So ya, we have this gym membership right… well, we’d like to see some damn results already. We’re impatient people. It has been a WHOLE WEEK and nothing has changed. What gives?!
/sarcasm
Seriously, I can understand why so many people give up their gym memberships (of course there are other reasons too) but this shit is discouraging. We have actually gone 5 times in the last 9 days (every other) but neither of us have yet to see any “real” results except for some pain and soreness. Of course that in itself is kind of a good sign because things are changing, right?
I’ve been poking around the internets on this one and some places are saying it could take up to 6 months to see real results. SIX MONTHS?! Of course there are a lot of variables in that – but ya, it might be a while. Honestly I’m OK with that – and kind of expected it.
It also makes it harder to decide what to do at the gym. More cardio (running, biking, ellipticalling) will help with the weight loss faster… but weights and lifting will build muscle to be able to burn even more fat moving forward. I’m trying to really find a balance – but it’s tough.
My “routine” is kind of start with some cardio for 15 min or so. Sometimes that’s running a mile. Sometimes biking a bit. Then go do a few different weight machines (usually 3 sets of 8-12 depending on the machine and weight setting). Then I go do another cardio that I didn’t do first. So maybe recumbant bike or running… this then for another 10-15 min to get the heart rate back up. Follow this up with some more machine work and I’ve filled about an hour by that time.
I’m hoping this will eventually yield some actual results – but I won’t be too shocked if it takes quite a while for those to appear. Sadly I think I’ve actually gained a couple pounds since stating (muscle weighs more than fat, right?). Tis OK, though, I’m pretty sure we’re in this for the long haul.
Just have to keep telling ourselves it’s worth it. 
Keep reminding yourself that it’s a lifestyle change. And to see results, you’ll most likely have to change the way you eat. Especially if you’re looking to drop weight/fat. Track your exercise/calories, and see if you’re eating too much or not enough. The LiveSTRONG app for the iPhone is a GREAT way to do it on the go. Ties right into their website (http://www.livestrong.com/thedailyplate/), which is fantastic.
Concerning workouts… do whatever keeps you motivated. But for reference, my latest schedule is as follows:
Monday – 1 hour spinning class
Tuesday – Lifting
Wednesday – 1 hour spinning class
Thursday – 1 hour spinning class
Friday – Lifting
Saturday/Sunday – Mixed: I like to run to the gym (only about a mile away), lift a little, and run home. I do this either Saturday OR Sunday, and take the other day as my “rest day” for the week.
Good luck to both of you with your journey!
~RJ