Some questions i need answering please to do with fitness etc

[leftylee]

Okay, I'm pretty young and dont have as much knowlege or do as much training when it comes to some people on here so I was wondering if people could help me out with these questions.

When is the best time to workout ? i.e. when is the time when you lose the most fat.

What meals do you suggest which are healthy and help in weight loss ?

How much water should I aim to drink daily ?

What would I get from using a Stability Ball and what exercises are effective with it ?

Thanks

[Youngblood]

I think first it is important to understand your goals. Is it just to shake a few pounds and get feeling trim and healthier? Or do you want to get in seriously good shape and are you ready to commit to it? Do you want to add muscle as you lose weight, or increase your cardio, is one more important then the other?

There are some obvious answers to your questions, but they might end up kinda vague unless you define your goals. As in, how often are you willing to work out a week?

If you take a look through some of the training logs that will give you an idea as to some of the routines we are working. I know Salty has his in his blog and it is well-defined.

What do you have access to, for training other then an exercise ball?

I don`t really think the time of day matter so much, but how you approach the workouts before and after them, both in eating and preparation. Plus the frequency and intensity.

Everyone should be drinking about 3-4 liters of water a day, for starters.

[leftylee]

I think first it is important to understand your goals. Is it just to shake a few pounds and get feeling trim and healthier? Or do you want to get in seriously good shape and are you ready to commit to it? yes Do you want to add muscle as you lose weight, or increase your cardio, is one more important then the other? more cardio tbh

There are some obvious answers to your questions, but they might end up kinda vague unless you define your goals. As in, how often are you willing to work out a week? 5/6 days with one day rest a week. I've finished college now so I'm doin nothing till September.

If you take a look through some of the training logs that will give you an idea as to some of the routines we are working. I know Salty has his in his blog and it is well-defined.

What do you have access to, for training other then an exercise ball? Exercise bike, chin up bar, weights

I don`t really think the time of day matter so much, but how you approach the workouts before and after them, both in eating and preparation. Plus the frequency and intensity.

Everyone should be drinking about 3-4 liters of water a day, for starters.

I've answered the questions in your quote, thanks

[Youngblood]

Okay. Well I would suggest you look at my training log, and also Salty`s blog. Tabatas are hard as hell but great for cardio. Nothing better. Jogging on the other hand will likely be more effective for losing weight. So I would say try to look at a goal of doing both. Most likely starting with distance running. Important to consider stretching correctly for them.

All those exercise`s you`ll find will get you in great shape, especially if followed properly.

As for the food, basically you want a diet that is well-rounded, but with good food. You want complex carbs and specifically for before your workouts. You want to make sure you are getting protein after your workouts. In the food thread attached at the top of the forum are some ideas plus I started a post on the best complex carbs to eat.

Starving yourself to lose weight is not good, but eating in correct proportions is. Try more meals and smaller proportions. You definately want to try and eat food you are cooking, and not stuff that is pre-wrapped, pre-cooked etc. Forget about pop and take out and all crap like that, horrible for you. Get real fruit juices. Water though mainly. Of course dairy, but just to meet requirements.

I think others on here will be better at helping you with diet.

I`ll leave it at that for now, and see what others have to say. I don`t really know about the exercise ball, have never used one.

[Trainer Monkey]

Go up and look at the boxer chow thread

[Salty]

Mate if you say your current level of fitness, i'm sure we could help you start a fitness plan to fulfill all your goals. Also are you interested in doing boxing? or just getting stronger, leaner and more muscular? Also what equipment do you have?

Check the body weight exercise thread, I will be putting up core and leg exercises soon, just been struggling with time lately due to uni.

[donnydarkoIRL]

Simply put Lefty, training is goos anytime, it just depends on your approach and diligence.

For fat loss, a workout before breakfast works a treat.

As regards meals, I presume a high protein, medium fat, low carbs diet would serve you well.

In the beginning aim to drink as much watere as you possibly can, your body will monitor the level of fluid in the body itself and better too much than too little.

Using a stability ball, you could work on core strength, which would increase balance and overall body strength, ideal for tennis right?

At the end of the day Lefty your aim is to specialise your body for tennis, so everything you do should just be supplementary to your tennis.