Motivation

To Anyone that CARES...

Hi,

I'm a busy college student that is always working and going to
classes, and is just run down at the end of the day, or in between
times of stress and classes. I have a hard time getting motivated to
workout, and I see my body slipping slowly, but steadily... I am by no
means overweight, but I am outta shape, and just do not have a desire
to do anything. My current job is a mall sales position in which I
have little physical exercise etc. I am 20 years old, and am roughly
5'10", 175-180 lbs give er take a few... I just want to feel more
alive and energetic, and would be willing to hear anyone's comments,
questions, advice, or anything that you would like to suggest or
criticize me about, I will take it to heart! thanks!!!

Jordan

"jordanw24" <jordanw24@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1174270845.101639.74960@n59g2000hsh.googlegro ups.com...
> To Anyone that CARES...
>
> Hi,
>
> I'm a busy college student that is always working and going to
> classes, and is just run down at the end of the day, or in between
> times of stress and classes. I have a hard time getting motivated to
> workout, and I see my body slipping slowly, but steadily... I am by no
> means overweight, but I am outta shape, and just do not have a desire
> to do anything. My current job is a mall sales position in which I
> have little physical exercise etc. I am 20 years old, and am roughly
> 5'10", 175-180 lbs give er take a few... I just want to feel more
> alive and energetic, and would be willing to hear anyone's comments,
> questions, advice, or anything that you would like to suggest or
> criticize me about, I will take it to heart! thanks!!!
>
> Jordan

i don't care. (but if I did, I would ask you if you are getting enough
sleep, if your diet consists mostly of french fries. If you under stress
you should assess what you are doing and whether you are suited for it. I
used to be under stress in my job (garbage collector) but since I got the
free gloves they are supposed to give us sanitation workers, things got a
lot better, stressed no more!)

>

jordanw24 <jordanw24@gmail.com> wrote:

> I'm a busy college student that is always working and going to
> classes, and is just run down at the end of the day, or in between
> times of stress and classes. I have a hard time getting motivated to
> workout, and I see my body slipping slowly, but steadily... I am by no
> means overweight, but I am outta shape, and just do not have a desire
> to do anything. My current job is a mall sales position in which I
> have little physical exercise etc. I am 20 years old, and am roughly
> 5'10", 175-180 lbs give er take a few... I just want to feel more
> alive and energetic, and would be willing to hear anyone's comments,
> questions, advice, or anything that you would like to suggest or
> criticize me about, I will take it to heart! thanks!!!

If you're too busy to exercise then take opportunities for exercising
thrown up in daily life that don't take time. Walk up stairs instead
of taking elevators. Walk short distances instead of using a
vehicle. Cycle longer ones.

--
Chris Malcolm cam@infirmatics.ed.ac.uk DoD #205
IPAB, Informatics, JCMB, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9 3JZ, UK
[http://www.dai.ed.ac.uk/homes/cam/]

"jordanw24" <jordanw24@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1174270845.101639.74960@n59g2000hsh.googlegro ups.com...
> To Anyone that CARES...
>
> Hi,
>
> I'm a busy college student that is always working and going to
> classes, and is just run down at the end of the day, or in between
> times of stress and classes. I have a hard time getting motivated to
> workout, and I see my body slipping slowly, but steadily... I am by no
> means overweight, but I am outta shape, and just do not have a desire
> to do anything. My current job is a mall sales position in which I
> have little physical exercise etc. I am 20 years old, and am roughly
> 5'10", 175-180 lbs give er take a few... I just want to feel more
> alive and energetic, and would be willing to hear anyone's comments,
> questions, advice, or anything that you would like to suggest or
> criticize me about, I will take it to heart! thanks!!!
>
> Jordan

Find something you enjoy doing then do it regularly. Any exercise
program is better than none. Start by walking the length of the mall a
few times. Find a sport you like and play.

-S-
http://www.kbnj.com

On 18 Mar 2007 19:20:45 -0700, "jordanw24" <jordanw24@gmail.com>
wrote:

>My current job is a mall sales position in which I
>have little physical exercise etc.

You could just go to work a little earlier and walk around the mall a
few timesl
Amy mailto:williamson@shaklee.net
Take charge of your health.
www.shaklee.net/williamson

"jordanw24" <jordanw24@gmail.com> writes:

> To Anyone that CARES...
>
> Hi,
>
> I'm a busy college student that is always working and going to
> classes, and is just run down at the end of the day, or in between
> times of stress and classes.

Everyone thinks that they are busy. I would bet that you still get in
at least 10 hours of television a week.

> I have a hard time getting motivated to workout, and I see my body
> slipping slowly, but steadily...

As an alternative to starting now you can do what I did and wait until
you are 30 years old and you have become the fat and lazy moron that
young people the world over swear they will never become.

> I am by no means overweight, but I am outta shape, and just do not
> have a desire to do anything.

Getting into shape is hard. You'll probably throw up once or twice,
and you'll almost certainly spend some time very sore. Part of the
reason that all of the truly fit people you know seem like religious
zealots is that once you do get truly fit you really do feel a lot
better.

> My current job is a mall sales position in which I have little
> physical exercise etc.

If the only time you can work out is on the job then you either need
to work something out with your employer or get a more physically
demanding job. I take a kettlebell with me to work every day.

> I am 20 years old, and am roughly 5'10", 175-180 lbs give er take a
> few... I just want to feel more alive and energetic, and would be
> willing to hear anyone's comments, questions, advice, or anything
> that you would like to suggest or criticize me about, I will take it
> to heart! thanks!!!

Here's the deal Jordan. You can make a serious difference in your
level of fitness with 15 minutes of work a day if you are willing to
work very hard during that 15 minutes. You don't need a gym, and you
don't need any equipment to start. Eventually you'll want to purchase
some heavy stuff that you can lift, or join a gym so that you have
access to free weights, but you don't need that to start. You do need
some sort of a plan, but the folks here on MFW would be happy to help
you work out some sort of a plan.

Jason

jordanw24 wrote:

> To Anyone that CARES...

BOY, ARE ~*YOU*~ IN LUCK!!!!!!

Welcome to Care Control Central, Jordan!

> Hi,
>
> I'm a busy college student that is always
> working and going to classes, and is just
> run down at the end of the day, or in between
> times of stress and classes. I have a hard
> time getting motivated to workout, and I see
> my body slipping slowly, but steadily... I am
> by no means overweight, but I am outta shape,
> and just do not have a desire to do anything.

Do you drive to class? What's the weather like? Are you a commuter or
a dorm student? If you live on campus or nearby, can you bike to class
instead of drive? No parking permits and instant exercise!

> My current job is a mall sales position in
> which I have little physical exercise etc.

Are you on a sales floor all day? Show some hustle. You can get some
moderate aerobic-type work in while appearing to be a real go-getter
on the sales floor. "Wow, look at Jordan go. Just hustling for the
customers!" I did six months at American Eagle and there was plenty of
opportunity to do laps while looking for jeans and shirts for our
visitors.

> I am 20 years old, and am roughly 5'10",
> 175-180 lbs give er take a few... I just want
> to feel more alive and energetic, and would
> be willing to hear anyone's comments,

How's your diet? Adjusting your food intake can certainly help you
"feel more alive and energetic," imo.

> questions, advice, or anything that you
> would like to suggest or criticize me about,
> I will take it to heart! thanks!!!

No questions other than those few above. Best of luck. Post a follow-
up.

> Jordan

--
Curt

Thank you so much for your response! it was a true encouragement to
me!

Today, I made an effort to get to a local gym and work out with a
friend of mine.

I worked out for approximately 1 hour and worked primarily on my
pecks, biceps, and triceps.
I'm also planning on doing some situps tonight as well.

My diet so far today consists of 2 cans of tuna, a large can of mixed
fruit, a granola bar,
some fat free pretzels, a couple bottles of water and some V8 splash.

I am planning on working out on Wednesday and focusing more on some
cardio, and leg exercises.

Having someone with me really helped me stay motivated. I know what
to do somewhat in generic workouts,
it's just that I have a hard time maintaining it. I have played
baseball in the past, and was extremely active,
I just know that I need to get this garbage taken care of long before
it gets outta control...

If any of you all have the time, I would like to ask you all any
dieting tips, recommendations on meal plans
perhaps? What workout schedules you feel are the most effective.

My goal in working out is to tighten my flab, and gain muscle/build
mass at a moderate rate.

Thanks again!
I'm really glad I joined this group! It's actually my first Google
Group.

Jordan

Thank you so much for your response! it was a true encouragement to
me!

Today, I made an effort to get to a local gym and work out with a
friend of mine.

I worked out for approximately 1 hour and worked primarily on my
pecks, biceps, and triceps.
I'm also planning on doing some situps tonight as well.

My diet so far today consists of 2 cans of tuna, a large can of mixed
fruit, a granola bar,
some fat free pretzels, a couple bottles of water and some V8 splash.

I am planning on working out on Wednesday and focusing more on some
cardio, and leg exercises.

Having someone with me really helped me stay motivated. I know what
to do somewhat in generic workouts,
it's just that I have a hard time maintaining it. I have played
baseball in the past, and was extremely active,
I just know that I need to get this garbage taken care of long before
it gets outta control...

If any of you all have the time, I would like to ask you all any
dieting tips, recommendations on meal plans
perhaps? What workout schedules you feel are the most effective.

My goal in working out is to tighten my flab, and gain muscle/build
mass at a moderate rate.

Thanks again!
I'm really glad I joined this group! It's actually my first Google
Group.

Jordan

Thank you so much for your response! it was a true encouragement to
me!

Today, I made an effort to get to a local gym and work out with a
friend of mine.

I worked out for approximately 1 hour and worked primarily on my
pecks, biceps, and triceps.
I'm also planning on doing some situps tonight as well.

My diet so far today consists of 2 cans of tuna, a large can of mixed
fruit, a granola bar,
some fat free pretzels, a couple bottles of water and some V8 splash.

I am planning on working out on Wednesday and focusing more on some
cardio, and leg exercises.

Having someone with me really helped me stay motivated. I know what
to do somewhat in generic workouts,
it's just that I have a hard time maintaining it. I have played
baseball in the past, and was extremely active,
I just know that I need to get this garbage taken care of long before
it gets outta control...

If any of you all have the time, I would like to ask you all any
dieting tips, recommendations on meal plans
perhaps? What workout schedules you feel are the most effective.

My goal in working out is to tighten my flab, and gain muscle/build
mass at a moderate rate.

Thanks again!
I'm really glad I joined this group! It's actually my first Google
Group.

Jordan

Thank you so much for your response! it was a true encouragement to
me!

Today, I made an effort to get to a local gym and work out with a
friend of mine.

I worked out for approximately 1 hour and worked primarily on my
pecks, biceps, and triceps.
I'm also planning on doing some situps tonight as well.

My diet so far today consists of 2 cans of tuna, a large can of mixed
fruit, a granola bar,
some fat free pretzels, a couple bottles of water and some V8 splash.

I am planning on working out on Wednesday and focusing more on some
cardio, and leg exercises.

Having someone with me really helped me stay motivated. I know what
to do somewhat in generic workouts,
it's just that I have a hard time maintaining it. I have played
baseball in the past, and was extremely active,
I just know that I need to get this garbage taken care of long before
it gets outta control...

If any of you all have the time, I would like to ask you all any
dieting tips, recommendations on meal plans
perhaps? What workout schedules you feel are the most effective.

My goal in working out is to tighten my flab, and gain muscle/build
mass at a moderate rate.

Thanks again!
I'm really glad I joined this group! It's actually my first Google
Group.

Jordan

Dnia 2007-03-20 jordanw24 napisa³(a):
> Thank you so much for your response! it was a true encouragement to
> me!
>
> Today, I made an effort to get to a local gym and work out with a
> friend of mine.

That was great idea.

> I worked out for approximately 1 hour and worked primarily on my
> pecks, biceps, and triceps.

That was slightly less splendid. You can be one of those who are able
to learn from the mistakes of others, or you can be among those who can't,
until they make the mistakes themselves, several times...

You do not see your back. Almost never. Others do, and back is very
important if you want to look more manly. If you want your pecs to
"stand out" properly, do rows. Plenty of rows. Try to at least match
a set of rows for every set of benches. You will look much better, and
you will look good much longer, because your shoulders won't cause you
problems.

> I'm also planning on doing some situps tonight as well.

Match your situps with hip extension movement if you want to walk
straight. There are many options, but you can use some
"hyperextension" machine in your gym. You'll look way better walking
straight, and being able to sleep well without spine problems.

If you want to add something to your current routine (which isn't bad
as is) consider standing barbell military press or clean and press
combo. Shoulders are the single most important "look big" bodypart.

Do not overwork your triceps and biceps. If you'll do more rows, they
will be worked quite hard even without any direct work. Triceps are
trained with every pressing movement you do.

> My diet so far today consists of 2 cans of tuna, a large can of mixed
> fruit, a granola bar,
> some fat free pretzels, a couple bottles of water and some V8 splash.

It's on a starving side of dieting...

> I am planning on working out on Wednesday and focusing more on some
> cardio, and leg exercises.

Some sort of deadlifts wouldn't hurt, I think. But they are hard to
learn and hard to do, even if you've already learned them. Very harsh
exercise, so do them when you get already hooked.

> Having someone with me really helped me stay motivated. I know what
> to do somewhat in generic workouts,
> it's just that I have a hard time maintaining it.

Do something every day. Make it as short as 5 minutes, if you have no
time or energy, but definitely do "something". Make yourself a deal
every time you workout. Like, I'll just start doing it, and if I
really have no will to continue, I'll quit, but start doing something
every day.

> I have played
> baseball in the past, and was extremely active,
> I just know that I need to get this garbage taken care of long before
> it gets outta control...

Stop this pattern of thinking now. You *want* to take care of things
to become a better person, remember? That is what drives you to
workout and excel at it. IOW - be positive.

> If any of you all have the time, I would like to ask you all any
> dieting tips, recommendations on meal plans perhaps?

I'm not a dieting guru, but I'm sure that just the act of actually
planing your food intake will melt the fat off you. I'm not kidding.
I believe that planning is the single most important factor in dieting.

Beside that - avoid thrash, eat raw veggies with every meal, eat fruits
every day, avoid drinking too many soft drinks with a lot of sugar in
them.

> What workout schedules you feel are the most effective.

Those you will be able to maintain long term, which means that you must
enjoy them and not injure yourself while doing them.

> My goal in working out is to tighten my flab, and gain muscle/build
> mass at a moderate rate.
>
> Thanks again!
> I'm really glad I joined this group! It's actually my first Google
> Group.

For the record, Usenet is older than Google.

--
Andrzej Rosa 1127R

"jordanw24" <jordanw24@gmail.com> writes:

> Thank you so much for your response! it was a true encouragement to
> me!

You encourage easily, that's good.

> Today, I made an effort to get to a local gym and work out with a
> friend of mine.

That's a good start.

> I worked out for approximately 1 hour and worked primarily on my
> pecks, biceps, and triceps. I'm also planning on doing some situps
> tonight as well.

Geez, an hour on your pecs, biceps, and triceps. I am not trying to
mock you, but working on "beach muscles" is a classic newbie mistake.

> My diet so far today consists of 2 cans of tuna, a large can of
> mixed fruit, a granola bar, some fat free pretzels, a couple bottles
> of water and some V8 splash.

OK, let's add this up.

Two cans of tuna 191 calories each ---> 382 calories
Large can of fruit cocktail (30 oz) ---> 480 calories
Granola bar (soft) ---> 180 calories
Pretzels hard, plain, salted (10 twists) ---> 228 calories
V8 splash 16oz ---> 140 calories
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total ---> 1410 calories

1400 calories is probably a little low, and your choice of food items
leaves a lot to be desired both from a taste standpoint and a
nutritional standpoint. It is also unlikely that you ate an entire
monster-sized 30 oz can of fruit cocktail or that you only ate 10
pretzels.

I would suggest more whole foods, and you also probably should
consider looking at foods that you actually cook. Vegetables are good
too.

> I am planning on working out on Wednesday and focusing more on some
> cardio, and leg exercises.

I would suggest eating a bit more that day.

> Having someone with me really helped me stay motivated. I know what
> to do somewhat in generic workouts, it's just that I have a hard
> time maintaining it. I have played baseball in the past, and was
> extremely active, I just know that I need to get this garbage taken
> care of long before it gets outta control...

If you have been fit before then you know what it takes. That helps.
I would suggest doing some of the sort of things that you coaches used
to make you do.

> If any of you all have the time, I would like to ask you all any
> dieting tips, recommendations on meal plans perhaps? What workout
> schedules you feel are the most effective.

I have two tips. The first is that instead of spending an hour on the
beach muscles that instead you spend 15-30 minutes with full body
movements like deadlifts, squats, chinups, rows, presses, and if you
are adventurous cleans and snatches.

The second is that before jumping into a serious diet that you raise
your level of fitness first. It is hard enough to raise your level of
fitness without putting yourself on a starvation diet. Besides, at
your age simply changing your level of activity might be enough to
change your body the way that you would want.

I've seen too many people who get all fired up about diet and
exercise, and eat out of tuna cans for a few weeks while exercising
like fiends. Invariably their body doesn't change as fast as they
think that it should and they wonder why they are punishing themselves
in this fashion.

Once you are well on your way to being fit there will be plenty of
time to play with your diet.

> My goal in working out is to tighten my flab, and gain muscle/build
> mass at a moderate rate.
>
> Thanks again! I'm really glad I joined this group! It's actually my
> first Google Group.

Usenet was here along time before Google.

Good luck,
Jason

Thanks again for your response.

I really appreciate your suggestions and everything.

I wanted to get a few things outta the way before I ask a few more
questions. First, I did eat more after I posted
my comments earlier. I had a thing of barbecue with some baked beans,
and a side of cole slaw and potato salad.
I finished my evening off with a bowl of granola cereal and a banana.

I appreciate the workout suggestions, and I do realize that I didn't
cover a good overall gambit of exercises like I would
have liked to. I was on somewhat of a time constraint, and didn't
budget out my time like I should have.

The whole back and shoulders thing is something that I really want to
work on to get bigger. I appreciate that tip
as it is something that probably gets overlooked quite a bit.

A few questions I had were, what other suggestions for a workout plan
would you recommend? Cardio wise,
other body parts that are crucial? How about abs? (I by no means have
a beer belly, but it went from a good 8 pack to more flab than pack)

Thanks again for the suggestions, I will definitely take them to heart
and let you know what I do, some of the results.
Yes, I know Usenet is much older than Google, it's just I found the
group through Google... :-p I'm a telecom major,
so I am kinda a geek in terms of computer stuff, lol.

Thanks again for your response.

I really appreciate your suggestions and everything.

I wanted to get a few things outta the way before I ask a few more
questions. First, I did eat more after I posted
my comments earlier. I had a thing of barbecue with some baked beans,
and a side of cole slaw and potato salad.
I finished my evening off with a bowl of granola cereal and a banana.

I appreciate the workout suggestions, and I do realize that I didn't
cover a good overall gambit of exercises like I would
have liked to. I was on somewhat of a time constraint, and didn't
budget out my time like I should have.

I do appreciate that calorie breakdown, it helps me know somewhat what
I need to work on and what sort of foods I need.

A few questions for you... I was wondering in terms of diet, should I
eat a smaller meal 5 times a day, or 3 standard meals?

Should I eat more healthy foods with a higher calorie intake than I
previously did with junk food?

Any other suggestions to work on areas such as abs, shoulders, legs,
back, etc. (the whole list of things)

I really appreciate your suggestions, and will definitely put most or
all of them into practice as possible.

Thanks for all your help again!
Jordan

And by the way, I do know Usenet was the around long before Google, it
just so happened that I found it through Google, and the fact that I'm
a telecom major makes me sorta a computer/tech geek... ;-p

Dnia 2007-03-20 jordanw24 napisa³(a):
>
> I appreciate the workout suggestions, and I do realize that I didn't
> cover a good overall gambit of exercises like I would
> have liked to. I was on somewhat of a time constraint, and didn't
> budget out my time like I should have.

Good, easy to follow and pretty effective way of choosing exercises for
upper body, is to balance horizontal pushes (like bench) with horizontal
pulls (like row), vertical pushes (like overhead press) with vertical
pull (like pullups).

> The whole back and shoulders thing is something that I really want to
> work on to get bigger. I appreciate that tip
> as it is something that probably gets overlooked quite a bit.
>
> A few questions I had were, what other suggestions for a workout plan
> would you recommend? Cardio wise,

Cardio will be probably the most challenging thing to keep on keeping on,
so tailor your version to what you are willing to tolerate. I happen
to somehow agree with high rep one-armed dumbbell snatches and cleans
followed by side press. You simply take the dumbbell overhead "however
you like" for high reps. Pretty good option, because snatching and cleans
do help with maintaining proper posture. Rowing on a rower machine is
supposedly very good exercise too. Riding a real bike definitely is.
Running works too, of course. Do whatever you prefer.

Oh, if you simply want to get slimmer, you do not need to do cardio.
You can eat less, be more active throughout a day or do weights more
often.

> other body parts that are crucial?

Legs, of course. Squats are great for lower body development, but you
will do fine with machines for starters.

> How about abs? (I by no means have
> a beer belly, but it went from a good 8 pack to more flab than pack)

Leg raises, for example. That should do it.

> Thanks again for the suggestions, I will definitely take them to heart
> and let you know what I do, some of the results.
> Yes, I know Usenet is much older than Google, it's just I found the
> group through Google... :-p I'm a telecom major,
> so I am kinda a geek in terms of computer stuff, lol.

So who built the first blue-box? ;-)

Whoever it was, try to remember that all this "getting in shape" affair
is actually very simple thing. Choose a simple routine and keep at
doing it. Let's say bench/squat/row are your core exercises which you
try to do often. Overhead press and arms can be a good finishers. For
your cardio you run to a park, where there is a playground for kids, so
you can do some pull-ups and hanging leg raises. Stuff like that.

--
Andrzej Rosa 1127R

"jordanw24" <jordanw24@gmail.com> writes:

> Thanks again for your response.
>
> I really appreciate your suggestions and everything.

You need to quote a little bit of the message you are responding to so
that we can tell who you are talking to. I am going to assume that
you were talking to me, but you probably weren't.

> I wanted to get a few things outta the way before I ask a few more
> questions. First, I did eat more after I posted my comments
> earlier. I had a thing of barbecue with some baked beans, and a
> side of cole slaw and potato salad. I finished my evening off with
> a bowl of granola cereal and a banana.

That's good to hear. You are young. You don't need to try and live
off of 1400 calories a day. Eat more protein and mix in some
vegetables and you'll be golden.

> I appreciate the workout suggestions, and I do realize that I didn't
> cover a good overall gambit of exercises like I would have liked to.
> I was on somewhat of a time constraint, and didn't budget out my
> time like I should have.

Don't let it bother you too much. Everyone has to learn what they
like and what works for them. If you keep exercising you'll figure
out how to get more bang for your time spent.

> I do appreciate that calorie breakdown, it helps me know somewhat
> what I need to work on and what sort of foods I need.

At some point in their life everyone should take a few weeks and write
down what they eat. They also should track the macronutrient
breakdown of the foods. This allows you to get a real feel for what
foods are truly good for you.

> A few questions for you... I was wondering in terms of diet, should
> I eat a smaller meal 5 times a day, or 3 standard meals?

I've tried all sorts of different eating strategies from 5 meals a day
to one large meal a day. I personally think that more smaller meals
works better. However, it is more work. I would suggest that you get
some protein powder (whey and casein not soy). It's a cheap and easy
way to get added protein (I get mine at Costco and it costs something
like $0.21 a serving), and I find that it keeps me from getting
hungry.

> Should I eat more healthy foods with a higher calorie intake than I
> previously did with junk food?

Switch to healthier foods, add in some exercise and see what happens.

> Any other suggestions to work on areas such as abs, shoulders, legs,
> back, etc. (the whole list of things)

Big compound lifts are your friends. For example, any exercise where
the weight starts on the floor and ends up overhead tend to work lots
of muscles. It is also very hard work. I like deadlifts too, but
just because I can move a lot of weight.

> I really appreciate your suggestions, and will definitely put most
> or all of them into practice as possible.

It's all good. This is supposed to be fun.

> Thanks for all your help again!
> Jordan
>
> And by the way, I do know Usenet was the around long before Google,
> it just so happened that I found it through Google, and the fact
> that I'm a telecom major makes me sorta a computer/tech geek... ;-p

Welcome.

Jason