Expert: Bonnie Hardie - 10/18/2008

Question
Hi. I am wondering how often and for how long each time I should do cardio to lose weight. I am aiming to lose about 80 pounds, which seems very daunting. I used to weigh 108 and now weigh 196 due to psychiatric meds I used to be on that had weight gain as a side effect (I am now on one that's not supposed to cause weight gain as much or as often).

I have been using Leslie Sansone Walk at Home DVDs, in which she incorporates cardio with weights. So far, I have worked up to 30-45 minutes four times a week, but I'm not losing any weight. I also eat a low calorie diet.

I would like to get on a consistent schedule and work up to a good amount of cardio on a consistent basis. Do you have any advice? Thank you.

Answer
Hi Courtney,
Thank You for your question.
While losing 80 lbs seems daunting-you can break it up into smaller increments--10 to 15lbs at a time.
Why don't you change up your cardio activity-use a machine if possible:
treadmill,elliptical,stationary bike,etc.
If it is not possible to use a machine-why don't you get some cardio videos that are more intense than walking.
Some high intensity cardio exercises that you can do at home are:
run in place--jumping jacks-stair running(if you have stairs).
The schedule that you are on-30-45 minutes 4 times a week sounds adequate-maybe do 45-60 minutes 4 times per week.
Thank You,
Bonnie