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February 19th, 2012

Help!

posted by colleen5957 on 5:42 pm

Ok, so finally I joined a gym and have been going at least 4-5 times a week. I do 30mins treadmill and 30mins elliptical. I recently started on the bicep/tricep machines and ab machines. I have cut my calorie intake as well.I would like to know what macines can I do to work my back muscles and get a toned back? And also if what Im doing a the gym is good enough or should I change it up? As I said before I have just started and have never worked out before so Im just flying by the seat of my pants and hoping to lose weight. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

by synderrela on Mar 19, 2012 at 5:55 pm

 Hi, I'm not sure exactly which machines are best for you, but changing up your routine is probably a good start! Muscle confusion is good so that your body is always trying to keep up with you and working new muscles  Swimming, elliptical, biking, weights, and if your gym has group exercises I would look into those as well ~ I hope that helps! I also find that searching the articles here on Livestrong also helps for finding good workout plans also!

by synderrela on Mar 19, 2012 at 5:56 pm

 Here's one article out of many I found! http://www.livestrong.com/article/92376-exercises-tone-back/

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January 21st, 2009

I have a problem with snacking late!

posted by angelnglass on 8:49 pm

This is the first time in my life i have ever tried counting calories.  My problem is that later in the evening after dinner i will be watching tv and get the muchie craving! If anyone has any tips or advice that would be helpful in dealing with this issue!
 

by PaulK66 on Jan 25, 2009 at 8:22 pm

What worked for me was to find healthy alternatives like fruit or veggies.  Apples are available all year long.  The bags of baby carrots are really convenient.  I found suger free popsicles that are 25 cal each.
Prepare with lo cal snacks to fight that urge to snack.
Good luck and keep it up
-PaulK

by bikeninja on Jan 29, 2009 at 8:16 am

great tips.i do the samething.it helps me a lot.livestrong

by MilesCobbett on Mar 15, 2009 at 1:51 am

I found a great way to not feel one bit guilty about snacking late.
I told myself the only way I could enjoy whole wheat glazed donuts (a favorite of mine at a local donut shop), was to do a late nite (after midnite), bike ride across town, up a very steep hill (no hands) and through city streets to the donut shop for my two "reward for my late nite training ride" donuts enroute to my house...
A great reward for extra training and "not a smidge" of guilt for my late nite snack!
All the best,
Miles Cobbett

by ljbfish on Apr 27, 2009 at 3:32 pm

 me too!  i think it is a habit more than anything.  and then a glass of wine later and it's all over!
so here is what i do... at 6:30 or 7:00 i will eat a very satisfying and civilized dinner, and remind myself that this is it for the night. 
if at 9 i feel truly hungry, then i will have a small serving of plain yogurt with ground flax or a small bag of smart pop with a yummy salt. very satisfying.
when i first began counting calories, i literally would just go to bed when the pantry started calling me!

by strplngwr on May 4, 2009 at 1:36 pm

I chew about 5 pieces of gum a day. I have gum everywhere, work desk, home and the car. When I get a craving I chew gum, it helps alot. Another option is sunflower seeds.

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January 12th, 2009

How to Begin?

posted by redwoodetta4353 on 11:02 pm

I am 60 years old, and I want to begin exercise.  I weigh 245 pounds. I have heard that walking is a good way, but how FAR do I walk to begin, so that I do not end up harming myself?  Do I just walk until I am tired?

by bsnyder918 on Feb 16, 2011 at 12:15 pm

Start off at what you feel comfortable with.  If just cruising around the block seems like a long way, the start there.  If you're more active, find a good route that will give you longer options.  Maybe find a track nearby that you can use, that way you can walk until you feel like you've had a good workout.  The thing about getting fit is it's different for everyone.  Just getting out there and walking for 20 minutes to start is a great way to go.  Check out Active.com, they have a pretty good selection of articles to read and they usually have articles for beginners to advanced.  I have an aunt that start off mall walking. 

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November 28th, 2008

Guess I am not the only one that has not been posting?

posted by Lonnie on 9:53 pm

My resolution in 2009 (ok well starting now too) is to be more active all the time. With stressful things going on this year I kind of slacked off. I have no excuse, my work has a treadmill I can walk on when the weather is not fair.
How about you guys? any resolutions?

by ericupton on Nov 29, 2008 at 9:44 am

I think my resolution is to continue what I've started.  I've picked up walking (which I never did), lost 70+ lbs over the last year.  Heading for a 100 loss.  I quit smoking 3 weeks ago.
I guess my resolution is to continue to break these chains that bind.
And maybe add some weight work?  Lose some weight, your body changes shape :)

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November 26th, 2008

Hello to all - New to blogtropolis - please forgive my mistakes

posted by gregborg on 4:34 pm

hi

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August 25th, 2008

beginner help

posted by lee14876 on 8:32 pm

I have plantar's facitis in both feet and cannot do the walking thing for awhile. Do you have a simple yoga stretchig routine i could use to get started. did that in college many years ago. need something to get my muscles use to moving again.

by lee14876 on Aug 26, 2008 at 3:50 am

well my physical therapist recommend biking, so i did that this morning.

by erikamc on Sep 2, 2008 at 10:23 am

I can see how biking would be a good exercise for someone with plantar facitis. I also have plantar facitis, got the cortisone shot 2 years ago (ouch...)and have been doing stretches ever since. Its worked out nicely for me, but I think I might be an oddity when it comes to that.
How'd the biking go for you?

by Lonnie on Sep 12, 2008 at 11:45 am

I had the plantar last summer. Under my desk I put two blocks so I could set the ball of my foot up on them and forget about it. I still do this. The plantar went away over last winter. If I get even a little soreness I start using those blocks daily, I have a tenancy to forget to use them. It's the only stretching I do anymore. Works well for me. No more pain.

by delitaagain on Sep 18, 2008 at 12:05 pm

I used to have it really bad and ended up having surgery. I no longer have it! But in the meantime, my favorite way to get aerobic exercise was the rowing machine at the gym. I've since found out those are extremely good exercise and suitable for all ages/abilities. When I settle down I'm going to get my own but in the meantime, it is almost worth the gym membership just to be able to row.

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July 1st, 2008

Lean legs?

posted by beck23 on 12:00 am

Help! I am cursed with the big thighs!
Does anyone have any workouts that could help build a leaner leg and butt?

by GraceLazenby on Jul 11, 2008 at 8:24 am

Hey There!! I have the perfect workouts for you!! Plug into my exercises from iTRAIN for Shapely legs and outer thigh on the site. I promis if you do these exercises every week you will see results.

http://www.livestrong.com/search?search=outer+thigh

http://www.livestrong.com/search?search=shapely+legs

Let me know how it goes!!!

by ron6 on Jul 15, 2008 at 5:02 am

A light jogging or running will do. If you're working with a personal trainer, tell him/her that you're only working out for toning.

by beck23 on Jul 19, 2008 at 9:57 am

Thank you both for the advice!! Sorry I havent been around but i will definitely start those excersises!!

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July 1st, 2008

lifting less weight?

posted by Cassini on 12:00 am

i've recently started lifting weights. it's part of a multidiscipline approach to health gain and weight management. I'm now 30lbs lighter than when i first started to lift. How does this affect my progress in my work out? how do i measure progress when i'm either stuck at lifting the same weight or even lift less in some areas?

by proudgammie3 on Aug 20, 2008 at 1:04 pm

I would like to join this group, as I have been challenged by my daughter. I need to excersise more and get support. :). Thanks

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July 1st, 2008

move more ... eat less

posted by songchild on 12:00 am

My skin can't handle more sunlight than is absolutly necessary so after I raked and cut the grass I spent 30 minutes on my elliptical located on our shaded patio overlooking the my small backyard's lovely trimmed garden.

by JanyMac on Jun 20, 2008 at 10:26 am

Sounds very nice and relaxing! I am a fair skinned person and I burn very easily; I can relate. Enjoy your garden this summer.

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July 1st, 2008

Treadmill

posted by Madwood3 on 12:00 am

Ok so i have a treadmill and i use it every day. I enjoy indoors and watching tv. Its just how i am. I get out sometimes to cycle, but i usually just walk and run ( i mix it up) at high inclines and good paces. I can go for a long time, but people are always telling me to get outside and run. I dont like too, is that bad? I work hard on the treadmill i really do, i sweat alot! I also like to have the time shown on the treadmill because i am one of those people who always has to know. What do i need to get in order to take it outside?

by bikeninja on Jun 18, 2008 at 10:59 am

getting fresh air is one thing.on a tread mill it will wear your shoes faster.there are all kinds of watches out here to give you any and all the info you could want.try the nike plus.i like outside way better.nature!

by urbanhiker on Jun 18, 2008 at 1:22 pm

Don't fixate on going outside if you have been successful on your treadmill. Keep up your workout on the treadmill and do other active things outside, such as garden, walking for pleasure, dining al fresco, etc. You can always rent a bike for a day or try roller blading for fun!

by joshkennard on Jun 20, 2008 at 12:37 pm

The Nike plus is a Great way to Keep Time, distance and calories burned. It keeps me motivated. I like the different sceneries and try to do a few new routes a week just to mix it up a little.

by GraceLazenby on Jun 20, 2008 at 6:19 pm

Treadmill workouts are great!! It is also great that you are mixing it up with outdoor running. Mix it up with hills, sprints and steady runs so that your body doesn't get used to the same thing everyday.

Good luck and keep treading!! You will see a difference each week.

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July 1st, 2008

New gadgets

posted by maddogkt321 on 12:00 am

I love to workout but I know that the machines are not always acurate so I wanted to know how I was doing in MY workouts.

I got a HRM from POLAR. I got the F11 and really enjoy the features on there. IT gives me calories out, duration, % of heart rate, heart rates, % of fat burned and even has a program on there to keep me motivated. And if I do 75% of my weekly workouts, I get a trouphy for the week.

They are a great motivation and you really know how you are doing. Some things I underestimated and others I overestimated so now I know for sure.

Great buys.

by urbanhiker on Jun 18, 2008 at 1:25 pm

Even though the machine data may not be accurate, it is still a great way to compete against yourself. Use the data as a tool to increase your time, distance, calories every time you work out! If you enter the same info at the start of your work out you can compete against your last time, etc.

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July 1st, 2008

For Marco - my post was over 400 words :)

posted by DaniaSacksMarch on 12:00 am

Marco,
It's the small steps that add up to make the difference - like Albert said. Don't give up on yourself. Set small goals that you can attain. Oprah just had a show with some people who were morbidly obese and lost at least 100 pounds. One woman lost and kept off 400 pounds. Most of the folks did it by eating small healthy meals throughout the day and by taking steps to exercise. One thought: buy yourself an exercycle or some kind of exercise machine you can put in front of the TV and get on in the comfort of your own home while you're doing something you already like to do (watching TV). Get the new Wii video fitness game. Find a friend who will hold you accountable to goals you set for yourself. Think of some rewards you can offer yourself for goals accomplished.
Good luck!

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July 1st, 2008

To MarcoRedmond

posted by AlbertChong on 12:00 am

My response was too big for the comment box, so I started a new post.

I think you're off to a great start with the increased walking! There are many times where the decision to walk can help your fitness. Taking one flight of stairs up or two flight of stairs down, instead of the elevator. Walking to lunch, instead of taking the taxi. Parking a little further in the parking lot, instead of right by the stairs/elevator. All these little steps add up (forgive the pun).

Also, drinking good ol' H20 instead of sodas, juices, or blended coffees can cut down calories. Water has zero fat, zero calories, zero cholesterol, etc. Remember there are 3500 calories in a pound. Sodas and even fruit juices have about 200 calories in a can/bottle. So simply eliminating one can of coke per day can take off a pound in a little over 2 weeks.

Good luck with your endeavor - I hope you'll stick around the website for good advice and encouragement!

by MarcoRedmond on May 30, 2008 at 12:08 pm

Thanks for the suggestions Albert. I pretty much do everything you suggest but I have the same issue that others have posted about here and that is to stay motivated to do something active every day.

The mental part is what has me stymied so far so I would be grateful if you have suggestions on how to deal with overcoming mental roadblocks. Thanks again Albert.

by bikeninja on Jun 3, 2008 at 9:52 am

do you listen to music?set a goal.get others involved.i kind of compition.who can walk the most in a day or week.

by Kab625 on Jun 14, 2008 at 6:28 am

Hi Marco,

Is there anything that you really like to do? It's easier if you pick a pleasureable activity - the mental roadblocks disappear. There are so many ways to be active. If you really love listening to music for instance, try joining a gym and listening to your favorite music when you walk on a treadmill, or if you have the space get one at home.

It can't seem like a chore.

by WLuz on Jun 18, 2008 at 1:51 pm

Hi Albert. I was wondering what your advice on milk was. I've heard it attributes to weight loss, but how much should one drink on a daily basis?

by AlbertChong on Jun 28, 2008 at 11:30 pm

Oops, lost track of this thread, WLuz. I haven't heard about milk contributing to weight loss (dieticians, want to weigh in on this?). But I do know that milk is a great source of calcium, which contributes to bone health.

by AlbertChong on Jun 28, 2008 at 11:31 pm

Remember, we stop ADDING to our bone mass after our late twenties. So it's important to add as much as possible before then. After that, we're just trying to keep up with your body's everyday losses. You should be getting 1000-1500mg of calcium a day.

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December 4th, 2012

Any suggestions for a totally deconditioned guy?

posted by MarcoRedmond on 10:58 am

Hi everyone - I just registered for this site so I'm just starting to learn what's here, but it all looks great so far.

Anyway, does anyone have suggestions for a 50 yr old former jock who has gotten completely out of shape over the past 15 years by living the standard geek life of 60 hr work week in front of a computer followed by 60 more hrs in front of the home pc and "entertainment" tv.

Most of the posts/info on this site seems to assume everyone already has some level of fitness but I am sorry to say I am at ground zero, morbidly obese etc. I did get a pedometer this past winter and created a spreadsheet to track my results and am slooowly increasing my daily steps (I'm up to almost 3,000 steps/day now) but I need a LOT of work and am having a real difficult time staying active. I should add that I'm single and currently no female relationships to keep me motivated on the social side of life...

Anyhow, I'm open to suggestion so fire away and don't be afraid of hurting my feelings with your comments. I've been tough on myself for a long time and only just recently started to forgive myself for not leading the kind of active healthy life I imagined I would back when I was involved in sports.
Thx, M

by bikeninja on Jun 3, 2008 at 9:46 am

try changing your diet.i am vegan.it makes food choices easy.no animal stuff at all.

by delitaagain on Sep 18, 2008 at 12:12 pm

Hey, M! Congrats to you for changing your life! That is so awesome. I'm still morbidly obese but counting the days now until my BMI drops to merely obese. ;-) I do CrossFit which can be scaled to any age or level of ability (but looks like the most intense, so don't let that scare you off. Also, a good diet helps. (to be continued...)

by delitaagain on Sep 18, 2008 at 12:16 pm

I wouldn't do any diet that drops any major food group. Finding how food affect me has set me free. It is a process but there is help. Feel free to contact me. I'll be happy to be a supporter. It is more possible than ever, so much knowledge available now and people who are doing this in big numbers and for the long term. You can do it too! You've already proved that. Very glad to *meet* you, M!

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July 1st, 2008

keeping up the motivation...ideas?

posted by poompalou1 on 12:00 am

i was doing great for a 2 year stretch. then things got busy! i definitely haven't fallen off the wagon. i still go for a 45-60 minute walk at lunch every day, and do some other form of exercise 2-3 times per week in the evenings - but it's generally another walk, or yardwork. so, i've put on about 5-7 lbs. i was doing great with the elliptical machine or weights every weeknight, and then life got in the way. we moved to a new city, started new jobs, got a new home. there's ALWAYS something to do...other than exercise.

anyone have any tips on keeping the motivation and drive to keep working hard? my motivation before was to lose weight (around 30 lbs). i did that, and then it sort of fizzled - maintaining isn't NEARLY as motivating. what have you all done to keep it exciting?

by bikeninja on Jun 3, 2008 at 9:48 am

change it up.walk diferant routes.do you listen to music?try that.set a goal on distance or speed.the options are endless.be creative.

by beck23 on Jun 28, 2008 at 2:56 pm

I would definitely change up the routine. Thereâ??s no motivation if your workout is boring to you. Maybe take some exciting new classes at a local gym? I like to look up hiking spots in my area. Its a great way to get exercise. I also personally like to work out with a friend, who has the same goals as I do. Then we both know what we are going for. You could also use a little competition.

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July 1st, 2008

Advice for busy parents

posted by mrlex on 12:00 am

If I work 10+ hour days, five days a week, and am also a husband and father, how do I find the time to be active? I try to do some free-throw shooting a couple days each week, and I spend time playing with my 19-month-old, but I definitely feel that I'm not getting enough exercise.

Any busy parents have advice?

by bikeninja on Jun 3, 2008 at 9:50 am

try doing stuff at lunch.can you ride your bike to work?use a babby joger.and take the little one out for a run or fast pace walk.roller blade.

by DermNurseMandee on Jun 15, 2008 at 8:18 pm

Maybe incorporate the baby in your activity. Get a jogger stroller and take her on little outings for a brisk walk, jog. One you will get exercise, two she will love the bonding with daddy time and three as she grows it shows her how intrical in life being active is.



Good luck!

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November 23rd, 2012

Physical Enrichment

posted by tmetzuc on 2:19 am

Totally agree - if i didn't work up a good sweat multiple times/week I think i would go crazy from all that everyday life throws my way...

Eat less. Move more. Be Healthy.

by poompalou1 on May 20, 2008 at 4:57 pm

i'm totally psyched that i've gotten a message from the future - what's it like in 2012??

:)

by gbfuego on Jun 11, 2008 at 2:41 pm

Couldn't agree more with that simple mantra of eating less and moving more to be healthy. We just need to make the right decisions around food and make the time for exercise.

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May 12th, 2008

Be Active Stay Active

posted by danbrian on 6:33 pm

The only way to stay sane.

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