Take care of yourself

Re: Take care of yourself (LiveSTRONG)

I drink skim milk and have a cup of yogurt a day, and that's the extent of my dairy intake. It's not evil at all. In fact, yogurt is a great dessert because it fills you up a bit while still allowing you something sweet.

 

Re: Take care of yourself (LiveSTRONG)

 

Re: Take care of yourself (LiveSTRONG)

It's been a while since I have swooped into the conversation, but here's an update on my workout regimen.

I started a serious commitment to running in April after purchasing properly fitted running shoes that supported my flat feet and weak ankles, and haven't experienced the slightest lower leg or knee pain in that time. I run 12-15 miles most weeks and have competed in two 5Ks. When I started this, I couldn't finish a mile in less than 11 minutes; the other day I ran two miles in less than 16 and my 5K (3.1 miles) personal record is 26:06.

Good and bad news is that my shoes are showing wear, and I'll have to purchase replacements soon. Tips from 21 and others months back have helped: I try to lift weights to get my muscles burning glucose before I run.

I vary the length and intensity of the runs depending on how my body and mind feel that particular day, but I always go 3 times a week and try to make it four or five when the schedule complies. The elliptical machine helps in a pinch, but the most important factor has been to continue to go and push. It's about the mental and physical discipline for me to continue to better myself. I prefer to do the weights in concert with the running, but running takes care of the toning of most of the muscles by itself -- you'd be surprised how much you need your biceps to propel you in that fourth or fifth mile, and your legs will ache if you keep challenging yourself.

I've dropped 30 pounds in four months thanks to the running. (I'm 6-feet, and at 195, I'm 10 or 12 pounds lighter than I was as a junior in high school.) My diet always had been pretty good, but I've cut out any fast foods exclusively. Just takes a little planning and preparation, like you'd put into your job, to make a healthier option available.

My girlfriend and I adopted a husky/German shepherd puppy a couple months ago. He's 4 months old now and weighs 29 pounds. I was picking him up in the yard the other day and realized that his weight is what used to be wrapped around my stomach. After fluctuating between 210-225 for most of the last decade or so, I feel too good and I'm too attuned to my routine to go back to slugging around those extra pounds.

For those of you struggling, just hang in there and keep plugging. I hit plateaus a couple of times along the way. In fact, I've been plateaued at 195 for a while, which makes me think that another five pounds might drop off any time now. I don't have a specific goal I'd like to reach, but there's always work to be done. Good luck.

 

Re: Take care of yourself (LiveSTRONG)

wow...that is just a great post.

(ps, if you're running that much, you have to replace those shoes every few months.)

 

Re: Take care of yourself (LiveSTRONG)

The shoes are definitely showing wear. They will be replaced as soon as possible.

 

Re: Take care of yourself (LiveSTRONG)

Owl,

I wish more people took the approach that you did. Good job.

 

Re: Take care of yourself (LiveSTRONG)

Owl, I second all the sentiments above. It's all about good habits, and you've got them.

 

Re: Take care of yourself (LiveSTRONG)

After a 3-4 year hiatus, I've joined a gym!

Got a great deal at a new Gold's Gym that just opened near our house. $19.95 a month with a 2-year deal. Not bad.

No more travel this year so hoping to go three days a week. That's my goal anyway.

Marriage is starting to take its toll on my waistline, so I'm looking to reverse that trend!

 

Re: Take care of yourself (LiveSTRONG)

I have never understood this, but it seems to be an incredibly common issue: what is it about marriage that makes people fall out of shape?

Is it that you're no longer in the hunt, so appearance seems less importance? More home cooking? Less sex?

Personally, I would think the aggravation alone would cause you to burn more calories, but that's just my theory.

Someone....enlighten me.

 

Re: Take care of yourself (LiveSTRONG)

As someone told me after I gained 25 pounds in my first year of marriage - Contentment.

It's just like the "freshman 15" where college freshman gain 15 pounds.

It's lifestyle changes. Not an excuse, just an explanation.

When I think back, we went out to eat a lot in our first year. My wife wasn't a big dessert person - until she met me. Ice cream, cake, and going out to different, interesting restaurants.

 

Re: Take care of yourself (LiveSTRONG)

I've wondered about this, too.

My body is in much better shape than it was when I got married a decade ago (not that I was in bad shape then). My wife is nowhere close to her marriage shape.

She keeps using the excuse of having two kids. And I call it an excuse (not to her face ) because I've trained many new mothers who have had no problem regaining their pre-pregnancy figure.

I'd have my own gym if I had a dollar for every time she said, "I wish I were in better shape."

For her there is a sense of contentment. She has her man so, why worry.

Looks are why I train like a nut. I don't plan to grow old gracefully. I want to be a 65-year-old on the court posting up my grandkids.

That's why I train so hard now.

If you find out 21, let me know, too.

 

Re: Take care of yourself (LiveSTRONG)

You know what, Dogg, I really don't think women really think 'i have a man, so what....' Every woman wants to look attractive, even if it's just for her lazy fat husband.

I do think a single woman has the freedom to control her own life and schedule....no husband or kids to put first. If she wants to spend an hour or two every day at the gym, she can.

As for new mothers getting back in shape, i think you would agree genetics plays into that. Some snap right back, others never will.

But that said, it's all about priorities...you either want it bad enough, or you don't.