Getting back in shape

[mcc2318]

I've been using what i learned from the army but I'm trying to lose 40 pounds I know that means a lot of cardio but any ideas?

[scootermcfly]

Running is one of the best cardio along with biking, and if you were in the ARMY, I am sure you know all about long distance running.

I'm one of those freaks that enjoys running,
Scooter McFly

[BouzoukiJoe]

I run. I can't really say that I enjoy it, but I've dropped 15 pounds. Just 10 more to go to get to my so-called "ideal" weight. If I'd give up beer I'd lose that extra 10 in a jiffy.

It's nice to drop weight but the main benefit is don't get tired as easily after exertion.

[rach]

as everyone will probably say, if you're trying to lose weight, it's more about what you eat than exercise (don't get me wrong, exercise is still important!)...if you're trying to get 'in shape' for endurance, i'd focus on running and swimming with weight training 4x a week or so...

if you're just trying to drop weight, really think about what you can live without (like beer? soda? that snickers bar after lunch?)...it's as much fun as a 5 mile run, i know, but that'll be what really makes the difference...

to truly lose weight and keep it off, it's not about starving yourself, but instead about eating the right stuff...and being active....

now if only i could follow my own advice!!

[ScubaJenn81]

I have to agree. They say that diet makes up 70% of your weight, while exercise makes up only 30%. If you really want to step up your weight loss, you will really have to consider your food intake as well

[BouzoukiJoe]

Good point.

I didn't start exercising in order to lose weight, thought its a nice benefit.

I had been trying to start and exercise a program off and on for a few years now.

The final impetus was a shore dive incident in which I barely had enough strength and endurance handle the (very moderate) conditions. If my buddy had had an issue I doubt I would have been able to help. My daughter (in my pic) wants to dive with me when she is old enough. I do not want to ever be in the position of not being able to help her because I am out of shape.

Besides running I am doing push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups. I can do all of these without having to make it to the gym or pool which I believe was that main thing that kept me from keeping at my programs in the past.

My diet is pretty good already. Need to cut back on the beer a bit and increase the leafy greens. Main thing though is to avoid snacking at work. They have free snacks and soft drinks in the break room. It's amazing that I only gained 25 pound in the 10 years I've worked there.

[rach]

Originally Posted by BouzoukiJoe

Main thing though is to avoid snacking at work. They have free snacks and soft drinks in the break room. It's amazing that I only gained 25 pound in the 10 years I've worked there.

wow, i'd be a cow if i had free food at work!! lucky you--and good job not going overboard with it...

maybe that's why i've lost weight since moving...no free food and having to walk to work every day...hmmm...

[mcc2318]

When I wasa fire fighter i was in the best shape but I left after katrina, at worked on an ambulance, i blew up sitting in a glorified van

[Mtrewyn]

I'm not that old but I have started to put on some weight, I'm running and watching what I'm eating and have been pretty successful so far, but their a lot of things to look at to see what kind of shape you are in, me for instance, I've lost 17 lbs ( does not sound like a lot but read on), lost 4 points on my BM, and 7% on my body fat, my resting hart rate is in the low W's my blood pressure runs at 120/50-60, but here is the part that PI$%@$ me off my cholesterol went up by almost 100 points granted my ratio of good to bad is still ok but here I am doing all that medical science and dietary science tells me to do and for all practical uses it was for not, my Dr wants to put me on meds to bring it down.

I know this is smart a$$ed but I think I'll just go back to eating how i want and not doing anything but 12 oz curls and thumb squats on the remote.

not that i could do this... it is all habit for me now and running is habit and i "jones" for it, but it still makes me mad.

[Kabniel]

I am in shape...ROUND is a shape