Gym trainers and general advice

[iaind]

My first foray into the subforum so be gentle

I started a little while ago trying to get myself motivated to do some exercise

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17986746

Since then, I've joined a gym and been going about 3 times a week on average. I decided from the start that I was going to avoid measuring myself to any great extent as when I've done this before, I find its very easy to lose motivation when something goes the other way. Instead, I've been keeping the motivation up based on other things, like the way I feel and compliments from friends etc - all good so far. I'm 5'10 and probably about 15 stone, mostly beer belly and this is what I want to get rid of

Firstly, since I've been going to the gym I've been wearing some trainers that I believe are meant for outdoor/cross country running (Adidas climacool IIRC). I find the soles a bit hard and I often end up with sore legs quite quickly on the treadmill - some friends have suggested this may be down to the shoes. So what would be ideal trainers for the gym, what should I look for?

Secondly, was just after general opinions on what I've been doing and after ideas of other things I can do to speed up loosing the beer belly! As I said, its about 3 times a week in the gym although I'm trying to go more often now. My programme was put together by a personal trainer which consists of:

-10 minutes treadmill on "interval" program, which consists of 30s jogging (about 8.5kph) on a level and 30s running (about 12kph) on a 5% incline.
-1000m on the rower, resistance 9 (out of 10) - 200m at a medium pace and 100m at a fast pace
-10 mins on the cross trainer
- Various weights, ab exercises etc

I've recently cutmy diet right back, I've cut out all sugary snacks, fatty foods etc. Lunch is normally a sandwhich or salad and I'm having a lighter dinner. My only downfalls in that area are an indian takeaway (curry and rice) every tuesday and normally a few beers at the weekend (nothing too heavy).

So is there anything else I can do to complement/improve what I'm already doing? I was thinking about swimming after the gym but not sure if I'd have the energy! Are any dietary supplements worth considering?

Ta all..

 

[iaind]

I'm trying to slim down and tone up, but mainly slim down. I'm already quite strong - I'm sure there's a six pack under the belly somewhere

 

[iaind]

I'm cutting down on the beer, I dont know if I can cope with cutting everything out though, I need to indulge now and again. Might cut them down to every other week or something though. I've been working so incredibly hard the past few months, really feeling the difference so its nice to have a bit of a reward.

On that note, what alcoholic drinks are good? I've been trying to order JD&Diet coke or a single malt when I've been out, but my friends keep ordering me beer out of habbit

Good idea about the meals, will try and give that a go!

I hadn't heard that about doing CV after weights, I've always just started with the CV first (because its on the top of the program card!) but will try reversing it and see how I get on. When I've done it before for some reason (machines being full so going back to them later), I've always found it harder work so there's probably something in it!

 

[iaind]

Rewards are good. And it's okay to have a cheat meal every now and then. Sometimes it can be even used as a scape goat for a lack of progress which isn't down to anything but time.

Everyother week would be good. You'll enjoy it more

Have a search for 'glycogen' in this sub-forum see what you can find. It might shed some light!

I'd really recommend splitting your meals. It stops you getting hungry and over eating and fufils the psycological aspect of hunger as you've eaten frequently.

Drink lots and lots of water too if you aren't already. The key to shifting water weight apparently ,which is what most of you 'beer bump' will be, is to drink lots or so I read!

I do it every tuesday because thats when I meet up with a friend - I'll resort to cooking something myself every other week

Splitting meals sounds logical, will have a think about how I can work it into my day.

The problem drinking lots of water is I pee a lot at the best of times, if I drink lots of water I'll never get any rest!

 

[iaind]

The curry came about through convenience - grabbing a quick takeaway is really easy when you're with a friend. There's no healthy takeaways that I'm aware of

I've already started to replace bread and things with wholegrain/wholemeal - have to admit it tastes a bit like cardboard but I'll stick with it!

A few times recently I've come home from work about 5~6 and had a bowl of cereal (weetabix/sugar free musli) or some toast, then go to the gym about an hour later. I've got home about 8 and not been hungry so either not eaten anything or just had a yogurt or something else small. Part of me thinks this is good because in calorie terms I'm not taking in much, but part of me thinks its cant be ideal!

Thanks for the great advice!