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Gym workouts..

SayLiLiGSayLiLiG
10 Comments
in Getting in Shape
Im a plus sized bride, and im trying to lose at least 20 pounds by my big day..

What would you consider a good workout to do at the gym? Im a member of the YMCA, and I have tons of equipment but I don't think im taking advantage of everything.

I really love the elliptical. But What would you say is the best setting for someone plus sized and only mildy active?

Also I want to focus on my arm fat too... So i know I should probably stick to the elliptical with arms. But what weight machines and/or free weights would help out that area?

I have my dress already, but I would love a reason to go to the store and get a new size. :)
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Re: Gym workouts..

  • Lobsters25Lobsters25 member
    1000 Comments 25 Love Its Second Anniversary Name Dropper
    edited March 2012
    Welcome!

    The elliptical is more than fine, but make sure the intensity is up, and perhaps try some intervals.  Also, try varying your cardio with some fun classes (zumba, spin) and some time on the treadmill.
    I used to be very overweight and started with the elliptical until I felt comfortable enough running for a few minutes or doing intervals on the treadmill.  Just remember that no matter what you're doing, you're doing something, and give yourself credit for that!

    For weights, try the pre-arranged circuit that most Y's have.  If this is very new territory for you, splurge for one training session or ask a trainer to just walk you through some helpful machines.  

    As everyone will probably tell you, cardio, weights, and a healthy diet are all necessary. Websites can also be extremely helpful during the journey - especially My Fitness Pal and Sparkpeople.  They'll help you keep track of food (calories) and exercise.
     


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  • reggiesmommyreggiesmommy member
    100 Comments
    When I first started out, I was also plus size.  I found that the classes were a great way to stay motivated.  Zumba was my favorite.  Don't worry about being coordinated - I stayed in the back and didn't look in the mirror!!  I've since moved on from zumba because of shin splints, but at first I really liked that.  I would throw some free weights in there too for your arms especially.  Good luck!  
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  • Ashleigh828Ashleigh828
    100 Comments
    If you are liking the elliptical, try the interval training mentioned in PP. To do this, warm up for 3-5 minutes. Then try 30second / 60 second intervals... Watch your strides per minute. For 30 seconds, try to increase those by 35-50, then return to normal speed for one minute. Continue this for 6 minutes... Make this your starting point. When you feel like you are comfortable with this try to do 30 seconds hard, 30 seconds soft for 10 minutes.

    For treadmill interval training...again, warm up for 3-5 minutes. Once you've warmed up, increase your speed to 3.5 with an incline of 4.0. Go at this speed and incline for one minute. Then increase the incline to 5. Stay here for a minute, return to incline 4 for 30 seconds, then increase to a 6 incline for one minute, return to 4 for 30 seconds... repeat this until you have reached the highest incline.

    If you increase your cardio with the interval training, the pounds will shed rather quickly. It's great that you getting to the Y and doing a workout but depending on how long you've been doing this workout, your body may have become comfortable and isn't working as hard to burn the calories. It's good to "switch things up" whether it be cardio interval training, classes, or different weight exercises every few months to keep your body guessing.

    Good Luck!!
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  • Miss GraceMiss Grace member
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    WEIGHTS. The eliptical is great, but the calories you're buring are just those calories. When you lift, you burn calories ALL day because you're muscles are repairing themsleves. You will loose more weight, and tone your arms better than the eliptical. I would hire a personal trainer, as a PP mentioned- it's totally worth it :)
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  • AshleyLauren0715AshleyLauren0715 member
    First Comment
    I agree!  Weights are definitely the way to go!  I see the most results when I strength train.  Elliptical and treadmill are great ways to make a circuit type workout.  Personally I pick one body part/area to work out per day-- legs, chest, biceps, triceps, etc.
    Best of luck :)
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  • bandjwedding2012bandjwedding2012 member
    100 Comments
    edited March 2012
    I love the ellipitical, I always try to out do myself from the last time or pretend I'm racing the person next to me. If they have a class like zumba try it. I'm doing zumba and weights. Although I need to add more weights. I love sparkpeople, it's very supportive. I love being able to track my food and my workouts. As you reach different goals they make a big deal out of it. For me it works, but I've heard great things about MFP, so maybe try that too.
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  • mbk318mbk318
    10 Comments
    edited March 2012
    Don't be afraid to pick up the free weights or use the cable machines. Try some bicep curls, hammer curls, dips, triceps extensions, triceps pulldowns, pushups.. etc for your arms.
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  • SayLiLiGSayLiLiG
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    thanks so much for the replies! When I go tomorrow Im going to try and do some intervals for atleast 20 minutes, and I have been focusing on one muscle group everytime I go.. today I did my arms and I actually threw in the back extension just because. I plan on doing mostly legs tomorrow. :) 

    I also do Dance Central 2 at home, so thats why I dont aim to do 30 minutes of cardio at the gym because I do it at home. :D
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