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Kerrigan · Jan 19, 2006, 10:25 PM

I think that this is the time of year when New Years resolutions start to fizzle out. Everyone resolves to start exercising but utter failure usually follows.

Luckily for me, I've managed to get my arse to the gym 3 times a week for the past few years so I'm in somewhat decent shape. No resolution worries there.

Are you in shape? Or is the walk between MacNN and your refridgerator the most exercise you get each day?

festeringwounds · Jan 19, 2006, 10:28 PM

Nope. But I'm not out of shape either. Oddly enough I started exercising this week. How do you work on your inner pecks?

SShoot3r · Jan 19, 2006, 10:30 PM

Yes, im a running back/ line backer (weird combo, but i like bettis style running) for my high school

MM-o4 · Jan 19, 2006, 10:45 PM

I've been going to the gym 3 times a week for the last 2 years, ride my pushy (bike) to work everyday and I feel great. I originally started cause I am 26 and hear older people say that was the best time in their lives fitness wise. I didn't feel fit nor healthy so I had to do something especially if it was all down hill from here.
I recommend regular exercise to everyone! You WILL feel better.

MM

ort888 · Jan 20, 2006, 12:02 AM

Round is a shape.

MM-o4 · Jan 20, 2006, 12:06 AM

was waiting for that one

MM

Chuckit · Jan 20, 2006, 12:27 AM

I exercise 30-45 minutes each day. I would not say I'm in great shape, but better than some people, I guess.

Tesseract · Jan 20, 2006, 12:38 AM

My weight is normal for my height and age, but I wouldn't say I'm "in shape". I really should get more exercise than what naturally comes from walking a couple of miles to and from classes every day.

cjrivera · Jan 20, 2006, 12:45 AM

in "bad" shape... does that count?

Rolling Bones · Jan 20, 2006, 01:08 AM

Is walking back and forth from the fridge to the couch exercise?

shunt · Jan 20, 2006, 02:00 AM

I'm in the chippiest shape of my life.

Cubeoid · Jan 20, 2006, 02:37 AM

baaaaaaabaaaaaabuuuuu!!!!

Goldfinger · Jan 20, 2006, 04:49 AM

Nope and I really need to do something about it. But I'm lazy.

qnxde · Jan 20, 2006, 04:59 AM

Everyone who's in shape take a pic of your body and post it here

wallinbl · Jan 20, 2006, 05:42 AM

Nope. Used to be in great shape because I played soccer (football, if you're not American) all the time. Had knee surgery little over a year ago and I don't exercise much anymore (golf doesn't take much exertion). First time in my life that I've been out of shape and it really sucks.

Mastrap · Jan 20, 2006, 06:07 AM

I need to get in shape badly. I used to be skinny and fit without effort but if I'm not careful that won't last forever. Any suggestions?

wallinbl · Jan 20, 2006, 07:44 AM

Originally Posted by Mastrap

Any suggestions?

Sports. It's great to have a group or a team to go to every week, plus it's more fun than running. Soccer was fantastic exercise for me - big field, lots of running and I love playing it. It drives me nuts that I can't play anymore (I could, but doc says my knee is likely to end up shredded). Racquetball is really good exercise as well.

If you're going to do the gym thing, I'd suggest that you get a workout partner or two. Set a regular schedule and push each other to keep it. I find that if I skip one trip to the gym, I'm likely to skip the next, and it continues. Once I go back, I get back on track, but I get off track if I miss one.

I guess the gist of both of those is to get involved with other people because it helps to keep you in it.

ghporter · Jan 20, 2006, 07:53 AM

Not the way I want to be, no. However, I'm working on it. Being out of class for a month over the holidays certainly took its toll! Great food AND a lack of exercise are a bad combination...

Anyway, I'm now in class 5 days a week, and at least two of those days I get to campus late enough that I park WAY out, so I get plenty of walking in. On the other three days, I get in early and park closer, but I still get plenty of walking opportunities. And to top it off, this campus (UT San Antonio) is anything but flat...there are LOTS of stairs between you and wherever you're going. I simply do not use elevators here. So without much trying I've added a large amount of "collateral exercise" to my week. And with my schedule, I'm not sitting around at home snacking, nor am I visiting and taking part in large group meals either.

So, no, I'm not in a shape I want to be in, but that's changing.

Mastrap, do more, eat less and better. Really. Don't go for the closest parking space, use stairs, walke instead of driving short distances. Choose good foods and eat smaller portions; and ONLY when you're hungry-really hungry, not bored. It's a set of habits that you can start building now that will help you stay healthy when the old metabolism switch goes from "young" to "not young anymore."

Mastrap · Jan 20, 2006, 08:19 AM

Originally Posted by ghporter

Mastrap, do more, eat less and better. Really. Don't go for the closest parking space, use stairs, walke instead of driving short distances. Choose good foods and eat smaller portions; and ONLY when you're hungry-really hungry, not bored. It's a set of habits that you can start building now that will help you stay healthy when the old metabolism switch goes from "young" to "not young anymore."

I'm good with the food. I mean, really good. I love cooking and I make sure that we eat the good stuff and not so much of the not so good stuff. I am aware of what different foods do to the human body and try and balance our diet accordingly. Having said this, Christmas was a bit of a splurge in the red meat department.

I've been thinking of walking home rather than taking the streetcar. Should take me about an hour and give me all the aerobic exercise I need.

ghporter · Jan 20, 2006, 08:21 AM

Originally Posted by Mastrap

I'm good with the food. I mean, really good. I love cooking and I make sure that we eat the good stuff and not so much of the not so good stuff. Having said this, Christmas was a bit of a splurge in the red meat department.

I've been thinking of walking home rather than taking the streetcar. Should take me about an hour and give me all the aerobic exercise I need.

Eating the way you do: good. Walking: great! Just watch the weather there...that lake makes things BAD sometimes, so dress right!

PB2K · Jan 20, 2006, 08:23 AM

since i started exercising (everything except the gym, because i dread airco's) i can actually feel my muscles. my body feels hard, so sexy, hmm my body, i love you body

turtle777 · Jan 20, 2006, 08:25 AM

Originally Posted by ort888

Round is a shape.

ghporter · Jan 20, 2006, 08:29 AM

I've seen a great tee shirt to that effect:
"I AM in shape. Round is a shape."

Which leads me to another tee shirt:
"I have the body of a god. Budda."

Ghoser777 · Jan 20, 2006, 08:41 AM

I need more muscles, but I'm thin and fit.

Doofy · Jan 20, 2006, 08:48 AM

Shape enough to get the honeys and beat Tom Cruise into the pavement when I bump into him. That'll do me.

Doofy · Jan 20, 2006, 08:48 AM

Originally Posted by PB2K

since i started exercising (everything except the gym, because i dread airco's) i can actually feel my muscles. my body feels hard, so sexy, hmm my body, i love you body

Stradlater · 09:13 AM

20 minutes of cardio- every day, along with weights. Alternate upper body and lower body with the machines.

Eat well every day. Wake up and down a multivitamin with a yoghurt smoothie. Get lots of protein and lots of fiber. Fruit throughout the day. Veggies and vinaigrette salad every evening. Had a great bison NY strip steak last night -- lean, delicious, and full of protein.

Jawbone54 · Jan 20, 2006, 09:13 AM

I'm skinny (6'1'', 170), but I'm not in shape.

cjrivera · Jan 20, 2006, 09:19 AM

Originally Posted by wallinbl

Nope. Used to be in great shape because I played soccer (football, if you're not American) all the time. Had knee surgery little over a year ago and I don't exercise much anymore (golf doesn't take much exertion). First time in my life that I've been out of shape and it really sucks.

Swimming is great for a cardio/aerobic workout. It works almost all of your muscles with very low impact. It's great for anyone with knee (or any joint) problems.

Biking is also easier on the knees than a treadmill or ellipse machine for cardio workouts.

Stradlater · Jan 20, 2006, 09:21 AM

Originally Posted by cjrivera

Biking is also easier on the knees than a treadmill or ellipse machine for cardio workouts.

Elliptical machines are very low-impact, comparable to biking and perhaps better. Biking requires a wider motion of the knee, while elliptical machines maintain a tighter...ellipse.

wallinbl · Jan 20, 2006, 09:35 AM

Originally Posted by Stradlater

Elliptical machines are very low-impact, comparable to biking and perhaps better. Biking requires a wider motion of the knee, while elliptical machines maintain a tighter...ellipse.

I'm disppointed by the length of the strides on the elliptical machines. I'm used to running with much longer strides and the elliptical machines feel very strange to me. I much prefer the bike, but I don't like how long it takes to get a good workout on one (while I say I'm out of shape, I can still sustain 25mph over 60 minutes on a bike or run 3 or 4 miles). I usually end up doing 15 minutes on the elliptical before my workout and 15 minutes on the bike afterwards.

The other day, when I got off the elliptical, my knee was hurting, and my kneecap was loose enough that I could push it to the side and stick my finger inside the knee joint. You get to experience some strange stuff when your knee goes bad (my favorite is when the meniscus gets folded over and locks the knee so it won't move)!

I picked up a rowing machine at home, and it whips me like nothing else. Unfortunately, it bothers my knee to use it.

wallinbl · Jan 20, 2006, 09:37 AM

Originally Posted by cjrivera

Swimming is great for a cardio/aerobic workout. It works almost all of your muscles with very low impact. It's great for anyone with knee (or any joint) problems.

I intend to get in the pool once I get a little better conditioned. I did it a few times, but could only really swim 400 yards before I felt like I was going to puke. Part of the problem is that I keep racing, and have to continually remind myself to slow down.

TETENAL · Jan 20, 2006, 09:43 AM

If you are in shape and a woman, post a pic!

moodymonster · Jan 20, 2006, 09:49 AM

Originally Posted by TETENAL

If you are in shape and a woman, post a pic!

haha

I'm kinda in shape, starting running last year, once, twice a week - ~8 mile runs.

cjrivera · Jan 20, 2006, 09:58 AM

Originally Posted by Stradlater

Elliptical machines are very low-impact, comparable to biking and perhaps better. Biking requires a wider motion of the knee, while elliptical machines maintain a tighter...ellipse.

I should have clarified that ellipticals are much better than treadmills in regards to impact - especially for the knees, but compared to a bike (when seated properly so as not to have such a wide pedalling motion), would still have more strain/impact on them as the weight of the body and force of impact (though less than a treadmill) is still directed through the knee/hip/ankle joints. With a bike, the weight of the body is supported by the butt and there is less force and impact occurring at the knee joint.

Stradlater · Jan 20, 2006, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by wallinbl

I'm disppointed by the length of the strides on the elliptical machines. I'm used to running with much longer strides and the elliptical machines feel very strange to me. I much prefer the bike, but I don't like how long it takes to get a good workout on one (while I say I'm out of shape, I can still sustain 25mph over 60 minutes on a bike or run 3 or 4 miles). I usually end up doing 15 minutes on the elliptical before my workout and 15 minutes on the bike afterwards.

The other day, when I got off the elliptical, my knee was hurting, and my kneecap was loose enough that I could push it to the side and stick my finger inside the knee joint. You get to experience some strange stuff when your knee goes bad (my favorite is when the meniscus gets folded over and locks the knee so it won't move)!

I picked up a rowing machine at home, and it whips me like nothing else. Unfortunately, it bothers my knee to use it.

I'd like to do the rowing machine, but the closest facility to me doesn't have 'em. I agree about the stride, but I got used to it. I think it's adjustable, too, but I don't have the patience to figure out how to change anything on the machine but the resistance.

I usually do 10 minutes sans those arm thingies, to focus my legs, then 5 minutes with arm thingies, then 5 more minutes in reverse to change the muscle groups.

Sorry to hear about your knee problems; sounds scary

Stradlater · Jan 20, 2006, 10:04 AM

Originally Posted by cjrivera

I should have clarified that ellipticals are much better than treadmills in regards to impact - especially for the knees, but compared to a bike (when seated properly so as not to have such a wide pedalling motion), would still have more strain/impact on them as the weight of the body and force of impact (though less than a treadmill) is still directed through the knee/hip/ankle joints. With a bike, the weight of the body is supported by the butt and there is less force and impact occurring at the knee joint.

Points taken. Personally, I just feel like I get a better workout from ellipticals than bikes -- seems like more of my body is in the game.

wallinbl · Jan 20, 2006, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by Stradlater

I'd like to do the rowing machine, but the closest facility to me doesn't have 'em.

I'm surprised by their lack of popularity with people and with gyms. It's great exercise.

Monique · Jan 20, 2006, 10:13 AM

Round in shape, but I have tried many times to do some physical activities. Since I have high blood pressure and refuse to take medication (the side effects suck) I have been taking lots of vitamins, since I have run into some problems with my teeths I have been taking some vitamins and vegetable juices, and since last week I have bought a book about smoothies and take 2 of those every night, I try not to eat too much at meals and not to go to the fridge at night time. But, it is difficult for me not to do it in the evenings, that is why I prefered to work evenings. When I worked during the evening i.e. until 12:00 I would get up around 11:00 am and have breakfast then a small lunch around 3:00 pm then go to work. But, my schedule has changed and now it is 8:00 am to 4:00 pm danger zone for is evenings. So, I have to go back to the routine of a little exercise and not eating, be hungry all the time.

cjrivera · Jan 20, 2006, 10:15 AM

Originally Posted by Stradlater

Points taken. Personally, I just feel like I get a better workout from ellipticals than bikes -- seems like more of my body is in the game.

You are right there. You get a much better total body workout with a ellipse compared to a bike, it's just people with lower extremity joint problems are better off doing a bike and getting a fairly good workout than getting a really good workout with an ellipse only to stop after a few sessions after their knees or hips act up.

Personally, I like using the ellipse also.

Salty · Jan 20, 2006, 10:36 AM

I've gotten to the point now that when I jokingly call myself fat skinny guys look at me as if I'm not... granted I still am, but that really makes me happy. I've told a few people how much I weigh this year and they've been pretty floored, most of them would have estimated at least 30 pounds lighter... partly because a lot of my new weight is muscle that I gained while working out this summer and last year. That said I'm working on getting to a gym around here.

wallinbl · Jan 20, 2006, 10:51 AM

Originally Posted by Salty

I've gotten to the point now that when I jokingly call myself fat skinny guys look at me as if I'm not... granted I still am, but that really makes me happy. I've told a few people how much I weigh this year and they've been pretty floored, most of them would have estimated at least 30 pounds lighter... partly because a lot of my new weight is muscle that I gained while working out this summer and last year. That said I'm working on getting to a gym around here.

Yeah, it depends on where the weight is. I'm 5'11", 187lbs. 15 months ago, I was 167lbs. Interestingly, no one seems to see the extra weight on me. I'd say it's mostly around the waist, but people just look at me and say there's no way I've gained 20 lbs (not much, if any, was muscle mass, except maybe in my legs to support my new weight).

andreas_g4 · Jan 20, 2006, 03:03 PM

See sig.

brapper · Jan 20, 2006, 03:18 PM

Originally Posted by Chuckit

I exercise 30-45 minutes each day. I would not say I'm in great shape, but better than some people, I guess.

ditto.

teknopimp · Jan 20, 2006, 03:38 PM

i'm finally back in shape. it seems to get harder each year, especially after turning 30.

been exercising and eating right (breakfast, lunch and dinner, no desert or in between snacks, the occasional junk food). vegan diet, very low carbs, high protein and fiber.

my weight is on the low end of the Body Mass Index. under 10% body fat.

best of all i have a flat stomach. not a six pack, just no more beer gut and love handles.

ShortcutToMoncton · Jan 20, 2006, 04:03 PM

5'10, 170 pounds, and probably 10-15 pounds overweight. I've always maintained I've got hollow bones, because I used to be in extremely good shape (I can still throw out 60-70 pushups without too much of a problem) but was always really light. Guess it's the frame.

Anyways, yeah, about those knee problems: my favourite sports are/were soccer, basketball, squash and snowboarding, which are all killer on the knees. I haven't been to the doctor yet, but in the last year I've really been having some problems (often with my joints in general). That's been limiting the gym, and with my sloppy student lifestyle/habits the alcohol is starting to settle in....

greg

wdlove · Jan 20, 2006, 04:30 PM

I think that I'm healthy. My weight is considered to be normal. BMI normal. Just not in physical shape, never have been.

Ganesha · Jan 20, 2006, 05:09 PM

Compared to your average american, I'm in good shape. Compared to a TdF rider, no.

125 miles a week biking @ 15-18 mph (via the commute to work)
5 miles jogging a week @ 8-12 min/mile
45 flights of stairs a week
Sub Max weight training 3 times a week.