Expert: Ken Alan - 12/16/2005

Question
I need help and advice on creating a exercise routine.  I dont have the time to go to a gym nor do I want to hire a personal trainer.  Can you help me create a exercise routine that I can do at home.  The equipment I have at home is a treadmill, the gazelle, and a trampoline.  I also have exercise videos: one has three complete total body workouts with weights, the others allow me to create various workouts or concentrate on certain areas of the body, also have yoga and pilates videos.
How do I incorporate these things to create workout routines?  How often should I workout each week?  How often should I exercise a muscle group?  Can I concentrate on a specific muscle group like my abs or lower or upper body?  Thank you for your time.

Answer
Glad you're interested in working out.  I can't begin to answer your questions because I know nothing about you.  It would be silly for me or anyone to suggest you do this or do that without knowing your health status, fitness level, interests, goals, and the like.

Not sure why you don't want to get a personal trainer.  If you're serious about results, it's worth it for one or two sessions to get you going.  You don't have to work out regularly with one if you have the motivation to do it yourself.  But it can sure save you a lot of time and frustration if you're not sure what to do.  

I'd be cautious of any advice you may get if you ask someone else the same question you're asking here because unless someone knows you real well, any recommendations is just a guess at best at what might work for you.  I'd recommend you re-consider your decision, and find a qualified trainer in your area for a session or a few sessions.  That's what they are trained to do.  Let me know if you need help locating one in your area.

Hope this helps.