Hey there! I have been dieting and excercising for the last six weeks. I have lost about 15 pounds by eating a low-calorie, healthy diet and by either walking, using an elliptical, a Precor or my Nordictrack for 45 min to 1 hour 5 to 6 times a week. I am a 51 y/o female with about 50 more pounds to lose.
This week I joined a new gym and they offered a free fitness evaluation as part of the membership. During the evaluation the trainer made me do lunges across the floor until I could not stand. I had a hard time driving home with the manual transmission, trying to use the clutch in my car. I could not go up or down the stairs at home unless I did so on my hands and knees.
Today I'm having a hard time lowering myself into my seat at work!
I think it's sort of funny!
O.K., so here's my question...
Do muscles swell when they have been pushed to their limit? I noticed that my pantlegs were a little tighter today, and that I had actually gained a pound. Is that normal?
I want to find the proper balance between cardio and strength training, but I think what I experienced yesterday may have been a bit extreme.
The trainer seemed to think that all effort should be put into strength training and that cardio should be much less important. He cautioned me about muscle loss as a result of cardio.
Well, I couldn't do cadio today anyway because I could barely walk, so he needn't worry!
I guess I'm looking for some feedback, and the truth from people who don't need to sell me hours of personal training.
Thank you. Any help is greatly appreciated!