Dropping that "Gamer" weight... <3

ValkyrieFD
ValkyrieFD Posts: 83
in Introduce Yourself
Hi all, my name is Amy and I am new to this website. I work in the gaming industry (which has vastly contributed to my steady weight gain) and recently hit the obese level with my BMI measurements which lite a fire under my butt. On Monday, I will be starting the optifast diet and using one of my companies games (Just Dance) to full fill my workout needs as they just created a "Just Sweat Dream Team". My weight goal is to drop 55lbs from 180 to 125 within 6 months, although I anticipate it to be faster with including the optifast supplements.

As I am somewhat of a public figure in the gaming world, I will be introducing my communities to myfitnesspal (which I think is absolutely amazing) to follow along and join me, and I am extremely excited to get started next week. If any of you need any mutual support please add me http://www.myfitnesspal.com/valkyriefd !

I also wrote a very lengthy intro blog if you care to read. Looking forward to losing weight with all of YOU!

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/ValkyrieFD/view/diet-dance-to-weight-loss-275472
«1

Replies

  • MtnKat
    MtnKat Posts: 714
    Welcome Amy :-)

    I'm a gamer but I work in the higher ed industry.

    Welcome to MFP!!
  • ValkyrieFD
    ValkyrieFD Posts: 83
    Thanks for the welcome Kat! And education is what built the gaming industry as most games were developed as teaching tools FIRST <3 Kudos to you
  • glonigan
    glonigan Posts: 82
    Welcome,

    I am by no means a pro gamer, but probably spend more time gaming than actually working my real job. Similar situation in that I sit at a desk in front of a couple of monitors for 8-10 hours a day before I go home and try to squeeze in another 6 hours on the PC/Xbox. I am working towards losing an additional 20lbs to get me back to my optimal running weight. Feel free to add me.

    Best of luck to you on your journey.
  • JoeD1968
    JoeD1968 Posts: 167
    I put a lot of weight on when they changed the req to get a mount in warcraft: from level 40 to level 20 :bigsmile:
  • RadioAngel
    RadioAngel Posts: 2
    LOL...I totally know how you feel. My solution was to go to the gym before getting home from work, so AFTER I could spend my night playing Rift. =)

    Oh, and having a small meal that was already prepared that could just be heated up helps too. I find the preparation helps the most.
  • BrokenButterfly
    BrokenButterfly Posts: 224
    What an amazing job! I'm a pretty hardcore gamer myself and definitely spend far too much time in front of my PC doing so! Would be happy to add you x
  • Stargirlsmiles88
    Stargirlsmiles88 Posts: 52 Member
    I like to game a variety of things, but nothing too extensively. I love Just Dance 3 though, and I use it to exercise everyday!
  • buzzcogs
    buzzcogs Posts: 296 Member
    Hi,
    I sent you a friend request. I'm a programmer and working on my Masters. When school gets tough I tend to binge and skip exercise so I understand how easy it is to "grow into your chair"!
    I'll be rooting for you too!
  • sweetiecorn
    sweetiecorn Posts: 115 Member
    Welcome! I game daily but trying to swap intense xbox thumb workouts for real world ones. Feel free to addage :)
  • ValkyrieFD
    ValkyrieFD Posts: 83
    So nice to meet all of you, I LOVE how supportive this community is, it is AMAZING! Gaming is certainly a big past time for many people now a days and that passion is a bond that can be as strong as anything else at times. It is an amazing world I live in and I am truly blessed by it, but it hasn't helped my health or lifestyle by any means. ><

    Thank you all for your warm welcome, I am looking forward to getting to know you all and help support each other! <3
  • lisamyershb
    lisamyershb Posts: 32 Member
    Welcome! :smile:
  • fitnsandyfun
    fitnsandyfun Posts: 33 Member
    Welcome! I am new myself! friend request sent
  • kikilewis
    kikilewis Posts: 6 Member
    Hello! Gamer here as well. I put on tons of weight when I moved to WA to work at Xbox and definitely lost a lot of self esteem along the way. I moved to South Korea about a year and a half ago and have since lost around 30 pounds. I attribute it a lot to all the walking I do and the lack of gaming. I didn't bring my Xbox with me and I am not a big Starcraft fan. I have lost half of my goal and hope to lose the rest before I get back to the States in November because I plan to get back to gaming right away. I miss it a lot! But I don't miss the gaming weight!

    I have to say it is tough eating a low calorie diet here because of the lack of choices (no sugar free options) and all the group meals.

    So good luck to you!
  • jessalon
    jessalon Posts: 12 Member
    It's doable. I've lost 30 pounds towards my target weight by doing my exercise before I ever get in the door. Then I game as much as I want.
  • caraiselite
    caraiselite Posts: 2,631 Member
    i'm a gamer as well, and its a biiiig reason i got fat.

    welcome aboard!
  • beattie1
    beattie1 Posts: 1,012 Member
    Ok, I'm really old. Please could someone explain to me how you could be a PROFESSIONAL gamer? I thought it was just something for "you young people" to while away your spare time? :embarassed: :flowerforyou:
  • IronSmasher
    IronSmasher Posts: 3,908 Member
    Computer Space, Pong, Space Invaders and Pacman were all designed to teach how addiction can be dangerous.
  • IronSmasher
    IronSmasher Posts: 3,908 Member
    Ok, I'm really old. Please could someone explain to me how you could be a PROFESSIONAL gamer? I thought it was just something for "you young people" to while away your spare time? :embarassed: :flowerforyou:

    You've never heard of professional singers? Or golfers?
  • IronSmasher
    IronSmasher Posts: 3,908 Member
    I'd recommend checking out Fitocracy for those gaming minded. Or Zombies, Run!
  • ValkyrieFD
    ValkyrieFD Posts: 83
    Ok, I'm really old. Please could someone explain to me how you could be a PROFESSIONAL gamer? I thought it was just something for "you young people" to while away your spare time? :embarassed: :flowerforyou:

    There has been a booming "pro" gaming scene since the late 90's. Very big subculture of people who dedicated their time in gaming competitions, get sponsors, and paid to play.

    Best example is Fatal1ty who has become a millionaire in his gaming career through tournaments, product endorsements, hosting, etc. I actually co hosted he 2005 CPL World Finals on MTV when he won half a million for ONE tournament.

    Gaming is huge, both in main and pro markets <3
  • beattie1
    beattie1 Posts: 1,012 Member
    Thank you both for explaining. I realise that golf, poker, football etc have prize money to be won by people who are good at their games. Just seems a pity that something that should be "just for fun" always gets corrupted & money becomes the aim. I acknowledge that I'm old fashioned. I won't see you on MTV - we got rid of our TV a good while ago, we were wasting too much time getting annoyed that there was nothing on that we wanted to watch.
    Good luck with the healthier living plan.
  • Antonia2501
    Antonia2501 Posts: 121 Member
    Love gaming that is awesome. I got a kinect for my birthday and have been loving zumba!
  • FungusTrooper
    FungusTrooper Posts: 227 Member
    Another gamer here. Avoided the industry since I don't want to end up disliking my #1 hobby :).
  • Vonwarr
    Vonwarr Posts: 390 Member
    Also a hardcore gamer here, and also avoided working in the industry so there is some separation between my main hobby and the rest of my life. :)

    Spent many years gaming any waking moment I didn't have other responsibilities (classes, work, etc). Had to cut down on gaming for the moment to make time for fitness until I drop another 45-50, but still love me a good gaming session. Especially with friends!

    Any gamers feel free to add me if you're looking for friends.
  • ValkyrieFD
    ValkyrieFD Posts: 83
    I am usually on my xbox or pc!

    My personal gamertag is Athena PMS and my work one is Valkyrie FD. For multiplayer games I am usually dedicated to shooters and previously MMO's! Add me if you are a shooter fan <3
  • iamcheryld
    iamcheryld Posts: 6
    Hello! I also can contribute a lot of my weight gain to being a gamer. It was always difficult to motivate myself to exercise when all I wanted to do was play my games. I wish I could have your job by the way! It sounds awesome! :happy:

    I am also new to this website and so far I am loving it! I have been motivating myself to get out of my computer chair and outside to run or to the gym for a half to an hour a day. I can see and feel a difference already.

    Good luck to your weight loss!

    Anyone can feel free to add me as a friend as well... motivation is always needed! :smile:
  • BodyByButter
    BodyByButter Posts: 563 Member
    People in my RL would be shocked to know that I'm a gamer. Add me fellow pwners!
  • bbbsmama
    bbbsmama Posts: 96
    Welcome! I LOVE you enthusiastic attitude! I have close to the same goals as you!
  • MaraDiaz
    MaraDiaz Posts: 4,604 Member
    I love using the XBox for workouts. Since I'm still very out of shape, I get a very good one just using Kinect Adventures Rallyball and River Raft with some 15lb weights thrown in between games, and some really silly dancing during River Raft and between rounds of Rallyball. A bit of running in place or kicking and punching works, too. I tried Your Shape Fitness Evolved, but too be honest, it wasn't as much fun as Kinect Adventures.

    I haven't tried Just Dance, though, because the only dancing I know how to do is the silly kind, and I'm pretty sure that one isn't going to win me any high scores!
  • BodyByButter
    BodyByButter Posts: 563 Member
    Just Dance tells you what moves to make. It's sort of like old aerobics classes. I love it.

Categories