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01-31-2006, 11:07 AM
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Hi - new here, 40 yr old looking to begin to get in shape
Hi all.
I stumbled accross this site last night at work. I am a 40 year old male, who is basically a couch potatoe - there I said it  I need to do something to get into shape. I am right now, 5'8, 210lbs. With a gut that I would like to loose. I am looking at the Weider The Max XP 400 weight sytem from Sears, which right now is selling for $299.99. The Bowflex looks great, but, I can't justify the price (over $1000). I currently own a tread mill (need to use it - hehe), and that ab lounge thing (does it really work?). Physically, I have one handycap that might get in the way with the Weider. I have an un-developed shoulder muscle in my right arm (birth defect). I can still use my arm, but, I can only raise my right arm to about upper chest height, I cannot lift it over my head. Been this way all of my life, so, to me, its no big deal, but, just dont know if that would hinder trying to use the Weider or not. Any suggestions would be great. I need to do something. I have tried a gym membership, (didn't use it) too far to drive, not enought time in the day (I know, poor excuses). So, I figure, if i can get a home gym, I can at least workout at home. And, to quote Doctor Phill, yes, I know,gym memberships and machines do not make you loose weight - USING them does. I guess, at 40, i am having a 'wake up call' sort to speak. Well, that, and the darn dryer keeps shrinking the pants - yea right! Again, any help you could give an out of shape person like me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Gary Last edited by coastrnut; 01-31-2006 at 11:15 AM. 
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01-31-2006, 10:13 PM
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I suggest buying the book Body for Life if you want a "cookbook" approach. At 15 bucks, a lot cheaper than another machine that will wind up collecting dust. You need to not only exercise, but eat better. It takes willpower, but once you see it working, it gets a lot easier to stick with it. There are lots of exercises you can do even with the shoulder problem. Buying the $300 machine is ok too, because you need to work with weights to build muscle. Good luck with it !
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02-01-2006, 07:50 AM
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it sounds like you really just want to lose some weight. Cardio Exercise (that treadmill) and a healthy diet will get you there 110x's faster than a bowflex. Once you change the couch potato mentality and just go walk/jog and limit the amount of calories you take in... you are set. 210 lbs. is not that big.
__________________
"Go hard or Go Home"
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02-06-2006, 01:13 PM
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I don't think older beginners can do it alone
Gary, like you, I was never able to sustain a program at a gym, and when I did go for a workout, I never pushed myself. Home equipment? I think Consumer Reports says that it's used for something like 2 weeks, tops. (Hey, where would yer average garage sale be without unused exercise crap?)
I've been doing pretty good simply because of luck: A new Y opened up about 2 miles away from me, and shortly after that, so did a personal training studio. I'm now doing spinning 3x a week at the Y, and on alternate days 3x a week of weight lifting. It's difficult to back out of a commitment with a trainer or scheduled class. And once I'm there, it's difficult to slack off. I'm pushed to go all out. Others have mentioned Body for Life. The Body for Life site is a great motivator, especially for older guys. There are guys in their 50's and 60's who have transformed themselves. I'm not on that program but got inspired by it. BFL says you can make major changes in 12 weeks. So, I figure, I can give it my all for that amount of time. It's not forever. Another site I like is bodybuilding.com. They have a special section for "Boomers" and some of the transformations are incredible-- guys that have lost 100lbs or more. My 20lbs of excess flab is nothing compared to what those guys had to deal with. Good luck!
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02-06-2006, 10:48 PM
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Now im def not in m 40's im 22 here, But i Agree with the above , Eating right has to be the first thing you must prioritize. You can do al the lifting you wnat in order to sustain a true healthy lifestyle , Getting rid of all the unecassary junk must be the first thing on your list.
I myself , Am buying a bowflex, Im getitng my used ( Used 4 times) For 300 buxx, i lucked out, I hear and expierence from using it 2 times, Is good for weight loss, and developing musclesm Soo dont let that underdeveloped muscle get you down , its like a injury i had, i had to rework my whole left shoulder to get it back to where the right is at, Just another obsacle you must over come , and at any age its possible. 1 step at a time , you can do it bro ... GL
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02-22-2006, 09:16 AM
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I have to say that my Bowflex has helped me make a lot of progress fast. Granted I got it for free from my Brother when he was upgrading to a newer version and would have had to wait due to the cost if I hadn't but the thing really does produce results. After about three months of using it I had lost 14 lbs and now have added 5 lbs of muscle back.
It's gotten me to the point where I'm ready to move up to free weights with an emphasis on dumbbells (trying to convince the wife to let me buy the Bowflex Selecttech). The other advantage is, whether she wants to admit it or not, she's liking the change also. I notice her rubbing my chest alot more in the last several weeks and she says she can tell a big difference. All from teh Bowflex and eating better.
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02-22-2006, 09:29 AM
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Eat 6 small meals a day, and workout as hard as you can, without hurting yourself. I lost 2.5 inches off my waist in 8 weeks and 18 pounds, plus I am a whole lot stronger. I posted a meal plan somewhere, take a look at my meals. find a way, anyway you have to, to eat 6-8 smaller meals instead of 3 big ones. I hate cardio and hardly do it, just recently went from cardio once a week (seriously) to 3 times a week.
I lost my weight off my waist first, so you can hate me, didn't even lose any off my face. My girlfriend lost 3 pounds and all from her face, neck, she is pissed, rofl. Of course she eats crappy, and 2 meals a day, plus doesn't put any effort in working out. It's really up to you, you will never be hungry eating 6-8 times a day, so it is not even like you are dieting. You can do the carb rotation thing, I did it for a while, and then quit. I now carb heavy on workout days, and if I want some carbs on off days I do it within reason. I dug the meals up for you: Meal 1 Oatmeal+whey protein drink or egg beaters bagel whey protein drink (I drink whey to quickly get a protein source in my body after waking) Meal 2 2 Hardboiled egg whites+one whole hardboiled egg or 4 oz chicken breast or tunafish 2 slices wheat bread no mayo or salad on low carb days or peanut butter sandwich 2 slices wheat bread Meal 3 4 oz chicken breast or tunafish 2 slices wheat bread no mayo or salad on low carb days or peanut butter sandwich 2 slices wheat bread no fat jello Meal 4 6 oz lean steak 1 cup green beans/or spinach or 6 oz Chicken breast 1 cup green beans/or spinach or 6 oz turkey 1 cup green beans/or spinach 8-12 oz fish 1 cup green beans/or spinach Meal 5 (post workout) Whey shake Peanut butter sandwich (no jelly) 2 slices wheat bread no mayo or 4 oz tunafish 2 slices wheat bread Whey shake or 4 oz chicken breast 2 slices wheat bread Whey shake Meal 6 casein protein shake+ a little low/no fat milk 4 oz chicken breast or tunafish no mayo 2 slices wheat bread or casein protein shake salad+fat free dressing+tuna or chicken breast or my favorite peanut butter 2 slices wheat bread 1 glass low fat milk desert when you can't stand it anymore Jello is fat free with 1 carb Last edited by krenalor; 02-22-2006 at 07:28 PM.
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03-30-2006, 07:42 PM
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one step at a time
I'm in a similar situation - I set up a gym at home and got stuck in but the thing I've found most useful is diet - like the guys are saying eat sensibly. I weigh myself every day at the same time. I watch what I eat and using the scales I can clearly see the effect of what I eat.
If I hit the red wine and steak for dinner - I've gained .5k the next day - If I stick to a large salad then I might lose .3k. For me it's all about cause and efffect. If I gain weight - what did I eat to push my weight up (maybe it was white rice) - okay avoid the rice and so on. Now it's working for me - I've lost 10k in the last 4 months but then I exercise as well. Mainly aerobic - treadmill, swiming etc. I believe in doing weights as well which is why I originally joined this forum and I think you have to consider your diet carefully if you are but I'll leave that to guys who are a lot more serious than me - I'm getting there and I'm not going to stop - not ever Cheers
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03-31-2006, 07:58 AM
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Quote:
I luvs my chocolate.... so I need some type of cheat.. 
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04-02-2006, 12:21 PM
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coasternut,
I too started at 40. I wish you all the best. I don't have much to add by way of advice, because much has been said already. Just look at the big picture. The Mona Lisa was completed one brush stroke at a time. Best of luck to you. Be persistant. Be patient.
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04-02-2006, 12:56 PM
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Did anyone notice, this guy only loged on during the time he wrote this one post and hasnt been back.. Maby I am missing something.. But the information is still usefull to others.
__________________
19 yrs 5'6 145lbs Lifts... BB Press 220 x 1 DB Press 86 x 4 BB Military 130 x 1 DB Military 55 x 6 Squat 275 x 4 DL 260 x 1
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05-27-2006, 11:13 PM
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opposite problem
hey guys and gals..I have the opposite problem to the couch potato. I am male,42 and built like a stick without the wood! I am fairly active but look like a xylophone when I take my shirt off so I try not to do it outdoors.
I was hoping someone could give me an idea of a good workout routine for an old beginner.I have limited funds and work long hours so don't have the funds or time for 6-8 meals a day.I do however have access to the gym at work..not the greatest gym but has a few (but old) pieces of equipment. I had a physical(so i don't give myself a coronary) and the doc gave me a clean bill of health. Any advice on a workout routine and a cheap/healthy diet would be greatly appreciated. Thanks oh..forgot to mention..143lbs soaking wet!
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05-27-2006, 11:23 PM
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Quote:
 Last edited by Cammo; 05-27-2006 at 11:29 PM.
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05-27-2006, 11:36 PM
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I give up
Ok..I give up
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05-28-2006, 12:03 AM
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Apologies
I am dreadfully sorry if I stepped on anyones toes. I am new at this thing..my first visit to a forum. Anyway, Thanks to Cammo for explaining to me how to go about posting a new thread..seems I cannot see what is right in front of my nose..I guess I had a brief case of tunnel vision.
Once again..my apologies to all...Sorry
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05-28-2006, 05:51 AM
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Quote:
__________________
Papasmurf: "there are no miracle supplements, fix your diet" http://www.bodybuildingforyou.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39994
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05-28-2006, 06:55 AM
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Welcome to BB4U Gary!
Great sense of humour and honesty..brilliant characters there my friend. I am sure with dedication, right attitude towards your diet and training, age is immaterial. I am nearly 38 myself and my physique has continued to improve regardless of the years going by. Best wishes to you. 
__________________
aka "mira" very much...."Totally Jaced"....
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05-28-2006, 07:07 AM
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Quote:
 
__________________
Papasmurf: "there are no miracle supplements, fix your diet" http://www.bodybuildingforyou.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39994
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07-08-2006, 06:24 PM
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Hi Gary,
I agree with some of the replys here. Get yourself a personal trainer. Its the way to go to achieve the results you want. There are a ton of sites out there that can help you find one if you dont know where to start. Try this one http://www.trainersusa.com hope this helps
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