[Fitness Thread] Rust Never Sleeps Cancel The title field is required!

1. Satterwhite Kerry

   
   2/26/2013 10:02 PM

   Living proof you can't out train a bad diet. When I was a Superintendent I was a gym rat. Between lifting, running, basketball, and tennis I probably worked out 3-4 hours a day, 5-6 days a week. The last couple of years I have changed jobs and I am a professional traveler, had back surgery, multi-level fusion of lumbar vetebrae, and struggle to find workout time during the week. Combine that with the fact that I have never really watched my diet and put on some pounds. Once you eclipse the half a century mark, it's difficult to take it off. I'm back to running a little, as much as my back can handle, and I still lift 3-4 days a week. I don't think I will ever get to back to where I was 5-6 years ago but I'm working my way there.
   
   I guess the upside is I would have placed about middle of the pack in the bench press at the NFL combine. The linemen would have embarrassed me but for Running backs and line backers I would have been right in the mix.

   
   
   
   
2. Brian Nettz

   

   0 posts
   
   2/27/2013 8:02 AM

   Andrew Fries, CGCS said: Rick,
   
   
   Good to see you changed your lifestyle for the better. What I personally see as the biggest obstacle is that you quit the smokeless tobacco use. I have not attempted that as of yet but it will probably be tougher than all the training I put in along with the actual running of my first half marathon. Not a proud habit of mine but one that I have and need to stop. Any suggestions from anyone would be greatly appreciated.
   
   Thanks,
   
   Andy Fries, CGCS
   Brownson CC
   Shelton, CT

   
   
   When I quit smoking, about 14 years ago now, I carried an unopen pack of Camels around with me for about 8 months; just in case I "needed" one. I went to the pack several times but could not get myself to open it. Could not smoke just one without smoking them all. Worked for me but it was still very tough to quit. Even after all these years the smell of a Camel still makes my mouth water. The other brands are just repulsive...
   
   Brian Nettz
   Presidio Golf Course
   San Francisco

   
   
   
   
3. Brian Nettz

   

   0 posts
   
   2/27/2013 9:02 AM

   Steven Kurta said: Sean, RE: trainer. I didn't have one but when I see them at the gym with people starting their journey's I envy them. I can say for sure that diet will ultimately determine how things go for someone. And not "Diet" with a capital D, but diet as in just paying attention to what you eat. I didn't. I didn't give it a thought. I didn't put it together back then - maybe didn't want to. I liked drinking bourbon and eating what I wanted. Loved it even.
   But enough is enough after a while, like you say. I didn't want to end up in a hospital with something I could've avoided.
   I did try weight watchers years ago and lost like 15 pounds -- hit a plateau, got frustrated and put it right back on.
   What ended up working for me, regarding eating, was learning to account for intake vs. output. It really is as simple as understanding the energy/caloric value of what I was packing away in relation to what and when I was exerting the energy. I found a logging site (free) that I thought was handy and you can join up with friends for support and make groups, etc. It made it fun. There are a number of them online, but I stuck with this one because it played nice with my heart rate monitor, Runkeeper app and some other fitness apps I use. Super slick and really made losing the initial weight easier than I would've imagined. But more importantly, it made me more aware of how to eat. I know that sounds stupid but I just never gave a thought to what a 'portion' or a 'serving' was. It turns out that stuff's actually important. heh.
   
   It's called http://www.myfitnesspal.com/ -- It's self-explanatory when you see it. And like I said, there's a bunch of apps like this and I'm sure they all work well. I just liked this one because it's free and it works and thought their food database and search function was top of the heap. Been using it for over a year and it just works. Exercise -- is a whole other game. I've got some fun stories with that over the past year as well. Maybe later. Entering my first sprint triathlon this fall, and I have my first Tough Mudder in MA in June. Can't wait.
   
   Edit: The companion app for myfitness pal is another nice free one called Endomondo at endomondo.com, if you like tracking your workout progress mileage/stats/pace/cals/HR. Pretty complete if you like looking at your numbers.

   
   
   Steve,
   You still have that "last 10lbs" to lose or did you hit your goal weight. I guess I'd like to lose another 10 but just can't seem to do it without sacrificing the margaritas or other such enjoyable sin. Still gotta live..could get run over by a bus tomorrow...
   
   Brian Nettz
   Presidio
   San Francisco

   
   
   
   
4. Ronald Conard

   

   4 posts
   
   2/27/2013 9:02 AM

   Kerry Satterwhite, CGCS said: Living proof you can't out train a bad diet. When I was a Superintendent I was a gym rat. Between lifting, running, basketball, and tennis I probably worked out 3-4 hours a day, 5-6 days a week. The last couple of years I have changed jobs and I am a professional traveler, had back surgery, multi-level fusion of lumbar vetebrae, and struggle to find workout time during the week. Combine that with the fact that I have never really watched my diet and put on some pounds. Once you eclipse the half a century mark, it's difficult to take it off. I'm back to running a little, as much as my back can handle, and I still lift 3-4 days a week. I don't think I will ever get to back to where I was 5-6 years ago but I'm working my way there.
   
   I guess the upside is I would have placed about middle of the pack in the bench press at the NFL combine. The linemen would have embarrassed me but for Running backs and line backers I would have been right in the mix.

   
   
   But you were out training a bad diet.

   
   
   
   
5. Verdun Scott M

   
   2/27/2013 12:02 PM

   Great thread and kudos to Steve for starting it as well as your personal achievements. I personally was pretty lucky that with being an Assistant Supt I was pretty active and I played in a 9-hole golf league and beach volleyball league once/week for about 6 months of the year. Then I got the Head Supt job, don't know many people to get in athletic leagues, work longer hours, put more stress on myself and I went from about 210 to 225.
   A little over a year ago I decided I was going to run a half marathon, I had never run more than 3 miles before starting to train December of 2011. May of 2012 I completed the Flying Pig Half in Cincinnatti and it remains the greatest source of personal pride that I have. For me, as others have mentioned, it was about personal goals and new milestones. Since I wasn't a runner, every 2-3 weeks I would complete a new distance that I had never run before and those things kept me going. The day of the race I was 1 of 25,000 runners and along with great support on the race route I felt like I could have run 20 miles, I was however glad that I was done at 13.1.
   Having goals for me was the key to getting my rear end moving, that and paying for the registration and air fare to Cincy, I was pot committed so to speak. Pick a personal goal, tell people about it so they can guilt you in to training when you don't want to, and all things in moderation. Just remember, if you're working out hard you'll need carbohydrates and beer is a great source of carbs, also helps with muscle soreness!
   
   All the best to everyone working on their health this year!

   
   
   
   
6. Rick Tegtmeier

   

   0 posts
   
   2/28/2013 6:02 AM

   Andy,
   
   The use of tobacco products are tough to quit. I quit smoking cigarettes about 29 years ago. Then when I started to bow hunt a lot I use to sit in a tree stand and really loved the chew. It was by far the hardest thing I have ever given up. I crave it daily especially after lunch. I use to eat more food to satisfy that craving, now I just gut it out. You will be happy you quit the habit. It is a nasty disgusting habit and if you don't spit think where that stuff is going and what it is doing to your body. Good luck.
   
   Rick

   
   
   
   
7. Peter Bowman

   

   11 posts
   
   2/28/2013 7:02 AM

   Rick Tegtmeier, CGCS said: Andy,
   
   The use of tobacco products are tough to quit. I quit smoking cigarettes about 29 years ago. Then when I started to bow hunt a lot I use to sit in a tree stand and really loved the chew. It was by far the hardest thing I have ever given up. I crave it daily especially after lunch. I use to eat more food to satisfy that craving, now I just gut it out. You will be happy you quit the habit. It is a nasty disgusting habit and if you don't spit think where that stuff is going and what it is doing to your body. Good luck.
   
   Rick

   
   
   Had a guy in a couple college classes who would bring a cup into the classroom and spit his chew during class. Grossest thing I ever saw. I had to get up and move to another seat.

   
   
   
   
8. Larry Allan

   

   0 posts
   
   2/28/2013 8:02 AM

   I tore my rotator cuff this morning, brushing my teeth. That speaks to my level of physical fitness

   
   
   
   
9. Douglas Eggert

   

   1 posts
   
   2/28/2013 2:02 PM

   Yeah, it leaves one hand to type and hold your beer...

   
   
   
   
10. Steven Kurta

    

    2 posts
    
    3/1/2013 1:03 PM

    Brian,
    I have the last 10 cornered, but I'm okay with where I am. I've got the diet nailed (something i can live with without feeling totally deprived) and it's all a matter of building more muscle now. Weight lifting was the key for me. Running is great too if your musculature and bones can do it. I use a lifting protocol called Stronglifts 5X5. Just a basic plan that takes about 45 minutes 3 days a week. I do more than that, plus running, but the food part I'm really comfortable with and feel like it's something I can maintain indefinitely. Would be happy to talk more about it if you like. It's nothing fancy -- email or call anytime.
    I have one night a week where I allow myself alcohol. This was a shocker - a major change but one I'm thankful for making.

    
    
    
    
11. Sam Welch

    

    0 posts
    
    3/9/2013 9:03 PM

    http://www.titleboxingclub.com/
    
    Didn't read the whole thread, but if you're struggling with staying motivated on the typical weights/jogging, etc. I can't say enough about how great it is to get in shape and at the same time relieve stress by punching a heavy bag after a long day at the course. If you have a Title or something similar in your area, check it out.

    
    
    
    
12. Virgil Range

    

    0 posts
    
    3/14/2013 5:03 AM

    P90x is what I do. Ive did it 2 times in the past 2 years. It takes 1 hr in the morning before i go into work and it makes me feel great. I'm not trying to gain a lot of muscle but just to stay lean and in shape.
    This program absolutely works. 2 yrs ago i was 205lbs and now I'm no more than 182. Don't have a six pack but its because I like to drink some beers now and then. If i would quite drinking for a month or two I would get that 6 pack.
    If you have drive and want to get in shape Do P90X. You will hate it but You will Love it.
    
    
    Virgil

    
    
    
    
13. Sandy Clark

    

    0 posts
    
    3/18/2013 9:03 AM

    Just to keep the health kick current, I have lost 16 pounds since Feb. 11. Dropped an entire waist size and will need to have all of my dress pants taken in. I still want to drop somewhere between 12 and 17 more pounds to reach my planned goal but it sure feels good to see the immediate results. I already feel a difference in my knees. Congratulations to everyone on this link taking their health serious. Hopefully, many more will jump on the bandwagon. If you want to help preserve your job security, looking healthy should be considered a top priority. It is a reality!