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Originally Posted by AnnieFannie
Ok.. I have a question for the exercise experts. I don't have the money to have a gym membership right now and the only exercise equipment that I have are a rowing machine and a stepper. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas or recommendations on what I can do for a good exercise routine. Oh I do have a pilates book.
Plan on trying to workout 4-5 times per week, for about an hour. You should aim to be doing a bit of strength training (weights and all that) for about 15-20 minutes, and then spending the rest of the time doing cardio.
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Originally Posted by AnnieFannie
I am just having a hard time figuring up a good routine and the amount of time/reps I should be doing.
Get some small weights (if you don't have any). If you're strapped for cash, try using canned foods or bottles of water - 2-5 lbs or so. Do bicep curls, and some other upper-body lifts.
You should also - if you can (or something to work towards) do 'body weight' exercises. Try doing 3 sets of 12 lunges, or 3 sets of 10 pushups, or 3 sets of 15 situps. You can also do dips off of a kitchen chair (or similar) to work your shoulders and triceps.
I usually do five strength exercises every day, with three sets of 8 - 12 reps. That way, it's not too much, and it lets me get some good strengthening in.
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Originally Posted by AnnieFannie
I want to get in a good cardio plus I would like to incorporate some time of muscle toning exercises as well. Any and all suggestions would greatly be appreciated. I think if I could have a good set schedule/routine, that I would be more apt to stick to it. Right now I don't have any structured exercise routine. Help this clueless gal.
Pick 5 strengthening exercises to do - bicep curls, tricep extensions, etc - and do three sets of each. Make sure you can *feel* your muscles working, otherwise the exercises aren't going to do much good
Hop on the treadmill or rowing machine for, to start off, 20 minutes (you can and *should* increase this time as you go on). If you can do more, do more time.
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Originally Posted by AnnieFannie
Also, is my stepper considered a cardio machine? Thanks all.
Both your machines are cardio, just make sure they're high enough so your heart rate is ~120 beats per minute.
I hope this helps! and Good luck!!