Mirrodie From United States of America, joined Apr 2000, 7421 posts, RR: 65 Posted (6 years 11 months 3 weeks 2 days 9 hours ago) and read 943 times:
so tomorrow I will do something I never thought I would do. My first day at the gym.
I basically want to firm up my core, so that I strenghten my back and abs and protect them from back injury over time ( I have had to deal with back issues in the past).
But I also am looking to lose maybe 10 pounds of fat around my stomach and tone up. Any routines or suggestions?
Also, just an aside, does being a member of a gym net similar results, in terms of networking, in comparison to say, golf?
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IFEMaster From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 1, posted (6 years 11 months 3 weeks 2 days 9 hours ago) and read 936 times:
Quoting Mirrodie (Thread starter): so tomorrow I will do something I never thought I would do. My first day at the gym.
I basically want to firm up my core, so that I strenghten my back and abs and protect them from back injury over time ( I have had to deal with back issues in the past).
But I also am looking to lose maybe 10 pounds of fat around my stomach and tone up. Any routines or suggestions?
Also, just an aside, does being a member of a gym net similar results, in terms of networking, in comparison to say, golf?
Congrats and welcome to the club of self-punishers
I found that cardio works well for general fat burning (but work in the 'fat burning zone' rather than all out cardio). I lost about 10 pounts in 10 weeks with 30 minutes on a bike and a 2 mile walk on the treadmill three times a week.
Once I'd shed the pounds, I wanted to firm up the abs a bit. Not ripped, just firm. For that I used the weight machines that focus specifically on that area. I kept up the cardio exercises and added a circuit of those weight machine (just 3 or 4 machines, 2 minutes on each), and within about 3 months I had the result I wanted. Now I just keep it up as I want.
In terms of networking, I haven't met anyone at the gym really. Most people at my gym are listening to music or are clearly so focused on the workout that they just don't talk. My wife has met a couple of people from taking kick-boxing classes though, so I think the classes are probably the best way to network at a gym.
Goingboeing From United States of America, joined Dec 1999, 4875 posts, RR: 19 Reply 2, posted (6 years 11 months 3 weeks 2 days 8 hours ago) and read 934 times:
I use a personal trainer because they really push me harder than I'd push myself. That being said, we focused on weight training mostly. I was suprised because in 2 months, I had dropped from a 40.5 inch waist to a 37. I lost 20 pounds. I throw in some cardio work because all the crunches in the world won't get rid of the "beer gut", although they will get your abs in shape. I've been at if for 6 months and have maintained my 20 pound weight loss, and waist...but I've gained an inch in my biceps and neck, two inches in my shoulders, and a inch an 3/4 in my chest. Best thing I've ever done.
TWFirst From Vatican City, joined Apr 2000, 6346 posts, RR: 53 Reply 3, posted (6 years 11 months 3 weeks 2 days 8 hours ago) and read 925 times:
Good luck!! Just remember to set reasonable expectations... I can't tell you how many times I started a workout routine with what I realize now were grandiose expectations... only to peter out fairly quickly. Start slowly.... you won't be disappointed.
My life is so nuts right now I don't have time to join a gym... however, a friend of mine recently turned me on to pilates... something one can do at home with great results evidently. It's incredibly difficult to motivate myself... however, being surrounded by shirtless guys on the rooftop patio of "The Eagle" here in NYC certainly provides a boost .
I suppose drinking less beer might be helpful too...... nahhhhh.
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