Exercising w/o weight loss

[lali0020]

Ok here's the scoop. I'm a bigger guy who was in good shape about 7 years ago, I was 6'2 225lbs but mainly muscle. I now weigh 315lbs and I'm sick of it so I started exercising again. I'm trying not to do anything too drastic so I figured that as long as my diet doesn't change because my weight has basically stabilzed here for about 2-3 years, that if I add 30-40 minutes of jogging/running 4-5 times a week, I should lose weight. My workouts are fairly intense too, I alternate walking for 90 sec and running for 90 secs at 4.0 mph and 5.6 mph respectively. This doesn't seem to be happening and I can't figure out why.

I know that I should also change my diet, however, everytime I try to do too much it doesn't last very long. At least doing this I'm starting to feel healthier but was really hoping to lose some weight. Help!!!

 

[Bigguy]

Until you can be sure about what you are eating and in what quanties how can you be sure that you are not balancing out what you are 'burning' while exercising?
Count- really count- for a week to see what you are eating, that is the only way to really tell. Figure out your BMR and calculate off of that. You most likely will be real surprised with the numbers you see.

It may seem like a lot of work but it really isnt and is really the only way to really succeed.

Lots of people here recommend but i simply use a pen and paper when i get into calorie counting mode.


Oh, and before anyone else says it, read the stickies in the nutrition forum- great stuff there.

 

[klingonacademy]

I second tracking at Fit Day, but also agree changing one thing (ie. becoming active again) is a plan that can work.

Possibly though after not working out in 7 years it's going to take more then a week so see change. I also wonder if you can really run at a good pace for 30mins being so heavy and inactive for so long.

If it were my husband I'd suggest working out with weight or just doing squats n of those days to build some strength into the working muscles to stabilize joints. All you need is an injury right when you are aready to make a change, you know?

and good for you

 

[jeffisbig]

Diet >>>>>>>> exercise, unless you are working out like an athlete. You'll see loses eventually though if you go from sedentary to exercising a good amount.

I mean, if you really feel like you can't get your calories under control, if you exercise it won't hurt you (well talk to your doctor, it actually could depending on how much and how hard you do it. You need to take your physical state into consideration.) I would try to eat healthier.

I'm 26 and I'm already borderline high cholesterol and blood pressure (within normal values, but at the top end). I know I'd have diabetes within a few years, at least, if I don't correct my eating habits. I did well for a while, and am back on the wagon, but its tough.

I'd recommend you at least make some attempt to eat healthier. Even if its just cutting one thing out of your diet (I know I developed a weakness for making cheesesteaks when I went off my diet) I'd make them maybe 4 times a week. Usually one weekday and once on the weekend just make two sandwiches. Thats just one thing, I have a few more vices I'm saying goodbye to, too =P But it was a process. I stopped one thing at a time till I got back to my diet (not a conscious effort, money got tight =P).

When I say diet, I really just mean eating what I should. If my friends are going out to eat, I'll go with them. I make good choices, considering my situation, but I don't starve myself.

Sorry if this post is rambling. My tooth was killing me, and I need to sleep so I had myself a little drink. That was 2 parts gin, 2 parts rum, and some ice. I think I put some cranberry juice in there somewhere.

I just got really scared, health-wise, recently. I was reading up on all the problems I could look forward to based on my blood work and my history. Even though I've lost over 40 lbs in the last 2 years, I'm still in bad trouble.

So yea, anyway, look into what you are eating. Just start small. In a few months you'll be healthier and the effort will be minimal if you take small steps.

Force yourself to eat fruits and vegetables for three days straight, and nothing else. Then eat a sensible diet.

Thats waht worked for me originally. Previously my idea of diet was not putting whipped cream and hot fudge on my gallon of ben and jerrys.

Or at least, not extra helpings of it.