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I used to mountain bike and was nationally ranked, then I went to uni and that kinda got sidetracked, I play squash alot now though and try to go to the gym regulaly too, though its a problem, because I have ot go home to get my stuff from work and I don't drive so by the time I get to the gym its 7pm and I'm not really that up for it...
 
Generally speaking, I run 3 times a week. I try to lift weights as well, but that has become something of a distant memory, as I get to that maybe once a week.

Of course, I exercise restraint all the time - does that count?
 
Cycle about 100-120 miles per week. That's about it. That nets me buring about 5000 - 6000 calories a week, which is good because I am in weight loss mode.

The downside is that I am always hungry, and it is hard to be disciplined to eat correctly...but, so far, so good (with the exception of Sundays, when I eat whatever I want).

From 226 lbs., I am now at 204 lbs., and my goal weight is 190 lbs.

(of course I will probably get back to 220 or so this winter, because it is sooo hard to take it off, and so easy to gain it :rolleyes: )
 
I try to make it to the gym every day over lunch for either a quick 20 minute resistance workout or running on the treadmill. It's enough to keep me in ok shape, but not enough to build much muscle :\
 
crdean1 said:
(of course I will probably get back to 220 or so this winter, because it is sooo hard to take it off, and so easy to gain it :rolleyes: )

Ain't that the truth. I've lost nearly 60 pounds, but it's taken a couple years to do it.

I cycle pretty much everyday, but lately it's been very difficult, considering the temps here in TX have been over 100 degrees over the past month. It's a real drag when it's that hot.
 
well, since i'm on the cross-country team, yes i exercise regularly. i run probably an average of 6-8 miles a day, with a long run between 11-13 miles.*

but i try to lift weights too....but sometimes i slack off
 
For the most part.

Recently I've been really busy, so not much time to squeeze it in, and lack of motivation.

Working on it. :)
 
Im just starting out and am trying to improve my stamina / overall fitness.I am running 3 miles a day, 6 days a week.

I am tempted to replace a few of these runs with a bike ride (alternate between bike and running) but I am not sure how far I would have to cycle for it to have the same effect as a 3 Mile run..

I also want to join the gym at Uni when I go back.. so I will have to change my routine again..

Any ideas on the bike question??
 
When at school, I try to go everyday, and I'm usually pretty good about not missing any days. But this year, the gym near my apartment is closed for renovations until the end of September, so I'll have to drive or take the bus over to the other gym, which might be the reason I don't go as frequently. I liked being able to walk to and from the gym in a short amount of time. Plus I don't think I'll enjoy paying for parking (does anyone enjoy this?).

During the summer, I try to go frequently, but not on as tight a schedule. I go maybe 4 times a week and do something "active" on the weekends like bike riding around town or going for a walk.
 
I have a membership and I try to go on my days off...my problem is controlling my diet...especially when I go out...!!!
 
I bike 8 miles, walk 2 miles, and do 100 sit-ups everyday, but since I started only two months ago, my weight saw little change (-5lbs.)
 
rontheancient said:
I bike 8 miles, walk 2 miles, and do 100 sit-ups everyday, but since I started only two months ago, my weight saw little change (-5lbs.)
You should note that muscle weighs more than fat, so if you're exercising and eating fairly normally, you may not see significant weight loss since your legs will be getting stronger.

You should notice a reduction in body fat percentage, though.
 
leekohler said:
Wow- glad you think this is funny. Wait til you're a few years older. I don't find this country's lack of fitness funny at all. I think it's sad, especially when I visit Europe and everyone looks great. Do yourself a favor and dispense with the excuses and spend that energy getting yourself healthier.

holy uptightness.

jessica- you really need to eat more. seriously. especially if you are going to be running and trying to add muscle. 1k calories is barely any, even for a small woman who doesn't exercise. it's not healthy to eat so little AND work out a lot.


i play in 2 indoor soccer leagues (each with a game once a week). i run probably twice a week 2-4 miles. and maybe once every 2 weeks i'll play a couple hours of outdoor pickup soccer also.

i wish i had the self discipline to do the igary morning routine. it doesn't help not having a gym convenient. my old apt complex had one and i was there fairly routinely. i'd also love to have an office gym for lunch breaks. alas, i sweat way to much to consider running at lunch and not having a shower before returning to work. hah.
 
If it wasn't so damn hot out I'd exercise more. Here in Texas it's been over 100 almost all summer. I like the heat, but one can only take so much. Once the fall hits and it gets cool at night I will be going out for a jog.

I'll eat right for a month, but not exercise. Then I'll start exercising but I'll forget to eat right. Ack why is this so hard :confused: :confused: It seems so simple on paper!
 
crdean1 said:
Cycle about 100-120 miles per week.

Roughly what I'm trying to do. I do 3 miles to school, and back, 5 times a week.. so thats 6 * 5 = 30 miles. Then I will do a 15 mile cycle maybe 3 times in a week, and at the weekend, do a cycle around 30ish miles. So 100ish miles a week, which I'm pretty pleased with. In terms of general fitness, not just cycling, I also have my XC running on top of that (maybe 3, 4 times a week, depending on if I have a competition), and tennis (usually only once a week).
 
The heat has definitely been a problem...but I have found a way to beat it. If you drink about 160 oz. of water daily, you will be hydrated enough for the heat. You have to do it consistently, I know it sounds crazy, but I never could take the heat while biking, and this has been the answer for me (although the heat still sucks the energy right out of me, it is much easier being fully hydrated).
 
crdean1 said:
If you drink about 160 oz. of water daily, you will be hydrated enough for the heat.
Keep in mind it's possible to get over-hydrated.

From another article:

* Don’t drink too much. Over-hydration (excess fluid intake) is becoming a serious problem because most endurance athletes believe that dehydration is their biggest enemy. However, there have been many hospitalizations and even deaths of marathon runners caused by over-hydration. The death of a female runner in the March 2002 Boston Marathon proved to be from hyponatremia (a diminished amount of sodium in the blood) caused by over-hydration. The same cause was attributed to the death of a Colorado woman who ran the 1998 Chicago Marathon. Signs to watch for include a severe headache, bloating, puffiness from water retention (i.e. tight shoes, rings, and watches), confusion, and seizures. To prevent over-hydration, it is important not to drink more than you sweat and urinate. In addition, eating a sodium-rich diet in the days leading up to a strenuous endurance activity should allow you to retain fluids more efficiently.
 
I like to mountain bike but my job can make that tough. If I can't get outside, I do try to ride my excercise bike for 30-60 minutes, 2-3 days a week.

I went hiking in Vermont last weekend though, and my legs are still hurting really bad. I can barely walk!

Since May, I've been eating much healthier as well. Or maybe just not bad like I used to. More greens and salad every day, less deep fried foods. Eating less per meal. My blood pressure was starting to get high and the doctor wanted to put me on meds to control it. I'm only 31 - I wasn't planning on taking medicine for high BP unless nothing else worked to control it. I ditched that doctor. My diet changes have brought it way down and I've dropped from 185 lbs to 170 lbs in the process. I'd like to drop another 5 or so.
 
I go sailing every single weekend. And for most of my holidays too.

Now, most people associate sailing with this...

chill.jpg


yet I spend nearly all my sailing time racing which is surprisingly tough for those who havent done it. It's real stop-start stuff where you'll be working very hard, then stop, then be called on suddenly - and often in pretty serious weather. On long distance stuff you get dragged out of bed to do something without warning. There's a stamina element too as races can go on for days so you are exercising on little sleep.

des.jpg


trim.jpg


But I absolutely love it and it keeps me in reasonable shape. It's all upper body though!
 
emw, that is so interesting. I have never heard of such a thing as over-hydration. I had better be careful, because I do not sweat much during exercise and yet I take in so much water. Thanks for the tip.

//checks self for symptoms of drinking too much///
 
thanks for those links emw. i'll pass them along to any lady runner friends i may have that drink tons of water, don't eat enough salt, and have headaches.
 
I lift weights for about 45 minutes, two days a week.

I'd like to do more, and divide my workouts into about 4 days and add some more excercises, but it is all I have time for.

Seems to be working better than I thought two days a week could do, so I am fairly happy with it.
 
jelloshotsrule said:
i'll pass them along to any lady runner friends i may have that ... have headaches.
Keep in mind that the headaches they have around you may not be related to over-hydration.
 
a lot of 'used to's':

used to cycle 8km (5 mile) each way to college & back, then

went to uni & used to play squash every other day until my squash partner got bored of me winning, then

used to gym every other day (students have a lot of free time, no matter what they say) until work really set in, then

used to run 7km (4.3 mile) circuits before work until my nike 360s fell apart after ~ 1month (natural wear and tear according to the shop!), and now

nothing. except i need to lose ~ 8-10kg (17-22 lbs), so any ideas welcome
 
3.5 months a year i play football, 3 months a year i train for football in the offseason, and 6 months a year i sit on my ass and do jack **** :)
 
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