Getting into shape - The Attraction Forums

wlp · #1 (**permalink**) 05-01-2008, 05:04 AM

So I havent been doing much exercise the past 5 years and I've recently hit the gym to get back in shape. To burn fat, get back to shape and also gain more muscle and be lean.

However I do not like running since it hurts my ankles after a good long run. Whats an alternative to running. I want to train my thigh muscles and make them lean.

You guys have any good suggestions on a good total workout for the body?

RunMan · #2 (**permalink**) 05-01-2008, 10:42 AM

swimming, biking, jogging, etc...anything considered aerobic is good.

Running is great, but whats better at burning fat is running up stairs.

Vapor · #3 (**permalink**) 05-01-2008, 10:55 AM

Cardio has a minimal effect on getting lean. What gets you lean is eating fewer calories. I would lift weights, go on a well-established fat-loss diet (e.g., South Beach), and maybe do some yoga a couple times a week.

Dean_Moriarty · #4 (**permalink**) 05-01-2008, 03:31 PM

The Body For Life book is generally endorsed by the on-line community. I use it, and even though I'm tall, it keeps me proportionate. You'll be buff in no time if you stick to it.

-Dean

settingson · #5 (**permalink**) 05-01-2008, 03:58 PM

Things to keep in mind for losing weight:

Take walks before breakfast. At this time your glycogen levels are low, so the energy required to move your feet are taken from your body's fat deposits. Just remember to keep the pre-breakfast cardio on a low intensity. If you do any high intensity cardio before breakfast, you will be taking energy from you mucsles instead, which will only leave you with less muscles and the same amount of fat. I know bodybuilders do warmly embrace the morning walks. Its a good concept.

To more musclemass you have, the faster you will burn fat. So do strength training.

Some guy in this thread said that cardio has nothing to do with losing fat, but that eating less calories than you use is what matters. Well, of course, but doing cardio is a great way of using those calories.

If you really wanna get results you want to have someone screaming at you do push yourself. Go to spinning classes, the instructor will yell at you if you try to chill. Sign up for boxing, kickboxing, krav maga etc. You want someone to push you.

Muk · #6 (**permalink**) 05-01-2008, 06:07 PM

cardio is good, but don't forget about strength training. bigger muscles use more energy (calories) the more muscle you have, the more effective everything you do will be at burning calories and the harder it is to start putting weight back on if you slip. I've lost 30 lbs using nothing but cardio (and watching the diet) and gained 50 back because I didn't build any muscle so I'm trying to do it right this time. I'm doing all three now, and I've dropped 10 over the past month. and MY BMI has gone down 2 points. don't make my mistake and not do any strength training

The Legend · #7 (**permalink**) 05-02-2008, 04:31 AM

don't eat anything out of a box or packet

eat meat/fish/eggs/veg lots

do some some cardio-mountain biking, soccer etc, and hit the gym with mostly compound multi joint exercises 3x a week

Vapor · #8 (**permalink**) 05-03-2008, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muk

I've lost 30 lbs using nothing but cardio (and watching the diet) and gained 50 back because I didn't build any muscle so I'm trying to do it right this time.

That's not why you gained it back, lots of people who lift while losing weight do the same thing. You likely yo-yo dieted.

Muk · #9 (**permalink**) 05-03-2008, 04:04 PM

I've thought about that, but really I didn't change my diet other than drinking soda, but it's not like I just went crazy with soda...I'll say that's a possibility, though...I've since quit soda...

Promitius · #10 (**permalink**) 05-03-2008, 04:12 PM

Stopping drinking soda. Seriously. I lost about 10lbs when I did. I started drinking it again lately and I can already feel the affects. Also, even diet soda triggers an insulin response.

Just stock your fridge with nothing but fruits, veggies, chicken, water, maybe a little juice (100% juice, no concentrate) and fish for 3 weeks.

Detox. Cut down on breads. Make your lunch. Use veggie tortillas. etc.

Diets are stupid, the only thing that work is a fundamental lifestyle change. Just like being a pickup artist.

It helps to be in a position where your food isn't chosen for you (living @ home, or in the dorms for example). Once you're on your own...you are the arbiter of all food in the dorm. My own personal vice that still screws me over is being able to bring healthy food into my own dorm room. But when my roomie orders pizza, or I don't have anything to eat...the cheeseburgers start to look good. If it's free and in reach..I take it.