I think i'm gonna go ROGUE

rieann84

Why do I jump from one "program" to another?? I already know what to do. Cut the crap, eat healthy and exercise often. So why do I continually search for someone else to dictate how I should live my life?

I think I'm just going to be my own personal trainer and dietitian. I've learned enough that I can take bits & pieces of what I've learned and do my own thing. I will continue to use MFP to log my calories while focusing on what matters most.

I'd like to go to the gym and workout with whatever I feel like. Through some different programs, I've learned that I like to lift weights. I have a few goals in mind: real push ups, real pull ups, and 45lb plates on the ends of my olympic bar. Why couldn't I just reach these goals at my own leisure? If I know a certain workout will affect my job the next day, I'll just do something else. Does an exercise regimen have to be so strict?

Has anyone else had success with "doing their own thing"? I'm really excited about it, like I've finally reached the breakthrough that works for those who lose it and keep it off. I'm beginning to think that I'm just not a program kind of girl. They stress me out because I want to do it perfectly and sometimes the plan just isn't always ideal or possible.

jasoncbackus

I have kind of been doing my own thing. I can't afford a personal trainer and I'm not into "programs," so this is pretty much my only option. It's been working for me so far!

EmilyJackCO

I've always done my own thing, not really following any program but whatever my trainer wants to do this week. And on my own, I do whatever I feel like doing, sometimes less, mostly more. It has worked for me. Whenever I want to do something different, I talk to my trainer about learning something new. I've made a lot of progress in the past 6 months.

kikih64

Sounds good to me! Eat less/better - Move more. That simple. Find something you enjoy, mix it up to keep it fresh. I do tend to follow programs because I like to see progress (run further/faster or lift more weight), but I change my programs up every few months or so.

You gotta do what works for you!!

tenkesh

I think it's a natural way, at first you need programs, cause you don't know what works and what does not and so on. But after some time you are able to figure out yourself, what parts do you like and profit from the most.

The biggest point is that you are active. As long as you are doing something that will make your HR go up and preferably increase your strength, stamina or flexibility, you are beating everyone sitting at their homes eating potato chips. What exactly are you doing and how often or at what intensity etc, is second grade. As long as you like what you do - go for it.

carrietehbear

I've been making up my own plans for awhile. I still use a personal trainer (contract is almost up though) but we are at the point where he asks me what I want to work on. I'm just trying to learn and pick up new things.

jenf235

I started out just over a year ago and I was so horribly overweight that I was afraid to admit my issues to anyone but myself, so I just started out on my own! I worked on it for over a month before I told ANYONE that I was trying to lose weight, After I shared that I was on a journey to lose weight and get healthy, I got lots of advice and lectures from so many people. I got more and more confused and frustrated as I listened to people, so I just went back to doingmy own thing. I walked, then I walked longer, then I walked faster, and now I'm starting to run! I did some easy workout videos, then I added more intensity, then I got as gym membership! In just one short year, I have lost over 100 pounds just being my own coach. Of course it is great to have a load of cheerleaders behind me pushing me along, The bad part is that I still have about 40 pounds that I'd like to lose and my loss has stalled for a few weeks. So many people are now telling me that I have come so far and that I should just be happy with that. Those comments have spurred me on to push even harder and change some things because I am going to keep at it...there are no excuses!

So, YES! You CAN do this on your own and at your pace. I am proof that it can be done. Good luck to you!

rieann84

Thanks everyone for the input. By the way, this attitude is coming off of taking a look at the program "Drop 2 Sizes" by Rachel Cosgrove and seeing that "lunch" is some carrots, bread and a tablespoon of almond butter. I got so upset, because it didn't seem possible for me to follow that.

alpine1994

YES! I am totally with you. I spent so many months starting programs and then getting really bored or realizing I didn't have the right equipment while traveling for work or something, and then I wouldn't know whether to start it over or continue where I left off, etc. I started taking different exercises that I really liked from programs and did my own thing, which involves a combo of lifting, running, ballet class, and power yoga. I am a happy (and fit) girl now! Do it up!

bcattoes

I've ahd success with it all my life. Never joined a gym, never talked to a personal trainer (other than my cousin, but not as a trainer / trainee). I've done all kinds of things over the years.

The only real "program" I've ever followed was when I recently did Turbo Fire according the schedule. I stuck to that as much as one could be expected to stick to anything for 20 weeks.

dan_boisvert_sub5x50

Sounds good to me! Eat less/better - Move more. That simple. Find something you enjoy, mix it up to keep it fresh. I do tend to follow programs because I like to see progress (run further/faster or lift more weight), but I change my programs up every few months or so.

You gotta do what works for you!!

I second and third all of this.

auddii

I'm personally using a program for working out (Stronglifts), but I think if you have some experience, then you can form your own program. I think the biggest thing I'd recommend is steady progression, which means using a journal or something to track sets, reps, and weight. And you should be increasing one of those either each week or each workout (or however often you feel with your program).

As for eating, eat what is sustainable for you to keep you full, in your calorie range, and provides you enough energy for your lifestyle and exercise goals.

highervibes

I agree. I tried many programs (Atkins, Paleo, Weight Watchers) each one taught me SOMETHING... now I do my own thing. TDEE -20% keeping my carbs in and around 100g. It's no particular "plan" but it works for me based on my past experiences. It's a lot less stressful too LOL.

rieann84

It's a lot less stressful too LOL.

Exactly, I get SO stressed out about missing a workout, or if I was unable to complete a workout for whatever reason.

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rieann84

For training, especially strength, which it sounds like you're talking about, there are programs that work. They are developed by people with experience and understand how to make you stronger.

Give me an example! I don't mind following a set of exercises..but I'm just SO over the "do this workout on this day and eat this". I've no problem with listening to what types of exercises I should be doing, but my schedule at work is always changing and I don't like to try and commit to doing a certain workout only on M,T,W.. for example.

xRay85Rayx

I dont follow a particular program or plan. I use MFP as a tool to count my calories but i just watch what i eat, eat when hungry and walk a few times a week.

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Jetjedi

I used to write out my workout routines/weight and carry them with me at the gym. It got to be time consuming not only writing them down but referencing my notes in between sets. If one of the machines on my list was being used or I couldn't get a spot on heavier weights it would throw me off. Now I just go to the gym and randomly pick exercises that focus on the muscle group I'm aiming for. I stack the free weight to where I can safely lift without a spotter or I use machines for maxing out. I get through my workouts quicker and I feel I get better results.

Velum_cado

I've been "doing my own thing" from the beginning. I started out eating more sensibly and doing Wii fitness games. When I got my fitness level up a bit, I moved onto workout DVDs. I have a collection that I cycle through as they appeal to me - Like, I've never done 30 Day Shred, day 1 to day 30, or anything like that. I just do what I feel like doing on any given day. I used to log calories, but I don't feel it's a tool I really need, so I stopped. And I've never paid attention to macros or anything like that.

So yeah, you can be successful doing your own thing. Some people need a strict program, some just need guidelines, and some can do whatever. Do what works best for you, that you can maintain for the long haul.

rieann84

I used to write out my workout routines/weight and carry them with me at the gym. It got to be time consuming not only writing them down but referencing my notes in between sets. If one of the machines on my list was being used or I couldn't get a spot on heavier weights it would throw me off. Now I just go to the gym and randomly pick exercises that focus on the muscle group I'm aiming for. I stack the free weight to where I can safely lift without a spotter or I use machines for maxing out. I get through my workouts quicker and I feel I get better results.

Yes, that too.. I would spend so much time with spreadsheets at home, and pen/pad at the gym. Same as you, if I couldn't get my circuit done exactly as planned not only would it throw me off, it would stress me out and upset me.

allisonrozsa

I was having great success doing my own thing (until I fell off my own bandwagon for a while). I'm back on the wagon & making slow progress, but it is my choice & my own doing (I really dislike being forced to do anything). If you don't have good form, get a trainer that can help you along the way, bit you can make your own personal fitness & health goals & get there.

Shaolin_Life

Why do I jump from one "program" to another?? I already know what to do. Cut the crap, eat healthy and exercise often. So why do I continually search for someone else to dictate how I should live my life?

I think I'm just going to be my own personal trainer and dietitian. I've learned enough that I can take bits & pieces of what I've learned and do my own thing. I will continue to use MFP to log my calories while focusing on what matters most.

I'd like to go to the gym and workout with whatever I feel like. Through some different programs, I've learned that I like to lift weights. I have a few goals in mind: real push ups, real pull ups, and 45lb plates on the ends of my olympic bar. Why couldn't I just reach these goals at my own leisure? If I know a certain workout will affect my job the next day, I'll just do something else. Does an exercise regimen have to be so strict?

Has anyone else had success with "doing their own thing"? I'm really excited about it, like I've finally reached the breakthrough that works for those who lose it and keep it off. I'm beginning to think that I'm just not a program kind of girl. They stress me out because I want to do it perfectly and sometimes the plan just isn't always ideal or possible.

"What other master, then, do you wait for, to throw upon that the delay of reforming yourself?"
Epictetus

Easy to say!

It helps me to have a place to go log in, etc. The ritual.....

corgicake

Programs are good for bottom lines, not human bodies. I do my own thing because reality calls and programs don't meet my needs well enough to use them long term. I've learned to use meal planning to maintain energy and physical comfort as I deal with reality which the need for a healthy weight is a part of, learned what I need to do to create the fitness changes I want, and learned that what this means for me isn't going to be between the pages of the latest fitness magazine.

Weebs628

I personally do better with some sort of program/plan in mind when it comes to working out. Otherwise, I would probably never work out. I'm a planner though, so it works for my personality and lifestyle.