2 questions

[Sweetpgrl8]

1) I have begun working out at the gym, and I notice, after I get off the treadmill after doing ONLY 15 minutes on it, low speed and intensity I get kinda disoriented feeling...its hard to describe..it only lasts 30-40 seconds, and starts when I begin to walk on the actual gym floor..its like i have to regain my balance or something...is this something I should mention to my doctor, or could it because my body is not used to being on a treadmill. I have worked out on a treadmill in the past and never felt this effect before...but that was when I was in a better state of physical fitness..note, this does not occur when I use an elliptical or a stationary bike (which both kicked my butt after 5 minutes hehe)...like I said, I am badly out of shape..

2) Is it okay to do weight training after cardio in one workout session (mine last 30-45 mins). Some people do cardio one day and weight training the next, however I am not trying to become a hardcore bodybuilder, just lose fat and tone my muscles...so I do 15 mins cardio for now, and then hit the weight training, which I alternate upper body one day, the next day lower body...does anyone have any advice, or if what I am currently doing is fine...(which I am happy with)

Most likely what you've described is due to being out of condition and it will get better as you get more acclimated to the exercise. I've had the same problem, even when very well conditioned, and make the transition from swimming to my bike or from the bike to running when training for a triathlon. As you get acclimated it will probably improve or go away completely.

As far as the 2nd question...sure it's ok. Is it optimal? Nope. But will it work? Well for getting in shape and burning fat - absolutely. For adding slabs of muscle? Yeah, but not as well.

Oh and as far as looking like a hardcore bodybuilder...it's simply not gonna happen. One reason, you username is sweetpgrl8...that means that you are either a female and don't have the hormones for it or a male using that username...again...simply don't have the hormones for it.

If you only have 15 minutes for cardio then I'd suggest you either do it with higher intensity first thing in the morning BEFORE breakfast OR move it to right after your weight workout.

How many days a week do you train? How much time do you have to invest in your workouts?

Here's a sample workout that works well for a few of us on this board and can be adapted to your individual situation.

Squat, deadlift, bench press, row, and overhead press.

Do these on M, W, F. 1 set of each using a weight you can handle easily for 8 reps. When you ca do 12 reps easily with this weight...add more weight...in the smallest increment possible. When you are done with this - go do your cardio.

Want more specifics? Post up more stats and of course what your diet looks like.

Oh yeah, and what you posted will also work fine. Just be sure you are getting a couple of days off each week.

I got that weird disoriented feeling the first few times I ran on the treadmill. It was also a challenge at first for me to keep my balance. I am sooooo uncoordinated.

I would do your cardio right after your weight workout. Doing cardio first will deplete glycogen (muscle fuel) that you need for an effective lifting workout (even if you don't want to look like a bodybuilder). Doing weights first will also deplete muscle glycogen somewhat, so your body will have to use fat for fuel during cardio.

[Sweetpgrl8]

Thanks for the advice! I just got started, but I am shooting for 3-4 days a week, so basically every other day. As I lose more weight and tone up I would ideally like to increase my workouts. But for now, I need to work on getting my body conditioned. As far as my diet goes, I *try* to stay under 1500 cal/day, which doesn't always happen, and is a challenge, but I think i can do it. Where I work everyone is always bringing in cakes, fried chicken, mac n' cheese and all those wonderful comfort foods, but I have been passing them up as a test, thinking about how much better my body will look without all the fat and carbs. I'm trying to incorporate more protien and fiber, and stay away from fats and sweets and sugary drinks ( quit drinking pop, just ice water now, and I lost 4 pounds). Although I have only been working out consistently for a little while, I already feel more energy and less sluggish, so I know my hard work is paying off!

[minime]

hey sweetpgrl - welcome!

I agree with the others, I would do any heavy weight lifting prior to doing cardio, for the reason liftgirl stated.

Good work on avoiding all those 'delicious' foods, it gets easier over time I assure you.

It sounds like you are on the right path, good luck! you might want to start an online journal to track your progress?

[Sweetpgrl8]

I have been logging in a journal on fitday.com...its free and wonderful, i can chart my progress etc. i highly recommend it.

[bodyshop20]

yr just not fit, as fitness comes yr over come this feeling

[kitty1977]

Hey there Sweetpea,
I am probably not going to tell you anything that others haven't told you already. I think you shouldn't worry about getting bulky. If you lift weights, you will just get fitter and smaller. I would also suggest doing weights, and then cardio. When you mix the two together you will start seeing changes.
As for cardio, if the treadmill makes you feel dizzy at first, I would take up another type of cardio like biking or swimming. These exercises are also easier on your joints. Start out with the weight lifting with lighter weights (maybe doing 3 sets of 12-20 reps, and then do fewer reps with heavier weights after a while. Just don't push yourself to where you feel downright dizzy or you are hurting. Getting in shape takes time, but you will get there.

Have a wonderful day!
Brianna
witnessforfitness

[Mrs.v.]

Any updates on this thread????

Maybe????