To start, I'm 20, 5'9" and somewhere between 130 and 140 lbs. and I smoke, unfortunately. so I decided as of today that I want to get in shape. I haven't been much for exercise in the past - pretty much haven't done anything requiring much physical exertion in a long time. I decided to test the waters a little bit, so I did one set of situps and one set of 10 pushups, and was extremely disheartened to find myself completely winded after that, and had to stop. so my question is, how should I start getting into shape, considering I'm starting out in such terrible shape? I don't have any kind of equipment at my house. I have access to the gym at my college, but at least to start out, I want to do my stuff mostly at home. I'm considering starting to go for runs, but based on tonight I wouldn't get far. also I should be getting a bicycle soon.
Pick an activity that you won't mind doing regularly. The problem with most exercise programs is that people tend to make extreme choices that they don't particularly like doing- which condemns the whole thing to failure. If you want to lift- find a friend who also wants to lift and you can support and encourage each other. Use the bike when you get it... take long hikes- work physical activity into your daily life doing things you love doing. Maintaining a constant pace could prove more beneficial than getting yourself winded and spent quickly every time.
Bit by bit, dude. After recovering from a major illness, I had to WALK 20 minutes 3x a week. I started that in December, and now I run 45-60 minutes 5-6x a week and work out with light weights 3x a week. I can mow a multiacre yard by myself. Someone complimented me yesterday and said how"mighty" I look. You have to seriously want it bad enough. It's 90% desire; the rest follows.
just got started tonight, with mixed results.I decided to go for a run. I've wanted to start going barefoot for a while, so I decided to make it a barefoot run. unfortunately, ended up getting a blood blister on one of my feet about fifteen minutes in and had to cut it short. I think this was due to a combination of wet pavement from rain earlier in the day, uncalloused soles because it was my first time on pavement barefoot, and poor running form. I'm def planning to continue though, gotta work on my running form to avoid more blisters though.
Well first of all, you are only 20 years old. The human body is incredibly resilient and you are still young, it honestly shouldn't be that hard for you to get in shape as long as you stay dedicated. Secondly be thankful you aren't overweight, as that would only make things much more difficult. That being said, unless you are looking to become some sort of 300 pound monster that can pick up cars, you don't really need a gym or anything. You can work on cardio and toning up your muscles, both of which can be done without any equipment. Jogging is a nice activity that I enjoy, you get a good work out and you see all kinds of interesting things. Knee ups are pretty good and work out your legs as well. Push-ups and sit-ups are obvious of course, you might want to do some russians as well, and if you are interested, a couple of dumbbells can be very versatile.
^^ Good advice ^^ Notid- I started my current collection with three pairs of dumbbells... not real heavy ones either. Welcome back, btw.
Probably this best way to get in shape and stay in shape is to find a program you can get into a routine with and like doing. I started working out about a year ago with a program called Shakeology. It's a 30 minute workout and a shake that has tons of naturals in it like acai berries, wheat grass, goji berries,blue-green algae and alot more. I still drink the shake but now I stepped up my game in the workout scene and now do one called P90X. Here's the website I get the shake from. www.superfitsuperfun.com Good luck Busgypsy
Yup, walk, swim and cycle. All very effective and won't break the bank if you give up after a while! The most important though, as has been said above, the will to succeed!
