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Permalink Reply by 1hx1d46r7mzcm on February 6, 2008 at 3:25am

My main goal for the year is to get off of the BP medication that I started less than 1 yr ago. At 36 I am way to young to be having high BP. So, my plan was to cut back on the Mt. Dew, to 1 or 2 bottles a week, limit the amount of sugar intake through my week, portion control durning meals, variety of healthy foods, and excercise at least 4 times per week. At this time...one month into my program, I have lost 5 lbs., done great on the limited Dew and sugars, and doing MWF cardio work outs (30-40 min) and T, TH, strength and/or flexiblily. All of this had been done at home using the Firefighter's Workout book, some simple hand weights, stability ball, and a set of bicycling rollers.
When the weather improves enough to move the rides outside, my cardio time will increase and be a little more varied.
To add a bit more background on me. I am a straight third shift security officer, so I have to taylor my eating habits accordingly. Usually when I wake up at 5 pm, my first meal is breakfast (6pm). Light snack at 10:30 when I get to work and then a meal between 12 and 1 am as time allows. My downfall previously was to eat something big when I got home. Now I'm working out then eating a banana or fruit, some nuts, and a glass of milk or juice before hitting the sack.
Okay, that's enough of my rambling. So far, so good! Great to see everyone getting on board!!

Permalink Reply by Heather Langston on February 9, 2008 at 7:43pm

Well, the work-out has stalled a bit since I had my knee scoped. However, since being laid up for a week I have still managed to lose a half pound.

As soon as I get cleared, I'm going to give Pilates a try (my better half has been getting her butt kicked by a video that is broken up into 10 minute segments. Also planning on working a Krav Maga workout into the mix in addition to my usual cardio and body wieght exercises. I've been reading more and more that keeping my body guessing will increase my work-out gains. By the end of the summer, I want to be fit enough to give the P90X routine a try.

Permalink Reply by Heather Langston on February 9, 2008 at 7:46pm

That sounds like a great start. Portion control and intake of valuable calories is really important. You might want to add protein shakes into the mix, I've increased my protein intake and that has gone a long way to curb my hunger during the day. You didn't mention sodas, but I cut diet soda out of my daily intake and almost immediately dropped six pounds. The sodium is killer.

Good luck!!

Permalink Reply by Doug Fisher on February 10, 2008 at 1:58pm

Hello all. I am new to this site and am enjoying all that it offers. I was pleased to see this group because it may be just what I need. Just this weekend I have made a commitment to give up the cigars that I have come to enjoy and get back into shape. Ironicaly, I rec. an e-mail reminder for Fire School in Cody, Wyoming that a few of us attended last year. Its time for Fire School 2008!! This year they are adding a Fireman's challenge. Similar to a CPAT test, there will be hose drags, dummydrags, etc. I will be turning 40 this summer and I am often reminded by the younger people around me of this fact. I am in fair shape but I was reminded by a buddy on the Dept. that most of the guys doing the challenge will be half my age. I think this was the biggest motivator for me. I am setting a goal for myself to not only participate, but to finish in the top 10 overall. I may be dreaming, but I guess a fella needs to set the bar somewhere! Wish me luck and if anybody has particular regiments that work for you, I am all ears. I've got until the first week of May, so I am getting busy right now.

Permalink Reply by 1hx1d46r7mzcm on February 13, 2008 at 2:10am

Just making the commitment to change is a huge step. It's taken me a long time thinking about to actually doing it! It sounds like you've set some great goals so far. I try to set a goal for each week as well as a short term and a long term goal. So far the two months has gotten me in a better mood and feeling pretty good!
Good luck in your progress!!