7 comments on “How should I go about starting a fitness regiment?”

1. Bob on February 21, 2012 at 3:42 pm said:

   Fitness

   eat at McDonalds
2. James on February 22, 2012 at 5:15 pm said:

   Fitness

   Well, mixing weightlifting and cardio starts weight loss, so i would mix some cardio and weights under the guidance of your fitness instructor.
3. alleyoop on February 25, 2012 at 12:55 am said:

   Fitness

   Why would you want to lose weight? You’re at a good weight right now for your height. My only real advice is to start slowly….weight training and cardio together will yield the best results along with a healthy diet. Seems like common sense…but I can’t tell you how many people I see go all gung ho about a new fitness plan, hurt themselves, and then give it up just as quickly.
4. Charli on February 26, 2012 at 5:21 pm said:

   Fitness

   Lifting weights is something that should be done for both weight gain and weight loss. However, with your height/weight, I’d aim to bulk up first, before trying to drop fat.

   You need to know how many calories you burn- you can use an online calculator for a rough estimate. Aim for 10-20% calories more than you burn daily (when you want to drop fat, aim for 10-20% fewer calories).

   Don’t worry about cutting junk food- you can enjoy anything in moderation, as long as the majority of your diet is healthy.

   Base your meals around:

   Lean protein (e.g. chicken, tuna, lean beef, fat-free cottage cheese, egg whites)
   Wholegrains (e.g. wholewheat bread, oats, bran cereals, rice)
   Healthy fats (e.g. nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocado, salmon, whole eggs, flaxseed)
   Fruit and veg

   And drink lots of water.

   Ensure you’re getting at 1-1.5g protein/lb bodyweight and at least 0.5g fat/lb. Have carbs and protein both before and after working out.

   As for training, be sure to lift heavy (below 12 reps) and to work ALL your major muscle groups. Have a look at Rippletoe’s 5×5 program- this is an excellent place to start.

   Make sure you’re getting at least one rest day a week with no exercise at all. I wouldn’t worry about cardio unless you need to train for a specific sport.
5. Danielle on March 1, 2012 at 4:22 am said:

   Fitness

   Interesting, you are the exact height and weight I am. Unfortunately I am twice as old )-:

   You should start a mix of cardiovascular exercise, such as spinning, running etc and in addition strength training. Lifting weights increased you muscle mass and therefor increases your resting metabolism, i.e. how many calories you are burning when not doing a thing. Muscles burn more energy than fat.

   So of you are trying to get in shape and have six months you should start right away with a healthy mix of cardiovascular and strength training. Most likely you won’t have to worry at all about losing weight. A healthy exercise routine will put you at a healthy weight and you will have a fit body at the same time. You should start seeing results in about 6 weeks or so.

   Danielle, DPT
6. Paul on March 2, 2012 at 4:53 pm said:

   Fitness

   I am 5 11 and 190-200 lbs. and 18 as well.

   Definitely start lifting weights and doing cardio

   -5 days a week is good, 6 is better. Work a different muscle group everyday or do two.
   -Do cardio 2-3 times a week to keep the fat off.
   -Drink at least a gallon of water a day. ( even more on a workout day)
   -Protein protein protein!
7. andy e on March 5, 2012 at 10:44 pm said:

   Fitness

   You need to have a measurable goal,getting fit/strong is too vague,you need something like”I can only do 10 push ups now but in six months I will be able to do 50 non stop”.