Getting back in shape

Hey all... I know this is kinda like an ego thing in a weird sort of way, but I'm just really excited. For the last couple months now, I have been on a diet of brown rice, veggies, chicken and fish, coupled with working out at least 3 times a week. I was out of town Sunday night and ran into some friends I haven't seen in quite a while, and they were all telling my how good I looked. I am down about 25-30 pounds, have lost 4-6 inches around the waist (I was wearing a 42, and now I have a couple pairs of 36 waist pants that fit again) and have added almost a full inch to the biceps and almost 2 inches around the shoulders.

Even with my crazy schedule, I still feel really good and have a lot more energy than I did over most of the summer, and I have to say it is an awesome feeling. Being 35, I thought that I was pretty much set as an overweight middle aged type guy, but now I have found that you can improve yourself, no matter what age you are.

OK, enough of that, I just had to share with all my friends here

~C

 

That's great! It makes you feel 100% better too!

When I was preparing for Police Academy I would start out running about 3 miles a day and eventually I was able to move up every week. I run about 10 miles a day now and still do my dumb bells every night. I have a weight bench but I only do it once or twice a week but I still do it.

It's amazing how much better you feel and how much more energy you gain when you workout and eat right.

 

Part of me wishes I could do some running, but I have to admit, my knees just won't let me, too much damage over the years. I do, however, use the treadmill at the gym with a preset walking program that is 20 minutes long, goes from 2.3mph to 3, to 3.4, to 4mph for 10 minutes, then back down to 3.4, back to 4 for 5 minutes then a warm down to 3.5, 3 and 2.5.

Does pretty good, I tried the jogging speed, but the knees just can't take it

Still, better than what I was doing, and I have to admit, that 20 minutes in the steam bath after is so relaxing........ then hop into the cool shower

~C

 

Great thread! That's something I've pushed in the past in this Lounge that seemed unsuccessful (and somewhat Booed at)...I know exactly where you're at and totally agree. It is a great feeling and surprising just how much energy you have when doing it right (food and exercise that is).

I do gym at least 3 times weekly supplemented with a follow up of doing routes around some great beach areas afterwards and my energy levels are delightfully high...plenty for work, play and particularly now that it's Spring, I've completed renovating and painting 4 rooms since August (and still going).

Keep up the great work!

Cheers

LS

 

Good for you, nope never too late to get in shape. One of my daughters is a personal trainer also she recently started working at a rehab with (she claims they're 100) LOL doubt it , more like 70's and 80's. She pushes them hard, they holler at the manager or whatever their called there, "hey, she's mean, she's good though"

I'm on a treadmill, 30 min twice a day. Rough but you feel so much better no matter what your health status is.

Good luck, keep up the good work. :wave

 

Congratulations!

I've been meaning to get back into shape myself. I've kind of let myself go a bit and I want to get back into those pants I have in the closet. Starting tomorrow I'm going to start eating healthier and get on an exercise regimen. In about six months, my dad lost 100lbs by eating meals prepared by "Seattle Sutton's Healthy Eating" and eventually walking 25 miles a week. I need to get active, and luckily I'm still young so I can take it.

We should turn this into a motivational thread. Post updates on our health, come here when you need some guidance or someone to talk you out of that Twinkie.

 

That and also posting any recipies and such that we use.

We make brown rice in our rice cooker ($30 @ WalMart) which is a lot healthier than white rice. Our cooker came with a veggie steamer, and we usually cut up zuccini, peppers and carrots and steam them while the rice cooks. THen, in our wok, we put a little bit of extra virgin olive oil (about a teaspoon) and sautee some minced garlic, mushrooms and a little bit of soy sauce with some Mrs. Dash and toss in some chicken breast, usually cut into shin short strips and stir fry ti until the chicken is done. This is timed to coincide with the rice being done and then we stir in the rice and veggies and let it cook for about 10 minutes. Serve with some low fat cheese or sour cream and it is dang tasty!!


~C

 

that recipe could have come straight from our kitchen 'except '(Mrs dash i don't know that) we try to eat healthy but that is counteracted by Mn-Ms and ice cream.

since my accident my leg and back muscles have wasted and i am so weak in that area but as time goes on and i get back on my feet i have got to get back in some sort of reasonable shape.

at the moment gyms are out of the question i attend a back and neck school at the hospital and there is a definite improvement albeit small they tell me that things will get better in time but i will never be ready for skydiving or wrestling.

glad to hear your getting in shape but with your work schedule and time spent on WOW it must be difficult to find the time for the gym.

http://bestsmileys.com/exercising/7.gif http://bestsmileys.com/exercising/9.gif

 

Why not!?! That's a great idea. After all, this is a Support Forum.

It only takes small steps to see a change...and the benefits are wonnnderrrful!

 

Land exercise is far too soon for you presently my Bionic Friend, particularly given what you have been through surgically...I still reckon you should have hydrotherapy (water exercises)...done in a heated pool which the hospital should have. The exercises are gentler, eliminating the stress of gravity (as in land exercises eg gym work) and can/will slowly build up muscles and flexibility to your required level/capability...once you reach the required strength (much later) you can move onto specifically designed land exercises.

A physiotherapist can outline suitable exercises/movements for you from hydro to land exercises that slowly progress as you get stronger.

Having had a back injury requiring surgery, I was 15 months on hydro before I could go onto land exercises (gym work). There is still pain (in my case chronic), but you learn to listen to your body's needs and manage the pain.

Be patient my friend...your ongoing surgeries were more traumatic than what I've had done.

 

That would be great! I need someone to talk me out drinking that extra milkshakeLOL

I dont think I will ever go back to the gym, any gym uke I am however doing a workout dvd and I walk about a half an hour a day,I havent changed the way I eat yet, that is the hardest part I think... but Im workin on it.

 

I love milkshakes but now instead have Smoothies:yum All you need is a blender, cut up your favourite fruits (I have 4-5 different types fruit...I always include a banana) and top up with milk or small scoop of icecream - preferably yoghurt (I use half cup of Soy milk instead). :drool The jug is kept in the fridge and normally is finished within a day

As for gyms, not for everyone...my case it's a must do for back injury (can't afford my own gym equipment)...but that is only part of my workout regime...I also use an exercise ball at home for Pilate type core work outs as well, (and to sit on when using computer to aid core strength)

Food wise, I try the basic parts of 5 vegs/4 fruits a day, limit red meats (which I love), so mainly have white meat. Like CT stated, right food can still be tasty

 

I actually just bought a blender last night and mmm smoothies sound good. I personally love soy milk, I just don’t buy it that much because 1) its expensive and 2) if I drink too much, bad things happen LOL . I have switched from whole milk to 1% and Im quite content.

I loved the gym, I would still be going but umm personal issues made me want to stop going, the actual site of a gym makes me physically ill, its just disgusting. That’s why I used the dvd’s Billy Blanks makes some killer butt-kicking dvd’s, its like torture but it works!

At work since Im not allowed to take lunch, all I can do is throw something in the microwave and eat at my desk while working. I do try to bring things like grapes and carrots in to snack on but the majority of the time Im really busy and dont have time to snack, then when I get home I want to eat everything in site and not move! lol Im trying to break my self of this habit but its not easy!

Its great to see people wanting to take care of themselves. Very encouraging.

 

I am totally in shape, just cause that shape happens to mimic a pear doesn't mean anything

 

roflmao

 

I used to say I was in shape, since round is a shape That and having a body of a god (even if it's Buddha) is OK, now I think I am aiming higher (no pun intended there)

Smoothies rock, and Dy... they can really be the thing when you have having serious hunger issues too. Also, try taking a couple large bottles of water to work with you to drink throughout the day. I do 12 hour overnights at the answering service, and that used to be my worst time for having terrible snacks, now, I drink water throughout my shift, and the urge to snack has just about gone. When you put water in your tummy, you are actually making it think you are putting food in there and it calms the hunger cravings, this might even help you to be less hungry when you get home.

As for gyms, we usually go in the early afternoon, and are usually the only one's there at the time, kind of a nice feeling I think that was part of what was keeping me away from the gym, was the fact that people would look at me and say 'What is fatty trying to do?" I know better now, just took getting started for me. BUt home workouts are a start and according tot he infomercials can be just as effective as a gym

~C

 

roflmaoroflmao

 

I'm in shape. Round is a shape.

 

Right there with you, brother!!

 

roflmao


But yea, I can't stand going to the gym. I'm going to concentrate on walking and cutting back on my portions. I have a few free weights in the basement I want to dig up as well. I also have to get back on a good sleeping schedule. Lack of sleep can have a dramatic effect on how you feel throughout the day. It sucks having to prevent myself from falling asleep in organic chemistry because I was up till 2am studying for anatomy. Study early, sleep early. I gotta get on this! :tas

 

Great to hear that calltaker I'v just started back after a 3-4 year break and its been hard,seeing the guys in the gym lifting more than me does get to me although it shouldnt I'v always been the one lifting more than most other people in there.

Heres my take I'v been lifting weights on and off most of my life training at home and at the gym and IMHO theres no substitute for the gym,you have to get over the fear of it,the atmosphere shouldnt bother you it should just be you and the piece of equipment in a duel to the death,most of the time I hardly notice who else is in there because I'm concentrating on the exercise and thats how you need to approach it,in and out get the job done and go home,I try and leave everything in the gym and not go home wondering if I'v pushed myself enough,it has been tricky because I'm training with my brother ATM and we have too much fun

Theres a swimming pool at the gym we go to and we both think we're not in good enough shape to go swimming in it so thats a little goal we're working towards

 

Sounds like a good idea! I try drinking water (not much successLOL)... good for you for drinking water alot! and changing the way you eat. very proud of you indeed!!

I would absolutely loved to have kept going to the gym, they had weights, my favorite elipticals, classes, a pool, hot tub and a sauna...what more could a girl want? 'cept one day I saw my ex-bf there... and he worked there. The only reason he got a job there is b/c he knew I worked out at that particular one. So he proceded to stalk me and try to get me to go out with him again and if that wasnt bad enough he turned my now ex-best friend against me (cuz now they are dating) by telling her that I was stalking him! rolleyes So now just the thought or looking at that place seriously makes my stomach turn. Although he no longer works there (he quit soon after I stopped going hmmm funny huh?) I just cant bring my self to go there.

So im trying to make it with these dvd dealies but sometimes I just dont have the time and sometimes Im too tired! But good for those with their routines, you inspire me to pop in my dvd!

 

Congrats, Calltaker. I know it's not an easy thing to do. I've been trying to get back into shape myself the last several months. Ever since I quit smoking in 2002, I've steadily gained weight . . . now I still have like 50lbs to lose . . . and it's a pain.

I've been working out each morning (evening in my world, lol) after work, and watching what I eat. Wife bought me a used bow-flex from a friend of ours, and I love the thing - sure beats the basic weight machine. It was hard to stick to a schedule - especially on mornings when I was beat. Now I treat it like one of the chores - something I just have to do before I crash out.

I'm getting there - but still have a ways to go. The more exercise I get, the better I feel - and putting on a pair of my old size 38 jeans felt darn good!

Good thread!

 

Haha thats the best reason not to go to the gym I'v ever heard, I cant stand those exercise videos they bore the living 'expletive' out of me,in fact I'm so glad I'm not a woman,I watch the women at the gym go on the treadmill for half and hour,then the exercise bike then the crosstrainer tryna lose those last few inches of fat estrogen wont let you,I'd go insane with boredom.

 

dyamond, how scary, how long ago was that? Skip the gym take self defense classes.

 

@ Rikky - I like my work out video

@ Darlene - its started in around february and ended about june (neither of them talk to me now). Im just glad its over!

Actually Im a bad judge of time, I know it was a good 6 or 7 months dealing with this crap rolleyes

 

I'm thinking a new hobby in long range target shooting would be more called for.

 

That would be more useful considering he's trained in like 6 different martial arts (and hes a psycho.. but you didnt hear that from me LOL)

 

I'm pretty fit, but I alway see others (females) more flexible and stronger than me...that doesn't bother me because the only person I'm competing with is myself and my own challenges. So I agree with your comments on approach.

As for swimming...that would be a great supplement as part of your regime workout! Who cares about shape?! My gym has a great complex that includes a pool, spa and sauna...no one is on an ego trip there believe me, we're only there for ourselves and our own goals, so go ahead and enjoy a swim! Great for the body too! Really tones it up.

 

Dyamond, experiment with different fruits (you can even cheat with canned tins as I do as I love mangoes or out of season fruits...but remove unused canned fruits to a proper storage container for the fridge for later use). I'm addicted and now prefer Smoothies to milkshakes. I also find them quite filling and find I eat less when drunk with food.

DVD work outs are a great idea too. I use one for Pilates with the (Swiss) exercise ball...you should check out Pilates, you might enjoy that too...great for overall toning, particularly the butt and core areas.

CT is right about drinking lots of water, especially to delay hunger pangs. I average 10 glasses a day, and one before eating does curb your appetite (plus good for the body...flushes it...hydrating yourself and great for the skin too).

Your "allowable" work lunch schedule sounds horrid...but I often eat at my desk while working as well...not good. at least you're wise enough to bring in suitable lunch for yourself. I have small snack packs of mixed fruit and nuts available that quells hunger pangs at work (sometimes don't feel like lunch afterwards)

It is great to see people taking an interest in their own well being...good for mind and body. with wonderful results.

 

You've got it tough.

I found it difficult trying to keep up exercises while working and studying law as well...but somehow, by eating right foods (that included parts of 5 vegs+4 fruits daily), I gradually found doing the exercises gave me the extra energy to keep up and that I "slept like the dead" when I put away the books and turned out the lights.

You can do it! Just start slowly with your training regime, build up from there by adding challenges weekly or fortnightly...Cheat with food by drinking Smoothies (a mixed fruit blend:drool) and gnawing on fruit/veg while studying ...you should enjoy your workout regime as see it as an outlet and release from studies, not as a chore

 

Good on you Natakel! Well done! Feeling "beat" sounds like low energy too...Try munching on an apple before exercising, gives you that little "kick start".

 

Got this wrong - It's- I don't talk to them!!!

 

haha right darlene.. I dont know what I would do if I saw either one of them again... maybe puke? uke LOL

 

Very good point dar...

OMG!! I went out to dinner tonight with a good friend and was mostly well behaved, I had a salad for dinner, but had a slice of fruit pie afterwards. Granted, I rarely eat anything sweet any more, so once in a while is OK... that's the other thing, if there is a food or type of food that you really really crave, try to have a little bit once a month, it helps stave off the cravings and then you are less likely to totally fall off the wagon. I know that I will do something extra tomorrow now to work that off, but I also won't be craving anything sweet so badly again any time soon.

Funny thing is, that with just a dinner salad (as opposed to a side salad) and a slice of pie, I am stuffed now. Hard part is that I just want to go to bed, but don't dare for at least another couple hours so that my food can digest..

OVercooked, I know your pain to a certain extent, I work 3 on 3 off overnights (12 hrs) at the answering service, and usually 4 on 2 off days at the salon. My schedule is so whacky that making time for the gym is hard, and the temptation to just eat whatever I can find is very real. My doctor is very impressed with how I am doing, especially with the schedule I have.

The key is to keep on yourself to do what you have to do and make time by prioritizing. I actually ahve cut down my online time at home so that I can have gym time (I surf enough at work at the answering serivce that I don't go through withdrawls... LOL)

I find that the more you try to achieve a balance between what you need to do and what you want to do, the easier it gets and the less stressed you are.

Hope that helps.


~C

 

Nah.. just think about how you look and own that look. Self confidence will get you a lot farther in life than a wheel barrow of BS


~C

 

CT, you've really hit the nail on the head as to why some people are hesitant about using a gym for getting fit/healthier. In truth, gym people really don't think that way (i.e. 'What is fatty trying to do?") ...unless it's one of those "gym" type boutiques where only the "beautiful people" go to with tailored gym tights and made up females for a half or hour sweat and bitch session...bah!uke What a waste of time and energy!

Real Gyms are great. As you've found out, gym work is for the individual and their own needs....home workouts are good too so long as you do what is within your capacity before progressing to higher levels.

 

Excellent points CT!

 

Thank you. I'll give that a shot!

 

Wow that’s great insight.

Just yesterday I bought a whole bunch of fruits – mangoes, apples, bananas, strawberries, grapes and I cant wait to make smoothies. I also grabbed some salad in stead of tv dinners for lunch, wheat thins for a snack instead of potato chips. I figured by not having bad stuff in my house if I want I'll have to walk to the store and by it and by the time I'm done doing what I have to do, Im way too tired to go.

 

Great! Nice selection of fruit there too, yum!

Make sure you enjoy your food, otherwise this "new" food style becomes a fad and soon drops back to your "old bad" favourites.

Let us know what you think of Smoothies too Be as creative with fruit choices as you want...regardless of what I use, they always taste good to me.:drool

 

I'm embarrassed to say I bought a juicer on ebay over a year ago, maybe two. It's still wrapped up, never used. Doesn't stop there though, My daughter bought one also which was not sent to her. While her dispute was going on (through ebay) I got her one to surprise her and lift her spirits.
She hasn't used hers either. Humm, maybe we should sell them on ebay.

 

I gone that route with equipment sad to say, I've bought weights, one of those ab cruchers and even a jump rope. All were used about once and now are buried in a closet somewhere. These dvds are the only things that I bought that I actually use (well I should say dvd - I gave the other one to my sister because I didnt use it ).

I think its a common problem darlene.

@LS I've always loved smoothies - I usually get one if we go to a restaurant. I'll let you know how mine turn out.

 

Wow! That's a shame. I admit I don't use my juice extractor as much as my blender...but I do find it useful for some fresh orange juice and particularly in Summer...I pour the extracted juice into a popsicle container, place the sticks in and then into the freezer...Great on hot summer days to suck on a frozen fruit popsicle...my friend's kids luv 'em!:yum Especially the mango or watermelon ones.

I also find the extractor great for vegetable juices if wanting to add to sauces or a vegetable consume.

But I do use the blender most...great for pesto, veggie soups or throwing together vegs for a salad dressing or a rich, thick sauce, or preparing tasty toppings for toasted breads or finely crushing nuts for a flourless torte dessert...list goes on for uses with either a juice extractor or blender.

Shame you haven't taken advantage of its many uses:confused Much cheaper and tastier than bought fruit and/or veg juices too.

 

My blender is mostly used for smoothies, however it also gets occasional use for Midnight Margaritas and the occasional wine slushie

IT sat in the cabinet for a couple years before it got any use, but now it gets used on a regular basis.

@ Dy... remember, no one can tell you how to live your life, if you live it with confidence, no one will stop you. As my otyher half is so fond of saying, "I'm not conceited, I'm convinced!" And it's true.

~C

 

Will you come cook for me :drool

 

roflmao
Next time I'm on your side of the world, expect a knock on your door if I'm near your area

 

You are in shape... round is a shape!

 

I went from 350 to 250 in about a year by eliminating nearly all extra sugar from my diet, and exercising 3 times a week for 20 minutes.