Viewer Mail: Treadmill Love.

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Edited to say: please make a moment to read comment #3. We now return you to your regularly scheduled viewer mail…

Miz, I recently started going to the gym and, alas, I have only made one friend. She’s always there for me, tells me where I have been and lets me know where I am going.
She is a treadmill.

I seem to be a snob to the other pieces of workout equipment.

My dilemma is I want to lose weight and in my mind the treadmill is the only way to do that.

I don’t have a routine, I just walk. I’m wasting money at the gym because I know I am not utilizing it like I should. I wonder if it’s taboo to walk and then turn around and lift weights. Will that help me to lose weight?

First, how great a writer is our emailer?

Initially I thought that her one friend would be Suzie SweatsAlot or Stanley StandsTooClose & that the question would focus upon gym characters: love em or loathe em?

The treadmill part completely took me by surprise & I adored that.

Now to the question as there are many, many ways to answer it.

If one takes the approach that the query is about doing cardiovascular exercise and *then* doing weight training the (fingerquote) experts’ (unFQ) thoughts run the gamut.

Some believe if you do cardio & then weight train your lift will inevitably suffer as you’ll be too tired to maximize the lifting experience and, as a result, wont make full use of your workout time.

These people would say if you wish to add muscle (& increase your metabolism as a result) you need to weight train first (after a bit of light cardio as warm up).

Others lean more toward doing the cardio session first (serving both as a workout & warm up for weight training) and wouldn’t dream of doing it any other way.

The truly hardcore (if by hardcore you mean those with more free time than MizFit—-which I do) adhere to a strict segregated schedule of cardio only days and weight training only days (or do two-a-days & completely split up their workouts).

The quite-mild-at-core (read: me) believe that whatever you will actually *do*  is the correct answer for you.

The majority of us arent training for anything other than overall heath/weight loss and, in my opinion, for that goal order of routine does not matter.

(I do realize you only slightly touched upon this question, emailer, but it’s one which pops up often in my in-box.)

Now, the true meat of your question.

The should you weight train and expand your gym friendship group query.

(alltogethernow) FOR SURE DEFINITELY ONE HUNDRED PERCENT.

Dolly Dumbbell over there in the corner? Start hanging out with her twice a week and you will not only raise your metabolism while you work out/immediately afterward but ALL DAY LONG as well.

Even as you slumber.

Wanda WeightMachine in the center of the room? She can help prevent the natural decline in your metabolism (starts around the age of 30), strengthen your bones & help to prevent osteoporosis.

Betty BodyPump class where weights are used? She will decrease your resting blood pressure and improve your balance and posture (standing taller *always* makes one appear leaner/more self confident!).

Your treadmill friend will definitely help you burn off the extra calories *and* keep your heart healthy, but adding in a weight routine will give you all the benefits I mentioned above and  increase your Basal Metabolic Rate by up to 15 percent.

all day.

every day.

In addition (I know. you thought I was finally done. I wasnt.) you mention you have no treadmill plan and I urge you to find a weights plan before getting started.

In my opinion there is no money better spent than on a personal trainer for a session or 3.

The one on one experience with a trained professional who can tailor a program to your needs *and* be sure you’re using proper form (not risking injury or wasting your time) is worth every penny.

Now, oh faithful reader, it’s your turn.

Can you relate to our emailer’s dilemma? Do you have one piece of cardio equipment to whom you’ve pledged your undying affections?

Are you an ex-Cardio Queen (or King!) & have you any tips to send our emailer’s way?

Think I missed the point of our emailer’s question entirely & care to clarify for my tiredmamabrain?

Please to hit us all up in the comments.

EDITED TO SAY: PLEASE READ COMMENT NUMBER THREE.  And, if youre so moved, link the site on your blog.

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Comments

  1. Just to reinforce what Miz said: “FOR SURE DEFINITELY ONE HUNDRED PERCENT”.

    In addition to the points Miz made, some good core strengthening exercises will also improve your walking/running as well.

  2. absolutely! I am an ex-treadmiller too and it wasn’t until i stepped off that I started seeing some big changes. Great advice Miz.

    • GOOD MORNING!
      Ill be tweeting this as well and will post about it tomorrow or friday BUT:

      check this out: http://watrd.wordpress.com/

      Its the blog companion to our BODY IMAGE PANEL.

      It’s YOUR BLOG in a way.

      Come by if you have a moment.

      Join in.

      Add your voice.

      Become a woman warrior.

      Chime in as a male voice who cares.

  3. Once you get hold of a class schedule, you will make so many new friends and wave goodbye to a lot of old ones (the Pounds family in particular).

  5. I definitely call under MILD AT CORE and learned from you that doing something every day can be enough.

    I also strongly advocate weight training for women because of the many health benefits we can’t get from cardio exercise!!

  6. Sigh. I hate weights but they are good for me. Whenever I start slacking off I notice a difference, both physically and psychologically. Weights may never be my BFF, but I’ve learned I gotta hang out with them.

    Great post, and love the new site and the pledge!

  7. Mizfit, this is an area I am struggling with a little right now. I have focused on the cardio for so long, but I know it is time to start doing more strength training. Thanks for the reminder.

  8. I know for me it has been a long road to realizing that I may not burn as many calories when I do my weights but longterm I will.

    I defintely was a stair stepper addict for a while.

  9. I agree for the emailer but not for me just now as the only weight I lift with my broken arm is my coffee cup to my mouth (this early in my morn), however, I am a Tina Treadmill burnout and now only hang with EllaElliptical and have been swinging my broken along to her rhythms.

    This broken arm opportunity is affording my left arm a “catch up” to the right arm’s strength.

    Off to check out the site.

  10. Little Miss Treadmill may be the most popular girl in the crowd, but I think she’s shallow and overrated. The Paris Hilton of the gym, if you will.

    The wallflowers have a lot to offer you. Polly Pullup-bar. Olivia Olympic bar and her clique of nerds, the heavy plates. Maybe you even have Golda the Gravitron at your gym; most people are confused and intimidated by her, and don’t realize that she can be a fantastic friend who will push you to do your best.

  12. AMEN!

    In the past using weights AND running, I lost weight, was toned and felt great.

    Now, I have forsaken the dumbbells and have just been running. It’s NOT working for me.

    Thou art so wise.

    And love the new venture. Will be following for sure 🙂

  13. aahh…how true it is, we all love some routine! Just go, do the same tried and true, and be done. Alright, hint taken. I will get off ellie the elliptical and do something else. Thanks for the boost!

  14. This post could not have been more RIGHT ON! I have heard every way under the sun that you are supposed to exercise BUT it comes down to what works for you & what you will stick with!!!! Even when I was bodybuilding, I still did cardio first sometimes because I rather get that over with!!! 🙂 So I can move on to weights! Now I do cardio first & then weights because I love the weights & want to end that way!

    When I was young & dumb & crosstrain was not in my vocabulary, I was a treadmill queen…. luckily I saw the light & started using other pieces as well as doing different types of workouts on the treadmill. I use it, the elliptical & the StepMill right now.

    Variety is the spice of life and YES, WEIGHTS! Do them not only for how you will look, how you will burn more calories with more muscle BUT to protect those bones!

    Great post MizFit!

    PS: Will check out that #3 link after sleep!

  15. I think the “new” blog is fabulous. Really, not just sucking up. I think it’s just what people need (ok, maybe just me, but still!).

  16. First, I think you have to have a lot of friends at the gym – give everyone a chance, as they all have something to offer you. I love the names of the machines and weights and plan on bestowing names when I get back to working out next week!

    Second – wow, I love that new site! Will definitely link it on my blog!

  17. Clicked over to WATRD. Love what I saw. Added it to my RSS feed reader and will also link on my blog.

    I need to get back into weights. My problem is I actually like weights so much more than cardio that I’ll just do weights. I really need to get this whole balanced-workout thing down!

  18. Cardio machines are so easy; you don’t need a plan, you just hop on and go. It can be more intimidating to think about moving on to other things, but adding in other activities is definitely worth it. If you’re afraid of the free weights because you have no experience with them, definitely check out the classes to see if there are any that include weights. Or perhaps your gym has a weight circuit – a series of machines that you use by moving from one machine to the next – which means you don’t have to try and figure out what to do. And of course, as Miz pointed out, a session or three with a trainer at the gym could get you going with a weight routine.

  19. Don’t go to the gym, so can’t really comment.

    Love the new blog, but why won’t it let me read ‘the Pledge’? Every time I click on the link (no matter where on the page), it tells me I’m looking for something that isn’t there! It’s broken.

  20. Cardio queen here! (Not quite ex yet, although I’m THINKING about it. Seriously) I’m not overly fond of the treadmill but I’d rather do cardio than anything else any day. I def. agree with your advice about the weights. And perhaps he/she could add in some interval training too?

  21. The pledge was live & they must be tweeking (not @ computer now)…..

    I’ll keep you posted.

    Thanks for looking|

  22. Stay away from Sandy Snack Bar – she is NOT your friend. Our gym used to leave out hot chocolate and bagels w/ cream cheese – how mean is that?

  23. I love my treadmill. It has been so hot outside that it’s nice to have another option.

    I had to stop lifting weights for a while because I injured my elbow playing Wii Tennis. LOL Of all the things.

  24. I have forsaken the dumbbells and have just been running. It’s NOT working for me.

    there you go.
    Straight from the Mouse’s mouth.

    please to obey 🙂

  25. Oh, yes. Well, I’m a runner and have been almost 100% runner for a long time, until started adding cross training about a year ago. Now I use weights/other exercises about 2-3 times a week. It has helped me to feel better, reduce injury and, ahem, look better! Not sure about the weight (don’t use scale) but my clothes fit better!

    My treadmill-related advice: Hills! Add in some inclines. Hills are your friends, not your enemies! Really. Then, intervals. Speed it up for a few minutes, a lap, whatever. Start by walking fast, maybe build up to running during the fast intervals. They work!

    Miz: Yay for your new site!!!

  26. I know you are correct but I am still afraid I will bulk up if I don’t do a lot of cardio with my weight training.

    any one else fear this? 🙂

  27. My problem is that I do NOT have a love for ANY cardio machine. I’ve never been able to get into walking, running, ellipticalling (is that a word? lol), and stair climbing in one stationary place.

    I typically take my cardio outside where the scenery changes. This is great until the weather is crappy, and then I don’t really know what to do with myself. I need advice on making stationary exercise more exciting so that the weather doesn’t keep me from sticking to my routine…. Any sugestions?

  28. I am with RickyRae!!

    I actually love my weights and loathe the cardio time.

    Miz? Anyone?

    and Meredith we can’t bulk up as women. We don’t have enough testosterone.

    DOnt worry!

  29. Walking on the treadmill is a one way ticket to Boredom Land followed quickly by a stop in Quitsville. Walk outside. Take in the sights. Enjoy the summer and fall. The treadmill is for winter (at least, here in the snow belt)

  30. ok, Im so not the one to ask about the cardio loathe—-because HONESTLY? IM THERE WITH YOU.

    For me cardio is the…asparagus of exercise (good for my heart. good for me. not a fan).

    I do it.
    daily.
    just a bit (25-30 min).
    and move on.

    Sure, I employ a lot of distractions (a lot. TRASHtv, TRASHY magazines, lowbrowbooks, I return emails…) but I do it—because we have to.

    the weights? yoga? prettymucheverythingelse? I do because I love.

  31. Funny – I don’t like the treadmill (dreadmill) as I always feel like the mouse on the wheel.
    I might recommend to the writer to try crosstraining with various cardio. Biking is my absolute favorite (outside), but I will switch that with stationary or recumbent. I alternate with jogging days or walking days. I don’t want to get bored and I don’t want my body to get bored – so I usually do not do the same cardio workout 2 days in a row.

    Vary up the walking – go outside, map out different routes. And sometimes stop to smell the flowers or watch a couple birds or pet the neighborhood cat. Yes – it stops your workout for a minute, but think of it as an interval LOL!

    Plus – the weights are fun! You won’t bulk up, trust me. Unless you are ‘supplementing’ with stuff.

  32. I could have written this, but am pleased to report I’m doing more weights thanks to working with a trainer. You advice is spot-on, Miz – as usual. Now off to check out the link!

  33. Ella Elliptical gets most of my attention, despite my not really liking much about her, but that’s because she lives in my dining room. I need more space so I can have more equipment here at home! LOL!

  34. I often feel that I’m a lazy exerciser for the specific reason that I DON’T keep a strict schedule of weights first cardio after (or the other way around), or weights one day and cardio the next. I just do whatever I feel like every day (and some days what I feel I really ought to do when I start slacking in one area).

    Diversity is definitely the best way to go! And the gym classes are so much fun. Makes me want to join the Y again just for the step class/kickboxing class etc.

  36. I am struggling so much with strength training, so this post was a good one for me. I actually kind of hate the treadmill (aka dreamill), but I love walking and running outside, and so I never want to stop doing that or lose the calories burned to make room for weights. I KNOW I need to, though (and your points more than confirmed that), so I just have to figure out what scenario works best for me (weights before cardio, weights after, weights on separate day, etc.).

  37. I used to be strictly cardio, but once I started making myself lift weights regularly and seeing the results, I began enjoying it in its own right. I definitely a few personal trainer sessions though. Lifting weights is infinitely better once you know what you’re doing.

  38. I’ve been forcing myself through the 30 Day Shred that everyone raves about (the gym just ain’t happening with 2 little ones – esp when 1 HATES all people who aren’t named mom or dad). I hate the shred. I have started and stopped 10 times. I got up to Day 21 this time and I realized I still hate it. So, I let myself off the hook. I’m going back to my treadmill (part time) and embracing a strength training video my hubby brought home (part time) and I might even do the shred here and there. I feel so much better (stronger, empowered, not run over by a truck) when I do treadmill one day and some weights one day then when I do that stupid shred.

  39. I’ve been doing a rotating workout of dumbbells, bodyweight, heavy weights on a three or four day cycle. I mix in karate every third day or so, with heavy bag and speed bag most days, as well as my foundation cardio every day. Did I tell you I’ve learned how to never sleep 🙂

    PS Never use the treadmill, I run outside. I’ll stairmaster for cross training.

  40. I’m feeling a bit blah about workouts myself this week – despite the fact that I’m using a workout dvd from one of my favorite instructors. I decided to shorten the workouts that I originally planned, and that has helped with the dread factor quite a bit. Plus, I’ve planned a lighter week for next week, despite the fact that I was on vacation a had a cold (and had a light week) only about two weeks ago. And, I’ve scheduled some video-free strength training (my first love) in about 6 weeks – after I work through some exercise videos that I’ve been wanting to try.

    So…I guess I’m saying – plan, plan, plan – but allow yourself to change the plan if you’re not happy with it. As long as you stick with *something*. 🙂

  41. Well, you know I think my investment in a personal trainer was one of the best uses of my money EVER! Everything you said, plus, as a shy person, she is introducing me to ‘new friends’ in the gym that I might not have approached by myself.

    One thing I noticed this week was that it was helpful to keep track of my exercise. I tend to forget what I have done. And since my work schedule is irregular, my workout schedule can be a bit irregular. It really helped that I had written down what I had done earlier in the week.

    I have added swimming as an alternative cardio exercise, and I am loving it, after 20 years of avoiding the pool!

  42. I love your sensibleness (is that a word?)!!!!

    “The quite-mild-at-core (read: me) believe that whatever you will actually *do* is the correct answer for you.”

    Perfect.

  43. Different cardio machines work different muscles. If you’re always walking, you’re more liable to get injured than if you walk 2 days a week, use the elliptical 2 days a week, and bike once a week.

    Also, I know for a while I skipped/skimped on the weights because I didn’t track the calorie burn. Now that I track it as circuit training its much more motivating to do it!

    And I love the gym friends names – you both crack me up! Also – I love both asparagus and cardio! Maybe that says something about me…

  44. The treadmill is my favourite piece of gym equipment too, it’s what I always gravitate towards. But, I think it’s important to expand out and find other things you may love. For example, I did all the classes at my gym and hated them all until I found spin class – LOVE spin class!! I’ve tried all the cardio machines, and still like my treadmill best 🙂 I’ve experimented with free weights and weight machines, and actually like throwing dumbbells around next to the beefy guys!! I would have never discovered any of this had I not branched out a little.

    I’m also a firm believer that maintaining long-term fitness is all about finding activities you love enough to do almost every day. Which means you gotta keep trying out new activities until you find those ones you love 🙂

  45. I agree with MizFit over getting a trainer. My gym had appointments with trainers to put together a programme in the first place as part of the membership. Then every 6-8 weeks there were review sessions. They are gold and one on one advice tailored to your goals, especially if a newbie will get you making lots of new friends with the machines and progressing.

  46. Starting the strength training has made a difference for me … it makes the cardio and other workouts easier, and I love the improved tone I’m getting.

    I do two days of strength [there are some crunches & pushups in that] and then two days of something else – lately, aerobics + yoga and a sculpting dvd that incorporates cardio, stretching and light weights.

    Whatever the e-mailer decides, she should enjoy whatever it is she chooses to do.

  47. I LOVE all your thoughts, suggestions and tips.

    its seems that so many of you have plans and then find either life gets in the way and you need to shift/abbreviate plans or mood takes you in a different direction for the day/workout and that’s ok as well!

    it is all what Mary Meps says that our emailer needs to enjoy whatever it is she does—-or (my words) she wont end up doing anything.

    Im off to BlogHer tomorrow.

    watch for my tweets (either on twitter or you can read em here) from Chicago!

  48. I am so glad to see you say order doesn’t matter.
    I always tell my clients what I THINK is the way to do it and remind them they they need to find what they will actually do.

    Great answer.

  50. I have been addicted to the treadmill. Recently I noticed that I was putting on weight. I weigh about 125 and had gained 5-6 pounds. I realized that I had been doing the same cardio routine for about 8 weeks. last week NO JOKE..I jumped on the bike and stairclimb and dropped 6 pounds!! I also weight train..but realized that you have to constantly update your routine. Surprise your body!! CHANGE your routine!! You will see amazing results!!!

    http://www.bodybuildingandyou.com/Muscle_building_programs.html

  51. Great post! I used to do only cardio at the gym for many years. Then I started do some ab work and stretching (which I had only done at home before because I didn’t feel comfortable at the gym) until I finally used some weights. I had a personal training session to make sure I was doing it correctly. I have also taken yoga and cardio classes on and off over the years. For me, the key was to add things slowly, at my own pace.

    Today, I’m comfortable at the gym, and I try to mix things up as much as I can: running on the treadmill, elliptical, stair climber, running outside, different weight routines, new classes, swimming, hiking, exercise DVD’s….

  52. OT- but have any of the fewers struggled with a sluggish thyroid? If so, did medication, if currently on, help a great deal?

  53. LOVE this post. I used to do a minimum of 1 hr cardio (running. fast.) at the gym, a few sets of abs and go home. I weighed 10 lbs more than I do now and worked out a helluva lot more. Now I do a hodge podge of cardio for 30 min and lift for 30. Never looked better and turning 30 in November.

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