its been a while since i used the gym.

i went on tuesday and this is what i did:

600m on the rowing machine

7 minutes on the bike with my heart rate at 138-141

then 10-15 reps on weight machines at between 10-25kg focusing on arms, shoulders, pecs, back and thighs.

then 25 lengths of breast stroke in the pool followed by 10 minutes in the sauna

basically that was tuesday, now its thursday night and i feel like im seizing up a bit! my muscles are sore, and i know this is a good sign with regards to muscle building... but what does it actually do to the scale (ive gained ALOT!) im on plan and drinking plenty.

is this a good programme to be going back in on?

thanks for everyones help!

It's a great program, especially if you enjoy it. Building muscle will burn fat, without question. Just keep that protein up to feed those muscles.

Congratulations. Going back is a huge step.

Regards,

Charles

thankyou so much for your reply Charles!!

i do enjoy it, the only issue i have is time right now, every day off i have im going to be going to the gym.. but often it means a week without it, however when i am at work i am running around on my feet for 8-9 hours without sitting down which i guess is good exercise still!

Hey Pretty Paula, congratulations on starting to workout.

If time is an issue seriously consider working out at home when you can't make it to the gym. For over seven years - since my son was born - all my workouts are at home.

If budget is an issue and you can't afford resistance bands, dumbbells or a home gym, learn isometrics and calisthenics (push ups, pull ups, wall squats, etc). They really work. And you can learn how on websites that explain them.

Also you can pick up great aerobics videos at Amazon, Collage Videos, or used at thrift shops and garage sales.

Although a gym is a great resource for advice, a social network, and place to use the best equipment they aren't the only way to get fit. You can get in great shape at home.

Paula - good for you for making exercise a part of your life. I started exercising seriously again this year in February, and have been increasing my time. I'm up to 8 hours per week now, and I have never felt stronger, or better in my adult life (I'm 37 now). There are so many ways to work out, my only advice is to try different things, and find what motivates you and what you enjoy, because that is what you will stick with. For me, it has been classes: spin, yoga and pilates - I only do weights on my own twice a week, and maybe 30 min of cardio on my own because I don't like doing it by myself, but I LOVE my classes, and that's what keeps me going. If you can't make it to the gym, maybe there are some DVDs that you would enjoy at home, anything from weight lifting to dance is out there; so many options!!!!! Just keep trying until you find what you LOVE and can become passionate about.