Let me start by apologizing for the typos (is that a word?) in my last post. I have a new (yay!) baby computer (netbook) Apparently I'm still adjusting to the 3/4 size keyboard. Wait a minute, what happened to no excuses, no explanations? Ok, let's back up, sorry about the typos, I'll do better. And remember, there is no try, only do or do not.
Now for tonight's topic, workouts! I've mentioned a couple of books that I use for workouts (don't be lazy, go back and look through the archives) I even told you where to buy the books. What if you don't want ti buy a book? What if you think books are a waste of time and money? You could buy dvd's, P90x, Taebo, Sweatin' To The Oldies (who doesn't love Richard Simmons?) You could buy magazines, there are about a million of them out there. A word of caution on the "muscle mags" they are owned by companies that manufacture supplements. There's nothing wrong with supplements, nothing wrong with the magazines, but it's always good to know who is footing the bill. The internet is always a good resource, again, look for their motivation, what are they trying to sell you? I've found some good info on youtube. I type in ab workout, then start sorting through the junk until I find something that I like. As I said before, you can also watch the people where you work out, if you bought a home gym, like a Bowflex, start with the workouts they give you. But the big question is........ will it work? The answer is.... wait for it......... yes! Any workout from any of these sources will help you gain strength when you first start. The key is, will you keep doing the workout? Will you show up 3+ times per week, put real effort into it? If you do, you'll get results, P90X works, the Bowflex works, Billy Blanks (Taebo) works, if you do it, if you put real effort into it. Once you are doing the workout with intensity, you've stuck with it for 4-6 weeks, it's time to change it up. If you've been doing 3 sets of 15 on most of your exercises, raise the weight and do 4 sets of 5 for a week. Keep those muscles confused. If you go to a gym, try dumbbells/barbells instead of machines, you'll be amazed at the difference. Generally speaking, I like circuit training for beginners. Light weight, 12-15 reps of each exercise. Do one set of each exercise, 30 seconds between exercises. At the end of the circuit do 3-5 minutes of medium intensity cardio, rest 1-2 minutes, then repeat. Do 1-3 circuits as your fitness level allows. If you can do 3 circuits you probably need to raise your intensity level, shorten your rest between exercises, raise the weight. Remember, sweating is good. See you at the gym.
