Consumers Digest

trying to make a workout plan?

I wanted to start a regular workout routine that i could do at home with basic equipment like treadmills, fitness balls, ab lounge, etc. What is the recommended amount of time for cardio workouts? The goal is mostly weight loss (no more than 10 to 15 pounds) and body firming... not really any lifting or muscle building. What I'm basically asking for is a schedule: for example, warming up, then the exercise itself, the cool down, etc. Any recommendations on how many days and how long to do it?

Public Comments

1. Learn about aerobic exercise. Query the Internet using "aerobic exercise" to learn about this. You want to maintain your heart rate in an aerobic zone for an hour, five days a week. All you need is a treadmill, stationary bike, rowing machine, ski machine (nordic trak), steps, jump rope, free weights, or anything to do the exercises you like most. Of couse you want to ease into the exercise for 5-10 minutes and you want to slow down for 5-10 minutes at the end. If you want to firm up, get a book like "Body for Life" for detailed instructions on how to determine reps.