The Health & Weight Support Thread

[Svataben]

But you don't understand. I'm underweight. I want and need to gain weight. D:

I understand perfectly, but I didn't know you when I started the thread, nor did I start it with you in mind.

[georgexu94]

I understand perfectly, but I didn't know you when I started the thread, nor did I start it with you in mind.

^^; Oh, that's fine but do you have tips or threads?

[Svataben]

^^; Oh, that's fine but do you have tips or threads?

Do exercises to build muscle (there's a nice yoga link in the second post), eat lots of protein and generally use your body.

 

Here is a nice google: Building muscle diet for men

[brairtrainer]

^^; Oh, that's fine but do you have tips or threads?

I have some tips for gaining weight (which I used because I wasn't happy with my body image).

 

Drink whole milk, better on your digestive system and tastier as well.

 

Eat healthy while attempting to gain weight, also use strength exersizes that don't burn too many calories but work your muscles, like torso twists (twist three times from right to left stopping in the middle after one rep. Then twist, not bend, diagonally to the right then the left three times. Works your abs but does not burn many calories.)

 

Spend time outside, fresh air can help you move toward a more healthy weight no matter if you are over or under wieght.

 

Allow yourself to eat non-healthy things but do so wisely. Eat icecream for the calcium and the fat, eat fattier types of meat with several veggies with it. The veggies will give you the nutireints you need to stay healthy while gaining weight.

 

Also talk to your doctor as you do this, your frame might mean that you are underweight on the BMI but you could be the correct weight for your build.

[AngelKitty]

For the past few months I've been running, lifting weights and attempting to eat healthier. I can run over a mile, I've built up a ton of muscle, I've discovered new healthy foods I like, I've become more observant of my calorie intake, my resting heart rate has dropped from around 86 bpm to around 65 bpm, my digestive health has improved drastically, and I overall feel healthier and more confident.

 

Considering the muscle gain I've lost mmmaybe around 20 lbs of fat. I've lost fat in my face, arms, and legs, but it's done little for my waistline. Abdominal fat is apparently the most stubborn, which is kind of upsetting because I worry about visceral fat. ._.

[Svataben]

For the past few months I've been running, lifting weights and attempting to eat healthier. I can run over a mile, I've built up a ton of muscle, I've discovered new healthy foods I like, I've become more observant of my calorie intake, my resting heart rate has dropped from around 86 bpm to around 65 bpm, my digestive health has improved drastically, and I overall feel healthier and more confident.

 

Considering the muscle gain I've lost mmmaybe around 20 lbs of fat. I've lost fat in my face, arms, and legs, but it's done little for my waistline. Abdominal fat is apparently the most stubborn, which is kind of upsetting because I worry about visceral fat. ._.

That is so impressive!

I'm not nearly as good as you with exercise. I'm really good at buying equipment and gathering information, and I just made a chart on Excel for my weight, BMI etc., but I suck at actually doing physical work-outs.

 

I've found a bunch of youtube videos with scary Gillian Michaels from The Biggest Loser, and there was one 35 minute long one about the stomach: 6 Week Six-Pack Abs Workout- Level 1 .

Nothing wobbles on her, so I'm thinking it works.

Edited May 15, 2013 by Svataben

[Orlageddon]

I'm another underweight type here, maybe I could start this as well. I have quite a nice figure, aesthetically, but a specialist has told me that I need to put on 7 kilos of muscle and 3 kilos of fat?? It seems almost impossible No clue how I'd do that, considering my turbo-metabolism and extreme aversion to sports.

And I'm not sure on it being a developmental phase. I'm likely to start gaining weight later on, IMO. :/ I should get into the habit of exercising before it's too late, but I can't bring myself to start.

 

Anyway, it's awesome that you're all doing something for your bodies! Best of luck to you :3

[Svataben]

I'm another underweight type here, maybe I could start this as well. I have quite a nice figure, aesthetically, but a specialist has told me that I need to put on 7 kilos of muscle and 3 kilos of fat?? It seems almost impossible No clue how I'd do that, considering my turbo-metabolism and extreme aversion to sports.

And I'm not sure on it being a developmental phase. I'm likely to start gaining weight later on, IMO. :/ I should get into the habit of exercising before it's too late, but I can't bring myself to start.

 

Anyway, it's awesome that you're all doing something for your bodies! Best of luck to you :3

There are definitely people out there like you!

 

A quick google eat to gain weight healthy

And if you start typing 'eat to gain' you get a lot of suggestions.

 

If you, like I, aren't that motivated for exercise, eating right is a great place to start. Once you got that down and are doing well, you might feel up to moving more, but let that happen when it will.

 

[Alegra]

For the past few months I've been running, lifting weights and attempting to eat healthier. I can run over a mile, I've built up a ton of muscle, I've discovered new healthy foods I like, I've become more observant of my calorie intake, my resting heart rate has dropped from around 86 bpm to around 65 bpm, my digestive health has improved drastically, and I overall feel healthier and more confident.

 

Considering the muscle gain I've lost mmmaybe around 20 lbs of fat. I've lost fat in my face, arms, and legs, but it's done little for my waistline. Abdominal fat is apparently the most stubborn, which is kind of upsetting because I worry about visceral fat. ._.

That's wonderful AngelKitty I wish I had the confidence to go lift weights with my boyfriend.

 

 

I try to initiate gonna-really-be-healthy-this-time a lot and at this point I can last like a day before I screw up.

[Svataben]

That's wonderful AngelKitty I wish I had the confidence to go lift weights with my boyfriend.

 

 

I try to initiate gonna-really-be-healthy-this-time a lot and at this point I can last like a day before I screw up.

Yeah, it isn't easy.

That's why it's important to take little steps. Just try eating a little less of the unhealthy stuff, or doing just a bit more exercise.

[brairtrainer]

That's wonderful AngelKitty I wish I had the confidence to go lift weights with my boyfriend.

 

 

I try to initiate gonna-really-be-healthy-this-time a lot and at this point I can last like a day before I screw up.

Legry when I try to eat healthier, I first start by picking something I like and makeing a change in it to increase the health benifits. Like I love chicken breasts with chedder cheese and broccoli in them, but I don't tend to eat fruits.

 

So the last time I was at the grocery store I got the chicken breasts with brie and apple in them. Or I love corn chips, but instead of eating them with salsa I mix in some avacado and lemon and make a cheap quick guacamole.

 

One thing I'd suggest is to start on your snack foods and ask what can make them healthier for you. Maybe you need to cut down on salt so you switch from chips to multigrain crackers. Maybe you like something sweet in the afternoon, instead of buying something sugary and fatty take some peanut butter, mix in some honey and dip apples into it.

 

Little steps seem to be the key.

 

Moving back to myself, I just learned I can't take the job with walking . So Now I'm going to try and schedule time after dinner and take one of my dogs on a long walk, and I'm going to get my wii fit set up from scratch again, so that way I can focus on yoga with something to guide me.

[Svataben]

So... I felt all energized and took a loong walk today. The weather is lovely.

And now my right knee is weird and a bit swollen.

A quick google has told me, it's the walking longer than usual, on a hard surface, and with the wrong shoes (all true) that has been a strain on my knee.

 

Why didn't I listen to myself, and take it easy? I'm guess I'm dumb...

[kiffren]

Svataben can you please not double post? Please use the edit button instead.

[Svataben]

Svataben can you please not double post? Please use the edit button instead.

Sure.

[ShinyTomato]

Bad parts about the wife being away at night:

 

A. Shiny can't sleep

B. Shiny has trouble forcing herself to eat.

[brairtrainer]

Bad parts about the wife being away at night:

 

A. Shiny can't sleep

B. Shiny has trouble forcing herself to eat.

Just got back from the walk, I'm tired and sweaty but feel really good. I'm going to now grab a glass of water to reset my body chemistry. Its super humid here which makes it hard when I start sweating.

[injenn]

I'll say right now I'm at a healthy weight, but sorely out of shape.

 

I've had trouble trying to find ways to gain muscle and getting in shape because I have low blood pressure. I find it hard to exercise in the heat because I've fainted in the past just doing marching.

 

....

 

Any sort of advice and support is appreciated.

Have you tried dancing games? They will get your heart rate up, can be done indoors and are really fun!

 

I started playing Pump It Up about a year ago. When I started I was 260 pounds, out of shape and had an ankle so bad I couldn't stand for more than 20 minutes without it giving out on me. I could not run. Period. I broke my ankle a few years back and thought I'd never be able to dance again.

 

I'm currently 250 pounds but my clothing size has gone down a lot so I know it's muscle gain. My stamina has gotten better and so has my ankle. I can stand for three hours straight now before it gives me trouble. I can also sprint for a few seconds without it giving out on me!

 

I play every Friday night at the local arcade. People are used to seeing me there and I've started making lots of new friends around my age. I'm over 21, by the way. Grownups like games, too, we just go to the arcade at night to avoid the kids.

 

I started as a total newb at level 1 "easy" ranking songs. I'm currently able to do level eight "medium" and "Hard" songs as long as I have a buddy to back me up. My personal goal is level 15 so I can do the full version of

. I know the song is only level 9, but it's twice the length of normal and gets really insane at the end!

 

I also play some DDR, but find it's not as useful as In the Groove or Pump it Up. I like the songs better in Pump it up and In the Groove, too!

[brairtrainer]

I have tried dancing games but I don't own any. Maybe if I see some at a used game store I'll pick some up thanks for the tip.

[Rachel72]

I need to lose about 30 pounds, myself.... I had got down to 175... but the weight came back...

 

I want to get down to about 160 or 150

[georgexu94]

Do exercises to build muscle (there's a nice yoga link in the second post), eat lots of protein and generally use your body.

 

Here is a nice google: Building muscle diet for men

Thanks so much!

[injenn]

I have tried dancing games but I don't own any. Maybe if I see some at a used game store I'll pick some up thanks for the tip.

No problem! Here's more tips...

• You'll probably want a PS2. Most dancing games are on that system.
• You can find a PS2 at local thrift shops for $30 or less. Dance mats usually run 3-6 at most thrift stores. Don't forget memory cards, too!
• To prevent a soft mat from skidding, tape it to the floor if you have a hard floor. If you have carpet tape it to cardboard then use pillows to hold it in place.
• DDR (4 arrow mat) is easier to find than Pump It Up (5 arrow mat). If you can find a copy of In the Groove it's worth it and uses a DDR mat.
• Ignore beginner's mode. Just start on easy/light and work your way up.
• Thrift stores carry games, too. I typically pay $5 or less each.
• Feel free to put on "no fail mode" (check under options) when you're a newbie. Also don't forget to calibrate! Options are your friend.
• It's possible to have the arrows show timing using colors. Turn on Note arrows (type 2 AKA Flat) for DDR and In the Groove ("Steel"). Pump It Up doesn't offer this.

And now for my favorite at home dancing games to help you get started. The arcade will have different options if you're using an arcade machine, so these are just at home games. Some of these also work on PC. DDR is pretty much Stepmania on PC and In the Groove does have a PC version. I prefer the PS2 version as Stepmania files aren't always good. Get a PS2 to USB dongle and a PS2 mat will work on your computer!

 

In the Groove: Not easy to find and has a wicked learning curve. That said, the songs are catchy and often uplifting, the unlocks appear at a steady rate, and it will teach you to get better! This is the only 4-pannel dancing game that has arrows you hit with your hands and feet as well as mines. Don't get scared- you can turn these off under options before starting a song.

 

Example songs: Don't Promise Me, Tough Enough,

 

 

Dance Dance Revolution Extreme: This is a really strange hybrid of the very first DDR game and later DDR games. It's not the most beginner friendly, but the songs are challenging and fun and there's tons of music by Akira Yamaoka in it. Like Silent Hill's music? He wrote it and now you can dance to it!

 

Example Songs: You're Not Here,

,

 

 

Dance Dance Revolution Extreme 2: This one actually is beginner friendly. There's a little gage that warns you what kinds of steps to expect in the songs, the songs are generally pretty easy (until you start unlocking stuff) and Mission Mode is a good way to test your skills. Air = jumps. Chaos = off beat steps. Freeze = hold arrows. Voltage = high energy song. Streaming = tons of steps in a row.

 

Example songs:

,

,

,

 

 

...and of course there's the one Pump It Up game! Sadly, that game is mostly arcade-only so there's not much outside of arcades. If you do have an arcade nearby, it's worth it. I like Fiesta EX best so far in arcades. Check your mail for coupon books. Some arcades actually do discount tokens.

 

I'd suggest you avoid most the DDR games after the Extreme and Max series. Supernova, Universe, and Hottest Party all suck (some more than others). Supernova made me ragequit due to glitches. You've been warned.

Edited May 17, 2013 by injenn

[brairtrainer]

Fortuneate thing is I actually own 2 PS2 Systems. If I find any of the games you suggested I'll move one out of the basement and back to the main tv (both were moved down there so that the only game system that takes up the main tv is our wii)

[Rachel72]

Wii is useful for the weight loss journey!! I need to get back into this!!

[brairtrainer]

Well after walking a lot yesterday I have two popped blisters on my feet D: (partially because I couldn't find my walking shoes, not making that mistake again.) Still walking today but I wish I had something to make the blisters heal faster so I can keep walking each day.

[injenn]

@brairtrainer: Try soaking your feet in hot water with epsom salts. The salt draws out the fluid and makes the blisters heal quicker. The warmth feels great, too!

 

@Rachel72: Yep! The games that use camera are also good. I'm tempted to start some of those up as well.

 

Went to the arcade as usual. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to do much due to straining my bad ankle earlier that week. For the most part I stuck to standard just to play it safe.

 

I was pleasantly surprised when I managed to beat

for the first time ever. It's not the hardest song, but for some reason I never could quite push my way through. I blame the weird jump combos. Jumps are always my weak suit.

 

I also nearly made it through

. My friend, Chris dropped out in the middle. I failed on the last 30 seconds and actually had my other friend, Tim, telling me I did well. He knew I had strained my ankle and Sakura is known to be pretty brutal. Mix the two and it was a miracle I made it that far.

 

I wasn't hurting afterward! I'm still not hurting, but I'm not going to push my luck. I'm spending some time resting my leg today.

Edited May 18, 2013 by injenn