Sorry to be so late to this little party, but...Good post.
With Thanksgiving having just passed, and with a month of Holiday Season social events just ahead, I think this is a topic that will interest many of us soon enough. One month from tomorrow, millions of Americans will resolve to lose a few pounds.
I'm 60 years old and have been devoted to health and fitness all my life. As an avid runner, I've competed in age-group 200 and 400-meter dash events over the years. But after minor foot surgery and a period of inactivity, I've let a few more pounds creep on. I'm now almost 20# over the 180 I carried on my 6' 1" frame as a high school WR and 440 runner.
So I'm interested in busting a few pounds after the holidays!
I always liked elliptical machines. You can get a great cardiovascular workout with no impact. Running on hard surfaces just beats the hell out of older joints. But I don't have anywhere near enough boredom tolerance to stay on an elliptical machine very long, unless...
...I have a 50" plasma TV and a Blu-ray DVD player right in front of me! My solution was to put a Precor elliptical machine in a spare room where I can watch movies or DVD documentaries. That way, 30-45 minutes goes by quickly -- no boredom, and no wasted time since I watch something I would watch anyway.
It's also important to do strengh training, since you're likely to lose a few pounds of muscle every decade if you're physically inactive. I try to get a good full-body workout in at least twice a week. Last year, I was introduced to kettlebell functional strengh training by a personal trainer. One of the hardest damned things I've ever done.
This has always seemed counterintuitive to me, but I understand that you should eat meals more frequently, not less. (Of course, they should be smaller meals!) The idea is that your metabolism and energy attain and sustain higher levels. Skipping breakfast or lunch is the worst thing you can do. Your body then processes signals that times are lean and reacts by conserving energy and storing fat. But if you consume meals containing quality protein at reasonably frequent intervals, your hormonal systems think you're enjoying a time of plenty, so there's no need to pack on extra fat!
Happy Holidays and Good Health to all! Originally Posted by CaptainMidnight
I too suffered a joint injury a couple of years ago that makes running (even on a treadmill) not possible. I bought a Precor elliptical as well. It is literally the same as the ones in health clubs. I realize new they cost more than many used cars, but aftermarket (used) they are pretty reasonable and much better than the crap at Dick's etc. I do news or sportscenter to breakup the boredom. Having it at home makes it a lot easier to avoid excuses when it gets to this time of the year and the weather is nastier and it is always dark outside.
Good point on the more, smaller meals & metabolism. With a board full of road warriors, that is tough when the tendancy is to work like hell all day and then every night eat a dinner fit for a family of four . My suggestion is travel with a box of nutrition bars (e.g. Powerbar) & have one mid morning and one late afternoon & live with a bottle of water in your hand. You can still go out to dinner with the group but won't feel the need to gorge yourself.
