cardio...

[incutones]

ok, so im not in the best of shapes and dont do much exercising. im about to start on the whole fitness thing but i think the first thing i would need is cardio. I get winded when i walk a couple flights of stairs. smoking probably doesnt help either but im wondering what exactly would be a good start for me just starting out, something that would get my cardio better than running out of breath in a minute.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated....

dan

[fredjacksonsan]

You're right that smoking doesn't help, so kill that first. Easier said than done, but it will pay big rewards down the line. I've known smokers that quit, and they say that after two weeks their chest feels lighter, they can breathe easier, and they feel a whole lot better.

Then start walking every other day, working up to a mile or so. Keep doing the mile, but start off running until you think you can't go on, then walk for awhile until you recover, and repeat. You'll find that pretty soon, especially if you push yourself, your runs will get longer and the walks will get shorter, and eventually you'll be able to run the mile. Then work on increasing the distance.


-edit- of course, get a good pair of running shoes before starting, and >disclaimer< check with your doctor before starting any fitness program.


Good luck with it!