How to I become skinny from exercise and not from not eating?

[Anonymous]

I've realized I'm skinny because I don't eat a lot of high calorie foods rather than doing a lot of exercise.

I do walk for about 45 minutes a day, 5 days a the week, but I'm sure this doesn't do much because on weekends when I don't walk to/from school I actually loose weight rather than putting it on. Its the same with holidays too.

So I'm wondering how I can start doing exercise to become more healthy without becoming a stick, or putting on more weight than I am now.

[WeaponZero]

Before you start exercising, the first thing you should know is that the nutrition needs of someone who is sedentary or only moderately active (such as you are now) are VERY different from someone who is very active. By adopting a high intensity working program, you will be drastically altering your nutritional needs. You will need to consume roughly 500-1000 calories more per day than you are now and it will have to be specific foods/nutrients. You will need to place an emphasis on lean sources of protein, and as far as carbohydrates are concerned, it depends on your goal. If you want to become leaner and more defined, you will need to cut carbs down to the bare minimum amount you need in order to get in your daily recommended amount of fiber (since fiber only comes from high carbohydrate foods). If you just want to become healthier and more fit and don't care about becoming more defined, then you really don't need to monitor your carbs, just make sure they come exclusively from fruits, veggies, and whole grains.

Now, to address your question...

The real issue here is your preference. The main thing to understand is that ANY WORKOUT PROGRAM YOU DO can accomplish the goals you are looking for. The question is how quickly do you want it, how badly are you willing to beat yourself up over it, and do you prefer to do it indoors or outdoors?

If you want to do something in the privacy of your own home then there are many workout programs you can get based on videos such as Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred or any one of a number of Beachbody programs such as Power 90, P90X, Insanity, or any others.

If you want to do something outdoors, then the Couch to 5k program (which is based on running in intervals for approx. 30 minutes a day) is an excellent choice.

If you want to go to a gym, you can do that too. Just remember to hire a trainer or bring along a friend who knows their stuff to show you the exercises and correct your form when you need it.

In the end, the best workout program is the one you can stick to. Personally I'm an advocate of the Beachbody programs because I like the idea of working out in the privacy of my own home.

[Asker]

Thankyou very much, this is really helpful. I think I'm more of an indoors person so yeah the videos sound like a good idea. I'm sure they'll be some random one's on youtube too, :).

[WeaponZero]

No problem, and thank you for best answer. Need anymore advice, message me.

[ThatGuy44]

Focus on eating foods with High carbohydrates. This will help you put on more weight.

[timetowaste]

Thumbs down for not being able to read.

[ThatGuy44]

English is not my first or second language so forgive me if I misinterpreted the question. It wasn't even worded that great to begin with. Nevertheless you didn't have to go and call me illiterate.

[Asker]

:/

[timetowaste]

Cardio is always good for the heart. Something everyone should have in their routine. Pair that with some (light!) strength training and you'll tone your muscles and improve your overall health without putting on a lot of bulk or getting any smaller.