Hi everyone! Just a warning, I love zombies and I'm a nerd, so that kind of humor might creep in to these posts from time to time. Like the picture above. So, let's get started with my super awesome blog post- what this fat chick does to work out! When you're heavy set and out of shape (or just out of shape) or you're like me- heavy set, out of shape, messed up one ankle and hurt the other foot, then you have to be kind of careful about working out- especially when you're just getting started. DISCLAIMER: I am not a professional, nor am I trained. This is just what I do for myself and what I have learned from different people and going to the gym (that includes high school gym, lol). Consult a professional or a doctor if you want legit advice.
So that being said- what are some good reasons to work out? I ask this because your reason is your motivation. It's what will get you started, make you go to wherever you work out, and get you through the hard parts (because there WILL be hard parts. I've given up a lot- I KNOW THESE THINGS).
Some of my reasons are (I love bullet point lists):
Next, figure out where you're going to work out. I like the gym because I can zone out and just work out. I can't work out at home because I get distracted. Find what works best for you.
So, finally- my actual work out
It's very basic what I do. I go (will be going, whatevs) four times a week- Tue-Fri. I start with half an hour of cardio on the elliptical. I have never liked the elliptical, but it's a lot easier on your joints (esp when you're big) and it keep me from re-injuring my ankles. It feels like walking in sand and it pauses if you go to slow. I usually try to do my fastest mile time at first, then spend the rest of the time cooling down. I'm so out of shape now that if I don't get my heart rate down, I get dizzy when I stop moving.
Then I stretch. Always warm up and then stretch. It's good for you. Stretch when you're done too.
Then I do weights. I push myself without hurting myself because if you hurt yourself you have to stop and that defeats everything. I alternate days so that I don't overwork anything. Arms/abs/upper back one day and then legs/butt/lower back the next. I keep track of when I do each day so that I don't do the same thing twice in a row. You have to give your muscles time to rest!
I use both the machines and the free weights. If you don't know how to use something, don't be afraid to ask! Trainers and gym staff are there to be asked questions and to help you.
Make sure to drink plenty of water, but not so much water that you get sick. Stretch after warming up and stretch when you're done. Most of all- don't get discouraged! Improvement takes time! Practice really does make perfect. :) And don't forget to have fun! Make sure you ENJOY your work out or else you won't do it. Maybe my sort of thing works for you, maybe group classes work, maybe work out tapes and stuff at home does the trick. Also remember- losing weight isn't the most important thing, being healthy is. Curves are sexy.
<3 - CFC
So that being said- what are some good reasons to work out? I ask this because your reason is your motivation. It's what will get you started, make you go to wherever you work out, and get you through the hard parts (because there WILL be hard parts. I've given up a lot- I KNOW THESE THINGS).
Some of my reasons are (I love bullet point lists):
- I need to lower my blood pressure. It was 132/73 yesterday after having my car REALLY need break fluid, so I think I'm doing okay. The reason I have to work on this is because 1) I don't want blood pressure meds (it use to be 140/90) and 2) they'll take me off estrogen birth control pills and I NEED those. WARNING, TMI: I get the real, bad kind of PMS. Estrogen rules. /TMI.
- My boyfriend said that if I can get down to a 12 minute mile, we're going on a cruise when he comes home (I suck at running).
- I want to be comfortable in my own body. It's not just about losing weight, it's about feeling good. Nothing beats the high after a good work out (except after a good shopping trip).
- I want to be able to keep up with my friends. No one enjoys being the fat friend huffing and puffing in the back. Trust me, I know.
- Too many weddings coming up and everyone wants to put me in a fancy dress...
- Cute clothes- I WANT THEM. I am so insanely jealous of my thinner friends that can fit into all the cute clothes. I can't even shop at half the stores in the mall.
- If there's a zombie apocalypse, I will be the first to die.
- I also would have died first in the Hunger Games.
Next, figure out where you're going to work out. I like the gym because I can zone out and just work out. I can't work out at home because I get distracted. Find what works best for you.
So, finally- my actual work out
It's very basic what I do. I go (will be going, whatevs) four times a week- Tue-Fri. I start with half an hour of cardio on the elliptical. I have never liked the elliptical, but it's a lot easier on your joints (esp when you're big) and it keep me from re-injuring my ankles. It feels like walking in sand and it pauses if you go to slow. I usually try to do my fastest mile time at first, then spend the rest of the time cooling down. I'm so out of shape now that if I don't get my heart rate down, I get dizzy when I stop moving.
Then I stretch. Always warm up and then stretch. It's good for you. Stretch when you're done too.
Then I do weights. I push myself without hurting myself because if you hurt yourself you have to stop and that defeats everything. I alternate days so that I don't overwork anything. Arms/abs/upper back one day and then legs/butt/lower back the next. I keep track of when I do each day so that I don't do the same thing twice in a row. You have to give your muscles time to rest!
I use both the machines and the free weights. If you don't know how to use something, don't be afraid to ask! Trainers and gym staff are there to be asked questions and to help you.
Make sure to drink plenty of water, but not so much water that you get sick. Stretch after warming up and stretch when you're done. Most of all- don't get discouraged! Improvement takes time! Practice really does make perfect. :) And don't forget to have fun! Make sure you ENJOY your work out or else you won't do it. Maybe my sort of thing works for you, maybe group classes work, maybe work out tapes and stuff at home does the trick. Also remember- losing weight isn't the most important thing, being healthy is. Curves are sexy.
<3 - CFC
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