The getting back in shape thread

[Reyneth]

AdminAssistant, it took me a long time of saying I was going to go before I really started going - and now I'm addicted! While I started about 1-2 weeks before my new friend started, it's great going with someone else - it's so hard to talk yourself out of it if you are accountable to someone else.

Not everyone will be this fit, toned athlete. I'm not, my friend's certainly not, and honestly I think us diamonds in the rough deserve lots of props for wanting to do something, KWIM?

Some people like walking outside. I like the gym because I can track calories, do different programs and intensity/levels. Some like group things like an aerobic dance class. If you need to try a few things to find what you like, there's nothing wrong with that! I want to take a ballroom class this summer - set yourself a goal for something you've always thought of doing but just never quite did and use it for your motivation.

Good luck - and we're all doing what we can, you can too!

PS - other than when I'm talking w/my friend and quick glances just to see only what is going on around me, I'm concentrating on me or the tv (praying for the distraction). Don't worry that others will be looking at you. And if they do? They'll just be able to comment on the progress you're making week to week!

[BookstoreEscapee]

I just can't get motivated to do anything. Part of my problem is that I can't exercise in front of people. I just can't do it, I feel like everybody's staring at the fatty on the elliptical. I'm even a bit self-concious walking around my neighborhood. I feel like if I can get started doing something, then maybe I can work up to using the student gym...but I can't seem to get over the hump.

Suggestions? Advice? Kick in the pants?

One thing to keep in mind: Most people are too busy worrying about themselves and afraid everyone is looking at them to worry about looking at you. Which does not make me any less self-conscious, either. I use the treadmill at the gym, but the weight machines are more intimidating. I do use the treadmill at the far end of the room, and I have my back to everyone. So if they're looking at me I don't know it (I also read magazines while I walk). I also have an adjustable step so I can do that at home.

The good thing about walking around the neighborhood is you don't have to look like you are "excercising"...just put on some sneakers and take a walk around the block (I don't suppose you have a dog that needs walking?). Once you get more comfortable with that you can step it up a notch. Another good thing is the weather is getting nicer (don't remember where you are) so maybe find a park or a trail somewhere.

I would also suggest asking the gym staff when the quietest times are and try to go then, at least until you familiarize yourself with the equipment and get more comfortable with it.

[Kiwi]

I feel like everybody's staring at the fatty on the elliptical.

this is a very valid fear, despite being TINY in highs chool (Im 5'7'' and never weighed more than 45kgs) I thought everyone was seeing my fat jiggling everywhere, I refused to take off my big baggy wool jumper even in summer, even if it gave me a raging headache, I was convinced people would be repulsed by me.... (oh to be 45kgs again!) oddly enough the fatter ive become the more accepting of my body I am.

but think about this

Think about the last time you went to the gym, how many people were there? what were they wearing (in detail please) how fat or thin were they? Can you tell me their hair and eye colour or height? and what machines were they using and what part of their bodys jigged?

can you honestly tell me you remember even one person from your last visit?

because thats exactly how they are, the person slogging away from you is thinking "whats for dinner, how many calories I have burnt, damn I have to mop the floor when I get home, my boss is a douche, I cant stand the know it all who sits next to me, better get gas on my way home, eric needs new sneakers better buy them this week, god is that woman looking at my beer belly, suck it in!!!"

everyone at the gym is focused on everyone looking at them, trust me!!!

[AdminAssistant]

(I don't suppose you have a dog that needs walking?). Once you get more comfortable with that you can step it up a notch. Another good thing is the weather is getting nicer (don't remember where you are) so maybe find a park or a trail somewhere.

No, no puppies - pets aren't allowed in my totally awesome apartment, and I just don't have time for a pet. (I can go see BT and his attention whore kitty whenever I need pet time). The weather IS getting nicer - which will make walking outside much easier. Except when it rains. Ah well.

Thanks for the advice everybody....I'm really going to try walking outside, doing yoga at home this week....and get a solid routine established after Spring Break (next week). Maybe later on I get work up the nerve to get to the gym.

[Rapscallion]

Helped to unload a container - usually 26 tonnes of tinned tomatoes. Two hours. 970 calories, the watch of doom reckons. I suspect the lowish pulse rate for the time didn't really help the calorie burn, but I got paid for it and it was reasonably strenuous.

Rapscallion

[The Gatekeeper]

Keep in mind that lean muscle mass burns more fat than say...well fat. So even though the straight cardio numbers from a heart rate monitor doesn't calculate it, over time your body will burn the fat more efficiently.

This is why training a combination of cardio and weights/strength is more effective than just cardio or strength. Things like cross training or crossfit use this method.

[AdminAssistant]

Well, I did my Jillian Michael's '30 Day Shred' DVd this morning...could only do about half of it. I had to modify some things, last time I did this DVD I got a note from my downstairs neighbor. Which is understandable, I wouldn't want 200 lbs. jumping on my ceiling either. Between that and the hike up the hill to class, my legs are sore! I'll probably do some yoga tonight just to get them stretched back out.

[BookstoreEscapee]

Keep in mind that lean muscle mass burns more fat than say...well fat. So even though the straight cardio numbers from a heart rate monitor doesn't calculate it, over time your body will burn the fat more efficiently.

Muscle is also denser than fat. A pound of muscle will be smaller than a pound of fat. So if you're not losing weight but your clothes are looser, keep it up!

[Kiwi]

today I did another 600 calories

I did one set of 200 calories in 14:55!! Thats my fastest time ever!

[Reyneth]

Ugh, I never work out on Tuesdays because I'm at my 2nd job at a bookstore (although I probably have more activity there in 4 hours than I do in 2 8-hour days at my main job). So not working out tonight is no big deal. However I won't be tomorrow either. I woke up with a massive sore throat and have been tired and congested all day - called off both jobs.

So working out tomorrow is out. Boo. I better feel better soon.

[protege]

It's been awhile since I've had a "1,000 calorie" night at the gym. That's just cardio though--usually a half-hour climbing stairs, followed by 40 minutes of elliptical. Can't do that every night though...I mix it up with some Nautilus or swimming a few laps. Let me tell you, when I'm finished, I'm tired

[calulu]

I did my usual routine, many reps on the weight machines followed by 45 minutes on the bike and about 50 laps in the pool. I'm not losing weight like I thought I would but my butt has shrunken to the point where my swimsuit sags in the back. Only thing happening is my body is eating my butt. I like my butt. I wish I had a bigger butt. I wanted my gut to go.

Suggestions on getting rid of the stomach and keeping the ass?

[digilight]

Finally got cleared by the Doctors office to go back to the gym WooHoo, Havent been able to go for a month since surgery. I've lost 7 pounds the last week, 35 the last month for a total of 42 since January 27. My knees and back don't hurt nearly as bad as they did prior.

For those of you cursing me losing that kind of weight, remember that the "Surgery" was Gastric Bypass RNY. And I've been lucky to get 800-1000 calories in on any given day. I think the average has been about 800 or so.

But I will definantly be spending alot more time in this thread now.

[iradney]

Suggestions on getting rid of the stomach and keeping the ass?

You might wanna build up the glutes - I hear squats and lunges are great for that, as is the hip adducter (you put the arms on the outsides of your thighs and push your knees apart).

[HorrorFrogPrincess]

I felt like I was gonna DIE last night. It was jog 90 seconds, walk 90 seconds, jog 3 minutes, walk 3 minutes night. The second run I thought I wouldn't make it. But I did. I felt great afterwards. Tired, my legs hurt, worn to the bone, and a little dizzy, but I did it!