How do I create a gym schedule?

I was a long time runner until 3.5 yrs ago when I got pregnant with my first then two months after he arrived my dad died in a horrible horrible accident and i had to be the head of the estate then 8 months after that I got pregnant with my second. Then 6 weeks after i had him the doctors messed up during a routine gallbladder removal surgery and i almost died when they cut my pancreas by mistake then 6 weeks after that we moved in with my mother in law because she told us we could buy half the house but then we moved in and spent a ton a of money to start fixing it up and then she changed her mind! Now nothing is ours and our stuff is packed away since its no longer going to be our house and we are looking for a rental again since we can't afford to own yet but can't live here :(
ANYWAY.... I went from a very fit long distance runner, very trained...I ran track for many many years in school...to a big fat blob. I'm not too hard on myself, I've had the worst 3 yrs imaginable, I just mentally couldn't handle taking care of myself and everything else that I had to take care of. I'm still crawling out of my depression and anxiety but I have already started taking steps to be healthy again. I stopped nursing my 13 month old Two and a half weeks ago So the day after I started my diet but instead of a diet it's a lifestyle change. Mostly organic foods, low carbs, no soda or juice only water with lemon. I eat less and what I do eat is healthier. Two weeks ago I started going back to the gym. I have only been doing cardio though since that's all I really know being a former runner. It's slow going since it has been such a long break but I've been doing two miles a day and I'm slowly gaining endurance and not feeling like I want to throw up anymore lol and my two mile time has shortened since I first started. I need to start doing other things though. I want to do weights and maybe some classes. I want to lose weight of course but be toned too. Where do I start? What days do I arms and what days do I do legs? How often should I take classes and which ones are good for beginners or for what I'm looking for?

Thanks for the advice! Sorry this is so long. It's been tough and I just need support in getting back to ME

Re: How do I create a gym schedule?

I don't have any useful advice since I am just starting up some new health and fitness routines for myself as well and most of the time have no clue what I am doing . But I did just want to send you some for what you've been through the last few years.

Good luck to you

How do I create a gym schedule?

So sorry about every thing you have been through. And congratulations on being on the right track eating healthy and working out. I am not an expert but some things I add to my diet are having a salad or vegetables to every meal. I also use myfitnesspal to keep track of everything I eat.

As for exercise you are already doing cardio.

Weight training- work upper body one day and lower body the following day. You don't want to use same muscle group two days in a row as they need the rest.

Classes - yoga and Pilates help tone the body. I wouldn't go to fast paced yoga classes in the beginning. Go to classes as often as you can but even once a week helps. Try other classes that are offered. If you find a class that you love, it will motivate you to go gym more often. GL!

Message edited 4/26/2013 3:41:55 PM.

Re: How do I create a gym schedule?

Don't dwell on the past, or the former you...you are taking the steps to a better you! And with a better you, you'll see your life will be more manageable too!

Do you plan to join a gym or get home weights? My workouts have compleeeetely changed since kids & being a SAHM. It's actually more motivating to make the most of my time, because I feel bad being there otherwise.

There are many options, trainer; classes; circuit machines; DVDs, etc. How often you train will depend on your schedule. I often can only strength train 2xs a week, so I have to do a full body blast, & still fit in cardio too.

You don't want to train the same muscle on consecutive days.