Congratulations on getting the treadmill. That's great!

My only advice, despite your specific questions (since I'm sure someone will answer them better than me), would be to make sure that you are consistent. I've seen so many people work out a lot the first week and then never get on their treadmill or bike ever again...

Thanks for the reply!

Yes, I agree with you. I know many people who own a treadmill but rarely set foot on it. 

I have another question to add to the pile; if anyone can answer any of them, that'd be great: Will running on the treadmill give me flatter, more defined abs? I know that running reduces body fat, so it should make them flatter, correct? But I'd need to do other exercise to define them. Yes?

I LOVE running, and weight lifting, and I can answer some of those questions with some level of confidence. 

Running will slim you gown...it does not bulk up muscle, but will instead create the long, lean look- make sure to stretch afterwards though-rumour has it that running can lessen flexibility.

As far a times per day- do what you enjoy.  There is nothing worse that boredom when working out.  If you like three short sessions then do it that way- you've seen the commercials- move your body 10 minutes 3x a day.

If you want ab definition you will need to do other ab excercises, if you want a six pack, plan on every day, the abs require alot of abuse to really shape up. 

And, on top of it all, CONRATS for making the commitment and finding something you enjoy. 

I'm really glad to hear about the lean look being an outcome of running. I was really afraid I'd get bulky. 

I'm still sore today.. should I take a day off or is it better to simply walk on the treadmill or jog, even? I know I'm not supposed to push myself when sore but I'm not sure which is more beneficial?

Thank you everyone! If anyone has anything else to add, please do. :]

Wayne Westcott, Ph.D. conducted a study in which 72 over weight individuals participated in an eight week exercise program. The participants were placed in two groups. The first group performed 30 minutes of endurance exercise on a stationary cycle. The second group performed only 15 minutes of exercise on the stationary cycle plus an additional 15 minutes on weight resistant exercises. At the conclusion of the study, the "endurance only" group lost a total of 3.5 lbs.; 3 lbs. of which was fat and a half pound was muscle loss. On the other hand, the "endurance and weight resistive" group lost 8 lbs. with an actual fat loss of 10 lbs. and an increase of 2 lbs. of lean body weight. 
Endurance and Weight Training -

Good Luck with your  new treadmill. The only thing that I have to say is don't get "treadmill Burn-out". Running 3xs a day is a little too much at first. Go slowly and enjoy your workouts. Switch up the routine. Maybe lift weights one day, run the next and then do situps or crunchs another. Keep up the good work.

OMG i got a great new treadmill for Christmas and I LOVE IT!

I use it whenever I can....plus I use the treadmills at my gym too!

I can't seem to get used to the elliptical and the bike is too boring for me.

I lost aout 75 lbs just walking on an incline.  Now I'm JOGGING (omg i cant believe i said that) and i'm really noticing more weight loss as well as toning of my legs and tummy!!!!

Plus I get such a runner's high when i'm jogging.  i don't feel terribly comfortable jogging at the gym in public, so it's perfect to do in the privacy of my own home!!!!

I hope you get as much enjoyment outta yours too!!!
~H~

Original Post by maytelopez:

  But I tell you this, id you can watch tv or read a book and work out, your work out is not enough.  Unless your not trying to push yourself.

 

 I totally disagree with that statement.  I watch tv while i'm jogging.  I burn 400 calories in less than 30 minutes.  (according to my polar heart rate monitor)

 I don't consider that as 'not enough'.

~H~

Thanks for the replies! Keep them coming!

I don't have any weights. I do, however, have a winsor pilates dvd. Should I do that every other day instead of running each day? Or are weights better?