Too much at the gym, or too little?
11-30-2010, 07:05 AM
#1
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Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 11
Too much at the gym, or too little?
For a little over two weeks now, Ive been going to the gym every single day and putting in at least an hour of cardio and doing some light weight training, alternating muscle groups every day.
So far I havent seen any results from this, so last night I added another hour of cardio. So basically I do an hour on the elliptical, and then another hour walking on at 6% incline on the treadmill, which is about as much as I can do thanks to my bad leg. Im not able to jog or run yet.
Can anyone tell me if this is a good routine, or when or if I'll see results? I guess I kind of feel healthier, but its discouraging to put in time at the gym every day and not see any change.
Also, my diet isnt bad. Im actually eating LESS than I normally do simply because Im not hungry, and I dont eat junk food. My meals usually consist of cereal in the morning (Pops or Special K), cottage cheese for a snack, a protein shake, a ham sandwich, then something light for dinner such as a banana or a taco made with a whole wheat tortilla.
If someone could help me out Id really appreciate it, this is the first REAL effort, I think, that Ive made to really try and lose weight and get in shape.
So far I havent seen any results from this, so last night I added another hour of cardio. So basically I do an hour on the elliptical, and then another hour walking on at 6% incline on the treadmill, which is about as much as I can do thanks to my bad leg. Im not able to jog or run yet.
Can anyone tell me if this is a good routine, or when or if I'll see results? I guess I kind of feel healthier, but its discouraging to put in time at the gym every day and not see any change.
Also, my diet isnt bad. Im actually eating LESS than I normally do simply because Im not hungry, and I dont eat junk food. My meals usually consist of cereal in the morning (Pops or Special K), cottage cheese for a snack, a protein shake, a ham sandwich, then something light for dinner such as a banana or a taco made with a whole wheat tortilla.
If someone could help me out Id really appreciate it, this is the first REAL effort, I think, that Ive made to really try and lose weight and get in shape.
11-30-2010, 07:15 AM
#3
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 11
I thought about that, but Im pretty sure I eat enough calories a day to avoid that? I never feel hungry or like I need to eat more.
Oh! And some extra info, I also take yoga classes every tuesday and thursday, which Im hoping will be good since Im a girl and would like to look longer and leaner.
Oh! And some extra info, I also take yoga classes every tuesday and thursday, which Im hoping will be good since Im a girl and would like to look longer and leaner.
11-30-2010, 07:55 AM
#4
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Slidell, Louisiana
Posts: 8,232
For a little over two weeks now, Ive been going to the gym every single day and putting in at least an hour of cardio and doing some light weight training, alternating muscle groups every day.
So far I havent seen any results from this, so last night I added another hour of cardio. So basically I do an hour on the elliptical, and then another hour walking on at 6% incline on the treadmill, which is about as much as I can do thanks to my bad leg. Im not able to jog or run yet.
Can anyone tell me if this is a good routine, or when or if I'll see results? I guess I kind of feel healthier, but its discouraging to put in time at the gym every day and not see any change.
Also, my diet isnt bad. Im actually eating LESS than I normally do simply because Im not hungry, and I dont eat junk food. My meals usually consist of cereal in the morning (Pops or Special K), cottage cheese for a snack, a protein shake, a ham sandwich, then something light for dinner such as a banana or a taco made with a whole wheat tortilla.
If someone could help me out Id really appreciate it, this is the first REAL effort, I think, that Ive made to really try and lose weight and get in shape.
So far I havent seen any results from this, so last night I added another hour of cardio. So basically I do an hour on the elliptical, and then another hour walking on at 6% incline on the treadmill, which is about as much as I can do thanks to my bad leg. Im not able to jog or run yet.
Can anyone tell me if this is a good routine, or when or if I'll see results? I guess I kind of feel healthier, but its discouraging to put in time at the gym every day and not see any change.
Also, my diet isnt bad. Im actually eating LESS than I normally do simply because Im not hungry, and I dont eat junk food. My meals usually consist of cereal in the morning (Pops or Special K), cottage cheese for a snack, a protein shake, a ham sandwich, then something light for dinner such as a banana or a taco made with a whole wheat tortilla.
If someone could help me out Id really appreciate it, this is the first REAL effort, I think, that Ive made to really try and lose weight and get in shape.
Last edited by 01gt4.6; 11-30-2010 at 07:58 AM.
11-30-2010, 08:22 AM
#5
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Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 11
Okay, thankyou. Like I said this is the first time Ive ever really put effort into it and I dont really know how long to go for or how much I could do. I want to feel like Ive really accomplished something and got a good workout, of course, but I really dont want to slow down any progress :[
11-30-2010, 08:38 AM
#6
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Slidell, Louisiana
Posts: 8,232
well it looks like you've put in a lot of effort, for sure. I just think if you cut back, you'll see better results. You may also look at HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training" on a recumbent bike or something. You may see it listed as "interval" on the program settings. That should quickly burn calories, be easier on your leg, and allow your body time to recover if you are taking days off.
Last edited by 01gt4.6; 11-30-2010 at 08:43 AM.
11-30-2010, 11:25 AM
#7
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,742
Firstly congratulations on jumping in to a new healthy lifestyle! I know you are impatient to see some results, we all long for the day believe me. But as much as I hate to say this, 2 weeks isn't long enough to see your efforts yet, not that there aren't some improvements going on but you really can't see them yet. Believe me your muscles are still in a state of confusion, all standing around looking at each other going "Seriously, we're at the gym AGAIN?". I would encourage you to take some starting measurements, because that will start to show with a few weeks, even if you can't see it with a naked eye. The scale and the tape don't know enough to lie to you, even when they should... Oh and again the protein thing, Mike's right you gotta make sure you're getting enough for your muscles to build up.
11-30-2010, 05:21 PM
#8
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: St. Paul, MN
Posts: 232
well it looks like you've put in a lot of effort, for sure. I just think if you cut back, you'll see better results. You may also look at HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training" on a recumbent bike or something. You may see it listed as "interval" on the program settings. That should quickly burn calories, be easier on your leg, and allow your body time to recover if you are taking days off.
I think you could put in a more concentrated effort 3 times a week and try an alternative to your 2 hours of cardio. That much cardio will build you great cardio vascular endurance, but its not going to burn fat like weight training and HIIT.
I do weight training and HIIT 3 times a week, with a day off in between.
Turn your program upside down is my suggestion. Put that 2 hours of cardio aside and make your weight training the main focus, along with HIIT workouts.
Don't worry about bulking up, most women have this misconception that they will bulk up weight training. This is not true.
Look at this woman:
http://www.projectswole.com/wp-conte...-squatting.jpg
She is squatting as much weight (225lbs) as most average guy lifters do, and she isn't bulky. In fact I would say damn thats a nice ass. lol
11-30-2010, 07:54 PM
#9
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 576
Jason, I'm so glad you posted the Pauline squat picture. It's one of my favorites.
bbycakes, there are three things going on here:
1. Don't get down on yourself if you haven't seen much in two weeks! Most workout programs last anywhere from 2 - 4 months so two weeks is barely past the intro phase!
2. Like Mike mentioned, you are probably overtraining. And overtraining on cardio, especially where you said you have a bad leg. If you want to do steady cardio instead of HIIT for the time being that's fine, cut it back to an hour 3 days a week, and lift weights 2-3 days a week. Like Jason said (right above this post) you'll burn a lot more fat if you make your focus weight training rather than cardio. Also, take one day out of the week for complete rest, and get good sleep. Your body will thank you.
3. You may not be getting enough protein in your diet to take full advantage of what you're doing in the gym. Absolute calories are important, but it's also important to make sure a good chunk of those calories come from protein. You'll get different recommendations from different people of exactly what "good chunk" means, but I'll say get at least 0.75 g / lb lean body mass. This means for a 150 lb person with 20% body fat (80% lean mass), minimum 90 g of protein, or about 360 calories.
Good luck! And don't hesitate to post again if you have more questions!
bbycakes, there are three things going on here:
1. Don't get down on yourself if you haven't seen much in two weeks! Most workout programs last anywhere from 2 - 4 months so two weeks is barely past the intro phase!
2. Like Mike mentioned, you are probably overtraining. And overtraining on cardio, especially where you said you have a bad leg. If you want to do steady cardio instead of HIIT for the time being that's fine, cut it back to an hour 3 days a week, and lift weights 2-3 days a week. Like Jason said (right above this post) you'll burn a lot more fat if you make your focus weight training rather than cardio. Also, take one day out of the week for complete rest, and get good sleep. Your body will thank you.
3. You may not be getting enough protein in your diet to take full advantage of what you're doing in the gym. Absolute calories are important, but it's also important to make sure a good chunk of those calories come from protein. You'll get different recommendations from different people of exactly what "good chunk" means, but I'll say get at least 0.75 g / lb lean body mass. This means for a 150 lb person with 20% body fat (80% lean mass), minimum 90 g of protein, or about 360 calories.
Good luck! And don't hesitate to post again if you have more questions!
