aviduser Member

I have a protein smoothie for breakfast. It is about 600 cal with 80g of protein. I do 2 days of lifting per week and at least 2 days of cardio--usually more. I was 220 with muscle. But the fat has come off--now I am cut. It really is all about calories. The exercise helps, but you have to control how much you eat and the…

I recently learned that in most states cyclists have the legal right to occupy the entire lane. Being a newish cyclist and an oldish driver, I did not know that. That said, the folk that I ride with always move to the right (conditions permitting) when cars need to pass, especially if they are moving slower than the speed…

Trust Polar and nothing else. Polar uses your heart rate (cardio exertion), weight and age, as well as a fitness level/max heart rate measurement, to determine your calorie expenditure. That is the best measurement. BTW, in my experience, light cycling for 1 hour burns about 500 calories. Hard cycling for the same time is…

I had surgery for runners knee (the easier name for the same thing). Running with extra weight can contribute. Also pronation/supination (rolling of your ankle in or out on the foot fall) will mess up your knees. You might try seeing a podiatrist to get fitted for orthotics. Unfortunately, my ortho told me the pain does…

The Polar watches have a time count-up during exercise. You can use that to time your circuits, but you need to pay attention. It's not like a resetting auto countdown. I happen to think that Polar makes the best HRMs out there and that they are worth the money. I have had two HRMs and one cycle computer (w HRM).

For leg pain, especially after squats/lunges, spend some time on an exercise bike. Just a light resistance will do--enough so you are working a bit, but not too hard. Just doing 20 or 30 min of movement will help the pain. Keep doing the squats/lunges too. After awhile, it will not leave you walking funny the next day.

No need for the snarkiness. The point is simple and common throughout the Interwebs. Search before posting. Many people have posted thoughtful and helpful explanations previously. Take advantage of that available information.

Not that I mind responding to questions--everyone here is very good about that. BUT, this topic has been addressed at least 6 times in other thread. Try searching before you post. :-) I previously posted my (excellent) recipe for a smoothie here: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/237975-protein-shakes-if-so-which-one…

Not that I mind responding to questions--everyone here is very good about that. BUT, this topic has been addressed at least 6 times in other thread. Try searching before you post. :-) I previously posted my (excellent) recipe for a smoothie here: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/237975-protein-shakes-if-so-which-one…

Not that I mind responding to questions--everyone here is very good about that. BUT, this topic has been addressed at least 6 times in other thread. Try searching before you post. :-) I previously posted my (excellent) recipe for a smoothie here: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/237975-protein-shakes-if-so-which-one…

In case it was not clear, another benefit of such a group/class is (1) motivation and (2) folks to ride outdoors with on non-class days.

ONE MORE THING! And a very important one at that: rgutie1's suggestion of getting good bike shorts is right on. And don't be afraid to spend a little (like $100) on a pair. Performance usually has good deals (try the Performance brand). Try the gel padded shorts (better padding). This is super-important. It will also go a…

Get yourself into an indoor cycling class--preferably one that is focused on actual cyclists, not the typical "spinning" class. Not that spinning is bad--it is a good workout. But it does not teach you about any of the technique and form for road cycling. You will need to get a bike too. Not sure how committed you are, but…

Thanks. I am just proof that all it takes is committing everyday to stick to the program. Yesterday is history, so if you went over, it's done. Today, don't go over. And exercise! This site has been a fantastic tool.

The interval training will train your body to handle exercise at max intensity (ie, over 80% of your maximum heart rate). It will also train your body to recover faster. The key here is measuring your heart rate. Other indicators are breathing rate (if you are panting and feel like you are seeing stars, you are over 80% of…

I agree with Kraziekay89. Just do it. Recommit every day. Went over on cals yesterday? Eat a little less today and tomorrow. And do some exercise. If you net out over a few days and are below your target calorie intake, you will be fine.

Plus, I think you are misunderstanding aerobic v. anaerobic exercise. Anaerobic is the stage when your body is burning glycogen in your body (ie, free sugar). It takes around 15 minutes of cardio for your body to switch over to the longer-acting aerobic stage, where your body converts fat to sugar and burns that. If you up…

My super-secret recipe: 1.5 cups Silk Regular Soy Milk 1 cup frozen strawberries 1 cup frozen blueberries (the berries are eyeballed, and the ratio can change) 1/2 banana 1 TBSP natural peanut butter 2 scoops Nature's Life Soy Protein - Super-Green Pro-96 BLEND! This breakfast has 641 calories, 68 grams of protein, no…

Who can say for sure. What strikes me about the last week or so of your food diary is this: 1. No veggies 2. No fruits 3. Lots of carbs (stuffing for breakfast?) 4. Lots of processed/packaged foods But that is just my thoughts. BTW, I am hypothyroid as well, and have recently had to have my meds adjusted (upwards). I have…

I also have Hashimotos and have for quite a while, now. I have lost 30 lbs (+) through diet modification (using MFP) and exercise. The most important thing--and most interesting thing--is that I lost this weight, and then learned through routine check ups that my TSH was elevated (3.1) and that my synthroid dose needed to…

Just FYI, Garmin does not calculate calories burned based on HR. It uses the time and activity instead. The Garmin GPS watches do not even calculate total calories unless you are outdoors doing the activity and it can track the distance.

First, I would not take any advice from anyone who gets on TV calling himself a doctor when he is not. What type of HRM did you get? In my experience, Polar is the best at monitoring HR and calculating calories burned. As far as the amount of calories you burned, there are several factors that lead me to believe your HRM…

Heart rate monitor will do the trick. Check out Polar.

Welcome, Newbie. The best way to track exercise, and the most accurate way, is to use a heart rate monitor--one that calculates your calories burned based on your weight and heart rate. Polar does this. Garmin does not. Not sure about Timex. That will give you a true readout of the calories that you have burned for a total…

If you are getting up early to go to the gym, you have to go to bed early. I am up around 5:30 to go to the gym. When I go to be at 9:30 I am in great shape. 10:30--I am just OK. Later--forget about it.

The 220-(age) will give you an average max heart rate. It is only an average--people who are more or less fit will be higher or lower. If you want to do a test that you can do yourself in about 20-30 minutes with a treadmill or stationary bike, do a google search on the Foster Talk Test. In fact, here is the link to a site…

I have a Polar F11 which is a mid-range for Polar. Very good and very accurate. Never work out without it.

Squats, lunges, leg curls, cycling, anything to build up your butt muscles. Lost junk is good news around here, though, so be happy!

It is an acquired taste. But it is worth it. Get yourself to like it. Try the 2% with the fruit-- only like 120 cal and tasty. After that, you can move to the nonfat, no fruit. I sometimes have the Fage with fruit as a dessert.

For the most accurate calorie tracking, especially for strength training, you should use a heart rate monitor.