The Money Mustache Community
General Discussion => Post-FIRE => Topic started by: spartana on January 15, 2015, 09:18:47 AM
-
Deleted
-
Interested to hear about this as well. I am telling myself I will have to do mandatory daily exercise once RE as I can put on weight pretty quickly if I don't watch it. I don't know if it is a good thing or not, but I am considering housekeeping and exercise my new "job" that has to get done each day no matter what. Don't think it will take much more than 1-2 hours a day if I stay on top of it.
-
Hmmm, I'm in the "about the same" category as far as weight (overweight). I'm definitely getting more exercise though. ~2 miles/day walking the kids to/from school. Plus more physical work around the house and in the yard. And the fairly frequent walking trips to the store, library, community center, park, etc. Some days I get in 4-5 miles of walking.
I still haven't returned to my old push up/sit up/stretching/core exercises I've done off and on throughout my adult life. I did do 2 pushups a few days ago when I realized I haven't done much more than sit on my ass all day!
Overall, my lipid profile is better, blood pressure is better, and I honestly think my hair is growing back on my bald head since FIREing. The weight hasn't gone away, but that's probably because I'm eating a full lunch during the day instead of whatever I might pack for lunch at work. I'm pretty sure walking 2+ miles a day 4-5 days a week is way better for me than sitting at a desk 95% of the time. :)
I have a 2 year old that makes working out a little of a challenge, but it will be a lot easier soon. And I could always find an arrangement where he's out of the house for a couple hours so I could work out. It's just that I'm lazy and haven't prioritized that aspect.
-
Definitely more fit and trim. I've changed my diet from vegetarian to low-fat vegan and it's made a big difference in my weight and health. Thus I'm more tempted to exercise! I've always been a big exerciser (is that a double entendre!??!) but now I get to hike and walk in different and beautiful and interesting places because we travel. Also, I am able to practice more yoga because I'm not crushed for time. Practicing right after a meal or too long after a meal is not good for me. Nowadays I usually practice yoga in the afternoon, about 2 hours after lunch. What a luxury.
I know that always having liked to be active is a big reason why I continue to do so post ER. It's true that whatever you were before retirement, you remain after retirement! A la 'wherever you go, there you are.'
-
I've been pretty open about my goal of becoming a "lean, mean, ER machine". I'm down 50 lbs since last August. I've been documenting my fitness journey in the "Throw down the Gauntlet" thread.
Basically, I am determined to see what my fitness ceiling is for my 42 year old self. Got a half marathon booked for April and would like to do it sub-2 hours.
I've got a big "ER to-do list" - a lot of the goals are big, ambitious ideas that are only possible if one is fit...REALLY fit.
-
I've been pretty open about my goal of becoming a "lean, mean, ER machine". I'm down 50 lbs since last August. I've been documenting my fitness journey in the "Throw down the Gauntlet" thread.
Basically, I am determined to see what my fitness ceiling is for my 42 year old self. Got a half marathon booked for April and would like to do it sub-2 hours.
I've got a big "ER to-do list" - a lot of the goals are big, ambitious ideas that are only possible if one if fit...REALLY fit.
I stand in awe! You rock it and you're very correct about being fit going hand n hand with a good life. I think part of the appeal of MMM is that outwardly he appears very healthy.
-
I was already pretty fit pre-RE, but became more so after. While working full time, I'd sometimes use that as an excuse for skipping workouts, but I almost never skip now. I'm lifting about 15% heavier weights now, and I can see a visible difference in my appearance (others have noticed as well).
I think once you're RE there really is just about no excuse for not getting fit.
-
I was already pretty fit pre-RE, but became more so after. While working full time, I'd sometimes use that as an excuse for skipping workouts, but I almost never skip now. I'm lifting about 15% heavier weights now, and I can see a visible difference in my appearance (others have noticed as well).
I think once you're RE there really is just about no excuse for not getting fit.
+1000. No excuse whatsoever. Unless you have one of those pseudo-ER's in which you are in fact a stay at home parent. ;)
Another thing I'm noticing is that the fitter I become, the friskier my wife is getting. Nothing but wins all 'round. :)
-
Still working, but, I put exercise ahead of work on the priority list. (Also, lately, posting on MMM is higher in the queue than working.)
I alternate long runs with P90X-style body-weight workouts, lots of pullups, squats, pushups, and core. An hour a day of something that involves sweating is about right. 170, 5'11".
I've considered getting into the ultra-psycho stuff in ER, like tough mudders and ultramarathons. Did a Spartan Challenge last year and found it to be very do-able. Additional exercise is something I look forward to... Very much doubt I'll move backward, as I'm addicted to the mental benefits and it's a great excuse to be outside.
-
Dr. Doom, how's this for psycho? I'm thinking about paddling around Vancouver Island. As a cursory glance at a map shows, that's ONE BIGASS ISLAND.
This is one of my "Big RE Ideas"....or "follies". :)
-
Dr. Doom, how's this for psycho? I'm thinking about paddling around Vancouver Island. As a cursory glance at a map shows, that's ONE BIGASS ISLAND.
This is one of my "Big RE Ideas"....or "follies". :)
That sounds utterly bad-ass, JS. Schedule your adventure during a typhoon or something for bonus points!
-
Dr. Doom, how's this for psycho? I'm thinking about paddling around Vancouver Island. As a cursory glance at a map shows, that's ONE BIGASS ISLAND.
This is one of my "Big RE Ideas"....or "follies". :)
That's awesome, and just goes to show how you can think and do big things without a stupid work schedule or TPS reports to get in your way.
-
Decided to become fit 5 years ago. Have worked my way up to competing in triathlons as my motivator to stay fit.
When I retire, I can increase my triathlon work and bang out some ironmans ;)
Life is too short, get fit now not later.
-
Ever since being pretty darn fat just before puberty, I have maintained a healthy weight. I worry that once I let it slide, it will be too difficult to get back, especially now that I'm in my 40's. I have never had any success with diets.
Doing the Houston Half Marathon this weekend. I have dreams of integrating travel in with half marathons, including international travel. Nothing better for getting over jet lag and finding your way around an unfamiliar city than forcing yourself to go for a jog (with a cell phone, just in case...)
-
That's awesome EV2020. I'm crossing the border to do a "half" in the San Juan islands in April.
-
Dr. Doom, how's this for psycho? I'm thinking about paddling around Vancouver Island. As a cursory glance at a map shows, that's ONE BIGASS ISLAND.
This is one of my "Big RE Ideas"....or "follies". :)
Oooohhh WHEN you do this please write a book and take lots of photos. I want to read all about it! :D
-
I've always hated exercising, but I finally found a strength training program I really like by Mark Lauren. He has a beginner level book I highly recommend even though it's marketed towards women, it's for beginners ("Body by You") and advanced book (You are Your own gym). I see daily improvement and it's NOT boring because you can see your advancement through stages and adjustments of each exercise category. I've been doing these for about 4 months 3x a week in the living room. The author is a former Navy seal who really believes you don't need to go to a gym or buy equipment to learn traditional strength training. In fact if you look at the history of physical fitness, the act of joining a gym and using equipment is somewhat of a modern concept (and it's how gyms make a ton of money from people who never show up).
-
That's awesome EV2020. I'm crossing the border to do a "half" in the San Juan islands in April.
Sounds like fun, and we have to do what we can to make running for 2-ish hours interesting right :)
-
Go psycho for sure! I'm an ultra-runner and it's the most fun you can have with your clothes on - unless, like me, you are also a Hash House Harrier ("a drinking club with a running problem"), then clothes are.... well, not optional exactly but just a bit "less" :-)!
[/quote]
Thanks for the encouragement. HHH sounds awesome, btw(!)
I'm also signed up for a half marathon in this May and did 2 last year, too - just a great time. Probably will try for mudder in August, and full M in October. Maybe that's too lofty, I dunno, but it's worth a shot. I just like running - after 8-9 miles I have absolutely nothing in my brain. It's great.
-
Sad to admit that I've let myself go a bit since retiring 6 months ago. The first 2 months I really got into cooking and was trying all kinds of new stuff (then trying to eat it all it doesn't go to waste). Then I traveled a bit (about 2 months total) and it was all about eating and drinking. I'm back home now getting into a new routine so I hoping I stick to it...need to be ready for my speedo before summer ;).
-
In August I decided to eat less & exercise daily & have lost 20 lbs with another 10 to go. I feel much better. My dogs love the daily, long fast walks. Some days we go twice. I never use elevators anymore & park far from a store when I shop.
-
I've gained about ten pounds since retiring last year. But I put this down to the fact that I've been cooking a lot more than when I was working. Now that time isn't a factor anymore I've been going a bit nuts in the kitchen!
The key to daily exercise is to find something that you enjoy doing. Far too many folks feel that they have to "go to the gym" and then get on a treadmill and think, "Damn, I hate working out."
Avoid this rut if at all possible!
I try to get outside and exercise every day. XC skiing right now and running, hiking, kayak fishing, biking, kettlebells, yoga etc...the rest of the year.
-
This is a breakdown of my workouts this past week (copied and pasted from my other post in the Throw Down the Gauntlet sub-forum).
Monday: Stationary bike - 10 miles. 5 mile treadmill run. Strength training: arms, back, abs
Tuesday: Stationary bike - 10 miles. 7 mile road run. Strength training: chest, shoulders, triceps
Wednesday: Stationary bike - 10 miles. Strength training: legs, abs
Thursday: Stationary bike -10 miles. 5 mile treadmill run. Strength training: arms, back, abs
Friday: Stationary bike - 10 miles. Strength training: chest, shoulders, triceps
Once I decided to ER, "getting fit" was priority #1. The way I see it, our bodies are the physical "vessel" by which we navigate this world - and I feel an urgency to maximize my physical abilities in order to help me make the next 20 years count. I think one can expect to be quite capable of pretty much anything into their 60's if we take care of ourselves. That is my goal.
-
I'm not anywhere near FI however I'm reasonably fit. I intend to lose more weight prior to getting to FI. I view health as just as important as my finances.
I put weight on easily and what works for me is simply doing stuff that I like. I do jiu-jitsu and it keeps me fit. I also eat better when I train because I feel that I have to eat well to recover. My problem is drinking alcohol and then eating crap usually once per week. I want to minimize that. I can also get injured because jiu-jitsu is tough. When I get injured I typically put a couple of pounds on that takes a while to take off.
So when I FI I want to be really healthy with a dialed in diet and plenty of activities that I like to do.
-
Go psycho for sure! I'm an ultra-runner and it's the most fun you can have with your clothes on
If you want to add some altitude for an extra challenge to your ultra running, come over to my neck of the woods and try the Hard Rock 100! It is definitely psycho!
http://hardrock100.com/
-
Slob here. I keep on starting on things, and they work for a while, then life happens. I started the beginners bike challenge a couple of weeks ago, as I see that one thing that will help is to get my bike sorted out.
SO and I started to walk more than an hour every other day - then my father got sick, and I had to go there every second week for over a year (they live 7.5 hours drive away), and we just haven't got back into it. Other ideas have worked for a while. However, if I try enough different things, one will stick!
-
Slob here.
I lol'd.
-
My goal in 2015 is to get my endurance back. Though FIRE'd in 2010, I worked for my old employer for nearly six months in 2014, and my fitness plummeted. I'm done with working for the time being and can now get back to what I love, mainly running and biking. I'd like to run another marathon, something I haven't done since 2011, but it seems like every time I ramp up the miles I end up injured or sometimes even sick. So I'm trying to build my training base by incorporating enough rest that that doesn't happen.
I'd love to run an ultra, but if I can't manage a full marathon I don't see how finishing an ultra would be possible. That Hardrock 100 looks gorgeous but ridiculously hard. I did a mountain bike ride on the Uncompaghre Plateau just west of the San Juans a few years back and the elevation kicked my ass!
-
That Hardrock 100 looks gorgeous but ridiculously hard. I did a mountain bike ride on the Uncompaghre Plateau just west of the San Juans a few years back and the elevation kicked my ass!
Yep--I'm sure it is ridiculously hard. I routinely hike a segment of it during the summers and falls, and I can't imagine trying to RUN it. A couple times, I have been hiking on that trail as the race is being run, and it's pretty cool to see these amazing athletes.
-
I never had any of these "extreme" challenges in mind when I started my fitness journey 5 months ago...but...maybe. Considering how far I have come in so short of time - and if I can stay on track - then perhaps. My half marathon in April is a good first step. I think my enjoyment (or hatred) of this event might determine whether or not I want to pursue bigger things: marathon, ironman, ultra's and the like.
A year ago, such thoughts would have been ridiculous.
-
I never had any of these "extreme" challenges in mind when I started my fitness journey 5 months ago...but...maybe. Considering how far I have come in so short of time - and if I can stay on track - then perhaps. My half marathon in April is a good first step. I think my enjoyment (or hatred) of this event might determine whether or not I want to pursue bigger things: marathon, ironman, ultra's and the like.
A year ago, such thoughts would have been ridiculous.
Here are the deets on qualifying for the Hardrock, Jon. Not to early to start planning! ;-)
http://hardrock100.com/hardrock-qualify.php
-
94, I just had a closer look at the specifics of the Hardrock 100. Yeah, I'd be shocked if I ever did ANYTHING like that. As good as my knees feel these days, I DO have some history of knee pain - that race would probably WRECK ME.
I just got back from a morning run with my wife - 10km at about a 6min per km pace - a nice tidy 1 hour run. Some decent hill work in there too.
Now I get get ready for some nervewracking football watching - GO SEAHAWKS!!!!
Seems outrageous to not have some cold beer in the fridge (no beer pledge WILL succeed) - but I will have some crunchy, salty snacks on hand...albeit probably the least "unhealthy" ones - pretzels with a mayo/dijon mustard dip of my own creation.
-
There's a reason why so many extreme athletes have the Ironman insignia tattooed on them - because they want everyone to know that they are crazy! Incidentally, as I was coming toward miles 11 and 12 today, there was a guy moaning about his knee. We were so far into the race, I had to offer him encouragement to just finish, 'we were so close!'. For me, it was just another half marathon, but knowing what I know now, I wish he would've taken the bio-feedback. He ended up sprinting past me some 10 - 15 minutes later. I was a little dehydrated, so I didn't need to turn it into a footrace. When you're in the peanut gallery, you are only competing against yourself. As the army-looking tee-shirt ahead of me said, 'Be All that You Used to Be'. You get lots of time to think during these races. I enjoyed that, and the girls holding the 'I admire your stamina' posterboards...
I saw that poor bastard in a wheelchair after the race. Yes, running can be addictive, there are documented cases of very healthy people dying from drinking too much water before or after a race. So I guess where I'm going with this is to try to push yourself in a natural way. Some people naturally go to the extreme, but it doesn't destory their knees. Know thyself. I want to be able to run half marathons for the rest of my life. That sounds like a pretty good outcome.
-
I'm a good 15 pounds overweight and am farting deeply into my couch cushions as I write this with some pasta carbonara extracts.
Now I work out seven days per week - a lot of body weight exercises (pull ups, push ups, squats, sit ups), 11 miles per week of running on a bad hip, some Tabata burpees to see if I can heart attack myself. Plenty of walking around the town and a bit of biking to run errands in the summer months.
Alum of one Tough Mudder. Not again. The heights are what psyched me out, not the electricity or cold and wet tunnels or ice water.
Alum of one half marathon. Unlikely to do again due to the hip, but absolutely loved every part of it.
-
Congratulations, EV, on the half marathon finish. I also want to be a lifelong runner. Some of my running buddies are already dropping out of the club, and knees seem to be the biggest offender. One of my friends ran a half in 2013 on an already injured knee. Bad idea, she had to have surgery and is now unsure she will ever be able to run without pain. The first rule? Live to run another day!
-
Thanks Happy. They can do amazing things for hips and knees nowadays (as my Dad and wife, respectively, can attest to). Don't know about farting though, Rapmaster :)
-
Dr. Doom, how's this for psycho? I'm thinking about paddling around Vancouver Island. As a cursory glance at a map shows, that's ONE BIGASS ISLAND.
This is one of my "Big RE Ideas"....or "follies". :)
I was curious about this little challenge of yours and decided to look at a map and see what kind of distance you were talking about. I figured paddling around an island, although an admirable task, was within the bounds of reason. Am I correct in calculating that the distance around Vancouver Island is about 600 miles?!?!?
Wow...that puts to shame the Ultimate Florida Challenge, which was the only other big kayaking event like that I've seen. I had read about it in the past and thought some day maybe...but need to get ER to truly get ready for something like this. Nothing like a little challenge to get me off my OMY ass.
http://www.watertribe.com/Events/UltimateFloridaChallenge/Default.aspx
-
Daisy, I'd come down to Florida for something like that - its right up my alley! Actually, that looks every bit as challenging as a circumnavigation of Vancouver Island.
Our island where we have our acreage - well, I can paddle around it in around 3 hours - it's tiny.
I have been thinking about doing a "warm up" paddling challenge - our little island is just one of dozens of similar islands in the Salish Sea, between Victoria and Vancouver. I think I might want to paddle around all of them one Summer - some islands, like Saltspring, are quite large and would be a 2 day paddle...
Got me thinking....ER is so full of juicy opportunities.
-
Sad to admit that I've let myself go a bit since retiring 6 months ago. The first 2 months I really got into cooking and was trying all kinds of new stuff (then trying to eat it all it doesn't go to waste). Then I traveled a bit (about 2 months total) and it was all about eating and drinking. I'm back home now getting into a new routine so I hoping I stick to it...need to be ready for my speedo before summer ;).
After I posted this I decided to start going to the gym again...already dropped 6 lbs.
-
You all are very inspiring. We're about 3-5 years out from RE but I'm hoping that with more free time exercise will get a boost. I will still have to schedule my activities around children and homeschooling but I'm working on it. Possibly I'm using that as an excuse to avoid anything more hardcore.
I recently decided that I should start doing aikido, because we are paying for the kids and I've been informed that since we already have them enrolled I can come for free. I went for the first time last Saturday, over-did it, and couldn't walk normally for 3 days! I'll try again later this week.
And, John_Snow, I'm very interested in hearing about your kayaking adventures because we are near Seattle and I've been looking into getting into that more seriously as well (currently I get out only about 4-5 times a year).
-
Years ago it occurred to me to 'exer-errand' rather than exercise. I biked to get groceries, to Target, to Home Depot. Sometimes I even biked to work, 12 miles away. I biked everywhere doing errands. When I had my son - I just clamped a burly trailer to the back of my cruiser bike and belted him in - with helmet - and lion bobo - and baba water - of course. The weight of the trailer just gave me a better workout (and extra space for groceries and bike pump and tubes).
I remember one sunny California day - cruising past a Gold's gym on my way to Home Depot. Out-of-shape people bulging out of newly-purchased spandex parked their cars to go inside to work out on lab-rat equipment. It was around 10am and 70 degrees out. WTH people? WTH!?
I still go for 'exercise' walks or rides, and do yoga daily. But the bulk of my 'exercising' comes from biking and walking as much as possible - to the banana hawkers or the local wet market.
To me, this is one of those things where you just need to get started now. Incorporate activity as much as you can in everything you do - whether you're working or not. The MMM take on biking - well - that was him singing to the choir in my case.
So I guess my long-winded answer is: in FIRE: fit. Not bad-ass Jon_Snow fit. But fit enough.
-
@M41 - Lol...not bad-ass fit yet. June. Yes, by June I may be worthy of such a title. As long as the lasagna and red wine shenanigans of tonight are not repeated too often.
@whiskeyjack - I will be talking about my paddling adventures here so often it will probably start to irritate the locals at which point I will probably have to start a proper blog of my own. Below is a picture of an especially fine sunset paddle last summer, looking west towards Saltspring and Vancouver Island - your American San Juan Islands are unseen to my left - I want to explore the U.S. cousins of my own islands BADLY...it's on my list of "post FIRE" stuff to do. I remember this day as well because there must have been 30 harbour porpoises frolicking about me. This picture pretty much sums up why I worked so hard for FIRE...this is what FEEDS MY SOUL. Maybe our paths will cross on the briny PNW highways someday whiskeyjack...
-
@John_Snow that's pretty glorious. If you get driven off to a blog let me know where.
Your photography is better, but here's my reply. This is from 2 years ago on San Juan Island looking toward Vancouver Island. The whales are from "J" pod.
-
Years ago it occurred to me to 'exer-errand' rather than exercise. I biked to get groceries, to Target, to Home Depot. Sometimes I even biked to work, 12 miles away. I biked everywhere doing errands. When I had my son - I just clamped a burly trailer to the back of my cruiser bike and belted him in - with helmet - and lion bobo - and baba water - of course. The weight of the trailer just gave me a better workout (and extra space for groceries and bike pump and tubes).
I remember one sunny California day - cruising past a Gold's gym on my way to Home Depot. Out-of-shape people bulging out of newly-purchased spandex parked their cars to go inside to work out on lab-rat equipment. It was around 10am and 70 degrees out. WTH people? WTH!?
I still go for 'exercise' walks or rides, and do yoga daily. But the bulk of my 'exercising' comes from biking and walking as much as possible - to the banana hawkers or the local wet market.
To me, this is one of those things where you just need to get started now. Incorporate activity as much as you can in everything you do - whether you're working or not. The MMM take on biking - well - that was him singing to the choir in my case.
So I guess my long-winded answer is: in FIRE: fit. Not bad-ass Jon_Snow fit. But fit enough.
I had a wonderful weekend of exer-errands. I didn't spend any money except for the food I already had at the house.
My city just shines in the winter months as it caters to tourists and locals alike with lots of free events, and the best weather of the year.
Saturday night, I went on a 12 miles round trip cycling venture to hear the symphony play live music. The concerts are broadcasted outdoors for free on a huge screen with an amazing sound system while they are playing live indoors. I saw four live concertos.
On Sunday, I rode the equivalent of a marathon distance on my bike in going to see the actual Miami Marathon as some of my friends were participating. I followed them along the path to cheer them on, having packed my food goodies for the day in my backpack. On the way home, I caught yet another free outdoor symphony performance right before dusk. Then, continuing to ride my bike back home, I was surrounded by the most beautiful sunset I've seen in a while.
Not one extra cent spent, lots of exercise to go around, and plenty of enjoyable stuff to do. I thought to myself...this could be what FIRE is like all of the time.
Along the way, there were tons of traffic jams all around due to all of the events going on, and I easily passed all of the cars stuck in traffic while on my bike. Priceless.
-
Between walking my dogs daily and doing regular physical DIY work since RE, I am much fitter than the office slob I was two years ago.
-
Retiring last October freed up a lot of time for workouts, but I have yet to take advantage of it. So consider my case a control for isolating other factors from exercise routine.
I've already lost about 10 pounds in the last three months. I attribute it primarily to eating better (and less) than before. Food choices are more deliberate when you have no stress or schedule driving poor decisions.
-
Sad to admit that I've let myself go a bit since retiring 6 months ago. The first 2 months I really got into cooking and was trying all kinds of new stuff (then trying to eat it all it doesn't go to waste). Then I traveled a bit (about 2 months total) and it was all about eating and drinking. I'm back home now getting into a new routine so I hoping I stick to it...need to be ready for my speedo before summer ;).
After I posted this I decided to start going to the gym again...already dropped 6 lbs.
Still glad this was thread was started. It was the kick in the pants I needed. I'm now down 30 lbs since January and my BMI in finally in the normal range. Bring on the summer!
-
I have now lost 30lbs & am shooting to lose the last 17.
-
I have now lost 30lbs & am shooting to lose the last 17.
That is incredible Cassie!
Prior to FIRE, fast food and beer were unfortunate "addictions" of mine. Unwise methods of coping with job stress.
Now 7 months in, fitness and exercise are now my addictions. Much, much better. There is 55 pounds less of me than before. My goal is to be a lean, fit, 6'4", 190 pound specimen.
I hope to make the ladies SWOOOOOOOOOONNNNN this Summer...and if it turns out that only my wife is impressed, well, that's fine too. ;)
-
When I turned 50 I tuned down my exercise alot & gave up on watching my weight. Needless to say when I turned 60 last year I was disgusted with myself. The way I looked, how I felt ,etc. So bought a fitbit, walked 10,000/steps a day, with 60 min being fast walking which the dogs love & eat 1600 calories 6 days a week. I feel so much better, look better, my back no longer goes out regularly & my hubby did the same. It has been 9 months so feel like it is a permanent lifestyle change. I know JOn that you have lost a ton of weight also:))
-
Hey, good to see you Spartana!
-
Nice job you guys on the weight loss and fitness!
I have always been blessed with being of slender build (5' 8 1/2" and 150lb) so while being fit has been a habit.. I must admit I'm not a runner.. I really should do more.
I just don't enjoy exercise that much.. but I really should.
-
better return than any financial investment you'll ever make!
-
BTW Jon, I've been reading your journal - very awesome and inspiring.
I just read the beginning of the journal and the first two paragraphs is a mirror image of what I went through in my first 6 months of post retirement. Looking fwd to reading the rest of it.
-
One of the things i did before i retired was got a full physical and my numbers were all good BP, Cholesterol, Sugars etc... BUT i am overweight but my doctor said just lose it slowly and don't worry about it but lose it. I could easily stand to lose 30-40lbs and the reason I don't look as overweight as i am is because i am 6'3. Anyhow I have been putting off double knee replacements for 3 years because they 1) suggested the longer i can wait the better and 2) i would like to get the weight off first. Bottom line I am currently doing the eliptical 45 minutes 3-4 times a week and have maintained BUT i feel in another couple weeks when my DW is done cleaning up our liquidation it will be easier to focus on that part of our retirement. Like many though i have seemingly come up with reasons to put off. My goal is by my Birthday in October to be fit which gives me plenty of time without being overly obsessed about it.
-
I have now lost 30lbs & am shooting to lose the last 17.
That is incredible Cassie!
Prior to FIRE, fast food and beer were unfortunate "addictions" of mine. Unwise methods of coping with job stress.
Now 7 months in, fitness and exercise are now my addictions. Much, much better. There is 55 pounds less of me than before. My goal is to be a lean, fit, 6'4", 190 pound specimen.
I hope to make the ladies SWOOOOOOOOOONNNNN this Summer...and if it turns out that only my wife is impressed, well, that's fine too. ;)
I wouldn't want to meet you in a dark alley...:)
-
I'm not retired yet, but I started working from home almost a year ago, and the resulting health benefits have been similar to what some of you have described. Right away I lost 5 pounds accumulated from too many (un)happy hours, started spending more time exercising outdoors, eating much better, and the stress levels went down with the new job. It's so much easier to eat healthy meals when you have a refrigerator right next to you full of fruit and vegetables and roasted garlic and cabinets packed full of nuts and oatmeal and honey. Cutting out the commute time means you have more time and energy to think about healthy meals and shop for them. My food both tastes better and is better for me, and I eat it sitting at my kitchen table with windows and natural light, so I enjoy it even more. And I can do yoga or go for a bike ride or a run right in the middle of the day without having to fiddle around with clothing changes or looking presentable for meetings afterwards. I enjoy exercising outdoors plenty, but after we paid off the house, I also joined the Y as a treat to myself, since I have always really enjoyed group fitness classes and I think an instructor makes me do things that I would never do on my own and push myself harder. I go three times a week and alternate with runs/hikes/bikes outdoors. I can't even imagine how this could get any better, but I'm sure some of you have me beat :-)
-
We don't exercise, we do fun things that happen to keep us in shape and this means being outside. The whole idea behind our doing RE is to have the time for our passions of mountain biking and skiing. I'm so looking forward to spending lots of time exploring our new environment in the mountains and the deserts of Utah. I expect to be much more active just naturally because I won't be sitting in front of a computer all day chained to my desk.
Even though I hate "exercising", I practice my own kind of yoga every day as I find these stretching exercises really help my back.
Oh yeah, we're not yet FIRE. leaving for Utah May 18th. I'm let out of jail(er, my job) next Friday.
-
I'm super-active now, and plan to only increase activity levels in retirement! Rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, snowboarding, hiking, Brazilian jiu jitsu, and Mountain Athlete workouts (typically devoted to sport-specific training for the aforementioned pursuits). I can't wait to not have to wait 8-10 hours every day before I can indulge.
-
Just discovered this thread. I "retired" to become a full time SAH dad, homeschooling, etc. The kids pose some limitations, but I'm able to stay pretty damn fit. Weightlifting 6 days a week (main block of exercises MWF, some lighter stuff TThSat). Biking is our primary transport, and I try to get a few non-kid rides in for extra exercise.
My kids are also super fit for their ages (5, 7, 8). Regular 8+ mile bike rides for the older two with the youngest on a trail-a-bike giving me a surprising amount of pedal assist. We also try to do hikes weekly, usually 2-5 miles.
Haven't lost any weight (actually I've gained about 10-15lb) but the lean mass is way up.
My wife is also kicking up the fitness notch. She's found she likes doing classes at the gym, a variety of ones, but her favorite (even though it kicks her ass at her fitness level) is Insanity, which I gather is p90 on steroids.
-
It has been my experience that once my fitness level caught up to my wife's that...uh, the marriage has started to regain some "spiciness"...and then some. Chalk up another FIRE-related win. :)
-
FIT! Much more time to get out & walk, bike - joined a local wellness center. The REAL incentive to stay healthy is our health insurance - $1K/MONTH with a $12K deduct. (for both). And we do spend the winter months out west where we can continue to be active rather than having to be stuck inside due to snow/ice/cold!
-
My plan was to relax the diet and exercise regime once Summer had arrived.
Almost one month into Summer now...and I can't do it. Okay, the beer consumption is higher (it's been unseasonably hot in the PNW after all, what's a guy supposed to do? Nobody out here has AC) but really, I'm still going strong. FIRE continues to surprise me.
-
I've lost right at 65 pounds since January. I still have a ways to go to be considered "fit," but I've worked hard at losing all that weight and I know I'm going to get the rest of the stress/exhaustion fat from years of poor habits/work environment off soon as well.
Husband has lost over 55 pounds too. He's still working, but he's benefited from my cooking and dietary changes, and he's feeling like exercising more himself. I am so proud of him.
I've been doing most of the weight loss just from controlling portions and moving to a mainly protein/veggies diet with complex carbs in moderation (with somewhat high fat - we eat real butter, cheese and dairy). Since the community pool opened, I've been swimming 2-3 times a week, ride my bike when it isn't boiling hot outside (it is all the time now tho), and just added in a weekly yoga class, and I'm trying to up my exercise to hopefully build up some muscle and increase the fat loss. I have never been good at exercising for exercising's sake, so it's got to be stuff that is fun for me to keep me engaged. I'm going to have to find some replacement for the swimming once the season is over, but I hope I'll be far enough along to want to keep the momentum going.
Never could have done this while still working.
-
I was getting burned out after 10 months of eating 1600 calories a day so I have upped it to between 1800-1900 & am just maintaining. I am still exercising etc. So I have been maintaining for the past 2 months. I am still considered overweight but I was obese. I am 17 lbs from my target. My BMI has dropped by 5. I feel so much better & my back no longer goes out very often. I also have a lot more energy.
-
I think the biggest potential embedded in exercise and fitness post FIRE is the ability to combine it with the crucial additional components of health - rest/recovery and nutrition. When you are working you are very often forced into cutting corners somewhere and end up short of sleep, eating crap and getting injured. I was very struck by what Phil Maffetone writes about the difference between being fit and being healthy. Right now by some measures I am reasonably fit but being tired all the time, carrying elevated cortisol levels, on the edge of injury in some part of my body everyday and having trouble getting rid of the final 10-15kg...I don't think that is healthy.
Six months in the mountains of NZ and I will let you know if I feel different...
-
I've lost right at 65 pounds since January...I've been doing most of the weight loss just from controlling portions and moving to a mainly protein/veggies diet with complex carbs in moderation (with somewhat high fat - we eat real butter, cheese and dairy). Since the community pool opened, I've been swimming 2-3 times a week, ride my bike when it isn't boiling hot outside (it is all the time now tho), and just added in a weekly yoga class, and I'm trying to up my exercise to hopefully build up some muscle and increase the fat loss. I have never been good at exercising for exercising's sake, so it's got to be stuff that is fun for me to keep me engaged. I'm going to have to find some replacement for the swimming once the season is over, but I hope I'll be far enough along to want to keep the momentum going.
Wow - that's fantastic. Congratulations! I have another 20lbs to go to get out of the "overweight" range. (I'm super happy to be out of the "obese" range.) I've found that the longer I do exercise, the easier it gets. Also, to be feeling and looking good are great motivators for me. Good luck with everything!
-
Ugh. Fat. But working on it. I peaked at 264# and am down to 233#. Goal weight is 175#. At current weight loss rate of about a pound a week, I'm a year away. I plan to take up Jiu Jitsu again once I'm down to 225# and see if my knees can handle the frequent clamboring up off the mat.
-
Down to a relatively muscled 209. Plan is to keep building muscle and shedding fat until I'm happy, but I don't stress about it. Noticed the real progress of fat loss once I added the lifting in. Haven't done as much cardio as I did last year but still feel way better.
Will have an indoor cycle trainer sometime soon (probably Nashbar's house brand fluid trainer, as it seems the best price/performance). I love riding outdoors but the best times to ride are when I've got the kids, and I need more intensity than they can keep up with.
-
I officially retire on July 30 and then we go on vacation for a week. The plan is to get fit again! I cannot even believe how much weight I have gained in the 7 years in this stressful job. Very much looking forward to weight training, hiking and cooking a more whole food/low carb diet.
With me being at home, DH will benefit from better meals and I will take over breakfast prep so he can workout in the morning.
Getting physical again is one of the biggest things I'm looking forward to in retirement!
-
...and see if my knees can handle the frequent clamboring up off the mat.
Wow FV, I'm only a year behind you and kick myself for a lifetime of treating my knees like crap (skateboarding, skiing, running on asphalt). Any words of wisdom as to why you think your knees are so bad? I worry about knees and hips in old age, although replacement surgery has become fairly straightforward...
-
...and see if my knees can handle the frequent clamboring up off the mat.
Wow FV, I'm only a year behind you and kick myself for a lifetime of treating my knees like crap (skateboarding, skiing, running on asphalt). Any words of wisdom as to why you think your knees are so bad? I worry about knees and hips in old age, although replacement surgery has become fairly straightforward...
My knees aren't that bad. I have an old right knee injury from high school days but it is supposed to be good as new. The issue may just be psychological. I can feel the tendons straining when I push them at a heavy weight and I fear tearing something. They are less sore after being worked the lighter I get so clearly weight is the issue contributing to excessive strain.
-
... They are less sore after being worked the lighter I get so clearly weight is the issue contributing to excessive strain.
Thanks, you've been devouring too much prey I guess ;)
-
... They are less sore after being worked the lighter I get so clearly weight is the issue contributing to excessive strain.
Thanks, you've been devouring too much prey I guess ;)
I have been a prey devouring machine!
-
Since I've FIRE'd I wonder if I've transferred over my obsession from ER to fitness...lol. I'm down 40 lbs (Started mid Jan) and still plan to loose another 10 lbs or so. I've enjoy my journey to being fit and have still overindulged on the weekends but I'm changing my tune a little now that I'm getting into the last few lbs. I really would rather hit my goal and then enter the maintain mode. So lately I've turned down some friends when they ask me to go out to eat or have drinks. Some of them give me crap about it and tell me to relax because I'm now a healthy weight but I feel it would derail my goal at this time. I need/want to press on because this is the first time I can be fully dedicated to reaching my goals.
-
Interested to hear about this as well. I am telling myself I will have to do mandatory daily exercise once RE as I can put on weight pretty quickly if I don't watch it. I don't know if it is a good thing or not, but I am considering housekeeping and exercise my new "job" that has to get done each day no matter what. Don't think it will take much more than 1-2 hours a day if I stay on top of it.
I'd have a hard time if I considered it a job as I enjoy exercising and feel that it is a great way to spend part of your day. All my exercise it outdoors and is usually designed to get me outdoors even more (like working up to a bicycle tour or multi-day hike along the Appalachian Trail).
-
Another wonderful perk of being "fit in FIRE" is that I've been able to delve into the further reaches of my closet and reclaim clothing that hasn't fit me in years. Granted, some of it is no longer in style but I have not had to buy any clothing in many months. So not only has becoming fit been a boon to my happiness (and my wife's), but it has had an economic benefit as well.
-
Another wonderful perk of being "fit in FIRE" is that I've been able to delve into the further reaches of my closet and reclaim clothing that hasn't fit me in years. Granted, some of it is no longer in style but I have not had to buy any clothing in many months. So not only has becoming fit been a boon to my happiness (and my wife's), but it has had an economic benefit as well.
Slight hijack of the OP, but I am stretching the business clothes I have for another 5 months. They are quite nice (not shabby at all), but might have a back pocket button missing, or a clasp (hidden by a belt) not working and I do not want to go and get them repaired. Also, I really really do not want to buy anything new. In fact, I cannot wait to claim that space occupied by the white shirts and suits and place my camping and other outdoor gear in there!
-
Another wonderful perk of being "fit in FIRE" is that I've been able to delve into the further reaches of my closet and reclaim clothing that hasn't fit me in years. Granted, some of it is no longer in style but I have not had to buy any clothing in many months. So not only has becoming fit been a boon to my happiness (and my wife's), but it has had an economic benefit as well.
Slight hijack of the OP, but I am stretching the business clothes I have for another 5 months. They are quite nice (not shabby at all), but might have a back pocket button missing, or a clasp (hidden by a belt) not working and I do not want to go and get them repaired. Also, I really really do not want to buy anything new. In fact, I cannot wait to claim that space occupied by the white shirts and suits and place my camping and other outdoor gear in there!
Ha. Me too. I finally threw out a pair of black pants that had a broken zipper that wouldn't stay up. For awhile I was just wearing it with longer shirts that covered the zipper. Now I'm wearing black pants with a fabric that makes a loud swish noise when I walk and grey striped ones that are too big. I have much more than 5 months to go though, not sure how long I can hold out before getting new ones.
-
Another wonderful perk of being "fit in FIRE" is that I've been able to delve into the further reaches of my closet and reclaim clothing that hasn't fit me in years. Granted, some of it is no longer in style but I have not had to buy any clothing in many months. So not only has becoming fit been a boon to my happiness (and my wife's), but it has had an economic benefit as well.
Slight hijack of the OP, but I am stretching the business clothes I have for another 5 months. They are quite nice (not shabby at all), but might have a back pocket button missing, or a clasp (hidden by a belt) not working and I do not want to go and get them repaired. Also, I really really do not want to buy anything new. In fact, I cannot wait to claim that space occupied by the white shirts and suits and place my camping and other outdoor gear in there!
Ha. Me too. I finally threw out a pair of black pants that had a broken zipper that wouldn't stay up. For awhile I was just wearing it with longer shirts that covered the zipper. Now I'm wearing black pants with a fabric that makes a loud swish noise when I walk and grey striped ones that are too big. I have much more than 5 months to go though, not sure how long I can hold out before getting new ones.
You can do it! Mine have been like this for a year or so (depending on the garment).
-
I've lost right at 65 pounds since January. I still have a ways to go to be considered "fit," but I've worked hard at losing all that weight and I know I'm going to get the rest of the stress/exhaustion fat from years of poor habits/work environment off soon as well.
Husband has lost over 55 pounds too. He's still working, but he's benefited from my cooking and dietary changes, and he's feeling like exercising more himself. I am so proud of him.
I've been doing most of the weight loss just from controlling portions and moving to a mainly protein/veggies diet with complex carbs in moderation (with somewhat high fat - we eat real butter, cheese and dairy). Since the community pool opened, I've been swimming 2-3 times a week, ride my bike when it isn't boiling hot outside (it is all the time now tho), and just added in a weekly yoga class, and I'm trying to up my exercise to hopefully build up some muscle and increase the fat loss. I have never been good at exercising for exercising's sake, so it's got to be stuff that is fun for me to keep me engaged. I'm going to have to find some replacement for the swimming once the season is over, but I hope I'll be far enough along to want to keep the momentum going.
Never could have done this while still working.
Wow that is an amazing weight loss!
Our insurance company added a wellness incentive this year so once we came back from dodging the snow and cold in March we joined the local YMCA. The insurance reimburses all but $8 a month if we go at least 10 times during the month. Have had no issues meeting that requirement so it is a great deal for us. We have lost a little weight and have gained strength. It's a slow process but an important one to keep up with.
-
My whole weight loss started with my insurance company offering $50.00 off per month & that is the only reason I did it-because I was cheap:)) Fast forward a year later & they stopped the program but I am hooked & continue to do everything to maintain.
-
There are some dedicated folks on this forum regarding biking, running, hiking, etc. I am not one of them.
Body by Science - "Big 5" once or twice a week. 12 minutes. Done.
-
Retiring last October freed up a lot of time for workouts, but I have yet to take advantage of it. So consider my case a control for isolating other factors from exercise routine.
I've already lost about 10 pounds in the last three months. I attribute it primarily to eating better (and less) than before. Food choices are more deliberate when you have no stress or schedule driving poor decisions.
+1 work related eating habits.
Most of my bad eating is at work. Sometimes stress. Most times someone brought donuts/brownies/chips/homemade hummus. Free food is the best kind of food.
-
I cannot stress this enough: improving your fitness is probably one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself in FIRE. I am about 80% of where I ultimately want to be and have little doubt I will get to where I want to be in the next 6 months or so.
I am a bit disappointed, knowing how good I feel (and look?) now, that I couldn't have addressed this somewhat while I was working...but since food and booze were my preferred methods of coping with work stress I pretty much sensed that was a non-starter. I'm really trying to make up for lost time now though. ;)
-
Peak weight 250#. Current weight 229.4# and falling...
-
I cannot stress this enough: improving your fitness is probably one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself in FIRE. I am about 80% of where I ultimately want to be and have little doubt I will get to where I want to be in the next 6 months or so.
I am a bit disappointed, knowing how good I feel (and look?) now, that I couldn't have addressed this somewhat while I was working...but since food and booze were my preferred methods of coping with work stress I pretty much sensed that was a non-starter. I'm really trying to make up for lost time now though. ;)
Totally agree! How much have you lost?
-
Totally agree! How much have you lost?
Went from a horrific 240, down to 180...then realized that I had lost some muscle mass in my headlong dash to reduce my "flab quotient". Last few months have seen me upping my lean protein intake, hitting the weights hard...the scale at the gym read 188 pounds today. If I can get to a lean and strong 195, I will be most happy. I'm 6'4", so even at 195 I would hardly be "muscle bound"...olympic swimmer or lanky UFC type physique is the goal. Best to aim high, eh? ;)
-
I was already pretty fit pre-RE, but became more so after. While working full time, I'd sometimes use that as an excuse for skipping workouts, but I almost never skip now. I'm lifting about 15% heavier weights now, and I can see a visible difference in my appearance (others have noticed as well).
I think once you're RE there really is just about no excuse for not getting fit.
+1000. No excuse whatsoever. Unless you have one of those pseudo-ER's in which you are in fact a stay at home parent. ;)
Another thing I'm noticing is that the fitter I become, the friskier my wife is getting. Nothing but wins all 'round. :)
I'm glad there's a built in excuse :) I'm was getting afraid that I might be the exception who gets less fit when not going to the office regularly, but I'm going to use this thread as inspiration.
I'm not FIRE, but am about half way through a two month paternity leave (and definately enjoying not going to the office). I ran an errand on bike today that would be half my normal daily bike commute and I could tell I'm not in shape as much as when going to work made sure I got in my twice daily bike ride.
I'm not worried about getting unhealthy, since the extra time means I have been able to extend the amount of time spent walking the dogs, but I think that is just making me skinnier, and doing nothing for my endurance or muscle mass.
I'm thinking that I am a creature of habit and need to incorporate resistance and endurance training into my daily routine like they were when I was going to the office, and the walking is now.
Are any of you the same way and have you found a good way of sneaking weight and endurance training into every day activities?
-
Totally agree! How much have you lost?
Went from a horrific 240, down to 180...then realized that I had lost some muscle mass in my headlong dash to reduce my "flab quotient". Last few months have seen me upping my lean protein intake, hitting the weights hard...the scale at the gym read 188 pounds today. If I can get to a lean and strong 195, I will be most happy. I'm 6'4", so even at 195 I would hardly be "muscle bound"...olympic swimmer or lanky UFC type physique is the goal. Best to aim high, eh? ;)
I started around the same weight 235-240 (But I'm only 5'10") and now about 190. I don't really think I lost much muscle; I just think I'm getting a "true view" of the muscle I had under the fat...lol. I plan to keep my current plan for another 15 lbs or so then bump my calories up to put on the lean muscle. I have notice my skin is getting a little loose so I'm hoping it will fill in when I start to gain more lean muscle or hoping it will return to a normal point after a few months. Did you have any issues with that?
-
5 month transformation to being fit: The first one was taken on Feb 12th (@ 230ish) and second was on July 1st (@ 198). So I've lost about another 10 lbs since then but didn't feel like taking another pic.
-
Good on ya, DollarBill...no way was I brave enough to post "before" pics.
-
OMG Dollar Bill that is totally awesome. Another slightly- beefy to beefcake success story about getting fit once FIREd :-)!
That makes me think of that South Park episode...lol
Good on ya, DollarBill...no way was I brave enough to post "before" pics.
I figured it was all in my past so oh well...in my defense the first one was completely relaxed lol
-
227.0# at this morning's weigh in. Officially down 23 pounds.
-
Dollar Bill you are freaking rocking it!
I'm a tad shorter and started at around 230ish around late June. I'm down around 10ish (don't weigh much) My goal is similar to you to be in the 175-190ish range, depending on how much muscle I can gain. I figure a year or more for the complete transition, so it is nice to see someone similar shaped (thanks for the B A pics!) succeeding in a short time period.
I'm currently easing into this with a keto/paleoesq meal plan with about a 500-100 daily deficit and once a week fast. No work outs now but will be adding soon.
At one point I was a pretty ripped 200lb 10%bf 5'8", so I know it is possible for me.
Did I miss it above or would you share your diet and exercise with us Mr. Bill?
-
Weighed in at 207. That's 2 pounds off my all-time low adult weight, which was with a fraction of the muscle mass I currently have.
Never took a "before" picture at any weight, let alone when I was near 300 pounds a few years back, but maybe I'll take an "after" once I shed a few more pounds.
-
Maybe this thread needs a "pose off" down the road...lol.
-
Maybe this thread needs a "pose off" down the road...lol.
A "FIREmen" calendar?
-
In the past two years, I went from super-fit, running every day an average of 10km, to a slob packing 25 extra pounds, for two reasons: a running injury that forced me to quit running completely; and at exactly the same time, leaving a very active job for a new one that forced me back behind a desk. After the initial shock, I re-designed my fitness program to include daily HIIT workout, a lot of hiking, walking and biking, and a drastic change in my diet. While I am not back to my running day shape, the HIIT workout has helped me to pack more muscle mass and greater core strenght, which I lacked when I was a runner. FIRE is not far away and I can't imagine a day without being active.
-
5 month transformation to being fit: The first one was taken on Feb 12th (@ 230ish) and second was on July 1st (@ 198). So I've lost about another 10 lbs since then but didn't feel like taking another pic.
Please share your typical workout to achieve those results so quickly, and tell me your diet still includes eating pizza...
-
Maybe this thread needs a "pose off" down the road...lol.
A "FIREmen" calendar?
Okay, I literally lol'd.
-
Thanks for the laughs and ata-boys! Overall it was just eating right and putting in the work. I've gone through this kind of transformation a few times in the past but would slowly put the weight back on from the lack of exercise and bad habits (Overeating/drinking). This is the first time I could full dedicate my time to getting in shape and I've learned so much during the journey. Give me a few days...I'll do up a post with routine, average food plan and other tips/theories.
-
Hopefully I did a decent job at this...I didn't do any proofreading!
Exercises
Mornings **I roll out of bed and go walk for an hour then eat breakfast after I get back**
Normal Gym workout routine (Hit the gym around 9:30-10:00):
Monday: 10 min warmup on Elliptical…then Chest, Shoulders, Tri’s (About 60 mins)
Tuesday: 50 mins of cardio (Pick 3 or 4 different exercises)
Wednesday: 10 min warmup on Elliptical…then legs (About 60 mins)
Thursday: 50 mins of cardio (Pick 3 or 4 different exercises)
Friday: 10 min warmup on Elliptical…then Back and Bi’s (About 60 mins)
Saturday and Sunday: 50 mins of cardio (Pick 3 or 4 different exercises). If I have something planned for the day I’ll at least try to walk or run for a bit.
Afternoons **I choose different fun activities like: Walk, Driving range, Frisbee golf, bike, clean. I normally do this before dinner**
For Cardio: I pick from Elliptical, Climbing, Bike, Stairmaster, Rowing, running, spin class. I try to jump around to different machines so I don’t get bored. I stay away from the high impact exercises to keep the injuries away.
Food
I’ve always been the type of person who wakes up hungry but since I started walking in the morning I’ll wait to eat until after my walk. I’ll pound a large glass of water and head out. As soon as I start walking my hunger goes away. So instead of eating at 7am now it’s around 8:30-9am. I like this because it shortens my window of active eating and I don’t seem to need snacks between my meals. I eat about every 5 hrs…9am-2pm-7pm then a little snack before bed. For some reason I feel the need to eat a little protein to feed my body during the night and if I do wake up in the middle of the night I won’t be hungry.
One thing I found out about myself by using Myfitnesspal was that I was never eating much protein for breakfast or getting enough good fats. So I try to get at least 45-60g of protein at every meal and eat a majority (40-50%) of my fats during breakfast.
Breakfast (8:30-9am)
First thing I do when I get back from my walk is drink a 1/2 scoop of whey protein. Then start making my meal. I try to have a hearty breakfast and load up before my workout. I’ve become a huge fan of Savory Oatmeal. For most people this sounds strange but give it a try because you might like it a lot. I scoop about 40g of dry old fashion oats (plus I add a little steel cut oats for texture) into a bowl and fill with water and nuke for about 2:20 mins (be careful not to boil over or burn yourself on the bowl). Then I cut up some celery, jalapenos, 2-3 ounces of cooked chicken, 4-5 dashes of Worcestershire sauce. I also play around with other ingredients like shrimp, old bay, any veggies, eggs, soy sauce and fresh herbs. I also like to eat bake potatoes for breakfast. Some things I like to add to them is beans, chicken, eggs, parmesan cheese, fresh herbs. I sometimes make a sweet oat meal with fruits and will add ½ scoop of vanilla casein protein to it. I’ve found that the casein protein mixes well and taste good.
Typical Breakfast:
- ½ scoop of Whey Protein = 70 cals
- 40g of old fashion oats (Splash of steel cut) = 150 cals or 250g bake potato = 190 cals
- ½ of Avocado = 160 cals or 3oz of chicken and a spoon full of olive oil = 160 cals
- 2 large eggs (Nuked in a bowl for 2 mins) = 150 cals
- ½ scoop of Casein Protein (Just before I head to the gym) = 75 cals
- Total: 605-650 cals (45g protein, 45 carbs, 28 fats w/ the Avocado) (60g protein, 36 carbs, 23 fats w/ the chicken and oil)
Lunch (about 1:30-2pm)
I tend to cook up about 5 lbs of chicken breast at a time because it’s quick and I always have some on hand. Before I cook it I’ll cut off most of the fat. I’ll just cook in a pan with a little spray of oil and seasoned for taste. I’ve become very fond of PB2…it’s a powdered peanut butter and it’s awesome on chicken w/ a little red pepper. It adds a little more protein but not much cals. Since it’s already cooked up I can just weigh out 6-7.5 oz for my meal. I will use it all kinds of ways BBQ sandwich, on a salad, add w/ other veggies, add to brown rice or just on its own…I’ve become very creative! Luckily I like my veggies so I will just eat them all different ways and try to get a large variety throughout the week.
Typical Lunch:
- ½ scoop of whey protein = 70 cals (as soon as I get back from gym)
- 6-7.5 oz of chicken breast = 200-240 cals
- I pick out some veggies (pan steamed broccoli, cabbage, carrots, zucchini, cucumber, salads or whatever) = 100-200 cals
- ½ cup of Cottage cheese = 80 cals (I love cottage cheese, go through about 3 containers a week)
- Fruit = 50-150 cals
- Total: Avg 550-650 cals (45-60g protein, 35-60 carbs, 10-20 fats)
Snack – around 5pm: ½ scoop of casein protein before going for a walk of other fun exercise
Dinner (6:30-7:30pm)
Dinner is about the same as lunch but I will check my nutrients in myfitnesspal and adjust my meal for what I need. Most of the time I’m in the normal ranges so it will be an average meal.
Late snack – 9:30-10pm: ½ scoop of casein protein and a few bites of cottage cheese or chicken.
Avg daily cals is around 1900-2300.
Avg daily protein is around 160-190g 35-40%
Avg daily carbs is around 150-200g 35-40%
Avg daily fat is around 45-70g 30%
Tips/Theories:
Overall: I try to stick to my basic eating throughout the week and mix it up on Fri, Sat and Sun. I’m not super strict and I still eat pizza, fried chicken and burgers...if you make them at home they’re really not that bad for you. I just try to stick to real foods and not processed foods. If I’m hungry then I eat…if you’re making good choices then there is no reason you should be hungry. If you are then you are doing this all wrong. I’m not a fan of fasting and would rather feed my body the proper nutrients that it needs to be produce my goals. I do walk in the mornings on an empty stomach but I wouldn’t call it fasting since it’s only for 45-60 mins after I wake up.
Booze: Since I started working out back in January I’ve continued to drink mostly on Fri/Sat. I figured that I will consume about 1000-1500 cals on just one night out (this includes food, 2000-3000 cals for two nights). I’ve cut it down to one night a week and sometimes none. I’ve tried to do this because booze can really stop you from reaching your goals. I think if I wasn’t drinking I could have reached the same results in half the time. Just think about how much work you’re going to do to make up for those extra cals!
Carbs: Don’t be scared of carbs! You need carbs to power through a good workout. I’ll try to get most of mine from complex carbs. I usually get about 150-200 a day. I’ve messed around with a low carb diet and couldn’t tell much of a difference (except that it made me tired). At first it seems like it works because you deplete the Glycogen in your muscles but this will bog you down when you work out. This is one of the reasons why it seems like you weigh so much more after a weekend of normal eating or after a large meal…it’s your body recharging your Glycogen storage.
Proteins: I always try to feed my body protein throughout the day. This is why I chose whey protein first thing in the morning and right after my workout. Whey is quickly digested. For all the other times I use casein protein because its “supposed” to be slow released over 6-8 hrs. I also try to have some cooked meat on hand so I can just weigh it out and eat at will. Chicken is easy and can use it all kinds of ways but I change it up a lot.
Fats: I’ve always had a no or low fat mentality but since using the myfitnesspal I realize that I was not getting enough good fats. This was really hard to wrap my head around this way of thinking since my goal is to loose fat. So I just decided to go for it…I probably get most of my fat from nuts, avocados, eggs, olive oil, coconut oil, and peanut butter. Guess what…I still lost weight!! Plus, I sleep better, joints feel better and don’t feel hungry between meals. Just stick with the good fats!
Goals: Don't just make it all about body weight. Use other things like tape measure, fat calipers or set different kind of goals like to run faster, hold a hand stand longer, lift a heavier weight. If you have a bunch of mini goals then you won't get bogged down.
Hope this helps at least one of you! Cheers
-
Maybe this thread needs a "pose off" down the road...lol.
A "FIREmen" calendar?
hahaha, awesome.
Hopefully I did a decent job at this...I didn't do any proofreading! [snip]
I get a little wistful when I read other people's diet plans. Most people, even on a calorie deficit, can eat far more in a day than I can; I have a tiny frame and am at ~107* pounds right now. I have to watch my food intake like a hawk to avoid putting on fat.
But seriously: unbelievable job, DollarBill. That is inspiring.
*no hate. Honestly, I am very very small and am probably carrying a smidge too much fat even at that weight.
-
GEEZ, Dollar Bill! Hugh Jackman called, he wants his abs back!
(Seriously, huge congratulations!)
-
DollarBill - I can't tolerate any soy, nor much extra whey or casein so I avoid all the add-in protein but I totally agree with you about the importance of whole grains and good fats. I'd add to your good fat list any source of animal fat that's been pastured/sustainably raised (animals fed their natural diets and allowed to exercise have dramatically better omega3-6 balance and saturated fat content).
At least around here, pork is the most economical (<$2/lb hanging weight if bought as a side/whole pig, closer to $6/lb retail cuts) of the sustainable meats. It's also incredible. I hated grocery store pork until I tried some pastured pork - taste is much better, meat is tender, and while I trim some fat off, the fat that is in the meats is quite tasty.
I don't track my eating but expect I might need to soon to get the last bit of weight loss and muscle gain. We will see - I hate doing this unless I absolutely must.
-
Dang maybe I should have used a current picture since I'm down to 188 ;-)
***By the way ladies I'm still single*** Ahhhahaha
DollarBill - I can't tolerate any soy, nor much extra whey or casein so I avoid all the add-in protein but I totally agree with you about the importance of whole grains and good fats. I'd add to your good fat list any source of animal fat that's been pastured/sustainably raised (animals fed their natural diets and allowed to exercise have dramatically better omega3-6 balance and saturated fat content).
At least around here, pork is the most economical (<$2/lb hanging weight if bought as a side/whole pig, closer to $6/lb retail cuts) of the sustainable meats. It's also incredible. I hated grocery store pork until I tried some pastured pork - taste is much better, meat is tender, and while I trim some fat off, the fat that is in the meats is quite tasty.
I don't track my eating but expect I might need to soon to get the last bit of weight loss and muscle gain. We will see - I hate doing this unless I absolutely must.
Depending on your goals I don't think it takes as much protein to just maintain muscle and I'll probably reduce my intake after I get to my maintain level. I upped my intake to try and keep what I have during my cut. I'll cook up a pork butt from the local butcher about every month or two and freeze half of it. I stick to a majority of chicken since I can find it for less then $2 a lb. I also figured out that if I get it from the meat dept (instead of the prepackaged area) then I'll get an extra lb of meat. Because in the prepackage area you are also paying for the juice and packaging. That's an extra 3-4 chicken breast.
I think it's good to track your eating even if it's just for a little bit. It really opened my eyes to what I was really eating prior. Just by looking at some food I can come really close to how much it weighs. Now I'm able to do a quick tally in my head and I can make better decisions. I'll be switching soon from weight loss to gaining more muscle and I think it will be very handy because I don't want to do a dirty bulk.
-
Dang maybe I should have used a current picture since I'm down to 188 ;-)
***By the way ladies I'm still single*** Ahhhahaha
If you've got it, flaunt it! If you've still got an online dating profile be sure to include a gratuitous shirtless beach photo. Or at least disclose: "I have abs."
-
Thanks for taking the time to post all your work out and diet plan info. Very helpful to see what others do. I'm usually pretty good with maintaining where I want to be fitness and weight wise but really fall off the wagon when I go long road trips with my dog. Way too much downtime and bad food compared to my usual workout level and healthy eating. Haven't found a way to keep up the intensity level and often want to cut my trips short (or even forgo them completely) out of fear of losing everything I've gained. I think my "before" photos will end up looking much better than my "after" photos ...sigh... Hoping the sister moves in come Jan and can pet sit so I can go without the dog and keep up a high level of activity on trips.
I think I'm about a month or two away from being at my ideal weight and it will be interesting to transition to maintain mode. I'll be happy to stay around 180lbs (+ or - 10lbs). I'm sure it won't be a problem when I'm home but I do have a 3 trips planed in Sept-Nov...which means being overindulgent! I just looked at my past notes on the last time I went to my parents house for about 18 days I gained about 4-5 lbs even while working out. Who knows how much of that was actually fat vs swollen innereds...it only took about a week to return to my prior weight. I mostly have to watch it at my Dads house because it's like a smorgasbord of food and drinks.
I really try to relate fitness/food like I do my budget. Save a little for a splurge and just because I have a surplus doesn't mean I have to spend it all at once.
Dang maybe I should have used a current picture since I'm down to 188 ;-)
***By the way ladies I'm still single*** Ahhhahaha
If you've got it, flaunt it! If you've still got an online dating profile be sure to include a gratuitous shirtless beach photo. Or at least disclose: "I have abs."
Unfortunately like an idiot I got suckered into signing up again...lol. Normally I wouldn't post any pictures like that because I want to be taken seriously but maybe I should do it because it would be so interesting to see the results.
-
One thing I have really learned to do since FIRE'ing and dedicating myself to fitness is to "listen to my body". I know, sounds corny. I recently heard it say "lay off the weights for a bit" in the form of bicep and shoulder soreness that wasn't going away - it would temporarily seem a little better, then an arm or shoulder workout would bring the pain back. So I haven't lifted in a week and things feel much better.
Have I been sitting on my ass eating Doritos? Nope. Sunday I walked 22km with a 30 pound pack and pretty much put my legs through the ringer. Yesterday was a 17km paddle around "my lsland" - a fantastic workout from the waist up - yet the moderate resistence (thousands of reps!) of each paddle stroke didn't aggravate my joint issues like lifting heavy weights did.
I am itching to get back to lifting - contemplating tomorrow...with a decrease of the poundage to see how it goes. Fingers crossed.
DollarBill, interesting that you figure in about a month you will be where you want in terms of weight...I'm giving myself 2.5 months to get where I want to be. That gives me to the end of October when I will jet down to our place in Baja where I can only assume folks are going to be shocked by my "new look". Last time my Mexican friends saw me I was 240 pounds, well over 20% body fat. I hope to be around 195 pounds with 10% (or less) body fat when I assume my usual position by the pool. I frankly cannot wait for the reaction of the folks down there. Without posting before and after pics it's hard to stress this enough - I LOOK COMPLETELY DIFFERENT than I did a year ago.
-
Dang maybe I should have used a current picture since I'm down to 188 ;-)
***By the way ladies I'm still single*** Ahhhahaha
If you've got it, flaunt it! If you've still got an online dating profile be sure to include a gratuitous shirtless beach photo. Or at least disclose: "I have abs."
Unfortunately like an idiot I got suckered into signing up again...lol. Normally I wouldn't post any pictures like that because I want to be taken seriously but maybe I should do it because it would be so interesting to see the results.
[/quote]
Totally do it! It's good to differentiate yourself and generate additional interest. If you've written a coherent, intelligent description of yourself the right women will still take you seriously with a flaunting photo (maybe even take you more seriously - ha!)
-
Well, I'm not perfect.
While I was Hell of a runner when I was young- ran marathons, half marathons, 5ks, 10ks, etc, I figured that as I got older, I had limited discipline and wasn't going to be both fitness obsessed and a rich.
So I chose to be a paunchy, middle aged multi-millionaire.
If I feel like feeling the thrill of athletic competition, I'll just play NBA 2k15. It's actually a hell of a lot more exciting than a road race.
Running is NOT exciting. I was good at it, so I kept it up even after HS, but it's boring as Hell. One foot in front of the other. For miles. and miles. and miles. Day after day. In obscurity. All that to compete in races that are watched by essentially no one other than friends and family of your fellow runners.
Wow, so exciting. It ain't exactly the sport that draws the ladies in. Unless you count your Mom or your sister.
-
One thing I have really learned to do since FIRE'ing and dedicating myself to fitness is to "listen to my body". I know, sounds corny. I recently heard it say "lay off the weights for a bit" in the form of bicep and shoulder soreness that wasn't going away - it would temporarily seem a little better, then an arm or shoulder workout would bring the pain back. So I haven't lifted in a week and things feel much better.
Have I been sitting on my ass eating Doritos? Nope. Sunday I walked 22km with a 30 pound pack and pretty much put my legs through the ringer. Yesterday was a 17km paddle around "my lsland" - a fantastic workout from the waist up - yet the moderate resistence (thousands of reps!) of each paddle stroke didn't aggravate my joint issues like lifting heavy weights did.
I am itching to get back to lifting - contemplating tomorrow...with a decrease of the poundage to see how it goes. Fingers crossed.
DollarBill, interesting that you figure in about a month you will be where you want in terms of weight...I'm giving myself 2.5 months to get where I want to be. That gives me to the end of October when I will jet down to our place in Baja where I can only assume folks are going to be shocked by my "new look". Last time my Mexican friends saw me I was 240 pounds, well over 20% body fat. I hope to be around 195 pounds with 10% (or less) body fat when I assume my usual position by the pool. I frankly cannot wait for the reaction of the folks down there. Without posting before and after pics it's hard to stress this enough - I LOOK COMPLETELY DIFFERENT than I did a year ago.
I've had a aches and pains along the way and really tried to narrow down which exercises were aggravating my joints/muscles. I really got worried about my elbow (top part of my fore arm and bottom of my bicep) when I stopped doing upright rows then the pain went away. I also had some shoulder problems and I notice that when I do incline bench at a certain angle will aggravate it, also with chest flys with dumbbells (so I only use cables now) and no shoulder presses behind my neck (only at a slight fwd press on a machine). I also don't do leg extensions any more...too hard on my knees. Since I changed it up its been great.
I haven't had many people shocked by the new me. Mostly because I think I held it well (Sucked in...lol). I saw my family when I was about 205 and they thought I looked good then. So when they see me at about 185 then I'm sure they will tell me I'm too skinny and try to feed me extra. My Sister is the only one who hasn't seen me and I'm heading to Austin over Labor Day for a visit. It will be interesting to see what she says because when I left her place last time it was around New Years and at my highest weight. I remember telling both her and my Mom that the next time you see me I'll be 30lbs lighter (They both kind of chuckled). Well in another 3 more lbs I'll be down 50 lbs.
-
I get a little wistful when I read other people's diet plans. Most people, even on a calorie deficit, can eat far more in a day than I can; I have a tiny frame and am at ~107* pounds right now. I have to watch my food intake like a hawk to avoid putting on fat.
+1!
Small frame 5'0" lady, right here. Recommended daily caloric intake is far too small for what I would *like* to eat, haha. ;) being fairly active regularly helps, though.
Could one of you do a post of your typical daily intake? It would be interesting to see.
-
I get a little wistful when I read other people's diet plans. Most people, even on a calorie deficit, can eat far more in a day than I can; I have a tiny frame and am at ~107* pounds right now. I have to watch my food intake like a hawk to avoid putting on fat.
+1!
Small frame 5'0" lady, right here. Recommended daily caloric intake is far too small for what I would *like* to eat, haha. ;) being fairly active regularly helps, though.
Could one of you do a post of your typical daily intake? It would be interesting to see.
It's pretty boring, really. My maintenance daily caloric intake is about 1500. I might have some fruit for breakfast, around 75 calories. Lunch is usually around 4-500 calories, whatever thing I made in bulk and am keeping in my freezer (at the moment it's bean/chicken burritos). Dinner can be literally anything, from kale/quinoa salad (this recipe (http://food52.com/recipes/2434-one-pot-kale-and-quinoa-pilaf) is the bomb) to a burger or something - as you say, I figure if I'm making it and I don't eat too much of it, it's probably OK. That would probably be around 5-600 calories. After I've finished my chores for the day, I pretty inevitably have a beer, so that's another 150.
That's pretty standard, but the rest just depends on circumstances. Like, if we have guests, I'll probably spring for another beer. If someone brought cookies to work and I had one (I do usually resist), I have to keep in mind for the rest of the day that that was probably an additional 200 calories. Etc.
What it comes down to is that I don't really try to eat particularly "healthfully" aside from the fact that I cook all my own food; instead, I have small portions. For better or worse, I've spent enough time logging my intake that when I look at my plate, I have a pretty good idea of how many calories are on it. The big culprits tend to be wheat (a tortilla is 200 calories. 200!!, and don't get me started on the beer, it's my weakness), fried foods, cheese. And I tend to avoid sweets pretty much completely, even if I can't resist the occasional coworker cookie.
And, when I say 1500 calories, that's only if I'm semi-active, which in a typical day for me is usually a fair amount of walking and some light bodyweight exercises. If I'm not getting even that level of activity, then of course I need to take in less food.
More than you wanted to know. :)
-
Thanks Cressida/allsummerlong!
Your right it doesn't seem like a lot of food and when you do add the occasional tortilla, cookie or beers it can really run the number up. I just looked at my avg intake and it's really not far off the 1500 cals if you removed the extra protein shakes and it's still a lot of food.
I had a bit of a laugh today going over what I ate/drank yesterday (It was a cheat day). I did good until I went to a rodeo...lots of beers, sloppy joe, nacho's (2000 cals). Total intake was about 3700 cals but I did burn about 1100 cals from the gym and walking the dog. I'll consider it a push ;-).
-
I had a bit of a laugh today going over what I ate/drank yesterday (It was a cheat day). I did good until I went to a rodeo...lots of beers, sloppy joe, nacho's (2000 cals). Total intake was about 3700 cals but I did burn about 1100 cals from the gym and walking the dog. I'll consider it a push ;-).
Sounds delicious! :)
-
salad dressings are both homemade so have plenty of tahini, extra virgin olive oil, flax seed oil, walnuts, etc...
I need details on salad dressing because it sounds great.
-
My diet has slipped a bit in the last week, although I have kept the exercise up to where it should be. But yeah, being back in the city now and a couple of blocks from my gym...I am going to punish myself appropriately in there. 2 hour gym session incoming... ;)
I was thinking about my upcoming Mexico stay this winter. I am not going to lie, on previous holidays there I have always had a tough time not COMPLETELY falling off the wagon in terms of diet and exercise. The combination of warm weather, incredible food and cheap booze has always proved to be to seductive for me. I would use this time to decompress from the stresses of work for a few weeks - and food and booze were integral parts of this process. But now, as I head down ALREADY in decompressed form (thanks FIRE!) I think I will be able to approach my Mexico stay much differently.
My goal this year is to go down there and at least MAINTAIN the fitness level I have as I get off the plane. This will mean turning down a lot of invitations to go out to eat - many of my Baja friends eat out EVERY NIGHT. And it means that the fitness regimen I am doing now MUST continue there...there is a nice gym just a 5 minute walk away, so I will likely sign up for a month long membership, horribly overpriced as it is. There is a price locals pay, and a higher "gringo" price. This wouldn't fly in the U.S. or Canada...but this is Mexico. *sigh* Whatever.
There will be no back sliding in this aspect of my life. None.
-
My goal in 2015 is to get my endurance back.
...but it seems like every time I ramp up the miles I end up injured or sometimes even sick.
So I'm trying to build my training base by incorporating enough rest that that doesn't happen.
I'm nearing retirement, I don't say FIRE because I'm 60, I guess I could say FIR.
Financially Independent Retiring.
I had a back issue that hobbled my exertion for 5 years, my endurance crashed.
I'm doing better now, I swim a mile 4 days a week, it's been about 4 months since I started that.
I have not lost any weight. ;-[ On the other hand most people would not say I'm over weight,
I would feel losing 10lbs would make me comfortable.
When I started, I did 8 laps with rest between every two laps, now I swim 70 laps continuous
in less than 50* minutes.
* I cheat,
I swim with mask (don't have to mess with my contacts), snorkel (it's great to have oxygen) and I just got gloves.
The gloves make your hand push more water and actually give harder workout. I'm sore this week because of them,
but it's good to be sore, I know I worked at it.
-
Definitely more fit. Prior to FI, I had to compromise my workouts because of time. Now I can go on a 2-3 hour bike ride (I cycle about 3 times a week). I've also joined a workout club and go to twice weekly 1 hour workouts with a group. It motivates me to workout harder and I look forward to going. Since it is at 10 am., I would not have been able to do that prior to FI.
-
I am under 225 for the first time in years. On a slow crawl down to 175. About a pound of progress a week has been my approach.
-
No gym membership but working in the garden and projects around the house has trimmed my waist in the first couple months of FIRE. Also less snacking since I'm out doing stuff. Losing a little less than a pound a week but certainly moving mass from fat to muscle...
-
I feel like I am slacking off - gone from 5 days a week at the gym to 4.
Most of the fitness literature I've been reading suggests more recovery time is essential. I've already seen an increase in strength and muscle quality and a decrease in some of my aches and pains since I've installed this "maintenance" day.
Continue rockin' the health and fitness FIRE'd folks! I am firmly of the mind that there is no excuse not to be healthier post-FIRE (provided that there are no pre-existing health issues preventing this).
-
I'm not even close to fire, but since seeing the light in April, I've begun taking my fitness more seriously. I want to be fit when I fire so I can enjoy it. I've always been moderately athletic but I had been slowly been creeping up the scale and the belt notches. At 5'8 I was 180 lbs and am down to a post college low of 160.
I dropped the gym membership and have been working out at home using a program from fitnessblender.com. I'm not affiliated with them in any way, just sharing what works for me. My wife and I follow the 4 week fat loss for busy people plan of theirs. Lots of HIIT, cardio, stretching and some free weights. Only 30 minutes a day. We also bought and ride bikes a lot more than ever. Thanks MMM!
I also cut down the portions, snacking (the bad kind) and drinking (again, the bad kind).
-
I'm not even close to fire, but since seeing the light in April, I've begun taking my fitness more seriously. I want to be fit when I fire so I can enjoy it.
+1
I wish I had taken steps like this in the few years leading up to FIRE so that the minute I was FREE I could hit the ground running as a FIT FIRE'ee. I had made some dietary changes 3 months before my FIRE-date, enough to lose around 10 pounds. Took me another 6 months to lose the other 50. Now slowly ADDING weight - the GOOD KIND of weight. The kind DW likes. ;)
-
[...] Now slowly ADDING weight - the GOOD KIND of weight. The kind DW likes. ;)
How exactly? I am still in weight loss/"cutting" mode and will be for several months. But once I get down to about 165, I'd like to switch gears and put on some muscle. Is it really necessary to eat enough protein to gain weight or can I just eat enough to hold weight steady? Do you find heavy weights work better than medium weight with lots of reps? I have a Bowflex that Dad got tired of and donated to me but I might move it to the extra room on the garage and join the local 10/mo gym if I need better/more equipment.
-
Well, you are going to need LOTS of protein. I'm trying to eat around 200g of high quality protein spread across 6 meals in a day. It is somewhat challenging...but a big tub of whey protein makes things easier. I'm trying to stay lean AND build muscle which is a tricky balance. The things I have read say that if you want to maximize your muscle/strength gains, you don't want to go overboard on the cardio. Well, that's not gonna work for me...I'm training for a half marathon right now.
I'm not sure if I'm lifting heavy or light, but the program I have been following for a few months now says to pick a weight on a certain exercise that will allow you to do 3 sets of 10, 8, 6 reps (or failure).
In the past month I've also introduced some more advanced supplements into the picture...and though I've always been skeptical of such products...I am now a believer.
I'm lucky to have a very good (and cheap) gym right around the corner that I can walk to in 5 minutes so it was a no brainer to join. I would suggest that if you want to get serious about this, join the gym. I have learned a ton just by observing others who have obviously been having success in the fitness game - more than a few stunning specimens strutting (and they DO strut) around. ;)
-
Thanks. Copied that to bottom of notepad file i use to track daily diet and weight. will be ready for review when i hit target weight.
-
Jon, are you buying those "advanced" supps from companies? You can usually make your own cocktails that include all the important parts. For instance, instead of buying Cell-Tech (made of some vitamins, creatine mono, BCAAs, and sugar), you can buy generic creatine, and either ignore vitamins/BCAAs or buy generic versions of those, and buy your own sugar. Or if you like preworkouts, just get some vitamin B3, caffeine, and sugar, and see if it does the same thing.
-
Jon, are you buying those "advanced" supps from companies? You can usually make your own cocktails that include all the important parts. For instance, instead of buying Cell-Tech (made of some vitamins, creatine mono, BCAAs, and sugar), you can buy generic creatine, and either ignore vitamins/BCAAs or buy generic versions of those, and buy your own sugar. Or if you like preworkouts, just get some vitamin B3, caffeine, and sugar, and see if it does the same thing.
Interesting...didn't know about "all in one" products like Cell-Tech. I am taking high quality (according to GNC dude) versions of creatine, BCAA's, and whey protein. Since the introduction of creatine and BCAA's there has been a noticable improvement in overall workout stamina and muscle gains. I'm a bit leery about long term effects of these products so I plan to phase them out of my life once I head down to Mexico for the winter. There is actually a very nice gym very close to our place in Baja and I'm thinking about joining it for a couple of months while I'm down there. Then again, a break from lifting, especially at my age, would probably not be a bad idea. I've developed persistent tennis/golfers elbow issues (according to my doc) from lifting and he says NOT LIFTING is the best treatment. It is hard to stop though - this journey has become addicting.
-
One thing I have really learned to do since FIRE'ing and dedicating myself to fitness is to "listen to my body". I know, sounds corny. I recently heard it say "lay off the weights for a bit" in the form of bicep and shoulder soreness that wasn't going away - it would temporarily seem a little better, then an arm or shoulder workout would bring the pain back. So I haven't lifted in a week and things feel much better.
Have I been sitting on my ass eating Doritos? Nope. Sunday I walked 22km with a 30 pound pack and pretty much put my legs through the ringer. Yesterday was a 17km paddle around "my lsland" - a fantastic workout from the waist up - yet the moderate resistence (thousands of reps!) of each paddle stroke didn't aggravate my joint issues like lifting heavy weights did.
I am itching to get back to lifting - contemplating tomorrow...with a decrease of the poundage to see how it goes. Fingers crossed.
DollarBill, interesting that you figure in about a month you will be where you want in terms of weight...I'm giving myself 2.5 months to get where I want to be. That gives me to the end of October when I will jet down to our place in Baja where I can only assume folks are going to be shocked by my "new look". Last time my Mexican friends saw me I was 240 pounds, well over 20% body fat. I hope to be around 195 pounds with 10% (or less) body fat when I assume my usual position by the pool. I frankly cannot wait for the reaction of the folks down there. Without posting before and after pics it's hard to stress this enough - I LOOK COMPLETELY DIFFERENT than I did a year ago.
I've had a aches and pains along the way and really tried to narrow down which exercises were aggravating my joints/muscles. I really got worried about my elbow (top part of my fore arm and bottom of my bicep) when I stopped doing upright rows then the pain went away. I also had some shoulder problems and I notice that when I do incline bench at a certain angle will aggravate it, also with chest flys with dumbbells (so I only use cables now) and no shoulder presses behind my neck (only at a slight fwd press on a machine). I also don't do leg extensions any more...too hard on my knees. Since I changed it up its been great.
I haven't had many people shocked by the new me. Mostly because I think I held it well (Sucked in...lol). I saw my family when I was about 205 and they thought I looked good then. So when they see me at about 185 then I'm sure they will tell me I'm too skinny and try to feed me extra. My Sister is the only one who hasn't seen me and I'm heading to Austin over Labor Day for a visit. It will be interesting to see what she says because when I left her place last time it was around New Years and at my highest weight. I remember telling both her and my Mom that the next time you see me I'll be 30lbs lighter (They both kind of chuckled). Well in another 3 more lbs I'll be down 50 lbs.
How was labor day? Did you blow their minds??!
-
Like every New Years Resolution ever made by nearly everyone, and often not kept, seems that most pre-FIRE people have the goal to get fit, get thin, and get active once they no longer are working and have the time. So have you been able to reach your fitness/weight goals or have you succumbed to the lure of the "just one more donut and a check of the MMM forums while in the flannel PJ's and then I'll go work out" thing. Have you increased you workouts and physical activities as much as you thought you would or fallen more idle or lack motivation now that you aren't working? I'm in the more active/more fit camp since FIRE but do sometimes find it easy to put some fitness things off until....tomorrow... or...
Let's just say I'm not FIRE yet but awfully warm.
I'm in my preretirement conditioning program.
I heriated two discs in May 2010, it set me back for
a little over 4 years.
This May I started swimming 4 days a week,
I also walk 20 to 25 miles a week, after 5 months,
I realized, I was not losing any weight even though
I'm swimming 1.5 miles, sometimes 2 miles.
Most would say I'm not overweight, but I could lose
10 to 15 lbs and still not be skinny.
So at the beginning of Sept., I started eating less.
That simple, eat less.
Now my weight has dropped.
Sept. 03, 167.0 lbs
Sept. 10, 162.5 lbs
Sept. 17, 161.0 lbs
Sept. 24, 160.0 lbs
Oct. 01 161.0 lbs
Oct. 08 156.5 lbs---Yippee
Oct. 15 153.0 lbs
Oct. 22 155.0 lbs
Oct. 29 157.5 lbs
Nov, 05 157.0 lbs (edit to update) Hope I'm back on track now!
Nov. 12 153.0 lbs
Nov. 19 153.5 lbs
Nov. 27 155.0 lbs
Dec. 03 154.0 lbs Thanksgiving day weight :-)
I'm 5ft 7 inches tall.
I take a 4 mile walk every Thursday to a store that has a very large scale in their lobby, I weigh myself there. Above is the record since I started.
I've added to my routine, deep knee bends, (squats)
with just a broom handle behind my head. So far no weight,
I still have back issues. While I'm walking if I have to wait at a light,
I will do squats until I feel the burn.
I use some dumbbells, to do curls, shoulder press and bent over row.
I don't have a regular routine, I just pick up the weights while
I'm watching TV.
I'm finding a motivation I haven't had, I'm getting up at 5am to swim,
but find it hard to get up at 7:15 for work!
I feel much better now that I'm physically active.
I think that should be repeated!
I feel much better now that I'm physically active.
My blood pressure is lower since I started this.
I took a 20 sample average in May and a 20 sample average in Sept.
and I had a 9/7 point drop. I'm on a BP med, but If this keeps up, I
may be able to stop. I went to the dentist this morning, they checked
my BP, it was 105/43, very low! I checked my BP when I got home,
it measured 107/57. btw, I'm 60 years old.
What was your question? :-)
I think I just wanted to tell somebody I'm doing great!!
-
QMavan,
Gogogogogogo! I have also cut back on portion sizes and lose a steady 2 pounds a week. Down from peak of 250 to 220 this week. Thirty pounds gone!
-
QMavan,
Gogogogogogo! I have also cut back on portion sizes and lose a steady 2 pounds a week. Down from peak of 250 to 220 this week. Thirty pounds gone!
Congrats Fin.Vel,
30 pounds is big time, keep up the healthy lifestyle!
My little bit of weight loss was not steady, but I'm going in the right direction.
I don't think I want to get much below 150lbs, but we will see
I'm looking forward to my next cholesterol and body fat test. I want to see if
I'm having a positive effect.
-
One thing I have really learned to do since FIRE'ing and dedicating myself to fitness is to "listen to my body". I know, sounds corny. I recently heard it say "lay off the weights for a bit" in the form of bicep and shoulder soreness that wasn't going away - it would temporarily seem a little better, then an arm or shoulder workout would bring the pain back. So I haven't lifted in a week and things feel much better.
Have I been sitting on my ass eating Doritos? Nope. Sunday I walked 22km with a 30 pound pack and pretty much put my legs through the ringer. Yesterday was a 17km paddle around "my lsland" - a fantastic workout from the waist up - yet the moderate resistence (thousands of reps!) of each paddle stroke didn't aggravate my joint issues like lifting heavy weights did.
I am itching to get back to lifting - contemplating tomorrow...with a decrease of the poundage to see how it goes. Fingers crossed.
DollarBill, interesting that you figure in about a month you will be where you want in terms of weight...I'm giving myself 2.5 months to get where I want to be. That gives me to the end of October when I will jet down to our place in Baja where I can only assume folks are going to be shocked by my "new look". Last time my Mexican friends saw me I was 240 pounds, well over 20% body fat. I hope to be around 195 pounds with 10% (or less) body fat when I assume my usual position by the pool. I frankly cannot wait for the reaction of the folks down there. Without posting before and after pics it's hard to stress this enough - I LOOK COMPLETELY DIFFERENT than I did a year ago.
I've had a aches and pains along the way and really tried to narrow down which exercises were aggravating my joints/muscles. I really got worried about my elbow (top part of my fore arm and bottom of my bicep) when I stopped doing upright rows then the pain went away. I also had some shoulder problems and I notice that when I do incline bench at a certain angle will aggravate it, also with chest flys with dumbbells (so I only use cables now) and no shoulder presses behind my neck (only at a slight fwd press on a machine). I also don't do leg extensions any more...too hard on my knees. Since I changed it up its been great.
I haven't had many people shocked by the new me. Mostly because I think I held it well (Sucked in...lol). I saw my family when I was about 205 and they thought I looked good then. So when they see me at about 185 then I'm sure they will tell me I'm too skinny and try to feed me extra. My Sister is the only one who hasn't seen me and I'm heading to Austin over Labor Day for a visit. It will be interesting to see what she says because when I left her place last time it was around New Years and at my highest weight. I remember telling both her and my Mom that the next time you see me I'll be 30lbs lighter (They both kind of chuckled). Well in another 3 more lbs I'll be down 50 lbs.
How was labor day? Did you blow their minds??!
lol...It wasn't mind blowing but they were happy for me. I did think it was funny when we went to play Frisbee golf with a couple of her friends. It was hot so I had my shirt off and one of her friends would occasionally throw a Frisbee in my direction. Then one of her friends mentioned that my abs were acting like a tractor beam.
-
I think you have a new screen name "TractorBeamAbs"
-
I'm going to be in Mexico very soon with my new post-FIRE body. Very interested to see if there will be a similar tractor beam effect. There is a very large population of "cougars" in the area so I will have to be on my toes. ;)
-
I'm going to be in Mexico very soon with my new post-FIRE body. Very interested to see if there will be a similar tractor beam effect. There is a very large population of "cougars" in the area so I will have to be on my toes. ;)
Let me know if you need a hand keeping them away...it's been slow in Kansas lol
-
Those midwest farmers daughters not making you feel alright?
-
I'm going to be in Mexico very soon with my new post-FIRE body. Very interested to see if there will be a similar tractor beam effect. There is a very large population of "cougars" in the area so I will have to be on my toes. ;)
Let me know if you need a hand keeping them away...it's been slow in Kansas lol
Haha, you bet...
Actually, the cougar that worries me most is my wife. A bit of tequila, some tropical sun and the claws might be out!
*silently ponders whether or not his DW might lurk on these boards (he suspects so) and wonders about possible repercussions of referring to her as a "cougar" - something I haven't done IRL...because he values his life*
-
I'm going to be in Mexico very soon with my new post-FIRE body. Very interested to see if there will be a similar tractor beam effect. There is a very large population of "cougars" in the area so I will have to be on my toes. ;)
Let me know if you need a hand keeping them away...it's been slow in Kansas lol
Haha, you bet...
Actually, the cougar that worries me most is my wife. A bit of tequila, some tropical sun and the claws might be out!
*silently ponders whether or not his DW might lurk on these boards (he suspects so) and wonders about possible repercussions of referring to her as a "cougar" - something I haven't done IRL...because he values his life*
Maybe she doesn't know it is a compliment?
-
I'm going to be in Mexico very soon with my new post-FIRE body. Very interested to see if there will be a similar tractor beam effect. There is a very large population of "cougars" in the area so I will have to be on my toes. ;)
Let me know if you need a hand keeping them away...it's been slow in Kansas lol
Haha, you bet...
Actually, the cougar that worries me most is my wife. A bit of tequila, some tropical sun and the claws might be out!
*silently ponders whether or not his DW might lurk on these boards (he suspects so) and wonders about possible repercussions of referring to her as a "cougar" - something I haven't done IRL...because he values his life*
Maybe she doesn't know it is a compliment?
I'm quite confident she is not fond of the term. :)
-
Definitely more fit since FIRE (3 years now for me). I cycle 3 times a week (between 1-2 hours each time I go out), I take a Group Power weight lifting class twice a week and I find lots of time for other activities (walking on the beach, hiking, swimming, skiing, etc.).
-
DH and I along with our adult daughter started to do the Whole 30 on November 2 and are 23 days in to it. It's basically Paleo Extreme but I've never felt better in my life. I know I am dropping lbs because my pants are falling off and my belt doesn't fit but you cannot weigh until after the 30 days. I think we'll continue along with this as long as we can but may have wine at Christmas.
I've always been a pretty good cook but I'm seriously improving in retirement and staying within the rules of this program.
I need to ramp up the exercise though!
-
Fit all the way! Always kept myself fit, but now that I'm Fire'D, I plan on kicking it up a notch. Eating better (via cooking more), workout everyday. This is one of the big pluses of being RE if you ask me - in order to live life to the fullest, being in good shape is a must IMHO.
-
I'm stalled out on my weight loss but I managed to make it through thanksgiving without gaining anything, so woot!
Currently about 86 pounds down with quite a bit more to go, and not feeling it lately to go exercise (been sick so using that as an excuse), but I'm trying to keep up with my basic routine as I really don't want to lose the muscle definition in my arms I developed from swimming all summer. Coming up on my 1 year of my weight loss/get my fat ass in shape anniversary, but I think that is pretty good!
The husband has around 60 pounds lost, with maybe 10-20 pounds of fat still to eliminate and/or build up muscle.
We've run into a snag with the husband's health while doing mostly paleo... his cholesterol and triglycerides are way too high, and the doc wants him on drugs. Husband had been on them a few years back and they had some nasty side effects and hates the idea, so we don't know if he can keep eating paleo like we have been. Which sucks, because this is literally the only thing that has been helpful for getting and keeping weight off and feeling good enough to keep up with a basic exercise routine.
So he's upped his krill oil, now taking red yeast rice extract (supposed to help so we're trying), keeping up the exercise and trying to cut back on the red meat (sticking with fish and chicken as the main meat sources throughout the week). He was also told to start donating blood on a regular basis, as the viscosity was too high as well. I think he's fighting hereditary issues (his mother and other relatives are skinny as rails but have insane cholesterol levels), but we'll do the best we can and hope to avoid the heavy prescription drugs as long as possible.
-
Holy ****....Frankies Girl, you and the hub are absolutely killing it. Congratulations on the combined weight loss.
I strongly suspect that I will return from Baja a bit lighter than when I left...unfortunately most likely due to muscle loss since I haven't been doing any weight training in the 5 weeks I have been here. I have been running 3 or 5 miles with DW every morning with a fair bit of tennis and beach trekking thrown into the mix. This has kept us feeling pretty fit and lean even though our dietary discipline is starting deteriorate now that the trip is coming to an end. There is too much great cuisine here to not indulge to a degree. :)
I am actually looking forward to lifting weights again once I get back to Vancouver.
-
Holy ****....Frankies Girl, you and the hub are absolutely killing it. Congratulations on the combined weight loss.
I strongly suspect that I will return from Baja a bit lighter than when I left...unfortunately most likely due to muscle loss since I haven't been doing any weight training in the 5 weeks I have been here. I have been running 3 or 5 miles with DW every morning with a fair bit of tennis and beach trekking thrown into the mix. This has kept us feeling pretty fit and lean even though our dietary discipline is starting deteriorate now that the trip is coming to an end. There is too much great cuisine here to not indulge to a degree. :)
I am actually looking forward to lifting weights again once I get back to Vancouver.
Thanks. I got fat as a cow the last decade due to the horrible stress at my job and using food as a comfort/reward/whatever and drug the husband with me (since I'm the cook in the family). I have always been chubby but the last 5 years... man, it was pathetic how fat I got. I made some pretty drastic changes this time last year, and I think if I hadn't quit my job and done this, I'd be looking at getting even fatter and unhealthier and probably dying in a decade or two.
We haven't been on a real vacation yet, but that's one thing that I worry about since we are such foodies - you are talking about all the awesome food you have available down in Baja and it would be so hard to resist for us! :D
-
Gogogogogogo Frankie's Girl.
I've been on portion control since March 1. I'm down 35.2 pounds so about 0.8 pounds per week, only about half your pace! You impress.