About three years ago, I started doing heavy cardio and eating less (I was struggling with anxiety) and lost about 50 lbs, down from 210 to around 160. I didn't actually intend to lose weight, it just happened.
I'm now 5'8" and 160 lbs... and I am struggling on this plateau where I'd like to tone my stomach and upper body and cannot lose more weight. Ideally I'd love to drop another 10 lbs or so, but it is proving near impossible.
I have an elliptical, which I use for 40 minutes, 6 days per week. I burn around 500-600 calories per day on that. I have recently acquired a rowing machine, which I use for 20 minutes per day, and burn about 160-180 calories in a 20 minute period. Additionally, I have a dog, which I walk 3-4 miles per day, at a steady (but not overbearing) pace. I hike in the summer, snowhoe and ski in the winter. I am very active - I was active even before I lost this weight.
My problem now is that I think I am overdoing it. I eat healthy, about 1500-1800 calories per day. How am I not losing more weight? Then again, my main issue is that I am not sure how much I should be doing every day. Should I be rowing & running on the elliptical 6 days per week, plus walking my dog 7 days per week? Is that too much for my body to handle? I cannot manage to figure out what kind of routine I should have. I walk my dog every day, regardless... but is 60 minutes of cardio 6 days a week too much for me, not providing enough recovery time?
I just want to drop a few inches off my waist, really; I have a large frame and my rib cage already sticks out a bit (I have broad shoulders/wide hips, but wear a female size 6 on bottom).
I have a propensity to overdo it (everything) and I can't seem to find a healthy medium with this cardio. I own the machines and I don't want to consult a trainer. I am trying to eat less so I don't bulk up or add too much muscle to my already broad back/shoulders.
Any advice from anyone? How much is too much? My back, shoulders are sore from the rower, but I like that feeling!!!
I'm now 5'8" and 160 lbs... and I am struggling on this plateau where I'd like to tone my stomach and upper body and cannot lose more weight. Ideally I'd love to drop another 10 lbs or so, but it is proving near impossible.
I have an elliptical, which I use for 40 minutes, 6 days per week. I burn around 500-600 calories per day on that. I have recently acquired a rowing machine, which I use for 20 minutes per day, and burn about 160-180 calories in a 20 minute period. Additionally, I have a dog, which I walk 3-4 miles per day, at a steady (but not overbearing) pace. I hike in the summer, snowhoe and ski in the winter. I am very active - I was active even before I lost this weight.
My problem now is that I think I am overdoing it. I eat healthy, about 1500-1800 calories per day. How am I not losing more weight? Then again, my main issue is that I am not sure how much I should be doing every day. Should I be rowing & running on the elliptical 6 days per week, plus walking my dog 7 days per week? Is that too much for my body to handle? I cannot manage to figure out what kind of routine I should have. I walk my dog every day, regardless... but is 60 minutes of cardio 6 days a week too much for me, not providing enough recovery time?
I just want to drop a few inches off my waist, really; I have a large frame and my rib cage already sticks out a bit (I have broad shoulders/wide hips, but wear a female size 6 on bottom).
I have a propensity to overdo it (everything) and I can't seem to find a healthy medium with this cardio. I own the machines and I don't want to consult a trainer. I am trying to eat less so I don't bulk up or add too much muscle to my already broad back/shoulders.
Any advice from anyone? How much is too much? My back, shoulders are sore from the rower, but I like that feeling!!!