question about cardio
 

ok at the moment I am just looking into this I don't have money for the book much less a set of weights lol.. but I have a question anywho
If I deside to do BFL do I have to do a certain type cardio or can I still do my dance (which is about an hour long class)? I wouldn't mind giving up yoga for awhile, I have been doing both, but last time I slacked off for a few monthes I had to basicly start from stratch.

any activity that gets your heart rate up and keeps it up for at least 20 minutes is cardio work. If your dance class qualifies, then that is your cardio.

If not, add something else to your program that does give you an aerobic workout.

Hi Crysania,

The BFL book does outline a specific approach to cardio that only takes 20 minutes on cardio days. The actual type of cardio exercise is left up to you but the intensities to do it at are outlined in the book. It is a type of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). Here is a link to a thread in which Red1cutie outlines the program.
http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?t=162091

Although I personally don't think that a dance class would lend itself to HIIT very well, I don't think that means that you'd have to give up the dance class. Just like someone might be doing BFL but also enjoy playing tennis or skiing, etc.

You might be able to pick up a copy of the book at your library.

Arnie

I was able to check out BFL from the library, but really there's enough info at www.bodyforlife.com that you don't really need the book. Is there a YMCA near you? They will pro-rate dues based on your income. The Y near us is a very nice facility. Just a thought.

Jen

I can not drive ...no car no license.. so I am pretty much home bound except the two days my mother is off work we go out, I work overnights which sucks in alot of ways because I can't seem to get a blasted sleep patern to make doing anything else easier lol (and forget sleeping more then a few hours at a time this is the third time I have gotten up today!) have not seen a Y, and I have not gone the the library since I moved here three years ago... which is not to say I don't read just every Library I have ever been to has sucked for anything that I was looking for lol (I pic up everything off the internet for the most part)
I am gonna check out the body for life website and see what I can glen from it
I know walmart has the book and I get a discount... I am just to cheap *grumbles at self*

I have one more question... how do I know how much weight to use?? I have never done any weight lifting before, also do I need someone around when doing them normally no one is home/ awake when I am (I work overnights) so I need to do exersices that are safe without supervision
broke down and bought the book night before but its not really clear on either (in fact the book was about as clear as mud and I normally don't get confused.. :rolleyes: )

I took a few days before "officially" starting and tried out different weights. With your first set of 12, it shouldn't be any more stress than a fast paced walk, then add in sequence. So adjust your starting point accordingly. Do that for a week or so, and keep notes.
If you use dumbbells (or cans or bags of sand/water or whatever) you're mostly OK without a spotter. Anytime the bar or dumbbell is over your head or face is the most dangerous, so use caution.
Congratulations on getting started.

thanks that actully helped clear some things up
I think most the the exercises that you listed are the ones I desided I'd probably start with ... looked like they required teh least amount of equipment.. I have to wait for payday to get the weights... and figure out how to improvise without a bench til I can get more money lol... (just bought a house so money is a real issue :rolleyes: ) walmart had one that with my discount would be about 90 bucks so when I get my bonus next month I can do that :)
what is so sad I used to lift alot of weight (we bought a truck load of feed a week) and now one 20lb dog food sack is heavy :rolleyes: I feel like such a wimp now!

For the beginning stuff, you can just start off on the floor and use a chair or coffee table for things like one armed rows, etc. I found adjustable dummbbells at goodwill for $30. Garage sales are awesome for that kind of equipment. I want to find a heavy bag that way.

I use the floor and chairs for a lot of my UBWO, and if you have stairs, you can even get a decent incline by putting your butt on a stair and leaning back on a few more. :)

Benches, ottomans, diving boards, all are fair game.

Cheers!

Friday

if 20# dog food is heavy - you can always use that for your weight. Squat down, wrap arms, stand up - that's one. Use this for deadlifts. Of course, the problem is you need to always have a spare bag - but you can use sandbags <g>