Obesity Epidemic and Fat Acceptance

[NotAHenchwench]

Long post is long, and for that I apologize!

For those of you who are overweight and would like to drop some lbs, assuming you're seeking extrinsic motivation, what would you need to get started/keep going? Do you need a boot camp style personal trainer yelling at you, a calm partner to diet and exercise with you, etc. I'm always curious to find out why people can never seem to get the ball rolling on weight loss.

Except motivation should never be extrinsic. Ever. If all you have is extrinsic motivation, you will in no way retain any kind of lifestyle change once you do lose the weight, and you will gain it all back, and probably more.

Motivation must always be intrinsic. It has to come from the heart, and the decision has to be made there first and foremost.

As far as outside help? Personally, if the area I was in had a Planet Fitness, I'd be really excited. It's 10.00 a month, and they have a metric ton of equipment, and a specific no judgment policy, which makes me feel very safe. You wouldn't believe some of the comments I've gotten going to a Gold's Gym and being intimidated off of the treadmill by someone who was considerably more fit than I. I enjoy walking outside [lots of mountains here ] but once the first snow falls we're basically screwed. I could drive to the local mall and do laps, but I enjoy hills and a variance in escalation.

Also, if produce and seafood and fresh meats and organic foods were cheaper here, I'd be all over that like **** on Velcro. As it stands, the largest 'supermarket' we have is Wally world, and I cannot. stand. it. The produce is crap, everything is over processed. The upside, however, is that there is an Asian market within walking distance to the apartment. Haha, the store owner knows me at this point and she's been giving me things to buy to try out, and I've really been enjoying myself [basically add Dashi stock to Mirin, Soy sauce and Sake, and you can make anything taste heavenly ].

Things that have been giving me good motivation have been cooking my own meals completely, and when I start my new job I will be making my lunches every day [I've quite fallen in love with the Bento Box lunches they have in Japan. They use a 5-color system to ensure nutrition which I think is brilliant and they also use mostly raw, or uncooked veggies.], and will be able to actually afford fresh produce every couple of days.

It's also taking a very long time to re-write my own nutrition. I knew it would take a while, and I've been taking any small victory I can get. You have to start out small, and anyone who thinks that it's healthy losing 10 lbs or more a month, you're out of your damn mind.

I think what needs to be done is promote a culture of wellness, be it exercise, eating better

I toooooootally agree with this. And to a degree, I think there are things being done to promote a healthy lifestyle, but it just isn't reaching the people it needs to reach. Somehow, I think if the nation's biggest cash crop weren't corn, we'd be in much better shape.

There are little to no farms anymore with fresh local produce [there are, however, small uprisings here and there with farmer's markets and the like]. And farms that do exist are being gobbled up [npi] by bigger companies that use low-quality feed and fertilizer because it's cheaper.

There are a lot of things that need to be done that probably wont be. Until then it's up to the individual to change. It would be great if there was a support group for weight loss that wasn't Overeaters Annonymous, because I think more people would flock to it.

Basically though it comes down to the fact that the western diet is a mash-up of crap.

You're right, I just hate the word 'diet'. It denotes that something is temporary, when it should be a lifestyle.

As far as this whole "tax dollars spent for obese people", I'd be all for some kind of program that helped with nutrition and guided exercise and ways of measuring it [the food pyramid just needs to be burned. Nutrition should be on an individual basis, imo]. I have the benefit of education, but a lot of people don't.

 

[E-Man]

It's not people being fatter... its a larger proportion of people are fat now. More people fat = more health issues= more cost.

And the argument of 'who cares what happens to my tax money' doesn't make sense. Wouldn't it be better if the money was going into something that couldn't be solved simply by a healthy lifestyle?


Basically though it comes down to the fact that the western diet is a mash-up of crap.

The western diet is a mash up of crap, but changing that is pretty much impossible without having a major cultural revolution that would more than likely be full of negative repercussions. The western diet is full of crap because we are well off and like food that "tastes good." Companies give us what we want, and we like tasty food. As long as we have the money to do it people will buy food that's unhealthy.

Changing people's desire to eat food that "tastes good" is damn near impossible without taking away their means from getting that food in the first place. Think of the holiday season that is coming up. We're going to stop people from gorging at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Some might change their habits and cut back, but most will eat well on both holidays, then gorge again when another holiday comes up. Maybe we can get kids active in school as a requirement, and have positive rewards for losing weight. But no matter what we do, there will always be fat people when there is a well off society. As the population grows there will be more fat people present because there are more people.

I also think you're misinterpreting what I mean about taxes. Universal health care is something that everyone has, not just fat slobs who won't lose weight. Paying taxes for that is not paying for them. It's just paying your part to receive those benefits. The exact same thing happens with public education. You don't pay taxes so some idiot kid can go to school and never make anything out of his or herself. You do it because it gives you and your family the opportunity to do so. I do care about what taxes are spent on, and I'd rather them be spent on something that benefits the average citizen. Having an ultra sized military, for the Americans, does nothing to benefit the average person in the United States on a personal level. Universal health care at least takes care of everyone, and it guarantees that I would be able to get an operation if I have a bad accident.

 

[mrvlknight21]

Long post is long, and for that I apologize!




Except motivation should never be extrinsic. Ever. If all you have is extrinsic motivation, you will in no way retain any kind of lifestyle change once you do lose the weight, and you will gain it all back, and probably more.

Motivation must always be intrinsic. It has to come from the heart, and the decision has to be made there first and foremost.

I agree with this. Although sometimes the extrinsic can influence the intrinsic.

As far as outside help? Personally, if the area I was in had a Planet Fitness, I'd be really excited. It's 10.00 a month, and they have a metric ton of equipment, and a specific no judgment policy, which makes me feel very safe. You wouldn't believe some of the comments I've gotten going to a Gold's Gym and being intimidated off of the treadmill by someone who was considerably more fit than I. I enjoy walking outside [lots of mountains here ] but once the first snow falls we're basically screwed. I could drive to the local mall and do laps, but I enjoy hills and a variance in escalation.


Planet Fitness is a terrible gym, imo. They have plenty of equipment, but some ridiculous rules and crazy things like pizza parties. (one ridiculous rule is you cant bring a gallon jug of water there..WTF??) That "no judgement" policy actually is prejudiced against bodybuilders and powerlifters and some of their habits.

I do understand that some people, women, obese people, etc often want a place that they are comfortable working out. However, SOOOO many of those people that I have met simply BELIEVE that others are looking at them/judging them when they workout. Does that happen? Of course! But not to the level that many believe. But things like that often overblown belief are the reason that places like "Curves" exist. Nothing wrong with Curves, mind you, but it does cater to that mindset to an extent. I have said MANY times, I dont care what method a person chooses to get in shape-weight training, surfing, running, yoga, basketball, karate, patty cake...just do SOMETHING! Make sure it is something that YOU enjoy and will stick with and it wont feel like work, but fun.

I have told the story many times in the fitness thread about my buddy who was 490 lbs and began working out with me. He made up his mind to turn his life around and 2 years later he was 225 lbs and running in 5k and 10k races. You can imagine what may have gone through his mind about what people thought of him at the largest gym in my area. But he didnt care. He instead focused on his goal and not what others MIGHT have been thinking.

I would like to hear about this incident with the treadmill Hench, either here or on PM.

Everyone should also keep in mind, it DOES NOT require a gym membership to reach your fitness goals. There is plenty you can do in the privacy of your home with NO equipment. I have mentioned programs/exercises and such MANY times in the fitness thread that would qualify for this. Also, it should be known (since this thread is about weight loss) that weight loss has a LOT to do with food intake and less to do with exercise.

I would be glad to assist ANYONE that I can with diet/exercise routine. Honestly. Anyone can feel free to PM me. I have done this many times over with decent success (one success story mentioned above).



Also, if produce and seafood and fresh meats and organic foods were cheaper here, I'd be all over that like **** on Velcro. As it stands, the largest 'supermarket' we have is Wally world, and I cannot. stand. it. The produce is crap, everything is over processed. The upside, however, is that there is an Asian market within walking distance to the apartment. Haha, the store owner knows me at this point and she's been giving me things to buy to try out, and I've really been enjoying myself [basically add Dashi stock to Mirin, Soy sauce and Sake, and you can make anything taste heavenly ].


I agree with most of this too. Organic food is more expensive and harder to find. And yes, Walmart isnt the BEST option. But, that shouldnt stop ANYONE from eating healthy.


Things that have been giving me good motivation have been cooking my own meals completely, and when I start my new job I will be making my lunches every day [I've quite fallen in love with the Bento Box lunches they have in Japan. They use a 5-color system to ensure nutrition which I think is brilliant and they also use mostly raw, or uncooked veggies.], and will be able to actually afford fresh produce every couple of days.

It's also taking a very long time to re-write my own nutrition. I knew it would take a while, and I've been taking any small victory I can get. You have to start out small, and anyone who thinks that it's healthy losing 10 lbs or more a month, you're out of your damn mind.


That is true, unless you are as obese as the guy I mentioned above. (although his weight loss was just a little over 10 lbs a month when you average it out.

I toooooootally agree with this. And to a degree, I think there are things being done to promote a healthy lifestyle, but it just isn't reaching the people it needs to reach. Somehow, I think if the nation's biggest cash crop weren't corn, we'd be in much better shape.

There are little to no farms anymore with fresh local produce [there are, however, small uprisings here and there with farmer's markets and the like]. And farms that do exist are being gobbled up [npi] by bigger companies that use low-quality feed and fertilizer because it's cheaper.

There are a lot of things that need to be done that probably wont be. Until then it's up to the individual to change. It would be great if there was a support group for weight loss that wasn't Overeaters Annonymous, because I think more people would flock to it.


Interesting point about the corn. I hadnt thought of that, you could be right.



You're right, I just hate the word 'diet'. It denotes that something is temporary, when it should be a lifestyle.

Agree with this too. The word diet does carry the stigma of both starving yourself and being temporary.


As far as this whole "tax dollars spent for obese people", I'd be all for some kind of program that helped with nutrition and guided exercise and ways of measuring it [the food pyramid just needs to be burned. Nutrition should be on an individual basis, imo]. I have the benefit of education, but a lot of people don't.

Bold and italic above are my response.

 

[doih]

The corn/sugar subsidies in the US are killer (in Canada it's more dairy). It's ridiculously cheap to produce and gets added to virtually all processed foods.

As a start: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-fructose_corn_syrup

 

[NotAHenchwench]

Uh oh. Another long one. Sahrry!

I agree with this. Although sometimes the extrinsic can influence the intrinsic.

I think the extrinsic should do nothing but aid the intrinsic. You can't dangle cash in front of someone and expect them to make the lifestyle change for the cash.

You gotta make the decisions yourself without any guarantee of a 'reward' or it completely defeats the purpose of getting help. Those shows like Biggest Loser, and Jackie's-Traning-whatever-the-eff do more damage than good, in my opinion.

Planet Fitness is a terrible gym, imo. They have plenty of equipment, but some ridiculous rules and crazy things like pizza parties. (one ridiculous rule is you cant bring a gallon jug of water there..WTF??) That "no judgement" policy actually is prejudiced against bodybuilders and powerlifters and some of their habits.

Whaaaat? Pizza parties? Haha, I've never ever heard of that at PF. That's really funny. Very silly, I think.

That water rule is a bit ridiculous, but it's only because the top isn't a screw-top and has the potential to spill.
While I can appreciate that it's prejudiced, Planet Fitness wasn't meant for bodybuilders and powerlifters. It was meant for people who are either just starting out, or don't want to hear bodylifter's habits. I personally find powerlifters and their habits intimidating, so I just choose to stay away from it.

I do understand that some people, women, obese people, etc often want a place that they are comfortable working out. However, SOOOO many of those people that I have met simply BELIEVE that others are looking at them/judging them when they workout. Does that happen? Of course! But not to the level that many believe. But things like that often overblown belief are the reason that places like "Curves" exist. Nothing wrong with Curves, mind you, but it does cater to that mindset to an extent. I have said MANY times, I dont care what method a person chooses to get in shape-weight training, surfing, running, yoga, basketball, karate, patty cake...just do SOMETHING! Make sure it is something that YOU enjoy and will stick with and it wont feel like work, but fun.

1) I can't stand Curves.

A huge part of being fat IS people looking at you and judging you. I've been made fun of out in the open enough to know that I don't even want there to be a smidgen of a chance that people would hurt me in public. It isn't an overblown belief. I've lived it, and am still living it to an extent.

I appreciate that you're trying to open the floor that any way of working out is safe for the obese. But in my life, I've found that walking and Planet Fitness were what worked for me. So far, anyway.

I have told the story many times in the fitness thread about my buddy who was 490 lbs and began working out with me. He made up his mind to turn his life around and 2 years later he was 225 lbs and running in 5k and 10k races. You can imagine what may have gone through his mind about what people thought of him at the largest gym in my area. But he didnt care. He instead focused on his goal and not what others MIGHT have been thinking.

That is fantastic! I'm so happy to hear he made those decisions.

And I know I don't have to remind you of this, but it isn't that simple and it's different for everyone . Finding the balance and making it fun is a huge gateway to actually seeing a lifestyle change through.

I would like to hear about this incident with the treadmill Hench, either here or on PM.

I don't mind talking about it here.

This was a few years ago, in college. The university gyms were always being used by the sports teams, so a few friends and I got a membership to Gold's in late October, because walking in the snow isn't a good idea. I had gone a few times without incident, but at one point I had been on the treadmill for about an hour and a half. At the time I was walking, because of my hip condition, high impact things such as jogging just couldn't happen. I had head phones on and was focused, and someone tapped my shoulder from behind which A) startled me and B) nearly made me fall off [I was at a brisk walk by that point, and on an incline]. I stopped my workout because I thought something was wrong. Nope, this guy just said to me "You've been hogging this treadmill for an hour, and someone who actually can get something done wants to use it."

Best part? There were three other treadmills open on the floor. So I left and didn't go back.

Everyone should also keep in mind, it DOES NOT require a gym membership to reach your fitness goals. There is plenty you can do in the privacy of your home with NO equipment. I have mentioned programs/exercises and such MANY times in the fitness thread that would qualify for this. Also, it should be known (since this thread is about weight loss) that weight loss has a LOT to do with food intake and less to do with exercise.

I totally agree. But, in the winter time, it just isn't probable to walk outside. Here we get a huuuuuge amount of snow and often times the sidewalks [what little we have] are not plowed, so we have to come up with a way to exercise. I use DDR on the occasions that I can't get out, but I've had downstairs neighbors come to the door and complain.

Food intake is completely 75% of weight loss, I agree there too. But I LIKE exercise. I like going for a walk and the feeling I get afterward is fantastic. I like Cardio.

I'm kind of hoping to get Wii Fit for Christmas. A couple Family members have really enjoyed it and it's gotten them moving.

I agree with most of this too. Organic food is more expensive and harder to find. And yes, Walmart isnt the BEST option. But, that shouldnt stop ANYONE from eating healthy.

I wasn't saying that it stopped me from eating healthy, but the produce at the Walmart is TERRIBLE. I'm not going to buy partially browning lettuce or soft onions or bruised apples. Especially at the prices they're asking for them. There are ways around that, and I've been managing, but all I'm saying is that if fresh produce and meats were more affordable and more readily available, I would find it much more of a joy to purchase them.

Interesting point about the corn. I hadnt thought of that, you could be right.

Corn is in EVERYTHING. Seriously, go pick up 10 random items in your kitchen and if it isn't fresh, it contains HFCS [High Fructose Corn Syrup] or some kind of corn product. Your Beef, Pork and Chicken? They're fed with Corn, because it's cheap. People gawk at Organic foods but the difference between an organic egg compared to an inorganic egg is really quite amazing.

Agree with this too. The word diet does carry the stigma of both starving yourself and being temporary.

Haha yeah, I can't tell you how many times the words "going on a diet" has crossed my path. It should be assassinated.

 

[Colossal Spoons]

Okay that was sooo not the reason I started this thread. I started it because honestly, it seems like lately this is a really heated topic in the news.

Yeah, I wasn't takin a shot at ya. Just had to chuckle when I saw who created this thread. We cool woman

and so are deep fried chicken pieces

My fav thing about McNuggets is the one shaped like Louisiana(the boot). They're not even trying to make it seem like they're not pressed and formed chicken guts.

 

[Matt Mortem]

Fat acceptance? I'm not all that cool with just accepting the problem. I'm a big fat guy, and just accepting the problem and being like "oh that ok, thats how people are now" isn't helpful. I'm truly working on my health and I think it needs to be promoted in a more constructive way.

 

[Colossal Spoons]

I can't speak for others, but I respond well to having a workout partner, compliments from people who see me changing my life, and fun sometimes works.

People rarely ever try to make cardio fun anymore. It's all running, bicycles, and kickboxing. Dammit, where's my late night infomercial for a break dancing workout plan?! If the first disc alone had a bunch of toprock and downrock routines, I'd drop 20lbs in 2 weeks.

Yeah, compliments are good motivation in the beginning. As for your workout partner, would you rather this person be in better shape than you to push you or somebody of your build to "go through it together"?

Spin bikes make my ass hurt. I'll start using them when they start making them with comfy seats.

I haven't seen any legit info to back this up but I've heard that the spinner bike seats can lead to sterility in men with prolonged use. Good for me, bad for those of you who want kids lol

 

[SuperFerret]

Actually, yes. I would look at it that way. Especially within the context of taxes.

Wouldn't that make me just another middle man in the grand scheme of things though? When does my money become my money and not an extension of the money that my place of business gets from their clients who get that money from their places of business and so on?

I understand, and that attitude is consistent with others you've expressed. I'm just saying that when it's predicted that rising obesity rates will cost U.S. Health Care about $344 billion, it can affect everybody. That's another consequence of being part of a socially communal species.

Which ties into my other consistent attitude that society's problems mostly stem from Homo sapiens being far more ideally suited for smaller population groups spread out with minimal contact with each other, and now we're thrust into a worldwide community of over 7 billion. But that's a discussion for another thread.

 

[mrvlknight21]

Uh oh. Another long one. Sahrry!

I think the extrinsic should do nothing but aid the intrinsic. You can't dangle cash in front of someone and expect them to make the lifestyle change for the cash.

You gotta make the decisions yourself without any guarantee of a 'reward' or it completely defeats the purpose of getting help. Those shows like Biggest Loser, and Jackie's-Traning-whatever-the-eff do more damage than good, in my opinion.




Whaaaat? Pizza parties? Haha, I've never ever heard of that at PF. That's really funny. Very silly, I think.

That water rule is a bit ridiculous, but it's only because the top isn't a screw-top and has the potential to spill.
While I can appreciate that it's prejudiced, Planet Fitness wasn't meant for bodybuilders and powerlifters. It was meant for people who are either just starting out, or don't want to hear bodylifter's habits. I personally find powerlifters and their habits intimidating, so I just choose to stay away from it.

No, thats not true. Im talking about the gallon milk jug WITH any kind of top. They arent allowed because bodybuilders are known for carrying them to the gym. Its not about spilling. Again, judgment free zone, becomes judgmental. Just ironic.
1) I can't stand Curves.

A huge part of being fat IS people looking at you and judging you. I've been made fun of out in the open enough to know that I don't even want there to be a smidgen of a chance that people would hurt me in public. It isn't an overblown belief. I've lived it, and am still living it to an extent.

I didnt say it doesnt happen. Quite the opposite. However, its RARELY as bad as the person believes. I have seen it too, the guy I mentioned has had it happen to him.

I appreciate that you're trying to open the floor that any way of working out is safe for the obese. But in my life, I've found that walking and Planet Fitness were what worked for me. So far, anyway.


Thats great. Again, I mentioned several ways that someone can get in shape and I dont care what they use. If Planet Fitness works for you, or Curves or whatever, GREAT! Again, my home workouts require very little space, just some effort. So, even cold outside, you can burn calories.
That is fantastic! I'm so happy to hear he made those decisions.

And I know I don't have to remind you of this, but it isn't that simple and it's different for everyone . Finding the balance and making it fun is a huge gateway to actually seeing a lifestyle change through.

I don't mind talking about it here.

This was a few years ago, in college. The university gyms were always being used by the sports teams, so a few friends and I got a membership to Gold's in late October, because walking in the snow isn't a good idea. I had gone a few times without incident, but at one point I had been on the treadmill for about an hour and a half. At the time I was walking, because of my hip condition, high impact things such as jogging just couldn't happen. I had head phones on and was focused, and someone tapped my shoulder from behind which A) startled me and B) nearly made me fall off [I was at a brisk walk by that point, and on an incline]. I stopped my workout because I thought something was wrong. Nope, this guy just said to me "You've been hogging this treadmill for an hour, and someone who actually can get something done wants to use it."

Best part? There were three other treadmills open on the floor. So I left and didn't go back.

Just based on what you told me I think that has NOTHING to do with you. They may have had a rule (as EVERY gym I have ever seen does) about time limits on cardio equipment. Im not saying the guy didnt act like a giant ass and since nobody was waiting, could have let you stay there as long as you wanted.
But I really want you and anyone else who has experienced that sort of thing OR feels intimidated (which I cant comprehend, but thats just me) to rise above that and conquer your fitness goals. Again, any way you choose is fine with me, but dont allow one idiot to ruin any particular style/location of gym.

I totally agree. But, in the winter time, it just isn't probable to walk outside. Here we get a huuuuuge amount of snow and often times the sidewalks [what little we have] are not plowed, so we have to come up with a way to exercise. I use DDR on the occasions that I can't get out, but I've had downstairs neighbors come to the door and complain.

Again, the methods I mention can be done anywhere, even inside a small room. It doesnt take much space to break a sweat.

Food intake is completely 75% of weight loss, I agree there too. But I LIKE exercise. I like going for a walk and the feeling I get afterward is fantastic. I like Cardio.

I'm kind of hoping to get Wii Fit for Christmas. A couple Family members have really enjoyed it and it's gotten them moving.

I wasn't saying that it stopped me from eating healthy, but the produce at the Walmart is TERRIBLE. I'm not going to buy partially browning lettuce or soft onions or bruised apples. Especially at the prices they're asking for them. There are ways around that, and I've been managing, but all I'm saying is that if fresh produce and meats were more affordable and more readily available, I would find it much more of a joy to purchase them.

You have found one method of eating healthier, the Asian Market. So that wasnt directed at you, just generally speaking. Everyone can find a way to find healthier food, as you did.


Corn is in EVERYTHING. Seriously, go pick up 10 random items in your kitchen and if it isn't fresh, it contains HFCS [High Fructose Corn Syrup] or some kind of corn product. Your Beef, Pork and Chicken? They're fed with Corn, because it's cheap. People gawk at Organic foods but the difference between an organic egg compared to an inorganic egg is really quite amazing.


Haha yeah, I can't tell you how many times the words "going on a diet" has crossed my path. It should be assassinated.

bold and italics are mine again.

 

[NotAHenchwench]

Well, I think what we're both saying is that it's all about preference and what makes you comfortable. Every body is different, and everyone should find what works for them.

 

[mrvlknight21]

Info/rules about a Planet Fitness in Queensbury, taken from a news article.

Active Advice

Planet Fitness in Aviation Mall is one of the cheapest gyms around with $10- and $19.99-monthly membership plans, but it may be better suited to some than others.

For:

-- The multitasker and easily bored: You can run on one of 28 treadmills with personal flat-screen TVs in front of each. Pick your channel and go at it.

-- The newbie: According to store manager Brandon Wyatt, 80 percent of members were first-time gym-goers.

-- The night owl: Open 24 hours a day on weekdays, this is one place you can frequent at your convenience.

-- The circuit lover: The gym has several machines set aside for a 30-minute workout, with a green-and-red light to tell you when to move.

-- The tanner: Unlimited tanning included with premium membership.

-- The freebie and food lover: Free Tootsie Rolls every day, and free pizza and bagels one day a month.

Not for:

-- The bodybuilder who makes a scene and/or grunts: You'll sound the "lunk alarm" for sure.

-- The fitness-class lover: There are no traditional classes, just four introductory courses to get acquainted with the facility.

-- Anyone who wears work boots, jeans, skull caps or bandanas, and/or brings a gallon of water. All violate the rules.

 

[Colossal Spoons]

Except motivation should never be extrinsic. Ever. If all you have is extrinsic motivation, you will in no way retain any kind of lifestyle change once you do lose the weight, and you will gain it all back, and probably more.

Oh, I agree wholeheartedly. However, I've come to find that intrinsically motivated people are in the minority of people looking to get started exercising/dieting. It would explain why so many people fall off the wagon when the compliments come to a lull or your workout partner can't make it for a few days.

 

[NotAHenchwench]

Oh, I agree wholeheartedly. However, I've come to find that intrinsically motivated people are in the minority of people looking to get started exercising/dieting. It would explain why so many people fall off the wagon when the compliments come to a lull or your workout partner can't make it for a few days.

And that minority is directly correlated to the amount of people who have successfully made the lifestyle change.

 

[Colossal Spoons]

And that minority is directly correlated to the amount of people who have successfully made the lifestyle change.

Heard that!

 

[mrvlknight21]

Well, I think what we're both saying is that it's all about preference and what makes you comfortable. Every body is different, and everyone should find what works for them.

I agree with that.
I just want to be clear that a person should not give up on exercising as a result of #1 not having a gym/equipment/etc OR #2 being intimidated by anything.

 

[BlackLantern]

Not for:

-- The bodybuilder who makes a scene and/or grunts: You'll sound the "lunk alarm" for sure.

but I want to get my pump on, bro and everyone around me needs to know that I'm gettin' my pump on.....bro

-- The fitness-class lover: There are no traditional classes, just four introductory courses to get acquainted with the facility.

you mean there is no all natural elitist bikram yoga so I can pretend to be spiritual when all i want to do is get flexible for that ******** next month?

-- Anyone who wears work boots, jeans, skull caps or bandanas, and/or brings a gallon of water. All violate the rules.

I never got the gallon of water thing....I get having a bottle or something but a gallon....really?

 

[mrvlknight21]

but i want to get my pump on, bro and everyone around me needs to know that i'm gettin' my pump on.....bro



you mean there is no all natural elitist bikram yoga so i can pretend to be spiritual when all i want to do is get flexible for that ******** next month?



I never got the gallon of water thing....i get having a bottle or something but a gallon....really?

lol!

 

[Manic]

Yeah, compliments are good motivation in the beginning. As for your workout partner, would you rather this person be in better shape than you to push you or somebody of your build to "go through it together"?

Either one is good. I feel less self conscious when someone is going through it with me. People who already exercise more than I do usually have good advice; I just don't want a personal trainer who's being paid a ton to care about my results.

I haven't seen any legit info to back this up but I've heard that the spinner bike seats can lead to sterility in men with prolonged use. Good for me, bad for those of you who want kids lol

I'm not saying that spin bikes cause prostate cancer. I'm just saying... wouldn't it be very worrying if they did?

 

[Carcharodon]

Wouldn't that make me just another middle man in the grand scheme of things though? When does my money become my money and not an extension of the money that my place of business gets from their clients who get that money from their places of business and so on?

That's the important question. I'm of the opinion that the original intent or purpose of money changing hands is irrelevant, and that we must therefore assume an equal division of our contribution among the receiver's expenses.

So you probably contributed, in theory, some very small amount toward that dollhouse. There's no reason to assume otherwise unless you don't agree with my stated opinion.

It makes for interesting philosophical discussion.

 

[THE MR. TERRIFIC]

Coming from someone who was obese it is NOT healthy. That is what obese implies. Overweight and obese are two totally different things. Bottom line is being healthy is the best thing for anyone period. As long as your doctor says you're healthy then you are. Follow your doctors orders on health, exercise and wellness and you will live a longer healthier life.

 

[Carcharodon]

Coming from someone who was obese it is NOT healthy. That is what obese implies. Overweight and obese are two totally different things. Bottom line is being healthy is the best thing for anyone period. As long as your doctor says you're healthy then you are. Follow your doctors orders on health, exercise and wellness and you will live a longer healthier life.

Actually, there are obese people who seem to be quite healthy. We don't really know why, but they're out there. It's certainly not the norm (about one third of obese people don't run a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes, if memory recalls), but it does demonstrate that being obese does not necessarily include being unhealthy.

 

[THE MR. TERRIFIC]

Actually, there are obese people who seem to be quite healthy. We don't really know why, but they're out there. It's certainly not the norm (about one third of obese people don't run a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes, if memory recalls), but it does demonstrate that being obese does not necessarily include being unhealthy.

But I guarantee those people are not living healthy lifestyles and their doctors would like them to change their habits. That's the point I'm trying to make. We all need to try and lead a healthy lifestyle.

 

[TheDreamMaster]

I'm overweight. I want to lose weight, and have lost before, but things drove me back to where I am. The ebst thing that ever worked for me was Dance Dance REvolution. Dropped over 80 pounds doing it. Gained most of it back over the next three years unfortunetly. I plan on hooking up my PS2 and starting again. I am not happy about weight at all, and really want to drop it for the sake of my family. So to this thread, I accept I'm overweight. However, I do not accept that I have to stay this way.

 

[Lantern Venom]

Well, I think what we're both saying is that it's all about preference and what makes you comfortable. Every body is different, and everyone should find what works for them.

I've heard/seen numerous people in my life who think exercise is boring, dieting is a waste of time, and couldn't care less about their appearance. I disagree with them completely but ultimately I think it is that person's choice to live that way.