Treadmill in the house.......

brettw22

Sometimes this forum is an outlet for public humiliation/scrutiny, so allow me to do so to myself......(SOMEthing's gotta get me motivated)....

Ok, time for my big a$$ to get off the couch and move more. Yes, I'm aware that there are hundreds of thousands of miles of roadways and paths around the country which could facilitate such an odd request. I've had this option for years and have chosen not to use it, but rather enjoy the couch that I love so dearly. It's sickening to see it typed out, but the reality is I've parked my butt on this thing too long and times need to change. I dont' know anyone locally (thank you work) and the one friend I have (co-worker) doesn't at all do the fitness thing etc etc so I don't have a group of people to go and do this stuff with (nor would I want to at this point)......

I found a Precor C956 treadmill on Craigslist and drove out to Columbus, OH to pick it up because I got what I consider a GREAT deal on it ($800 for a treadmill that retailed for over $4k for new a few years ago).

Bottom line, the weight needs to come off. I moved the beloved couch to the side wall so it no longer faces the television. The treadmill is sitting front and center for my system. From when I got it home (last weekend) until last night I was out of town so today I went out to get an outlet to swap out with what I had due to an incompatible plug situation. The plan is for me to come home from work and spend the time on the treadmill catching up on the shows that I've Tivo'd throughout the day or whatever. If I wanna listen to my music blasting away that's even better because the pace of that stuff will keep me goin.

I don't know if others can relate to the mentality of not wanting to go workout anywhere because I'm not in shape enough to be at the gym (amazingly warped thought, but true). I've bought clothes this year that are bigger than I've ever had, and while I wanted to not buy them so I didn't get into the mentality that bigger = more comfortable = not such a problem if the waistband was tight any more etc etc. I'm not one of these that has any desire to see people trying to fit into clothes that are half their size, so I shant force others to see me in this way either...lol.

I'm a big boned person, so I will never be a small twiggish type (see nadams....lol). I just need to move more, and get in better shape so that I'm not so ridiculously winded by doing something as strenuous as throwing/chasing a frisbee (those Aerobie's are brutal).

Here are my goals:

1. Walk at least 5x a week for at least an hour. Distance will increase as health increases.

2. Stop drinking Diet Coke. This is as hard a drink as I have, but it's not uncommon for me to literally drink a gallon of this stuff a day. When I drink Diet Coke, I tend to eat junk food as well, and in the past when I've gotten off the sauce, the junk food was a non-existent food source.

3. Stock up on food so raiding the convenience store is no longer an option. Because of my traveling I have a tendency to keep things to a minimum in my fridge, but the traveling is dying down. (ultimately, so is the job in a few weeks)

4. Bike more. I will go out riding on occasion, but for right now I'm planning a mostly indoor thing

5. Use the weights/rack I have at least 2-3 times a week. Workout program is over my head at this point, but I just need to lift some.

6. Lose at least 70 pounds. Before I got this job, I weighed less than this consistently for years, so it is doable. I can't say I want to weigh **** pounds, because for me the focus is on being in shape and feeling (a LOT) better about current self, but I don't want to be big and bulky either.

Normanality

Good luck to ya! It's no small task you're undertaking.

Tuesday is day #1 for me also. 3 years and a few days since my heart surgery and 3 years of long term steroids to counteract fluid buildup, I've put on a load of weight. The doc took me off the meds cold turkey even tho they don't recommend it. Hopefully, the addiction to food goes away too.

I've got a recumbent no-noise bike in my audio room so I can at least enjoy music while I struggle with the whole exercise thing.

Beekyman

Good luck on your quest for fitness and weightloss! I would classify myself as having the fitness of a tatertot and I too need to shed at least 70 lbs. I really need to get this issue taken care of because of obvious health reasons and I have the stupid notion that a 44 inch waist is the "do not exceed" zone!
I totally agree with you on the Diet Coke...there must be crack in that stuff because after a few days without it I start getting cravings (kind of like a nicotine fit) and the stuff does not quench your thirst! I have switched to water (FIJI) and I drink less water than I do soda in the course of a day so its actually cheaper! I still enjoy the occasional DC....
As far as weightloss goes, a friend of the family followed this guideline and lost a large amount of weight. Simply eat half the portion that is served to you and take the rest home in a doggy bag. No dietary restrictions and you can do this anywhere! Portion sizes have gotten crazy in the past twenty years and we as a society seem to accept this as normal! Read "Fast Food Nation" for a really startling look at some of the shenanigans in the food service industry!
Once again...best of luck and keep us posted on your progress.

amulford

just get off your fat **** and do it...

wingnut4772

Yay! Good for you. I have the same thing with Diet Coke. The more of it I drink, the more junk I want. I think it spikes an insulin response even though it is sugar free. Good Luck!

cfrizz

Coke, diet or otherwise = caffiene!!!! Keep your system full of extra strength Tylenol for maybe a week while you kick the habit. That way you won't be tempted to drink the stuff just to get rid of the headache that you will get until the caffiene gets out of your system.

Besides that, no one else should be subjected to your withdrawal!

Good luck Brett! I know you can do it!!!

mantis

Great new man. I can give you some tips as I'm in the same boat as you. I need to drop off 40lbs and I have been needing to do it for 6 years. I continue to fail but I think I came to a breaking point.

First off, don't drink soda of any kind. Actually Diet soda is just as bad if not worse for your body. Replace that drink with Vitiman Water. They come in different flavors but they have a purpose. The orange is a day starter, they even got one for a hang over, and believe me, it worked. Read the bottles, they are designed for different things.
Next cut your fast food intake, this made a difference for me. I don't eat any of it anymore except once in awhile Taco Bell. Mc Donnalds can flat out kill you. Heart attack in a Big mac box man.
Try to eat more live or organic foods. Raw is best. Also limit your red meat and bread intake, this is another problem that was huge for me. I ate to much meat and way to much bread. I love bread with a passion but I had to learn how to slim that out. We buy Whole weat only now. No white or Patato( O how I love Patato bread )

Getting out of the house and riding the bike is killer, I actually just got back from an Extreme ride, mostly up effin hill, brutal I thought my heart was going to come out of my chest. Get a riding buddy, I tend to work harder when I'm with my buddies then when I'm alone.

Be careful with the tredmill. Get a heart monitor if it doesn't have one built in. They are also bad for your joints but if you wear good running shoes and don't overdue it, you'll drop some pounds man.

Here is another big one I learned, cut your meals down. Take smaller amounts and no seconds. Balance is key just like a system. Food and life for that matter is all the same. You'll be shocked when you figure out how much over eating you do. I did and I thought I was doing good. We saw a specialist and learned a great deal. It's helping me and maybe you should see one 2( a Nutritionist)

Well man good luck, taking that first step is huge. It's an up hill battle but worth every fight.

Dan

masanz1

I'm in the same boat, I quit Diet Pepsi 2 weeks ago. Starting bicycling. A fun hobby I also do is called geocaching. Check it out at www.geocaching.com. Treasure hunting with GPS. I have done it for about 5 years and quit a while ago and gain a bunch of weight. Started that back up too. It easier to get out and hike if there is a treasure at the end. Good luck with your goals.

madmax

From what I've read it seems diet foods which use artificial sweetners set your body up to accept sugar. When it doesn't get it you are left with a real need to get it elsewhere. (junk food). I'm finding that fresh "green tea" in the gallon containers located in the milk/juice section does the trick for me. It has caffine (sp) which I look forward to because it gets me motivated to do stuff and the green tea itself is supposed to keep your energy level up for the long haul rather than a spurt.
madmax

POLKOHOLIC

6' 0'' - 155 lbs - 11-12% BF - workout 5 days a week. now if i could only kick the weed and tobacco habit.

bvette94

i am 6'3 and 299 pounds down from 318. I have been back in the gym for about a month. i do a minumum of 30 minutes on the treadmill and approximately 1 hr of weight training. since I found this website and ebay in 2004 it has been down hill for me ever since. i gained at least 53 pounds from inactivity. Along with the sitting in front of the computer came the junk food. i would eat a pizza, drink a mountian dew then go to bed. i now have high blood pressure and high cholestoral as a result. I too have made the decision to make life style changes. so far so good my blood pressure came down a few points and i have more energy. at one time in my life i was a few weeks away from competing in an amature bodybuilding competition. While i dont wish to be there again i do wish to get healthy again and not be ashamed to be in the sun with out a shirt. hang in there brett you arent the only one. consider this thread a support group and we are all there with you.

schwarcw

Good luck Brett and the rest of you who would like to loose some weight. Changing habits is tough, you obviously know about the bad ones. Good habits are hard to change also. So good luck and get started.

Drink lots of water with any meal, it helps make you full. Each smaller, healthier food portions about six time a day instead of three big meals.

Workouts are great. Your plan is admirable Brett, but don't set the goals too high on your workout program. Start slow, vary your plan so it doesn't get boring. Do different things to keep working out interesting. Don't forget swimming. It's the best aeorbic, muscle building exercise you can do. The best part is that you don't sweat while swimming, you feel cooler, less uncomfortable. YMCA's are a great economical way to get into a pool and a reasonable gym for a low price. Most of all, don't be ashamed of what you look like. Most people who frequent the gym often are happy to see people who are coming in and wanting to get into shape. Good luck!

brettw22

I'm years away from being comfortable enough to get into a pool. I haven't done so for nearly 15 years, and I'm not about to go there....

I do want to keep things varied, but for right now I need to get a solid start and I think this is going to help. Tomorrow I'm going to Office Max or something like that to get a big desk calendar to pin on the wall. Something to track my workout days to keep myself more disciplined.

schwarcw

brettw22 wrote:

Tomorrow I'm going to Office Max or something like that to get a big desk calendar to pin on the wall. Something to track my workout days to keep myself more disciplined.

Brett, this is a great idea! I use to keep a workout notebook noting the times on dates, time spent on certain aerobic exercises, weight amounts, number of reps, etc. It was good motivation. Go for it and good luck!

Carl

mrbigbluelight

you get the book, "Body for Life" by Bill Phillips.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060193395/104-1063669-0109541?v=glance&n=283155

He's the dude that runs "EAS", the sports supplement outfit. Now, suprisingly, the book isn't a "Buy EAS protein shakes" or "Buy EAS creatine", etc.

It's more than that. It has some charts, logs, etc that enable you to keep track of the exercise angle of your regimen.

Does it work ? Yes.

Want to lose body fat ? Do 15 minutes of cardio on your treadmill as soon as you get up in the morning BEFORE you eat anything. The principle (and supporting scientific documentation) behind doing that is listed in the book.

What do you do next ? Read the book.

My son and I used the book when he was in high school football. We looked for something that was "do-able" and organized, with scientific support behind what was being done. His results were a big loss in body fat, major gain in muscle, endurance WAY up. Felt and looked better.
Interesting thing about the Bill Phillips book is that he addresses the concerns that a parent would have about younger people using weights/supplements/etc. Things to do, things not to do.

Someone mentioned smaller, proportioned meals.
ABSOLUTELY correct !
Want to "lose weight" (hate that phrase): EAT EVERY 2 HOURS.

It's mentioned in the book.

NEVER NEVER NEVER LET THE WORDS, "I'M ON A DIET" LEAVE YOU MOUTH.
DO NOT NOT NOT NOT DEVELOP A "DIET" MENTALITY.

If you do, let someone on here who is close to you know, so they can come over and kick you in the bejeebers.
Serious.

Your treadmill comes with a POLAR cheststrap heart monitor. Polars are good, quality equipment. Use it ! My son used a polar heart monitor while excercising; we'd download the information to the computer to keep track of progress and plateaus. I assume you have the same ability with your equipment. If so, I think you'll find it interesting to track your progress.
It's NEAT to compare your heart recovery time. When you start, it may take 15, 20, or ? minutes to return to normal. Follow the advice in the Bill Phillips book, and you'll get to the point where your heart recovers in 5 minutes.
Get a blood pressure monitor from Walgreens. A cheapo decent one will set you back $50. Make sure you're not going to stroke out while pushing the limits.

Okay, I'm on my 578th line here, so I'll shut up.
But shell out that $16.98 for the book.
If it doesn't work (it will), you can call me an ignorant SOB who cheated you out of $16.98.
If it does work, than you can .... uhm ......convince Demiurge to hook me up with some of those "ladies" he posts on the "Babes" page.

P.S. I don't know if your treadmill can be synched to CD's. The PDF file on your link showed some pages sideways in landscape mode, and I was too lazy to turn my head.

Good luck, and like the nike commercial says, "JUST DO IT".

tonyb

Good luck to ya pal.It's hard to do but if your focused,you'll
do it.WE all have faith in you.You can make your brain explode
by trying all the diet tricks out there,one simple rule,
calories in-verse calories out.Sounds like you need a drill
sargent to help ya.Hmmm.....I think my x-wife is still
available.Should I send her over?Anyway,you'll do it,
and you will be happy,and we will see a kinder....gentler Brett!:D

tonyb

Brett,also if your in the 4-lakes area,lots of stuff to do.
And in the winter,join a racquet ball club or Walley ball,
good way to burn a few calories,meet chicks,North beach
is just on the other side of 355 and butterfield rd.:)

Ron-P

Best of luck to ya Brett!

About 6 months ago I changed my eating habits; no fast food, only very lean (98% fat free) meats, more veggies and healthier foods all around. I don't drink soda, at all, and don't eat at least 3 hours before bed.

I went to the gym 5x's a week and now am down to about 3x. When I started I was at 186 lbs (I'm 5'9") I am now down to 165, I lost 21 lbs.

You can do it!

wingnut4772

Brett, also remember not to get stuck on how much you weigh - especially in the beginning. Just go by how your clothes are fitting. Muscle weighs more than fat and as you start working out the numbers can play with your head.

brettw22

Hey y'all......Thanks for the words of encouragement.

Food-wise, I'm going back to my Atkins-esque way of eating that I had done for 4 months and dropped 45 pounds. I'm not a full on Atkin's eater in that I'll sit down and eat a pound of bacon just because, but rather I modified what I ate to minimize the carb situation. The problem was that in those 4 months, I didn't lift one weight, ride my bike, or go walking at all, so I had nothing to counteract the reversal of eating. I tend to either eat right OR work out, but both together seems to escape me for some reason. This is changing.....

Blue, I will check that book out. I'm down for reading, but the bottom line is I have to minimize the calories I'm putting in and up the working out. I'm also breaking out a scale to keep myself in check. When I was eating MUCH healthier before, I was also monitoring myself with that scale daily, and it served as a mental alert to keep my eating in line.

I agree with the weight/number thinking. Most people tend to get all wide-eyed when I tell them what I actually weigh vs. how I look. I don't have a problem with the actual number, as long as it all feels right.

New Mantra (i think from Oprah): Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels

PolkThug

Congrats on purchasing a new clothes rack.

brettw22

Nah......even when I start mixing it up with outdoor and indoor, it'll be good to have.....Chicago winters suck ****.

I just finished my first course.........sweating does feel good......lol....anyway, off to shower and meet a friend for lunch.

mrbigbluelight

Didn't mention it before, didn't want to seem to derail the topic with "My kid.." stories, but that "Body by Phillips" stuff does really work.

1st two months of work outs were 30 minutes a day, Monday through Friday. Never more than 30 minutes. Lower body one day, upper the next.

3d month was 45 minutes a day, Monday through Friday. Never more.

Weekends ? If you want to pig out like Porky, go ahead. But the eating habits you establish sets up a mind set that you want have a "need" to pig out. We'd have a few weekends where "Popeyes" chicken was king, other weekend where pizza ruled the day.

Those weekends were few, though, because I mentioned that you should eat every couple of hours. Don't eat, and your body goes into the "Gee, lean times are here, so I'm going to store every GD thing that comes into my body as fat".
Eat a "big" (500 calories) at 8am, 12 noon, 6 pm. 1500 calories.
Eat a "light" (200 calories) at 10am, 2pm, 4pm, 8pm. 800 calories.
A "snack" (100 calories) at 10pm. 100 calories.
We worked out at 5pm.

Guaranteed after a week you won't be "hungry". Instead, it'll be, "GD, I don't want to eat again !" at half of those "meal" times.
And with 500 calories, you can build a feast. Straight up.

3 months from big and pretty strong, but with too much body fat and no real endurance to big and MONSTER, with greatly reduced body fat and endurance and great recovery ability.

So, keep up the good work, and at least read that book ! It does have pictures, by the way.

Mazeroth

I read about half of the replies so if I say something that's already been said, I'm sorry!

I was 160 pounds and ripped for most of my high school days. I went to college, stopped working out, drank a six pack of Mountain Dew a day, and sat in front of a computer for entertainment. Within a year at college I went from 160 pounds of muscle to 180 pounds and probably lost 5-10 pounds of muscle. I stayed this way for 3 more years until I got pissed off enough at myself to make a change. You have one up on me that you drink diet soda. I went from drinking a ton of pop and eating a ton of sugary foods to eating practically none, cold turkey. I've been this way for a few years and now if I try to drink a pop or eat a Debbie Cake I pretty much have to force myself because I can't take the sweets any more. If you have a sweet tooth or love to eat snacks, do yourself a favor and quit NOW. In time the cravings will depreciate and you will soon find yourself not craving them. Supplement them with lots of veggies, plain, without any sort of dip. Also, to help with sugar cravings (if you have them), turn to NATURE'S CANDY - FRUIT! You wouldn't catch me in college eating fruit but if you look in my kitchen today I always have bananas (the healthiest fruit there is), oranges, kiwi, strawberries, and grapes. Soooo good.

Another thing you MUST do, and I know you said you can't committ to being **** pounds, is to set a weight for yourself AND a date. This is crucial. If you set a goal of 180 lbs. but don't set a date you're setting yourself up for failure. Set something attainable, but something you're going to have to work for. You can also put a carrot in front of your face and set up a reward for yourself if you reach your goal. Hitting your desired weight is reward enough, but the icing on the cake always helps! I can not stress enough how important it is to set an end goal for yourself with a date. Every book and article I've read from highly respected professionals, and I've read enough, give this same advice.

Lastly, you should have contacted me before heading into Columbus. I would have loved to have shown you my theater with my line arrays and infinite baffle subwoofer. This goes for all your Club Polksters. If any of you are in my town shoot me a PM. My door is always open!

Good luck and keep us updated!

mrbigbluelight

Mazeroth wrote:

My door is always open!

Good luck and keep us updated!

what time do you leave for work ? I'll just let myself in .... and OUT.

Good advice, though. SET a target weight, and date, and go for it.

danger boy

Brett, you are not alone at all. I've struggled with weight issues too since i was born.

anyway.. keep motivated.. I find that high energy music on the ol MP3 player wearing ear plugs makes the time on the treadmill just zoom by. Before you know it, you're done..

start slow and get your heart rate up... if you start out by doing 30 minutes of cardio.. you body will learn that quickly.. then you'll have to do more and more to shock your body into needing more and more time doing cardio.

so maybe to begin with you only do 15 to 20 minutes of walking 4 times a day. then in 3 or 4 weeks.. increase that to 30 minutes 5 or 6 times a day.

I know you travel a lot, but no reason you can't use the treadmill at the hotel you're staying in.. most all hotels having a workout room or have a one day use at a nearby gym for their guests.

If thats not possible.. lace up those sneakers and hit the road for a nice brisk walk in your neighborhood or the local paved trail.

But don't give up. the first few weeks are going to be painful, but once you are past that.. it does get easier.. and the pounds will begin to drop off.. and your pants will fit looser and that is motivation to continue.

You can do it.... and so can I. If i lived in Chi Town i'd work out with ya. But if you can't find a workout partner.. doing it on your own isn't impossible either.

Cycling is excellent way to get your cardio workout done. Plus it's not high impact on your ankles, knees, etc.. but the benefits are similar to running. Plus cycling build up muscles in your legs... which is another benefit of it.

good luck. The toughest part is starting and keep it going.

You can do it!

I didn't even hit on proper eating, that is an extemely important part of the work out routine. I'll let someone else handle that part.

bobman1235

Mazeroth wrote:

You can also put a carrot in front of your face and set up a reward for yourself if you reach your goal. Hitting your desired weight is reward enough, but the icing on the cake always helps!

Shouldn't that be the "skin on teh apple"? Or the "peel of the banana?"