Rowing Machine Exercise Workout Stamina
Just joined a gym…general fitness questions!.?
I’m a 35 year old male, just started a gym, infact never been to a gym before. Mainly to tone up my muscles, increase strength in my arms (although dont wish to look like Arnold Swartzy!), and increase stamina and blood circulation.
What is the best type of food to eat? Should I eat more? The last thing I want to do is now overeat and get fat.
Should I just drink water, or those sports drinks that other people tend to carry round with them, are they really just a gimmick?
My fitness instructor has given me 2 sets of workouts, first rowing, a step master (kinda Cross Trainer) and then a running machine for my stamina etc. The second is a series of machines and general exercises such as Press ups, pull ups, leg extensions, bicep curler, etc with weights on for my muscles etc.
By the time I’ve finished the first workout, and done my press-ups from the second workout, my arms are so weak that I can’t continue with the rest!! Is this normal? I need encouragement!
Some guidelines would be:
1 – Some of the sports drinks are gimmicks though others do contain essential electrolytes that are lost through sweat. Always read the ingredients.
2 – Eat plenty of protein after your workout. Protein assists in the bodys fittening & repair process that occurs during the 72 hours after your workout. Your muscles will then repair fitter and stronger.
3 – Listen to your own body. Its not always a case of eating more its usually more about altering the ratio of protein and carbohydrate and the times you eat them. Eat a carbohydrate based meal about 90 minutes before your Work Out for energy and protein afterwards for repair. Egg whites are the purest protein form going.
4 – Try to leave 72 hours apart from your weight workouts and do the cardio workouts inbetween. Do not do both workouts in one session as you will just end up with burn out.
Hope this helps. Do not give up, keep your routines varied. I have been an avid gym goer for 8 years now and the benifits it has provided for me are priceless. You just need to find your plateu that you can work and progress on. Everyone is different.
I would also recommend that you buy the magazine ‘Muscle & Fitness’ don’t worry about the big musle men on the front; the magazine is actually full of advice on diet, training tips and psychology of not quitting.