Think beyond the gym
br3adman
Posts: 284 Member
I started my diet in September last year. I've lost 101 pounds so far went from a size 64 mens to 48-50. I decided early on the gym wasn't for me,the risk of staph infection is very high for my body.
Do what you like to do if thats the gym keep doing it. For me I found ways to burn calories doing things I liked. For example, I plant a garden every year, just think of all the work involved moving, bending, pulling grass, picking veggies and preparing food. Also I planted a blackberry orchard last fall that needs a few hours of my time each week. I will have all the berries next year i need plus sell the surplus for extra cash. I needed to clear brush around my properly during the spring. That would burn way over 1000 calories in a few hours. I also simply walk daily.
Here are a few other things i do on the weekends,afternoons ect. Washing your car,power wash your home and driveway,push the lawn when mowing vs riding. If i was giving the option of buying a new bowflex or push mower i would pick the mower.
When grocery shopping write a list get one or two items then go all the way to the back of the store for the next item. You're going to get a good air conditioned walk applying this.
The point is pick things you genuinely like to do. If you like walking your dog go walk him vs going to the gym it's a good free burn.
I burn 600 calories walking daily. This is just alternative ideas if you have any please share yours. I would love to try new things that maybe i would enjoy.
Do what you like to do if thats the gym keep doing it. For me I found ways to burn calories doing things I liked. For example, I plant a garden every year, just think of all the work involved moving, bending, pulling grass, picking veggies and preparing food. Also I planted a blackberry orchard last fall that needs a few hours of my time each week. I will have all the berries next year i need plus sell the surplus for extra cash. I needed to clear brush around my properly during the spring. That would burn way over 1000 calories in a few hours. I also simply walk daily.
Here are a few other things i do on the weekends,afternoons ect. Washing your car,power wash your home and driveway,push the lawn when mowing vs riding. If i was giving the option of buying a new bowflex or push mower i would pick the mower.
When grocery shopping write a list get one or two items then go all the way to the back of the store for the next item. You're going to get a good air conditioned walk applying this.
The point is pick things you genuinely like to do. If you like walking your dog go walk him vs going to the gym it's a good free burn.
I burn 600 calories walking daily. This is just alternative ideas if you have any please share yours. I would love to try new things that maybe i would enjoy.
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What exercises do you do to maintain your muscle mass? Any resistance at all?0
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I love the grocery store idea! I don't love grocery shopping, but what an easy way to get in some extra movement. Thanks!0
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What exercises do you do to maintain your muscle mass? Any resistance at all?
During the late winter/early spring i picked up firewood and moved it to another spot. After doing that a few weeks it got quite boring. Back and forth ect. I'm still very large so mainly focusing on loosing the fat currently. It's hard for the body to do both at once because insulin is released when you eat carbohydrates. If i wanted to grow muscle mass i would need to add more calories and risk gaining weight at this point.
Once I drop 60-100 more pounds ill then think of ways to build muscle.0 -
Your post reminds me of this... Sent it to my husband (totally joking) when he text me that he was going to the gym. He didn't think it was funny. Lol
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I love the grocery store idea! I don't love grocery shopping, but what an easy way to get in some extra movement. Thanks!
Yeah I like it! Usually can do 6000-7000 steps per shopping trip via this method. If you got a lowes or another store nearby try it out there. Them stores are huge after an hour lapping around in it you will need a breather trust me.0 -
JustChristy79 wrote: »Your post reminds me of this... Sent it to my husband (totally joking) when he text me that he was going to the gym. He didn't think it was funny. Lol
Ha if i could find some neighbors with square bales i would do it.0 -
You know what annoys me about posts like this
no??
okay- well let me tell you: and yes- I realized no one asked- but since we are giving out unsolicited opinions about stuff - I'm going to throw mine out.Do what you like to do if thats the gym keep doing it. For me I found ways to burn calories doing things I liked.
This- this is what is chronically wrong with these types of posts. It implies those of us who go to the gym do so because "tis' the way it's done sire!" and that's it- like it's something to be frowned up on.
I LOVE going to the gym- and I LOVE lifting weights. It's great you want to be outside getting splinters and getting cancer from the sun and getting burnt- go right ahead but don't piss on my gym time as something I'm forced to do. I REALLY TRULY LOVE DOING IT.
I'm all about finding extra movement- I personally don't push a cart at the grocery store- I ONLY carry a hand basket- it's part of my budgeting system AND it means I farmers walk all my groceries to the car- win win. But that doesn't mean I neglect my focused dedicated work. Because no matter how much "extra" you move- it's not the same as a training plan- no matter what direction you chose to take that.
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@JoRocka
Don't think he was implying anything negative about going to the gym. Think he was trying to say, for people who don't have access & can't afford a membership, there are other ways to be active. : )0 -
Progress is key. That's why an organized program works.
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I'm admittedly cranky- but every time I see one of those it comes with the tag "I won't- I just do things I like to do"
Which by default implies- we don't like going to the gym- which I just find so off putting... but today- it actually annoyed me- usually I just skip it- but today- yeah- totally gave my unsolicited opinion on it.
#crankypantsiscranky0 -
You know what annoys me about posts like this
no??
okay- well let me tell you: and yes- I realized no one asked- but since we are giving out unsolicited opinions about stuff - I'm going to throw mine out.Do what you like to do if thats the gym keep doing it. For me I found ways to burn calories doing things I liked.
This- this is what is chronically wrong with these types of posts. It implies those of us who go to the gym do so because "tis' the way it's done sire!" and that's it- like it's something to be frowned up on.
I LOVE going to the gym- and I LOVE lifting weights. It's great you want to be outside getting splinters and getting cancer from the sun and getting burnt- go right ahead but don't piss on my gym time as something I'm forced to do. I REALLY TRULY LOVE DOING IT.
I'm all about finding extra movement- I personally don't push a cart at the grocery store- I ONLY carry a hand basket- it's part of my budgeting system AND it means I farmers walk all my groceries to the car- win win. But that doesn't mean I neglect my focused dedicated work. Because no matter how much "extra" you move- it's not the same as a training plan- no matter what direction you chose to take that.
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Because no matter how much "extra" you move- it's not the same as a training plan- no matter what direction you chose to take that.
That's a key point and reflects back to people goals. If you want to drop some pounds, sure, your plan looks good, but if you have specific goals in mind other than weight loss, walking an extra couple thousand steps won't get you very far.
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I once spent the day at the mall with my kids and walking around the mall the way i did must have burned a lot of calories. I was there for hours and most of it was spent walking and looking around, so that was a pretty easy very low impact day, but nonetheless it was something0
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I bailed hay as a teen, stacking that heavy crap for hours in miserable conditions sneezing the whole time, but I never built as near as much muscle like I built at the gym.JustChristy79 wrote: »Your post reminds me of this... Sent it to my husband (totally joking) when he text me that he was going to the gym. He didn't think it was funny. Lol
+1 million and dolphinI LOVE going to the gym- and I LOVE lifting weights.
Because no matter how much "extra" you move- it's not the same as a training plan- no matter what direction you chose to take that.0 -
What exercises do you do to maintain your muscle mass? Any resistance at all?
During the late winter/early spring i picked up firewood and moved it to another spot. After doing that a few weeks it got quite boring. Back and forth ect. I'm still very large so mainly focusing on loosing the fat currently. It's hard for the body to do both at once because insulin is released when you eat carbohydrates. If i wanted to grow muscle mass i would need to add more calories and risk gaining weight at this point.
Once I drop 60-100 more pounds ill then think of ways to build muscle.
There can be quite a bit of resistance work in gardening. Digging, raking, lugging tools and dirt and fertilizer, etc. Tilling, if you don't use a tractor. Weeding and harvesting.
Chopping, splitting and stacking firewood is also a good resistance workout.0 -
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You know what annoys me about posts like this
no??
okay- well let me tell you: and yes- I realized no one asked- but since we are giving out unsolicited opinions about stuff - I'm going to throw mine out.Do what you like to do if thats the gym keep doing it. For me I found ways to burn calories doing things I liked.
This- this is what is chronically wrong with these types of posts. It implies those of us who go to the gym do so because "tis' the way it's done sire!" and that's it- like it's something to be frowned up on.
I LOVE going to the gym- and I LOVE lifting weights. It's great you want to be outside getting splinters and getting cancer from the sun and getting burnt- go right ahead but don't piss on my gym time as something I'm forced to do. I REALLY TRULY LOVE DOING IT.
I'm all about finding extra movement- I personally don't push a cart at the grocery store- I ONLY carry a hand basket- it's part of my budgeting system AND it means I farmers walk all my groceries to the car- win win. But that doesn't mean I neglect my focused dedicated work. Because no matter how much "extra" you move- it's not the same as a training plan- no matter what direction you chose to take that.
Sorry, but nobody pissed on your gym time. If I recall correctly, the OP stated that if you like going to the gym, keep going to the gym. Nowhere in that post did I get the impression he was hating on people who only work out at the gym.
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Because no matter how much "extra" you move- it's not the same as a training plan- no matter what direction you chose to take that.
That's a key point and reflects back to people goals. If you want to drop some pounds, sure, your plan looks good, but if you have specific goals in mind other than weight loss, walking an extra couple thousand steps won't get you very far.
Especially inside a store. Personally I cannot imagine walking around a store for 3 miles. I'd rather be swimming cycling, playing sand volleyball, lifting at my gym, walking in the woods, or enjoying an early morning run.
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Instead of taking a leisurely 3 mile walk inside the grocery store, why not get a bicycle and a trailer and ride to and from the grocery store? Want a better workout, that is actually a workout? Pick out all of the hills in the area and ride up them on your way back from the grocery store.
That one ride would be the equivalence of going for a walk in the grocery store every weekend for a year.0 -
chivalryder wrote: »Instead of taking a leisurely 3 mile walk inside the grocery store, why not get a bicycle and a trailer and ride to and from the grocery store? Want a better workout, that is actually a workout? Pick out all of the hills in the area and ride up them on your way back from the grocery store.
That one ride would be the equivalence of going for a walk in the grocery store every weekend for a year.
Can we get an Amen?!? Congregation. . . . . .A-M-E-N
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You know what annoys me about posts like this
no??
okay- well let me tell you: and yes- I realized no one asked- but since we are giving out unsolicited opinions about stuff - I'm going to throw mine out.Do what you like to do if thats the gym keep doing it. For me I found ways to burn calories doing things I liked.
This- this is what is chronically wrong with these types of posts. It implies those of us who go to the gym do so because "tis' the way it's done sire!" and that's it- like it's something to be frowned up on.
I LOVE going to the gym- and I LOVE lifting weights. It's great you want to be outside getting splinters and getting cancer from the sun and getting burnt- go right ahead but don't piss on my gym time as something I'm forced to do. I REALLY TRULY LOVE DOING IT.
I'm all about finding extra movement- I personally don't push a cart at the grocery store- I ONLY carry a hand basket- it's part of my budgeting system AND it means I farmers walk all my groceries to the car- win win. But that doesn't mean I neglect my focused dedicated work. Because no matter how much "extra" you move- it's not the same as a training plan- no matter what direction you chose to take that.
This post wasn't bashing gym attendees i said if you like the gym please go. I would never frown upon someones personal fitness program! the results in the end are all that matter. It's not about money for the membership. I could build a gym right here at my house if i wanted it. It's about what YOU like to do. Not what i like or your friends or what everyone tells you what you should do...0 -
I love the grocery store idea! I don't love grocery shopping, but what an easy way to get in some extra movement. Thanks!
Yeah I like it! Usually can do 6000-7000 steps per shopping trip via this method. If you got a lowes or another store nearby try it out there. Them stores are huge after an hour lapping around in it you will need a breather trust me.
I don't get this. I lap the store twice and get around 1500 steps. I even verified yesterday because of post you made in another thread.
I second Hornsby's post about muscle retention. He's not talking about building muscle, he's talking about preserving the muscle you already have. It's something you should be thinking about now, not later.0 -
Here are a few other things i do on the weekends,afternoons ect. Washing your car,power wash your home and driveway,push the lawn when mowing vs riding. If i was giving the option of buying a new bowflex or push mower i would pick the mower.
No, you have not washed my car, power washed my home and driveway. Please let me know when you do. Maybe you can do these things for me while I'm at the gym.
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I prefer the gym. Love the smell of a barbell and bumper plates in the morning.0
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I also prefer going to the gym, mainly because I somehow feel more motivated when surrounded by other people who are motivated too.
As for a few little ways to get extra exercise into your day, I do something during the 2mins I clean my teeth (I have one of those electric brushes with a timer in it) such as lunges, a wall sit or some squats. I also do the same when I'm waiting for the kettle to boil for my morning cuppa.0 -
I'm one of those who love the gym, as well. I do a lot of things outside the gym, too. Taiko drumming and karate, mostly (because I'm unable to split myself into the approximately 8 clones I need to get to every possible activity I'd like to try).
But I like everything I do - including my gym time.
I also think @Hornsby is right. Yes, you can lose weight by just eating less than you burn. But you risk losing muscle mass as well. By doing regular and intense strength training (occasionally lifting a log for a few hours once a year does not count as "regular" or "intense"), you'll be able to preserve your existing muscle mass. Meaning when you do decide to build muscle, you start with a decent foundation. Not to mention learning how to lift properly has many other benefits than making one look swole - learn proper technique now so you can enjoy proper lifting later.0 -
You know what annoys me about posts like this
no??
okay- well let me tell you: and yes- I realized no one asked- but since we are giving out unsolicited opinions about stuff - I'm going to throw mine out.Do what you like to do if thats the gym keep doing it. For me I found ways to burn calories doing things I liked.
This- this is what is chronically wrong with these types of posts. It implies those of us who go to the gym do so because "tis' the way it's done sire!" and that's it- like it's something to be frowned up on.
I LOVE going to the gym- and I LOVE lifting weights. It's great you want to be outside getting splinters and getting cancer from the sun and getting burnt- go right ahead but don't piss on my gym time as something I'm forced to do. I REALLY TRULY LOVE DOING IT.
I'm all about finding extra movement- I personally don't push a cart at the grocery store- I ONLY carry a hand basket- it's part of my budgeting system AND it means I farmers walk all my groceries to the car- win win. But that doesn't mean I neglect my focused dedicated work. Because no matter how much "extra" you move- it's not the same as a training plan- no matter what direction you chose to take that.
except that the OP's post specifically says: "Do what you like to do if thats the gym keep doing it"0 -
I like my track time, tennis court time, and love being in the gym lifting too. That is my routine and it works for me and my goals. However, I always add little challenges to my days when I can. All those simple things like taking stairs, increasing the speed I walk anywhere and everywhere, parking in further parking spaces to get more steps in, and making sure I do things manually that might be done physically easier some other way - sometimes instead of taking 3 pairs of shoes upstairs at once at the house I choose to make it three trips. Of course, all depends on time and such. but much of that I can do regularly for a little extra boost in the day.0
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