Trying to get back in shape...

**Jack34** · 04-23-2008, 11:36 AM

Well lets just say it has been a couple years removed from Lied. I was curious on a good workout routine. Running, unfortunately, is probably the best route to go. Thanks for the advice.

**bos** · 04-23-2008, 11:38 AM

I keep telling myself I am going to get out and run/walk but something always comes up. I try to walk during lunch during the week, but I dont think its enough.

**Angie** · 04-23-2008, 11:41 AM

I ride my exercise bike three to four times a week for about 8 miles. I also do 100 crunches and some leg exercises nightly.

**cyismydog** · 04-23-2008, 11:44 AM

I lift and run for basketball, do 100 crunches nightly, and try to stay away from the pop. Plus, I try and shoot baskets for about a 1/2 hour to an hour.

**ISUCyclones** · 04-23-2008, 11:45 AM

I'm an addict, I don't feel right during the day if I don't run or use the stair stepper...

**cycloneworld** · 04-23-2008, 11:47 AM

Originally Posted by jcs33

Well lets just say it has been a couple years removed from Lied. I was curious on a good workout routine. Running, unfortunately, is probably the best route to go. Thanks for the advice.

What are your goals? I think that makes a big difference on a workout/cadio routine.

I just started running again a few weeks ago with the goal to run the Dam to Dam 5k at the end of May. Then I want to run an 8k and possibly a half marathon in the future. My running schedule reflects these goals.

**isukendall** · 04-23-2008, 11:47 AM

I think the biggest part is keeping yourself busy. I try to do a lot of little things that make a difference: take the stairs instead of the elevator (work on 5th floor), walk whenever possible. Get an outdoor low-impact hobby like disc golf. Cut out regular pop (worst empty calories, ever). Eat a decent breakfast and healthy snacks between meals, so your major meals will be smaller (you'll have more energy through the day but actually consume less). Drink lots of water (there's debate over this but I think it helps).

Making some of these small changes makes a difference over time. I've lost about 15 lbs over the last year, and I'd say about half of it was due to small things as mentioned above.

For me it's nice to mix things up. I have a gym membership but only go there to lift 1-2 times a week. But just to increase general shape, I try to mix up running, biking (distance), mountain biking, kayaking. I have bad knees, so I can't run 5x a week like I used to, and it's good for the body to switch things up.

**clonez** · 04-23-2008, 11:50 AM

Would have to agree on basketball and disc golf. The good part about these things is that it doesn't feel like you are working out because you are having fun. Running is not fun for me, so these other things work out well. Keep in mind i'm not training or anything, just trying not to be entirely out of shape.

**Jack34** · 04-23-2008, 11:51 AM

Originally Posted by cycloneworld

What are your goals? I think that makes a big difference on a workout/cadio routine.

I just started running again a few weeks ago with the goal to run the Dam to Dam 5k at the end of May. Then I want to run an 8k and possibly a half marathon in the future. My running schedule reflects these goals.

My goal would be to lose about 5 or 10 pounds and to maintain that weight. My thought was to run for 30 minutes 3 days per week but did not know if that would be enough.

**isukendall** · 04-23-2008, 11:55 AM

Originally Posted by jcs33

My goal would be to lose about 5 or 10 pounds and to maintain that weight. My thought was to run for 30 minutes 3 days per week but did not know if that would be enough.

I think that would definitely help. Just make sure you mix up your running routes or try some other cardio things so you don't get bored.

You didn't say what your eating habits are, but improving that in combination with the running may help you see faster results.

**redrocker** · 04-23-2008, 11:57 AM

I have an eliptical in the basement, and use it at least 5 times a week. It is great on the knees. I used to run a lot, but as the years increase on my body, I had to get something that has less impact. I also have a bowflex that fits well into my work out. I just want to maintain a shape (not round) and stay healthy.

**scottie33** · 04-23-2008, 11:58 AM

I lost 40 pounds over 8 weeks when I was in Maryland and I ran everynight 30-45 minutes and drank strictly water and watched what I ate

What really surprised me is how much energy you had in a day when you eat healthy and drink lots of water as opposed to eating junk food and lots of pop. Doesn't seem like it'd make a difference but oh man I had just as much energy after 12 hours of work as I did after 8 hours.

**isuno1fan** · 04-23-2008, 12:28 PM

Biggest thing is diet. Drink LOTs of water and watch the foods you eat. Eat alot more lean meats (turkey, chicken, lean beef), don't cover your food in condiments, add a leafy veggie and whole grains.

Combine the above with a exercise program and the fat will fall off along with adding lean muscle if resistance training is included.

Diet is the key to everything. Most people don't understand that or don't want to understand that because they like eating pizza, french fries, doritos, etc. and drinking pop or anything other than water.

**brianhos** · 04-23-2008, 12:36 PM

Originally Posted by jcs33

My goal would be to lose about 5 or 10 pounds and to maintain that weight. My thought was to run for 30 minutes 3 days per week but did not know if that would be enough.

In my experience unless you get strict on your diet, running is not going to help that much. I usually run a marathon every fall, and I will only drop 5 lbs over the course of the entire training, and I will put in north of 1,000 miles. The problem with running is it makes you really hungry.

The best bet is to add resistance training and running. Alternate between workouts, lift one day, run the next, and just try to do something every day. Plus this helps keep the monotony away.