Quote from: Paulie on March 30, 2025, 02:31:29 AMI'm +5 from where I was in high school, 50 years ago.  Back then there was more muscle, less fat then now.  If I lost ten, I'd have a nice waist.  It would be ideal if I converted the fat pounds to muscle weight since the muscle wouldn't be where the fat is.  I've been trying for a some time but I've seemed to have plateaued.  I try for awhile with little change, then I get discouraged and fall off the wagon just a bit.  It seems like my metabolism wants to keep me at 160.  Summer's coming, maybe that will help.

Don't give up! This happens all the time when people try to lose weight. It is due to what we call Set Point Theory.

The longer you remain at a certain weight, the longer your body sees that as your "normal" weight. When you start losing weight, it thinks you are starving and will use energy more efficiently, which causes a plateau. But if you stick with it long enough, that plateau becomes your new "normal" and you will start losing again. Rinse and repeat.

The key is to continue what you are doing and keep at it through the plateau. Never give up!

I try to do squats and abdominal crunches.

I wish I wish more flexible but I do not like to do stretching much.  I guess I will just need to slowly force myself to do more stretching.

Chrissy

never force a stretch that will cause injury always make sure you are warmed up before stretching, change of diet is probably the best way to lose weight. I did years of classical ballet and believe it or not the focus was on a healthy diet and getting into that mind set. Food was looked upon as fuel to keep the body functioning

Quote from: Northern Star Girl on March 27, 2025, 11:00:18 PMI am one of the fortunate ones that has a high metabolism . . . I love to cook and bake. . . and I love to "sample" what I make.  I am not quite 5ft 4inches in height and I am happy that I am at the same weight that I was in high school and college. . . 115 pounds +/- 5pounds

I think I would rather lose six inches of height than lose six pounds.

But if I did, I would likely need to drop 20 pounds or so to look about what I do now compared to my lower height.  For proportionality.  When taller I think you can have more weight and still look okay as compared to being significantly shorter and that same weight.

Chrissy

Quote from: Lori Dee on March 30, 2025, 10:27:34 AMYes, muscle is heavier than fat.

Quote from: Lori Dee on March 30, 2025, 10:27:34 AMMuscle also helps burn calories.

Quote from: Lori Dee on March 30, 2025, 10:27:34 AMSo the overall effect is reduced inches even if weight increases.

Nice! How can I get this?

Quote from: Lori Dee on March 30, 2025, 10:33:41 AMDon't give up! This happens all the time when people try to lose weight. It is due to what we call Set Point Theory.

The longer you remain at a certain weight, the longer your body sees that as your "normal" weight.

Hmm, I've been stuck at 190 lbs for a while now. I'm going to look into this more and hopefully break through this plateau.

Thanks! 💗

Quote from: Lilis on March 30, 2025, 12:47:56 PMNice! How can I get this?

Just a slow increase in activity level. You don't need to go to the gym and start lifting weights. Work smarter, not harder. The largest muscles in your body are in the legs and butt. So walking, jogging, and working up to running are good. Just don't overdo it.

For me, I do a lot of walking and hiking anyway. I don't enjoy jogging or running, so I add ankle weights or wear my backpack (with mining gear of course). If you need low-impact due to knee or ankle problems, do what Sarah B does and go swimming. Swimming exercises the entire body. If swimming isn't possible, just wading works too. I had a small pool in my backyard (only 4 feet deep) and I would walk or run laps in the water. That will wear you out quick!

Quote from: Lori Dee on March 30, 2025, 01:06:26 PMJust a slow increase in activity level. You don't need to go to the gym and start lifting weights. Work smarter, not harder. The largest muscles in your body are in the legs and butt. So walking, jogging, and working up to running are good. Just don't overdo it.

I appreciate the reminder to start slow and not overdo it. Now that the warmer months are here in the Northeast, I think I can finally make this work. I'm not a fan of hitting the gym for these exercises or braving the freezing outdoor weather, so this timing feels perfect.

Thanks for the insight! 💗

I am a bit catch 22, cant walk far due to my ankle/knee and the work I am doing in my workshop at the moment is not that physical .I just need to lose belly fat mostly, age not helping either.

Quote from: davina61 on March 31, 2025, 03:17:18 AMI am a bit catch 22, cant walk far due to my ankle/knee and the work I am doing in my workshop at the moment is not that physical .I just need to lose belly fat mostly, age not helping either.

Take it slow, try to incorporate more walking with a cane or walking stick or even a walker.
But if it is painful I can see why it is limited for you.

Hugs,

Chrissy

Quote from: davina61 on March 31, 2025, 03:17:18 AMI am a bit catch 22, cant walk far due to my ankle/knee and the work I am doing in my workshop at the moment is not that physical .I just need to lose belly fat mostly, age not helping either.

So pushing cars around the garage isn't physical enough? 

Belly fat as we age is common and has much to do with genetics. Not much can be done except to increase activity and watch your diet. I tend to gain weight in the winter because I am less active. Maybe with warmer weather you will be more busy with projects you have going on.

I like to burn off fat then tone up, and theres nothing like hiking up and down the fells whilst talking to others and taking in the countryside

I do these exercises everyday with ankle weights

Growing and shaping your MTF booty a little is a directive just a tad under the prime directive says Star Trek Command!

I'm working to shed the extra 10 pounds I put on during the winter. For me, I have to watch the snacking and portion control. I will naturally begin to get more exercise as the weather moderates and I can get outside and, in May, into our pool. I know that alcohol is empty calories....but bourbon, in moderation, is my weakness.

Quote from: April Marie on April 02, 2025, 05:51:03 AM....but bourbon, in moderation, is my weakness.

You might want to come to Kentucky and do the Bourbon Trail, a tour of a number of distilleries. Some of them are quite picturesque, like Maker's Mark or Woodford Reserve...

@April Marie  @Iztaccihuatl

2 shots of whisky is about 250 calories  which is about what a
typical candy bar like a Hershey's chocolate bar contains.

A 1.5-ounce serving (a standard "shot") of 100 proof whiskey contains: Calories: 123. Protein: 0 grams. Fat: 0 grams.

Quote from: April Marie on April 02, 2025, 05:51:03 AMI'm working to shed the extra 10 pounds I put on during the winter. For me, I have to watch the snacking and portion control. I will naturally begin to get more exercise as the weather moderates and I can get outside and, in May, into our pool. I know that alcohol is empty calories....but bourbon, in moderation, is my weakness.

Quote from: Northern Star Girl on April 02, 2025, 09:51:26 AM@April Marie  @Iztaccihuatl

2 shots of whisky is about 250 calories  which is about what a
typical candy bar like a Hershey's chocolate bar contains.

A 1.5-ounce serving (a standard "shot")of 100 proof whiskey contains: Calories: 123. Protein: 0 grams. Fat: 0 grams.

That's why I drink tequila with orange juice... for nutritional value. 

Quote from: Northern Star Girl on April 02, 2025, 09:51:26 AM@April Marie  @Iztaccihuatl

2 shots of whisky [straight up] is about 250 calories  which is about what a
typical candy bar like a Hershey's chocolate bar contains.

A 1.5-ounce serving (a standard "shot")of 100 proof whiskey contains: Calories: 123. Protein: 0 grams. Fat: 0 grams.

Forgive me, for I have sinned....and will again.   

Like everything, I just moderate it. I've lost 3 pounds this week. And, I have some new dresses to give me incentive to keep going.

Quote from: Lori Dee on April 02, 2025, 09:59:20 AMThat's why I drink tequila with orange juice... for nutritional value. 

I go for the Luxardo Cherry to get my fruit portion.