Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

[MissThundercat]

Well, it's 2011. Fitness goals for this year include:

1. Maintaining a healthy weight of 170.

2. Remembering "everything in moderation" including moderation.

3. Lift weights.

4. To eat dessert without freaking out.

5. To break 2:45:00 in the Fifth-Third 25K and 4:45:00 in the Chicago Marathon.

And this morning, I'm running the Sgt. Preston 6 mile.

[unh_hockey]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

Sort of tailed off towards the end of the year, but still managed to do crossfit a few times a week. 2011 needs to be a more consistent effort on my end, but I am healthy enough not to really worry about slipping too far. No resolutions here except to maybe go to the gym more frequently.

[Sloe Gin]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

1. Complete 70.3 Boulder 1/2 Ironman
2. Continue to improve in triathlon
3. More time on the bike
4. Crack a 10:00 pace in the Denver 1/2 Marathon
5. Train harder, longer, smarter
6. More yoga
7. Weigh 175 for the wedding (I'm at 184 right now)

[Patman]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

Goals for the year:

1) Lose all the weight on my body... yes, this is hyperbole. I've decided that I've had enough. I'm done with the extras, the candy, alcohol, etc. There are two ends on this... one is that my health isn't getting better in the sense that I still have high BP and that I've picked up a nagging standing related injury that I was never able to get to heal because I have to walk everywhere. This is my own fault, I probably need to see a specialist about it... I don't want to... it only bothers me if I've been standing a lot and when I first get up in the morning... rather tight. [I will say, that as a whole, I believe I am healthier than I was this time last year.] The second end is that I am 29 (in 7 days) and I'm sure some of you have seen my ventings and flailings over the years. I'm sick of it, I'm sick of being 2nd best, I'm sick of being awkward, etc. I know that physical appearance is one aspect and I know that I will always be me... too smart for my own good, over analytic, shy, nervous, etc... BUT... a good physical appearance can neutralize a lot of these things because perceptions feed into reality. In a year I will be 30... there's a lot of things I thought I would have done by now... but then again there are things I never would have imagined (living in or in the shadow of a major city and lifting heavy weights as an example). It frustrates me to see the trash that we consider "men" succeed while I've had a hard time of things... for as much as you've seen of me in the political threads note that I am a good guy and most of my desire to impute my thoughts on things is either a desire to make things better or to protect people and my short temper Nevertheless, I need to be the person I know I can be... while I may not be done being single... too many factors that can't be changed in a year, I'm done being this big. I can control that or else I will never have control over that. The only issue with this goal is that I've picked up an interest in brewing beer because it sounds like fun and not everybody has done it... that won't help with my goals for sure. Generally, I have to diet on "strict rules" because I know I am a person who can give into weakness. I don't have anybody present in my life who is going to moderate or "provide strength" in this so I need to keep things fairly strict. On the other hand, I'm not going nuts on the dieting. The current plan is two meals supplemented by protein powder and fruits. Yes, I know it should be three, but I've never been one to have time to get breakfast together. I will have protein powder available to supplement. I don't intend on crash dieting... I think my current plan can work but we'll see. I'm a competitive person and I hate coming in last. I'm done with that. I think this plan can work because I'm just cutting out the junk but not trying to starve myself.

So... that long paragraph out of the way.

2) Keep working towards 2/3/4/500... this would be press, bench press, squat, and deadlift respectively. I think these are reasonable general goals that are unlikely to materialize in the coming year, but I think i can get in striking distance for squat... we'll see what the rest will yield. Now, I will be on a massive, year-long cut... I understand this. The materials I've read claim that you can usually keep making gains on a limited diet to around 220 or so... i currently weigh 285. So, I can keep making gains congruent with my ability to recover etc.... technically this is always true, but my recovery is more or less "normal" given my body has fat it can siphon. I would like the power movements to get better, back stronger, grip better.... I will say, the last year and strength training has been an interesting adventure. I will be pursuing this further because I think its helpful... I just have to trust in the ability to progress. The current "long term plan" is to get to be seriously strong... 2/3/4/500 is a good benchmark... once I hit those I plan to train for size... not so much body building but 10+ rep movements to increase mass. The goal in that end is to impress others and not my own mirror.

3) Keep up with other activities as body and time permit. I have so many goals and so little time. Currently I have two rec leagues but since my time is restricted without a car (groceries and errands take longer) its hard to find time to get everything done. I still want to pursue a non-physical goal (improv comedy)... one rec league will finish in March... the other is kinda rolling.

4) Keep my sanity. This is a non-physical issue but between time demands and work environment in order to meet my other goals I have to keep on task. Frustration in life leads to me eating stuff and having bad workouts... but I can only do what i can do... push ahead, persevere, get better.

[moose97]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

KISS:

My 2010 goal of losing weight achieved (70 lbs. for those that don't know), Here's what I've set for this year:

1) At least maintain, don't re-gain the weight lost.
2) Go to the gym! We, as a family, joined the Bemidji State rec center as a Christmas present to ourselves. Put that to good use.
3) Pick a sprint length triathlon this summer and do it.

I think I'm doing an okay job lately, but certainly haven't been as good lately as I was in the first maybe 8-9 months of the year with my diet. I need to get better about limiting snacking. That is really my downfall... But that's about it. Nothing grand, I don't think.

[alfablue]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

KISS:

Be able to run a half marathon whenever I want.

Secondary to loose some more weight.

If I can run a marathon once, I would be happy.

Tirtiary- full in under 9:00, half- faster than 8:51.

Run and race on vacations.

I'll be doing running and Jazzercise more, so that will contribute to the final goal.

[pardonme]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

Thinking about trying to do a half-iron on July 17th which might be a reach with me not really having done any training since october, but we'll see what happens over the next month or so of trying to get some base back. I've also been drinking way too much in December and have put back on half of the weight I had lost last year. As I train I'd like to get back below 165 again, maybe closer to 160. Also going to do a bike touring trip up to Montreal, although that won't take too much fitness b/c we'll probably only do 50-60 miles/day and can go pretty slow since we have all day.

[ScottM]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

Overall, I'm fairly pleased with my 2010. I lost about 30 lbs, came down a few pants sizes and feel much better. I'm probably going to try to drop another 10-15 or so. My physical was strong, and my Dr didn't even tell me to "lose 10-15 lbs and quit drinking."

Now for 2011, my GF/SO "suggested" that we do P90x together, as substitute for or supplement to what we normally do. She usually runs 15-20 miles a week, but she has an old knee injury that nags her at times. She wants a program that offers some variety and, as an RN, she can have a somewhat disjointed schedule so a trainer would probably be an issue for her. My sister and some friends swear by P90x, but I'm a bit dubious of infomercial products, even though I think the variety of programs could be worthwhile. Does anybody have any experience with P90x? I know we've discussed Crossfit, but can't recall if P90x came up. Thanks.

[unh_hockey]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

I hear that both programs are similar, but have not actually done p90x myself so I don't really know. It seems to me that most people looking for a long term solution opt for Crossfit, and those looking to 'get into it' are more willing to try p90x. I personally don't see the benefit of targeting ones routine to only last 3 months or so, but if thats what it takes for someone to get to the next level...give it a try.

[Patman]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

I hear that both programs are similar, but have not actually done p90x myself so I don't really know. It seems to me that most people looking for a long term solution opt for Crossfit, and those looking to 'get into it' are more willing to try p90x. I personally don't see the benefit of targeting ones routine to only last 3 months or so, but if thats what it takes for someone to get to the next level...give it a try.

Just looked at "P90X" on wiki... it looks rather silly... I think Crossfit tends to bring in those who are generally athletic and are commited enough to drive themselves to the limit. If it were me I'd go the Crossfit route but it depends upon what costs you are willing to accept (gym costs, I've seen the prices for some Crossfit gyms but I don't know how that would differ from P90X specialists).

Better question is "what are you doing", "what are you trying to do", and "what are you trying to incorporate"?

[melmac]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

I think I'm going to try not to die this year.

Two days after Christmas I found myself in the hospital with a DVT, a double pulmonary embolism, high BP, and an abnormal EKG. So, I've been ordered onto a cardiac diet - low fat/cholesterol/sodium. I imagine that'll help with some of the weight loss I need to achieve, and I'm hoping that I can soon be able to get active. I'm not doing anything without a doctor's approval. This is nothing I ever expected to have happen, especially at this age, but I'm going to embrace the changes I need to make - no matter that they're forced - and try to make the most of what life has thrown at me.

Life's an adventure, right?

[MissThundercat]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

I think I'm going to try not to die this year.

Two days after Christmas I found myself in the hospital with a DVT, a double pulmonary embolism, high BP, and an abnormal EKG. So, I've been ordered onto a cardiac diet - low fat/cholesterol/sodium. I imagine that'll help with some of the weight loss I need to achieve, and I'm hoping that I can soon be able to get active. I'm not doing anything without a doctor's approval. This is nothing I ever expected to have happen, especially at this age, but I'm going to embrace the changes I need to make - no matter that they're forced - and try to make the most of what life has thrown at me.

Life's an adventure, right?

Yep. You can still eat wonderfully while on a low-calorie diet, and as long as you stick with it, you'll be fine.

As for me, Saturday, I ran the Sgt. Preston 6 mile at Muskegon State Park. Cold and windy out, and I managed to run the course in 1:00:45 with a clock time of 1:00:53, a pace of 10:08/mile. Five minutes faster than last year!

[goldy_331]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

I think I'm going to try not to die this year.


Life's an adventure, right?

That's a good starting point!

[DisplacedCornellian]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

2010 was a pretty decent year for me, fitness wise. Dropped from ~290 to 225, lost 10 inches from my waist, and feel and look much, much better. TONS more energy. People ask me what diet I'm on, and get frustrated when I tell them I'm not on a diet. I'm exercising more and trying to eat more sensibly, but if I want steak or a cheeseburger, I'm going to have it! Still some work to be done...

Goals for 2011
1. Drop 20-25 more pounds. 200 is my target. +/- 5 pounds
2. Lift more weight! I've been consistently lifting 2-3 days per week, but haven't noticed much in the way of strength increases. Muscle size and definition are definitely better, though. Guess I should be pleased I've maintained despite losing a lot of weight.
3. Compete in an actual race. 5k, 10k, whatever. I need to do one!
4. Be happy with who I am.

[ScottM]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

I hear that both programs are similar, but have not actually done p90x myself so I don't really know. It seems to me that most people looking for a long term solution opt for Crossfit, and those looking to 'get into it' are more willing to try p90x. I personally don't see the benefit of targeting ones routine to only last 3 months or so, but if thats what it takes for someone to get to the next level...give it a try.

Talked to some of the more "reasonable" P90X and CrossFit-types I know, as well as perused some internet boards devoted to fitness, etc. I say "reasonable" because both schools seem to have their own zealots, sort of like religion. In any event, it seems like they come down to this: CrossFit seems to attract the more hardcore "athlete" types who are more active and competitive, and it seems to draw a lot of bodybuilder and MMA types. P90X seems to attract those who are interested in obtaining/maintaining a certain level of fitness and weight loss. The reasonable types tell me that I should be able to lose weight, gain muscle tone and flexibility with P90X, as well as get a decent cardio workout. There are a few "P90X certified" trainers around, but I have little use for somebody else's schedule. The closest CrossFit gym usually hits it at 5:00 AM, and I haven't done anything like that, that early, since I was in the army. Besides, since I haven't considered myself an "athlete" since I finally hung up my hockey skates and rugby cleats a few years ago. I'm not sure if I'll follow the p90X program to the letter, but it seems to leave some room for variety. My sister and a few others recycle different parts after the first 90 days. Besides, it's a DVD set, I doubt Tony Horton is going to show up and start yelling at me. But if he does, I'll let you know.