NationStates Jolt Archive

I started my diet plan this week. No more fast foods, soda, and bad snackies. More fruits and veggies. Now I just need an exercise regiment.

I've been walking to and from work (about 30 mins each way) since the weather's been beautiful lately, but as soon as summer hits it's going to be too hot. My sister has recommended an exercise class, but the membership fees are too high. :(

I'm just wondering what everyone does for exercise and why you do it.

Poll on its way.

HAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Exercise... that's real funny... :D

I knew I was taking a bit of a gamble on posting this here...but you never know. :D

HAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Exercise... that's real funny... :D

Yeah, that's a killer ... *clutches chest* Heh, just kidding!

Thanks for the support. :D
No chest clutching! Think of the children!

HAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Exercise... that's real funny... :D

Yeah, that's a killer ... *clutches chest* Heh, just kidding!

But ... female chests are there for children, aren't they?

Anyway, best of luck and will power and fortitude, Morgana!

Thank you. I shall do my best. =^_^=

Why is there no walk option?

Thanks for the support. :D
No chest clutching! Think of the children!

But ... female chests are there for children, aren't they?

Anyway, best of luck and will power and fortitude, Morgana!

Why is there no walk option?

Because those are the 10 I thought up off the top of my head, allowing for the two throwaway options. ;)

Edit: And to no one's surprise, "Exercise? Huh?" is leading "Porn" by a very short margin...

I started my diet plan this week. No more fast foods, soda, and bad snackies. More fruits and veggies. Now I just need an exercise regiment.

I've been walking to and from work (about 30 mins each way) since the weather's been beautiful lately, but as soon as summer hits it's going to be too hot. My sister has recommended an exercise class, but the membership fees are too high. :(

I'm just wondering what everyone does for exercise and why you do it.

Poll on its way.
when I lived in the desert we would get up early and walk the mall, it was air conditioned and next to nobody is there early in the morning, sometimes hospitals have walking tracks that you can go to, our local hospital has an underground 4 mile walking track that's open 24 hours.

I started my diet plan this week. No more fast foods, soda, and bad snackies. More fruits and veggies. Now I just need an exercise regiment.

I've been walking to and from work (about 30 mins each way) since the weather's been beautiful lately, but as soon as summer hits it's going to be too hot. My sister has recommended an exercise class, but the membership fees are too high. :(

I'm just wondering what everyone does for exercise and why you do it.

Poll on its way.
keep walking. the heat will help you burn your fat. (of course, take the usual precautions, sunscreen, extra water, etc...)

either that or invest in DDR!

i walk and swim mostly.


if money is a problem id stick with walking. just do it earlier in the day or after the sun goes down. its extremely good for you, has little chance of injury and gives you a chance to think.

buy a good pair of walking shoes. it makes a world of difference.

a bit of strength training is also a good idea. building up muscle increases your metabolism and makes what you have look better no matter what size you are. go to the library and get "arnold swatzenegger's body shaping for women" and do the introductory exercises. no special equipment needed. (assuming youre female, if you are male *shudder* do one of those military exercise routines)

good luck with the diet! sounds like you are taking a good approach.

I run, swim, and go to the gym. I also clicked the option for yoga, but only because it was the closest thing to pilates mat stuff on there. As for why I do it, believe it or not I actually enjoy exercise. It's a great stress reliever for me, and I always feel happier and more energetic when I'm exercising than when I'm not.

...sometimes hospitals have walking tracks that you can go to, our local hospital has an underground 4 mile walking track that's open 24 hours.

Wow! That's pretty cool. Do lots of people use yours?

if money is a problem id stick with walking. just do it earlier in the day or after the sun goes down. its extremely good for you, has little chance of injury and gives you a chance to think.

Yeah, I really like the walking. It's pretty calming after a hard day at work. Gives me a chance to calm myself down before actually entering the house.

bit of strength training is also a good idea. building up muscle increases your metabolism and makes what you have look better no matter what size you are. go to the library and get "arnold swatzenegger's body shaping for women" and do the introductory exercises. no special equipment needed. (assuming youre female, if you are male *shudder* do one of those military exercise routines)

I might just stick with Arnold. ;)

keep walking. the heat will help you burn your fat. (of course, take the usual precautions, sunscreen, extra water, etc...)

either that or invest in DDR!

DDR ftw!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTsYy0vm8Ys

I love you, Kellyn!!

I knew I was taking a bit of a gamble on posting this here...but you never know. :D

Well some people care when they see a little extra baggage on them so I think you'll get plenty of positive responses. ;)

i don't really exercice. i walk a lot because i can't ride a car i cycle too. i also dance on average about 10 hours or more a week.
i should do some sports to gain more muscles, but actually i don't really care.

good luck with your exercises and have fun.

I would play DDR, but I have tendonitis in my foot. So right now, there's pretty much nothing I can do for aerobic exercise. I don't have a bicycle, and I definitely don't have time to get to the gym. =*(

Right now I just walk a lot of places 'cause I have no choice, really.

If I had my choice, I'd swim 'cause I love to swim. And even though I'm surrounded by an ocean, I don't really have a way to swim.

It has to be something I'm compelled to do from the outside, because I feel silly otherwise. Don't know why.

Gonna have to do something, though, and the sooner the better.

So...

Walking, DDR, and porn. *takes notes*

I would play DDR, but I have tendonitis in my foot. So right now, there's pretty much nothing I can do for aerobic exercise. I don't have a bicycle, and I definitely don't have time to get to the gym. =*(

I hope it gets better. :fluffle:

I do that old Royal Canadian Air Force 5BX thing (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5BX), and walk a good amount.

I skateboard and longboard. I longboard to and from work (5.6 miles round trip). Skateboarding is surpisingly physical.

I like it because it doesn't feel like excercise since it isn't a chore.

I used to ride my bike. Then my ex stole it.

does Sexexercise count? :p (that i haven't tried)


I run for exercise, it works pretty well

Wow! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexercise) :eek:

Will add that to the walking. :D

does Sexexercise count? :p (that i haven't tried)


I run for exercise, it works pretty well

Wow! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexercise) :eek:

Will add that to the walking. :D

haha wow awesome:

masturbation might also be considered a form of sexercise, if done athletically with a mind for health and fitness.


I do yoga, pilates, hiking, walking/jogging, tennis, snowboarding and teh sex. Well Since my wife has been sick we really havent been doing that stuff (except sex. yes, I have sex with a cancer patient. what? oh please, my wife loves that joke) but I think I convinced her that getting a Nintendo Wii will help us get into shape again. :D

I walk, run, bike, hike, snowboard, ski, weightlift, swim

I run sometimes when I have time. I belong to a climbing group and climb at least two-four times a year up one of the local volcanos (St. Helens, Adams or Rainier on a good year). I am very active in many aspects of my life.

I skateboard and longboard. I longboard to and from work (5.6 miles round trip)."Longboard"?

I run sometimes when I have time. I belong to a climbing group and climb at least two-four times a year up one of the local volcanos (St. Helens, Adams or Rainier on a good year). I am very active in many aspects of my life.

:eek: You're from the same part of the country I'm from.

Proper diet is the first and most important step by far, so you're on the right track. Don't totally give up on the stuff you like though... that tends to lead to just abandoning healthy eating and going overboard on junk.

Exercise is important though. You should ideally be getting moderate exercise at least 3 or 4 times a week. Moderate meaning, you should sweat a little. It gets the blood flowing and helps to increase your metabolism. A really good thing, is strength training. This is easier to do in a gym, but not necessary. As long as you are consistently tyring to lift or press weight that is a slight challenge for you, you will build up muscle mass. More muscle mass = higher burn rate, i.e. less fat.

Another trick, eat fruit first thing in the morning. This kick-starts your metabolism. Throughout the day eat small healthy snacks (every three hours or so) as opposed to large meals.

Generally get away from the idea of totally changing your lifestyle. Start with small changes, and concentrate on health and happiness over appearance.

I´m running about 40km/week, 10km at a time. When I go to the beach I surf, and I´m thinking of starting to practice muay thai.

"Longboard"?

http://www.scottishsport.co.uk/othersports/images/longboard.jpg
Longboard (http://www.silverfishlongboarding.com/)

Proper diet is the first and most important step by far, so you're on the right track. Don't totally give up on the stuff you like though... that tends to lead to just abandoning healthy eating and going overboard on junk.

Exercise is important though. You should ideally be getting moderate exercise at least 3 or 4 times a week. Moderate meaning, you should sweat a little. It gets the blood flowing and helps to increase your metabolism. A really good thing, is strength training. This is easier to do in a gym, but not necessary. As long as you are consistently tyring to lift or press weight that is a slight challenge for you, you will build up muscle mass. More muscle mass = higher burn rate, i.e. less fat.

Another trick, eat fruit first thing in the morning. This kick-starts your metabolism. Throughout the day eat small healthy snacks (every three hours or so) as opposed to large meals.

Generally get away from the idea of totally changing your lifestyle. Start with small changes, and concentrate on health and happiness over appearance.


^ read and reread - great advice ^

"Longboard"?

Langobards (http://www.leicestergalleries.com/gfx/19026.jpg)?

I tend to prefer actual sports to the gym I get bored otherwise;)

Hence, I play cricket, football, and rugby.

^ read and reread - great advice ^

Thank-you! Thank-you!

I'm thinking of putting up an 'Ask Mikesburg' booth in the Mikesburg embassy I'll be building. (After reading the aboriginal Martian thread.) It'll be right next to the three-person teeter-totter I'm inventing.

Langobards (http://www.leicestergalleries.com/gfx/19026.jpg)?

That would be a bit tough to ride to work everyday.:P

http://www.scottishsport.co.uk/othersports/images/longboard.jpg
Longboard (http://www.silverfishlongboarding.com/)But wait, what's the difference between skateboarding and longboarding (besides the latter being with a somewhat longer board)? Does it take different skills?

Langobards (http://www.leicestergalleries.com/gfx/19026.jpg)?
:eek:

Thank-you! Thank-you!

I'm thinking of putting up an 'Ask Mikesburg' booth in the Mikesburg embassy I'll be building. (After reading the aboriginal Martian thread.) It'll be right next to the three-person teeter-totter I'm inventing.You have good memory. :p

I started my diet plan this week. No more fast foods, soda, and bad snackies. More fruits and veggies. Now I just need an exercise regiment.

I've been walking to and from work (about 30 mins each way) since the weather's been beautiful lately, but as soon as summer hits it's going to be too hot. My sister has recommended an exercise class, but the membership fees are too high. :(

I'm just wondering what everyone does for exercise and why you do it.

Poll on its way.

Quoted for lolz.

You have good memory. :p

Well, we (my friends and I) discovered that political disucussions at the bar just lead to drunken angry discussions. While entertaining for a while, we discovered coming up with bizarre inventions was a far more productive use of our drinking time.

The triple-totter was definitely one of my favourites. Right up there with the Hand-Crank Toaster.

get a camera... strap it to the hood of your car... and record a long drive in the country... then buy a stationary bike and set it up infront of your tv... :D

I walk. That's sport enough for me.

I ride my bike whereever I go, and that's all the exercise I get. Probably not enough, but hey, I wouldn't want to know how I'd look like if I didn't. ;)

But wait, what's the difference between skateboarding and longboarding (besides the latter being with a somewhat longer board)? Does it take different skills?
It a very different skill set and you use them for different things. Skateboards are small, light and for tricks and sliding. They have a curved nose and tail.

Longboards are used for cruising, carving, sliding (sometimes) and going fast (top speed is 45+ mph). They are heavier, have a wider wheel base, usually don't have a curved tail (some do), and I've never seen one with a curved nose. The wheels are usually softer too. They are more stable due to their wider weel base and softer wheels. Some of them are super bouncy.

It's a completely different riding experience. For the longest time I avoided getting a longboard because I thought they'd be boring. They're actually quite fun.

But wait, what's the difference between skateboarding and longboarding (besides the latter being with a somewhat longer board)? Does it take different skills?... for a moment there, I was going to say Longboards require water... :D

http://www.plankenkoorts.com/fotos/weekfoto/archief/origineel/longboards.JPG

Longboard is a type of Surfboard. :p

and also a long skateboard.

that "longboard" looks a lot like a a windsurfing board.

its the one on the left... blue trunks... that's a longboard.

http://www.naturalart.com/images/Raul-smak.jpg
a different pic of a longboard surfboard

Why is there no walk option?

Better yet, why is there no sex option? The best, most psychologically soothing, and intense exercise is my favorite.

... for a moment there, I was going to say Longboards require water... :D

http://www.plankenkoorts.com/fotos/weekfoto/archief/origineel/longboards.JPG

Longboard is a type of Surfboard. :p

and also a long skateboard.

... for a moment there, I was going to say Longboards require water... :D

Longboard is a type of Surfboard. :p
What? Where?
There's neither surfboards nor water in that picture. Only Boobies!

and also a long skateboard.

which is why I said "for a moment" :D

What? Where?
There's neither surfboards nor water in that picture. Only Boobies!

Quoted for truth.

What? Where?
There's neither surfboards nor water in that picture. Only Boobies!

I seriously hope you're only referring to the front row... <.<

I usually try to do running or pilates most days a week, but I've been really bad for a couple weeks, now. Just busy, and sick, and the weather's been bad. So I'm getting out of shape.

I seriously hope you're only referring to the front row... <.<
I never looked beyond the front row - that's where the boobies are!

I never looked beyond the front row - that's where the boobies are!

Breasts are teh win.

Breasts are teh win.
Of course they are... Too bad I haven't gotten my hands on any lately.

Of course they are... Too bad I haven't gotten my hands on any lately.

And I wish someone would play with mine. They're quite nice.

The world is a cruel place.

Please, that is not a longboard. That is a windsurf board.

That thing is too fucking huge for anyone to properly surf in it, unless they have more than one people.

There was a record on how many guys could surf in a single board. They must have used something monstrous like that.

post 46...

Please, that is not a longboard. That is a windsurf board.

That thing is too fucking huge for anyone to properly surf in it, unless they have more than one people.

There was a record on how many guys could surf in a single board. They must have used something monstrous like that.

And I wish someone would play with mine. They're quite nice.

The world is a cruel place.
Mmh.

Mmh.

oh... God... please don't tell me you're typing with your mouth full...

PLAY!!! not EAT!!!! :eek:
















:D

I started my diet plan this week. No more fast foods, soda, and bad snackies.

Freak. :eek: :p :fluffle:

oh... God... please don't tell me you're typing with your mouth full...

PLAY!!! not EAT!!!! :eek:
:D
No, I'm not. I'm just not sure if Snafturi is a girl... ;)

No, I'm not. I'm just not sure if Snafturi is a girl... ;)

:eek:

This has been happening alot lately.

:eek:

This has been happening alot lately.
I'm sorry - I just didn't know (and didn't want to read another reply after I jumped onto it like "you like playing with my man-boobies?")

So, how far away are you?

Everyone, and I mean everyone, should be on a weight training regimen. It is not just for guys who want to bulk up – it if for everyone. It helps to strengthen and tone your body better than anything else. It also helps boost your resting metabolic rate so you burn more calories just sitting on the couch watching TV.

Get some free weights (or even just improvise something) and do some basic exercises. Google some terms and I'm sure you can come up with instructionals. While most sites are probably going to be about building muscle and such, just keep in mind that high weight but low repetitions is for strength, but low weight with high repetitions is for endurance and tone. If you want good tone and general health I would recommend doing these exercises in 5 sets of 15 repetitions with the most weight you can use and still get through all 5 sets.

Do things like bicycle crunches – not weight training, but gives you a good idea of some exercises you should be doing.

One thing I used to recommend for women (seriously, not because I wanted an excuse to stare at their cleavage while I spotted them) was the dumbbell fly. It helps tone the pectorals which can improve how your chest looks and help keep things a little more firm and perky.

Reverse extensions and triceps kickback are great for the upper arms in addition to some curls. They will keep you from getting flabby arms.

The triceps kickback was my favorite exercise to inflict on people because if you’ve not done them before you have to use very light weights. I used to get these big burly bodybuilders (FYI – bodybuilders go for looking like they have big muscles, but neglect actual strength) who think they are hot shit and have an attitude, so I (comparatively scrawny and very nerdy) would show them how to do it with a 30 pound dumbbell then hand them the pink weights. We had ‘the pink weights’ which were tiny little dumbbells coated in a thick pink plastic for little kids to use so they wouldn’t hurt themselves. It brought them down a notch or two when this big idiot had to struggle with the pink weights. It was for their own good – ego in the weight room gets people hurt. This tangent brought to you by the letter D and the number 12.

Do upright rows, it helps strengthen your shoulders as well as arms – shoulders and back are some of the most neglected areas.

Back hyperextensions are a must – improving your lower back is something very few people do but will help immeasurably over time, though you may not think you are doing much, 10 years from now you will be wishing you kept up with it.

Check out your local YMCA or community college (presuming you're in the US). You can get access to a reasonable gym for very little money. They don’t look all that flash, but they have everything you need. You are there to work out, not strut and preen and showoff.

The local community college is probably the best choice as the guy supervising it is likely to know his stuff pretty well and would be happy to help out. If not, find some time to talk to the person in charge of the whole phys ed department, I'm sure they could find someone to work up an exercise program for you.

When it comes to diet the best thing to remember is moderation – don’t go hyper strict then beat yourself up because you break it. Allow yourself little treats as a reward now and then.

What really worked for me was a policy where I would be super ultra strict from Sunday night till Friday afternoon. Friday night tll Sunday brunch was uncontrolled eating and drinking. Looking forward to pigging out on the weekend is what would get me through the week of eating uberhealthy. After a little while your tastes will change so that fatty and unhealthy things wont taste very good and you will stop wanting to eat them anyway, so the effect is mostly psychological helping you stick to it on weekdays and relax on weekends.

I'm sorry - I just didn't know (and didn't want to read another reply after I jumped onto it like "you like playing with my man-boobies?")

So, how far away are you?

Across the pond and across the continent. Not very convenient unfortunately.

Across the pond and across the continent. Not very convenient unfortunately.
Damn!

Oh... wait... http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/GermanNightmare/beam.gif

(And I don't even know what you look like...)

Damn!

Oh... wait... http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/GermanNightmare/beam.gif

(And I don't even know what you look like...)

Does it even matter with the whole distance thing?

There is a picture of me online, but it sucks. It was at the end of the day at the airport so I'm a bit grubby. I love film photography which makes me a bit anti- digital camera, so I don't have a million pictures floating around.

Edit: I don't know what you look like either...

Does it even matter with the whole distance thing?
No, not really. It's just nice knowing how people look like. That's all. ;)
There is a picture of me online, but it sucks. It was at the end of the day at the airport so I'm a bit grubby. I love film photography which makes me a bit anti- digital camera, so I don't have a million pictures floating around.
Hehe, already defending yourself before I even had a look - it cannot be that bad!
But I know what you mean. Problem is, it's getting harder buying real film over here - but a picture only is a real picture (to me) when it's on paper, not on screen.
Edit: I don't know what you look like either...
2004: http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/GermanNightmare/GNM_SF.jpg

I don't have any more recent ones. The hair is a little longer again, and I've lost some weight.

Okay fine.

Here's me. (http://smunkee.slide.com/p/3/Guestbook-476157607/216172782199751443)

Those are my freefly pants. I don't go around dressed like that. I've also lost weight since then. I tore my ACL which left me sitting on my ass for months.

Okay fine.

Here's me. (http://smunkee.slide.com/p/3/Guestbook-476157607/216172782199751443)

Those are my freefly pants. I don't go around dressed like that. I've also lost weight since then. I tore my ACL which left me sitting on my ass for months.
Why not? Those freefly pants are crazy! Like SciFi Urban Camo. I like that!!! (What's an ACL?)
And don't tell me you have a pilot's license!

(Hehe, Smunkee's guestbook - I should really add a picture of myself there, too!)

Oh, and don't think anything of it when I sign off now - it's 02:00 in the morning and I'm gonna grab some sleep now. See you tomorrow or around! :p

Okay fine.

Here's me. (http://smunkee.slide.com/p/3/Guestbook-476157607/216172782199751443)

Those are my freefly pants. I don't go around dressed like that. I've also lost weight since then. I tore my ACL which left me sitting on my ass for months.

...

now I wanna talk with my mouth full... :D :D

you're pretty close to me. (pic wise as well.)

Of course they are... Too bad I haven't gotten my hands on any lately.

Well, I never have at all.

I walk a 5mi roundtrip to and from school every weekday, at school I run 2.5mi every day and do assorted stretches and sometimes (not always) end up doing pushups. I also do stretching at home in the morning and before bed every day, and typically on Wednesdays (sometimes Thursdays) at school I work out in the weight room at school with a variety of equipment.

I also am working on better hygiene, stress reduction, sleeping longer and more consistently, and cutting down my daily caloric intake (balancing out by taking multivitamins and good ol fish oil).

Why not? Those freefly pants are crazy! Like SciFi Urban Camo. I like that!!! (What's an ACL?)
And don't tell me you have a pilot's license!

(Hehe, Smunkee's guestbook - I should really add a picture of myself there, too!)

Oh, and don't think anything of it when I sign off now - it's 02:00 in the morning and I'm gonna grab some sleep now. See you tomorrow or around! :p

ACL= a tendon in the inside of your knee that helps keep your knee cap on.

Fine, I won't tell you I have a pilot's license. I also won't tell you I have other aviation related hobbies.

...

now I wanna talk with my mouth full... :D :D

you're pretty close to me. (pic wise as well.)

:D :D
Linky to your pic.

I can't run at all or walk much because of my legs and feet. So, I swim 1/2 mile a day, five days a week. I'm in the pool about 5 AM, Monday through Friday and at work by 6:30 AM. Not bad for someone who will be 64 in May. :)

I started my diet plan this week. No more fast foods, soda, and bad snackies. More fruits and veggies. Now I just need an exercise regiment.

I've been walking to and from work (about 30 mins each way) since the weather's been beautiful lately, but as soon as summer hits it's going to be too hot. My sister has recommended an exercise class, but the membership fees are too high. :(

I'm just wondering what everyone does for exercise and why you do it.

Poll on its way.
Good luck.

As for me...my parents are willing to pay for a six month membership with this little gym about a mile away, right along Highway 285, mainly because I'm huge and they worry about my health. So do I, as I'm considering taking them up on their offer...

All this talk about boards reminded me about Paddleboards.
I'd love to try out one of these things:
http://surfermag.com/photos/images/SUB_articlepics/rthomas_cutty600.jpg

http://surfermag.com/photos/images/SUB_articlepics/00_aa-toddb_bottom.jpg

no that isn't me.

I usually go to they gym 5x a week, strength training. But the last 3 months I've been working on my fitness, so just been doing indoor rowing.
Also go Dragonboating and Outriggrt canoeing at the weekend. That's about it.

Weight wise, I don't need to exercise. I wanna gain a few pounds/ kilos. Just a few though.

But recently I started biking to school on days I have Spanish conference practice- 3 miles (5 km) plus hills. I do this because I'm really really lazy and have no endurance, I don't want the teacher to go out of her way and drop me off all the time, and I wanna travel by automobile less- lest I be a hypocrite. I'm 17 and refuse to get a permit/ driver's license until I absolutely have to....

I started my diet plan this week. No more fast foods, soda, and bad snackies. More fruits and veggies. Now I just need an exercise regiment.

I've been walking to and from work (about 30 mins each way) since the weather's been beautiful lately, but as soon as summer hits it's going to be too hot. My sister has recommended an exercise class, but the membership fees are too high. :(

I'm just wondering what everyone does for exercise and why you do it.

Poll on its way.

Lift weights. The appearance and performance benefits are amazing. You're taking the right first steps. Add alot of protein to your diet and don't be too afraid of carbs. Hit the gym! Adding muscle burns more fat and makes you look a hell of a lot better.

As for me, I hit the gym for about a hour or two 5 days a week and try to play some pickup basketball or football (american) when I can. It makes me feel good, I like how much better I look, and I'm healthier...even more fit than I was when I played highschool sports.

I also enjoy swimming, but I don't get to do it ever, and I'd love to surf if I didn't suck at it. I used to snowboard, but I blew my knee out in football and since the surgery I've been staying away.

Everyone, and I mean everyone, should be on a weight training regimen. It is not just for guys who want to bulk up – it if for everyone. It helps to strengthen and tone your body better than anything else. It also helps boost your resting metabolic rate so you burn more calories just sitting on the couch watching TV.

Get some free weights (or even just improvise something) and do some basic exercises. Google some terms and I'm sure you can come up with instructionals. While most sites are probably going to be about building muscle and such, just keep in mind that high weight but low repetitions is for strength, but low weight with high repetitions is for endurance and tone. If you want good tone and general health I would recommend doing these exercises in 5 sets of 15 repetitions with the most weight you can use and still get through all 5 sets.

Do things like bicycle crunches – not weight training, but gives you a good idea of some exercises you should be doing.

One thing I used to recommend for women (seriously, not because I wanted an excuse to stare at their cleavage while I spotted them) was the dumbbell fly. It helps tone the pectorals which can improve how your chest looks and help keep things a little more firm and perky.

Reverse extensions and triceps kickback are great for the upper arms in addition to some curls. They will keep you from getting flabby arms.

The triceps kickback was my favorite exercise to inflict on people because if you’ve not done them before you have to use very light weights. I used to get these big burly bodybuilders (FYI – bodybuilders go for looking like they have big muscles, but neglect actual strength) who think they are hot shit and have an attitude, so I (comparatively scrawny and very nerdy) would show them how to do it with a 30 pound dumbbell then hand them the pink weights. We had ‘the pink weights’ which were tiny little dumbbells coated in a thick pink plastic for little kids to use so they wouldn’t hurt themselves. It brought them down a notch or two when this big idiot had to struggle with the pink weights. It was for their own good – ego in the weight room gets people hurt. This tangent brought to you by the letter D and the number 12.

Do upright rows, it helps strengthen your shoulders as well as arms – shoulders and back are some of the most neglected areas.

Back hyperextensions are a must – improving your lower back is something very few people do but will help immeasurably over time, though you may not think you are doing much, 10 years from now you will be wishing you kept up with it.

Check out your local YMCA or community college (presuming you're in the US). You can get access to a reasonable gym for very little money. They don’t look all that flash, but they have everything you need. You are there to work out, not strut and preen and showoff.

The local community college is probably the best choice as the guy supervising it is likely to know his stuff pretty well and would be happy to help out. If not, find some time to talk to the person in charge of the whole phys ed department, I'm sure they could find someone to work up an exercise program for you.

When it comes to diet the best thing to remember is moderation – don’t go hyper strict then beat yourself up because you break it. Allow yourself little treats as a reward now and then.

What really worked for me was a policy where I would be super ultra strict from Sunday night till Friday afternoon. Friday night tll Sunday brunch was uncontrolled eating and drinking. Looking forward to pigging out on the weekend is what would get me through the week of eating uberhealthy. After a little while your tastes will change so that fatty and unhealthy things wont taste very good and you will stop wanting to eat them anyway, so the effect is mostly psychological helping you stick to it on weekdays and relax on weekends.

QFT.

Also, Leg Raises, Dips, and Pull-Ups are three of the most important exercises you can do, and are one of the best ways to start off/end your workout.

Dips and Pull-Ups are body weight resistance exercises that use large muscle groups (chest, tricepts, shoulders, and forearms for dips...back, shoulders, tricepts, biceps, and forearms for pull-ups). They both tone and improve strength and are a great way to switch up from throwing around the iron. "Mixing up" your exercises is key to making your muscles respond. Also, you'll never see and unfit military man.

Leg Raises are the greatest abdominal exercise you can do, either hanging from arm supports or propped up on a machine-type thing. (oftentimes used for dips as well) They tone the sexy lower abs, as well as the entire abdominal wall, and slay crunches or situps in effectiveness.

Well, I never have at all.
Patience, my young Padawan.
ACL= a tendon in the inside of your knee that helps keep your knee cap on.
Oooh...
Fine, I won't tell you I have a pilot's license. I also won't tell you I have other aviation related hobbies.
Oh, okay, now I'm intrigued. The only thing close to flying was sitting at the controls of Cherokee Piper for 45 minutes while flying up the coast to Hudson Bay with a spectacular view of Manhatten (with WTC!).
I hope other aviation related hobbies don't include jumping from a fully functioning airplane?

Why is there no walk option?More importantly. Why is there no sex option. The only reason why the morbidly fat are morbidly fat is because they pass the the mark on the fattiness scale whereby they can no longer perform because their genitalia is obscured by layers of flab. Hence, they lose the last piece of exercise available to them and it the weight gain turns into a vicious cycle until they turn into a Violet-Beauregarde-chewing-gum-precipitated-giant-blueberry.

And all for a lack of sex.

Oh, okay, now I'm intrigued. The only thing close to flying was sitting at the controls of Cherokee Piper for 45 minutes while flying up the coast to Hudson Bay with a spectacular view of Manhatten (with WTC!).
Sounds like a beautiful flight. Cherokees are fun.

I just started flying last year. I'm working on my commericial license, I want to fly for a living. This year has been insanely busy, so I've been lucky to fly once a week.

I hope other aviation related hobbies don't include jumping from a fully functioning airplane?

And if it does?

It a very different skill set and you use them for different things. Skateboards are small, light and for tricks and sliding. They have a curved nose and tail.

Longboards are used for cruising, carving, sliding (sometimes) and going fast (top speed is 45+ mph). They are heavier, have a wider wheel base, usually don't have a curved tail (some do), and I've never seen one with a curved nose. The wheels are usually softer too. They are more stable due to their wider weel base and softer wheels. Some of them are super bouncy.

It's a completely different riding experience. For the longest time I avoided getting a longboard because I thought they'd be boring. They're actually quite fun.
Ahh.... Thanks! :)

Shoveling for hours and hours and hours is also good exercise.

I walk half an hour twice a day on the school run, and I've given up chocolate for lent.

So, I'm probably reasonably fit and my insides seem healthy, but my arms are like twigs.

I walk with my mom at the park everyday at night. I've been meaning to also do push ups and sit ups for the past 6 months, but I've never gotten to it.

I fence, it's actually a lot more exercising than you might think.

Sounds like a beautiful flight. Cherokees are fun.

I just started flying last year. I'm working on my commericial license, I want to fly for a living. This year has been insanely busy, so I've been lucky to fly once a week.
Oh, it was. Took some great B/W pictures of Manhatten and the WTC and the NYC skyline, too. And of Lady Liberty.

Good luck on your career, hope it works out for you!!!
And if it does?
Then I can only wish you even more luck that you'll always look like http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/GermanNightmare/parachute1122.jpg!

I fence, it's actually a lot more exercising than you might think.
true dat.
I tried it once and it's damn tough on your quads. Need really good flexibility and reactions (two things I'm lacking in spades).
Here's a cool shot, taken from the '04 Athens Olympics:
http://www.fencingphotos.com/FencingPicts/040821_timacheff_AthensOlympicFencing_4686.jpg

I walk with my mom at the park everyday at night. I've been meaning to also do push ups and sit ups for the past 6 months, but I've never gotten to it.
beacuse your life is sooooo busy, you can't find 1 minute in the day to do 30 push-ups.

4give for sounding harsh, but that's what it boils down to.
Stop procrasinating and do them during the ad breaks or while you're waiting for your computer to boot, for god sakes!

I started my diet plan this week. No more fast foods, soda, and bad snackies. More fruits and veggies. Now I just need an exercise regiment.

I've been walking to and from work (about 30 mins each way) since the weather's been beautiful lately, but as soon as summer hits it's going to be too hot. My sister has recommended an exercise class, but the membership fees are too high. :(

I'm just wondering what everyone does for exercise and why you do it.

Poll on its way.
I used to run, but my joints are all royally fucked up so I can't deal with any repetitive-impact stuff these days. Instead, I got this elliptical-type contraption that lets me work up an aerobic sweat without killing my knees and ankles.

I also do a ton of stretching, and I do the usual crunches and push ups and so forth.

I don't like using gadgets to work out. I wish I didn't have to use my elliptical thingy. I prefer to find exercises that I can do anywhere, so that I don't have to skip my exercise when I travel (which is pretty often).

Proper diet is the first and most important step by far, so you're on the right track. Don't totally give up on the stuff you like though... that tends to lead to just abandoning healthy eating and going overboard on junk.

...

Generally get away from the idea of totally changing your lifestyle. Start with small changes, and concentrate on health and happiness over appearance.
These bits, in particular, are VERY GOOD ADVICE.

People who try to make really radical, sudden changes in their lifestyle are the least likely to be able to maintain them. Even if you manage to get into good shape for a little while, it's not going to do much good if you're backsliding within a few months.

Also, I really think it's a lousy idea to try going cold-turkey on any of your favorite foods. My doctor once said to me, "Think of the diet you are planning to have. Now, imagine if that was all you were going to eat for the rest of your life. If that feels miserable to you, then you need to come up with a better diet."

Oh, it was. Took some great B/W pictures of Manhatten and the WTC and the NYC skyline, too. And of Lady Liberty.

Good luck on your career, hope it works out for you!!!

Then I can only wish you even more luck that you'll always look like http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/GermanNightmare/parachute1122.jpg!

I want to see the pictures. I love B/W.

I want to see the pictures. I love B/W.
And I'd love to share'em with y'all, but I can't for they sit in a drawer at home and I'm stuck here...

I started my diet plan this week. No more fast foods, soda, and bad snackies. More fruits and veggies. Now I just need an exercise regiment.

I've been walking to and from work (about 30 mins each way) since the weather's been beautiful lately, but as soon as summer hits it's going to be too hot. My sister has recommended an exercise class, but the membership fees are too high. :(

I'm just wondering what everyone does for exercise and why you do it.

Poll on its way.

Exercising hurts and I sweat. Seeing as I don't like to be in pain or sweat, I refuse to take part in this "excercising" as you call it. Besides, with all the advances in medicine I don't have to take care of myself cause if something goes wrong I can just get the part of my cryno frozen clone.

I don't exercise intentionally. However, I do a lot of walking in a week and i'm constantly on the move at work, which covers it, I think.

And I'd love to share'em with y'all, but I can't for they sit in a drawer at home and I'm stuck here...

Well, please pass them on when you have the chance.

Well, please pass them on when you have the chance.
I will. ;)

I cycle. I have a good route, a downhill right from the word go to position feet and set gears, a big flat circuit, a rest point, and then some good hard uphill before a cruise back home.

I started my diet plan this week. No more fast foods, soda, and bad snackies. More fruits and veggies. Now I just need an exercise regiment.

I've been walking to and from work (about 30 mins each way) since the weather's been beautiful lately, but as soon as summer hits it's going to be too hot. My sister has recommended an exercise class, but the membership fees are too high. :(

I'm just wondering what everyone does for exercise and why you do it.

Poll on its way.

I paid around $100 a fortnight for my gym membership, and it was worth every cent. I'm on a break at the moment, but I love working out. I'm an AUS size 12, and it's not about losing weight. It's about having fun, getting all that energy out and feeling good. I can run at 11km/h for half and hour and lift more weight that most girls, but I have a really feminine/curvy body, and I like it that way.

The gym is worth it, but not for weight loss reasons. That just makes it a chore.

Running is the best form if you don't have a joint problem

Running is the best form if you don't have a joint problem
Swimming is the best if you do. http://www.studip.uni-goettingen.de/pictures/smile/shark.gif

Swimming is the best if you do. http://www.studip.uni-goettingen.de/pictures/smile/shark.gif

I've never been a fan of swimming.