Fitness & Exercise

As i reach my final weight loss goal, i would like to start bulking up and add about 15-20lbs of lean muscle. I was wondering if anyones been successful adding muscle and what was your routine? Any suppliments u used? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Just a quick question. I started exercising a few days ago. My legs and such are really sore (so I assume I'm gaining a bit of muscle) and I feel good about it. Problem is, I have no been eating any differently than I was when I was losing weight and all of a sudden I gained like two pounds. Is this normal? Did any of y'all gain weight when starting exercise? Thank you very much! Elizabeth

I love these DVD's I just did a 4 mile walk this morning...... We need an online walking group lol

Is yoga a good thing to do for exercise or is it just to stretch and relax or what? There is a new studio opening near me in january and I wonder if it is worth it?

Okay I haven't been around lately. I hope everyone had a fantastic Holiday. Needless to say with the holiday's and family get togethers hasn't left a lot of time for catching up with everyone. Thanksgiving I started running. As of today I can run a mile in 15 minutes. I have been on vacation and I have ran everyday two miles a day. I think before the middle of January I can successfuly run three miles easy. Not a lot going on, Just trying to get rid of these last pounds. It is so damn hard to figure out what will and will not work with the last bit of weight. Determinaton is what is keeping me from settleing on weighing what I weigh now being my final weight. I will check…

Are there any that give a real workout and are still fun?

I am a new sleever (12/28). I have been walking in the morning. I am getting really excited b/c my hour walk route now takes me a little over 40mins! After my walk, I am sooo thirsty. I try to sip my water slowly when I get done but it's not enough. When I sneak a gulp- I pay for it. I am really not a fan of drinking and walking either. Does anyone else have this issue?

Ugh! On my way to my first Body Pump class since before I went to Japan and Christmas. Wish me luck! I'm looking forward to a good workout and planning on a nice long soak in the tub before bed tonight. Alley Oop! Lynda

hi, i was never a big exercise person. i am just 5 days post-op , but i just am lazy. i am walking around the house to get myself moving though quite a few times a day. By the way, laziness has nothing to do with my recent WLS. Just being honest I will push myself to do some walking and i maybe Leslie Sandson (msp) tapes that i have. (don't know how successful i'll be with the tapes) Bottom line, i will follow my plan to a tee eating, listening to my sleeve etc. I have always been overweight, and i must lose these 95 lbs. Thats not a question - but not doing that must exercise, how much will it hurt me not to exercise with my weight loss. i see all these pe…

Okay guys I'm three weeks out. I've just been doing my elliitcal machine for about 15 to 20 min every morning. I've noticed that I'm extremely tired afterward which lasts all day. I mean I'm just wiped out and I'm back to work. I was wondering if I'm working off too many calories for my body to run. I consume between 600-800 calories, and I burn off about 250 calories with the elliptial which leaves me around 400 calories a day. Unless I drink my calories I cant get any more calories in a day. My carbs are around 30-50 a day. I drink more than 64 ounces a day, I stay thirsty. What could I be doing that's wrong. Also I stall out for about three days, well i did this week a…

I am on week three and i have not lost a pound it seems like the scale is going up.... how do i work out with out leaving my house because it is so freezing outside i am just really having a rough go at this..

Recently I have been really concerned with sagging skin, so I thought doing weights in the gym after surgery would help with that. I have read some previous posts, and just wanted to ask if carbs before the weights, Protein after is the way to go? I don't want to bulk up, I am aiming for toned, and reducing skin sagging as much as possible. Also, does the resistance band workout work as well as weights? or stick to weights? Thank you in advance!!! =)

I was thinking for a typical gym workout: 1. Stretch for about 5 min 2. 10 min full body warm up on a treadmill, eliptical or recumbant bike. 3. Go through the circuit training stations on my gym's weight machines. 4. Moderate-slow paced 5-10 min cool down on a treadmill. 5. 5 min stretching My best guess is that the whole work out would take about an hour. Of course that depends on how busy the machines are. If it's too busy I can always do laps in the pool, shoot hoops in the gym or do free weights. When I was a high school gymnast we would do weight lifting by using free weights. We would find out the heaviest weight we could lift three reps. Then calculate so…

My name is Megan, and at the end of March beginning of April I will be having what I have waited seven years for, the Lap Band. I know exercise is a huge part of loosing weight after the Lap Band, but it's just so hard to find the will power to do so when you have to do it alone. I've turned to my friends, but since they happen to all be skinny, they don't have the desire to go. So I was wondering what the odds would be of finding a gym buddy in the Northern Kentucky area? I plan on going to Fitworks, and really don't want to do it alone. I need the support! =) Megan

Today at the gym, and I've seen it many times before by a few people....... A woman got on the elliptical next to me. Prodding along at a slow, relaxed pace, Talking on a cell phone! For at least 20 minutes! Then, I notice she has a Starbucks coffee with her! Not to mention, she looked good. Meaning she must have spent a long time doing her hair and all, just to come to the gym. Why even bother? Heaven forbid she should break a sweat!

I went ahead and started a thread for December so we can get going! I like checking in here, posting and keeping myself accountable, as well as reading how everyone else is doing with their exercise challenge. Good luck everyone! I know it's going to be a real challenge to exercise every day, with so many things to do before Christmas.

Do you have any preferences? If so, which one? I am trying to figure out my next purchase. Thanks!

Well, I am thinking about going semi pro football this coming 2012 season. My doctor told me I would be 100% ok to do this. What are your thoughts? Safe?

I was wondering if anyone used the Leslie Sansone DVD's? Are they worth it? I'm just starting out and need something "gentle" at first. With the heat and humidity, I can't walk outside and absolutely HATE the malls. I know I need to start walking more, and was thinking of trying these.

I was banded OCT 11th and I am looking to get back to the gym soon. I am concenred about my current calorie intake or lack of and my Water instake during my workout. How long should I wait until I get back to the gym. I am now starting to walk a bit outside but a bit painful yet. I don't know how I am going to plan my calories, carbs and Protein after the 4th week. I am thinking when I get done at the gym I might pass out from missing things in my diet! Anyone tell me what they did and what they are doing? I can't wait to start running after I get down about 50 lbs. Thanks so much!!

Well, after many weeks of consideration and research, I feel I am ready to take my exercise to the next level with the P90X program. Just a few short weeks ago, I kept saying no way, I am not ready for that intense of a program yet. I have discussed this with my personal trainer to make sure I can safely start and complete this program. His only concern was my calorie and carb intake being so low. He feels that I need to increase the calories quite a bit to have the energy required to handle this program. I had in my mind, I am only 16 lbs from goal, I do not want to increase my calories but then after more research, the workouts in the P90X will burn a lot more calories…

Just started c25k on friday! Anyone do the 8 week program? Anyone running a 5k? Any tips or beginner advice greatly appreciated! I went yesterday morning in 23 degree weather.... I'm motivated and wanna learn more! Thanks!

Since losing all this weight, (and being a cardiac patient) I have been hitting the gym and pushing cardio workouts quite hard. (with the blessing of all my Dr.'s) I wear a BPM strap and have the Cardio Coach workouts on my I-Pod. However, whenever I get to a upper level 3, lower level 4, I hit a wall. I get a burning sensation in my lungs, sometimes so bad I feel like I'm going to die if I continue. It has forced me to slow down, and sometimes even stop. I have always thought it was a side effect of being out of shape all these years, not to mention my age. Then I did some google searching and found something people referred to "Exercise Induced Asthma" I was…

How many people use her DVDs and actually lost substantial weight with them i have tried the treadmill but im just not ready for it i believe i can get a better effective work out doing her 3 mile and 4 mile walk what do you guys think. thanks brandon 17

Anyone here use the Fitbit? I wanted a more affordable alternative to the BodyBugg. This seems like it but I am wondering if its worth it? Usually when I exercise I use heart rate monitor (when I spin). I do swim too so I don't think the FitBit is water proff. Just curious about it. I thought it would be neat to know exactly how much calories I burn and compare to what I consume. Right now I am pre-op and I keep gaining...can't have that after the band!

Prebanding I did p90x for about 3 wks. I did it consistently, worked out daily as suggested by the guide that came with the dvds. It really just got too time consuming. I think the key for me is not to just do one thing. I have access to a treadmill at home and can get a guest pass at my moms gym anytime i want. My question is--i want to incorporate p90x into my workout but i dont want to do it daily, but how often & which dvds should i do to still see results? On the days i dont do p90x i would so another form of exercise. Or would it be best to just do 12 wks of only p90x?

Does anyone know any exercises that will target my saddlebags. I am close to goal and just can't seem to get rid of these lumps on my upper thighs! Thanks!!! Living the dream, Laura

I had the sleeve on 10/18 and have lost 56 pounds total. I need to lose another 80. Recently joined the local YMCA where I am doing Water aerobics five times a week. Started doing the circuit weights also, but am wondering how that compares to the other weight machines and/or free weights. I am only at the level of "punching in the 3 or 4" on the circuit station. How do I record the amount of weight for this? Is the circuit the best use of my time for resistance training?

We are getting an above ground pool...should be here & ready to swim in next week. :001_smile: I know swimming is good exercise & I plan to use it as part of my exercise for the rest of the summer. I will have to wait until my incision sites all heal completely before getting it, but other than that should I be concerned about swimming as exercise early on post op? I know I shouldn't be lifting anything heavy for a few months, but I figure swimming would be very good for me & easier on my body. I just don't want to be doing it if I should not. Should I wait til I'm at least 6 weeks post op? I definitely don't want to mess anything up! (healing wise)

Hahahah, used to be i'd say "loose weight" well now its, get back into the gym at least 3 x per week. I totally have to do this cause I'm so out of shape. I did a stress test last week by treadmill and even though i completed 10 minutes of very strenous walking, I was huffing and puffing like an obese person again! Couldn't believe it! So it's off to the gym for me! How about you???

A friend of mine shared this on FB...it's a great visual and more importantly: a GREAT message!

How long should I wait until doing something like raquetball? I feel good and have for 2 weeks, but I am 3 weeks and 1 day out from surgery. Just getting bored with the walking/riding bike.

Hi guys it seems i am having motivation problems i really think my fitness level is really holding me back it seems i can only do 20 minutes on the treadmill at the warm up pace and its funny next to the warm up pace setting it has a little turtle next to it lol.and i can only do that in intervals the fat burn pace i will be lucky to get 6 minutes done with out dying.and when i try to do leslie sansones 3 mile walk just the sight of her on my screen just irritates me and causes me to not do her video its just so boring im to big to do damage on the treadmill and the work out dvds just irk me and it seems im not losing weight.I just want to know what can a 26 yr old guy th…

Hi folks, I had a lap lapband in July 2009. Lost 83 and then gained back 35 lbs. This past July I scheduled a lapband removal and VGS surgery for Aug. 17th. Started power walking in late July and walked 63 miles by surgery date and lost the extra 35 lbs before surgery. Surgery was successful and I began walking 4 days after surgery. Topped 104 miles last Saturday. On Sunday I did something I have always wanted to do . . . I registered and participated in an 8K run/walk for Women's Health sponsored by the Sparrow Hospital Women's Foundation . . . Sparrow Foundation W3 8k/6k/0k Run/Walk event My dog Jolly and I sucked it up and covered the 8k/5 mi course in 1:15:58 …

I've been back to the gym for a few weeks now and it's been six weeks since my surgery. I also have a lot of fat to lose, but want to keep or build back up muscle and strength. I've avoided simple carbs and sugar for the most, but still take some in with my Protein after my workouts, which is essential to recovery and will not be stored as fat, goes directly to the muscles. Here's some articles I found that may be helpful. For the non-diebetics, adding simple carbs like dextrose (glucose) may actually help with our workouts if taken right after the workout and only right after. Just some thoughts....... http://ezinearticles.com/?Weight-Loss---Fruit,-Weight-Loss-and…

Since I only eat about 1000 calories a day to begin with, I try to eat back the calories I burn when I exercise as much as possible. Otherwise, I feel like I'd be in starvation mode. It only amount to an extra 150 calories a day (I usually burn at least 200 but it's hard to eat all those extra calories!), but will this sabotage my weight loss? Thanks!

I know the title sounds really ominous, but I promise my situation isn't that bad, but I have a few concerns. I've been using the elliptical machines at my university's gym recently and I think I've been doing really well. I chose the elliptical to save my knees, which are pretty delicate. I didn't want to put them at risk since I am still pretty heavy. Problem is now that after a certain amount of time, my right foot goes numb. The feeling returns, but when I am exercising it can get incredibly annoying. Also with that leg, my right hip hurts pretty bad sometimes during and definitely after exercise. What's weird is that it is only my right leg. My left is perfectly …

http://runforyourlives.com/ I am going to ROCK THIS!!! This is going to be so much fun! It is going to be my 1 year treat! I would love for others to come join me!

Has anyone tried tae bo? I tried to do it, I think I only lasted 5 mins. Anyone know of something similar, something that does not go as fast as tae bo.

I'm about to go crazy. I've only lost 38lbs total including my pre op loss and i caught a glance at my thighs and i hate what i see! How do i fix this??? Unfortunately I've been in and out of the hospital and im still experiencing some discomfort. So i cant really do hardcore exercise... What do i do for now? I literally have dents in my thighs Anyone experience this and fixed the problem? Thanks!

I started exercising regularly about a month ago and it's time to color my hair again. The problem is I work out 6-7 times a week and the directions on my hair color say to apply to unwashed hair. I have to wash my hair after I work out! Anyone have any advice on this? Thanks!

Evening guys I have another question about treadmills, I have just received a treadmill and i used it twice so far 20 minutes in incriments each and its really a killer how much time do you guys think a 350lb person should use a treadmill a day? for effectivenss thanks brandon17

OMG, what have I gotten myself into? I actually got talked into doing a triathlon...well, not really talked into, but at first some one asked me to just run their part because of a foot injury, and then she didn't want to do it at all and in a moment of confidence I decided "Sure, I can do a tri" It's just a sprint triathlon, ie. 0.4 miles swimming, 14 miles cycling, 3 miles running but never the less -- I am still far out from athlete figure and with a BMI of 32 still obese. WTF is an obese woman doing at a triathlon??? Well, if you don't hear back from me, I drown, got run over or just died on the last leg, LOL! PS: Yes, this post is bragging but at the same time …

Hi guys it seems since i started working out for the last 2 months in the last couple of days i have been experiencing a strange lack of motivation and tiredness its really strange cause i sleep the day away i can sleep for 8hrs then i wake up for about 4hrs then im back sleep again and when it comes to night time i really don't want to exercise has anyone suffered anything like this at first i was very happy and anxious to exercise but now im not have i hit a wall or something??

This may be me being overly crazy, but one of the things that I'm most concerned about post surgery is the ability to take a big gulp of Water while I'm working out. Maybe I over estimate how much I "guzzle" when I'm working out, but I'm worried that I won't be able to quench my thirst. Am I just being irrational? You know there is nothing like a nice drink of water! Eager to hear your thoughts and thank you in advance.

Hi all, I haven't been around much. My surgery was late 2008, I hit my goal weight in the summer of 2009, and have stayed within 15 pounds of it since. Sure would like to get back to that weight again. Anyway, I thought I'd check in for a while. I've done 7 half marathons and I'm 3 weeks away from completing my first full at the Columbus Marathon. I'll let you know how it goes.

I need to start working on my abdominals...they are so weak! My port is about an inch or so below my belly button, so I'm a little nervous about doing damage to it. Anyone have any exercises that are comfy on the port?

So I'm thinking I need a few new songs to add to workout playlist on my ipod. What are some of your favorite tunes to sweat to? :music:

Congratulations to everyone who will or have completed their 60 Miles in October. we had an even bigger crowd this month. I know for me it really moved the scale. Are you ready for NOVEMBER . For those of you who do not know, this challenge is for EVERYONE who does any type of walking (I prefer Leslie Sansone Walk Away the pounds) just add your ticker like mine (see below) and update it as well as this forum when you've completed 1..2..3..miles ect.(See the October Walk Challenge for examples). The challenge starts November1st and ends November 30th so that gives us 30 days to get 60 miles done. CAN WE DO IT AGAIN!!!!

I really don't have the time to join a gym because I have a 16 month old at home and it's just him and I. So I need some workout routines to do at home. I was banded 6/17 so i'm almost 8 weeks post op. Any suggestions anyone? Right now I do hip hop abs like 2 nights a week. My weight is at a plateau right now. I need some help!