Archived posts from the 'gym' Category

Slimming, belly fat, body building, and cholesterol-120th day report

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Today is day 120 of my 100 days lose weight and belly flab 4 day cycle exercise program. After checking my notes, I have been to the gym 71 times since I started the program. It has been a roller coaster with Bulan Ramadan goodies driving me crazy with all the delicious raya kuih driving me nuts. And recently the durian season. I have been eating durian every few days. As physiomum said, she pitied me. I can’t control my hunger for delicious food.

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Along the way, I have learned a few things.

1)It is easy to motivate oneself to lose weight. It is maintaining this motivation that is a problem.
2)Dieting without exercise is at most a half hearted attempt to lose weight.
3)Body building is a good way to lose weight for both the ladies and the men.
4)For the average joe like me, it is impossible to gain the muscular look. At best I can just hope for a slim look. All the years of good food have left its toll on me.
5)Alcohol especially beer is the easiest fastest way to gain belly fat.
6)The role of cardio should never be underestimated. On the other hand, if one concentrates too much on the cardio and has too little energy left on the body building, it is counter productive. No amount of crunches will get rid of a flabby belly if no cardio work is involved in a workout routine.
7)If one finds it difficult to sleep it is a clear sign one has worked too hard. Lower the pace.
8)If one works out, one needs more proteins. I consume more beans, eggs without egg whites, skinless chicken, fish etc in bigger portions. Of course I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables too.
9)There will be always a good friend or two who tries to demotivate. Makes fun of our belated attempts to be healthy. It is ok. It is a sign of friendship. They care enough about us to notice us.
10)It takes time and it takes sacrifice. When the sun is hot or if it is raining, one will still have to wear the pair of smelly sneakers and go to the gym when it is the time.
11)One is never too old to exercise or be healthy.
12)One has to ensure one’s partner or spouse understands our quest. It also involves the home cooked meals. Eliminates any undue suspicions of long absences from the home.
13)Try to get a training buddy/spotter. It helps lots especially when heavy weights are involved. Also it helps because having a buddy/spotter reminds us to be always on our toes and not slack.
14)I have made mistakes in the gym. It is ok to make mistakes.

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Anyway after going through all this routine the doctor’s results are out. Mrs BB has finally sighed a big sigh of relief.

1) The blood tests show I no longer have a cholesterol problem . :) None at all. Very much within the normal range unlike the reading I got before the program which was out of normal range.
2) I feel good and younger. I don’t tire as easily as it was before I started with the program.
3) My weight dropped from 78kg to 67kg and now has gone back to 70kg which is good enough for me.
4) I feel so healthy it makes me smile. It is good to be alive. I have also expanded my circle of friends which to me is an added bonus.
5) I haven’t failed or succeeded. It is a life journey to keep fit or as Tony once said it is a 365 day a year quest. Flat abs etc are just a form of vanity. It is the good health which comes with it that is the goal.

Low Cholesterol Diet
By Peter Emerson

Nowadays, cholesterol is becoming a real threat to many people. The main reason behind this is that people tend to consume more products that are rich in saturated fats, such as whole milk dairy products, poultry, and egg yolks.

Additionally, most people also rely on food chains for their daily diet or perhaps on processed foods, especially if their schedule is too hectic to accommodate home cooking. So if you are one of these people who love to eat these kinds of foods, it’s time to reassess your diet and start eating a low-cholesterol diet.

The low-cholesterol diet is a diet low in saturated fat, which helps lower your cholesterol level and protect you from various heart diseases. The foods that should be included in this diet are fat-free dairy products, lean meats, fish and shellfish, skinless poultry, and whole-grain foods. Fresh fruits and green vegetables, especially when combined with large quantities of olive oil and monostaturates, should also be included because these are rich in vitamins and minerals that are good for your body and reduce your risk for high cholesterol. In addition to these, certain foods that contain plant stanols or plant sterols such as cholesterol-lowering margarines and salad dressings can also be added to your diet to boost your body’s LDL-lowering power.

Meanwhile, foods that are high in cholesterol and saturated fats should only be eaten in moderation. If possible, these should not be included in your diet. Avoid liver and other organ meats, egg yolks, full-fat dairy products, high-fat processed meats, and fried foods. Limiting the intake of these foods can greatly reduce your cholesterol levels and decrease your chances of developing heart disease, as well as protect you from future heart attacks.

A simple low-cholesterol diet is a big help to you, but only if you observe and follow these guidelines regularly. Remember that your health is in your hands.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Emerson

Lose belly fat and gain abdominal muscles-Bengbeng tips

Day 71 of my 4 day cycle keep fit program

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A buddy told me technically it shouldn’t be day 71 as we don’t do gym everyday. At best it is day 40 or less if we only count the days we hit the gym. Anyway, numbers are just a technical thingy :) Even if I didn’t hit the gym, I still needed to control my diet etc.
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Dieting, losing weight and toning up-100 days program:54th day report

54th day report

belly3tummy

The following post is only for those seriously interested in dieting, losing weight and toning up. For some background on this post, read here
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Stubborn belly fat, dieting and tips for a flat stomach

45 day progress report

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I have been on a self devised fitness program since July 5th this year. ( 45 days already ) Getting fit is easier said than done :) Sometimes I feel I want to give up. There is the time consideration, the expense and of course finding the energy to go through all these work out routines a few times a week.
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Shoulder workout

Today I am going to share with you how I do my shoulder workout. You could say it is a post for dummies :) I don’t know much about it and all I know is that it works for me. See my routine and try it out if you wish. I use a combination of weights, machines and dumb bells.

cardio equipment

I begin with cardio equipment. I walk on the treadmill or use the exercycle.

back machine

Step 1 : Facing forwards, I lift up the bar with my hands lifting the outer handles ( 3 sets ) - light to heavy.

Step 2 : This is followed by a similar exercise but using the forward handles instead- heavy to light. This is a very tiring routine. I sweat buckets here :)

machine for back

Step 3 : I face the padding and do three sets on this back machine.

Step 4 : shoulder workout 1

Step 5: back exercise

Sitting on the bench I lift the bar at the back using my shoulder muscles.

Step 6 : workout6

Step 7 : shrug This is the shoulder shrug

Step 7 : shoulder5

After these shoulder workouts, I work on my triceps. But that is another post, another day. :)

I believe using this routine, I am utilizing all the shoulder muscles, deltoids, trapezius and rhomboids. I enjoy it too and I am happy with my progress. You may wonder what is the difference between barbells or dumbbells. When we are using dumbbells, we strengthen tiny muscle fibers that aren’t utilized when we are lifting a barbell. Do not do this same set of muscles every day. They need a rest.

I recommend caution if you haven’t done any exercise or workout for some time. Don’t be too ambitious. These things take time. Just be satisfied to feel more fit than usual. Be sure and see a doctor before starting this or any exercise routine if you have any medical problems.

Remember working out is meant to be fun. Enjoying the company of gym buddies and the adrenalin rush. If you feel very tired, cannot sleep well and lose your appetite, it could be your body is telling you that you are over-doing it. However no pain no gain. Expect to work hard to get a healthier and more fit body.

Remember there are short term , mid term and long term goals. :) Be patient. Enjoy yourselves at the gym, my dear readers. :) I enjoyed writing this post and sharing with you this part of my life. Grab your sneakers and head to the gym? ;)

Core training

CORE TRAINING

First, I’d like to thank Beng Beng for having me as one of his guest bloggers. For this post I’d like to touch on one of the basics of training. I was introduced to weight training 17 years ago by my husband. I was very lucky to have him to show me the basics as that was the foundation I use to build my knowledge on. The world of fitness and nutrition are evolving all the time with techniques and information constantly being updated. So, even after all these years, I am still learning.

One of the basics is core training. Core is the underlying muscles that wrap around your torso from abs to back like a built in corset. They keep everything in and tight. Keep you upright and stable. When your core is weak, it puts stress on your lower back which can cause back pain. Postures and techniques are important to the core too. One thing to keep in mind when strength training is quality not quantity. Performing an exercise in proper form is more important than how many reps or how heavy you can go. It helps prevent injuries and putting unnecessary stress on your joints.

Core training has been getting a lot of attention lately due to I think the rising popularity of the sport of mix martial arts. There is quite a number of new equipment out in recent years, too. To train your core you don’t necessary need special equipment. Below are some exercises you can do almost anywhere. Pick any one to incorporate into your regular abs training. (We took these pics in our home gym. First time posing for an exercise. Hope to get better at it.)

The Plank

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This is one of the most popular exercises. Start with holding this move for 10 seconds and work your way up to 1 minute. Make sure your hips do not sag or it will put stress on your lower spine. Keep your abs tight throughout. When it gets easy to do the 1 minute you can kick it up a notch by placing your feet on a bench. The higher the bench the harder it will be.

The move below is more advanced which involves using the Swiss ball.

Start by placing your feet on the ball and tighten your abs for stability. Keep your abs tight throughout the move. Slowly pull your feet toward your head. Hold for 1 second and slowly go back to the start position and here is the fun part, you get to repeat the whole thing over!

plank_ball plank_ball_angle

Happy Training!

Leg press, leg curl, leg extension and leg squat

Today I added one more routine to my gym workout. I found that I could not continue working out without paying any attention to the legs. The legs need to be strong to support weight. So, gingerly I approached this set of exercises. I was a little over-cautious but that is normal when one has experienced injury before. My advice is never to push oneself before one is ready.

leg squat

My gym buddy insisted I do 5 sets of this ‘leg squat’ ( 8 reps each ) . It was a very physically demanding task. I almost gave up. But I didn’t :)

leg extension

Then we did this routine but unlike the man in this pic, we had to carry dumb-bells. ( 3 sets )

legcurl a

It was followed by this activity which I believe is called leg-curl. ( 3 sets ) immediately followed by leg  curl a

The last routine I did before I gave up for the day was this ‘killer leg squats’. My gym buddy insisted on increasing and increasing the weights until I could not do it any more and gave up :) Good thing I gave up too as my legs are still hurting. But I had a wonderful time.

leg press

I recommend gym and working out to all who want a healthy way to pass time without spending too much time or money e.g. pubbing etc. ;) Btw I am no muscle bound hunk :) I am just an Ah Beng just trying to torture myself back to health. Anyway the gym master carried out a series of measurements on my physical self and flexibilty and after refering to a set of tables declared me as one step above plump. I asked for further clarification and he smiled and said,”Fat”.

Today the gym is unusually empty as most members are I believe at home watching the Olympics 2008

Workout for chest and biceps

Today I will blog on my day 1 of my fitness program. It is basically a post for gym dummies like me :)

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I no longer run on the treadmill bare-footed. I look more like an athlete now :) Some how I have to convert this flab :( into some sort of muscles :)

I start with a set of stretching exercises. I hold each pose for a count of twenty. Then I proceed with cardio exercises like running on the treadmill or cycling for at least 15 minutes.
pulling ( pic not complete just for llustration )

Using a smith machine I do 3 sets of 8 to 12 reps of horizontal and later vertically inclined lifting weights on bars. I try to ad more weights with each set. Then I repeat using close grip.

chest incline

I then do the chest fly machine 3 sets. I supplement the machines with barbell exercise that target the chest muscles using inclined bench.

chest fly

While waiting my turn I will sit on a bench and do bicep curls using a single bar bell. Three sets of 12. I will then continue with standing and lifting up a straight bar with weights and using both hands bring it up and down concentrating on the biceps.

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I normally end with three sets of forearm muscles exercise. After this, I walk on the treadmill for about ten minutes or so to cool down. It sounds terrible but actually it is quite fun.

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pure whey protein

This is pure whey protein which I bought to supplement my mainly vegetaran diet. Now the next thing is to see how long I can carry out this latest fad before I get bored :) whch knowing me is probably not going to be very long hahahahahhahahah

Tips for gym rats and dieters

After I wrote the post on my 4 day cycle fitness program, Mrs Flyfisher wrote in a comment. As some of you may be aware, Flyfisher is my good friend and regular guest blogger.

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The following are her suggestions :)

cardio

Hi this is Mrs. Flyfisher, there are some minor changes you can make to your program. First, do a 5 minutes cardio to warm up before your weight training. After that, finish with 30 minutes cardio.

protein

As for diet, try eating 5 times a day - 3 meals and 2 snacks, keeping the meal under 450 calories and snack under 300. Up your lean protein intake to at least 80 grams a day. Lean means boneless, skinless chicken breasts, fish and no fried food.

weight lifting

Cut back on white rice. BTW, 1 egg white is about 6 gram of protein. You could try supplementing with protein bars and drinks/shakes, just make sure to read the label cuz you don’t want a lot of sugar in them.

Cut back on salt and sugar intake and drink a lot of water. Hope these suggestions help, and keep up the good work!

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Mrs flyfisher, thank you very much for yr comment. After chatting with flyfisher for so long and him helping such a lot, i feel we r already friends. i have already applied some of yr points. i will blog abt it later :)

My four day cycle fitness program to lose weight and to tone up

after one month

My weight is reaching 78 kg now. My family has a history of high cholesterol so to me it is important to lose weight. The last straw came when Benghui patted my belly and said, ” Daddy. you don’t go to the gym now? ;) ” . I have devised a program which i will use for 3 months. I will blog about it and we will see the results in another two months.

Basically my program goes like this.

Day one : Cardio/chest and biceps
Day two : Cardio/back and wing/crunches
Day three : Cardio/shoulder and triceps/
Day four : Rest/jogging/mild leg exercises/crunches ( note : I have a persistent leg injury which is still in the recovery stage )

The cycle then repeats on the fifth day.

Sometimes when I am busy I skip gym but I continue using this sequence when I come back after a few days. I welcome comments and suggestions. After all I am not an expert. So far I have followed the program for a month and it seems to be working. But I seem to be reaching a plateau.

My chest muscles seem to be getting thicker but the other parts of the body don’t seem to show much results. Basically I work out three days and rest one day. For the non-gym initiated it may sound weird but those familiar with gym activities may make some sense of my post, I think :)

As my diet is mainly vegetarian except for entertaining and formal occasions. I now eat two egg whites a day on top of my regular meals but seem to be ravenously hungry all the time although I have not cut down on my food at all. I haven’t lost weight either but the pot belly seems to be more reduced.

I will blog in more detail in the days to come. In the meantime I welcome feedback especially from gym goers. Thanks!