Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

[Sloe Gin]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

Would seem to me that'd it be better to build up muscle since you are already fairly light... and if your playing hockey that'd be more helpful. IIRC, wasn't Quiz in her top training at some average height (5'6"ish?) and 160 pounds... I remember that because it was kinda freakish (no offense, Quiz) but if you are in shape and that's how the numbers line up then no big deal.

From Quiz: "when i was playing in college, i wouldn't have said that i was in great shape. i had my fat layers here and there and was definitely one of the slowest on my team. my stats were 5'9" and 175lbs (which no one ever believed ... until they ran into me).

but now, i look back on those days and realize how good of shape i actually was in ... particularly when i try to do any sort of plyometrics. ow. on the flip side, i'm a much stronger runner now and my lifting is arguably at the same level. so maybe now it's not that i'm necessarily in WORSE shape, just DIFFERENT shape as my sports and goals have changed."

Yeah, I completely agree. I'm way more interested in building muscle mass and losing fat than losing pounds. I don't care what I weigh, as long as I feel like I look good and am fit and healthy. It's just hard to get out of the sick mentality that most women grow up around where it is the number on the scale that matters. Even if you are thin and muscular, it is hard to tell people you are 5'-2" and 135 or 140.

I mean, I think guys grow up with it too, but it's a little different, especially if you are already skinny. All my brother wants to do is gain weight.

Quiz again: " ... if you do really care about just losing fat/not pounds, then don't post that you'd like to lose weight even though "oh well i don't care if i really do." it's one or the other. you can lose the belly fat and not drop a **** pound due to the way muscle works.

just be healthy and look healthy for what your body shape is. at 5'9", all the charts say i should weigh around 140lbs. however, if i actually got down to that, you'd think i was anorexic, because it would look THAT BAD on my frame.

i'm okay with the 165ish i'm at right now. i'd be happier if it were a leaner, fitter 165 (or even 175 if i go back up again), though, as my body fat has gone up since college. oops."

 

[BUT09]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

Quiz again: " ... if you do really care about just losing fat/not pounds, then don't post that you'd like to lose weight even though "oh well i don't care if i really do." it's one or the other. you can lose the belly fat and not drop a **** pound due to the way muscle works.

Valid point. You're right. However, I think I'd be lying to myself if I said the number didn't matter to me at all. I'd really like for it not to matter - I really don't want to care what I weigh - it IS losing the fat and not the pounds that matters, but I have a hard time telling myself that, which is probably why I came off sounding like an idiot.

 

[alfablue]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

Different goals for 2010 than in past years....

For 2010.

Finish a half marathon under 2:00.

Finish a Marathon.

That's it.

Some side things to go with above:

Drop another 10lb to make the first goal more possible.

Finish the marathon under 4:20. I have no dellusions on qualifying for Boston, but I'm going to do what I can to make Mrs Alfa qualify.


As for the muscle mass thing- muscle requires more energy to exist than other cells. More of them means burning more calories just to exist. If you have enough muscle mass, then go for tone. I agree than personal trainers are not required, but you do need a plan, and if you can have a buddy or a class- peer pressure will make sure you stick to the plan.

Me? I'm pretty happy with the workout I get with my running group + Jazzercise. Weights are not very high, but tone is getting there.

 

[BUT09]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

I signed up to do a stair climb in February - walking, since I've never done one before and have no idea how hard it is. I hate running on the flat, so I thought this might be a bit more interesting and challenging. Anyone ever done one and have advice on training? It's 58 flights of stairs (29 floors).

 

[nmupiccdiva]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

OK, I'm on board here, because I need people to get on my case and motivate me.

Goals for 2010:
1. Drop the 5 of the 10 pounds I've gained since graduation.

2. Find a way to fit consistent workouts in to my schedule.

3. Prepare more meals at home and eat out less.

4. Cut back on caffeine.

5. Run my first half marathon (which one TBD--shooting for the fall)

 

[bottomdweller]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

I've started out the new year eating a whole bunch healthier than I have in the past 6 months. I've started eating smaller, more consistent meals full of veggies, whole grains, and no soda. Adding more fish to the diet (salmon, mussels, etc.)

I don't have a specific weight loss goal that I'm looking for, because I want to add muscle mass. If I weren't looking to add the muscle mass, then I'd say I'd want to lose around 50-60lbs. Currently at approximately 305 and would like to be around 250-260 come this time next year.

Now, in order to do this I plan the following:

- 4 days of cardio/week (most of which will come from the p90x cardio workouts and the heavy bag I have in the basement)
- 3 days of strength training (one day of strength will also include cardio so I have one day to rest)
- I estimate I was taking in approximately 4000 or so calories a day (hard to say because a lot of it was take out... I'm a sucker for Chinese food), so I want to drop that to around 2000-2500.
- As I start to shed some pounds, I might be able to start running. As it goes right now, my feet are horrible shock absorbers so the force of my weight will not do me any good.
- I want to get a gym mat for my basement along with a medicine ball to work on my core (help with my lower back issues)
- Set monthly goals to lead up to the big one. Seeing results each month I think will keep me motivated.

My wife is looking to shed some pounds and be more fit so we have each other to work off of, so I'm hopeful.

 

[Hammer]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

Warning: much like the other 17,000+ posts I've racked up over the last decade, this will likely be boring.

Due partially to what I found out will be a lifelong stomach ailment (that is not overly serious and certainly not life-threatening) I dropped 15-20 pounds in the first two months of 2009. For the most part I kept that weight off for the year, although it has started to creep up a little bit over the last couple months. I just got off the scale at 187. I'd like to keep it between 180-185.

Now it's a matter of working with what I have and taking reasonably decent care of myself. I bought a cheap golf membership at a local muni, where I can carry my clubs when I go. I'd like to be able to walk 18 holes like I used to when I got out of college and weighed 165. Between that, my bike, and my Bowflex weights, I've got the tools to do what I want to do. It's just a matter of getting in the habit of doing so and not keep putting it off.

 

[Patman]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

- I estimate I was taking in approximately 4000 or so calories a day (hard to say because a lot of it was take out... I'm a sucker for Chinese food), so I want to drop that to around 2000-2500.

Not that I can say I've ever been a paragon of virtue... 2000-2500 is good but its hard because 2000 is easy to hit without trying... even when appearing to be responsible (small but not insignficant breakfast, standard lunch, standard dinner). IMO, i think the biggest calorie hit is any and all of the in betweens... I learned my bad habits from my father... pretzels, chips, Cheez-Its, cookies... if its in the house its to be eaten. Cutting those out on their own can be a significant thing. The only things I keep around (unless I get a craving for something) is fruits and low-fat yogurts.

- As I start to shed some pounds, I might be able to start running. As it goes right now, my feet are horrible shock absorbers so the force of my weight will not do me any good.

My weak point is my ankles (feet as well) as I'm flat-footed (and wearing the wrong shoes)... I don't know if you want to go this way but I plan on using a bike starting this spring... the downside is that you don't get the full aerobic work out that running does but on the other hand you can cover more interesting and varied ground and you can work longer.

I do run as well but i alternate between elliptical, treadmill, and stationary bike at the gym... but I know how it is to know your legs can go further but the ankles and feet won't take you further.

----

I'm transitioning to more weight-lifting type of regimen that one of the guys at work uses. Emphasis on a few basic exercises... bench press, military (shoulder) press, squats, and deadlifts... I'm too heavy for any arm related type of things on this theme... so far so good. I'm feeling better... if its not a new way to completely do things its definitely useful to transition between. I'll do this for at least a few months to see how well its helping me. Soon enough it'll be spring... I wonder how I'll fit bike use into my routine.

 

[nmu_27]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

5. Run my first half marathon (which one TBD--shooting for the fall)

I know it's certainly not your favorite place, but the Soo just announced a 10K, half-marathon, marathon event for September.

http://www.sooeveningnews.com/news/x1107768414/On-your-mark-get-set

 

[alfablue]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

I know it's certainly not your favorite place, but the Soo just announced a 10K, half-marathon, marathon event for September.

http://www.sooeveningnews.com/news/x1107768414/On-your-mark-get-set

Wow, I was going to suggest a lot longer event away- both Grand Rapids and Detroit have a Marathon in September. The Soo event seems pretty cool.

BTW, I'll suggest again that if you are considering just using your basement workout machine for cardio- please also consider some type of group activity. Peer pressure is a good way to keep you going- that thing in the basement will get old after a while, especially since it's not all that much fun to be with.

Running may be painful, but since I do it with a group, I'm now enjoying it quite a bit. I've also been doing aerobics for a LONG time in a class. Basketball, vollyball, hockey, spinning, running- it really doesn't matter what the activity is, just do yourself a favor and do it with a group. If your friends are not willing, then time to ADD to your friends list (not replace). I've got a lot of new running friends now. If running is a thing- your local running store probably organizes some group....

 

[Sloe Gin]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

if any of you are interested in a roadtrip, Quiz and I are doing the Las Vegas 1/2 marathon in December. After completing an Olympic triathlon in August, that should give us the time we need to train. Anybody want to join us?

 

[wolverineTrumpet]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

Well, my 2009 goal was to stop gaining weight. I failed. I did ok for the first few months. The last 4 months were awful though. Made too many excuses.

On to 2010 where I will make a plan, and stick to it. Will lose 25 pounds by August. And will stop procrastinating and making up pathetic excuses.

Need to find and structure time for working out. Make a schedule and stick to it, no more excuses/procrastination. Plan to start with routine I was doing in high school and build from there. Try and find a basketball league to play in, so that at least once a week I’m having enough fun to not even notice the exercising.

No more fast food. The frequency with which I eat fast food is disgusting. Let’s just say 1/3 of my diet should not be fast food…..and 1/3 of it shouldn’t be junk food either.
Pack healthy snacks and lunches for work. Find healthy breakfast food to keep at bf's. This should help avoid fast food and vending machine.

Find a way to utilize boyfriend as support, not an excuse. Visited his gym and worked out with his trainer once last year, but didn’t like it there. He’s talking about looking for a different gym as he is getting overcharged. Would like to find a gym that we’d both like. Need to find active dates instead of sitting around and watching movies. Starting next week we’re going to plan out healthy meals together. Hopefully planning the week’s meals will cut back on giving into whatever food cravings/impulses I have each night.

Add to plan as I learn more. Structure some goals (weight, or preferably fitness level) and rewards to motivate myself.

 

[alfablue]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

Find a way to utilize boyfriend as support, not an excuse. Visited his gym and worked out with his trainer once last year, but didn’t like it there. He’s talking about looking for a different gym as he is getting overcharged. Would like to find a gym that we’d both like.

Apparently, you can use the UM Fitness Center- but you do have to join. http://www.recsports.umich.edu/members/eligibility.html


Not sure what that gets, but it's pretty cool to be able to use the facilities in town.

Other than that, there are a lot of choices in Ann Arbor, of which I know nothing about any of them (other than a few locations...).

Oh, and there is always running...

 

[melmac]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

I'm starting small and working my way from there. And not all of my changes are going to necessarily be for weight loss, but for overall health and well being. Thankfully, I don't get sick much, but the rest of my life is kind of out of whack.

I do need to get back to the gym. I lost my motivation over the summer. Time to start packing the bag at night again.

Anyway, I'm trying out small weekly changes. This week is sort of a two-fold change: No more pop/caffeine and drinking more water. I've been slacking on the water bit lately. They reconfigured the office back in October and took out the water cooler that was right around the corner from my area. The only one left is on the other side of the office. This will force me to get up and walk over there to get my water. I've got a 32 oz. bottle that I fill with ice and water. I'm trying for the two I'm supposed to have plus one more.

Next week I think I'm going to focus on taking my vitamins every day. Sounds kind of stupid, but my doctor wants me to take 2000 IU of vitamin D with food daily plus she suggested taking a multi-vitamin. If I could take them with the anti-baby pill, that'd be great, but I take that one early in the morning as part of my routine. I just need to get into the habit of taking the vitamins. I'm thinking lunch might work.

I'm making other changes as I go, as well, but really focusing in on some of them so that they become permanent.

 

[ScottM]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

Hmm my goals for 2010 ...

1. Continue to rehab my knee/leg since I did not opt for ACL surgery. It's going pretty well, and I can definitely feel and see a difference in muscle tone and core/lower body strength. Plus my butt's firmer too ...

2. Integrate more stretching and flexibility exercises into my routines. It's amazing how tightened muscle groups can impact other workouts.

3. Lose about 10-15 lbs. I think eating at home more will help, but it's sometimes too easy to stop at a restaurant or get takeout at the end of the day.

4. Reduce my booze intake. It's amazing how those empty calories can add up and blunt my progress.

5. Start back with yoga at some point. I'm not a fanatic about it, like the GF, but I enjoy it and need to fit it in 1-2 times a week.

 

[bottomdweller]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

Anyone know how to prevent or treat shin splints?

 

[Patman]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

Doctor says I'm down another 7 pounds for a total of 16 (in 2 months)... gym scale says I'm only down 8 (in 2 months)... not sure what to make of it (yes, to those who say, its progress regardless... the gym has me down 1 pound for the month and there's a hell of a difference between 8 pounds a month including December where I wasn't exactly a good boy and 4 pounds a month.)

So yeah, I suppose we'll see how I am in another month or two.

 

[goldy_331]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

Next week I think I'm going to focus on taking my vitamins every day. Sounds kind of stupid, but my doctor wants me to take 2000 IU of vitamin D with food daily plus she suggested taking a multi-vitamin. If I could take them with the anti-baby pill, that'd be great, but I take that one early in the morning as part of my routine. I just need to get into the habit of taking the vitamins. I'm thinking lunch might work.

EAT BREAKFAST!!!!!!!! Most important single change you can make. And take your vitamins then.

 

[melmac]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

EAT BREAKFAST!!!!!!!! Most important single change you can make. And take your vitamins then.

I do eat breakfast! However, it's at work and I don't always get a chance to sit down to do it; mornings are my busiest time of the day. Which is why lunch is a better option. I get to sit, catch up here, and can better remember to do it.

Oh, and I made it to the gym last night and am going again tonight.

 

[wolverineTrumpet]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010: Whatever it takes

EAT BREAKFAST!!!!!!!! Most important single change you can make.

This is what everyone says but I'm starting to think I should go back to skipping breakfast. I started eating breakfast the last few months I was in high school (summary of why: think I had mono, had been fainting, was told to eat breakfast including some protein every morning). I'm typically forcing myself to eat something because I hear breakfast is important.

When I eat breakfast it seems to increase my appetite and gets me into my worst habit of eating because it's a certain time, or there is food available rather than eating because I am actually hungry.

I think one of my big goals this year should be to re-teach myself to eat when I'm hungry and stop when I'm full (or slightly before I feel full).