TimeToFly is ready

[TimeToFly]

Hello everyone! I am here because I am not satisfied with gaining weight and having an unhealthy, short life.

I am 22, and college has taken it's toll on me. I never had this problem before, because I was involved in athletics in High School. Now, in college, my physical activity is pocketed-in to whenever I get a fire call or have fire training at my fire company. I don't work out frequently or diet regularly.

I suffered the loss of my father 3 years ago. I took it well at first, but over time, I found that I did not deal with some things. I have been binging on food more now than ever. I have body issues more than ever.

I sit at about 225 pounds. I want to get down to 195 and keep it there for starters. I have struggled with weight loss over the past year, falling back down to the same self-destructive habits after a short time of working hard. This time HAS to be different.

I am lucky to have access to the gym at my fire company 24/7. It is less than a mile down the road from my home. It has a multi-gym, elliptical and treadmill. I have no excuse to miss a workout. My diet began today, and in 30 minutes I am going to do my first workout.

A newbie question: How many crunches should I be doing, and how many days a week should I do them? I am really looking to at least flat to somewhat toned abdomen as part of the first phase.

I look forward to starting my diary tonight, and I'll probably post the first part tonight or tomorrow.

 

[Omega]

Welcome to the forum.

Exercise is a good idea - but I am afraid that I cannot answer your question on crunches. I am sure that there will be something informative in the exercise section and suggest that you read that.

My exercise only consists of crunches when my keep fit teacher tells me to do them - which is not often...

Check some diaries and you may well get some good ideas as to how to best proceed.

Good luck.

 

[KaraCooks]

Hi and welcome.

I'm gonna jump right in here:

A newbie question: How many crunches should I be doing, and how many days a week should I do them? I am really looking to at least flat to somewhat toned abdomen as part of the first phase.

Crunches aren't going to do anything to get you that flat abdomen. You can't spot lose weight and focusing only on crunches is simply useless.

The ONLY thing that will give you a flat abdomen is losing weight - and 90% of weight loss is controlling your diet.

Start with that. At your weight, you could be eating around 2000-2200 calories per day to lose weight at a healthy and safe rate.

As for exercise - since you have access to the firehouse gym, I'm going to assume there are free weights there? Focus on full body exercises and compound movements: squats, lunges, bench press, overhead or military press, rows, etc. There are several good programs here on WLF (check out the thread in the exercise area called "The Conceptual Side of Weight Lifting") that will help you get started.

Lift weights or do bodyweight work 2x - 3x a week. Then fill in around that on the alternating days (or after your weight work) with cardio as you have time.

That's going to be the most effective method of losing weight, getting fit, and getting that flat stomach ... !