Recently, I took stock of my physical condition, and realized that, at 30, I am lazy, overweight and severely out-of-shape. So, I decided to do something about it. I decided, for the following reasons, that it was time to bite the bullet and get off my ass:
Last year, as many of you know, I decided to try rollerblading. I broke my leg the first time out, requiring two ortho surgeries. I never got proper rehab on my leg, leaving it way out-of-shape and less flexible, and I put on weight while recuperating.
My company sales meeting this January is in Maui, and I don’t want to go looking all flabby and unfit.
My company provides an allotment to all employees to use for physical fitness. It’s a benefit that I wasn’t taking advantage of, worth several hundred dollars a year to me.
So, last weekend, I got a membership at the local Gold’s Gym (fully covered by the aforementioned allotment). I’m meeting with a personal trainer on Saturday to develop a program which will meet my goals, which are mainly basic fitness training/cardio, some toning and weight loss, and regaining more flexibility in my bum leg.
I just completed my first full week of early-morning workouts. Every morning this week, I’ve arisen at 5:00 a.m., gone to the gym, worked out, and showered before getting ready for work. A little treadmill on most days, some work on the Nautilus/Life Tech machines on others.
Anybody else jumping into the fray? Let’s get a little support for each other going here. Getting up that early and committing to something like this is tough work, so come on, Dopers–let’s give each other some encouragement!
Yup, you’ve heard it (and some of you will see it): Coldy could lose some kilos, especially in the stomach area. I’ve been putting off starting a decently scheduled workout (my office just opened a gym as well), but this moment sounds about right.
looks around suspiciously
[sub]Plus, the girlfriend has been complaining about it. In no uncertain terms. She also mentioned that my physical appearance is starting to, well, turn her off somewhat. Time to change that, dammit.[/sub]
I’m with you Phil. But I’m not getting up at 5 am.
I, likewise, have been getting up at 5:00 am and working out. Mine involves a 45 minute step aerobic routine (currently Susan Powder’s tape). Last year working out to several different videotapes and getting my eating habits in check (upping veggie intake, reducing carbs, my weakest weakness–or is that strongest weakness?), I dropped some pounds and several inches. PLD and I jumped on the wagon together this time, which should help things for both of us.
So, I’m in too! (I thought of starting a thread like this, but hesitated…good job, Phil!)
Good going guys!
I would like to go to a club also and work out.
I don’t need to lose, I need to gain.
But working out is always good for you.
Do you believe in that powder stuff in the health food stores?
I’m with you. I’m a big guy, and I finally decided to start focusing on developing my physique. I’ve been working out 6 times a week for the past two months. I do it in 3 day stretches. First day is chest, triceps, and abs. Second is biceps and shoulders. Third day is back, legs, and abs again. This is followed by a one-day break, and then right back into it. All weight-lifting days are followed by 30 minutes of cardio.
It hurt really badly for a while, but I’m getting used to it, and it has been pretty effective. I’ve lost most of my fat, I can see my abs developing into a 6-pack, and I’ve increased over 50 pounds in bench press.
I decided to take the no-nonsense approach, and it’s working out pretty well.
I started my regieme about two weeks ago, but I’m willing to join the team. I’m going for half hour walks 4 days a week, resting one day and then walking 4 miles on the other two dasy. I have noticed a definite improvement to the muscle tone in my legs and I have a slightly smaller gut, too. I am hoping to combat my usual tendency to put on weight for hibernation.
Yours in Solidarity :Keith
Although my idea of getting in shape is probably different than yours (my current shape is “round”), I’ll jump on the bandwagon too. I should be exercising every day and I’d like to lose a little weight. I’ve already modified my eating habits considerably and if I throw some exercise into the mix I think it will be beneficial.
Yippee! This thread is just what I need. As we speak, I am eagerly awaiting delivery of my new exercise bike. I don’t need to lose much (no more than 10 pounds), but I need the motivation.
vanilla: I also use powdered, effervescent creatine. It helps you gain muscle mass very efficiently. I’m certainly not looking to be a musclebound freakazoid, but a little mass and definition are nice.
Also, make sure that you get lots of protein and water.
I used to be in great shape until I moved too far away from work to commute by bike anymore. Now I seem to add extra baggage with each passing season. Unfortunately, the only time I can make for working out will be by getting up at 5:00am like Phil. Looks like I’ll have to get to sleep earlier (no more Playstation at midnight).
Count me in, too. I’m not sure what my goal is - getting back into single digit jeans would be nice, as would not having to buy size large shirts not for my boobs but for my arms.
My kid starts school in a week and a half, and I can use the base gym for free. Peta, did you have any problems with being able to follow the step routines? I find that by the time I figure out what they are doing, they’ve moved on to something else. I wind up just sitting on the floor, wondering why my legs never move where my body tells them to.
Hey, Coldie, since we’re meeting in a month, how bout we make this into a wager? Just to make it interesting-like. Here are my stats:
I’m down with this. Psycat and I just started looking for a gym wednesday. We’ve both been bums for a while and decided to get rid of those extra lbs. I’d like to get up in the morning and do it. I used to ride my bike in the morning, but I could never do it for long, because I like to stay up late too much. Phil, what time do you guys usually go to bed?
I’m in! I even volunteer to be the SDMB IGISSG poster boy. I started the get in shape gig last year when I stopped smoking. This year (August) I started the dieting. Less food, less booze and now that turning into less pounds. My wife and I just got a couple of mountain bikes and the exercise portion is beginning.
I’m with you all the way pldennison. My goal was to loose 50 pounds by Christmas. I’ve got 35 to go.
Ooh. I want to get in on this, but darnit do I ever lack motivation.
Name: KimKatt
Age: 30
Weight: 145 lbs, 66 Kg
Target Weight: 130 lbs, 59 Kg
Target Date: Christmas
I have a treadmill at home, but I need to actually USE it for it to work, right? I need to lose a bit of weight, but mostly to get back into shape. I used to walk anywhere and everywhere.
Maybe this will help… having to report it somewhere.
Mr. Cynical, you do realize that you’re 6 inches taller than me, don’t you? Speaking of, how tall are you BoS and Coldie? 205 doesn’t seem too bad for a man…probably all y’all need is a little toning. And Coldie, I’ll bet ya Miss Fiery is just saying that because she loves you & doesn’t want you to have a heart attack at 37, and she knows that sex is the best way to motivate a man to do anything.
Sigh…I need the whole shebang. I’m 5 pounds heavier than I was the day before my son was born, ferchristsake!
Does anybody have any suggestions on weight training? I really need to tone up my upper arms & thighs. I’d settle for weighing 160 and not jiggling when I walk. I’m going to look into getting a personal trainer at the gym, at least for a few sessions, so I learn how to properly lift and not hurt myself. I just hope it’s not prohibitivly expensive.
Here are my stats: