I wanna start working out...help me!

[Doktormartini]

Ok people, I need your help. Spring is rolling around and I would like to get outside a lot more...more specifically, I want to start working out and exercising. I would like to build strength and overall health. I know quite a bit about nutrition and food and what's healthy and not, but I'm not too good on the exercising side. I am 21 years old and I look like I am 13. I don't really have muscles, I am skinny (this is partly due to the fact that I do not eat a lot).

I have been taking a martial art (Kuk Sool) since the beginning of this semester, and I took it last summer. What's a good way to start? What kind of things should I do!?

Also, I am interested in building some muscle. To do this, I know you need good protein. I should mention now that I am trying to go 100% raw (I am close). What are some good raw protein powders/brands? I know they make a hemp one? Also, what do I do with it, just mix it into a smoothie or something?

Thanks everyone!

[evelinadatta]

Hi, there, I just saw your post. Hope it is not too late and you gave up on waiting for a response! :) I think it is awesome that you want to work out more. I will precede all this by saying that I am no expert or certified in anything; I am just giving my advice as someone who has done a lot of and enjoys exercise.

My main advice for someone who is just starting out would be: try out several different things and see what you really enjoy. The best workout is the one that you will keep doing and for that it is important to enjoy it. Also, if you are just starting now, please don't plunge yourself from 0 hours to 15 hours per week of workout. It is important to start up slowly and build on it every week to avoid injuries. Also, stretching is very important too. I usually stretch a little after warming up and then again after the end of exercise.

For building muscles, you can do a number of things: strength training at the gym on the equipment, working out at home with free weights, doing strength exercises at home/gym e.g. push ups, sit ups, etc. For all these I think it is important to learn the proper form of the exercise so you don't get injured. If you are like me and can't afford sessions with a PT, I have learned stuff from books and DVDs checked out of the library and also from a friend of mine who is a fintess instructor and massage therapist and has taught me a lot about muscles. He is a vegan too so that helps. :)

Also yoga, pilates and swimming have all helped me develop overall body muscle too. Running is great for leg muscles but is important to combine it with some cross training.

As for the food, I don't really know about protein powders. I don't know if you need to use those in the initial stages of working out. You can build on your muscles by eating regular sources of protein - e.g. beans, nuts, etc. I would suggest tracking your protein intake daily for a week to see where you are at. You want to be at about .4 g of protein for each pound of body weight. There is also a website for vegan bodybuilding - I am forgetting the name now but I'm sure you can google it. As I remember the guys there at least a couple of them had posted their raw/mostly raw weekly menus so you can get some ideas.

Good luck!

[Doktormartini]

Thanks for that post! About protein powders, I just found out my hemp seeds have 5g of protein per tablespoon and I made a smoothie today with two tablespoons plus goji berries (Complete protein source) so I could use hemp seeds :)

I will take your advice. Maybe I should look into gyms around here...that might be a good idea.

[RunsWithFoxes]

Also, I am interested in building some muscle. To do this, I know you need good protein.

No you don't. This is a pervasive and persistent myth. If you eat a widely varied plant-based diet, you'll get more than enough protein to participate in the muscle building process if your body decides that you need 'em.

To build muscle mass, you need to place the muscle under stress. It will grow larger in order to better satisfy any future demands you may place on the muscle. Forget all other scams and gimmicks. Weight training is the most commonly used technique. Unfortunately, many people injure themselves by increasing the weight lifted too quickly. Watch out!

My personal workout program is mainly concentrated on cardio. I would rather be exceptionally healthy and a bit scrawny rather than look like Mr. Beefcake. I do a little weight training just to keep critical muscles in my lower back and other areas in good condition.

Good luck!
:up:

[Just_Kris]

Ok people, I need your help. Spring is rolling around and I would like to get outside a lot more...more specifically, I want to start working out and exercising. I would like to build strength and overall health. I know quite a bit about nutrition and food and what's healthy and not, but I'm not too good on the exercising side. I am 21 years old and I look like I am 13. I don't really have muscles, I am skinny (this is partly due to the fact that I do not eat a lot).

I have been taking a martial art (Kuk Sool) since the beginning of this semester, and I took it last summer. What's a good way to start? What kind of things should I do!?

Also, I am interested in building some muscle. To do this, I know you need good protein. I should mention now that I am trying to go 100% raw (I am close). What are some good raw protein powders/brands? I know they make a hemp one? Also, what do I do with it, just mix it into a smoothie or something?

Thanks everyone!

Send a message to our veggieboard member Soy 6-pack! He is vegan and a personal trainer! Even though he may not live near you, he may be interested in being your virtual trainer. I have met him at a meetup in real life. He's a heck of a nice guy!