Fitness Equipments Tips And Advice

Question: Best fitness equipment?

(Posted by: bumbles on 2010-01-12 02:03:43)

Hi. I am about 40kg's overweight and have 3 little kids. It is extremely hard to exercise, but I am desperate and I am willing to start on whatever I can, but I need something that suits me. I have looked into treadmills and exercise bikes etc but not sure what to do. We run a business from home and it's almost impossible to get any spare time when my hubby is at home to go to the gym or for a walk. When I have some spare time during the day I don't feel like taking 2 small kids for a walk in 40 c heat (which it is here in Australia at the moment). I want something that I can do at home, but not sure what is the best. I have knee and back problems which I know will improve with exercise, but its hard to do it when you're in pain. I also have thyroid issues which I am trying to get under control, but I have very little energy ... which I know will also improve once I get going. Any suggestions. Yoga is easy when you are skinny ... but not so easy when you are as overweight as I am. I am currently on a healthy eating plan, but just need help to figure out what to do about exercise. Thank you.

Posted by: Jenny L on 2010-01-12, 02:55:39

Well if you want to lose weight, cardio exercises are your best option, also I'd suggest buying a tredmill because then you could start of with a variation of walking and jogging to get your body used to the exercise. Also, jogging and walking are great for burning excess fat and they also tone you at the same time, so really its the best exercise you can do.

Posted by: moemoney81 on 2010-01-12, 02:27:17

Its good to see that you're genuinely concerned- you're more likely to succeed...for starters, watch your calories (as you seem to be doing). you need to eat less than you consume so you can burn the stored energy (fat) regardless if the food is healthy or not. Second, get a stationary bike or an elliptical- these are both easy on your joints and can get the job done as far as increasing your energy expenditure. Start with about 10 mins a day and over the course of a month or so, work your way up to about 35-45 mins per day. make sure you don't drink any sugar waters (ie gatorade) when you exercise, or else you'll never dip into the fat stores for fuel. After every cardio session make sure you do a "cool down " and some static stretching to prevent injuries and get you ready for weight training- it's a big misconception to do static stretches before a workout- the rule is to never stretch a cold muscle! Cut/ watch your calories, stick with the cardio, increase your flexibility and soon enough you can throw in some resistance training (which doesn't require weight-can be greater, less than, or equal to your body weight) to increase your metabolism (and strength of course).