Not done exercise for a long while

[Bethany246]

Hi
I have not done any exercise for a long time i feel i need to start and tone up as well as slim down but i get out of breath easy due to my weight so how long doing exercise would you say to start off with . My problem areas are thighs stomach and hips will a rowing machine or exercise bike whittle away the fat on these areas. Or if anybody knows any other exercise machine for these areas.

Thanks

 

[Kate]

Hi Bethany

There's no way to target where you will lose the fat from, unfortunately. If you exercise a particular muscle that muscle will get bigger and stronger (assuming sufficient calorie/protein intake), but it won't affect fat loss in that area - you just have to keep plugging away with diet and cardio exercise to lose fat, and it will come off from wherever your body sees fit - not fair, is it?

I'd start gently with some walking or swimming and light weights and then progress gradually to something a bit more intense as you feel stronger and fitter. You'll be surprised how quickly you will feel the benefits if you start exercising regularly!

 

[ohhhIcantwaitforthesize14]

Hi, I would try swimming as it works so much of your body and its gental on your bones also if you go nice and early (like I do) the pool is nearly empty!

 

[sonkie]

Swimming works all over.....I do walking .....I have got myself a pedometer and post the results to Dizzy who then puts them on the steppers forum.

 

[Lesleyfx]

How are your feet when you walk anywhere? If they're fine then walking is the better way and free! If like me when I was heavier (still heavy, but was over 21st) my feet used to scream at me if I walked for 10 minutes so I got a mini-cycle instead. Like the bottom half of an exercise bike, you set it in front of your armchair and recline back while pedalling, watching TV. Start with 5 mins and increase by 2 mins every other day. 2 weeks later you're doing 15 mins, and a month on your doing 30 mins, which is all you need. By this point you'll be thinking of other exercises to add in

 

[Bethany246]

Thanks everyone for your ideas