I want to get in better shape, but... what should I do?

Question

I want to start getting in shape. I picked up a book from the library which gives easy and doable exercises to do. In all, I’ll be doing their pecs, shoulders, arms, back, stomach (abs) waist, legs and general routine… which in all comes to about 105 minutes a day of training… which I cannot do. Sure, I don’t have that many hours to work and only 4 classes in university instead of 5. But an hour a day? (And they say to do most routines 5 to 6 days a week. Ha!). I’ll go nuts. Sure, I want to get in shape, but I don’t want to become a “gym junkie” in my own home.

So I was wondering… should I…


a) Actually do 105 minutes for about 3 days a week


b) Do a combo of general, pecs, shoulders and arms of 50 minutes on one day and then another for the general, back, stomach, waist and legs of 55 minutes on another day


c) Do smaller routines of about 35 minutes on separate days; so 35 minutes for 4 days a week

Answer 1

Personally I would recommend B or C, either one, and add a little cardio. As a general guide, you should not work the same muscles two days in a row because they SHOULD be sore the next day, and if they are sore, they're still healing. Working them while they heal will result in a wasted workout.

If you find that a day just doesn't have much (or any activity), do cardio. Cardio is very helpful for your cardiovascular health, which is certainly important to your overall fitness.

A good way to break it up is alternate cardio and strength by days. You would also want to maximize the long-lasting effects of each exercise session. Exercise is beneficial in 10 minute blocks, and for at least 20 minutes a day (cummulative). The higher the intensity of your workout, the more effective your metabolism boost. That metabolism boost is greatest immediately after exercise, and lasts usually for about 24 hours.

And what Butterfly says applies fully, in my opinion. Just sort of depends on which way you want to go when it comes to working on overall fitness.

Answer 2

A couple things:
(1) 105 minutes is not an hour, honey, it's one and three quarters, roughly.

(2) If you are not in shape, jumping into such a strict routine can be as bad (or even worse) on your body as not exercising.

(3) Find a combination exercise that elevates your heart rate and tones the muscles. Buy a kickboxing video or something... Aim for 30 minutes a day, every day. Alternate your activity, though, so you don't end up with super toned arms and weak legs and back.

Remember to find something that interests you so you will want to stick with it. Most people fail on their New Year's Resolutions before February, so think of a reward or plan to keep you on track!! Good luck!!! ♥

Answer 3

If you are looking for general tone and fitness, it really doesn't take a lot of time.

I personally would advocate split training. Day 1 - Chest & Back, Day 2 - Biceps & Triceps, Day 3 - Legs & Shoulders. 2 to 3 different movements per muscle group. 3-4 sets, 8-12 reps, done fast paced, but controlled movement. Short rest intervals of 30-90 seconds. You can knock off a routine like this in short time, and doing it in a fast paced manner adds the benefit of a level of cardio, vs slow and longer rests, with mass gain in mind.

Works for me anyway.

Answer 4

I go to the gym but I'm no hunk. The way I do it is I go lift weights every other day (if I'm not too sore) and go running on the days I'm not lifting weights. On top of that, I take 1 day off to not do any exercises to give my body a rest. One other thing to do would be to go lift weights and do your general workout for about 30 min. and then go running for about 15 or do your general workout for 45 and go running for about 15. If you push yourself too hard, 1. you'll get tired very easily and 2. you'll get sore really easily. Just take it easy the first few times and don't try to max out or that will hurt your body in the long run. Hope this helps!

Answer 5

This is the perfect list for your workouts. Your chest,shoulders, and triceps should be on one day. See your triceps work with your chest like when your doing any type of flat, incline, and decline presses and so do your shoulders. So doing workouts that target these in one workout will cut your time to at least 30 minutes or less. Then combine your back, biceps, and forearms see they also work together as one if combined. Then your legs, and abs also work together. And there you have it the perfect workout plan. I hope this answered your question.

Answer 6

i guess it would be best if you could run for 30 mins daily...give urself a break on sundays and do basic yoga or stretching...even 4-5 days a week is good enough....everybodys body is made differently and as you keep working out you would realise what works best for you...i personally hate gyms and they do not work for me! taking up a sport is also a good way to keep fit....do whatever you enjoy and what your body and mind responds to most! hope you find your balance soon....all the best dear

Answer 7

go for B. you should do most excersises every other day. so what my gym recomends is, doing upper body one day and lower body the next day and alternate, also dont forget cardio to keep you in good shape. alot of people think its just the weights that make them look good, but dont forget about fat loss and maintaining a healthy heart! you need to keep you heart strong to keep the blood pumping while youre weight lifting.

Answer 8

c) to start yourself off, unless you're exercising regularly right now. Starting off with an hour a day will just exhaust you, and you won't want to keep going. Start off slow and work up in increments.

Answer 9

B sounds good.

Also eat healthier foods like organic and all natural stuff. No chips, no soda, etc. Don't worry, it isn't that bad.

Answer 10

cut care fully