Official: Gym/Workout Thread

[John in NC]

A weight maintenance trick that's been great for me over the years- small changes, lots of self control, plus a reasonable amount of exercise.

Small changes like cut down on portion size, don't snack late at night, skip the pancakes and waffles, pass on dessert.

Lower carbs, less 'white' foods- cut down or try to cut out white pasta, white bread, bagels, white sugar, white chips, white potatoes. Corn in moderation. It can be hard. Kind of a peleo/ South Beach diet hybrid. Forget KETO.

And skip desserts, skip the doughnuts at the office, skip eating all the kids leftovers from chic-filet...

And if you're too busy for the gym, get some dumbells and a pull up bar, amazing what you can do in the garage or a seldom used room in 30 minutes. Bent over rows, upright rows, shoulder raises, flat butterfly, lunges, curls, nosebreakers, close grip 'bench', sit-ups... pull ups on a bar or the kids jungle-gym. Make a dip station or get a combo pull up bar/ leg lift/ dip station.

Jog a few times a week or brisk walks.

If you have access to a pool take up doing laps, that will wear you out in short order.

And if you need motivation to get started, look up "Couch to 5K" and follow that routine. Get a bike, take walks.
Sign up for a 5K or sprint triathlon with some friends.

Get going.
Keep going.
Day to day progress is what works.
Make it a lifestyle.

 

[Yumyon]

Some people simply don't know how to start doing physical exercises. It’s important to consult your healthcare provider and get a physical medical examination before starting an exercise routine. This is particularly important for those new to strenuous and vigorous physical activities. An early checkup can detect any health problems or conditions that could put you at risk for an injury during exercise. It can also help you optimize your workout, making it easier for you and your personal trainer, if you choose to work with one, to understand your limitations and create an exercise plan tailored to your particular needs. If we consider about making workouts at home, I would recommend these athletes from well-known online resource, because they have plenty of free workout exercises and programs, for any specific muscle group of your body.

Good advice. I think the first part of your post is a massive hurdle for people who have never gotten regular exercise. They just don't know where or how to start and feel out of place at a gym, think people are judging them, etc. It takes time to normalize a routine as "the thing I do" rather than look at it as something outside your comfort zone, but it's fine to start small, in fact people probably should. Consistency is the key.

 

[TennzyAlyn]

Absolutely, you nailed it!