newbie with questions
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| Thu, 02-23-2006 - 8:58am |
Hi, I'm new to this board.
I just started exercising again this past Monday after about 2 years off (I'm also a part time student, so those classes really took over my time). This year, I resolved to get moving again.
I have lots of questions to ask, but I'll ask some of them now and post the others at a later time.
For starters, what is the normal amount of time a beginner should be exercising per week? Does 2 to 3 times a week sound right? I try to exercise every other day to give my muscles time to rest to avoid hurting them.
Also, what kind of outdoor wear should I be wearing when going outside for a brisk walk? Right now, in NYC, it's about in the 40s with next week dipping back down to the 30s. How much layering do I need to put on to avoid catching pneumonia?
Thank you all for your responses!
I just wanted to also add that I really enjoy reading your posts! They motivate me to move!

Hi and welcome and good for you for making time to get moving again.
I live in MI and I'm working on a walk/run thing to get ready for a May 5k. Our weather is pretty much like yours right now.
It depends on how you like to feel when you go out. Runner's World website has this "dress the runner" thing. They ask you if you want to feel cool, warm or in between. Since I'm walking and running, I do dress a bit warmer than what it recommends.
Last evening when I went out, it was 41 degrees. I wore running tights, a long sleeve T shirt made from that technical fabric, a front zip nylon top and then a light wind breaker. I was pretty comfortable. SO suggested I add another layer, I just had the long sleeve T and wind breaker, and I was glad I had. I do have a cold right now though.
It's funny though, there were some guys out throwing a football. One was in shorts and sweat shirt. But hey, I would have been so cold in shorts. I also have to wear a fleece headband. I get ear aches if it's below 60 degrees I think.
The good things about wearing layers is that you can take on off if you're too warm. As you go out, you'll know how much you need on too.
Good luck to you.
Hey nygirl and welcome to the board... Lori already gave you some great advice on what to wear.
Welcome to the board!
Hi there, and welcome to the board!
First off, don't think I'll be any good at helping you regarding warm clothing, I live down in the Virgin Islands, and as the ladies will attest, I am not good at dealing with our chilly low 70's, let alone temps in the 40's! My advice- wrap up! LOL
But as for your workouts, 2-3 times a week is a great start. I agree with Miranda saying it's all great to be gung-ho that first week, but in reality can you keep it up. Look at your calendar and be realistic with when you'll be able to fit in workouts. And don't forget that on the days you can't necessarily fit in a whole workout....use the stairs at work or something to get moving anyway ;-)
Looking forward to seeing you around~
~IslandGirl
Every achievement starts with a little legwork!
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Hey, thanks for the warm welcome!
That was a great site that redbelt (I'm sorry, I forgot her name!) suggested. I checked it out and I'm going to go shopping this weekend for some outerwear so I can do some serious walking! :)
By the way, when I go shopping for the clothing, should I take a look at the gadgets? This may be a silly question, but how do you tote a water bottle with you? Is there some kind of pouch or something that can hold a water bottle? I don't want to carry a lot of stuff with me when I'm walking outside.
Yeah, I shouldn't be so enthusiastic in the beginning. I guess it's because classes and assignments have been slow so far that I feel like I can pull in exercising 3 times a week, but they will eventually begin to pick up -- I can feel it. But I will try to fit in something when I get swamped.
I have that problem too-- I hate having my keys on me, but where else to put them?? When I get out I usually just keep my water in the car, and stop on my way past it (I walk around a park, and pass the car at least once), with my keys I generally hold them. I've tried putting them in my sock....but it was uncomfortable, lol!
I'd be interested to hear what the other ladies have to offer too ;-)
~IslandGirl
Every achievement starts with a little legwork!
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I'm pretty lucky in that I live close to a Running Room which has all sorts of cool gadgets!!