New at working out.

[selfconclusion12]

I have never worked out in my life, and now I find myself being a 21 year old woman, 5'2, and 240lbs! My husband is also very overweight at 26 years old, 6'2 and 340lbs. We decided today that it was time to loose weight. I can't do it anymore and I am feeling really motivated...TIL I GOT TO THE GYM.

Wow, so many machines and things to use. Its a really small gym which I like.

On Saturday I go to meet with the own who is gonna show me all the machines and help me out a bit, but I wanted to also come here and get some extra help.

My husband said he thinks I should stick with Cardio for a few weeks before doing anything else.

So today I went, and was on the treadmill for 11 minutes at speed 5. I think if I read the machine right my heart rate was at a 201. I have no idea what all the heart rate stuff means...

Then I got off that and went on this thing called a Cybex Arc Trainer. I really could not figure out how to work it but whatever I was doing made my legs burn. I could only do that for a minute

Then I got on a bike and was on there for 10 minutes.

I wanted to stay longer but was not sure what machines to use...

So I guess my question is how long should I be staying on these machines for? My husband suggested 30 minutes. I think I can do it...

Any other advice to help me out would be great to. Thanks so much

[Trusylver]

you need a combination of cardio and strength training but for weight loss the most important aspect is diet.

during your cardio try to aim for around 60% of your max heart rate (220 - age) untill your fitness levels improve. 30 minues is a good start for cardio machines. for strength training i suggest getting a session or two with a trainer to begin with so as to learn correct form when using the machines and free weights.

[5kgLifter]

As Trusylver suggests, 30 mins is fine. I have to admit to preferring 45 mins to a max of 60 mins for cardio on cardio days; since 45 is between the 2 I tend to opt for that one more, and I figure that all those 15 minutes extra all add up without me even realising it

Strength and cardio done in combo, such as every other day doing weights and then on the days in between doing cardio, will help to change body composition as well which means you'll look slimmer quicker. It's all good

[Fittaylor]

Congrats on the motivation and the goals to change! I know you can do it!!

I would suggest 30 minutes is fine... once you can handle it I don't suggest increasing the time but increasing the intensity. Interval cardio is by far top dog for burning calories during and after the workout is finished. That just means starting slow then suddening increasing the speed for a little bit then going slow again... off and on for 20 minutes or so.

Strength training is important for boosting metabolism so I def recommend talking with the trainer... I am sure he will tell you to lift before cardio! Once you start to feel more in shape I suggest going to big body movements like bw squats, lunges and so forth instead of using the machines but if those movements are hard right now it's ok...

Best of luck please keep us posted!
-Taylor