do u need to be a gym freak/excersie 7 days a week to be fit?
shaddowstorm
Posts: 155 Member
I've been off track from a few months now and really want to get back into eating healthy and start to exercise but the thought of sweating it out at the gym 7days a week makes me unmotivated.
just want to know how many days a week would I need to workout if 'apparently' flat stomachs are 80% what you eat and 20% exercise ?
Thanks
just want to know how many days a week would I need to workout if 'apparently' flat stomachs are 80% what you eat and 20% exercise ?
Thanks
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Replies
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The fact you asked this question the way you did would indicate yes.0
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You don't necessarily need to hit the gym seven days a week to be "fit," but more to the point: it sounds as though going to the gym makes you miserable. Find some other activity to get exercise (running, biking, surfing, mountain climbing, etc.) or else you'll probably not stick with it.0
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Believe the conventional wisdom is "change the eating habits for weight loss & exercise for fitness" (words to the effect). For me personally - there are three interdependent categories and depending on my mood, one can be the driver of the other two. The one driving can & does change. The Big 3: Eat/Exercise/Sleep. If I'm eating poorly, I don't feel like exercising, and then I don't sleep well -> and then it continues to spiral downward. In the past, I ate junk, still tried to exercise - > but I can't outrun my fork. Now (granted I'm only 29 days in) -> First priority is to eating right - > makes me feel like getting some great exercise - > sleeping like a baby. If I had a bad night & didn't sleep well - > trying not to compensate by eating away the sleepiness & still get in some kind of a workout, even if it's just a walk -> end up catching up on sleep. A positive circle of the Big 3 is "self-correcting" & a negative circle is self-defeating and self-perpetuating.
Hope that helps.0 -
I consider myself pretty fit, but my actual gym time (a misnomer anyway, since it's in my garage) is minimal. Less than 5 hours a week, no more than an hour a day.
That being said, I'm pretty darn active outside of that as well...0 -
The Law Of Diminishing Returns applies to fitness training as well. During the summer I make great strides with 30-40 mins of jogging/sprint drills and calisthenics.
I lost 100 pounds by simply adopting a few mantras and sticking to the plan.
"Eat for nutrition, not for taste"
"A plan isn't a plan unless it's written"
"Get on with it" and "get *kitten* done"
Here is a great article to touch on this subject of diminishing returns in fitness.
http://cathe.com/resistance-training-and-the-law-of-diminishing-returns0 -
I hit the gym 3 days/week but I watch what I eat 7 days/week.0
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Those are great, especially the first one. Everyone I know who struggles with the weight can't wrap their head around it.JayWillSoGQ wrote: »I lost 100 pounds by simply adopting a few mantras and sticking to the plan.
"Eat for nutrition, not for taste"
"A plan isn't a plan unless it's written"
"Get on with it" and "get *kitten* done"
"Why would you eat a boiled/baked chicken breast? With no skin?! It should be deep fried!"
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What's your definition of fit? For me this whole losing weight & being "more" fit is a lifestyle change to improve my health.
I exercise because "I CAN." I'm older and don't want to be one of those frail old ladies who breaks a hip by rolling over in bed. I don't want to be winded by walking up one flight of stairs.
What Kwtilbury said.....if exercise is drudgery....something you hate, then it's going to be a temporary thing anyway. Instead of dragging yourself to the gym, look for an activity, sports league, whatever, so you can be more fit for years to come.0 -
Those are great, especially the first one. Everyone I know who struggles with the weight can't wrap their head around it.JayWillSoGQ wrote: »I lost 100 pounds by simply adopting a few mantras and sticking to the plan.
"Eat for nutrition, not for taste"
"A plan isn't a plan unless it's written"
"Get on with it" and "get *kitten* done"
"Why would you eat a boiled/baked chicken breast? With no skin?! It should be deep fried!"
I don't like that first one. I'd much rather have a tasty grilled chicken breast with good seasoning and a fresh salsa than a pale, wobbly boiled abomination. Nutritionally they are pretty much equivalent, but on the mental side there is a world of difference. But to each their own, I know that some people have grown to view food as fuel, and they certainly have every right to do so. It's just that someone like me would rather kill myself than deprive myself the pleasure of good cuisine.
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Do not reward yourself with food, you are not a dog
Those are great, especially the first one. Everyone I know who struggles with the weight can't wrap their head around it.JayWillSoGQ wrote: »I lost 100 pounds by simply adopting a few mantras and sticking to the plan.
"Eat for nutrition, not for taste"
"A plan isn't a plan unless it's written"
"Get on with it" and "get *kitten* done"
"Why would you eat a boiled/baked chicken breast? With no skin?! It should be deep fried!"
I don't like that first one. I'd much rather have a tasty grilled chicken breast with good seasoning and a fresh salsa than a pale, wobbly boiled abomination. Nutritionally they are pretty much equivalent, but on the mental side there is a world of difference. But to each their own, I know that some people have grown to view food as fuel, and they certainly have every right to do so. It's just that someone like me would rather kill myself than deprive myself the pleasure of good cuisine.
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Choosing nutrition with a good taste is not rewarding yourself with food. It's enjoying what you're eating and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.0
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Do not reward yourself with food, you are not a dog
Those are great, especially the first one. Everyone I know who struggles with the weight can't wrap their head around it.JayWillSoGQ wrote: »I lost 100 pounds by simply adopting a few mantras and sticking to the plan.
"Eat for nutrition, not for taste"
"A plan isn't a plan unless it's written"
"Get on with it" and "get *kitten* done"
"Why would you eat a boiled/baked chicken breast? With no skin?! It should be deep fried!"
I don't like that first one. I'd much rather have a tasty grilled chicken breast with good seasoning and a fresh salsa than a pale, wobbly boiled abomination. Nutritionally they are pretty much equivalent, but on the mental side there is a world of difference. But to each their own, I know that some people have grown to view food as fuel, and they certainly have every right to do so. It's just that someone like me would rather kill myself than deprive myself the pleasure of good cuisine.
That's... stupid.
No, seriously. That's dumb.
There is absolutely no reason to go out of your way to eat the most flavorless bland food imaginable when you can have the exact same nutrition but good tasting.
I can assure you, anyone trying to eat exclusively stuff they don't like just because of the warped thinking "it's good for you", is going to fail 1-2 weeks in, tops.-2 -
What Kwtilbury said.....if exercise is drudgery....something you hate, then it's going to be a temporary thing anyway. Instead of dragging yourself to the gym, look for an activity, sports league, whatever, so you can be more fit for years to come.
I third this opinion. Think outside the box to consider activities you will enjoy for years to come. I like running and I do so every other day to give my body time to adjust to the new demands.
Are you an introvert or an extrovert? If extro-, consider a team sport like bowling, beach volleyball or softball. Indoors or outdoors? Lots of people love golf for getting outdoors in the sunshine. Don't like mud and bugs like my hubby? Maybe take up swimming or badminton.0 -
Choosing nutrition with a good taste is not rewarding yourself with food. It's enjoying what you're eating and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
I plate for nutrition (portions and variety) and then I find a way to make it interesting and tasty. Hubby is thoroughly bored of bare chicken breasts, so it was breaded and baked last night. The side was a Greek salad with some massaged Kale and simmered scarlet runner beans from my garden.0 -
Choosing nutrition with a good taste is not rewarding yourself with food. It's enjoying what you're eating and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
I plate for nutrition (portions and variety) and then I find a way to make it interesting and tasty. Hubby is thoroughly bored of bare chicken breasts, so it was breaded and baked last night. The side was a Greek salad with some massaged Kale and simmered scarlet runner beans from my garden.
That's what I do as well.
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Your diet is most of what will make your skinny or fat. A proper diet and exercise (lifting) will build muscle and give you shape and strength. I go to the gym 5 days a week and spend about and hour. I have lost fat, added muscle and feel great. You do not have to live in a gym to look good.0
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do u need to be a gym freak/excersie 7 days a week to be fit?
no, two half hour full body strength trainings and three half hour fast walks would do it.0 -
Do not reward yourself with food, you are not a dog
Those are great, especially the first one. Everyone I know who struggles with the weight can't wrap their head around it.JayWillSoGQ wrote: »I lost 100 pounds by simply adopting a few mantras and sticking to the plan.
"Eat for nutrition, not for taste"
"A plan isn't a plan unless it's written"
"Get on with it" and "get *kitten* done"
"Why would you eat a boiled/baked chicken breast? With no skin?! It should be deep fried!"
I don't like that first one. I'd much rather have a tasty grilled chicken breast with good seasoning and a fresh salsa than a pale, wobbly boiled abomination. Nutritionally they are pretty much equivalent, but on the mental side there is a world of difference. But to each their own, I know that some people have grown to view food as fuel, and they certainly have every right to do so. It's just that someone like me would rather kill myself than deprive myself the pleasure of good cuisine.
This does not make any sense at all.. There is no reason to eat rubber. You can eat good food and hit your macros.. Food does not have to be fried to be good.0 -
JayWillSoGQ wrote: »The Law Of Diminishing Returns applies to fitness training as well. During the summer I make great strides with 30-40 mins of jogging/sprint drills and calisthenics.
I lost 100 pounds by simply adopting a few mantras and sticking to the plan.
"Eat for nutrition, not for taste"
I cannot fathom eating like this. As another poster mentioned, you can add seasonings and have that blah chicken breast really taste great. This mentality follows the "I eat to live" whereas I "live to eat." I love trying new flavors, cuisines, etc. If I had to eat for nutrition alone, well, it would suck. Herbs and seasonings add little to no calories so why wouldn't you do it? Herbs and seasonings are what HELPED me stick with a healthy eating plan and lose weight.0 -
Do not reward yourself with food, you are not a dog
Those are great, especially the first one. Everyone I know who struggles with the weight can't wrap their head around it.JayWillSoGQ wrote: »I lost 100 pounds by simply adopting a few mantras and sticking to the plan.
"Eat for nutrition, not for taste"
"A plan isn't a plan unless it's written"
"Get on with it" and "get *kitten* done"
"Why would you eat a boiled/baked chicken breast? With no skin?! It should be deep fried!"
I don't like that first one. I'd much rather have a tasty grilled chicken breast with good seasoning and a fresh salsa than a pale, wobbly boiled abomination. Nutritionally they are pretty much equivalent, but on the mental side there is a world of difference. But to each their own, I know that some people have grown to view food as fuel, and they certainly have every right to do so. It's just that someone like me would rather kill myself than deprive myself the pleasure of good cuisine.
Eating food you enjoy is not 'rewarding' yourself. It's not as if the poster said 'when I've lost x lbs I treat myself to a cake'.
There's no need to eat bland, boring food. You can make food tasty quite easily, without adding loads of calories to it. I like to wrap chicken breast in a thin strip of pancetta, and cook it with white wine vinegar, garlic and paprika. It's still healthy, and it tastes good.
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If you like being sore constantly with little progress be my guest. I hit the gym 4 days a week and have no problem keeping far down even on a massive surplus. Without rest how are you supposed to recover physically and mentally?0
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I love Cathe. Personally myself, I don't do more than 30-45 minutes of lifting a day, and I walk 2-3 miles depending on my speed that day. Usually 5 days a week, but I feel I have to be somewhat in good shape to perform the exercises I want my clients to do.JayWillSoGQ wrote: »The Law Of Diminishing Returns applies to fitness training as well. During the summer I make great strides with 30-40 mins of jogging/sprint drills and calisthenics.
I lost 100 pounds by simply adopting a few mantras and sticking to the plan.
"Eat for nutrition, not for taste"
"A plan isn't a plan unless it's written"
"Get on with it" and "get *kitten* done"
Here is a great article to touch on this subject of diminishing returns in fitness.
http://cathe.com/resistance-training-and-the-law-of-diminishing-returns
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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Lol, if someone offered me FREE Ben & Jerry's for a year to perform 1000 burpees..............................I'd do it.
Do not reward yourself with food, you are not a dog
Those are great, especially the first one. Everyone I know who struggles with the weight can't wrap their head around it.JayWillSoGQ wrote: »I lost 100 pounds by simply adopting a few mantras and sticking to the plan.
"Eat for nutrition, not for taste"
"A plan isn't a plan unless it's written"
"Get on with it" and "get *kitten* done"
"Why would you eat a boiled/baked chicken breast? With no skin?! It should be deep fried!"
I don't like that first one. I'd much rather have a tasty grilled chicken breast with good seasoning and a fresh salsa than a pale, wobbly boiled abomination. Nutritionally they are pretty much equivalent, but on the mental side there is a world of difference. But to each their own, I know that some people have grown to view food as fuel, and they certainly have every right to do so. It's just that someone like me would rather kill myself than deprive myself the pleasure of good cuisine.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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Nope you don't. I work out 6 days a week right in my home for 30 minutes to an hour a day. My eating is healthy and I eat good tasty food. Just eat in proper portions. Have lost 12 lbs in the past month and inches as well. Find a workout that is fun that makes you look forward to it to get started and go from there.0
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it depends on what kind of person you really are..
some people thrive in the gym .. and some people wither away
some people do their best while working out at home.. others pretend that working out at home is better, try it for a week or so, then they get lazy and forget about it..
I think the gym should be a life style.. a community .. a more reason to get out of the house.. see people and move .. exercise maybe even compete with others..
but no it won't make you really fit without eating healthy and properly
but you what it will do?
it will help you be healthier. Going to the gym 7 days in a week didn't help me lose weight but it did help not to gain more..( at that time I didn't change my eating habits and didn't count calories) .. but I didn't gain weight .. I was happy and almost fit ..
the minute I started skipping gym( because of tests and stuff) and you know without changing my eating habits the pounds started piling up and before I knew it I gained 10 pounds!
so yeah. the gym helps .. we can say it's a start
you need to have a good start
some people go to the gym and injure themselves by lifting the wrong weight or using a machine without proper stretch...
...
in short.. join a gym and go at least 3 to 4 days that's better than the alternatives...
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rhtexasgal wrote: »JayWillSoGQ wrote: »The Law Of Diminishing Returns applies to fitness training as well. During the summer I make great strides with 30-40 mins of jogging/sprint drills and calisthenics.
I lost 100 pounds by simply adopting a few mantras and sticking to the plan.
"Eat for nutrition, not for taste"
I cannot fathom eating like this. As another poster mentioned, you can add seasonings and have that blah chicken breast really taste great. This mentality follows the "I eat to live" whereas I "live to eat." I love trying new flavors, cuisines, etc. If I had to eat for nutrition alone, well, it would suck. Herbs and seasonings add little to no calories so why wouldn't you do it? Herbs and seasonings are what HELPED me stick with a healthy eating plan and lose weight.
I hate that saying - if you're so bothered about macros without enjoying what you're eating than just give up food altogether and keep to the protein shakes or Soylent. Food has been part of human nature ever since the dawn of time - which is why we have so much variety and culinary history. I'm no dog, but just because I can think doesn't mean I'm not an animal either. Things don't have to be bland to be healthy - God bless natural peanut butter.
And just like 'em pups - I like to use my palate (B&J Peanut Butter oh yes!)
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stevencloser wrote: »
Do not reward yourself with food, you are not a dog
Those are great, especially the first one. Everyone I know who struggles with the weight can't wrap their head around it.JayWillSoGQ wrote: »I lost 100 pounds by simply adopting a few mantras and sticking to the plan.
"Eat for nutrition, not for taste"
"A plan isn't a plan unless it's written"
"Get on with it" and "get *kitten* done"
"Why would you eat a boiled/baked chicken breast? With no skin?! It should be deep fried!"
I don't like that first one. I'd much rather have a tasty grilled chicken breast with good seasoning and a fresh salsa than a pale, wobbly boiled abomination. Nutritionally they are pretty much equivalent, but on the mental side there is a world of difference. But to each their own, I know that some people have grown to view food as fuel, and they certainly have every right to do so. It's just that someone like me would rather kill myself than deprive myself the pleasure of good cuisine.
That's... stupid.
No, seriously. That's dumb.
There is absolutely no reason to go out of your way to eat the most flavorless bland food imaginable when you can have the exact same nutrition but good tasting.
I can assure you, anyone trying to eat exclusively stuff they don't like just because of the warped thinking "it's good for you", is going to fail 1-2 weeks in, tops.
Yep. The real change in thinking is much deeper than eating for fuel vs. for good taste - certainly they can both peacefully co-exist; the goal is to be able to do both and not be focused on only the taste. (To be able to eat until satisfied and not use the good taste of said food as a crutch or to abuse it)0 -
a fitness body is the bi-product of living a fitness lifestyle and eating well...eat and train. you don't have to work out 7 days per week...fit people also understand the benefits of proper rest...but yeah, you need to do some sweating.0
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You don't have to spend your life in the gym. Fitness is about being active, and you can find activities you like. I'm older and started out simply walking, because I've always enjoyed it. Now I'm starting to run because it's something I've always wanted to do.
I also lift, but it's because I enjoy it. I do that 2-3 days a week.
The thing here is that I found things I liked. You might enjoy classes, you might enjoy team sports, you might enjoy swimming. Start small and build up. Try different things and find something that clicks.0 -
Nope. I've done everything from 3-5 or 6. As long as I'm on a structured program, I haven't noticed a difference in results between 3 days or 6 days.0
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