Expert: Ken Alan - 1/7/2006

Question
Hello, Im getting ready to go back for my second semester of my sophmore year of college and I was wondering if you could give me advice on an exercise routine? The problems that I deal with are being consistant with exercising, eating healthy and what exactly I should be doing when at the gym. We have an extremely nice gym (named one of the top 6 in the nation)but I dont know how I can use my time most efficiently. I dont think I can go more than 3 times a week for an hour each time. I like running on the treadmill and I dont mind using the weight machines. They have free classes also and I was considering signing up for kickboxing. Do you have any suggestions as to what I should be doing when at the gym, what kind of cardio I should do, etc. in the amount of time I have? Thanks! (in case you do need to know Im 5'5'', 19, and around 134 lbs)

Answer
Hi Jessica,

Glad you're motivated to exercise.  I couldn't give you a program to do unless I knew a lot more about you.  But 3 times per week for an hour at a time is plenty good to get or keep you in shape.

Spend about 30 minutes doing cardio exercise, like kickboxing, treadmill, etc.  It doesn't matter what kind of cardio you do, as long as you like it and it doesn't bother your joints.  Like if kickboxing hurts you, try something else.  

Spend the other 30 minutes doing strength exercise on the weight machines.  Get together with a qualified trainer once or twice to set you up on a program.  If you're serious about this, it's worth the price so you get the most out of your time at the gym, and ensure you're program is going to help you achieve your goals.

Hope this helps.  Let me know if you need help finding a trainer in your area.