I went 6 months without any exercise when I started my keto transformation. I had a gym membership since day one and went once to the gym. I was too embarrassed feeling like the biggest girl in the gym with all the gym rats around. At the time I cared too much what everyone else thought about me, even if I went unnoticed. Fast forward to month 7 of my keto journey and I have all the confidence in the world to bust out a workout at my local gym. As someone who did lead an active lifestyle prior to becoming morbidly obese, I was no stranger to the gym. I’m familiar with how to use all the equipment and using this past skill to transform my new body.
My current goals are to tighten up loose skin and replace with lean muscle. I’m not expecting surgical results but I’m going to do my job and replace that soft tissue with dense, fat burning muscle mass. This gym routine is what I have been doing for the past month. It’s a great beginner’s workout and anyone can do these exercises. I’m primarily using the machines at the gym while I’m in this stage of my keto transformation.
I do not do any cardio. I will explain why I feel that way in more detail in an upcoming video. The cliff notes version is because I have a genetic heart defect that causes cardiomyopathy and my body is also an adrenal type. Cardio is a something that adds more stress on the heart. For someone who already has too much stress on the heart and an unavoidable heart defect, I avoid things that stress the heart out. That does not mean you can’t do cardio. That means for my own personal situation, cardio is not ideal for me. Strength training is not as stressful on the heart and I actually really enjoy it. I always dreaded using the elliptical and treadmill, which also never inspired me either!
I go to the gym 3-4 times a week. I do 5 sets of 5 reps at the highest weight I can successfully complete the set. It’s important to note that you should never sacrifice form for weight. You will injure yourself so quickly if you do not practice good form! It’s okay to push yourself but know your limit! Also, do the reps slowly to avoid injury and make the most of your routine. You will build muscle stronger that way.