Thread: 2 Years working out, can't run

Originally Posted by fidcuevas

I've been working out for about two years now. When I started, I weighed 270 pounds and had little lean muscle mass. Two years later, I now weigh 190 pounds and am happy to say that I have a good looking amount of muscle.

Problem is that I've avoided cardio almost completely in these two years. Running, at least. I've used a jump rope and have used bikes and ellipticals, but I never went outside to run.

I just came back from a morning jog that I'm starting to do, and realized that my legs get tired before I can begin burning fat. I don't break a sweat and my legs are already done. What can I do?

It's probably your conditioning, cardiovascular strength provides blood/ oxygen to legs, so thats why you feel tired.

Keep at it, you will get better and better as you continue and as your conditioning improves so will your endurance.

in the mean time perform some HIIT.

youll be able to get a great fat burning workout without your legs getting tired too soon.

I would start out slow like you are doing until your leg muscles get used to it. Running outside puts a ton of pressure on joints and other leg muscles, especially if you havent done it before. Keep at it and slowly work up to it

HIIT sounds like my cup of tea now that I've read up on it.

Another question, so I don't have to start a new topic:

When I do certain leg workouts (especially leg extensions), my leg begins to shake. I can handle the weight and I can do the reps, but my legs shake and it's difficult to complete the movement. What gives?

Why are you doing cardio for fat loss? It's hardly the best way to go about it.

Kindly describe your leg workouts. Also your diet?

My diet is basically eating five times a day. I work 9-5 and have school 6-9, so I can't eat big meals, but it's roughly this:

7AM- total cereal
10AM- meal replacement drink
1PM- subway sandwich
4/5-meal replacement drink
9:30- light dinner

And I only have time to work out on saturdays and sundays, so I do a 2 day split. My leg workout is:

Squats- sets of 8, 10, 12 reps 1x
calves extensions- 15, 20, 25, 2x
leg curls- 6, 8, 10, 2x
leg extensions- 6, 8, 10, 2x
leg press- 8, 10, 12, 2x

And I'm not necessarily doing cardio for fat burn, it's more because I can't last a shit.

I'd sub RDLs for leg curls, ditch leg press and leg extension, and try split squats, front squats, walking lunges, GHRs, good mornings...

For building up your endurance base, try hill repeats. Nothing ever did as much to bring my work capacity up in a flash.

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