Outlander36

I am a 23 year old male who really hasn't worked out much.. ever.. I'm a programmer, so I really don't do anything but sit in a char all day. I recently got a membership to a gym for free and I really don't know what to do there...

Some key points:
1. I am 5'10", 180 lbs.. Not overly overweight, but still a tiny bit chunky in the belly...

2. I am a smoker (i've tried to quit with patch, gum with no luck) so want to work with this problem in mind.

I don't care if I get lean or if i get built, but either way, I'm trying to figure out what excercises are the best to do to start out, and if cardio excercises get easier along the way as a smoker. I hear that cardio excercises are necessary to get fit, which is why I'm asking that. Normally if i run a quarter mile right now it would take me about 5 minutes to catch my breath.

Any comments would be appreciated unless you're just gonna harp on me smoking.

Thanks.

Mael

smoking makes cardio, exercise in general, more difficult. basically, with training, you'll get better at it, but someone who has a job sitting a chair and doesn't smoke would be starting froma better place than you are. it's kinda like your digging yourself out of a hole.

since your in decent shape it sounds, not fit, but not unfit, i'd recommend running. if you like it that is. start by fast walking/slow jogging, and as you get better, increase the speed. the bike is another good cardio exercise.

for weight lifting, seach through previousl threads, there's a lot you'll be able to find. you might also want to get a session or two with a personal trainer.

Plan9Senior

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but you wont make too much progress while still smoking . The good news is that once you start exercising, it makes quitting soooo much easier to do (im speaking from first hand experience).

As far as starting off, you need to set a goal for yourself first. After that, you can talk to one of the trainers that work at the gym and they will help you pick the best exercises for you to do (use the trainers, that is what they are paid to do).

saucy knave

A char? Guess you should try hanging out at a swimming bool.

saucy knave

BTW (other than making ridiculous jokes) I'd approach this all by starting with light cardio if I were you. Hopefully something you can enjoy. Maybe you have enjoyed biking or swimming or jogging in the past? If you find something you really like it will be easier to stick with it.

peacy

And if you start doing something light that it'll be much easier to quit smoking. Just recently did it. Four months ago I stopped smoking (using patches) and I started running on the same day. After that whenever I felt like smoking I went for a short run.

Have a goal. (I wanted to prove that I can run a marathon and yesterday I completed my first half marathon...)

pocon1

you can definitely improve while smoking, you just won't know how much better you will truly be until you do quit. If you are looking at a ong-term health and fitness program, you need to look at three areas: Diet, cardio, and strength training. Any one of these areas will make you better, but all three are what is needed to truly remake yourself. Remember, the sum is greater than the parts. If you only use one area, like cardio, you can make progress but it can be very hard. With diet, cardio, and strength training together, it takes a little work in each area. It adds up.

eci

And just think how much money you'd save if you quit!

I'm in the same sort of position, although I don't smoke, but I do have a hectic lifestyle that hasn't left much room for exercise over the years (although that's not much of an excuse).

I'm now thinking about what to do to kick off on the slope back up towards fitness, and I'm considering jogging - free and can be done anywhere. You're lucky to have a free gym membership, so I'd recommend having an induction session there and if possible get a personal workout plan organized. The professionals there will be able to help you (specifically) much better than we can. Good luck!

Outlander36

Thanks for the info guys..

Mupwah

Ask at the Gym. They usually have someone who can help set up a program. Maybe it will be a hot chick. Also get a work out buby, makes going easier.

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