Is there hope for me?

Samby_v1
Samby_v1 Posts: 202 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
5’4” 32 year old female, CW 132lbs, estimated GW 125lbs, aiming for 1461 calories per day and I work out 5 days per week.

Diary’s open and I’m pretty much eating the same things so I don’t always log. You can see my goals in full detail on my profile.

So, I’ve been here 200 days and thought I’d take some progress photos and now looking at them I’m feeling really down. In the last month I included Tabata bodyweight workouts with the kettlebells but the fat’s not coming off. During workouts I work hard and with the Tabata I get DOMS pretty much every time. Since jointing MFP I’ve lost approximately 3lbs, (although I’ve fluctuated between 131-134lbs the entire time I’ve been here) about an inch off the waist, belly and hips and a little more off the thighs and calves. My body fat’s decreased by about 1%. Almost 6 months to lose 1% is a bit slow, no? At this rate it’s going to take me two years to get to 20%. I’m definitely getting fitter and stronger for which I am grateful (one day I’ll even be able to do a full-on press up), but feel really disheartened that things are happening at a glacial pace. Now, before you all say ‘lift heavy’, here’s the thing. I have no money to join a gym - in fact my partner lost it with me at the mere suggestion because I can’t even help with bills. He has a barbell and bench gathering dust but we live in a tiny studio flat and he doesn’t want the clutter (he said it’s a pain to put together and take apart) - annoyingly, parts of the bench are missing so I can’t even have a sneaky lift when he’s out…

Aside from “just break up” can I reach my goals through bodyweight training and kettlebells? Am I being too impatient?

anigif_enhanced-buzz-27172-1380306912-20.gif

Replies

  • Samby_v1
    Samby_v1 Posts: 202 Member
    Bumpity bump bump?
  • tulips_and_tea
    tulips_and_tea Posts: 5,741 Member
    I didn't look at your diary, so I can't comment on your food choices and intake, etc., but I wanted to comment on the not being able to join a gym part of your post: buy or check out at the library the book "Body By You" by Mark Lauren. It is really helpful! Simple, direct, has pictures. I recommend it.
  • LiftAndBalance
    LiftAndBalance Posts: 960 Member
    I'd like to add to the Mark Lauren recommendation.

    I also did look at your diary for the last three days and have two points: The main one would be that it doesn't seem like you actually weigh all your food, right!? In that case you're probably eating more than you think. Get a food scale and weigh everything you put in your mouth. It can be a real eye-opener since most of us tend to underestimate when just estimating. Second(ary) point would be that your protein is pretty low most days. Protein is important for muscle recovery and growth, and you might benefit from increasing it.

    Edited to add this link: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants Read it, it's excellent!
  • ashleydawndill
    ashleydawndill Posts: 242 Member
    ^^^
    What inesratinha said.
    Your protein is suuuuper low. If you're at the gym 5 days a week you definitely need more protein than what you're getting. That protein will help build muscle which will help burn fat.
    Agreed on the weighing food too.
  • mantium999
    mantium999 Posts: 1,490 Member
    Yes, you can absolutely reach your goals. Look up You Are Your Own Gym, Convict Conditioning, or other similar bodyweight programs for training. If Waldo pops in here, he is full of great info (even has a site, which I can't seem to find the link to).
  • Samby_v1
    Samby_v1 Posts: 202 Member
    Thanks, BZAH10 - Will get on it.

    As for weighing food, I have a digital food scale which I do use. I was happily eating circa 1800 cals per day without putting on any weight for the last 10 years - I just seem to be stuck in the 132-134 range. Life's too short for 1200 cals per day - I'd rather up the intensity of my workouts than reduce my calorie intake any more. So yeah, I could be stricter, but since joining I've only ever fluctuated in weight, not ever increased it.

    My protein intake is horrible, I know. My partner's now a vegetarian and he's paying for the food, so yeah I'll do my best to increase that without eating steaks and making him cry. I wasn't that concerned because I know I can't build muscle on a deficit, but didn't realise it's effective in a cut...

    Thanks so far!
  • Samby_v1
    Samby_v1 Posts: 202 Member
    Yes, you can absolutely reach your goals. Look up You Are Your Own Gym, Convict Conditioning, or other similar bodyweight programs for training. If Waldo pops in here, he is full of great info (even has a site, which I can't seem to find the link to).

    Thanks - I'll enjoy telling the BF that I'm being forced to work out like a serial killer in solitary confinement ;)
  • jimmmer
    jimmmer Posts: 3,515 Member
    Just break up...


    Or, you could learn to deadlift, clean, front squat and push press/ohp/jerk the bar. No bench necessary. Or the bodyweight routines mentioned would be good choices, too.

    Also, get the protein you need. You shouldn't be a hostage to your bf's eating choices. Adult relationships should have room for compromise and negotiation - no matter who's paying the bills.

    Finally, tell the bf to nut up and be a bit more supportive. If my partner wanted to do something I would help her if I could. I could certainly deal with some clutter.
  • OnTheGround
    OnTheGround Posts: 78
    I think you should commit to logging daily. I can tell you from experience, NOT logging was my biggest downfall. Like you, I thought "oh I eat the same stuff so I'm fine" but........it wasn't. Diet is probably the most important part of this so I would really suggest diligent logging for a few months.

    And.........one thing I keep in my head is "Am I worth $XX dollars a month? Is my health and sanity worth $XX a month"?

    If it were me, I would have a seriously conversation with my partner and say "This is a necessity and the investment in my health is worth it. Am I worth $XX to you?" I mean......because if they say "no" then you have biggest problems to face.

    My gym membership has been a non negotiable, even when I was scrounging for toilet paper money. I have to buy food, I have to pay rent, I have to go to the gym. Period. My health is MORE THAN worth the $20 a month I pay.

    It doesn't have to be a gym, you could invest in some good weights (again, is your health worth taking up that small space in the flat? yes it is.) or some videos or SOMETHING that gives you what you need to move forward.

    Just my 2cents. :)
  • OnTheGround
    OnTheGround Posts: 78
    Just break up...


    Or, you could learn to deadlift, clean, front squat and push press/ohp/jerk the bar. No bench necessary. Or the bodyweight routines mentioned would be good choices, too.

    Also, get the protein you need. You shouldn't be a hostage to your bf's eating choices. Adult relationships should have room for compromise and negotiation - no matter who's paying the bills.

    Finally, tell the bf to nut up and be a bit more supportive. If my partner wanted to do something I would help her if I could. I could certainly deal with some clutter.

    :drinker: :drinker: :drinker: :drinker:
  • Samby_v1
    Samby_v1 Posts: 202 Member
    Aside from just breaking up... He's 45 and has only just discovered interval training - draw your own conclusions. He previously believed that long distance running was the only way to keep fit, despite my best efforts to open his mind to the joys of lifting heavy.

    Bodyweight exercise it is then. I can't be doing with the headaches his stone-cold resistance to training anything but his way will bring. Also, I think I'll just need to spend what little I have on the protein I need - it shortcuts the inevitable sulking.

    Thanks again!

    :drinker:

Categories