Crazy schedule..need advice

R

RownSurf81

New member
I'm 30 and have always had some trouble with my weight, though at times I've been very fit. My wedding is coming up in October and I'd really like to lose some weight. I'm 6'1" and currently 265. I'd like to eventually get back down around 200 where I was while rowing competitively in college. For now I'd just like to lose another 15-20 lbs maybe before the wedding, if even possible. I've been doing better in diet, but cannot seem to lock down a workout routine. My schedule is killing me! I have to leave for work at 6:30 and often don't eat dinner until after 9:00 when either my fiance gets home from work or I get back from rowing. So I guess I'm having trouble balancing sleep, spending a little time with my fiance, my various jobs, and getting regular exercise. I row 2-3 times a week and get in a random job/elliptical session, weight lifting, or P90x another 2-3 times, but am not seeing any changes.

I want to try waking up early and working out. I figure the best I can really manage is 5:30 since I usually get to bed around 11:00. I can probably manage on 7.5 hours. So planning for a quick shower and all to get ready, I figure I'll have 30-40 minutes for a workout at best, and this will be on an empty stomach.

My question is, what would be my best use of time? Shortened P90x routine, lifting, or heading out for cardio? The first two are more efficient since I can do them here, but I want to do what will be most effective given an empty stomach and having just woken up. I plan to continue whatever workout I can get in the evenings. I'll just do the opposite of whatever I do in the morning.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Justin
 
Do both. Do cardio on some days and weights on others. It sounds like you are getting plenty of exercise, so you may want to review your diet. If you are not creating enough of a calorie deficit, you won't lose fat. Also, another thought. Working out hard tells your body to conserve to match up the demands that you are placing on it with utilizing food sources. Also, if you train too hard, you may fall victim to overtraining syndrome, which can be exhausting and completely sabotage your efforts. Good luck and listen to your body.
 
Hey rownsurf,

How have things been going so far? You told us what time you eat breakfast and dinner. Could you give us a few more details about what a 'normal' day looks like for you in terms of food intake?
 
It sounds like your exercise is doing okay. But the real key to weight loss is nutrition. Granted, exercise is necessary, but your situation proves that exercise con only take you so far, and that nutrition is the key to getting there. I would make sure you are simply following the food pyramid; I think they just changed it to My Plate! Anyways, if you get in all your fruits and veggies and limit your intake of fats, then you'll see lots of improvement. If you have a hard time with it, I'd recommend packing a lunch. Things like celery in fat free ranch dip or diet peanut butter, PB&J on whole grain bread, an apple, or a banana are all good portable things you can take for lunch. Also, it is vital that you are drinking enough water each day. 7 cups minimum! I'd recommend 9 a day considering your workout levels, but 7 is okay. And if you have to drink soda, choose diet! I know they say that it can "cause cancer", but what doesn't these days? I've heard that sanding in front of the microwave while its cooking can cause cancer. I've been doing that since I was little, and I don't have cancer :) Anyways, just follow the basics: drink enough water, follow the My Plate guidelines, and keep on exercising. Good luck!
 
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