mzumtaylor

Thanks, Mike_d85! I think you're right; Pilates and/or bodyweight exercises during the week while it's tax season is going to be the right choice. I didn't think about the waiting between sets for lifting, which is true. Waiting for equipment is also something I didn't think about. You can tell how much time I've spent in gyms... Since it's currently the off-season, I got one of my co-workers to join a gym with me, so we're going to take some classes, go swimming, and be each other's accountabilibuddies. Anyway, thanks for your feedback. If I lived someplace where it was nice year 'round, I would go for a walk every day after lunch or dinner, just for the mental break, but in Michigan it gets a little too cold to do that reliably, so I have to figure out something else. Thanks for wishing me luck on the exam. I take the third of four sections in two days, and at the moment I'm just focusing on staying sane.

I'm an accountant working at a mid-sized public accounting firm, and by the end of the year I hope to be done with the CPA Exam and on my way to getting my CPA license. Four years ago, I was living in Denver and I was in the best shape of my life. I was doing Pilates once a week, walking 30-45 minutes to work everyday, and I had started a basic strength training workout that I was doing 2-3 times per week. Then my husband and I moved to Michigan, just in time for tax season, and I stopped doing anything. There is no Pilates studio in our new town, my work is now a 15 minute drive from home instead of a 15 minute walk, there are no sidewalks or safe walking areas around our apartment, and I've been so busy between work and studying for the CPA Exam that I couldn't justify the cost of a gym membership that I knew I wasn't likely to use. But over the last three tax seasons, I've gained 15 pounds and 2.5" on my waist. My clothes don't fit, I feel uncomfortable, and I'm sick of it. I know how amazing it feels to be in-shape and healthy, and I want to get back there. This is what I'm looking for: A 30-minute per day workout program that I can do 5-6 days a week, the involves some measure of strength training. It has to be thirty minutes because between driving to the gym (~10 minutes round trip), changing into workout clothes (~5-10 minutes), and getting ready to go back to the office (~5-10 minutes) really only leaves me 30-35 minutes to workout. And I have to go back to the office. Working out after work would mean hitting the gym at 10 or 11 pm, and... I just don't think that's likely. I might be able to go before work, but I have to be at the office at 8 am, and I am not a morning person, so I would like to either go at lunch or go at dinner. I was thinking to do walking/jogging/elliptical 3 days a week (M-W-F), and then HIIT/Strength training the other 2-3 days. But I don't know what is the way to approach strength training if I'm only able to do it 2-3 days a week for 30 minutes? I recently read Thinner, Leaner, Stronger by Michael Matthews, and I like the idea of lifting heavy (I've never done it with barbells, but I've some experience with dumbbells), but his plan would have me working out for an hour 3-5 days a week, which I know it's going to fly during tax season (because going to be 1.5 hours by the time I get to the gym, get changed, and then get back to the office). I'm not looking for major gains or anything like that. I just want to do something to keep my lean muscle mass up and help me combat all the treats that show up in the office that are hard to resist when your willpower has been massively drained by being at work for 12-14 hours. Help?

Wow, thank you all for the great advice. I am not surprised that I am overthinking the whole thing. It's a common problem I run into. I will just start running/jogging/whatever-you-want-to-call-it, and see where that takes me. In response to wovercast, I don't necessarily want to run (yet, I've been told it grows on you, and I'm willing to give it a shot), but I know it is one of the simplest ways to get cardiovascular exercise (which I need). My other motivation is that I recently started playing Ultimate Frisbee with a group of people in my area, and I would like to improve my endurance so I can get to the end of the game without wanting to fall flat on my face. I know that will happen eventually as I keep playing, but if I can help it along, that would be great. Thank you all again. I love this community; you're all so very helpful and supportive.

So, I'm 30 (about to turn 31) and, as seems inevitable these days, all of my college friends have started running (and posting updates on Facebook, etc. about their runs and how happy they are about how fit they're getting). I'm in pretty good shape (6'0", 175 lbs), but I'd like to lose about 2" off my waist and hips, which usually correlates to about 7-10 lbs of "weight loss". Until about 6 months ago (when I moved across the country for a job), I had been lifting weights regularly (2-3 times per week, for about 8 months) and doing Pilates (once a week, for about two years). But I wasn't really doing any cardio, and while I know I was getting strong, I wasn't really losing any inches. In fact, I gained a few inches (increased muscle mass under stubborn fat), which I found immensely frustrating. So I decided to take up running. I decided to use the Couch to 5K program, and I got some new shoes from a local running store (they called them a "neutral" shoe, and they talked me out of getting a minimalist shoe, since I was newer to running). I also did a "Good Form Running" class at the same running store, and was told that I have good form (good upright posture, not heel-striking, etc.), although I need to work on relaxing my shoulders. I was very encouraged by all of this, and so I started the C25K program, but I didn't get very far. The first few weeks were great, but then I hit the transition from week three to week four. I can run for three minutes straight (middle "interval" of week three), but not for five minutes straight (middle "interval" of week four). I asked the instructor of the Good Form class about this, and he said that he suspects I'm pushing myself too hard during the "run" parts of the run/walk C25K program. He said I should move more slowly, while still keeping up my tempo, and I'll be able to get through it. When I did as he suggested, I was able to make it through the 5 minute segment of week 4's program, but I was jogging, not running. I didn't know if that was bad. I define jogging as taking smaller strides and moving more slowly and running as taking longer strides and moving more quickly. I can actually do the first week of C25K alternating between jogging really slowly (basically the same speed as a brisk walk) and jogging a little more quickly. So is it okay to be jogging? I just am worried about my form. I am trying to keep up the tempo of my jogging (3 steps per second, or thereabouts), per the advice I received at the Good Form Running class, the same as I had been for my running, so in theory my form should be good, but jogging just feels so much less... I don't know, productive, I guess. Any thoughts? Suggestions? Tips? Should I just stick with it and eventually I'll get there? Thanks, Megan

So, I feel like a bit of an idiot, but after this comment and the response previous, I re-checked my food intake for the last three weeks. Two and a half weeks ago was my birthday, and I had a small get together with friends and family. There were LOTS of leftovers, most notably the cake that my mom made me. It was a gluten-free nut cake with creamy nut filling and cream cheese frosting. I didn't want to go through the hassle of inputing the recipe into MyFitnessPal to figure out how many calories were in it, so I found something that sounded similar and used that. I'd been slowly eating the leftover cake these past two weeks, usually as an afternoon snack. That, as you surmised, is where I went wrong. After reading your suggestion, I actually entered the recipe for the cake to see how many calories it was. ... It was a LOT. More than twice as many calories as I guessed when I chose the food item that sounded close. Like I said, I feel like an idiot. However, now that I know what the problem was (the cake is finally gone, thank goodness), I can avoid it in the future. Thanks for your responses.

The waist measurement increase has been very disconcerting, to say the least. Thank you for your encouragement that barbell training isn't the only way. There's been so much written about it on Nerd Fitness and in other places that it feels a little like anything that isn't barbell training isn't quite as good. Yeah, I'm not really sure where I'm under-estimating, if that's indeed the case. I have been using MyFitnessPal to track my caloric intake for a year and a half, and while I now use it to make sure I'm getting enough of certain things and not too much of other things, I thought I'd been doing a good job of recording my intakes accurately. Something to think about, for sure. I'll keep doing the strength training and work on making sure I'm getting enough, but not too much, to eat, and see what happens.

I started weight lifting about two weeks ago. Not doing stronglifts of Starting Strength because an old back injury precludes barbell training (according to my doctor), at least until I can get my back stronger than it is now. What I've been doing is body weight and dumbbell exercises three times a week. I do a whole body series on Sunday, focus on Upper body on Tuesday, and Lower Body on Thursday. On the off days I walk, and I'm working on adding in a little cardio (I really, really hate cardio) because my friend who lifts says it's a good idea. I started weight lifting (can I call it strength training if I'm not doing barbell lifts?) because I had plateau'd in my weight loss. I should say "inch loss" because I'm 5'11" and 165 lbs, and I don't need to lose more weight, but I would like to lose body fat/inches. The issue that I'm having is that I've started gaining inches in all the wrong places. I have gained weight (about 9 lbs), but the most disconcerting thing is that I've gained an inch at my natural waist and an inch and a half at belly button, which is where I'd most like to lose weight. Half of my pants don't fit, and not in the good way. I'm worried that I'm gaining weight/fat because I'm not eating enough. Before I started weight training I was eating 1710 calories per day (give or take) with the goal of losing 0.5 lb per week, trying to eat more protein and fiber and fewer carbohydrates (I use MyFitnessPal to make sure I'm hitting my fiber/protein goals). But, the TDEE calculator I found here: http://thefitgirls.com/tdee-calculator.aspx suggests that if I'm not exercising, I should be eating 1965 calories per day to maintain my weight, and if I'm working out 3x / week, I should eat 2500 calories / day. 2500 calories seems like a LOT and it makes me really nervous. Until I started doing Pilates and eating healthier two years ago, I'd been 20-40 lbs overweight since I was 14. Eating that much really makes me nervous that I'll revert to my previous, heavyset self. Is weight/fat gain normal in the first few weeks of lifting? Am I eating to little and I should just suck it up and eat more and everything will be fine? Sorry for the long post, but any advice you all might have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Megan

I'm with you. I have a really hard time breaking 100g of protein on the best days.

This is kind of a workout question and kind of a diet question, and I wasn't entirely sure where to put it. Hopefully here is okay. My question is this: I am never hungry after I work out, but I have heard that you're supposed to make sure to get enough protein/carbs to replenish your stores after a workout, and I guess you're supposed to do so within 30-60 minutes of working out, so I'm not sure what to do. Should I eat anyway, even if I'm not hungry? That seems counterproductive, but I don't negate the effort I put into my workouts by not treating myself well after the fact. Secondary, follow-up question: I've been tracking my caloric intake daily for almost 9 months using MyFitnessPal. Now that I'm working out regularly, should I be eating more, or should I stick to my current intake of 1650 calories per day? (I have a desk job.) If a little background information would help... I've just started working out regularly (read: daily). I've been doing Pilates once a week for almost 2 years, but I've hit a plateau in my "weight loss" goals. My current stats: 5'11"; 165 lb (+/- 2 lb), bf% ~25-27%, depending on the method used. My goal: I don't really care what the scale reads, I just want to look more svelte than I do currently, which I suspect means building muscle and losing body fat. My current workout schedule looks like this: - Interval training on an elliptical machine at my gym Monday and Wednesday - Body weight circuits (the one Steve describes in his beginner body weight circuit blog post) Tuesday and Thursday. - Walk about 2 miles on a path around my house on Fridays, - Attend an Intermediate/Advanced Pilates class Saturday morning - Rest or go for a leisurely stroll around the block on Sundays.

@JediJem, I'm right there with you. I've actually been using MyFitnessPal to track my food and drinks for almost a year, and it's been great. Like you said, a huge eye-opener. I'm an accountant (read: detailed oriented (actually read: a really big dork)) and kind of love entering and tracking my calories etc. On the other hand, that's part of the reason why I've become frustrated with my progress. I had been losing the weight I needed to lose -- and losing inches -- by just tracking my calories, trying to eat as described above, as well as doing Pilates once week and walking regularly. Now that's stopped being enough to keep me moving toward my goals, and I'm not quite sure where to go from here. From what you guys have said, it sounds like what I need to do is just keep doing what I'm doing (including the lifting described above), and be patient. Okay, I can do that. I just wanted some sort of confirmation that what I was doing might get me where I want to go if I stick with it. Thanks for the encouragement!

So, I'm not new to the Rebellion, but I've not been as committed as I could be. Until now. What's changed? My husband got a new job and one of the perks is that, if he does well at said job, he gets rewarded with cruises. I know, I know. It's a rough life we live. *wry* My issue: I want to look better in a bikini. At the moment, I don't look bad, which is part of why I haven't been 100% committed to "getting in shape". I'm 5'11", 167 lbs, and at 27% body fat. For reference, I look like British model Katie Green (http://www.skinnyvscurvy.com/hot-models/size-12-uk-model-katie-green-bikini.html), minus the long, flowing locks and presumably symmetrical features, plus a bit of cellulite on the thighs. *shrugs* For the last year and a half I have: Done Pilates once a week, religiously.Tried going Primal (followed Mark Sisson's Primal Blueprint very strictly for one month, was about 85% Primal for 3 months), but had to quite due to... let's call it digestive issues to avoid TMI.Read Nerd Fitness weeklyAttempted weight-lifting (barbell squats, etc.), but had to quit due to a bone spur on my spine caused by a six year-old back injury that prevents me from using proper form and therefore leaves me too readily open to injury.Started walking 30 minutes per day, and am working on walking 45 minutes at a brisk pace twice a week.Right now I'm at a bit of a loss for where to go from here, and I'm hoping my fellow Rebels can help. I'm still doing Pilates once a week (Tuesdays), and plan to supplement that with a bodyweight-plus workout once a week (Saturdays). I will continue to walk every day (I have to, to get to the bus to go to work), and walk 45 minutes extra twice a week (Wedesdays and Saturdays). I will also continue to limit my intake of simple carbs and sugars, even though I can't do the Primal/Paleo thing. My current Body-weight-plus workout plan: Incline push-ups progressing to floor push-upsDumbell rows (3 sets of 8 until I get to 20 lbs -- currently at 15 lbs), progressing to body weight rows and then real pull-ups/chin-ups.Body weight squats (in the hopes that I can strengthen my back enough to progress to barbell squats without injury)Triceps exercisesFull plank (90 seconds)Side plank (45 seconds per side)The reason I'm writing this post: I've been doing the above for almost a month, and not only have I not lost lbs/inches, I've gained (a little) both. One month ago, I was at 164 lbs, with a 30" waist. Now I'm at 167 with a 31" waist. It's not a big change, but I've vowed that I would never again weigh more than 170 lbs unless I was below 23% body fat. Since I'm currently at 27% body fat by my best calculation, I'm at a loss for how to proceed. Should I do my body weight work out more often? Should I cut back on something other than simple carbs and sugars? Should I do something else entirely? If you have any thoughts, or anything that's worked to get you past a plateau, please help. Thanks, Megan

CU Denver has a gym on the Auraria campus, which they share with Metro State and Community College of Denver. I think the student fees from all three schools helps pay for the facilities. I guess I shouldn't say that the gym is free, since I did pay a student fee for it. But it's a once/semester fee, and it's not much, so the gym is effectively free. Thanks for the advice about the Colorado section. I lost several hours last night perusing the women's section. I love this site/forum.

Thanks for the tip on replying to more than one comment. The (only) other forum I've regularly commented on didn't have that feature. Thanks also for the tips (and encouragement) for starting with the bar. I'm really getting pretty jazzed about starting this whole project. I think I'm going to ask for the Starting Strength book and DVD for Christmas, since that's one that many people also have seemed to recommend.

Yeah, I am going to CU Denver. Why do you ask? Do you go there too? I also live in Westminster (North Westminster, might as well be Thornton. )

My height and weight are fine, but I have plateaued. I'm not getting any more lean muscle, and I'm not losing any more fat, and I know I can do both if I add some more variety to my exercise routine. I also am not a fan of cardio (except bike riding, outside, in the spring/summer/fall evenings), and one the things that first attracted me to NF is the fact that Steve isn't either, and he still is in great shape. Plus he's a big nerd, which appeals to me as a fellow big nerd. Ooh, there's a women's section? Neat! (I suck at forums; I just can't seem to figure them out. It's not rocket surgery, I know, but I still find it difficult. *shrugs*)