Beginner Running?

[Beanie]

Originally Posted by sillysally

I have been sick for the past few days and am just starting to get over it. Is it best to wait until I'm better to start?

I would say so just from a psychological standpoint - you don't want your first go at running to be poisoned by you not feeling well.
Beyond that, the rule of exercising while sick is anything above the chest - headache, runny nose, sneezing, minor sore throat - go ahead and work out. Anything below the chest - chest congestion, coughing, or sick to your stomach - and no work out. Take this extremely seriously. Working out when you're sick can actually do permanent damage to your heart.

[Zhucca]

I've lost 55lbs or so. I used to weigh 250lbs, not far off from where you're starting. I was DISCOURAGED to run. Because of my heavy weight, it would have been very straining on my joints, more so than it already is. You can lose more weight and get a better shape by strength training (free weights only, no machines). Use lower impact cardio like swimming and elliptical trainers. That was advice given to me and it hasn't steered me wrong. Just food for thought. When I'm a tad lighter, I'm going to put more effort into cardio.

www.stumptuous.com


inspiration: http://crissfit.tumblr.com/

[PWCorgi]

Originally Posted by Zhucca

inspiration: http://crissfit.tumblr.com/

I'm going to read all of this. I love inspirational blogs like that!

Also I have a friend who does Crossfit. She's insane. And insanely in shape.

[sillysally]

Free weights scare me-lol

[Doberluv]

Originally Posted by Zhucca

I've lost 55lbs or so. I used to weigh 250lbs, not far off from where you're starting. I was DISCOURAGED to run. Because of my heavy weight, it would have been very straining on my joints, more so than it already is. You can lose more weight and get a better shape by strength training (free weights only, no machines). Use lower impact cardio like swimming and elliptical trainers. That was advice given to me and it hasn't steered me wrong. Just food for thought. When I'm a tad lighter, I'm going to put more effort into cardio.

www.stumptuous.com


inspiration: http://crissfit.tumblr.com/

Excellent advice! And congrats to you Zhucca!

[Fran101]

Originally Posted by sillysally

Free weights scare me-lol

this is what saved me basically.

Just start with the basics. Free weights are only scary because people don't really know what to do with them

From what I've heard a good rule of thumb is to use weights that weigh enough to fatigue your muscles by the 8th-12th rep. Then do 3 sets of 8-12 reps. Give your muscles a day of rest in between strenuous workouts.

and of course I avoid the gym during peak "guy time" when every male on campus floods the place. They see a girl in the weight room and **** near faint.

[Beanie]

If free weights scare you, here's a body weight workout:
http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2009...-build-muscle/

And here's an advanced one:
http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2009...kick-your-ass/


But don't let free weights scare you. Nothing makes me feel more like a BAMF than lifting weights. Also, my stamina and strength in cardio increases in leaps and bounds very quickly when I'm lifting weights. It's super good for you.