Need a simple routine

[Jay!]

Hi all. I'd like to put together a simple routine that I can do on my bedroom floor to start getting in shape (which would currently be classified as "round." ) All I ever think to do are push-ups and sit-ups, though. What else is there?

What all should I be doing to keep it balanced, and how much? I also have access to a pool and a bike, but the bike is weekend-only, because it doesn't have lights...

TIA!

[eversio11]

Hmm.. lets see if I can get this right.

Pushups and situps are just a tiny portion of a well balanced workout routine. From the pic I saw of you, it doesn't seem like you need the most rigorous routine to get into shape.

First off, forget bedroom floor. If thats all you're ever going to use to get into shape, you might as well just give up right now. I used to think two small dumbells and a bed could get me massive arms and muscles, how stupid I was. You're going to need to invest a lot more effort and time to "get into shape" then what informercials say.

When you say pool, do you mean a full size training pool with lanes, etc? If so, thats a great place to start. Every morning I swim 10 laps in my school's pool, and on saturdays I spend a good hour there. Swimming is a great cardio workout, and really stiffens your back and shoulders. If you can find a great place to run laps, use it often. Even if you just want to powerwalk for 15 minutes, don't waste that time.

After you run or swim, now is the time to start doing those pushups and situps. I've never really been a big fan of pushups, however situps are great. Of course, going up and down a hundred times will NOT get you a flatter stomach. You have to vary the situps, ie go to the left, then right, then bicycle kick, etc. Believe it or not, 8 minute abs is a GREAT resource. Granted, you're not going to get a six pack by doing an ab workout everyday for 8 minutes, you have to diet and exercise also, but the routine they offer is spectacular.

I'm not sure what else to say, if you want larger muscles, you can PM me and I can give you a few routines for that. Theres plenty of diet information out there, as long as you keep the fats and carbs down, you shouldn't need to go full-fledge. Good luck, and keep at it!

[Oz]

Depends what interests you. Walk the dog (or wife, don't use the lead) for an hour in the mornings, go running for 20 minutes, cycle for 30 mins, do bench weights etc. for 25 mins in the arvo.

[chicago_guy]

I would have to somewhat disagree with you on what you said eversio. Pushups, situps, pullups, and dips are among the best things you can do. I would do different variations of each, and despite what eversio said, you can do it on the floor. You don't need to buy equipment or anything, except for maybe a roman chair with a pullup bar attachment. That isn't all that necessary, but it will make it easier.

[eversio11]

Originally Posted by chicago_guy

I would have to somewhat disagree with you on what you said eversio. Pushups, situps, pullups, and dips are among the best things you can do. I would do different variations of each, and despite what eversio said, you can do it on the floor. You don't need to buy equipment or anything, except for maybe a roman chair with a pullup bar attachment. That isn't all that necessary, but it will make it easier.

What good is toning muscle if theres fat there? I think you misinterpreted my warning, pushups and situps are great for toning up, but if you want to lose fat you must do lots of cardio workout first.

Once you begin to lose the tummy, you can start weight training and toning up.

[chicago_guy]

Originally Posted by eversio11

What good is toning muscle if theres fat there? I think you misinterpreted my warning, pushups and situps are great for toning up, but if you want to lose fat you must do lots of cardio workout first.

Once you begin to lose the tummy, you can start weight training and toning up.

Actually I didn't read your whole post. I was just disagreeing with not using the floor. Sorry about that.

[97civiclx]

true. but as i understand the more muscle you have the more energy it will take to support them. so if you just build muscle all the time you will eventually lead to getting leaner and more cut. it willl just take a longer amount of time.please correct me if im wrong

[Spec2 Girl]

Originally Posted by 97civiclx

true. but as i understand the more muscle you have the more energy it will take to support them.

The more muscle you have the more calories you burn (even at rest).

The best of both worlds I have found is to do supersetting where you move from one exercise to the next with no rest in between. That way your heart rate is elevated (cardio) and you're also building muscle at the same time.

[chicago_guy]

Originally Posted by Spec2 Girl

The more muscle you have the more calories you burn (even at rest).

The best of both worlds I have found is to do supersetting where you move from one exercise to the next with no rest in between. That way your heart rate is elevated (cardio) and you're also building muscle at the same time.

O man I can't believe I forgot about those! Yea, supersets are the key to building more muscle and becoming more lean in a shorter amount of time than the tradtional way of working out.

[Spec2 Girl]

Originally Posted by chicago_guy

O man I can't believe I forgot about those! Yea, supersets are the key to building more muscle and becoming more lean in a shorter amount of time than the tradtional way of working out.

They’re just about the only sort of weights workouts that I do now. They’re brilliant and you feel like you did one hell of a workout at the end.

[Jay!]

Thanks, all. I just need to get started doing something after too long a period of doing nothing.

[replicant_008]

Just something real simple to consider.

If you get your metabolism kick started first thing in the morning then it tends to run quicker all day.

When I'm in training, I'll get up 40 mins earlier, knock back some dextrose and a Red Bull - then kick onto the wind trainer (resistance training) for about 30 mins (consuming water all the time). Have a light breakfast, a double shot of espresso and... off to work...

[slave]

Bedroom floor? Thats plenty, use your body resistance, grab a chair, do dips, do some squats without weights, do em slow enough they work, Im a cyclist, trust me. Do VARIED push ups, ie walks, depths, raises etc, do some dips with the chair, do a varied ab routine (mine has about 25 variations in it) got a bed? Stand on the edge, balance, and do some calf raises. There's heaps you can do.

My tip? AVOID the red bull and coffee, drinking water? Good, so why restrict it and your body with caffeine which is a diuretic? Caffeine = hinderance.

[slave]

lol, And I bet I have less muscle than most and burn more calories than most too.

[zebrathree]

Originally Posted by replicant_008

When I'm in training, I'll get up 40 mins earlier, knock back some dextrose and a Red Bull...

I have no idea what a dextrose is, but watch out with that Red Bull. Some people in Sweden died when they used it before- and admittedly during- their workouts.

It over stressed the heart and PLONK. A few dead Swedes on the floor.