Cycling also tends to burn a shit ton of calories.  600/hr with my out of shape butt putting along on a stationary trainer.

Quote from: cokey on December 16, 2009, 05:19:25 PM
I'm deff gonn buy this..   bell motivator mag indoor bicycle trainer..   found it on amazon for 80$

+1 on the magnetic resistance trainers -- I've used both those & the squirrel-cage wind resistance trainers; those suckers can be LOUD! 

The Bell Motivator looks like a good unit, and that's a quite fine price on one. A couple of things you'll want to add to the mix:

• Either get one of the trainer blocks for the front wheel (look at the bottom of the Amazon page for "Customers Also bought..." or just grab a 12"-18" length of 2x4 or other thick scrap wood. You will need something to lift your front wheel about the same amount as the back wheel's up off the ground.
• Set up a fan so that it blows at your face & front while you're training. You're going to sweat a lot, and a fan not only makes the whole thing more comfortable, but I've seen studies that show your caloric usage & training benefit go UP when your body's cooling system is working as efficiently as possible.
• Have lots of water handy.
• Find some way to deal with the boredom -- set the trainer up near the TV, use an MP3 player or a LOUD stereo, play mental games, whatever. My biggest limiter on indoor training isn't physical, it's mental.

+1 as well on what Statler said -- the biggest benefits don't come from heroic efforts, but consistency in the little things like eating less all the time and exercising a bit more all the time. It's my biggest beef with the "Biggest Loser" approach (AM is a huge fan ... and I mean that figuratively, as in, I'm a huge fan of her figure!). I understand that you need the drama and conflict and emotional breakdowns to make for compelling TV, but I think they're turning off as many people as they're inspiring to lose weight with the whole six-hours-a-day in the gym routine. Nuts to that. Walk or bike when you can instead of driving. At a restaurant with your honey, order a single entree you both like and split it. Take lots of little steps that add up.

Quote from: Statler on December 16, 2009, 03:50:57 PM
...just so the mass of members don't think this is a 'fittest getting fitter' thread...

I never meant for my posts to sound like that. So, if anything that I have said to this point did sound like that then I apologize. I know that fitness can be a touchy subject for a variety of people for a variety of reasons and I work really hard to make sure that my posts don't come across in that manner. Sometimes though, I suppose that my excitement to share my news and updates with friends could be misconstrued in such a way.

I post often on this thread to help keep it going and because fitness growth is exciting for me. Sometimes, just seeing action in this thread can be motivating. When I see what others are doing it sparks my drive to do something more myself. It's not uncommon for this thread to go weeks between posts and even if someone only posts up what they did over the weekend, it can really help motivate those who are trying to get into better shape.

Each of us has our own fitness goals, so nothing that I share is meant to be directed at anyone unless they ask me for advice. In that case, I'm happy to share what I have learned from my personal experiences. Everyone is aware on some level that getting in shape takes dedication and commitment. There's no doubt about that. Lets get one thing strait; getting in shape is NOT easy. It takes work, and I work VERY hard every day to reach at my fitness goals.

I could easily sit on the sofa all day, every day, eat Twinkies, and wallow my own pity and self deprecation for not being in better shape. To be completely honest, if that's the way that I chose to lead my life, then there's nothing wrong with that so long as I choose to accept that I am personally responsible for the life that I lead - to each his own - I would never criticize or judge someone for a choice that they make.

Just the same, my efforts to be in better shape, to push myself to be physically better and stronger tomorrow than I am today, should not breed contempt from others unless there is an underlying cause fueled by personal discontent with a  lifestyle choice.

Now, I prefer to share my excitement, to encourage others, and reward achievements with commendable comments, and if you look at my posts, you'll see that that is just how I post. I never tell anyone how they should lead thier life, and if you read this thread and find yourself unhappy or unmotivated by ME, then perhaps it would be a good idea to look at your situation and ask yourself why you feel that way and ultimately if Monster Dave is really responsible for your state-of-being.

I offer my positive drive, my support, and my experiences to anyone who asks. Please don't misconstrue my ambition for being anything other than that.




Apologies for the rant, but something about that comment really got under my skin.
 

Take a deep breath, Dave.

I think Stalter was just picking a little.   

Please continue to post your progress, I find it interesting and motivational.   

It also encourages me to aim a little higher than I thought was ever possible.

Sharing my goals and progress with everyone makes me feel like all are rooting for me. 

Okay, end of sappiness.


Everyone, just keep moving......

Dave --

I'll let Statler speak for himself, but I know I wasn't busting on you. You're getting started in one of the hardest sports on the planet, and so you should be training harder than anyone you know who's NOT a bike racer (in fact, probably a lot harder & with way more structure than you're already doing) -- I've told folks interested in mass-start bike racing that progressing in the sport is a lot like a ladder... with the first rung about twelve feet off the ground. 

On the other hand, for those who want to "get fit," meaning to lose unhealthy weight and to feel more energetic, that's not the kind of training required, though I wouldn't minimize the dedication it takes to make the long term lifestyle changes and the hundreds of daily choices it takes to achieve that. It's hard, alright, but not necessarily epic hard -- like bike racing!

I hope you'll continue to communicate your progress and your enthusiasm. I know there are a number of current and ex bike racers on this forum who can offer you some hard-earned, road-rash covered experience that might help you as well, if you'd like.

And all of us -- let's get moving! Those Christmas cookies aren't going to burn themselves, you know!

Dave,    I didn't mean it like that.   Keep it up and keep posting.    It was just a reminder to everyone reading (not a reminder to you) that there's a lot of middle ground between your level of effort, which is simply awesome, and doing nothing.   

If it's just as hard for someone to walk a mike fast in terms of effort as for you to climb a mountain, both should be encourged.   


Keep up the cycling posts!       

Will do and thank you.


I too rely on this thread for input and motivation.




On another note but thread relevant, today is our office Christmas part, there's a lot of food, I'm starv'n, and back here in my office trying to convince myself to exercise restraint when I go to get my lunch!!!!

...quite the challenge when you're hungry!!!!


My only solice is knowing that I've already planned on going to the gym tonight for a great and long workout.

I actually gained 10.3 lbs on turkey day within 2hrs.. I eat a lot.. if your body has engh muscle to burn calories to keep your fat down while just sitting there, your good.. you wouldn't have to work out as hard..  I consume about 4000 calories or more a day.. but I'm only 180-185.. I'm trying to sustain 185-190...  everyone is diff..  if you don't have a lot of time on your hands, do 500 jumping Jacks everyday.. takes less then 10 min and burn a lot.. incorporate shadowing boxing into it and your golden..  let's get moving people

Quote from: cokey on December 17, 2009, 10:33:31 AM
I actually gained 10.3 lbs on turkey day within 2hrs..

Are you saying that you actually at 10lbs of food? I can't see how that's possible. That's A LOT of food!

Yes that's what I'm saying..  lol you don't knw me well engh hehe..  broke my record of 7lbs..  I had 5 plates of food..  I was always able to eat a lot..

Quote from: cokey on December 17, 2009, 11:06:49 AM
Yes that's what I'm saying..  lol you don't knw me well engh hehe..  broke my record of 7lbs..  I had 5 plates of food..  I was always able to eat a lot..

Based on the nature of this thread though, I don't think that earns points or bragging rights!!!!

Lol I concur..  but being able to drop the 10lbs in a day does..

Quote from: cokey on December 17, 2009, 12:27:33 PM
Lol I concur..  but being able to drop the 10lbs in a day does..

Dear God. Just glad I wasn't in the same building (or county) for the "dropping" part 

MD,

It's me again, I'm keeping fit by working at the shop I work at.

How much do you think a 16"x6" wheel + 245/75R16 10ply mud terrain terrain weigth? Do 8 a day plus all other shores at the shop and you have a 6 day a week workout for 8 hours a day... When I started working I was 205lbs, now 190~185lbs,always between those weigths.., Feel great, sleep like a beat in hybernation and somehow, my body doesn't ask for so much food as to when I'm "static"...
Don't get me wrong, had to sell my Haro MB, but, where I live, the hill is just great exercise, do it twice a day with the dog, going down is 15mins coming up is 35mins, due to the slope...
MD, keep up your excellent job, I'll have your turkey and ham servings...

so the wife and i just purchased the bell motivator trainer.. we got it as a gift to both of us so we went halfsies.. >;]    yes i got the block for the front as well.. can't weight to start using it.. with wind chills in the teens here in ny, i hate riding when it's this cold.. bad enough i work out doors and on roof tops..   good thing about my job, i get a lot of walk-ups..  carrying my equipment and taking 2 steps at once helps to stay in shape.. i'm also going to make a pull-up bar for in the house.. i usually would do it in the park down the block..