# The SDMB I'm-Getting-In-Shape Support Group **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [September 8, 2000, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-im-getting-in-shape-support-group/32495 "2000-09-08T14:35:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![pldennison](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/9fc29f/32.png) [@pldennison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pldennison)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2000, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-im-getting-in-shape-support-group/32495/21 "2000-09-08T15:54:19Z")
**Demo** : During the week, I usually get to bed between 10:30-11:00 p.m. Sometimes I’m up a little later. The first few days I **really** had to tell myself to get myself up and get moving, but this morning I really wasn’t tired at all once I was in the car and on the way. I didn’t even nod off on the Metro on the way to work. 😃 **KimKatt** : I’m there with you–motivation is the hardest part. I just got sick of having to buy new pants (I’ve gone from a 34" waist to a 38" in just a couple years) all the time, and seeing my flabby figure in the mirror. Since everyone else is posting their vital stats, I’ll do so as well: Age: 30 Height: 5’9" (1.75m) Current weight: 205 lbs. (92.25 kilos) Target weight: 180 lbs. (81 kilos) Target date: Jan. 1, 2001 ---
**Author:** ![Tymp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Tymp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tymp)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2000, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-im-getting-in-shape-support-group/32495/22 "2000-09-08T15:55:54Z")
Right on! I’m in. Name: Tymp Age: 23 Height: 1.91 m Weight: 75 kg Target: 85 kg I’ve been spending way too much time sitting here in the office. My body is softening and I don’t eat enough. Time to take action. Not sure what, exactly, I’ll do yet, but I will post my actions here. [sub]Psst! **Coldfire** , 1.86 m = 6 ft, 1 in.[sub] ---
**Author:** ![Spider\_Woman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/cdc98d/32.png) [@Spider\_Woman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spider_Woman)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2000, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-im-getting-in-shape-support-group/32495/23 "2000-09-08T16:03:05Z")
Since I was laid off from my long time job in March, I put on ☹ thirty ☹ pounds. Some of it I needed to gain because I had lost weight previously due to other stressors, but I would like to lose some of it again. Starting stats: Age: 46 Height: 5’ 7.25" Weight: 140 Target Weight: 125 I have been walking to and from my office tech class as often as possible, and that is about three miles one way. So far I haven’t come up with any other strategies. ---
**Author:** ![SaxFace](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@SaxFace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SaxFace)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2000, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-im-getting-in-shape-support-group/32495/24 "2000-09-08T16:05:32Z")
I’m in, too, but waaaaay ahead of you all. Just kidding, I feel I need some support as well - it’s an uphill battle. I started going to the gym (I walk there - it’s one mile away) at 6 am every morning about a month ago - 20 minutes on the Precor machine and 20 minutes of fast lap swimming. I’ve lost only about 10 pounds, but 2 whole inches of flab. I don’t look skinny, but I look “toned”. So, my current stats: Height: 5’8 1/2" Weight: 173 Goal Height: 6’0 (kidding) Goal Weight: 150 Will we be able to post before and after pictures, too? ---
**Author:** ![Tymp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Tymp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tymp)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2000, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-im-getting-in-shape-support-group/32495/25 "2000-09-08T16:17:47Z")
> [@](#): > > Will we be able to post before and after pictures, too? Wow. That would serve as serious motivation. Imagine having pictures of our out-of-shape, undisciplined butts all over the net until we can post pictures of ourselves that we like. Not a bad idea at all. ---
**Author:** ![psycat90](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7ea924/32.png) [@psycat90](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psycat90)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2000, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-im-getting-in-shape-support-group/32495/26 "2000-09-08T16:24:21Z")
Hell yes I am in. Demo already announced, but I just had to chime in. I’ve been going through my closet the past few days to check out my work-suits, there is not a single one in there that fits! I refuse to buy a whole new wardrobe, I will fit into those clothes again. I’m not gonna post my weight, but I will say that I am at least 40 lbs overweight, that is unbelievable. So, let’s do this thing!! Hon, we’re going for a walk this evening, be prepared! ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Cynical](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ee59a6/32.png) [@Mr.Cynical](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Cynical)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2000, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-im-getting-in-shape-support-group/32495/27 "2000-09-08T16:31:51Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Coldfire \* > \*\*Poor guy. With the Imperial measures, you seem: > > a) shorter, and: > b) heavier! > > That sort of thing needed to be avoided, right? > > Just thought I’d check that 😃 \*\* Well, it must be all the rippling muscles I barely hide beneath this protective layer of blubber 😃 Now shut up, or dinner tonight shall be “Dutchman Roasted On Spit Over Hickory Charcoal”. Tasteless, to be sure, but filling. 😉 And, for the record: 1.86 meter = 73.23 inch = 6’1.23" Nyaah. ---
**Author:** ![Sauron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce7236/32.png) [@Sauron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sauron)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2000, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-im-getting-in-shape-support-group/32495/28 "2000-09-08T16:53:00Z")
I’ve been working on my weight, as well. Last year, I finally reached my target of 185 after dropping 40 pounds in 14 months. Got divorced, and reverted back to all my slobbish ways. So now I’m at 205. I’m 6’1", 34 years old, and I can carry this weight, but I don’t like the little bicycle tire that has formed around my waist. I’m gonna get back down to 190 again, regardless. My main exercise is jogging. I hate it, but it’s cheap. Two miles every morning that I can make myself get up in time. ---
**Author:** ![robinh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b77776/32.png) [@robinh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robinh)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2000, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-im-getting-in-shape-support-group/32495/29 "2000-09-08T17:08:00Z")
**tatertot** wrote: _Does anybody have any suggestions on weight training?_ Buy or borrow the book _Strong Women Stay Slim_ by Miriam Nelson. Her first book, _Strong Women Stay Young_ deals with the research she did on reversing the effects of osteoperosis in elderly patients. She found that the regular use of light weights could actually increase bone mass. A side effect was that the increased muscle mass and decreased fat percentage caused these women to lose, in many cases, several dress sizes. The second book focuses more on getting back in shape. By the way, **tatertot** , I have almost exactly the same stats as you, except that I am 38 and I have 4 kids. Don’t be discouraged. It can be done. I was in better shape (and in a smaller dress size) in between my first 2 kids. I intend to get back there. I’ll be joining you shortly if this thread stays current. Right now, though, I’m nursing tendonitis in my foot. A word of advice: if your treadmill stalls, causing you to stop abruptly, do **not** continue for another mile and a half, _even though nothing actually hurts at the time_. Following a doctor visit yesterday, I am treating my injury “more agressively”-600mg ibuprofen 4 times daily, regular icing, and more rest. ---
**Author:** ![KimKatt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ac91a4/32.png) [@KimKatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KimKatt)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2000, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-im-getting-in-shape-support-group/32495/30 "2000-09-08T17:10:20Z")
Name: KimKatt Age: 30 Height: 5’3" Weight: 145 lbs, 66 Kg Target Weight: 130 lbs, 59 Kg Target Date: Christmas Just to add in the height. I’m not coherent enough in the morning to find my feet, let alone work out. I’m shooting for evenings and weekends. ---
**Author:** ![techchick68](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ea5d25/32.png) [@techchick68](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/techchick68)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2000, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-im-getting-in-shape-support-group/32495/31 "2000-09-08T17:10:30Z")
Well, I have started a similar thread over on the FFF, 'sposed I should revive it. Anyhow, for me, I am changing my eating habits and have yet to get off my ass and walk. I think I have a good route that should be about 4 miles but I am going to look into some places where my dog can be off the leash. My goal is to fit back into my size 4 jeans again. Age: 32 Hieght: 5’3" Wieght: over 130 lbs Target: Under 115 lbs I am not looking for weight so much as I am looking for inches as if I start any form of exercise (which I wont to weight training) I bulk out with a lot of muscle which in turn increases your weight. (you can do the metric conversions) ---
**Author:** ![divemaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/divemaster/32/78_2.png) [@divemaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/divemaster)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2000, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-im-getting-in-shape-support-group/32495/32 "2000-09-08T17:22:41Z")
I’ll join the support group. My agency has a fitness center in which I’ve been working out for about a year. I had made very good gains for the first 5 months, but then a lot of travel for business, and the death of my father, put me off my routine. So I’m pretty much back to where I started. My stats right now are exactly the same as phil’s, except that I’m an inch taller. **YOU MUST READ THE FOLLOWING TO KEEP MOTIVATED**. For most people, your metabolic set point is very stubborn and difficult to overcome. Many, many people see a trend like this (this actually happened to me during basic training, another time where I needed to lose a good amount of weight): First month–aerobic exercise every day; running, calisthenics, muscle work, etc… Net weight loss = 5 pounds. Next month–same exercises. Net weight loss of 35 pounds. Of course the actual amount will depend on starting size and other factors, but the point is, your body will fight you for longer than most people are motivated to continue. They give up when the make-or-break point is just around the corner. DON’T GIVE UP!!! For me, I remember five years ago when I was running 4 miles every day (under 28 minutes). I weighed 160; 33" waist; and could eat anything and everything I wanted. Now, at 205, I realize how much work I have ahead of me to get down to 34" pants. ---
**Author:** ![Girl\_Next\_Door](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/977dab/32.png) [@Girl\_Next\_Door](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Girl_Next_Door)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2000, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-im-getting-in-shape-support-group/32495/33 "2000-09-08T17:23:15Z")
The Girl Next Door is looking more like the Blob Next Door, and that just isn’t okay. My plan is self-designed, and is called the WXYZ plan: \*\*W: Water \*\*(64 oz. or more a day) **X: eXercise** (20 minutes or more of aerobic activity 4x week, and two weight lifting sessions per week) \*\*Y: Yoga \*\*(keeps me toned and is great for alleviating depression) **Z: the Zone**'Cause I am all about processed sugar and white flour and that has simply got to stop. So, we’ll see how it goes. I can usually do two of the four things at a time, I’m having trouble doing all four at once. -Leslie Top weight: 169 lbs. Currently: 166 lbs. Goal: 145 lbs. Reward: A Golden Retreiver Puppy when husband AND I hit our goal weights. (Yep, we both have to hit our goal before either of us gets our reward.) ---
**Author:** ![Peta\_Tzunami](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/b487fb/32.png) [@Peta\_Tzunami](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peta_Tzunami)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2000, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-im-getting-in-shape-support-group/32495/34 "2000-09-08T17:35:05Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by tatertot \* > Count me in, too. **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. Well, I’m kind of particular about the tapes I choose to use. If you asked PLD, he’d probably say I use the most annoying. “Sure, she’s got a perfectly good, unused Daisy Fuentes video, but does she use it? No. Now. And do you know why?” (Because its too frickin’ hard!) I use some Richard Simmons tapes and a Susan Powder tape. Now, some of Richard’s stuff is still difficult (to follow) and I tend to avoid those. I figure that its hard enough being motivated, why add the handicap of a tape you dread doing. Getting back to your question, Susan’s tape is extremely repetitive and she really stresses working at YOUR fitness level and modifying the exercise so you can to do it until you’ve built up the strength and cardio endurance (and coordination) to follow it exactly. I also don’t currently use the step part of it right now (I did some last year, but I’m just not to that level yet), which makes following it a little easier–no fear or falling off or misstepping. I also really like Richard’s video Tone-n-Sweat with the toning cord. It really does work well to build stronger, leaner muscles (or it did once). The other video of his that I have and use is my excuse buster kinda deal–its only 20 minutes long, and I try to tell myself “What’s 20 minutes? No biggy–I can blink 20 minutes away!” As far as getting up in the morning, one nice thing I’ve already noticed is it gets easier (for me) every morning and I’m less drowsy at work today than I was on Tuesday when we started. (I am usually up until 11:00 or midnight.) Guess I’ll 'fess up though I hate admitting it (these are the last figures – haven’t weighed myself in a couple months). Age: 30 Height: 5’3" Current Weight: 221 lbs (size 20) Goal: +/-5 lbs a month Long-term Goal: 135 lbs (size 10) / January 19, 2002 Short-term Goal: 195 lbs / January 19, 2001 ---
**Author:** ![Peta\_Tzunami](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/b487fb/32.png) [@Peta\_Tzunami](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peta_Tzunami)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2000, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-im-getting-in-shape-support-group/32495/35 "2000-09-08T17:41:46Z")
And that dreaded winter (cold weather) weight gain… PLD and I were discussing this morning, and I find my copy of a _Vegetarian Times_ article that discusses causes behind this phenomena and since its sort of relevant to the thread (especially given the time of year we’re all taking up this challenged), I thought I’d share it. > [@](#): > > _VEGETARIAN TIMES - DECEMBER 1999_ > **Nutrition Know-How** > by Jane Shiyen Chou > > Q1: I eat the same foods and exercise the same amount in the winter as I do the rest of the year, but somehow I always put on 5 pounds. What’ going on? Does my metabolism naturally show down in winter? > > A1: Bears hibernate in winter, but people do not. "There’s no data to support the idea that one’s metabolic rate automatically decreases in cold weather, says Kathy McManus, M.S., R.D., manager of clinical nutrition at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. What’s more likely is that you’re eating a little more and exercising a little less without realizing it. Most people spend more time indoors when the weather turns cold. So although you may be sticking to your regular workout schedule, you may also be spending your Sunday afternoons curled up on the sofa reading a book rather than puttering in the yard. And even if you’re diligent about eating healthful meals at home, it’s easy to overlook a few indulgences at holiday parties, including alcohol, and they do add up. > > “You should also ask yourself if you’re eating those same foods in the same form,” says Joseph Pizzorno, N.D., president of Bastyr University in Bothell, Washington. People tend to eat more raw foods in the summer and cooked foods in the winter. “While cooking doesn’t change the calorie count, it does make food easier to digest,” says Pizzorno. “And the faster food is digested, the more insulin your body produces, which in turn increases the likelihood that calories will be stored as fat instead of burned off for energy.” > > Finally, while the season itself doesn’t affect your metabolism, even minor changes in eating and exercise habits do. Think about it. A slightly more sedentary winter lifestyle may cause you to lose a pound of muscle and a few holiday indulgences plus more cooked foods could result in an extra pound of fat. At this point your weight has not changed–you’ve lost a pound of muscle and gained a pound of fat–but your metabolism has. “One pound of muscle burns 50 calories per day compared with just 5 calories a day per pound of fat,” explains Pizzorno. This means you’re burning 45 fewer calories each day, which adds up to an extra 315 unburned calories a week, or 1,350 excess calories a month–even though your diet and exercise routine haven’t changed. > > So if you tend to put on winter pounds, be extra vigilant about holiday treats and activity levels and consider making fresh salads a part of your menu all year-round. Hope that helps someone (anyone? anyone?)! ---
**Author:** ![SaxFace](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@SaxFace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SaxFace)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2000, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-im-getting-in-shape-support-group/32495/36 "2000-09-08T17:51:38Z")
I just wanted to let those of you starting out what I did to start the cycle of fitness. I actually enjoy going to the gym every morning now! For breakfast I eat: 2 bananas or a fruit shake (aka smoothie sans yogurt) or a low fat muffin For lunch I eat: A salad - without bacon bits or cheese or creamy dressing For dinner I eat: A baked potato with butter or a couple Garden Burgers (no bun) or tofu lasagna (really delicious and only 200 calories) or salmon and soup Now that I have gotten my lazy ass out of bed at 5:45 every morning, my internal alarm clock is set up so I wake up at that time every day. It took about two weeks and I no longer need to force myself to go - I look forward to it. The biggest help I’ve had so far is my walkman. I bought a few dance music CD’s and they have very motivational songs - one even made me cry (yes, I’m thoroughly embarassed). My favorite songs are the ones that talk about “energy”, “you can do it”, “your dreams will come true”, “keep moving”, “don’t stop”, “deeper love”, etc. Hey, I just thought of something! If anyone of you is interested, I have a CD burner and would be more than happy to make a “Teeming Millions Workout CD”. It’ll feature funky James Brown selections, grooving disco bass line songs, Top 40 dance hits, and inspirational fitness lyric tunes. Who has a webpage where we can put up monthly status photos? Motivational, indeed! ---
**Author:** ![porcupine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ac91a4/32.png) [@porcupine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/porcupine)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2000, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-im-getting-in-shape-support-group/32495/37 "2000-09-08T17:59:55Z")
Count me in. I am already on my way, though, having dropped 60 lbs so far. I am about the size I want to be now, but I still want to lose some fat and gain some muscle. To that end, I started lifting weights about two months ago. I really like weight lifting, and I really hate cardio. I am currently on a break since my herniated disk in my lower back is acting up and I am stuck at home (I am going to get a fun epidural steriod injection in about a half hour) - I can’t sit for longer than about 15 minutes w/out being in intense pain. [Here’s a link to my “before” and “during” pics](http://www.geocities.com/barbara_ashley/LCpics.html) that I put together for another group I participate in. My ultimate goal - look good naked 🙂 And now you dopers will \ know my real name and it should be clear from the cleavage that I am not a guy. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Bottle\_of\_Smoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Bottle\_of\_Smoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bottle_of_Smoke)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2000, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-im-getting-in-shape-support-group/32495/38 "2000-09-08T18:01:41Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by tatertot \* > **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** I’m a hair under 6’1" (1.85 meters) or to use **Coldie’s** math, I’m a hair under 6’4" (must be my lack of wooden shoes)😉 I need toning for sure, but the extra inches around my waist need more than just a tone up. ---
**Author:** ![jessicala](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/eb9ed0/32.png) [@jessicala](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jessicala)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2000, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-im-getting-in-shape-support-group/32495/39 "2000-09-08T18:03:16Z")
I just started hitting the gym again this month, but my past pattern has been to follow it up for 2 or three weeks and then find other distractions. Motivation to keep to it would be very much welcome. I need to improve my muscle tone more than I need to lose pounds, but if I could drop 15-20 pounds as well, I would be very happy. Current plan: 60-minute step class Monday and Wednesday evenings (includes some arms and abs work), Fitness and circuit machines Friday evenings, and trying to eat in a more healthy manner. Target dates: 1. Company Holiday Party; 2. High School reunion next summer. One general question, though: I see that most of you are planning to exercise every day. Am I setting myself up for failure by only working out three days a week? ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Cynical](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ee59a6/32.png) [@Mr.Cynical](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Cynical)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2000, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-im-getting-in-shape-support-group/32495/40 "2000-09-08T18:04:22Z")
And for lunch today, I had: A Beef Tenderloin sandwich, with mushrooms, lettuce, and tomatoes. An Orange. A bunch of grapes. A Caesar salad. A slice of cake. A glass of Iced Tea. An Andes Mint. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-im-getting-in-shape-support-group/32495.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-im-getting-in-shape-support-group/32495.md?page=3)