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Liz
Owl Lady



Registered: 11/16/04
Posts: 6,962
Loc: Massachusetts
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Gym tomorrow!!!
#5687193 - 05/29/06 04:20 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
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So tomorrow I start going to the gym, in earnest this time. I was a member of a gym very close to home, but it was very expensive ($92 a month) and with my new hours at work (7:30 to 4) it just doesn't open early enough for me. I'm the type of person that will only go in the morning. Once I'm out of work, I just want to go home and relax, and once I'm home, I'm not going to get motivated to head out and work out for an hour.
The couple that I work for told me about the gym that they go to, it's 2 blocks from their home (where I work) and it opens at 5am AND, it's only $29 a month. So tomorrow I will get to the gym at 6am, work out for an hour, and head to dunks for coffee, then to work! The couple told me that I'm welcome to shower at their house rather than use the gym locker room, so while the baby naps, I'll take a shower so I'm not smelly all day 
Anyways, anyone have any tips/encouragement/advice on how to get motivated and STAY motivated? I just made a great playlist on my mp3 player, and I have to buy some more gym appropriate clothing, but other than that I'm all set I think. My goal is to lose weight initially, and then start toning, once I drop about 50 pounds or so. I know this will take a while, but I've been making a concerted effort to eat healthier, and hopefully by adding an hour of cardio 5 mornings a week, it will make a big difference.
I'm sure some of you go to the gym, or are trying to lose weight...what (if anything) do you eat/drink before the gym? What are your workout routines? I plan on doing the treadmill for an hour at 4.0mph, so as to walk 4 miles per morning. Should I be doing anything differently?
Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom. Hopefully the next time I see some of you, I'll be healthier!
-------------------- Remember, remember the fifth of November The gunpowder treason and plot. I see no reason why gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot.
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Penguarky Tunguin
f n o r d

Registered: 08/08/04
Posts: 17,192
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Re: Gym tomorrow!!! [Re: Liz]
#5687215 - 05/29/06 04:26 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
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Fruit shakes.
Imagine what you want to look like and don't let yourself fail at that goal. Tell yourself this time I'm going to actually do it. It's always worked for me.
I'm going to have 2.5 hours inbetween classes this summer, so I'm going to be playing lots of basketball inbetween. Might even start a yogic activity. Can't wait.
-------------------- Every mistake, intentional or otherwise, in the above post, is the fault of the reader.
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PILLOW_BITER_LOL
Stranger
Registered: 05/29/06
Posts: 10
Last seen: 17 years, 8 months
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Re: Gym tomorrow!!! [Re: Liz]
#5687224 - 05/29/06 04:28 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
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edit
Edited by trendal (05/29/06 04:45 PM)
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Liz
Owl Lady



Registered: 11/16/04
Posts: 6,962
Loc: Massachusetts
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Fruit shakes, like ones you make at home? Or a specific kind you buy somewhere? I've got a picture of myself in a bathing suit from a few years back when I was in great shape....I saved it to my mp3 player and when I'm feeling lazy and want to not go, or cut my workout short, I'm going to look at it and remind myself why I'm there. This place I'm going to be going to has yoga classes and pilates, both are included for free with the membership...maybe I'll check those out, although I've never done either
-------------------- Remember, remember the fifth of November The gunpowder treason and plot. I see no reason why gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot.
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Penguarky Tunguin
f n o r d

Registered: 08/08/04
Posts: 17,192
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HAHAHAHAHAHA!
-------------------- Every mistake, intentional or otherwise, in the above post, is the fault of the reader.
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Veritas

Registered: 04/15/05
Posts: 11,089
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Re: Gym tomorrow!!! [Re: Liz]
#5687235 - 05/29/06 04:30 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
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It is difficult to stay interested & continue to challenge yourself physically when you stick with one cardio machine.
I would recommend mixing up your cardio each day between the stair stepper, elliptical trainer, recumbent cycle/exercycle, any classes offered at the gym in the a.m., and the treadmill.
Also, weight training is key to losing weight and maintaining weight loss. Muscles use more calories than fat, so building muscle means you burn more calories all day long. (And you look buff! )
Set goals with quantifiable measurements and a deadline. IOW, don't just say "my goal is to lose weight." Try "my goal is to lose 10 lbs./2 dress sizes/fit into my skinny jeans by July 15, 2006."
Once you reach your deadline, set a new goal! Make your goals realistic yet ambitious. Losing a pound a week is reasonable, losing 20 lbs. by the first day of summer is not! 
Good luck! (P.S. The tunes are a great idea.)
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Penguarky Tunguin
f n o r d

Registered: 08/08/04
Posts: 17,192
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Re: Gym tomorrow!!! [Re: Liz]
#5687239 - 05/29/06 04:31 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
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Quote:
Liz said: Fruit shakes, like ones you make at home? Or a specific kind you buy somewhere? I've got a picture of myself in a bathing suit from a few years back when I was in great shape....I saved it to my mp3 player and when I'm feeling lazy and want to not go, or cut my workout short, I'm going to look at it and remind myself why I'm there. This place I'm going to be going to has yoga classes and pilates, both are included for free with the membership...maybe I'll check those out, although I've never done either
I've never done yoga either. But I would like to know a few basics for trippin...
As for shakes, either. I make my own but then buy Odwalla drinks occasionaly... 
I'm not a health nut, I just do whatever and it seems to work out.
-------------------- Every mistake, intentional or otherwise, in the above post, is the fault of the reader.
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eris
underground


Registered: 11/17/98
Posts: 48,024
Loc: North East, USA
Last seen: 4 months, 18 days
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-------------------- Immortal / Temporarily Retired The OG Thread Killer My mushroom hunting gallery
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Liz
Owl Lady



Registered: 11/16/04
Posts: 6,962
Loc: Massachusetts
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Re: Gym tomorrow!!! [Re: Veritas]
#5687273 - 05/29/06 04:39 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
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You've definitely got a great point about getting bored if I do one thing all the time, I'll make it a point to mix it up...maybe a different cardio machine each morning? I think my hesitation with weights mostly comes from not knowing how to use the machines. I mean, to a point they're self explanatory, but sometimes you need to adjust them and whatnot, and I've never done that I'm sure I can just ask someone there to give me a quick runthrough on how to set them up though, or even use free weights.
As for goals, that's a great idea. I know at first I'll probably lose weight quicker than I will down the road, I've heard stories of people hitting sort of a plateau and getting frustrated and quitting, which is what I want to avoid.
I guess I do have a few pretty specific goals in mind. I'd like to be able to increase my stamina every 2 weeks or so, and either up the speed or length of my workout to keep pushing myself. I know getting to a specific heart rate is important in burning calories, and if my routine becomes easy after a while, I've got to step it up a notch to get the results I want. Also, I'm going to Morocco in November, and there will be quite a bit of walking/hiking/tons of stairs...I'd like to think after 5 months of the gym I'll be able to handle that no problem. And my biggest goal is this - I'm going to Antigua in Mid December for 2-3 weeks, and would like to look decent in a swimsuit (even if it's a one piece ) by then. That gives me 6 months...I wonder what would be a reasonable expectation of how much weight I could lose in 6 months, in a healthy way? Maybe 35 pounds? More?
-------------------- Remember, remember the fifth of November The gunpowder treason and plot. I see no reason why gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot.
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Infrared
sleeping


Registered: 07/15/02
Posts: 12,988
Loc: Chicago, USA
Last seen: 2 years, 4 days
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Re: Gym tomorrow!!! [Re: Veritas]
#5687282 - 05/29/06 04:40 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
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hey....... you're back
...
-------------------- When chemistry is outlawed.. Only outlaws have chemistry
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Veritas

Registered: 04/15/05
Posts: 11,089
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Re: Gym tomorrow!!! [Re: Liz]
#5687292 - 05/29/06 04:43 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
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Well, 6 months is about 26 weeks (as each month is approx. 4.3 weeks), so I would aim for 26 lbs. More than a pound a week is not only difficult to achieve, but studies have shown that weight lost rapidly tends to come back. (Possibly due to a slowed metabolic rate.) 
Each pound represents 3500 calories of energy. When you consume an excess of energy, it is stored as fat. To burn off that fat, you have to create a caloric deficit of 3500 calories per pound. This is why it is fairly unrealistic to lose more than a pound a week in a healthful manner.
I lost 35 lbs. over the course of 8 months, and have kept it off for almost three years.
I highly recommend checking out Oprah's Boot Camp for a kick-ass 12-week diet and exercise program. (I'm on it to gear up for summer hiking, biking, swimming & keeping up with 2 kids!)
Definitely ask for an orientation to the weight machines & free weights! They may even be able to assist you in a personalized program to gear up for your walking/hiking/stair climbing vacation!
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MOTH
Wild Woman


Registered: 06/06/03
Posts: 23,431
Loc: In the jungle
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Re: Gym tomorrow!!! [Re: Liz]
#5687308 - 05/29/06 04:48 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
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I got a bike and have been riding about 2 miles everyday. Riding a bike is tons of fun. I tried going to a gym, but started feeling like a gerbil or something. A bike lets me be mobile and it never feels like drudgery, just fun. Plus I get a hell of a work out...my legs feel like dead rubber afterwards.
To stay motivated, it will help if you had a partner. It can be easier working out if you know that someone, somewhere is doing it too. I have a "work out plan" with a girl from my job. We're both holding one another accountable to keep healthy. It helps!
Good luck at the gym!
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Liz
Owl Lady



Registered: 11/16/04
Posts: 6,962
Loc: Massachusetts
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Re: Gym tomorrow!!! [Re: Veritas]
#5687309 - 05/29/06 04:48 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
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Oprah's Boot Camp? Is it a website or book or something? I've never heard of that. My mother has been a huge help as well...she's giving me a bunch of healthy recipes and motivating me, telling me she'll take me shopping for new "skinny" clothes when I lose weight
The problem is, I'm all about convenience, and that = fast food and fast food is not good for a dieting person. I've been trying hard to avoid take out, etc, but it's so hard, especially in the morning. I guess i'll stock up on fruit, and eat that instead of a muffin/bagel from Dunkin Donuts.
-------------------- Remember, remember the fifth of November The gunpowder treason and plot. I see no reason why gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot.
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Liz
Owl Lady



Registered: 11/16/04
Posts: 6,962
Loc: Massachusetts
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Re: Gym tomorrow!!! [Re: MOTH]
#5687321 - 05/29/06 04:51 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
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Yeah, I REALLY wish I had someone to go with. None of my friends really live close to me, and my boyfriend is pretty thin, and a lazy stoner If I had someone to yell at me on days I didn't want to go, it would help a lot.
-------------------- Remember, remember the fifth of November The gunpowder treason and plot. I see no reason why gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot.
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Veritas

Registered: 04/15/05
Posts: 11,089
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Re: Gym tomorrow!!! [Re: Liz]
#5687326 - 05/29/06 04:53 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
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http://www.oprah.com/presents/2005/bootcamp/commit/commit_main.jhtml
Yeah, fast food is definitely not health-promoting! Set up some quick breakfast stuff for yourself--low-fat yogurt with fruit, homemade breakfast burrito to zap in the microwave, instant oatmeal (plain) with fruit, even dinner leftovers! Plan your meals & pretend that you are your own prep cook.
You can do it!
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Zutroye
Duke
Registered: 06/12/03
Posts: 301
Last seen: 4 years, 7 months
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Re: Gym tomorrow!!! [Re: Liz]
#5687367 - 05/29/06 05:04 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
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Quote:
Liz said: The problem is, I'm all about convenience, and that = fast food and fast food is not good for a dieting person. I've been trying hard to avoid take out, etc, but it's so hard, especially in the morning. I guess i'll stock up on fruit, and eat that instead of a muffin/bagel from Dunkin Donuts.
That's good, if you want to lose weight and not gain it back, you have to maintain a healthy diet, which means, try to cut the fast food as much as possible. Just to give you and idea, some bodybuilders say that their sport is about 10% weightlifting and 90% diet, so it must be at least as important if you try to lose weight.
It might be difficult to cut out fast food from your diet, but you'll lose more weight and probably feel better if you do.
Good luck
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RandalFlagg
Stranger
Registered: 06/15/02
Posts: 15,608
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Re: Gym tomorrow!!! [Re: Liz]
#5687550 - 05/29/06 05:39 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
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Eat regularly and eat healthy. Don't starve yourself. You will fuck up your body if you starve yourself.
Don't eat garbage. Donuts, soda pop, chips, and stuff such as that has absolutely no nutritional value. You can still eat food with fat in it. But, any food that you eat and that has fat in it should also offer some nutritional benefit. For example, dairy has calcium. Chicken has protein. Beef has protein and zinc. This is stuff that your body needs.
Your goal is pretty simple; you want to lose weight. This means that you need to burn more calories than you take in. I suggest a sensible diet, a lot of cardio, and some light weight training. The diet industry makes billions of dollars off of trying to distract us from the blatantly simple truth that if you want to lose weight don't eat too much, don't eat garbage, and stay active. It's as simple as that. It's not rocket science like the diet industry people make it out to be. There is no easy way to change your weight. It takes hard work and sweat. If you are not willing to bust your ass then you will get nowhere. Just keep at it. You won't see results at first but you will see them after a while. Things will go slow, but that's how it goes. You need to push yourself but don't go too nuts at first. You will only tire yourself out, you will get discouraged, and you will probably quit.
It's easy to get lazy. I myself have gotten lazy with my work-outs. I am in the exact opposite position that you are in; I don't weigh enough. In order to get up to and stay at a healthy weight I need to lift weights constantly and eat like a pig. The second that I stop working out as much and eating a bunch of food any muscle that I had on me evaporates. My body fights me every step of the way when I try to put on weight and keep it on.
Do you want to trade metabolisms?
Edited by RandalFlagg (05/29/06 05:47 PM)
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Stonerguy
I smoke penis


Registered: 05/29/04
Posts: 5,538
Loc: Lost
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Yeah Im the same way to randall. Im 140-150 but Im 6"1/ 6'2, Im not scrauny or anything, it is just say hard to actually BUILD mucle. Shit if I worked out for 3 days a week for 2 weeks I become cut as hell but can never seem to get past that point.
-------------------- yawn... SG
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RandalFlagg
Stranger
Registered: 06/15/02
Posts: 15,608
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Re: Gym tomorrow!!! [Re: Stonerguy]
#5687686 - 05/29/06 06:10 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
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I have given this advice countless times to scrawny guys such as us:
The only way for guys like us to gain weight is to eat insane amounts of food and lift really heavy weights. The average sedentary male needs 2,000 calories a day. The average active male (riding bike, running, etc..) needs 2,500 calories a day. I started eating 4,000 calories a day. I started lifting very heavy weights. I also stopped doing any cardio (no walking, bike riding, etc..) because I would have just burned off all of that extra energy that I wanted to go towards muscle growth.
In three months I had gained almost 15 pounds. I was noticeably bigger and incredibly stronger. I also had put some fat on me in my mid-section. But, guys like us can just go for a couple of walks and bike rides and that fat will disappear.
And, once you get bulked up you can't get lazy! You need to keep eating a lot and lifting weights. If you stop doing either of those two things your body will take you right back down to your original weight.
Edited by RandalFlagg (05/29/06 06:11 PM)
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blacksabbathrulz

Registered: 05/22/02
Posts: 2,511
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I lost over 70 pounds in 3 months.....
Here's how: Work out daily Eat boneless skinless chicken breasts, 4-5 a day. Take fiber capsules. 5 of them, 3-4 times a day. Eat 2-3 oranges or apples Also take a daily vitamin Don't eat anything else. You will lose weight like crazy.
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