Getting in Shape

[fujiyama]

Alright, we're already several weeks into the new year and I'm once again obsessed with DU (how can I not be? It's primary season) and spending too many hours here...therefore not getting any physical excercise...Other than spending hours here, I'm usually doing something that doesn't require a lot of physical activity.

I do want to get in shape though. I'm a male, age 22...and while I would not consider myself fat, I would definetely like to get in shape...for the health benefits alone.

Also, I'm semi vegetarian (I do have poultry once in a while). Anyone have any tips here? Just curious if anyone here has any simple begining work out routines...or food tips being vegetarian. The one problem I've heard with being vegetarian is eating too much carbs and I will admit I eat a bit too much bread and rice as well.

[supernova]

1. Ahh to be 22 again.

:D Your possibilities are endless. If it's winter where you are you might consider joinging a gym.

Alternate cardio equipment (rowing, treadmill, etc.) with lifting weights a couple of times a week. If you don't know much about weights, I think the nautilus machines are easier to get a feel for. But you might prefer free weights.

If you have a friend so inclined, take up racketball or squash. Some others just like to run.

What kinds of activities do you like to do?

[mopinko]

2. wish i had started at 22

i will be 50 this year, and i am falling apart. i was recently dx'ed with some sort of autoimmune disease. (medical mystery so far) but i thought that i had plenty of time. i have been doing yoga off and on for the last 10 years, but was just starting to get serious when i got sick. it has been really hard, cuz the progress just melted.
anyway, i belong to my local y, and i love it there. most of the people there are in it for health, as opposed to appearance. now that it is "home" i don't mind going alone so much. but i had a workout partner for a while, a good friend that i don't get to see enough. so that worked out great. she had a real schedule, whereas i am loose. so i knew she would be a good partner. then she had the nerve to get pregnant, and have morning sickness, and stuff. some people...
we used to have a deal that if we couldn't make it, we wouldn't tell the other person. so no, well, she couldn't make it, so....
once you get into it, it is great. especially as the middle age angst sets in.

[rustydog]

7. Happy 50 to you! I'm turning 50 in May.

I've been going to the YMCA for the past 4 years after having to chase two car prowlers for three blocks (caught them, but just abour wore my ass out!)and was so winded, I was in danger of not being able to protect myself.

I sleep better, put on some weight and it isn't a spare tire either.
I ride exercise bike for 30 minutes, weight/strength train for an hour and shoot hoops for 30 to 45 minutes.

I WISH I had started this when I was 22!

[mopinko]

8. yeah, i needed some whupass, too

got 2 teenagers now, and two younger ones comin'. they never got spanked much as kids. the 16 year old drove me to a couple o clock cleanin's. none of them look at my grey hair quite the same anymore.

but one of the reasons i say i wish i had started earlier is that my bones are starting to thin already. i watched my mom just crumble before she died. NOT GOIN DOWN THAT ROAD. and there are no quick fixes for that. and the thing is, is was the bones that led to her mind going. she couldn't be active any more.

[alwynsw]

3. What getting in shape?

I like the shape I have.

[earthman dave]

4. A (very) little bit of weight-lifting

Takes up about half an hour every two to three days, apparently speeds up your metabolism (no way to check that, as i don't know how fat i would be if i didn't exercise), really improved my self-confidence and makes you generally more awake and alert (if you were unfit to begin with).

www.bodybuilding.com is mostly "feel the burn" style musclehead nonsense, but the site has some good articles on nutrition and what they call "high intensity training" or HIT (don't be put off by the name, it's actually the laziest way to train - get maximum benefit from less exercise, instead of spending all day lifting weights like a fool).

The only potential problem is, you need a lot of protein, at regular intervals. Got milk?

[MooPie]

5. Super Slow Weight Training

I started it two years ago after having done regular workouts for years and I couldn't believe the difference. I saw results within a month and am in the best shape I've ever been. The best part is you only do one set of 4-6 repetitions, taking 10-15 seconds for each rep., and your workout is done in around half an hour. Google around for more information. You either love it or hate it. Essentially it works by keeping your muscles in a constant state of stress since you go so slow. You don't rely on momentum, just force. Good luck.

[priller]

9. I have some friends that do this

and they swear by it. I'll definitely have to give it a try myself.

To fujiyama:

You're young and it probably won't take you long to get in shape, so just keep it fun, do a variety of things. Take classes, too, it's so much easier to get motivated that way. The important thing is to make it regular -- not an 'extra' thing you do, but a standard, regular part of your day.

[BiggJawn]

6. If you’re active, the carbs will take care of themselves.

Look at cyclists. Those folks LIVE on carbs...