big guys

megamac33
megamac33 Posts: 34 Member
in Motivation and Support
any other big guys out there? what did you do to loose the weight? any kinda dieting or special workouts?
«1

Replies

  • AboutT1ME
    AboutT1ME Posts: 39 Member
    honestly im fat enough that if i walk a bit and watch what i eat i loose weight. But i do some resistance training with the elastic bands, exercise bike and weight lift, low weight high reps. but that's just me
  • ed_nelson
    ed_nelson Posts: 6 Member
    I'm a big guy.

    I'm 6 feet tall, and at my heaviest, I was just a couple of pounds shy of 300 pounds.

    I started counting calories, and doing a light workout 4-5 days a week before work (15-20 minutes on a treadmill and might weights). I lost 15 pounds over a few months before I plateaued.

    Recently, I started jogging (something I have never done before), and the weight is coming off at a steady clip. As of this morning, I weigh 259 (25 pounds since I started keeping track here at MFP).

    I use the "Zombies, Run! 5k training" app to jog. It's interval-based (1 minute walk, 30 seconds slow jog etc). which is helpful for us big guys. If it just said 'run for 5 minutes', I couldn't do it. As it is, 1 minutes is all I can manage before I get too short of breath to continue.

    I am slow jogging 3 days a week, and have been at it for 5 weeks. I feel great and have lost 2 notches on my belt.
  • HealthWoke0ish
    HealthWoke0ish Posts: 2,078 Member
    I'm 6'0" and topped out a few years ago at just under 400 lbs. I played sports in high school and college. Now I'm an attorney practicing commercial litigation and I'm at my desk 8-10 hours a day on average.

    I started losing by quitting soda, cold turkey.

    Next I made a commitment to only having one serving per meal. Then, serving = plateful...so I'd pile it on. It was okay though because one heaping plate of food was less than I had been eating.

    The one-serving-and-no-soda method got me down to around 320 lbs. I started counting calories last summer and joined MFP some time around November. I was 306 lbs. When I joined.

    In late January 2013, I started doing Jillian Michaels DVDs. I have 30 Day Shred and Six Week Six Pack. I do a minimum of 30 minutes a day at high intensity, a minimum of six days a week. I push myself as hard as I can...and then push a little harder.

    Since joining MFP, I've lost about 34 lbs. I'm at 272 lbs now with a goal of getting down between 220 - 230 lbs. My plan is to add lifting/weight training when I get down around 240 -250 lbs. My goal is to be able to work out with my brother. He's a D1 Running Back and in great shape.

    Here's my goal (My brother. He's 6'1" 223 lbs):
    63458_10152728806300414_1292805956_n.jpg
  • megamac33
    megamac33 Posts: 34 Member
    very cool guys, right now i am hitting the heavy bag, jogging on the treadmill, using the stationary bike and elliptical, also doin crunches and resistance bands, and then me and the wife are goin for walks in the evening, all that and the calorie counting seems to be doin good, im down 20 lbs since the begining of the year, good to see others out there like myself
  • megamac33
    megamac33 Posts: 34 Member
    I'm 6'0" and topped out a few years ago at just under 400 lbs. I played sports in high school and college. Now I'm an attorney practicing commercial litigation and I'm at my desk 8-10 hours a day on average.

    I started losing by quitting soda, cold turkey.

    Next I made a commitment to only having one serving per meal. Then, serving = plateful...so I'd pile it on. It was okay though because one heaping plate of food was less than I had been eating.

    The one-serving-and-no-soda method got me down to around 320 lbs. I started counting calories last summer and joined MFP some time around November. I was 306 lbs. When I joined.

    In late January 2013, I started doing Jillian Michaels DVDs. I have 30 Day Shred and Six Week Six Pack. I do a minimum of 30 minutes a day at high intensity, a minimum of six days a week. I push myself as hard as I can...and then push a little harder.

    Since joining MFP, I've lost about 34 lbs. I'm at 272 lbs now with a goal of getting down between 220 - 230 lbs. My plan is to add lifting/weight training when I get down around 240 -250 lbs. My goal is to be able to work out with my brother. He's a D1 Running Back and in great shape.

    Here's my goal (My brother. He's 6'1" 223 lbs):
    63458_10152728806300414_1292805956_n.jpg

    i too quit soda cold turkey and mostly drink water now, my goal is to get to 240 250, so we are pretty close
  • FireEngineRedHead
    FireEngineRedHead Posts: 281 Member
    I'm 6'0" and topped out a few years ago at just under 400 lbs. I played sports in high school and college. Now I'm an attorney practicing commercial litigation and I'm at my desk 8-10 hours a day on average.

    I started losing by quitting soda, cold turkey.

    Next I made a commitment to only having one serving per meal. Then, serving = plateful...so I'd pile it on. It was okay though because one heaping plate of food was less than I had been eating.

    The one-serving-and-no-soda method got me down to around 320 lbs. I started counting calories last summer and joined MFP some time around November. I was 306 lbs. When I joined.

    In late January 2013, I started doing Jillian Michaels DVDs. I have 30 Day Shred and Six Week Six Pack. I do a minimum of 30 minutes a day at high intensity, a minimum of six days a week. I push myself as hard as I can...and then push a little harder.

    Since joining MFP, I've lost about 34 lbs. I'm at 272 lbs now with a goal of getting down between 220 - 230 lbs. My plan is to add lifting/weight training when I get down around 240 -250 lbs. My goal is to be able to work out with my brother. He's a D1 Running Back and in great shape.

    Here's my goal (My brother. He's 6'1" 223 lbs):
    63458_10152728806300414_1292805956_n.jpg

    my goal is your brother too ;)
    pahahahahha
  • Still_Fluffy
    Still_Fluffy Posts: 341 Member
    I'm 6 feet was 390 at my heavest. I started running (jogging and walking). I signed up for races and over time I've dropped 130 pounds. I went from XXXL to XL and a 46 pants to 34 to 36 in pants. In last year 18 months I have been doing a lot more lifting so I've gained some weight back in muscle but I look a lot better. The keys it to keep moving. Figure out your TDEE and eat 20% less. Good luck!
  • Jacwhite22
    Jacwhite22 Posts: 7,010 Member
    very cool guys, right now i am hitting the heavy bag, jogging on the treadmill, using the stationary bike and elliptical, also doin crunches and resistance bands, and then me and the wife are goin for walks in the evening, all that and the calorie counting seems to be doin good, im down 20 lbs since the begining of the year, good to see others out there like myself

    my personal opinion...... add in some heavy lifting.... you will be glad you did. I am just under 6 ft.. have been as high as just under 300 and as low as 185.
  • FishingGuy75
    FishingGuy75 Posts: 59 Member
    I'm also a big guy (6' 5") and have topped out over 400 multiple times. Several years ago I was able to drop 170 pounds by doing nothing more than working out twice a day (exercise bike, resistance bands, various DVDs) and watching my caloric intake. For me the two things that made me most sucessful were keeping a food log - both good and bad - and just making sure I mixed up the exercise to keep it from getting boring. It doesn't really matter what you do as long as you're active.

    If anyone wants to start an informal "Big Guy" support network please feel free to add me as a friend.
  • Crankstr
    Crankstr Posts: 3,958 Member
    very cool guys, right now i am hitting the heavy bag, jogging on the treadmill, using the stationary bike and elliptical, also doin crunches and resistance bands, and then me and the wife are goin for walks in the evening, all that and the calorie counting seems to be doin good, im down 20 lbs since the begining of the year, good to see others out there like myself

    my personal opinion...... add in some heavy lifting.... you will be glad you did. I am just under 6 ft.. have been as high as just under 300 and as low as 185.

    this^

    get thee in the weight area! NOW

    http://stronglifts.com/stronglifts-5x5-beginner-strength-training-program/
  • rjc0914
    rjc0914 Posts: 28 Member
    I'm about 5'11" and in October weighed in at 260+ lbs. Started counting calories and doing some occasional exercise (walking, stair jogging, etc.) and dropped like 30 pounds in 3 months. Then I decided to try getting some more exercise so I bought 10 Minute trainer (by Beachbody/Tony Horton the p90X guy) because I don't have a lot of time to work out in the day. Started it in January but didn't really lose any weight. Then I read a lot about the whole not eating enough calories/BMR/TDEE stuff and decided to give that a try. Upped my calories around mid February, continued working out (usually 2 10 min. trainer DVD's every evening) and since then I've been dropping the pounds and toning up considerably. Now I'm down to 210 and people are really noticing which is nice. Anyway, I think the key is not eaiting as little as possible but getting the most out of what you eat to fuel your body for your level of activity for that day. If I know I am going to get some extra excercise, I'll eat a little more that day. If I know i am going to skip working out, a little less. It takes time but listen to your body, it will let you know if you are under-fueled. Oh and don't be scared of cheat meals/days. I've had PLENTY of those inthe past few months and have still mangaged a steady weight loss. Hope that helps. Good luck man!
  • Richie2shoes
    Richie2shoes Posts: 411 Member
    I started in January at 370, although at my heaviest, I was 385. I'm trying to keep my calories under 2200 and just be more active in general. I set up a home gym in a spare bedroom and exercise at least 3x a week. Now that the weather is better, I'm trying to do more outside. Part of my yard is overgrown with scrub trees and grape fine, so I am going at it old school with an axe, pick and shovel. Let me tell you, if you want to feel a work out, put down the barbell and chop down a tree with an axe!
  • rjc0914
    rjc0914 Posts: 28 Member
    I'm about 5'11" and in October weighed in at 260+ lbs. Started counting calories and doing some occasional exercise (walking, stair jogging, etc.) and dropped like 30 pounds in 3 months. Then I decided to try getting some more exercise so I bought 10 Minute trainer (by Beachbody/Tony Horton the p90X guy) because I don't have a lot of time to work out in the day. Started it in January but didn't really lose any weight. Then I read a lot about the whole not eating enough calories/BMR/TDEE stuff and decided to give that a try. Upped my calories around mid February, continued working out (usually 2 10 min. trainer DVD's every evening) and since then I've been dropping the pounds and toning up considerably. Now I'm down to 210 and people are really noticing which is nice. Anyway, I think the key is not eaiting as little as possible but getting the most out of what you eat to fuel your body for your level of activity for that day. If I know I am going to get some extra excercise, I'll eat a little more that day. If I know i am going to skip working out, a little less. It takes time but listen to your body, it will let you know if you are under-fueled. Oh and don't be scared of cheat meals/days. I've had PLENTY of those inthe past few months and have still mangaged a steady weight loss. Hope that helps. Good luck man!

    Oh and yes reading the posts above, I have also started doing some weight exercises as well as the resistance band/non cardio dvds from 10 min. trainer and agree it is working wonders. Mix in some burpees too if you can.
  • jimjam3782
    jimjam3782 Posts: 13 Member
    I'm also a big guy (6' 5") and have topped out over 400 multiple times. Several years ago I was able to drop 170 pounds by doing nothing more than working out twice a day (exercise bike, resistance bands, various DVDs) and watching my caloric intake. For me the two things that made me most sucessful were keeping a food log - both good and bad - and just making sure I mixed up the exercise to keep it from getting boring. It doesn't really matter what you do as long as you're active.

    If anyone wants to start an informal "Big Guy" support network please feel free to add me as a friend.

    That sounds like a fantastic idea! I am 6ft and weigh 421 right now. I've yoyoed a lot, and I'm sick of it! I'd love to have a support group for us Big and Tall guys.
  • darkguardian419
    darkguardian419 Posts: 1,302 Member
    Being a 'big guy' means you're going to have an easier time losing weight than a 5' woman.

    Eat enough calories (just not too much), ensure that you're still eating in a deficit while you're trying to lose weight, and make sure you lift while dropping weight to maintain your lean body mass (keep your muscle gained from carrying your fat a** around)

    LIFT HEAVY. After a proper diet, this is the best thing you could do for yourself.

    If you're not a fan of cardio... don't do it. Increase your non-exercise activity, or NEAT as you will see it around the forums. Cardio is best used as a tool to create, or increase a calorie deficit...

    Make sure you are properly weighing and logging your food so that you aren't THINKING you're eating 2500 calories, when you're really eating 3500 calories...


    ETA: To clarify increasing NEAT... it's all of the 'cute little things' people keep saying, like take the stairs, park further away from the store, s*** like that. Also, go out and do things. Go to the next beer festival in your area... even with drinking a few beers, walking 10 miles doing it is a good thing :D
  • cmcollins001
    cmcollins001 Posts: 3,472 Member
    very cool guys, right now i am hitting the heavy bag, jogging on the treadmill, using the stationary bike and elliptical, also doin crunches and resistance bands, and then me and the wife are goin for walks in the evening, all that and the calorie counting seems to be doin good, im down 20 lbs since the begining of the year, good to see others out there like myself

    my personal opinion...... add in some heavy lifting.... you will be glad you did. I am just under 6 ft.. have been as high as just under 300 and as low as 185.

    this^

    get thee in the weight area! NOW

    http://stronglifts.com/stronglifts-5x5-beginner-strength-training-program/

    I have to agree, heavy lifting, if you can do it, will help maintain your muscle and help with body composition.
  • gpstrucker
    gpstrucker Posts: 930 Member
    I started out at 250lbs at my heaviest (5'11"). I am now down to around 199 or so (haven't weighed in a while). I have had my best results by following the MFP numbers, totally cutting out soft drinks, using sweetener in my morning coffee, cutting WAY down on fried foods, drinking lots of water, and getting in as much exercise as my work schedule will allow.

    It sounds like you're on the right track.
  • __RANDY__
    __RANDY__ Posts: 1,036 Member
    I'm 6'1, I was 320 now I'm 250. In just over a year here on mfp. I eat about a 500 cal deficit. I've been running the 5/3/1 program for 10 months now, seeing incredible results.
  • bagge72
    bagge72 Posts: 1,377 Member
    I started out at 300 when I started on this site, was a little heavier before that. I started noticing the biggest difference when I added lifting to my cardio, but you have to realize when you do that, you will gain a couple of pounds of water weight first until your body gets used to the lifting. I woulds say at your weight don't worry about doing crunches, you aren't burning a lot of caloried doing them, and you can't target stomach fat, so whatever time you put aside for that try something new to do.
  • jdad1
    jdad1 Posts: 1,899 Member
    i am 6' and was 251 at my heaviest. I never thought of myself as a big guy. Overweight yes, but just a reguler dude.
  • Crankstr
    Crankstr Posts: 3,958 Member
    I'm 6'1, I was 320 now I'm 250. In just over a year here on mfp. I eat about a 500 cal deficit. I've been running the 5/3/1 program for 10 months now, seeing incredible results.

    this too.

    I know I am not a guy, but you will NOT be sorry if you start picking stuff up and putting it down.

    HULK SMASHHHHHHHHHHHHH
  • AIZZO4
    AIZZO4 Posts: 404 Member
    Started at 385 now down to 352. I don't really do any special diet. I just cut down on a lot of things. I no longer eat the whole bag of chips or cookies. I work out at least 3 times a week for about an hour. I just walk and ride the bike. I lift as well. Biggest thing is just counting calories. To be honest with you, it's hasn't been to hard. Oh, and make sure you plan your meals when you can.
  • workaholic_nurse
    workaholic_nurse Posts: 727 Member
    check out my profile, food and exercise diaries. It's all there and nothing special. At my heaviest 6ft and 350#, started MFP at 317 and you can follow from there...about time for new progress pics as I am down a little over 20 pounds from last time. Also this

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/workaholic_nurse/view/just-do-it-every-day-no-matter-what-516822

    linked blog entry because too lazy to retype.
  • bigbear167
    bigbear167 Posts: 39 Member
    im a big guy.im 5'10 276.at one point I was up to 326!!.quit soda cold turkey.right now just doing cardio because of a wrist injury
    stationary bike,eliptical and jogging.c25k plan. I cant wait to get back in the weight room.
  • Phrakman
    Phrakman Posts: 113
    I know I am not a guy, but you will NOT be sorry if you start picking stuff up and putting it down.

    HULK SMASHHHHHHHHHHHHH

    This, im 6'3 280. Hell i dont even want to lose more weight. Just keep building slabs of muscle and getting stronger.
  • Crankstr
    Crankstr Posts: 3,958 Member
    I know I am not a guy, but you will NOT be sorry if you start picking stuff up and putting it down.

    HULK SMASHHHHHHHHHHHHH

    This, im 6'3 280. Hell i dont even want to lose more weight. Just keep building slabs of muscle and getting stronger.

    :flowerforyou:

    cept clearly, you ARE a guy.
  • Izzwoz
    Izzwoz Posts: 348 Member
    I'm 6'0" and topped out a few years ago at just under 400 lbs. I played sports in high school and college. Now I'm an attorney practicing commercial litigation and I'm at my desk 8-10 hours a day on average.

    I started losing by quitting soda, cold turkey.

    Next I made a commitment to only having one serving per meal. Then, serving = plateful...so I'd pile it on. It was okay though because one heaping plate of food was less than I had been eating.

    The one-serving-and-no-soda method got me down to around 320 lbs. I started counting calories last summer and joined MFP some time around November. I was 306 lbs. When I joined.

    In late January 2013, I started doing Jillian Michaels DVDs. I have 30 Day Shred and Six Week Six Pack. I do a minimum of 30 minutes a day at high intensity, a minimum of six days a week. I push myself as hard as I can...and then push a little harder.

    Since joining MFP, I've lost about 34 lbs. I'm at 272 lbs now with a goal of getting down between 220 - 230 lbs. My plan is to add lifting/weight training when I get down around 240 -250 lbs. My goal is to be able to work out with my brother. He's a D1 Running Back and in great shape.

    Here's my goal (My brother. He's 6'1" 223 lbs):
    63458_10152728806300414_1292805956_n.jpg

    my goal is your brother too ;)
    pahahahahha


    ^^ This! Nomm! :laugh:
  • stevejg1965
    stevejg1965 Posts: 1
    Hello people

    I have just joined My Fitness Pal and come across this thread.

    I would like to share my experience with you all, if trying to loose weight seems difficult and slow.

    4 years ago I was over 300 pounds ( I was 6 ft 5 and 43 years old ) and I was uncomfortable and unhappy about my weight.

    I started a very low calorie diet with a company called Lighterlife, you basically eat 550 calories a day and you body goes into a state called Ketosis and burns you own fat to get the calories you need.

    10 weeks later I had lost 120 lbs !! and have managed to keep it off ever since by eating sensible and exercise.

    It is not for everybody, but I have a physical job and was able to work normally, and after the first week you feel great.

    There are detractors out there who say it is a bad way of loosing, but from a personal point of view it is the only way I would have acheived it.

    The results ( once again, in my opinion ) far outweigh any bad points.

    It is very very easy to pack the weight back on, I know that from experience, but at least it give you a chance to choose the way you want to live.

    Thanks for listening.

    Steve
  • OBXbound4me
    OBXbound4me Posts: 245 Member
    I have been dealing with this for YEARS. I am close to you but have a little farther to go. I am 6'2 and about 340 right now. What has worked for me is to figure out your TDEE and eat 20% under that (make sure you get enough calories or it will slow your loss), get 3-4 days of cardio in and LIFT. I drop 10 lb a month pretty regularly when I follow that path, the hard part for me is getting in the right negative in my calories as I find myself creeping up to TDEE or even over sometimes because I love food so much and constantly seem hungry. Moving is the easy part for me; moving away from the table is the hard part. Determined to succeed though.
  • adstar20
    adstar20 Posts: 29 Member
    Started at 308 (I am 6'1") now I am around 200. I have committed to getting in shape in early September 2012 and found MFP later than month. I don't think there is any magic. Just eat at a deficit and exercise more. I do agree that you cannot cut out anything you aren't prepared to do without for the rest of your life, so for me, I haven't cut out anything. I just eat less.

    The one practical thing that I have noticed is you need to be accurate with your calorie counting as it takes too much effort to make it up with exercise. Even as a big guy that burns more calories as you exercise, you still probably won't burn much more than 500 calories in 30 minutes. I could eat that many calories in 2 minutes without really trying.

    Some people say to eat back you exercise calories, some don't (I don't, but I think that has to be a personal choice.

    And one last thing, as this is a lifestyle change and you need to keep the exercise up, you need to find something you enjoy to do as that is the only way to keep it up long term. I don't want to go back to where I was.

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