Going to start exercising again, what's the best way to get back into it?

[CubsFan1982]

I used to hit the gym semi-regularly, but I'd reached the point about a year ago when I just stopped going altogether. In other words, I've pretty much let go of myself, and I'd like to get rid of at least 30 pounds by the end of July. What are the best ways to go about it, without injuring myself?

[mark414]

1. check out the abs diet

my roommate did it...it works; he lost 23 pounds in 7 weeks

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1579549985/102-8999260-5396143?v=glance

[Lucky Luciano]

2. Don't go for heavy weight

Cross training is very good - do that for a couple months...then do some heavier lifting....you will be looking good in no time.

I hired an ex-Navy Seal to be my personal trainer - he kicked my ass, but i was ready for a triathlon soon after.

[ThoughtCriminal]

3. Walk

About 1-mile a day. More if you are able.

[Writer]

4. If you have the energy for it

I highly, highly recommend Body for Life. Weight training is simply the best weight loss program out there.

Oh and make sure to watch that diet, too.

Good luck!

Writer.

[Abelman]

5. The craziest plan:

Get thirty minutes of exercise a day, at least. Good sweaty exercise. Eat a healthy diet.

Repeat.

[Seabiscuit]

6. A cup of Hemlock for starters

[Skittles]

7. don't get too ambitious or you will quit again

commit yourself to going twice a week for a while so you can better ease into it. You have the right idea - to sustain effective weight loss you need to exercise. As far as diet, don't go for any fad diet and that includes the low-carb stuff. A BALANCED DIET IS THE KEY. Now here's a big tip for you. Take the weight you want to be, muliply by 10 and eat that many calories a day. Log in EVERYTHING you eat here daily: www.fitday.com

[emulatorloo]

8. Check out Body For Life. . .

It is a good solid program of diet and excercise and has helped a lot of people transform themselves in 12 weeks.

http://www.bodyforlife.com

a "fan website" of people who did the program or similar w before and afters:

http://www.bodychangers.com/interviews.shtml


See also post 4.

If you do it, it works. . . . . . . . .

[Telly Savalas]

9. Do something you find enjoyable...

whether it be shooting hoops or jogging or whatever. Obviously you'll have an easier time sticking with it if you're having fun doing it.

Also, pitch the damn scale into the trash. Muscle weighs a lot more than fat, so your weight is a poor metric for how fit you're becoming. Judge it by how you feel and how your clothes are fitting. If all you're concerned with is a number on a scale, the quickest way to lose 30 lbs. would be to start smoking cigarettes and doing speed.

[MissMillie]

10. enjoyment is important

and so is setting a goal. Challenge yourself even a little.

For your first couple of weeks, just make it a point to be moving for 30 minutes, 3 days a week. Walking, jogging, biking, elliptical, even putting 30 minutes of music in your Ipod and dancing like fool around your living room.

Then, make it a point to work out more often, and then for a longer time.

Once you start feeling some strength in ya, then hit the gym for aerobics, or pilates, or free weights or whatever.

Eventually you should get cardio in at least 5 times a week.

[Telly Savalas]

11. That's why running can be a great means of getting exercise.

You go to road races and you'll find a whole culture of people who are obsessed with their personal bests at various distances, whether it's folks trying to do a sub-3 hour marathon or finish a 5K on two feet. It's goal-oriented, but generally a very positive and supportive community. Or even if you prefer to go solo (and not amass a bunch of cheesy race t-shirts) just setting goals like "I wanna run 20 minutes without stopping" can keep you really focused on staying with the program.