For many people, February is when they really make promises to themselves that they will get a six pack, get in shape, and lose a few pounds. In my fitness journey, I’ve learned that health goals are only attainable with focus, effort, determination, and a game plan. People seem to gravitate towards crash diets and any program that Jennifer Hudson, Charles Barkeley, or your favorite celebrity endorses. What do you do after these crash course workouts and diets?
Yes, you might get in shape. But if you don’t know how to sustain positive results, your fitness will go twice as quickly as it came. Take it from someone that lost 16 pounds in 6 months. It doesn’t matter how many P90X or Insanity sessions you put yourself through. You could drink as much lemon juice as you’d like for a week. If you don’t change your overall habits, that short burst of effort to get fit is for nothing. I know a lot of people that make excuses like they don’t have time, can’t make the gym, etc. You may be one of them. But I won’t pontificate on how that mindset could be keeping you from your best self.
However, I will share with you a few tips that — when followed regularly — can help you get in better shape, improve your overall health, and make it easier to maintain going forward. These might be “No sh*t Sherlock” tips for some people reading today, but information is never dangerous and costs nothing!
Track Your Progress
Metrics are important for every goal you seek to accomplish. You want to track the success and failures of different strategies to see what works, what doesn’t, and what can be improved. Fitness is no different. You should weigh yourself weekly, same day/time/situation (clothes vs. no clothes). You should measure your chest, stomach, hips, thighs and even biceps if your goal is to build muscle or lose weight. Measure your body fat and record your weekly diet (what you ate and the calorie count). Keep a log of your workout sessions. You can use all that information to build a holistic picture of your progress and determine what you need to do to get the best results. It may seem like a lot of work, but you only get one body and you should treat it like any other valuable item you possess!
Drink Water!
Water is the source of all life. It makes up most of our physical composition, so it’s not surprising that water consumption is important. It helps to flush toxins out of your body. It also prevents you from drinking your daily caloric intake in sugary, carbonated, or caffeinated drinks. 8 glasses of fruit juice, coffee, and/or beer will catch up with you quickly. Cutting down on these beverages alone can help you save over 400 calories a day depending on how much you normally drink.
I know people that stick to the old school eight glasses of water per day. Others will swear by a gallon a day. As long as you are consistent and you make water the majority of your daily liquid intake, you will be fine.
Run AND Lift Weights
Ladies, the picture above is especially for you! Weight training will not make you a beast in a month! If that was the case, we’d all be genetic freaks! Weight training can complement any cardio that you do. Some people think that running alone (or doing other forms of cardio like the elliptical, stair master, row machine, etc) is the key to total body fitness. Yes, it’s one key. But combined with a great weight training program, your fitness regimen will be complete!
When I first started training seriously, I did a crazy amount of running and minimal weight training. I lost a lot of pounds, but I was almost back to high school skinny! People on campus were calling me Mary Kate Olsen (Google it if you don’t get the reference). So I knew that I had to add in consistent weight training if I wanted to gain muscle and definition. Calisthenics is a great addition to all this as well.
Cut Out the Bullsh*t
Yes. The Popeyes, the candies, the cakes, the beer and liquor, the fried foods, and all other forms of culinary goodness must be limited if you truly want to get and stay in shape. I won’t sit here and consider myself a 100% healthy eater. I love bad foods as much as the next person. But I knew that in order for me to be at my healthiest externally and internally, those foods would have to be limited. I’ve learned how to not crave the junk everyday. You can never out train a bad diet. And many fitness experts will tell you that diet is 75% of the battle! I treat myself when warranted, but healthy food is just as tasty, more filling, and does more to help me exceed my goals than comfort food ever will. You have to commit to clean eating in order for this to work.
Have a Circle of People to Help You Reach Your Goals
It’s funny, I didn’t aspire for certain things in life until I started hanging with different groups of people. The core values of family and respect and love were still there, but other goals would surface. When I hung out with people into fitness, it got me focused more on my fitness. When I associated with success-minded people, I got re-focused on my own plans and situations in life.
When you are getting in shape and have a community of people who are like you, want to be fit (or remain fit), have a wealth of knowledge on how to accomplish your goals, and live positively, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish! You don’t need to be around people who will criticize your fitness motives and bombard you with negativity. Find a crew to work out with. Discuss fitness strategy. Motivate each other to stick with a nutrition plan and fitness regimen and hold each other accountable. Any journey is easier with helpful people around you.
These are simple yet effective steps in order to get and stay in shape. They have helped me tremendously, and I have to remind myself often to keep the core steps in my fitness strong. What works for you? Any tips you would like to share? Is there anything that seems impossible?
StreetZ
this is helpful. thanks.
Skreetz, this post is Mrs. Lyght approved. *stamps post* lol
The only things I'd add are not to eat too late. Some say don't eat after 8pm but I think it depends on what time you go to bed. Just don't eat two hours before bed. The other thing I'd add is get more sleep. At least eight hours.
January 2011, when I started trying to lose my baby weight, the only thing I changed at first was not eating too late. That's ALL I changed. On the rare occasion that I did eat late, I made sure it was just protein. In six weeks, I'd lost ten pounds with just that one change. Yeah baybay!
lol I haven't slept in well over 36 hours. Getting enough sleep is a bit of a struggle for me. Apparently, I procrastinate on that as well.
Very good post. I’d add a couple things myself;
1- People, especially women, need to understand the Plateau Effect. They need to realize that their bodies are not just machines but computers. And like any good computer the goal is to produce the most work with the least effort. So (and here is why I especially pointed out women) when you get those who think they are going to just do their Zumba class, their Cycling, their Step Areobics, they need to know that while it may feel taxing and heavy calorie burning in the beginning the body WILL teach itself to get through those routines with minimal effort. Thus making the time spent doing them virtually useless.
2- Streetz already spoke about how weight training is an integral part but let me go further. Excessive cardio DOES AND WILL eat away lean muscle. Less lean muscle you have slower your metabo will likely be. Lower your metabo easier it will be for you to gain weight. More weight you gain (this is for the cardio heads) the more cardio you will have to do to get rid of that weight. More cardio you do to get rid of that weight the more lean muscle you are also losing. Notice that nasty cycle?? The BEST, #1 and most Efficient way to lose weight and keep it off…….Weight Training!
Also, understand that weight training/building lean muscle mass is the ONLY way to increase and maintain a higher fat devouring metabolism. Cardio alone…..nope. With cardio your metabolism will spike……for the time you are doing the workout. But as you finish and your heart rate returns to normal so will you fat storing, slow moving metabo. So if you think “I did cycling twice this week so I’m good. I can have this 5 Guys with Large Fries” THINK AGAIN! Your metabo went back into fat saving mode before you even finished changing in the lockerroom.
3- For anyone, especially dudes, looking to gain any amount of muscle mass, Protein is KEY. Ideally your weight (in grams) of protein a day. So you weigh 180…..180gms of protein daily. And don’t be scared of creatine. It’s not a steroid like stupid people say. It’s an anti-inflammatory and muscle recovery nutrient. It’s naturally occurring in the body, at low levels, as well as red meat. Supplementing it is extremely beneficial for anyone looking to make muscular gains through weight training.
Good looking out on breaking down the need to do more than Cardio. I wasn't aware of the effect it has on lean muscle. I was planning to focus on cardio and ab exercises, but now I realize that I'll definitely need to add some weight training to that mix.
I greatly appreciate you sharing that insight. Thank you!
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Good Post Skeetz. I started my fitness journey last March and lost about 25lbs in the process. What worked for me is gaining an understanding of what to eat and not to eat. Weight watchers really worked for me because it doesn't restrict you as far as the foods you can eat. After that, I made a committment to get a gym membership (stress levels from work and personal reasons) and it was the best thing I could have ever done. Working out is the best feeling in the world! I would recommend everyone do their research on their goals are and just do it. As mentioned in the post, your diet is very important. Good read on the importance of eating healthy: http://www.freshplaza.com/news_detail.asp?id=9252…
How timely! Now that I’ve finally moved back home I’m back in the gym after a month long hiatus… I gained 13 pounds in 2 weeks of being home. Yep, you read that right, lol. The culprit? ALCOHOL. Of course after years of “come back home” when I finally got here we partied non stop for weeks. Welp, party’s over… or… well, it’s half time until summer, lol. And 5 of those pounds are gone already cuz I don’t play.
I found/find the tips above to be true for myself, too. I was really successful with weight loss/healthy living while away, but it’s soooooo much better with a support system! Being at the gym with cousins and friends is like a party, it’s so much more fun.
I’ve dropped nearly 50 pounds, and the useful tips (for me) from above, in order: record what you eat and then create a calorie deficit + real cardio + strength training.
Get moving!
Streetz: "Run AND Lift Weights"
larnelw: "Also, understand that weight training/building lean muscle mass is the ONLY way to increase and maintain a higher fat devouring metabolism."
Streetz, even with that picture, they ain't hearing you!
Women, I can't stress this enough. Weight training is MORE important than cardio if you are trying to lose weight. Larnelw already went through the main reasons why. If you only have time to do one, do weights. Doubt me? Do a set of twenty squats with a light weight and tell me how you're breathing after you're done. Now imagine that with a challenging weight, supersetted with another exercise.
And the main key to working out: remember the word WORK is in the term "workout". If you can still talk on the phone or text while on the treadmill, you aren't working hard enough.
“And the main key to working out: remember the word WORK is in the term “workout”. If you can still talk on the phone or text while on the treadmill, you aren’t working hard enough.”
I wanna put this in big bold letters. Especially that last sentence. Can’t even count the number of times I’ve seen people on the treadmills having full conversations. Hand motions and all. Smh
Hugh and L,
You already know man. I'm pout of practice myself. Had to be smart and rest some nagging injuries. Going light this weekend and back full force Monday. Im going kind of insane so we shall see. lol
Yep, this is why I said “REAL cardio” lol.
"Women, I can't stress this enough. Weight training is MORE important than cardio if you are trying to lose weight"
I am now a firm believer.
I started doing kettleball workouts 2 weeks ago using a 10lb kettleball and let me tell you after 15-20 mins I am winded and sweating as if I was on an elliptical machine for 30 mins. And I am starting to see results (muscle) already.
KettleWorxs…. It'll change your life!!
i would add try finding something you actually enjoy doing that's also exercise. that way it won't feel like a chore or something you need to check off a list. mine is basketball and long distance running. i actually enjoy these activities so i don't even look at them as working out.
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True. Basketball is an activity where your body can’t adjust to as the game is always different. The long distance running you have to be careful with though. You can easily plateau resulting in exercise that gives you minimal cardiovascular benefits. You will continually have to run harder, faster and or further just to see any benefits from it.
"The long distance running you have to be careful with though. You can easily plateau resulting in exercise that gives you minimal cardiovascular benefits. You will continually have to run harder, faster and or further just to see any benefits from it. "
I hear what you're saying, man…but if one gets to a point where they are just maintaining or what not then it's not that much of a concern. If you're a competitive runner and attempting to get your time down then naturally you will run a little faster and harder until you reach said goal.
I cosign the above. You just have to be active!
I agree here. I hoop and play in a flag football league, etc….def great cardio there.
Hi, lurker here
As someone said, DO find something you like to do to incorporate into your workout. Personally cycling is my favorite activity, followed by basketball (the latter more so because it can be difficult to find people to play with). I cycle maybe 100+ miles a week and only cycle outdoors…even in the winter.
Determine what you're trying to do. I have zero interest in losing/gaining weight, so the only adjustments I've made to my diet is adding calories to make up for what I lose working out. Without exercise I need maybe 1700 or so calories a day (I'm 5'4/5'5, 125ish lbs.) and with exercise I need to take it another 300-400+ to stay the same.
I see larnelw mention reaching a plateau but this is only a bad thing if you need to see progress. If you're overweight or otherwise out of shape then just adjust your workout. Not trying to be funny or rude, but if you're either chances are you have a lot of room to make adjustments. For myself I'm already in shape and now my goal is to maintain. At most I switch up what I actually do to challenge myself in that specific activity and keep from boredom, but other than that it's maintenance. You do need yo be tired when you're done though…if not that's a problem!
Lastly, don't pay for what you don't have to! I never go to the gym, instead I have my own pull up bar and use filled suitcases and books as "weights". No one has been able to tell the difference
. Going to a local park and using the jungle gym or anything else there is great too. Google "Calisthenics Kings" and you'll see what I mean.
'Tis all. I'm a personal trainer so I had to weight in.
No pun intended.
Thanks for de-lurking and chiming in! I was hoping the PTs would respond
Great post Streetz! I have enjoyed toning things back up. That baby weight is gone, now on to keeping it tight. Personally, doing something different every other day keeps me looking forward to my workout and keeps me from getting bored. Yoga, Latin dance, aerobics, Bollywood…I make it a point to do at least a thirty minute workout. 30 minutes spent doing something for Me. I feel great afterwards and the results are so worth it.
On those days where I am just tired….I find myself trying to find excuses to skip that day, but the bigger part of me won't allow it. I love it!
Having babies, having to work, having a husband and running a household are not reasons to NOT work out, they are the very reasons I do. It increases my stamina and I look great when I take off my clothes.
"I look great when I take off my clothes. " I heard that Beef Bacon…..gon girl…lol
One thing I've learned about working out in addition to switching up your cardio routine and alternating which weights you lift on certain days is to STRETCH.
Going to the gym straight from work and hopping on the treadmill sans stretching is the fastest way (for me) to get a serious cramp. Back when I was 14 and playing football, I could go without stretching and not have a care in the world. Now that I'm approaching 26, I have to make sure I stretch if I want to be able to go about my day with any discomfort.
IMO, stretching prior to working out is just as important as the workout itself. Yoga, Core Classes and Pilates are also good alternatives (or addtions to) working out.
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This is the #1 thing I miss about my personal trainer- the 15 minute stretching on the massage table afterward. MAN.
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freak…lol
hush!
lol
These are all great pieces of advice!
As for water consumption, my doc told me to divide ur weight by two and that number is the amount of water u should drink in ounces on a daily basis. Ex: If u weigh 200lbs u would strive to drink 100 oz of water a day. I used to drink a lot of soda fruit juices etc. but I started using Crystal Light and now all I drink is water with the occasional o.j for breakfast. CL is usually nasty to me but I've found 2 flavors I really like and I usually add extra water and ice in my drink to up the amount of pure water I'm drinking.
The part about the weights is so true! I take a Body Sculpt class that's 40 mins of intense cardio and 20 of weights. It is such a great workout, and besides helping to drop pounds, I see where parts of my body are leaner b/c of the weights. I love Zumba also, when done right it really helps trim the waist.
Cutting out the bullshit is my biggest problem, everyone in my fam cooks well AND often so I'm always struggling with turning down grandma's mac&cheese or my aunt's pound cake :/ I know I have 2 do better though for my cholesterol's sake
An additional tip is Have a goal. When I do personal training, I don't know how many times people have come to me, and when I ask what are they trying to do, they respond with, "well, I just want to lose some weight, work on my stomach, and you know, just feel better." OK, that's commendable, but that's like your career plan simply being, "I want to make money so I can live comfortably."
Have a specific goal, with a timeline, with milestone dates along the way. That, combined with Streetz' tip of Track Your Progress will give you a specific direction, with a specific destination, and at regular intervals, you'll know if you're on the way to reaching your goal in the specified time or not.
Love this article.
Nothing really to add here. Great write up, Streetz and people gave great tips in the comments section. For those just starting out I will say to remember that it's a marathon and not a sprint (no pun intended). If you're not getting Biggest Loser results in one week don't get discouraged. That show is unrealistic anyway. (no one works out for 6 hours a day every day, man…that has a regular life at least). Even if you start off walking on the treadmill (and yes talking on your cell while at it, lol) it's more than sitting on your couch. Showing up to the gym is half the battle. As time goes by make sure you're making the best use of your time there more and more efficient. Soon enough you'll reach that tipping point (no Malcolm Gladwell) where you feel bad for NOT going and you have to go.
This came right on time! I'm 9 lbs down and a lot more to go and this gave me a good kick. My take away is definitely the note about weight training. I'm not doing it now (or as much as I need to be doing) because I HATE lifting weights in front of muscle heads at the gym. I've even tried going at like 5:30/6am in the morning but they are literally there around the clock! I know this is something I'm going to have to get over sooner rather than later…but yea for now, that's pretty much what's holding me back. Some of those men give the most ratchet side eyes when the see non-muscle heads on the weight machines :-/ and it makes me uncomfortable lol
Can I say something in tough love? Get over it! LOL
No but really, I feel you- I started in the gym at over 260 sooooo it was definitely not my favorite thing in the world to be bouncing around in front of folks, lol. But I got over it, quick. When I first started I was going 5:30 – 7AM and it did help because even though folks are there it isn't as crowded as it is right after work.
Now I go whenever and do whatever. You'll get used to it and no longer care who's watching… but you gotta start first! go, go, go!!
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I'm a huge fan of tough love so no worries lol yea you are absolutely right and I'm gonna do better. At the end of the day they have their goals, i have mine but we are both paying the same membership fee so I really shouldn't care at all about how they might make me feel. I'm sure most of my hesitation is made up anyway. At the end of the day everybody in there is most worried about themselves. And congrats on all your progress so far!
Thanks and good luck gurl!!
I do Weight Watchers. It works.
When I was 15, I was my biggest weight of 240 lbs. At that point, I went to Camp Shane, the fat camp featured on MTV's "True Life: I went to fat camp", and the basis of the movie, "Heavyweights", one of my FAVORITE movies as a kid. In the six-week program, I lost 23 lbs.
I came back and switched from being in the pit in marching band (I played oboe, and oboes can't march),, to joining color guard. I joined the wrestling team with several other girls from band. I joined Curves (an all-female gym designed around running a circuit). I got down to like 169 and couldn't budge.
Then I left for college. The weight creeped back. I got up to 205 again and went back to the gym. That got me down to 180 lbs.
Then I moved to NYC, and not only had a PSYCHO busy job (talent agency), but it paid crap and had no benefits, so no gym membership for me. The weight creeped back to 210.
Then I got a new job with nice pay and benefits. I ALSO got a nutritionist, so my food would match my workouts. Basically, I knew all the good things to do, but I needed to be reminded. So with caloric restriction and working out 5-6x a week, I got down to 175. It wouldn't budge. I'd hit a plateau and working out all seven days wasn't possible.
So I switched to Weight Watchers. Been on it since October 2010. I got down to my smallest adult weight ever of 152! Post holidays, I'm more like 159, but I'm maintaining and I love it. I'm ALL ABOUT WEIGHT WATCHERS, plus exercise. And I don't do that psycho 6x a week anymore either. I can maintain (and even lose) on 3-4x a week.
Wow, you worked ya ass off! keep up the good work
Thanks!
You did too!
Wow! Thanks for the inspiration!
In the past ive lost a total 48lbs, mostly from altering my diet and running. At the time I was going through some serious relationship BS so running was a great stress reliever. It actually started out as walking and the my fat ass got the running Forest Gump style!!!..lol Eventually running became an exercise I enjoy. And I think that's the key. Whatever exercise you decide to choose extract some type of enjoyment from it. Have fun, sweat it out and feel the burn at the same time. Consistency is key though. Set ya mark and don't stop until you get there.
ALSO the most important factor (for me) was food consumption!!!! I used the book "Eat Right for Your Blood Type" as a guide, it was very helpful.
If you are into fitness books, 2 that helped me were the Abs Diet (by mens health editor Dave Zinczenko) and Burn the Fat, feed The Muscle by Tom Venuto. Worked Wonders!
I was reading up on that book today on Amazon. good looking out sir, I just might try it
I should add I highly recommend personal training. I didn't realize I wasn't working out hard enough until I had one whoop my arse 3x week. Plus I find it difficult to keep track of reps and sets, etc in the middle of working out… I find that I kinda wander around like "did I work this enough? that enough?" So, if you can hack it, do it!
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Hello everyone!
Everyone knows I’ve been up and down regarding my weight loss….but now, I finally got it covered. I simply do the 80/20 rule, replaced my Creole/Cajun recipe ingredients with healthier options, eat tons of veggies, and fruit, and constantly stay moving. I work out about 5 times a week now and I’m literally DRENCHED after every work out. Surprisingly, it feels great
. Since mid-November, I have lost about 25 lbs. I simply made small changes and now I’m two sizes smaller and my ratios are back to normal. Don’t get it twisted guys, I still eat my neck bones and collards as well as my hamburgers and gumbo, but I eat my heaviest meal for lunch and only one serving size (PORTION CONTROL). I still hope to lose 15/20 more lbs, but i definitely LOVE my body now and my life has seem to become all the better as a result 
.
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Way to go Whitty! I checked out your site/progress and its dope! When I ressurect Streetztalk again, I’m going to do the same!
AGHHH! STREETZ! Can you change the name of my comment- I accidently posted my government
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Updated your name and my comment. You're good money!
Great post, Streetz!! I agree with everything that's been in the comments, and I don't have much too add. I will say that having a circle of support is key, even if that support is online. Just this past weekend, a few of us on twitter motivated each other to get up and get our workout on. Its important to stay consistent. However, even if you miss a week of working out, don't just say "eff it" and quit. Get up, and get started again.
Cardio and weights/resistance training is the bizness. I like to run, but I've cut my cardio down to 4 days a week, which includes a long run on Saturdays. And each Saturday, I increase the difficulty of my run (distance, terrain, etc.) just so I can keep pushing my body to do more. With the cut down in cardio, I've increased weights/resistance training. When I tell you I hate pushups, I hate them. But I get the best workout ever when I do them, and when I do different types, like moving pushups. Awesomeness! lol.
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And diet is key. Not going on a diet, but eating a diet of mostly fruit, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins, and avoiding dead (processed) food as much as possible.
I love talking about this stuff, and I love seeing black people talking about it.
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Cosign with most everybody on here. Great post Streetz.
One thing that wasn't mentioned I don't think that I would like to add is that maintaining a healthy weight and body and good health overall is to stay consistent and recognize this has to become a way of life and there has to be a lifestyle change. I have a cousin and friend who had lapband surgery and still eat as if this gives them a free pass to eat whatever they want. I've also heard of people who have had gastric bypass surgery and still eat unhealthy foods and don't exercise like they should.
Once you realize you need to lose weight and exercise, especially if your health is at risk you must make a commitment to stick to your work-out and change your diet. Learn healthier ways to cook. Easiest thing to do is substitute. For example, instead of butter Olive Oil, in spagetti and anything else that calls for beef use turkey instead, try turkey burgers and veggie burgers. With the right amount of seasoning, grilled onions and peppers it will taste just as good. Get some cookbooks and learn to use various spices, and veggies. For example scallions (which are in the onion family and can be an alternative to onions) have more potassium, calcium, vitamin B1 & B2, and Iron. If you google it in your area or look into meetups.com there are several cooking classes that are inexpensive. There are also online cooking classes to learn to prepare healthier meals. Try some vegan recipes. My cousin was a vegan and made me some vegan mac and cheese and it was "da bomb." Just as good as regular mac and cheese.
It's not easy to change your diet and how you eat and cook but it's something you have to fully commit to in order to stay healthy; especially as you get older. Once you do it after a while it becomes easier and it becomes 2nd nature.
I'm all about working out and looking good, but what I've learned over the years is most impnt is your health. Thats my other main motivation for working out, changing my diet and eating and cooking much much healthier meals.
I would say that the main thing you should have in mind is a realistic goal. Too many people set themselves up for failure and end up quitting because they didn't get the results they were expecting. Try setting several short-term goals that lead into your final one. I used to be 175lbs at 6'1" with very little in the way of body fat (I was a distance runner), but I wanted to put on some size. After a little over two years of work I got to 245 with 8% bf. That was my long-term goal, but I made several smaller ones along the way.
Secondly, don't waste your money on most of those useless supplements at GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, etc. Most of the stuff is simply modern-day snake oil. All you really need is protein (whey or casien depending on your needs), a good multivitamin, fish oil to keep your joints lubed up, and some BCAAs during meals.
For the men, if you're trying to gain mass you need to EAT! Tons of food (clean calories of course). You'll hear folks complain that they are "hard gainers", but most of the time they just don't eat enough of the right foods. My daily caloric intake when bulking is about 4000-4500 cals split up into 6 meals. Obviously, you'll want to tone that down if you're trying to get more cut up for the summer.
Lastly for men over thirty, you could always go the route of TRT. Docs are giving out that stuff like hot cakes right now and for good reason! If you take a look at Stallone for example, who happens to be in his sixties, you'll understand why.
Abu Husain: "For the men, if you're trying to gain mass you need to EAT!"
Truth. Men, keep in mind that working out doesn't build muscle, it merely gives your muscles a reason to grow. What you eat is what builds the muscle. Guys ask me all the time for tips to put on size, and when I tell them to eat more, the naturally-skinny dude always says, "I eat all the time!" Well, if you're not growing despite eating "all the time", that means you need to eat more.
You got to eat to get big. After all, that's how fat people get big, they just eat unhealthy food.
Most people have secrets for getting in shape and they are as unique as the person, but everybody swears by their particular formula. What i find funny is how enthusiastic people are about their methods and cocktails and how much they want to shove them down other peoples throats. Kinda like religion. Everything doesnt work for everyone. There is no one size fits all solution.
That said, I have one thing to contribute. It was the thing that took me from a fat chick to being. an athlete. Athletic ambition. This guy told me something when I was struggling with motivation after I hit a plateau. He said in order to maintain motivation to stay in shape for the rest of your life, you need to forget about losing weight. You need an athletic goal. Not a personal goal, a competition. A race, a tournament. You need athletic ambition. You train for the competition. Then once you finish that one, you choose another one. You are always training. Always winning, always in shape.
I''ve lost about 10 pounds in the last two months without working out. I finally started controlling my portions (because of lack of funds) and surprise! The extra weight came off. Eating is 70% of losing weight and getting in shape. Even if you aren't working out when you keep your eating on track you can see results.
I'm going to use these tips. Really trying to tone up and shape my body. Thanks!
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Ok, Ok, Okay, enough already. I will do the weight training along with the cardio as you and larnelw mentioned. I was just enjoying the cardio part and hoping that would be enough. It's not but lazy was winning until today.