beginner question

[Kayla Arielle 7]

So I got cleared for the gym wednesday and that day I did 1 hour on the stationary bike.. and the next day I did 30 minutes on the elliptical.. I plan on going to the gym everyday and doing an hour one day and 30 mins the next and then work my self up for more. Ive never really gone to the gym or worked out for that matter (minus zumba lol ) so I was wondering what is the best work out routine? am I okay with just the bike and elliptical or should I be doing something else as well?

[DianaE 128]

I saw you mentioned Zumba (with an LOL). I have been doing Zumba 2 - 3 times a week. Is Zumba a good exercise? I have fun doing it and it definitely wears me out. What is everyones thought on ZUMBA as an exercise?

[Kayla Arielle 7]

I saw you mentioned Zumba (with an LOL). I have been doing Zumba 2 - 3 times a week. Is Zumba a good exercise? I have fun doing it and it definitely wears me out. What is everyones thought on ZUMBA as an exercise?

yeah its fun its good exercise.. I just said lol cuz i used to go with my friends a while back and we would goof off

[joatsaint 2,814]

I think the best workout routine is one you can stick with. As long as you're moving and trying to improve, you're doin good! Keep pimpin that sleeve!

[mark! 449]

The easiest thing to do is to start with circuit training. If you're at a well stocked gym, they should have an ample amount of machines to use. Some are completely anti machines, some aren't, I'm partial. I use machines for isolation work at times, but never for major muscle groups, but I do believe people starting out can have great success using them to start, it does reduce injury possibility.

Start by working muscle groups 4 days or 3 days a week. You can do arms 1 day, legs then next, arms again, and legs the 4th day you work out. Here's an idea I really, really like with new folks. Instead of going for reps and sets first, just go for time.

Try this:

Upper Body including chest, shoulders, arms. Bench press, incline press, decline press, bicep curls, triceps extensions, etc. Do reps, slow and controlled for 30 seconds the first day, then working up from there adding 5-10 seconds each week.

Lower body: Leg extensions, leg curls, leg press, calf raises, etc. Same thing, start with 30 seconds, build from there. And you can do 2 sets of 30 seconds if you want.

For cardio, I would keep doing what you're doing, zumba, bike, treadmill, etc. Make sure to give yourself a day of rest at least once a week, especially if you start getting burned out.

[VSGKirk 855]

For cardio' date=' I would keep doing what you're doing, zumba, bike, treadmill, etc. Make sure to give yourself a day of rest at least once a week, especially if you start getting burned out.[/quote']

I would go to a Zumba class just to see you in one Mark!!!

[mark! 449]

Haha, it would not be a pretty sight, that's for sure.

[VSGKirk 855]

With my lack of rhythm, it could be down-right dangerous for the other people in the class!

[mark! 449]

that's true, I wasn't even thinking about that, I'd be falling all over people.