-home fitness plan, which has 4 sets of 7 exercises, 3 times a week (M/W/F). I barely finished the first set. Some of the exercises, I could only do half the suggested reps. As I type this, I'm absolutely exhausted, sweating profusely, and still catching my breath. I didn't rush through them; I did them deliberately, slowly, and as they were written, to the best of my ability.
I've been drinking lots of water before working out and still am. If it matters, today I had 4 eggs for breakfast; low-fat cottage cheese, an apple, and nuts for lunch; and a chicken-vegetable stirfry for dinner. I seriously doubt that the foot I ate today is a factor in doing so poorly in my workout, but perhaps I'm not eating enough. I'm also going to start HIIT (running) on my off-days, to get rid of my spare tire and improve my cardiovascular system.
Anyways, any advice would be very welcome. Thanks in advance!
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2004/08/02, 08:49 PM
mriker....if you are lifting, don't start off by killing yourself.
lower the weight used on the reps and work up slowly.By the sounds of it, your diet for today lacks alot of protein and carbs.
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"A will finds a way, failure is not an option"
Ivan
carivan@freetrainers.com
Montreal Canada
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2004/08/02, 09:38 PM
The problem with the home-based fitness plan, is that there are no weights involved; it's mostly just using your body (push-ups, curls, squats, etc). I do have 5 and 10 lbs hand weights, but that's it (I'm a poor student with no money to spare for a gym membership or better equipment, unfortuantely). I'm embarassed to say that 15 push-ups nearly killed me, even on my knees. Am I better off to just do as many as I can ("to failure"), or to exert myself less so I can do more reps/sets? I'll make a note of increasing my protein/carbs; perhaps that will start making a difference. Thanks for your help!
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2004/08/02, 10:31 PM
Don't be too discouraged... the first time I did dips behind the back I could barely finish the first set... you will improve as time goes by...
The reps your FT plan ask you to do are 'target' reps... you can do less, you can do more... whatever, just don't injure yourself trying to meet the goal.. you WILL get there...
t
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Tim
I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies, for the hardest victory is over self. - Aristotle
You have the power to change a life right in your own hands. - Paul Brandt
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2004/08/03, 03:47 AM
The other thing to remember is that doing the exercises slowly is harder because the muscles are loaded for longer, so you are not doing as badly as you think :)
Much safer to be slow and deliberate than to rush.
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2004/08/03, 03:40 PM
Thanks for the encouragement and advice, everyone. I don't feel so discouraged now. :)
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2004/08/09, 06:39 PM
Stick with it! I'm not turning into Superman overnight either. I can't even do one pull-up! But I'll be damned if that's what it's going to say on my tombstone:laugh:
Here's my white trash fitness tip: Drive/walk/bike around on garbage day. Sometimes people actually throw out fitness equipment including dumbbells.
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2004/08/09, 07:08 PM
Love the fitness tip CADmonkey!
We all start with one! then increase as we are able to. May be 1 set, 1 rep, but the next time we do 2!
Try limiting your push-ups and other exercises to 12.
If you are interested in lifting, try empty soda bottles and fill them with water to vary the weight.
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"A will finds a way, failure is not an option"
Ivan
carivan@freetrainers.com
Montreal Canada
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2004/08/09, 09:01 PM
Are you in college? If so, most if not all colleges have fitness centers that are there for the use of students for free....The other advice I can give is to start lighter on the weights and move up..also remember the reps given to you are a guide....it is ok and sometimes good if you can not reach each one....just try to reach them each time and go from there.
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LIFT HEAVY! BECOME STRONG, LIKE BULL!
7707mutt@freetrainers.com
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