# I have about 40 days to get into beach shape. How? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 14, 2012, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-about-40-days-to-get-into-beach-shape-how/621879 "2012-05-14T13:14:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Hampshire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hampshire/32/4887_2.png) [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2012, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-about-40-days-to-get-into-beach-shape-how/621879/21 "2012-05-14T16:13:13Z")
> [@Agent\_Foxtrot](#): > > I don’t need to look like a weightlifter. I’m only looking to not have my gut hang over my swim trunks. Sadly, that’s the last place the weight will come off. I’m 6’1" and weighed 238 a few years back. I dieted and excercised myself down to 197 and STILL have that little belly that likes to hang over the belt. ---
**Author:** ![Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a183cd/32.png) [@Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barkis_is_Willin)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2012, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-about-40-days-to-get-into-beach-shape-how/621879/22 "2012-05-14T16:13:39Z")
Yeah, if you have the time, maybe try P90X or Intensity or something. You won’t quite get half way through P90X, but most of the photos of people doing it show decent change in just half the time. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2012, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-about-40-days-to-get-into-beach-shape-how/621879/23 "2012-05-14T16:13:43Z")
While exercise is an important part of any plan to get in shape, you get much better and quicker weight loss by modifying your diet. Educate yourself on portion size, good snacking, and meal planning. Can you post your typical daily food intake? ---
**Author:** ![Nawth\_Chucka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/c57346/32.png) [@Nawth\_Chucka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nawth_Chucka)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2012, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-about-40-days-to-get-into-beach-shape-how/621879/24 "2012-05-14T16:14:09Z")
> [@Agent\_Foxtrot](#): > > I appreciate all the comments so far, but maybe I could’ve been clearer in my OP. > > I’m not looking to get in tip-top shape in 40 days. I’m looking to look _better_ in 40 days. I could care less right now about strength, endurance, etc. This is a cosmetic thing more than anything else. **I don’t need to look like a weightlifter. I’m only looking to not have my gut hang over my swim trunks.** > > The long-term stuff can come later. The hateful thing about JUST losing weight w/ no other regimen in place is that you’ll have no control over where on your body the change will appear. It won’t even necessarily be the same area of your body that changed the last time you lost significant weight. Only surgery will guarantee that. And my usual quip here is, round is a shape. Good luck to you and try to have fun no matter if you have to wear a shirt on the beach or not. ---
**Author:** ![Agent\_Foxtrot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9fc29f/32.png) [@Agent\_Foxtrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agent_Foxtrot)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2012, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-about-40-days-to-get-into-beach-shape-how/621879/25 "2012-05-14T17:00:38Z")
> [@Telemark](#): > > While exercise is an important part of any plan to get in shape, you get much better and quicker weight loss by modifying your diet. Educate yourself on portion size, good snacking, and meal planning. > > Can you post your typical daily food intake? There’s really nothing typical about my daily food intake. On some days, it’ll be two hard-boiled eggs and some fruit for breakfast, a salad with Italian dressing for lunch, and broiled fish with sauteed vegetables for dinner. On others, it’ll be two Egg McMuffins and hash browns for breakfast, a pulled pork BBQ sandwich and fries for lunch followed by a candy bar, and Chinese delivery for dinner. I try to eat well every day, but oftentimes I fail due to time restrictions and, admittedly, lack of willpower. I don’t handle lack of variety well and am completely addicted to carbs. ---
**Author:** ![Sicks\_Ate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/258eb7/32.png) [@Sicks\_Ate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sicks_Ate)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2012, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-about-40-days-to-get-into-beach-shape-how/621879/26 "2012-05-14T17:03:45Z")
Do you have the willpower to exercise for 90 minutes a day, every day, for the next 40 days? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Agent\_Foxtrot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9fc29f/32.png) [@Agent\_Foxtrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agent_Foxtrot)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2012, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-about-40-days-to-get-into-beach-shape-how/621879/27 "2012-05-14T17:06:03Z")
> [@Sicks\_Ate](#): > > Do you have the willpower to exercise for 90 minutes a day, every day, for the next 40 days? 😃 God, I hope so. I need to start somewhere. ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2012, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-about-40-days-to-get-into-beach-shape-how/621879/28 "2012-05-14T17:51:41Z")
I’m telling ya, I’ve lost almost 25 pounds on Weight Watchers and I didn’t find it difficult at all once I learned to keep low-points snacks around. The vending machine is what used to get me. I do the online version; no meetings to attend. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2012, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-about-40-days-to-get-into-beach-shape-how/621879/29 "2012-05-14T18:07:22Z")
It’s been my experience that quick weight loss = loose skin, which is really far less aethestically pleasing than tight skin on an overweight person. For the best overall change in appearance you want to concentrate on increasing your muscle mass. This will have a natural side-effect of gentle slimming. But you should really be looking at the body-building sites if you want to maximise the effect you can have in a short time. Just be aware that we are going to be here on June 25th to remind you to switch to a healthy-life-style priority based regimen. P.S. What’s her name? and are you even certain she’s going to be there? ;-D ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2012, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-about-40-days-to-get-into-beach-shape-how/621879/30 "2012-05-14T18:15:23Z")
> [@Agent\_Foxtrot](#): > > I appreciate all the comments so far, but maybe I could’ve been clearer in my OP. > > I’m not looking to get in tip-top shape in 40 days. I’m looking to look _better_ in 40 days. I could care less right now about strength, endurance, etc. This is a cosmetic thing more than anything else. I don’t need to look like a weightlifter. I’m only looking to not have my gut hang over my swim trunks. > > The long-term stuff can come later. With all due respect, I don’t think you’re going to receive much useful or quality advice if all you’re looking at is the short-term. ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2012, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-about-40-days-to-get-into-beach-shape-how/621879/31 "2012-05-14T18:15:30Z")
> [@MsWhatsit](#): > > I will point out that your rate of actual weight loss may be somewhat slowed by increasing your physical activity if the activity is building muscle. I discovered this when I started running. THAT SAID, your goal is to look better, not to lose weight per se. So I would definitely do the physical activity, as that will help you look more toned and healthy, even if the scale doesn’t move as quickly. > > This is all just IMO, I’m not an expert, etc. This is a good point–for a fair amount of the time you spend getting into better shape, you’re going to be moving weight around, not necessarily losing it. Your body will give up some of the penalty weight around the waist and move it into your legs as muscle, so although your legs will not look much slimmer, your waist will. I’ve known people who started exercising to lose weight and got into better shape, and looked better, but got pissed off because they _gained_ weight. ---
**Author:** ![filmore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7993a0/32.png) [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2012, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-about-40-days-to-get-into-beach-shape-how/621879/32 "2012-05-14T18:16:48Z")
For exercise, I would highly recommend working out in group classes. They are offered at gyms, the YMCA, and many other studios. It is so much easier to do an hour workout in a group setting than on your own, especially as a beginner. A group class will offer structure, motivation, instruction, and you can ask questions of the instructor. Most classes last an hour and provide a high level of exertion. You may find it difficult to burn a similar number of calories by just working out on your own. When you’re starting any exercise, START SLOW! As a beginner, you will likely have some soreness the next day. Ideally you would be just a little bit sore the next day and it would quickly fade. If you work out too hard too soon, you will be very sore for the next 3-4 days and it will limit how much exercise you do. So start out really slow. If you feel little or no soreness the next day, workout a little harder. Eventually your body will adapt to the workout and you won’t experience any soreness. The other reason to start slow is to avoid injury. An injury can take weeks to heal. By starting slow, you’ll make sure your muscles have time to adapt and will be strong enough to do the exercises. I would recommend a class which incorporates weights as part of the workout–something like [Body Pump](http://w3.lesmills.com/midwest/en/classes/bodypump/). You get the benefits of both an aerobic and weight workout in a single class. It will help build and firm up your muscles while melting fat. You can see if they have Body Pump classes near you, or many gyms offer similar classes which incorporate weights. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2012, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-about-40-days-to-get-into-beach-shape-how/621879/33 "2012-05-14T18:58:01Z")
> [@Agent\_Foxtrot](#): > > I try to eat well every day, but oftentimes I fail due to time restrictions and, admittedly, lack of willpower. I don’t handle lack of variety well and am completely addicted to carbs. Write down what you eat, every day, for a week. Be brutally honest, then add up all the calories. You’ll probably find that you’re underestimating how poorly you are eating. Do you cook your own meals or eat out? If the former, measure the ingredients so you know how big your portions are. If the latter, ask for menu modifications (no butter, dry, on the side) and look up the nutritional information before you get to the restaurant. If you’re not planning on making changes in your lifestyle then the answer is just cut back dramatically on your food intake and you’ll lose weight. That’ll be far quicker and more effective than attempting a big exercise program that will get you injured and unable to exercise. If you want to make some long term changes in your life try Weight Watchers and develop a realistic exercise program, and don’t focus on the event 40 days from now. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2012, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-about-40-days-to-get-into-beach-shape-how/621879/34 "2012-05-14T19:04:31Z")
P90X and smoothies. If you’re dedicated, you can get pretty far. ---
**Author:** ![Sleeps\_With\_Butterflies](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@Sleeps\_With\_Butterflies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sleeps_With_Butterflies)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2012, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-about-40-days-to-get-into-beach-shape-how/621879/35 "2012-05-14T19:16:50Z")
> [@Agent\_Foxtrot](#): > > I appreciate all the comments so far, but maybe I could’ve been clearer in my OP. > > I’m not looking to get in tip-top shape in 40 days. I’m looking to look _better_ in 40 days. I could care less right now about strength, endurance, etc. This is a cosmetic thing more than anything else. I don’t need to look like a weightlifter. I’m only looking to not have my gut hang over my swim trunks. > > The long-term stuff can come later. I think the confusing part was where you said beach shape. Beach shape in 40 days isn’t going to be possible when you’re looking at close to 60 pounds to lose. You say you want it for a cosmetic thing more than anything else, but why not just work on the long term? You’re in your early 30s. It’s only going to get worse. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2012, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-about-40-days-to-get-into-beach-shape-how/621879/36 "2012-05-14T19:49:37Z")
> [@shantih](#): > > Look up the South Beach diet. It focuses on good carbs and good fats and sharply limits processed food. The first phase gets you off to a quick start, and the next puts you on a more sustainable track that should show steady, noticeable results. > > I would never recommend a fad diet, but I found the South Beach diet easy to stick to and I never felt shaky on it. In fact, I felt stronger than I had in years. > > Anyway, just a thought. Yep. I found myself about 25 pounds more than I wanted to be a few years back, just due to being lazy and neglecting my exercise. I did the SB diet and ran or biked at least 1-2 hrs, 4x a week. I had set a target of 3 months to lose the weight, and it was gone in 30 days. Stayed off, too, but I’ve been good about exercising. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2012, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-about-40-days-to-get-into-beach-shape-how/621879/37 "2012-05-14T21:08:59Z")
> [@Zsofia](#): > > I’m telling ya, I’ve lost almost 25 pounds on Weight Watchers and I didn’t find it difficult at all once I learned to keep low-points snacks around. The vending machine is what used to get me. I do the online version; no meetings to attend. I dropped about 14 pounds on WW in the first six weeks. I couldn’t tell you the exact distribution of it but I can say I went from a 38 waist to a comfortable 36 and my belt is notched two holes tighter than it used to be. In fact, on the third hole, I can see signs of the leather wrinkling to I’m guessing I was on that hole when I started. Everyone says it’s easier to start as a guy and I guess maybe it was. I’m really bad about tracking my points but cut out the sweet snacks, became more cognizant of how bad a Quarter-Pounder and medium fries can be and switched to diet sodas and non-sugar sweeteners in my coffee. Now that the weather is nice, I found a nature preserve near my workplace where I can walk the mile trail daily over lunch. I feel a little bad when they mention the weight I’ve lost because it’s not as though I have any great words of advice. I expect I’m going to have to start trying harder soon (hence the mile walks now five days a week). ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2012, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-about-40-days-to-get-into-beach-shape-how/621879/38 "2012-05-14T21:16:12Z")
> [@Agent\_Foxtrot](#): > > Wow, I didn’t realize it was so much closer than that. My apologies, **Crafter\_Man**. > > So even if I run two miles and do 50 crunches a day every day until June 24th, it’ll have no noticeable effect? 50? Hell no. I lost 14 pounds and 3" off my waist in 6 weeks, but that was working out an hour a day every other day _and_ doing a minimum of 200 crunches every day (plus trading 75% of my white carbs for fruits & veggies). You’re a guy so it might go faster for you, but you need to set your exercise goals much higher if you want noticable - realistically in the look better rather than look completely fit range - results. ---
**Author:** ![randomface](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/5fc32e/32.png) [@randomface](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/randomface)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2012, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-about-40-days-to-get-into-beach-shape-how/621879/39 "2012-05-14T21:19:31Z")
I lost about 15 lb my first month of eating a ketogenic diet (for a simplified explanation, think Atkins induction phase but keep going on it). It’s pretty simple and after the first two weeks isn’t hard to stick to. I started at New Years and am down 41 lb, although lately I’ve been slacking and cheating too much to maintain a decent pace at weight loss. A good board I’ve seen for discussion about it seems to be [http://www.reddit.com/r/keto](http://www.reddit.com/r/keto) ---
**Author:** ![Agent\_Foxtrot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9fc29f/32.png) [@Agent\_Foxtrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agent_Foxtrot)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2012, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-about-40-days-to-get-into-beach-shape-how/621879/40 "2012-05-16T18:38:27Z")
Beach shape is now the least of my worries. I had a check-up a few weeks back and was told that some chemical in my liver was elevated. It wasn’t terribly worrisome to my doc, who gave me the option to have a liver ultrasound. I took it today just to be safe and they found significant fatty deposits in my liver, enough to make the ultrasound difficult to perform. This is a serious problem. I now have to cut 40-50 lbs. of weight immediately and bring my alcohol intake down to 1-2 drinks per week or face possible long-term liver disease. Shit. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-about-40-days-to-get-into-beach-shape-how/621879.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-about-40-days-to-get-into-beach-shape-how/621879.md?page=3)