Group: General Fitness & Exercise

Created: 2011/12/31, Members: 379, Messages: 54577

Various general exercise related discussions. Find out what it takes to reach your fitness goals through daily effective exercise. With so many options we try to find out what works best.

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I would like to know how to lose weight

Toonafeesh
Toonafeesh
Posts: 22
Joined: 2005/06/16
United States
2005/06/16, 01:33 PM
Hi everyone,

I am new to Free Trainers. I am trying to find a good exercise routine to help lose weight.

I weigh 290, I am 6', I am 23 years old and I am looking to get down to around 200 lbs. My BMI is almost 40 which is morbidly obese according to some calculators. I am pretty active ( I play softball once or twice a week, lift weights daily, 50 situps a day, go jogging probably once a week). I have lost 15 pounds in about a month and a half, but now it seems like I am at a stand still. I have been at 290 for 2-3 weeks now with no change. It is really starting to bug me. I eat roughly 2500 - 3000 calories a day. Although, the scale says I have lost 15 lbs, I still do not see a difference. Can anyone help me with ways to speed up metabolism (without pills) or a better exercise program.
I would appreciate any help you can give me.
Thanks
SnowPrincess
SnowPrincess
Posts: 7
Joined: 2005/06/16
United States
2005/06/16, 01:46 PM
IMO, I think your exercise is fine for right now, look t your diet, that is what has the most impact. 3000 calories is probably too much if it's coming from the wrong type of calories...
2005/06/16, 01:52 PM
Eat the right foods in the proper quantity. The FT nutrition tracker can help you figure that out. Start eating 5 or 6 smaller meals a day. That will rev up your metabolism. You aren't eating enough. At 290 you need 2900 cals per day just to watch TV and sleep. Your body has gone into starvation mode and is clinging to fat for survival. Try upping your calories by 250 per day for a week and then another 250 the next week. Then as you lose weight/fat you can lower the calories.

Cut your weights back to 3 or 4 days a week and lift heavy. The FT routines are helpful to figure out your splits Don't do cardio on the same day as you lift. This will build muscle. Muscle burns more fat naturally than a soft flabby body. Take a couple of rest days a week. You don't grow muscle when you work out. You grow it between workouts while at rest.

Take a look at the grocery lis in the sticky in the nutrition section. Cut out sugar and processed foods.

Welcome to FT.

--------------
If I had a boat,
Id go out on the
ocean. If I had a pony ;
Id ride it on my boat.

Very soon

Charlie
Toonafeesh
Toonafeesh
Posts: 22
Joined: 2005/06/16
United States
2005/06/16, 03:20 PM
Does drinking more water really help you lose more weight? That may also be another one of my downfalls. If so, can anyone explain how it helps? I am very interested in learning so if you can tell me please do.

Thanks
Toonafeesh
Toonafeesh
Posts: 22
Joined: 2005/06/16
United States
2005/06/16, 05:21 PM
Well, I thank you for those tips, also can anyone tell me how to increase my metabolism. What time of day is the best to work out? Anything relevant.
Thanks
Jay_007
Jay_007
Posts: 14
Joined: 2005/03/23
United States
2005/06/16, 05:52 PM
Hi Toona.

Just a few thoughts to consider...

1. Many studies have shown that working out first thing in the morning seems to fuel metabolism better than in the afternoon.
2. Adding muscle fuels metabolism.
3. Don't look for shortcuts... focus on persistence.
4. Throw your scale in the garbage immediately. A scale does not differentiate between fat or muscle and leads to nothing but frustration. Focus on the way your clothes fit and possibly, as Swarm mentioned, photos. Especially with your weight lifting, you'll put on muscle which is far more dense than fat. If you are more concerned about fat/weight loss, consider more cardio (jogging, whatever) and cut down the weights to two UNDER one-hour sessions per week.

About the water... Water is the basis for almost every hormonal, enzymatic and chemical process in your body. If you don't drink enough, you're limiting yourself. Check the water consumption calculator and calorie calculator on this site for more info on both those topics.

Good luck... DON'T QUIT! 15 pounds in six weeks is something to be very proud of.

2005/06/16, 07:21 PM

Toona, Go back and read my post. That tells you how to increase your metabolism.
============
Quoting from toonafeesh:

Well, I thank you for those tips, also can anyone tell me how to increase my metabolism. What time of day is the best to work out? Anything relevant.
Thanks
=============
feral
feral
Posts: 1
Joined: 2005/06/20
Australia
2005/06/20, 07:07 AM
Hi, my name is Kym and i am also new to this website and program. I AM ALWAYS SO HUNGRY! I am a uni student and only work a few hours a week so most of my time is spent at home on the computer. I find it very difficult to not go to the pantery or fridge. I play basket-ball and netball once a week and that is all the exercise i get. Can you please help me in learning aboutsome 'fun' exercises i could try that would be beneficial to my legs, belly and bum. Thanks, KYM
Jay_007
Jay_007
Posts: 14
Joined: 2005/03/23
United States
2005/06/20, 06:23 PM
Hey Kym...

You may want to start a new post on the homepage rather than posting under an old message like this... people won't see it.

Ok... here are suggestions on your "hungry" issue. You should be eating 5-6 small, balanced meals or snacks per day. That means you shouldn't go more than 2-3 hours without eating something. There are many books and sites that describe this approach. A portion of "healthy carbs" and a portion of lean protien make up a "meal" of about 300-400 calories or so. A portion is roughly the size of the palm of your hand. A chicken breast and brown rice is a good example. So is a lean beef tenderloin with a sweet potato. Get the idea? You can also throw a veggie in there, but stick to the green ones (to avoid too much sugar).

If you plan ahead and keep a supply of protein bars/meal replacement bars on hand, you should have no trouble fighting off the hunger.

Whatever you do, DON'T starve yourself! It only leads to lost muscle and increased body fat later on.

Good luck! If you have more questions, just ask!
Toonafeesh
Toonafeesh
Posts: 22
Joined: 2005/06/16
United States
2005/06/22, 01:10 PM
Hey, I just wanted to thank everyone for their help, especially the post about drinking 2 glasses of water before eating that is helping alot. I am down to 282 and still dropping probably close to 3-4 lbs a week. I am still eating close to 2500 calories a day. Dont worry I am not starving myself. I have just mostly cutout fast food and soda. Now, like every 30 minutes or so I feel like I neeeeeeed water. I have been drinking lots of water everyday. Anyway Thanks for your help everyone. I will keep you updated.

Toona
tlcampbell
tlcampbell
Posts: 8
Joined: 2005/03/10
United States
2005/06/23, 11:15 PM
quit stuffing your pie-hole.
Toonafeesh
Toonafeesh
Posts: 22
Joined: 2005/06/16
United States
2005/06/24, 12:11 PM
What are you talking about???
Toonafeesh
Toonafeesh
Posts: 22
Joined: 2005/06/16
United States
2005/07/13, 12:22 PM
Sorry, for all these questions, but I have another.
I have lost 25 lbs in 3 mos. so far but I have only lost 3 inches around the stomach is this normal? I now weigh 280 and my stomach is 53 inches around. Thanks for all your help.

Toonafeesh
ironmonga
ironmonga
Posts: 185
Joined: 2005/02/09
United States
2005/07/13, 03:58 PM
toonafeesh, Apart from your subcutaneous fat there are deeper layers in the abdomen known as the visceral fat or omentom. This fat is to protect the intestines and other internal organs around the stomach and can be quite prominant in over weight people, this is usually one of the last places for fat to go but never the less it is fat and will eventually go but not without a struggle.


============
Quoting from toonafeesh:

Sorry, for all these questions, but I have another.
I have lost 25 lbs in 3 mos. so far but I have only lost 3 inches around the stomach is this normal? I now weigh 280 and my stomach is 53 inches around. Thanks for all your help.

Toonafeesh
=============
Toonafeesh
Toonafeesh
Posts: 22
Joined: 2005/06/16
United States
2005/07/14, 06:34 PM
So is 3 inches around the stomach about average for 25 lbs of weight loss?
ironmonga
ironmonga
Posts: 185
Joined: 2005/02/09
United States
2005/07/15, 09:27 AM
Yes toonafeesh. I lost most of my fat from my face, arms and legs first then it came of my back and chest and I'm only seeing a big difference in my stomach now towards the target I am hoping to reach by crimbo.
yodaddyOG
yodaddyOG
Posts: 46
Joined: 2003/06/18
Canada
2005/07/17, 04:18 AM
nice keep it going. Now i am glad i clicked on this topic. I never knew about that water before a meal. I'll try that from now on. And toon about 10 pounds a month is a good safe way to lose it. I myself started at 310 and now at 264. yay :)
I thought i should share some extra info i found reading a health magazine a couple months ago. I seems a european study found that eating yogrt 3 times a week raised the metabolism some 25%. Also something about apples and blueberries. Not to mentions spicy foods gets things moving.:laugh:
Toonafeesh
Toonafeesh
Posts: 22
Joined: 2005/06/16
United States
2005/07/18, 01:44 PM
Well, I appreciate everyones help, it seems my scale wasnt working properly so I went out and bought a new one. I am actually at about 287 not 281.which is kind of a LET DOWN..

Anyway, I was wondering what workouts are really good for weight loss? I was jogging a few nights a week. Should I continue to keep jogging or should I do something a little more vigorous? Cardio? Pilates? I have no idea.

Anyway again I appreciate everyones help.
Toonafeesh
Toonafeesh
Posts: 22
Joined: 2005/06/16
United States
2005/07/26, 09:58 AM
But what are some good weight loss exercices??

Toonafeesh
Toonafeesh
Posts: 22
Joined: 2005/06/16
United States
2005/07/26, 02:19 PM
I am just curious if jogging will help more or if aerobics are better? Which one will help me lose weight a little better and/or faster? Should I focus on crunches and push ups or should i go with cardio?

Anything will help thank you
Toonafeesh
Toonafeesh
Posts: 22
Joined: 2005/06/16
United States
2005/07/28, 12:53 PM
Well, I have started to get a little frustrated with the results(or lack thereof). I have started doing two half hour aerobic workouts per week and four 15 minute workouts. Do you think this is a good plan? I am still lifting weights about twice a week as well.
eccbm
eccbm
Posts: 1
Joined: 2005/09/08
Saint Lucia
2005/09/08, 09:08 AM
how can i lose weight in a week
mikencharleston
mikencharleston
Posts: 1,585
Joined: 2002/01/09
United States
2005/09/08, 11:20 AM
stop eating :)

--------------
Mike
in Pensacola Now.
maxcdc
maxcdc
Posts: 180
Joined: 2005/02/26
Belgium
2005/09/08, 05:12 PM
cut one of your legs:big_smile:
maxcdc
maxcdc
Posts: 180
Joined: 2005/02/26
Belgium
2005/09/09, 04:04 AM
jimi what s this bs... You don t even know how much she s eatin :surprised:

have a clean diet and do some cardio, you won't lose a lot in a week and if you do so, i don t think it s really healty... Chnaging take times
godsbap
godsbap
Posts: 1
Joined: 2005/12/16
United States
2005/12/16, 02:10 AM
i am a female i'm 5'5 253lbs and 23yrs old i would like lose 55lbs in 5 months. i would like my stomach to b flatter and my but lifted what can i do?
tigerlady0974
tigerlady0974
Posts: 7
Joined: 2005/12/15
United States
2005/12/17, 01:01 AM
15 pounds is great! My first goal is 20 pounds in nine months!! I want to loose a total of 50 and did not want to set my goal too high. Congratulations!

============
Quoting from Jay_007:

Hi Toona.

Just a few thoughts to consider...

1. Many studies have shown that working out first thing in the morning seems to fuel metabolism better than in the afternoon.
2. Adding muscle fuels metabolism.
3. Don't look for shortcuts... focus on persistence.
4. Throw your scale in the garbage immediately. A scale does not differentiate between fat or muscle and leads to nothing but frustration. Focus on the way your clothes fit and possibly, as Swarm mentioned, photos. Especially with your weight lifting, you'll put on muscle which is far more dense than fat. If you are more concerned about fat/weight loss, consider more cardio (jogging, whatever) and cut down the weights to two UNDER one-hour sessions per week.

About the water... Water is the basis for almost every hormonal, enzymatic and chemical process in your body. If you don't drink enough, you're limiting yourself. Check the water consumption calculator and calorie calculator on this site for more info on both those topics.

Good luck... DON'T QUIT! 15 pounds in six weeks is something to be very proud of.


=============


--------------
Andy
tigerlady0974@yahoo.com
tigerlady0974
tigerlady0974
Posts: 7
Joined: 2005/12/15
United States
2005/12/17, 01:03 AM

There is my biggest downfall. SODA!!!!!
============
Quoting from toonafeesh:

Hey, I just wanted to thank everyone for their help, especially the post about drinking 2 glasses of water before eating that is helping alot. I am down to 282 and still dropping probably close to 3-4 lbs a week. I am still eating close to 2500 calories a day. Dont worry I am not starving myself. I have just mostly cutout fast food and soda. Now, like every 30 minutes or so I feel like I neeeeeeed water. I have been drinking lots of water everyday. Anyway Thanks for your help everyone. I will keep you updated.

Toona
=============


--------------
Andy
tigerlady0974@yahoo.com
chllbby
chllbby
Posts: 1
Joined: 2006/04/22
United States
2006/04/22, 10:17 PM
what are some of the best exercises to help lose the weight as well as tone up?
craigs_hunny
craigs_hunny
Posts: 1
Joined: 2006/05/10
Canada
2006/05/10, 11:55 AM
i am a 22 yr old 150lobs and i want to lose 25lbs, i want to be able to flatten my stomach and tone up those muscles ,any suggestions in how to go about it?":(
jessica_20
jessica_20
Posts: 1
Joined: 2007/02/19
United States
2007/02/19, 04:56 PM
I am just kind of curious i don't eat much during the day i keep myself pretty full off of water. I know that is not good but im on a strict 1000 calorie diet i need to know if anyone has a better idea of what to do?:(
jonshez
jonshez
Posts: 273
Joined: 2007/01/14
United Kingdom
2007/02/19, 06:16 PM
Hi Jessica,
I'm no expert (I'm sure there will be one along in a moment) but 1000 sounds very low.
When I started looking to get trimmer and lose fat I found it very difficult to understand that eating actually helps! The key is eating the right things in the right amounts. Very low calory intake can actually slow down your body's use of stored fat.

General advice would be (provided there are no medical reasons for your diet) to eat a few hundred (200, 300) calories below the amount you need to maintain your weight, lower your saturated fat intake, and take some more excercise.

The planners on the site give some really good guidelines to get you started.

I'll let an expert take over from there!

Jon
Gilly.
Gilly.
Posts: 1
Joined: 2007/06/17
United States
2007/06/17, 09:41 PM
hmmm.
im gilly,
im 13, 5'6, 155lbs.
i dont actually weigh that much, but i have big-ish cheeks
and sort of a gut.
i run 4 miles a day, i dont know if thats goood for me or what, but i think it helps.
and im gonna try tha water before eating thing because i think it'd be good.
but whats tha best way to slim down?:surprised:
9470196
9470196
Posts: 1
Joined: 2007/12/03
United States
2007/12/03, 05:05 PM
hi, everyone my name is jessica i weigh 263 and im 6" tall and im only 17years old i spend most of my time helping my mom around the house and for the rest of the day i spent in my room doing homework or on the computer. and now i have a bad leg and my docter tlod me its cuz of my weigh so i need to lose weigh but i dont know how

the only thing in that i dont know how to lose the weight:(
i need helpbut i am a very strong person i can curl:dumbbell: about 150
what the best way to lose 60 pounds?:surprised:

--------------
puerto rican sweet heart
aka jessica
DaPolander
DaPolander
Posts: 3
Joined: 2008/01/27
Canada
2008/01/28, 11:56 PM
Hey, im Derek, ok so im 18 almost 19, i weigh about 182 lbs and i go to the gym a few times a week, i do have muscle but i have about a half an inch to an inch of fat around my waist, and thighs. So what do you think is the best and fastest way to get rid of this fat, and get defined?
roselinepaul
roselinepaul
Posts: 1
Joined: 2008/01/30
India
2008/01/30, 05:11 AM
Hi, I am female and 33yrs old. My weight 65kg and my tummy is also in bigger size. I am having 7 yrs old son and it was operation. i dont know how to loose weight faster and reduce fats of my tummy, because of which sometimes i get pain while getting up and sitting down in right leg. Please help me out, as fast as possible.
Mikael_b
Mikael_b
Posts: 2
Joined: 2008/02/12
United States
2008/02/12, 01:43 AM
Ive been through that. If I had to guess, Id say its really not as complicated as people are saying. It might just be that your loosing weight faster then your skin is tightening. Then again, Im no expert.
britani19
britani19
Posts: 1
Joined: 2008/09/01
United States
2008/09/01, 09:21 PM
how do i lose weight in my stomach fast
asimmer
asimmer
Posts: 8,201
Joined: 2003/01/07
United States
2008/09/02, 10:13 AM
read the rest of this post. you don't lose weight fast and you can't dictate where it omes from.

eat a clean healthy diet consisting of lean protein, complex carbs and good fats. Do some reading in all of the forums here for more ideas and tips.
Start an exercise plan and be consistent - in a 6-8 weeks you should notice a difference in your physique, but you will stat to feel different before then, energy wise and health wise.

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A man of sense is never discouraged by difficulties; he redoubles his industry and his diligence, he perseveres and infallibly prevails at last.

Lord Chesterfield
graciella
graciella
Posts: 2
Joined: 2009/09/15
United States
2009/09/15, 08:27 PM
If i am trying to lose weight and i already have quite a bit of muscle mass would it be better for me to use inches instead of pounds to keep me from getting discouraged? considering how much muscle weighs?

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jesus loves me just the way you are
graciella
graciella
Posts: 2
Joined: 2009/09/15
United States
2009/09/15, 08:31 PM
sorry about the signature it should be jesus loves you the way you are
INTRUDER
INTRUDER
Posts: 642
Joined: 2002/06/27
United States
2009/09/29, 09:44 PM
wasnt it like Jesus loves me this I know?

--------------
"Get everthing you want--just make a little change now"
"The thing you have to realize is that you have to work for it,"
ch_lovin
ch_lovin
Posts: 1
Joined: 2009/11/09
United States
2009/11/09, 06:34 PM
Hi:
I would recommend uping your cardio. Try running about a mile before your start your weight training so that you can jump start your motabolism. Remember to drink lots of water too. Try doing this and if your still have some energy left after your weight training or sit ups try doing more cardio like going on a brisk walk or riding a bike or something.

Hope this helps. :)

============
Quoting from Toonafeesh:

Hi everyone,

I am new to Free Trainers. I am trying to find a good exercise routine to help lose weight.

I weigh 290, I am 6', I am 23 years old and I am looking to get down to around 200 lbs. My BMI is almost 40 which is morbidly obese according to some calculators. I am pretty active ( I play softball once or twice a week, lift weights daily, 50 situps a day, go jogging probably once a week). I have lost 15 pounds in about a month and a half, but now it seems like I am at a stand still. I have been at 290 for 2-3 weeks now with no change. It is really starting to bug me. I eat roughly 2500 - 3000 calories a day. Although, the scale says I have lost 15 lbs, I still do not see a difference. Can anyone help me with ways to speed up metabolism (without pills) or a better exercise program.
I would appreciate any help you can give me.
Thanks
=============


--------------
Erin :)
DawnaRiley
DawnaRiley
Posts: 1
Joined: 2010/07/12
United States
2010/07/12, 04:38 AM
I am 22 years old I have 2 kids, a 4 year old and a 6 month old. I weighe 242lbs and want to get to atleast 170-165 I am getting married September 12,2011 I have always been obesed not as obese tthis is my biggest size i have been. I have never dieted or exercides much so i dont know where to start or how My alot of my family including my mother has diebetes and alot of heart problems are in my family I want to change for my self asteem and teach my children a healthier lifestyle I have been baleamic and now have lots of stomach issuse know because i did it all threw my teen yrs and every so often i get sick and puke because i have no galblatter and acid reflucs and alsers. I need all the help I can get

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Dawna Marii
Davetheman26
Davetheman26
Posts: 81
Joined: 2007/07/24
United States
2010/07/29, 03:16 AM
There are no secrets to loosing weight.. Make a calorie deficit and you'll lose weight.. That simple... Now somebody is gonna come on here and say it's not that simple.. lol.. Make a calorie deficit everyday and stick with it.