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Post by rodge on Nov 5, 2018 4:09:47 GMT
I’d been intending to take up running for months. I kept promising myself that I’d do it but ended up making multiple excuses- it’s too cold/too hot/ I’m too tired/I have work to do/I’m 44 years old/I need to eat this ice cream/ that pie looks good/I’d rather have a beer... And then I listened to an audio book called “Living with a seal” by Jesse Itzler. There’s a quote in it where the Navy Seal says “Enjoy your pain, you’ve earned it!” It motivated me to get out and get running. The first run I did, took me about 7 minutes to run half a mile and I had to walk home after that. That was in April. I’m now running 3 times a week and am able to do 2 hrs non stop, which is about 11 miles. I’m training for a marathon next year and last month, ran a 10k race faster than I did officially 15 years ago and came 3rd in my age group.
Anyway, I was surprised where the motivation came from and am wondering how to get motivated to get rid of my belly...
Any suggestions?
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Post by Bob Sacamano v2.0 on Nov 5, 2018 8:24:30 GMT
Yeah, cut back on the running and switch to lower impact forms of exercise like swimming and cycling. Your knees and hips will thank you later.
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Post by LandieMark on Nov 5, 2018 8:26:29 GMT
I did a lot of cycling last year. I've hardly done any this year. A few things such as the weather (I have to be careful not to overexert myself in the heat) and work have got in the way. Luckily, the work is quite physical and so I have managed to keep the weight off.
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Post by Roadsterstu on Nov 5, 2018 8:38:29 GMT
Good going, Rodge. I need to get out and improve my fitness somewhat.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2018 8:44:38 GMT
I managed to lose an awful lot of weight over the last decade, but there's still some work to do. What helped me:
- Doing something that is hard to make excuses for. Dogs always need walking, and the weather doesn't affect the conditions in the pool. - Do things that you can put up with. I'd never stick with running. - I find it easier to do fewer, longer stints than more frequent but shorter ones. The two sessions in the pool used to be an hour, but are now between 80-85 minutes. Easier than disrupting a third day to my way of thinking. - Count calories religiously, and balance against an honest tally of what extra you are burning off through exercise. And some treats are necessary. I still enjoy the odd curry, and will never get anywhere near being teetotal. (One of my brothers-in-law has always exercised and looks in his mid thirties rather than fifty, and he recently told me that his primary motivation is so that he can eat and drink what he wants.)
But I think the biggest thing was the epiphany of realising that this was something I was doing for me, not that I was doing because I ought to.
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Post by LandieMark on Nov 5, 2018 9:34:58 GMT
I managed to lose an awful lot of weight over the last decade, but there's still some work to do. What helped me: - Doing something that is hard to make excuses for. Dogs always need walking, and the weather doesn't affect the conditions in the pool. - Do things that you can put up with. I'd never stick with running. - I find it easier to do fewer, longer stints than more frequent but shorter ones. The two sessions in the pool used to be an hour, but are now between 80-85 minutes. Easier than disrupting a third day to my way of thinking.- Count calories religiously, and balance against an honest tally of what extra you are burning off through exercise. And some treats are necessary. I still enjoy the odd curry, and will never get anywhere near being teetotal. (One of my brothers-in-law has always exercised and looks in his mid thirties rather than fifty, and he recently told me that his primary motivation is so that he can eat and drink what he wants.) But I think the biggest thing was the epiphany of realising that this was something I was doing for me, not that I was doing because I ought to. I would agree with that. I certainly enjoyed my longer runs out on the bike than the shorter ones. Fewer sessions allows a little more recovery time too which is important.
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Post by Bob Sacamano v2.0 on Nov 5, 2018 9:39:56 GMT
I would caution against long sessions of a single type of exercise - running, swimming etc. Your body gets used to them and becomes very efficient at performing these exercises using fewer calories. You end up having to swim or run longer just to burn the same amount of calories. That's why you often get these people who say they are jogging a lot but the weight's not coming off. You're better with a mix of shorter, high intensity exercises - 10 mins running, 10 mins rowing, 10 mins weights etc. You'll achieve better results faster, and you'll be fitter.
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Post by LandieMark on Nov 5, 2018 9:53:06 GMT
I would caution against long sessions of a single type of exercise - running, swimming etc. Your body gets used to them and becomes very efficient at performing these exercises using fewer calories. You end up having to swim or run longer just to burn the same amount of calories. That's why you often get these people who say they are jogging a lot but the weight's not coming off. You're better with a mix of shorter, high intensity exercises - 10 mins running, 10 mins rowing, 10 mins weights etc. You'll achieve better results faster, and you'll be fitter. That's easy to do on cycle rides - especially around here with all the hills! Even a long ride is like interval training.
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Post by Big Blue on Nov 5, 2018 10:12:01 GMT
I would caution against long sessions of a single type of exercise - running, swimming etc. Your body gets used to them and becomes very efficient at performing these exercises using fewer calories. You end up having to swim or run longer just to burn the same amount of calories. That's why you often get these people who say they are jogging a lot but the weight's not coming off. You're better with a mix of shorter, high intensity exercises - 10 mins running, 10 mins rowing, 10 mins weights etc. You'll achieve better results faster, and you'll be fitter. This is true. When I was younger me and my friends had a condition known as "squash fit". We played about 8 times a week for an hour at a time. No issues with that at all. Then we'd do sometime else, like a disorganised football match or sports day with multiple activities like sprinting, jumping, tug-o-war etc. Couldn't move the day after usually. I currently do 7 minutes: rowing; cross fit, hill walk, cycle trainer, weights twice a week and play squash about once a week, which isn't enough squash to keep the eye in. I'm still too heavy and am now counting the calories using a new app called Lose It! (I can't do this eating less thing unless something or somebody forces me to). To answer the OP on motivation? I want to make sure I see my kids all grow up. Nothing else. (Although I have a couple of tailor made suits I need to make sure I can get into when required.)
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2018 10:21:36 GMT
I would caution against long sessions of a single type of exercise - running, swimming etc. Your body gets used to them and becomes very efficient at performing these exercises using fewer calories. You end up having to swim or run longer just to burn the same amount of calories.
That is true, but then you should end up going faster for longer so this compensates. The issue is that the exercise should still push you as hard, but for longer. I'm still getting faster after three years, and there's more to come.
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Post by johnc on Nov 5, 2018 10:31:25 GMT
I do 50 press ups and 50 sit-ups every morning after some stretching excercises. I have some 2.5kg dumbells and do 75 or 100 arm curls or other exercises every night before I go to bed.
As soon as I break that routine by going on holiday or something similar, it takes ages to get the motivation again. I just have to make it part of my routine.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2018 10:44:51 GMT
I do about 10 mins of weights/crunches etc every morning, and have to do them on holiday too for the same reason.
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Post by Bob Sacamano v2.0 on Nov 5, 2018 10:52:01 GMT
I would caution against long sessions of a single type of exercise - running, swimming etc. Your body gets used to them and becomes very efficient at performing these exercises using fewer calories. You end up having to swim or run longer just to burn the same amount of calories.
That is true, but then you should end up going faster for longer so this compensates. The issue is that the exercise should still push you as hard, but for longer. I'm still getting faster after three years, and there's more to come.
You can mix it up by doing sprint lengths and dropping the pace back for a couple, then sprinting again. I used to have a good running route where I'd sprint between lamposts before easing off, and then sprinting again. Squash is a funny one because the better you get the less running around you do - you can command the T and make your opponent do the running. I was never that good and got hammered by a couple of old guys who I thought I would beat easily.
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Post by Tim on Nov 5, 2018 11:40:42 GMT
I joined a gym - for the first time - about 12 months ago and to be honest didn't see any change in weight, if anything I think I added weight because I was eating more crap at lunchtime because I knew I'd be going t the gym later to burn it off. However, I've lost about 2 stone in the past 2 months by watching calories and being a bit more thoughtful at the gym. I tend to do 15 minutes on the cross trainer then move onto the various machines and do a fairly small number of repititions at a sensible weight - I don't want to build muscle I want to tone up. The motivation is the same as it should've been for years - I'm overweight, have a belly and there's a family history of heart attacks. I want to spend as long as possible with my wife and I'd like to be fit and healthy long enough to see the demise of the IC engine
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Post by Big Blue on Nov 5, 2018 15:39:30 GMT
Yes: my attitude towards squash nowadays is to not run. If I hit a shot I feel is going to be killed by an opponent I won’t chase it. This also works conversely because when I hit a shot that I don’t think my opponent should get I don’t chase that either when they do: fair play for returning a shot like that. Consequently I am a horrible opponent as I can’t be arsed one moment then play like Jahengir Khan the next.
I only ever smile on court and treat it like the game it is. I’ve played guys who are massively successful outside squash and play like they were prospective pros. It doesn’t look or feel like they’re enjoying it as much as I do.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 6, 2018 9:05:30 GMT
Motivation for me is doing exercise I enjoy which involves being out on the mountain bike. This helps when its dark and wet at 8pm. A reasonable all body work out but can be punishing on my dodgy knee. An added motivation is using Strava, in order to see how I improve against myself going uphill or down and logging annual mileage and climbing. Also being healthy for the wife and kids is always at the back of my mind.
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Post by Blarno on Nov 6, 2018 9:57:01 GMT
My motivation is not wanting to be a fat knacker in my 40s. I can't/won't run anywhere as the impact plays hell with my knees, I hate gyms because they are usually full of shiny men getting as big and triangular as possible, and swimming is something I do on holiday. So, the bike it is. That and hoiking engines and gearboxes around at work.
I'm lucky in that I have a mega metabolism and I've all but given up the booze. Aside from a couple of beers here and there at a wedding or after a hard week at work, I don't touch the stuff. I worked out a while back that I drink less in 3 months than some of my friends do in a week.
Diet wise, if I like it, I eat it and try not to eat too much of it.
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Post by Eff One on Nov 6, 2018 11:45:54 GMT
I'm motivated by stats and food, mostly. I run a 5km loop three times a week, trying always to improve my time if the conditions allow. I used to do some light weight training as well, but my core strength is currently maintained by 13kg of wriggly toddler.
Also, I see a lot of fat, criminally unfit 40-somethings and am determined not to become one of them.
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Post by Big Blue on Nov 6, 2018 11:51:30 GMT
Ah yes. Drinking.
I only really drink at events and then I’m on it for 6 hours or so. Luckily I don’t go to many.
I might have a pint at Arsenal but that’s generally piss water anyway.
In my 20s and 30s I was in the pub every day. I think they’re Terrible places now.
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Post by clunes on Nov 6, 2018 13:10:31 GMT
Earlier in the year I lost a fair chunk of weight and I focused on ensuring it was predominantly fat not fat and muscle. This meant largely avoiding heavy cardio work and doing short higher intensity stuff although, to be honest, that only lasted a very short period of time. What stuck was mild resistance exercise to maintain muscle - just 10mins or so of dumb bells, push ups, (attempted) pull ups etc. Really short but do it until it hurts! However, all of that would have been for nothing if I hadn't have changed my calorie intake - you simply cannot out train a bad diet - as this is 80% of the challenge with weight. I greatly reduced sugar and carbs (potatoes, bread, pasta, rice) and ate more salads, veg etc. I have always been quite healthy with eating as I am a keen cook but changing the balance made a huge difference - as did greatly reducing alcohol intake! I found an app called 'myfitness pal' invaluable in recording my food intake - it really makes you think about what you consume and can be linked to fitbit etc to take into account calories burned. I cut out snacks, made wiser choices and the weight fell off - fast! I lost about 3 stone, over 6" off my waistline and well over 10% body fat in a few short months. I've let things slide a little recently with the marriage break-up etc but am starting to get back on it again now. Sorry for the picture (I haven't shown this to anyone outside of close family) but these pics were taken about 5 months apart - the majority of the weight loss was achieved in the first 3! Ok, it's not amazing compared to some pics you see but I was proud of the change and the initial loss motivated me to keep going. That said...the initial motivation was a competitive girl at work who challenged that she could lose more/get a better stomach than me in the time (she lost!).
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Post by Big Blue on Nov 6, 2018 13:24:58 GMT
So..... a fit girl at work challenged you to get a 6 pack so you did. Understandable.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 6, 2018 14:24:58 GMT
The pictures look like different people. Kudos if you did that in 3 months...
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Post by Bob Sacamano v2.0 on Nov 6, 2018 14:55:58 GMT
The pictures look like different people. Kudos if you did that in 3 months... You can tell by the third nipple they're the same person.
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Post by Tim on Nov 6, 2018 15:02:13 GMT
He achieved it all by removing by hand the wallpaper and plaster in his bedroom!
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Post by clunes on Nov 6, 2018 16:07:36 GMT
He achieved it all by removing by hand the wallpaper and plaster in his bedroom! LOL
If I was still living there I may have been tempted - the second picture was whilst crashing on a friends floor just after 'moving' out.
Approx 5 months between the pics - I've spent the last 4 months letting the 6 pack disappear as I've lost the muscle so that's the new focus.
And yes, a fit girl challenging you and showing her progress pics certainly helped
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Post by grampa on Nov 8, 2018 10:35:17 GMT
I’d been intending to take up running for months. I kept promising myself that I’d do it but ended up making multiple excuses- it’s too cold/too hot/ I’m too tired/I have work to do/I’m 44 years old/I need to eat this ice cream/ that pie looks good/I’d rather have a beer... And then I listened to an audio book called “Living with a seal” by Jesse Itzler. There’s a quote in it where the Navy Seal says “Enjoy your pain, you’ve earned it!” It motivated me to get out and get running. The first run I did, took me about 7 minutes to run half a mile and I had to walk home after that. That was in April. I’m now running 3 times a week and am able to do 2 hrs non stop, which is about 11 miles. I’m training for a marathon next year and last month, ran a 10k race faster than I did officially 15 years ago and came 3rd in my age group. I take my hat off to you - I've tried to get to grips with running time and again but I just find it too boring.
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Post by Bob Sacamano v2.0 on Nov 8, 2018 11:21:16 GMT
I’d been intending to take up running for months. I kept promising myself that I’d do it but ended up making multiple excuses- it’s too cold/too hot/ I’m too tired/I have work to do/I’m 44 years old/I need to eat this ice cream/ that pie looks good/I’d rather have a beer... And then I listened to an audio book called “Living with a seal” by Jesse Itzler. There’s a quote in it where the Navy Seal says “Enjoy your pain, you’ve earned it!” It motivated me to get out and get running. The first run I did, took me about 7 minutes to run half a mile and I had to walk home after that. That was in April. I’m now running 3 times a week and am able to do 2 hrs non stop, which is about 11 miles. I’m training for a marathon next year and last month, ran a 10k race faster than I did officially 15 years ago and came 3rd in my age group. I take my hat off to you - I've tried to get to grips with running time and again but I just find it too boring. Run after fit girls then - less boring but you do get banned from the local parks eventually.
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Post by Blarno on Nov 8, 2018 11:24:06 GMT
Or running away from things helps. Dogs or irate husbands and suchlike.
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Post by PG on Nov 8, 2018 13:44:32 GMT
Or running away from things helps. Dogs or irate husbands and suchlike. Basically, you need a reason to run. Towards or away it does not matter. it is the reason that motivates you ;-) I definitely need a goal to be motivated at any exercise. I got into running again about five years ago and did it to get fit enough to do some Wolf Runs with work colleagues (basically 10k of running plus mud, water and obstacles). But a couple of years ago my knees gave up so I've had to stop. We are now both members of a gym and try to go three times a week at 8am. If we don't go first thing we never get there. My motivation was to be fit enough to avoid more heart scares. But now I think I'll have to add "having a 6 pack like clunes"!
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Post by LandieMark on Nov 8, 2018 18:40:06 GMT
I have the beginnings of a six pack, but it never gets any more than that as I like ale and my local pub far too much! At least I have lost most of my gut.
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