Help with a workout routine?
 

I need help. I work out very sporadically these days, on average probably one day a week and that's on the elliptical (30 minutes minimum, 45 minutes average). Of course, there are some weeks where I go three days and some weeks when I pass altogether.

I want to have a routine, work out a minimum of 4 days a week. I'm going to continue to use the elliptical, as I love that machine.. but I want to do more with the machines there. Sometimes I use them but I feel bad because I'm not consistent and I don't know how to go making a routine of them. I know some people do arms on certain days and legs on others. Well, I don't even know where to begin.

I guess what I'm getting at is that I need help creating a routine. Any suggestions? I can't afford a personal trainer at my gym at the moment, maybe in the future. Until then, I'm going to have to figure this out on my own (or with your help :) ).

Thank you in advance!

Hi there,

I can understand it being overwhelming. We've all been there at one point or the other.

I would suggest first come up with how many days (and time) can you spare for exercise per week consistently. Once that is decided think of what you'd like to do - cardio or weight training or both and what type of cardio do you like etc. Once that is decided make sure you follow that diligently to see results. Here's a site for weight training for beginners and there are several other follow up links in there.

Weight training for beginners

For example, if you decide to workout 5 days/week for 1 hour/day. You can do something like this

Monday/Thursday - Weight Training
Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday - Cardio and some core exercise

Another suggestion - I would use the dumbbells instead of the machines. But if overwhelmed with dumbbells then start with the resistance machines and then gradually switch over to dumbbells.

HTH :)

The article that Pintobean suggested is very good advice for a beginner, I was going to suggest something similar as a workout...

It's important as a beginner to do compound exercises which work the larger muscle or group of muscles.

Here's another good article, same site too...
Weight Training 101