I am posting here because I don't get many responses on the exercise forum. I need someone to help me with an exercise plan. I am in good health but not good shape. I do smoke but I am trying to quit again on Tuesday (wellbutrin). I would like to do aerobics and strength training. So far I do an 18 min. walk aerobic video, 15 lb weights with my arms, and a 15 minute booty firming video. I try to do the aerobics 5x a week and alternate days for the strength. My question is, when do I increase the activity? Am I doing enough for a beginner (almost 3 weeks?

Alison-I've always been told that when an exercise becomes easy for me then to step it up...the same with weights, add more lbs...or switch to a different exercise if it's you want..As far as 15 lbs wts for your arms! Wow!...that's great!....A great way to know if you're working out at a good pace is if you are out of breath but can still talk...for example if you are panting and puffing and can't talk...slow it down...hope that helps a wee bit Good luck
Jess
P.S. and yes are doing great for a beginner, just remember to step it up when you feel your exercises are to easy...I.E. longer walk, brisker walk..etc.

Yes, you are! You say you use videos for walking and butt work. What about strength training? 15 lbs for bicep curls is quite impressive, but be sure to go to all the muscle groups with appropriate weight - biceps, triceps, back, chest etc. There are lots of good DVDs for this too - since you seem to be using them.

It sounds like you're doing great. One trick is to keep varying your routine to keep the body guessing. If you do the same vid over and over,you may not get as many gains as when you mix it up a bit.

Hope that helps!

I agree 100% with what retrochiq said. Good for you for exercising! Be proud of yourself. Do you know that supposedly only 3% of Americans exercise regularly? You are now superior

Actually the 15lb weights are easy, but I can only do 3 or 4 reps,like I said,i'm out of shape. I usually pump 15 to 20 times per rep in three different positions. I used to waitresss and never used a tray jack if anyone knows what that is . I would serve with one hand and the hand holding the tray, sometimes soup for 15 people would shake like crazy, I loved it. I was getting paid to exercise lol. I am a SAHM now, graduating from college in August with a paralegal degree (AAS). Hopefully will be working by September (starting to look in June).

I've never seen a waitress serve right fromt he tray. That's pretty cool! I'm a WAHM. I hate it! I want to get out more Good luck to you!

just wanted to add that walking is great exersize in my opinion.