Originally Posted by
Saad /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I've decided it's time to stop being lazy and start doing something, but I'm clueless about making my own workout and diet plans. I'm not overweight by any means... 5'2" and about 125 lbs. But I really want to firm up and narrow down, and keep it that way. Be very lean but not grossly skinny.
I do know that cardio is a big deal, and my mother is actually giving me her treadmill (since it'll be winter soon and going for walks outside when it's freezing just isn't worth it to me).
But does anyone know a good workout plan other than that? I have 5 lb. weights and I know how to use them, but not in a way that would help me whittle down. I also need a good diet plan. I don't eat gross foods, but I'm not a health nut either.Anyone know anything on how to help out?
Since you don't have weight to drop, I think working out is really all you'll need to concentrate on. (That said, eating good clean foods is always a good idea. Do as I say and not as I do.)
I've always believed that
losing weight is 80% diet changes and 20% working out.
Maintaining weight (or getting leaner) is the opposite, 80% working out and 20% diet. Most of that is true because working out doesn't loose as many calories as you think: 1 mile = 100 calories (give or take) whether you walk or run. So if you walk 3 miles and eat two oreos after, you've undone everything. But you can "easily" cut out 500+ calories in a day by eating wisely. So losing weight is in your diet, and keeping it off seems to be exercise.
The trick is to find something you'll enjoy doing: biking, running, yoga, dance, whatever! It changes for me frankly. I ran regularly for
years and loved that for a long time. Now you can't pay me to run - at least not regularly, I do sometimes go for a couple miles and dig it. But now the idea of running 4 times a week feels like a chore.
I did weights at the gym for a couple years and followed workouts designed by Jillian Michaels that left me exhausted but also exhilarated.
Currently? I do yoga and pole dancing (with a side of walking) which is very different from what I used to do. Neither are as purely aerobic as running or even weights, but it's what my heart enjoys right now. And, I can finally touch my toes and my lower back is so much loser. I have stronger abs and more upper-body strength than ever with the pole dancing. I really suck at both compared to other women my age, but it fits my current state of mind and that's what matters: I show up and do it! Yoga has also taught me to engage muscles in my daily life in new ways which tickles me too. I freaking get off the toilet different now!
So explore and find something you like so you will show up and do it. If you do decide to stick with the treadmill/running, the Couch-to-5K program (google C25K) is a great way to break into running. It's okay to repeat weeks on the program if you need to, it'll depend on your initial level of fitness. Do get shoes that are good for running though - always best to find a running warehouse that'll analyze your gait but other than decent kicks (and a good bra if you're endowed like me!) you don't need much to start running.
And if you want to firm up, find a pole fitness class. Trucking your body weight up a pole really tones you up in ways you'll never imagine! It really is a total body workout and they focus hard on building a strong active core. And it's cheeky and fun!