Warning Body Under Construction

[FourAces]

As I grow older I become more concern with longevity. So far I've been lucky not to have had any major health problems but I understand with age and my weight I'm pushing the odds. I have decided that now is as good as time as any to take control and begin the rebuilding process.

 

So I would love to hear any stories from those who might have gone through a like situation. How did you do it and what did you do?

 

RT

[eastbayguy]

>As I grow older I become more concern with longevity. So far

>I've been lucky not to have had any major health problems but

>I understand with age and my weight I'm pushing the odds. I

>have decided that now is as good as time as any to take

>control and begin the rebuilding process.

>

>So I would love to hear any stories from those who might have

>gone through a like situation. How did you do it and what did

>you do?

 

Well, I woke up one morning, took a careful look in the mirror and did not like the results. Had a chat with my doctor who agreed I needed to drop some weight. Went through a physical, established a starting point, etc. My doctor said that the best diet is the one that gets results that you can follow. So, I went the Atkins route. Lost over 100 pounds in about six months.

 

With the Atkins program, I started hitting a gym. Definitely not finished there. But, my cardiovascular health is way better and I look and feel much better. Having a workout partner is definitely a requirement. You need someone to help keep you motivated and accountable. Plus, hitting the gym is just more fun with someone else.

 

Do I look like I did when I was in my 20s? No. Will I ever. No. But, for a guy my age who didn't take good care of himself for way to long, I'm gaining ground.

 

Oh, and I look good enough I get people hitting on me in bars. That dried up for a while...

 

--EBG

[Bilbo]

I was reading an AARP magazine the other day, a two year old one so you know it was in my bathroom - though what it was doing there ....

Most of the people who have heart attacks in gyms are those who haven't been regularly for a while and then try to make it all up in one day. Or at least they overdo it. So do be careful your first few times or if you skip a week or two.

And I was working with a personal trainer who gave me a mental breakthrough. Establish your breathing, almost as if you were doing meditation or slow Body Electric work, and time the lifting to it. I mean, I had always known that it was important to breathe, and had known for some time that timing it to the weight lifting - in on the recoil (or whatever you call it) and out on the push. Mais non, you don't really want to time it to the weight work, you want to time the weight work to it. For one thing, this helps you to go more slow and smooth.

[KY_TOP]

About 4 years ago I realized I was slightly overweight, my belly was big, had trouble bending over to tie my shoes and just didn't feel very good plus I was having more frequent Asthma attacks. I started walking, using very light weights at home and changed my diet. Stopped drinking sodas (replaced them with bottled water) and lost 7 pounds the first week. In less than 12 months I gradually lost 28 pounds, reaching my target weight. After the first year I joined a gym and have been able to pretty much hold my target weight as I have gained muscle. I try to walk/jog about 4-5 miles a day and haven't had a serious Asthma attack in over 2 years and rarely carry a rescue inhaler anymore.

 

Good luck and remember things come off gradually, not over night.

[Guest DevonSFescort]

Bwahahahahahahahaha...I just love being a body fascist. Bwahahahahahahhahahahahahahahhahhahahahahahhaha.

 

You guys will make the most faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaabulous lampshades for some dead hooker's apartment. Almost makes me wish he could afford electricity.

 

ALMOST!!! But not until (oh so) five minutes ago.

[Moose1961]

Let's see.

 

When I was on my annual visit to San Francisco, I had a life altering experience that caused me to realize I needed to get my shit together at 42. About a month after I came back, I got in touch with a trainer. I am 5 9 and weighed 241 lbs. After my first session with the trainer, he did all of my physical stuff, he became very concerned about my blood pressure. When he took it , it rang in at 180/104. My check up at the doctor confirmed this. Plus my cholesterol was through the roof. Doctor put me on medication. I took the blood pressure meds, but not cholesterol.

 

So between the combination of working out twice a week w/ the trainer and changing my diet completely ( on a variation of South Beach), the bp came down and I'm off the medicine. I never took the cholesterol medicine but that isnt a concern. I checked my bp last weekend, 2 weeks removed from the last med, it was normal.

 

Since I started diet change/excercise, I have lost 33 pounds in 9 weeks. I am now at 208 and losing more. Due to finances I can only go to the trainer once a week, but where I work has a gym and he came down and did a program for me. So I still do a physical work out twice a week, then the three other days, do cardio ( elliptical/treadmill/stairmaster) and walk for 30 mins after I eat.

 

I haven't felt so good in years.

 

Any one w/ questions can PM me

[FourAces]

Thanks to those who shared their experiences. I hope to be able to conquer my food demons like several of you have.

 

RT

[ValleyDwellerNorth]

>As I grow older I become more concern with longevity.

 

As I grow older and read more of your posts I feel you need to see a therapist.

 

Take this test to see when you will die. With this information you can now plan ahead.

 

http://www.deathclock.com/

[Guest BronxTom]

BronxTom

 

Hello all. My first posting to the Message Center. Glad to be here.

 

I am heading towards 40 and very aware of the changes my body had undergone over the past 20 plus years, including changes in my face. I am pleased with what I see in the mirror although it is clear I look different than I did even five years ago.

 

I embrace my age and everything that has come along with it. Maturity. Wisdom. Increased contentment. Life seems simpler, less complicated. A rugged, perhaps even handsome, face instead of a cute face. A mature look instead of a youthful look.

 

I was walking on the beach the other day and "happened to notice" the newest batch of lifeguards coming out of the training area. Young. Trim. Defined. Full heads of hair. What you would expect for the 16 to 24 year-old crowd.

 

I realized then I can't compare myself to them and that in 20 years they will be exactly where I am. In the body of a soon-to-be 40-year-old man.

 

Raquel Welch was once approached by a reporter who asked her how she stayed so beautiful at 50. She said, "This is what a 50-year-old woman looks like." (At least a 50-year-old woman with money.)

 

So I look in the mirror and say, "This is what you look like at 40. Nice." It's not because I am super buffed or anything like that. It's simply because I see my body being connected to my entire being.

 

It's not always easy. Does anyone ever really get used to being called "sir" by guys in their early 30s?

 

I've also noticed I get more attention from younger guys (especially early 20s) than I ever did when I was that age. I still haven't figured that one out yet.

 

Tom

[jackhammer91406]

>I've also noticed I get more attention from younger guys

>(especially early 20s)

 

I still haven't figured that one out yet.

 

>Tom

 

I seem to be getting the same kind of response. Not that I am complaining.

 

I applaud your attitude about yourself and your looks. Sounds very healthy to me.

 

Welcome to the MC!

[btmstudnyc]

>So I would love to hear any stories from those who might have

>gone through a like situation. How did you do it and what did

>you do?

>

>RT

 

 

I am sorry I did not go through it....but since I am a trainer and have heard this story countless times....I have one big suggestion....Do cardio. Read any of the aerobics books by Kenneth Cooper, the father of aerobics, or any other ones that you may see.

 

http://www.cooperinst.org/shopping/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=19&cat=Cooper+Institute+Books+and+Certification+Course+Manuals

 

Once you start doing cardio consistently....5 days a week (working up to this for 40 min each time)....everything else usually follows.....Diet, Weight training, supplements, nutrition....But until then....most people have a hard time. The other way to start would be weight training...but that may cost you for a trainer and such. Email me if you have any specific questions...

JIM

[jackhammer91406]

You KNEW that I would...

 

Hey

LOVE the new avatar, but then, you knew....}(

[+ Lucky]

Working out does not get easier as you get older! I am still faithfully hitting the gym in my fifties, but it seems like it is getting harder all of the time. Fortunately, just when I feel like giving up, something (or someone!) comes along to keep me motivated.

[Guest skrubber]

Two years ago I weighed 217 lbs - this morning I weighed in at 168. It's diet and exercise. And don't go for those fad diets (Atkins, South Beach etc) counting calories is the way to go.

[Spida]

It is so great to hear people still working out and the great experiences everytime I hear one I feel great for that person and even more motivated myself. Aboout two years ago I was about 365 pounds I slowly in about a year lost 30 pounds then last Nov got really serious and have lost another 60 since then I am lifting weights and doing arobic and eating very good. Most of all I can't believe how awesome I feel forget about how much better I look! The other day I looked down as I stretched my arm and realized that I had muscletone that was showing my arms are looking good my chest has muscletone no more man boobs well they are almost gone.

 

I am learning to eat better and almost enjoying exersizing! Keep it up and thanks for all the good tips.

[Guest endoman31]

Guys;

 

I am 73. Weigh 151# and stand 5'11, down from 6'

 

Problem is congenital heart problem. I was never the athlete (fortunately, as what I have is what the athlete dies from when he is out in the field).

 

So I do little aerobic axercise.

 

I take a Ca++ chanel blocker so the MD does not want me to take Viagra. So I cannot get it up! That exercise does not work.

 

My dad lived almost through his 80's. His impression was that the Golden years were over at 80.

 

Have fun, don't smoke, drink, spread your legs, or get caught with a guy in bed. The President would not want it to happen (he doesn't want gay marriage {sex}, or any of it's trappings).