Hi guys / girls. Just wondering if it's okay to start a health and fitness thread where we can share experiences, tips etc?
Trying to lose weight and improve overall fitness and health (lost about half a stone since January but long way to go). Am doing pretty much solely treadmill work at the gym, and then at home am doing a mix of kettlebell, yoga and shadow-boxing. Anyone else do any of these and have any advice? I must say it felt weird as a bloke trying yoga at first (not that I'm sexist, just it's still seen by some as more of a "lasses' thing") but it is enjoyable to be fair, and some parts difficult!
The kettlebell is an interesting one - my brother recently told me about it, but apparently its been around for decades. Bought an 8kg one (I'm not a strong or muscular person in the slightest!), at first I was wishing I'd perhaps got a slightly lighter one, but getting used to it.
So, how does everyone else get their fitness rush? Any pointers, success stories etc?

Yes, have a read of this and don't over-do it To my uneducated mind half a stone since January is about right, don't be persuaded by ridiculous claims that "this will make the weight drop off" or "this will rip you in two weeks", take it easy and enjoy what you are doing, don't make sudden lifestyle changes that you won't maintain, and maybe take up something that involves getting outside from time to time rather than just doing gym work, cycling, running etc ? And lose some for me while you're at it.

Yes, have a read of this and don't over-do it To my uneducated mind half a stone since January is about right, don't be persuaded by ridiculous claims that "this will make the weight drop off" or "this will rip you in two weeks", take it easy and enjoy what you are doing, don't make sudden lifestyle changes that you won't maintain, and maybe take up something that involves getting outside from time to time rather than just doing gym work, cycling, running etc ? And lose some for me while you're at it.

From my own experience I'd echo what Jerry says about enjoying what you're doing to lose weight.
I've tried several times to lose weight in the past, from running either on roads near my house or by the river etc to going to the gym, spinning classes, circuit training etc
I'd lose a bit of weight initially but I wouldn't keep it up and so would eventually put it back on.
Late last year, around October time, I started playing tag and touch rugby again after several years of not playing. Thoroughly enjoyed it so I kept going and have lost about a stone since starting.
Not changed my diet really so it's all been from the extra exercise. And as I really enjoy it it doesn't feel like "exercise" and I look forward to going instead of it feeling like a chore I have to get through in the week.

I've dropped 10 kgs since January through diet alone. I quit boozing, I now drink only Beck's Blue and non-alcoholic wines.

I start the day with two cups of black coffee and porridge made with water. I've cut meat from my diet and have around 150 grammes of fish per day. I don't eat bread or any pastries. I now snack on fruit and vegetables with a handful of almonds each day. I also drink up to 6 litres of water each day.

I've surprised myself how easy I've found it and have now set the date of 19 April to quit smoking

Mate, well done. Take a bow


There are so many variables in each and every one of us from genetics to discipline. Your discipline is admirable.

How have you gone without wine? LOL

Basic stuff. Little things like:

Stand up more.
Walk a little further.
Get off a bus, one or two stops before yours.
Eat what you want but monitor it and make choices to what you truly believe you might be able to live without.
You DON"T have to kill yourself with exercise. Take it lightly.

See how you go. See how it feels before deciding you think you can take it up a notch.

Most importantly. Look after your brain also.

Rooster Booster wrote:Mate, well done. Take a bow How have you gone without wine? LOL I haven't. I buy from these people. They sell a range of de-alcoholised wines (brewed as normal wine then subjected to temperature and pressure to drive off most of the alcohol)

Rooster Booster wrote:Mate, well done. Take a bow How have you gone without wine? LOL I haven't. I buy from these people. They sell a range of de-alcoholised wines (brewed as normal wine then subjected to temperature and pressure to drive off most of the alcohol)

cod'ead wrote:I haven't. I buy from these people. They sell a range of de-alcoholised wines (brewed as normal wine then subjected to temperature and pressure to drive off most of the alcohol) You cheeky bast ard. You said they were non-alcoholic! Do they still maintain their flavour/bouquet then? Well done anyway.

cod'ead wrote:I haven't. I buy from these people. They sell a range of de-alcoholised wines (brewed as normal wine then subjected to temperature and pressure to drive off most of the alcohol) You cheeky bast ard. You said they were non-alcoholic! Do they still maintain their flavour/bouquet then? Well done anyway.

Eat less, exercise more - simple weight loss program!

Great effort.
Remember, do some resistance work. Build a little muscle to improve your metabolism to burn the fat. You may not see the weight drop off, but you will see an improvement in your fat burn if that what you're going for.

Stay hydrated. People often neglect how much hydration plays in how your body looks. The better hydrated, the less your body has to hold in fat to manage. You'll pee like a octogenarian at first, but your body will adapt.

Make sure you are having fun. If it ain't fun, you'll be more inclined to give it up. Mix it up, try spin classes, etc. There is no one formula, everyone works differently when it comes to fitness. But try a little of everything and you'll find the ones that work for you.

PS - Yoga is the one!