Exercise questions.

Jess... · 10-03-2007, 06:01 AM

Hi everyone!

I'm a complete beginner at the exercise thing. I am really lazy, but am forcing myself to be more active. I've started an exercise plan - which involves me exercising as much as I can. I don't want to hurt myself, or overdo it, so I just have a couple of questions.

1. I completed a half hour workout last night. (yeah, I know - it doesn't sound like much, but it was hell for me!) Today my muscles are really tight and sore (keeping in mind they haven't had a workout like that in about...ever!). I was wondering - is it better to give yourself, say, a day in between, have a rest and let them recover? Or is it ok to jump straight back in. Will I do myself any damage?

2. Any motivational tips for when it gets hard? Things to tell yourself that will help to lift that weight one more time, or run that little bit further?

3. How to be patient. I am one to have very little patience at the best of times. I realise that doing this will take time, and I won't see results overnight.

But do you have any tips for how to tell myself that when it gets hard? I'm scared I'm going to do this for about a week (if that) and think "this is pointless" and give up. I've never been able to hold on and keep going before.

Any other information you want to share is greatly appreciated. Thanks guys!

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*EDIT*
I also have knee problems, in both knees. I have had them for a good 4 - 5 years now. One knee crunches when I bend it (makes an awful sound, and feels disgusting!), the other "clunks". Not quite a crunch, but not a smooth bend either. I have been to the physio, and tried treatment - it didn't work.

I think the only other option is a knee reconstruction, and as I'd need 2, I would need a lot of time off work, and I just can't do that right now. It is really irritating trying to do exercises like lunges, squats, anything that invloves bending the knee really.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to help this? I have strapping tape that the physio gave me, but don't want to have to strap both knees all the time. Maybe I will have to though?

spirits · 10-03-2007, 06:47 AM

Just remember that exercising releases chemicals that will help you stay younger and healthier. Those are equally worthwhile as staying in shape. Also, try to consciously think about your state of mind after you exercised and compare your state of mind before you exercise.

Lana0120 · 10-03-2007, 06:48 AM

Hey, first off, well done. Half an hour is more than I ever do and I've managed to improve my fitness, so you're doing very well. You shouldn't exercise every single day, you need some rest days built in (or where you do some exercises involving different muscles), but exercising most days should be fine. Just be careful. Listening to good music while exercising helps, also thinking about other things too, because before you know it, it's all done. As for keeping yourself motivated, it's hard, but after a week or two you'll notice some changes, so it'll keep you going.

Trooper5 · 10-03-2007, 06:53 AM

Hey Jess, I can help ya. Here is a link to a thread I made a while ago and it had helped quite a few people. If you need any help let me know and I'll help you out.

http://www.enotalone.com/forum/showthread.php?t=184781

Trooper5 · 10-03-2007, 06:57 AM

One more thing, remember, excercise has to be a life-style change. It is something you need to commit to and make it part of a daily routine, just like brushing your teeth.

Tethys · 10-03-2007, 07:29 AM

It's my understanding that you should should alternate days so that you do cardio on some days and weight training (muscle building) on the other days. You should give your muscles a rest in between, but there are other exercises to do while you give them that rest.

niczeegs · 10-03-2007, 07:31 AM

I get lazy too when it comes to working out and getting motivated.

I noticed what really helps for me is that as soon as you come home from work or school or wherever, DON'T SIT DOWN. As soon as you come home, do your workout. You'll have more energy for the rest of the night and it's out of the way.

All the best!

Jess... · 10-03-2007, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spirits

Just remember that exercising releases chemicals that will help you stay younger and healthier. Those are equally worthwhile as staying in shape. Also, try to consciously think about your state of mind after you exercised and compare your state of mind before you exercise.

Thanks for that! Mmm, that's a really motivational thought. I want to keep looking young *repeats to self* I think that will work! Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lana0120

Hey, first off, well done. Half an hour is more than I ever do and I've managed to improve my fitness, so you're doing very well. You shouldn't exercise every single day, you need some rest days built in (or where you do some exercises involving different muscles), but exercising most days should be fine. Just be careful. Listening to good music while exercising helps, also thinking about other things too, because before you know it, it's all done. As for keeping yourself motivated, it's hard, but after a week or two you'll notice some changes, so it'll keep you going.

Thanks Lana! (Every time I see you post, I think of Lana from Smallville lol)

It was really tough - going the full half hour - and I struggled, but I forced myself to finish. And I watched the clock! I looked at it about every minute towards the end! Gosh the time went by so slowly! So I will try your tip next time about thinking about other things.

I had the High School Musical 2 soundtrack playing last night - juvenile, I know, but it's got really good beats!

Thanks for helping me out!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trooper5

Hey Jess, I can help ya. Here is a link to a thread I made a while ago and it had helped quite a few people. If you need any help let me know and I'll help you out.

http://www.enotalone.com/forum/showthread.php?t=184781

Trooper that's excellent! Thankyou! I put that in my favourites, and will print it out, and study it in a minute. I will have to convert the miles to kilometres in the exercise part though - as Australia uses kms, and talking in miles gets me really confused! Thanks very much for that though, I'm sure I will learn a lot from it.

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I also have knee problems, in both knees. I have had them for a good 4 - 5 years now. One knee crunches when i bend it (makes an awful sound, and feels disgusting!), the other "clunks". Not quite a crunch, but not a smooth bend either. I have been to the physio, and tried treatment - it didn't work.

I think the only other option is a knee reconstruction, and as I'd need 2, I would need a lot of time off work, and I just can't do that right now. It is really irritating trying to do exercises like lunges, squats, anything that invloves bending the knee really.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to help this? I have strapping tape that the physio gave me, but don't want to have to strap both knees all the time. Maybe I will have to though?

Jess... · 10-03-2007, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tethys

It's my understanding that you should should alternate days so that you do cardio on some days and weight training (muscle building) on the other days. You should give your muscles a rest in between, but there are other exercises to do while you give them that rest.

Ah, will try that. At the moment, I'm wanting to work like crazy on my arms - to get them ready for the upcoming summer, (it's already started to warm up, so I'm running out of time) and was of the opinion that if I do them every day, I'll be right. But I have no idea!

Quote:

Originally Posted by niczeegs

I get lazy too when it comes to working out and getting motivated.

I noticed what really helps for me is that as soon as you come home from work or school or wherever, DON'T SIT DOWN. As soon as you come home, do your workout. You'll have more energy for the rest of the night and it's out of the way.

All the best!

Oh thanks for that!! That's one thing I always do when I get home from work - sit down! I tell myself "I'll work out first thing when I get home" and then when I get home, I go "hmm, I'll just do this first" then I find something else to do, have tea, do something else - by the time I get round to trying to workout, it's about 8.30pm, and then I'm like "i just want to lie down now" haha. Thanks for the tip, I'll remember it for tomorrow!

bubblyblonde11 · 10-03-2007, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jess...

Hi everyone!

I'm a complete beginner at the exercise thing. I am really lazy, but am forcing myself to be more active. I've started an exercise plan - which involves me exercising as much as I can. I don't want to hurt myself, or overdo it, so I just have a couple of questions.

1. I completed a half hour workout last night. (yeah, I know - it doesn't sound like much, but it was hell for me!) Today my muscles are really tight and sore (keeping in mind they haven't had a workout like that in about...ever!). I was wondering - is it better to give yourself, say, a day in between, have a rest and let them recover? Or is it ok to jump straight back in. Will I do myself any damage?

2. Any motivational tips for when it gets hard? Things to tell yourself that will help to lift that weight one more time, or run that little bit further?

3. How to be patient. I am one to have very little patience at the best of times. I realise that doing this will take time, and I won't see results overnight.

But do you have any tips for how to tell myself that when it gets hard? I'm scared I'm going to do this for about a week (if that) and think "this is pointless" and give up. I've never been able to hold on and keep going before.

Any other information you want to share is greatly appreciated. Thanks guys!

1. I completed a half hour workout last night. (yeah, I know - it doesn't sound like much, but it was hell for me!) Today my muscles are really tight and sore (keeping in mind they haven't had a workout like that in about...ever!). I was wondering - is it better to give yourself, say, a day in between, have a rest and let them recover? Or is it ok to jump straight back in. Will I do myself any damage?

You need to strecth well after for one, I always go swimming after a work out and also do some streching. Look up some on the internet also it might be cause you are using muscles you have not for a while, they'll soon get used to it so hang in there. And yes you should ideally let your body rest one day inbetween if possible if not at least one rest day per two days of workouts.

2. Any motivational tips for when it gets hard? Things to tell yourself that will help to lift that weight one more time, or run that little bit further?

Take measurements and also write down the time of day and date, then do this again in 4weeks time at a similar time and so on. See if you have lost inches.

Also take a couple of pics now, in a bikini say full length and then again in 4weeks and so on and look/compare the difference.

dowload some Rocky theme music works for me and makes me that little bit more determined when I run. I also use visualisation methods, picture what you want yourself to look like picture it again and again, how you;d like to look running on that treadmill or down the beach etc

3. How to be patient. I am one to have very little patience at the best of times. I realise that doing this will take time, and I won't see results overnight.

See above

10-03-2007, 06:01 AM	#1
Jess... Offline Gold Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: I come from the land down under! Gender: Female Posts: 1,157	Exercise questions. Hi everyone! I'm a complete beginner at the exercise thing. I am really lazy, but am forcing myself to be more active. I've started an exercise plan - which involves me exercising as much as I can. I don't want to hurt myself, or overdo it, so I just have a couple of questions. 1. I completed a half hour workout last night. (yeah, I know - it doesn't sound like much, but it was hell for me!) Today my muscles are really tight and sore (keeping in mind they haven't had a workout like that in about...ever!). I was wondering - is it better to give yourself, say, a day in between, have a rest and let them recover? Or is it ok to jump straight back in. Will I do myself any damage? 2. Any motivational tips for when it gets hard? Things to tell yourself that will help to lift that weight one more time, or run that little bit further? 3. How to be patient. I am one to have very little patience at the best of times. I realise that doing this will take time, and I won't see results overnight. But do you have any tips for how to tell myself that when it gets hard? I'm scared I'm going to do this for about a week (if that) and think "this is pointless" and give up. I've never been able to hold on and keep going before. Any other information you want to share is greatly appreciated. Thanks guys! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *EDIT* I also have knee problems, in both knees. I have had them for a good 4 - 5 years now. One knee crunches when I bend it (makes an awful sound, and feels disgusting!), the other "clunks". Not quite a crunch, but not a smooth bend either. I have been to the physio, and tried treatment - it didn't work. I think the only other option is a knee reconstruction, and as I'd need 2, I would need a lot of time off work, and I just can't do that right now. It is really irritating trying to do exercises like lunges, squats, anything that invloves bending the knee really. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to help this? I have strapping tape that the physio gave me, but don't want to have to strap both knees all the time. Maybe I will have to though? __________________ Sometimes it's the risk of getting hurt that's beautiful... Last edited by Jess...; 10-03-2007 at 07:51 AM.

10-03-2007, 06:53 AM	#4
Trooper5 Offline Bronze Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Gender: Male Posts: 220	Hey Jess, I can help ya. Here is a link to a thread I made a while ago and it had helped quite a few people. If you need any help let me know and I'll help you out. http://www.enotalone.com/forum/showthread.php?t=184781 __________________ Only the dead have seen the end of war - Plato The difference between combat and sport fighting is that in combat you bury the guy who comes in second - Unkown Navy Seal

10-03-2007, 06:57 AM	#5
Trooper5 Offline Bronze Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Gender: Male Posts: 220	One more thing, remember, excercise has to be a life-style change. It is something you need to commit to and make it part of a daily routine, just like brushing your teeth. __________________ Only the dead have seen the end of war - Plato The difference between combat and sport fighting is that in combat you bury the guy who comes in second - Unkown Navy Seal

10-03-2007, 06:47 AM	#2
spirits Offline Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 354	Just remember that exercising releases chemicals that will help you stay younger and healthier. Those are equally worthwhile as staying in shape. Also, try to consciously think about your state of mind after you exercised and compare your state of mind before you exercise.

10-03-2007, 06:48 AM	#3
Lana0120 Offline Platinum Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Gender: Female Posts: 3,465	Hey, first off, well done. Half an hour is more than I ever do and I've managed to improve my fitness, so you're doing very well. You shouldn't exercise every single day, you need some rest days built in (or where you do some exercises involving different muscles), but exercising most days should be fine. Just be careful. Listening to good music while exercising helps, also thinking about other things too, because before you know it, it's all done. As for keeping yourself motivated, it's hard, but after a week or two you'll notice some changes, so it'll keep you going.

10-03-2007, 07:29 AM	#6
Tethys Offline Platinum Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Golden State Posts: 2,165	It's my understanding that you should should alternate days so that you do cardio on some days and weight training (muscle building) on the other days. You should give your muscles a rest in between, but there are other exercises to do while you give them that rest.

10-03-2007, 07:31 AM	#7
niczeegs Offline Bronze Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Gender: Female Age: 22 Posts: 255	I get lazy too when it comes to working out and getting motivated. I noticed what really helps for me is that as soon as you come home from work or school or wherever, DON'T SIT DOWN. As soon as you come home, do your workout. You'll have more energy for the rest of the night and it's out of the way. All the best!