Group: General Fitness & Exercise

Created: 2011/12/31, Members: 382, Messages: 54581

Various general exercise related discussions. Find out what it takes to reach your fitness goals through daily effective exercise. With so many options we try to find out what works best.

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Good exercise plan for my goal?

cmbpearson
cmbpearson
Posts: 22
Joined: 2006/02/18
United States
2006/02/20, 03:30 PM
Hi everyone. I'm new here, and first have to say that this site is WONDERFUL! It is EXACTLY what I need. I've filled out my profile, so feel free to take a look to learn more about me. Ok, here's my question/situation:

I am 28yr old, 5'5" and 158lbs on a small frame. I joined a gym in October and have been doing the elliptical machine 3 times a week. I've lost 14 lbs, which I'm very proud of, but now I'm ready to step up my workout, and after reading on this site I realize I need to add weights to my routine.

My goal is to reach 135lbs (lose 23lbs) by mid May 23. To reach this goal I need to lose 1 3/4lbs per week for the 13 weeks. I want to see a reduction in weight on the scale, as well as some firming of my muscles.

My current plan (after reading several messages posted here is to got to the gym 4 times a week, and do 2 days of all-over weight training, and 2 days of cardio. I am also going to try to do some free weights and exercise (cardio) videos at home on the days I don't go to the gym. My plan was to basically alternate cardio and weight training every day that I work out. An example week will be:
Sunday - Rest
Monday - Weights at the gym
Tuesday - Cardio at the gym
Wednesday - Weights at home
Thursday - Cardio at the gym
Friday - Weights at the gym
Saturday - Cardio at home

I will be on a higher protein/lower carb diet with lots of lean meats, fruits, veggies, and dairy products.

I would REALLY appreciate some practical advice/opinons about this routine and my goals. Is it possible to lose 23 lbs in 13 weeks with this routine? If not, what adjustments should I make in order to reach my specific goal? Thanks so much, and I look forward to reading your replies! Have a good day. :big_smile:

Christy
2006/02/20, 06:40 PM
Every time you lift weights pick 2-3 big lifts and do them. You should never find yourself doing kickbacks or curls...it's an outright a waste of time. For the first few months try:

Deep Squats 3 sets of 10 reps with 45 sec rest
Dips 3 sets of 10 reps with 45 sec rest
Chin Ups(or Cable Pulldowns) 3 sets of 10 reps with 45 sec rest

Bench Press 3 sets of 10 reps with 45 sec rest
Rows 3 sets of 10 reps with 45 sec rest
Shrugs 3 sets of 10 reps with 45 sec rest

Hyperextensions/Glute-Ham 3 sets of 10 reps with 45 sec rest
Military/Shoulder Presses 3 sets of 10 reps with 45 sec rest
Stiff Legged Deadlifts 3 sets of 10 reps with 45 sec rest

Try to drink a protein shake after lifting weights or eat something within half hour (simple carbs like weight rice/pasta with chicken breast/turkey/fish...you want nutrients asap to your muscles so right after lifting weights ... so skip on fibrous veggies or carbs at this time)to capitalize on your work in the gym.
cmbpearson
cmbpearson
Posts: 22
Joined: 2006/02/18
United States
2006/02/25, 07:09 PM
Menace,
Thanks for your reply. Taking what you have written and what a trainer at they gym suggested, hopefully I have a good routine going. I know my body is feeling it! Is a protein bar good for after workouts? The have Abb Steel bars at the gym with 16 grams of protein. They have 260 calories. Thanks a lot!

Christy
wrestler125
wrestler125
Posts: 4,619
Joined: 2004/01/27
United States
2006/02/25, 07:58 PM
I can't see one of those things being digested quickly. I would prefer you to get a pwo carb and protein shake after your workout, but I guess a bar is better than nothing.

--------------
Iron and chalk.

Pain is only temporary, it is in your mind. If you can still walk, then you can still run.
cmbpearson
cmbpearson
Posts: 22
Joined: 2006/02/18
United States
2006/02/25, 10:16 PM
Thanks wrestler! I appreciate the tip! I sure didn't know it matters how quickly it's digested. Perhaps I'll look into the shakes. :)
Daniellieb
Daniellieb
Posts: 25
Joined: 2003/05/05
United States
2006/02/27, 08:12 PM
Hey There,

I'm thinking about using this routine for myself. My only issue is, I need exercises for lifing weights at home with dumbells. Could you please help me with some different exercises I can do at home?
wrestler125
wrestler125
Posts: 4,619
Joined: 2004/01/27
United States
2006/02/27, 09:06 PM
Instead of barbell squats, do deep dumbbell front squats.
Instead of barbell bench press, do dumbbell bench press.
etc...

--------------
Iron and chalk.

Pain is only temporary, it is in your mind. If you can still walk, then you can still run.