I gained a bunch of weight over the last few years and was like 20lbs overweight, now I'm at the high end or a little over for my height, and still have fat around my midsection. I quit drinking for the most part, and my diet is pretty good right now since getting on anti-depressants and not snacking all night.

I'd like to get some muscles, but I hate gyms. I've been doing calisthenics indoors a few times a week. I also have some dumbells, and will jog or hike 2 or 3 times a week.

Should I think about getting more weights or just stick with this routine for now?

all 5 comments

sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] 1 point 3 years ago

Do 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats and a 10km run every day and you'll be the strongest person on earth.

  • source
  • [–] 1 point 3 years ago (1 child)

    You lose the most weight from cardio. I used to run until I burned 1000 calories at the gym. About an hour straight of running at a moderately high pace. Lost about 40 lbs after half a year of doing that. Would go through about 2 bottles of water and not need to urinate because I was sweating so much of it out. but after I started to develop chronic ankle pain, I cut back on running, but kept weightlifting, and I gained almost all the weight back, despite the fact that I was still exercising quite a bit.

  • source
  • hideshow 2 child comments
  • [–] 1 point 3 years ago (1 child)

    I've heard that ellipticals or biking are much more forgiving on your joints for cardio. Cartilage is a limited resource, best to save it for when you need it.

  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 2 child comments
  • [–] 0 points 3 years ago (1 child)

    I really don't think this is true. What saves your joints is being a healthy weight and having a strong core, both of which running can help with.

  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 2 child comments
  • [–] 1 point 3 years ago* (last edited 3 years ago)

    nah they're right. i used to do 12 km a week in the elliptical. much easier on the joints than doing it on a treadmill. I was pushing 30 and the shock from the impact wrecks your joints on a treadmill versus on an elliptical. The elliptical works your muscles without producing an impact with each footfall, because your feet remain firmly planted in pedals. However I think i developed chronic ankle pain from the tops of the pedals digging in a bit

  • source
  • parent