Mtn Man, It's doable. I guess it's just a matter of how bad you want it. And different types of personality too. I know a girl who has two young kids, her husband is a cop and throughout the year they have opposite work schedules. She gets up at 4:30 a.m-5a.m to go workout so she can spend the evening with her kids. She competes in those figure shows though, I guess with her it becomes more of an obsession for a particular physique rather than merely losing weight.

Different goals.It's hard, but doable.

[Edited on May 13, 2013 at 9:19 AM. Reason : ah fuck]

5/13/2013 9:18:34 AM

Quote :

"You've lost 120 pounds?"

Yes. I've weighed as much as 303 lbs (dark times), and I've weighed as low as 185.

5/13/2013 9:23:43 AM

Guy in my high school did just about the same thing as that 16 year old over spring/summer, it's not that hard for teenagers to do it in a short amount of time.

Back to the pullups:

Quote :

"I used to be able to do 30+. But i'm a 155lb runner, so all I do is tons of running and core stuff (pushups/pullups/free weights). I could easily do 15-20 right now, so if I have a couple of weeks to prepare, I bet I can get to 25 and i'll provide video. "

This sounds like my officemate, he's a somewhat stocky guy at 5'7", 165, lots of body weight and dumbbell exercises and he can do chin/pull ups in the 20's.

5/13/2013 9:27:20 AM

Quote :

"I used to be able to do 30+. But i'm a 155lb runner, so all I do is tons of running and core stuff (pushups/pullups/free weights). I could easily do 15-20 right now, so if I have a couple of weeks to prepare, I bet I can get to 25 and i'll provide video."

pretty much me as well except for wrestling for most my life in place of running. It is killing me being out of town for work right now and not being able to do real pullups and chinups on a regular basis except when I am visiting home (having to use a pull down on a universal machine at my apartment).

5/13/2013 9:45:11 AM

I could do 30+ pullups in high school and my early 20's when I weighed 135 - 165

not so easy at 220 and a bad shoulder

[Edited on May 13, 2013 at 10:19 AM. Reason : s]

5/13/2013 10:17:33 AM

But guys, there's no way that's possible, even with this so-called "hard work".

2013 Egocentrism, Elitism and Excuses Thread

5/13/2013 10:24:39 AM

Quote :

"TWW Chin Up Challenge... 2 weeks to prepare. All reps must have the jaw line pass above bar at top, elbow fully extended at bottom."

The most I did in one set before preparing for my last PFT on April 12th was 21. I could maybe squeak out one or two more...maybe.

I won't be doing any of those pussy, underhanded pullups.

[Edited on May 13, 2013 at 10:37 AM. Reason : .]

5/13/2013 10:37:04 AM

Let this thread be a lesson to anyone who provides a real picture on this website. you will be inspected, you will be ridiculed, you will be insulted.

Quote :

"Feel free to share pictures, progress, goals, inspiration and knowledge. And be supportive of one another. Constructive feedback is encouraged. "

[Edited on May 13, 2013 at 12:46 PM. Reason : .]

5/13/2013 12:43:14 PM

Scrutiny and interrogation are in the name of selfishness, not justice. People seek self-validation, not knowledge.

"How many pull-ups can you do?", not because they are genuinely interested, or will even believe your answer, but because they have already decided what the answer should be, and any response or proof provided will be manipulated in the eye-of-the-beholder in order to fit the predetermined perception of another's capabilities.

PackMan92 said it best:

Quote :

"Why is it hard to believe someone can do 27 pull-ups in a row? Is it because none of you can?"

A concept that is more-or-less all-encompassing in the world of fitness (and anywhere else egos can get damaged).

Same song, different verse.



Just wait until someone actually cares enough to post a video of them doing 30+ pullups...
"Okay he/she can do a lot of pullups, but..."

It's the equivalent of peeping over the partition at the urinal, and then qualifying to yourself anything you see.

the competitive spirit at its finest! It's a lose-lose for all parties.

5/13/2013 12:48:21 PM

^

5/13/2013 1:18:43 PM

acraw Yeah, i'm not arguing that it's not doable, just venting because its a whole lot easier to drop weight as a 16 year old than a 30 year old.

I was a porker as a kid but dropped a ton of weight and got really fit in highschool, not because I was trying, but because I was just more active. I still ate like shit, but my metabolism and activity level were so high it didn't matter.

Now I'm trying to get in shape before the second kid is born and it means getting up at 5:30 for a 90 minute gym session every weekday, tracking my food meticulously, having to explain at every outing with friends and other parents why I can't eat something like cake, burgers or cheese fries. Not to mention, when you spend all day chasing a toddler around, keeping up the house, and shuffling between playgroups all I want to do is sit down and drink beer and eat fatty meats covered in mayonnaise, not vegetable medley with chicken and ice water or hot tea.

[/rant]

I hope to post a status update at the end of this week. I'm a month in now and feel like I've finally started to develop healthy long term habits. Started at 264, was 255 this morning.

5/13/2013 2:45:32 PM

I just came in to post that although this is suppose to be a positive and informative thread...there is no way that dude can do 27 pullups/chinups.

5/13/2013 3:03:36 PM

is losing weight harder for you because of your time commitments, peer pressure, etc. or are you just not RIP Girlfriending enough?

[Edited on May 13, 2013 at 3:11 PM. Reason : ]

5/13/2013 3:06:15 PM

^^ I agree. If he'll post a video showing 27 strick pull-ups, I'll send him 5 lafta bucks.

Also face shitting all over kipping is funny. Yes deadhang pullups are much more difficult than a kipped pullup, but both have thier merits.




[Edited on May 13, 2013 at 3:12 PM. Reason : df]

5/13/2013 3:11:49 PM

I am late to the game if we're talking beach body--I even already put on a bikini for the year just hanging out in the backyard--but looking at my scale and being generally unhappy with my post-pregnancy gut in that bikini, I'm joining this thread in hopes for motivation and support.

Son will be two in July, and in the two years since his birth I managed to drop all of the pregnancy weight plus and put most of it back on. I don't know what I weighed just before he was born as I never looked at the scale in the drs office, but I was about 135 when I found out, probably gained 30 pounds when pregnant, and then lost it all plus (thanks breastfeeding!) after.

At my lowest in these past two years I was 123, and I am currently at 153 lbs at 5'8''.
Yuck.
While 123 was a nice number some would've said I was too thin (although I didn't think), so my goal is 130-135 and just general health.
I'm hypothyroid and currently on 112 mcg of levothyroxine. Losing weight for hypothyroid folks even with medication is a bit difficult, so I'm mindful of that but very hopeful.

My work out is currently at a 1. I did yoga while pregnant and walked our dog daily. Now we have a yard so I don't really walk the dog. I haven't done yoga since. My "workout" is just general daily walking around the house & chores and chasing the kid.

My changes: First thing I'm doing is cutting out carbs from my breakfast (I have basically been eating a bagel for breakfast loaded with cream cheese everyday) and going back to smoothies and protein. I drink coffee daily (2-3 cups) with whole milk and sugar, but only one tsp sugar and what's probably 1.5 oz of milk. I'm going to be more mindful of my caloric intake plus cut back on beer. I'm going to work in a yoga routine during the day. I'm also joining my friends on the Avon walk/run in October, so I've gotta start doing something to train for that which will also help.

SO...motivate me people! Also, if you could point me in the direction of some good free apps for the iphone to track my calories and weight loss that would be great. I'm looking at "Lose it!" and "My Fitness Pal"

[Edited on May 13, 2013 at 3:28 PM. Reason : ]

5/13/2013 3:16:42 PM

I use My Fitness Pal and love it. I used sparkpeople for a while a few years ago and liked it.

Quote :

"is losing weight harder for you because of your time commitments, peer pressure, etc. or are you just not RIP Girlfriending enough?"

It's my failure to commit to RIP Girlfriend.

[Edited on May 13, 2013 at 3:30 PM. Reason : ]

5/13/2013 3:27:58 PM

Quote :

"Also face shitting all over kipping is funny"

face shitting on anyone for anything is funny

5/13/2013 3:36:13 PM

Quote :

"Scrutiny and interrogation are in the name of selfishness, not justice. People seek self-validation, not knowledge. "How many pull-ups can you do?", not because they are genuinely interested, or will even believe your answer, but because they have already decided what the answer should be, and any response or proof provided will be manipulated in the eye-of-the-beholder in order to fit the predetermined perception of another's capabilities. PackMan92 said it best: Quote : "Why is it hard to believe someone can do 27 pull-ups in a row? Is it because none of you can?" A concept that is more-or-less all-encompassing in the world of fitness (and anywhere else egos can get damaged). Same song, different verse. Just wait until someone actually cares enough to post a video of them doing 30+ pullups... "Okay he/she can do a lot of pullups, but..." It's the equivalent of peeping over the partition at the urinal, and then qualifying to yourself anything you see. the competitive spirit at its finest! It's a lose-lose for all parties. "

This sounds like it comes from someone with mediocre work ethic and poor results.

I ask you how many chin ups you can do, and call out the other guy for his claims because I smell horse shit and lies.

I am genuinely interested in your level of fitness and experience because it let's me know if you have any clue wtf you are talking about.

5/13/2013 3:42:50 PM

I intentionally don't discuss my own capabilities because I have nothing to prove. There will always be those who are better than me, and those who are not yet where I am. I don't judge either group. And I certainly don't deride others for their progress, or critique "work ethic" based simply off the semantics of a post.

but to answer the question you'd really like to ask:

Yes, I am in better shape than you, without a doubt. Just because you've undertaken the title of TheWolfWeb's fitness charlatan doesn't mean you have any weight in judging why or how anyone else is capable of whatever they are doing. Your perception of "hard work" is grossly limited by your inability to comprehend and accept the achievement of others.

I post under the assumption this thread is about growth, support, and improvement; not about MattJMM2's self-serving advice, egostroking, and lowclass advertising.

I like to see results. I don't like to see individuals in moderate physical shape with inflated senses of self-worth criticize anyone who they think might encroach on their own domain.

This thread isn't about me, or people like me. It's about fostering a community around a common goal of health. Tête-á-tête's like this do nothing but waste time and space and turn this thread into another TWW East/West BBQ debate.

onwards and upwards to positivity

Finally - and most importantly -

5/13/2013 5:06:26 PM

face how is the Yohimbine treating you?

5/13/2013 5:14:10 PM

bubblebobble in da house

5/13/2013 5:30:28 PM

^^^You haven't posted anything about yourself or anything that would help someone achieve better health in this thread. You're only calling people out. Fair enough. So, we can expect to get your extremely valuable feedback and advice on how to achieve better health or better fitness over the next dozen pages instead of more emoticons.

Quote :

"My changes: First thing I'm doing is cutting out carbs from my breakfast (I have basically been eating a bagel for breakfast loaded with cream cheese everyday) and going back to smoothies and protein. I drink coffee daily (2-3 cups) with whole milk and sugar, but only one tsp sugar and what's probably 1.5 oz of milk. I'm going to be more mindful of my caloric intake plus cut back on beer. I'm going to work in a yoga routine during the day. I'm also joining my friends on the Avon walk/run in October, so I've gotta start doing something to train for that which will also help. SO...motivate me people! Also, if you could point me in the direction of some good free apps for the iphone to track my calories and weight loss that would be great. I'm looking at "Lose it!" and "My Fitness Pal""

I use MyFitnessPal and I think it's great. You can enter your own foods, and just about any food you'd find at a chain store/restaurant is also there. The mobile app syncs up with the web app, so you can enter data about your eating throughout the day and keep track of your weight.

If you're drinking coffee with cream/sugar and drinking smoothies/shakes, it's probably worth tracking calories meticulously...at least at first. Fruit smoothies might be nutritious, but the sugar can add up quick. If you're tracking calories using something like MFP, you'll see what's happening to your weight and exactly how many calories you're consuming week to week, allowing you to adjust up or down from there. 2-3 weeks of "strict" dieting/logging helps set a good baseline; most diets fail in the first couple of weeks.

5/13/2013 5:54:49 PM

The good suffer when the bad go unpunished.





In other news, GNC changed their business model. Gold Cards are like MVP cards now - kinda. Constant Gold Card prices, as opposed to first 7 days. And apparently they are giving them out for free (probably not for long though).

For the first time in my life, I saved money by going to GNC as opposed to using Amazon.

5/13/2013 6:00:14 PM

booze and pizza this weekend caused me to put on 7lbs of water weight

now that's a beachbody

[Edited on May 13, 2013 at 6:01 PM. Reason : ]

5/13/2013 6:00:55 PM

Fine. Im using a different brand this time around. Seems to produce slightly more side effects though. Had a heafache Saturday but much of it was attributable to 20+ drinks the night before.

Had to drop the RIP GIRLFRIEND diet for now. Forgot youre supposed to switch to maintenance calories for two weeks before beginning. It was kicking my ass going from 3, 000+ bulking diet to 1, 500 calories all at once.

Going to try to restart now that im recarbed.

5/13/2013 6:03:24 PM

So i took saturday off weightlifting as a recovery measure since my weights had stalled (could only do 185x5 thursday after doing 205x5 the prior session). Pretty pumped just did 225x8 squat at 165 lbs. Getting close to respectable weights. Going to go for 245x5 next session since I blew 225 out. I adjusted the bar placement a little lower which seemed to eliminate that heavy feeling I was talking about the other day.

Deadlifted without straps 225x3. I think I need to take a little more time before sets and my totals will start going up again there. Never lifted hamstrings much before so its going to take some more time to get past the novice weights.


Oh and 10 slow controlled chin ups without any cheating after all that + shoulder press so I think I could easily get 15 in the challenge in two weeks

5/13/2013 8:44:48 PM

Quote :

"I intentionally don't discuss my own capabilities because I have nothing to prove. There will always be those who are better than me, and those who are not yet where I am. I don't judge either group. And I certainly don't deride others for their progress, or critique "work ethic" based simply off the semantics of a post. but to answer the question you'd really like to ask: Yes, I am in better shape than you, without a doubt. Just because you've undertaken the title of TheWolfWeb's fitness charlatan doesn't mean you have any weight in judging why or how anyone else is capable of whatever they are doing. Your perception of "hard work" is grossly limited by your inability to comprehend and accept the achievement of others. I post under the assumption this thread is about growth, support, and improvement; not about MattJMM2's self-serving advice, egostroking, and lowclass advertising. I like to see results. I don't like to see individuals in moderate physical shape with inflated senses of self-worth criticize anyone who they think might encroach on their own domain. This thread isn't about me, or people like me. It's about fostering a community around a common goal of health. Tête-á-tête's like this do nothing but waste time and space and turn this thread into another TWW East/West BBQ debate. onwards and upwards to positivity Finally - and most importantly - "

Fitness Charlatan? Low Class Advertising? Sick burn bro

I support and appreciate anyone who is motivated enough to make positive changes in their lives. I do not support people making up silly bull shit and not getting called out on it. If I am wrong, and he can smoke out 27 pull ups: I will apologize and congratulate because achieving that is pretty bad ass.

You are making some pretty tall claims about yourself... Why not back it up with some evidence? When I claim I can dead lift 495lbs, I post videos. I've already posted one set of progress pictures, and I'm going to take some more soon now that I'm very close to my goals. And, if you are 'in better shape' (whatever that means) I'll e-pat you on the back and ask you what effective training methods you used.

The difference is that I am pragmatic about achieving results, you are just trying to feel good on the internet.

5/13/2013 9:05:34 PM

lol

5/13/2013 9:44:10 PM

Yeah matt knows diet /training very well. Hes got the totals and pics to back it up.

An overweight guy who doesnt even lift bro posted a pic stating 27 pull ups. That's akin to me saying I can squat 500 lbs With my chicken legs .

Lets keep this thread grounded in reality and leave the take it in the ass fantasies to girls like acraw

Starting UD 2.0 next week. Going to call it RIP GIRLFRIEND 2.0. We taking this to a whole new level. Get fit or die fucking an 8

5/14/2013 1:52:38 AM

Went with myfitnesspal and like it so far. Really easy to use. I can lose 7 pounds if I do what I did yesterday everyday in 5 weeks

5/14/2013 7:56:43 AM

Seriously GrayFox needs to back up his shit talking. If you truly are in better shape than Matt, then you should not have any qualms about proving it. Show up at his gym if you are afraid to post pics/videos. If you are in great shape or super strong, then you should be proud to demonstrate it to people who are seeking advice on this stuff.

5/14/2013 8:59:41 AM

OK so since I’m two weeks into the program I’ll go ahead and spill the beans. My wife and I started the Insanity workout program April 28th. This is the first time I’ve ordered on infomercial diet/workout program. I’ve always been skeptical of this kind of thing, but after a considerable amount of research, my wife and I decided to go for it. I have been thoroughly impressed. At the beginning of the program, you do a fit test, and then repeat the fit test every two weeks to track your progress in addition to taking measurements. In two weeks I have made significant improvement in my endurance, have gone down two notches on my belt and have lost almost 6 lbs. Granted, in my opinion it’s not the workouts that are the most effective part (well they are for muscle stamina) for weight loss but it’s the diet program that come with Insanity. They provide you with a very comprehensive recipe book with healthy and delicious meals. Anyway, I’m not trying to plug Insanity here, but instead just letting you guys know what my plan is. I’ll keep you updated with my progress.

5/14/2013 9:25:05 AM

I have never finished Insanity because I get burned out from doing that crazy shit 6 days a week. The longest I did it was half way through the second month. I had already achieved my goals in the first month so I guess that was the de-motivator to continue. That and being fucking sore ALL THE FUCKING TIME.

5/14/2013 9:28:23 AM

I think I'll restart myfitnesspal too.

All two of my myfitnesspal friends haven't logged in in awhile either I don't feel so bad now


My other fitness apps are fitocracy, RunKeeper, CharityMiles, Workout Trainer, IntervalTimer, and I still have GymPact on my phone but I dont really use it yet.

What apps do you guys like/use?

5/14/2013 9:34:45 AM

dude I was ridiculously sore the first week. I mean could fucking barely walk sore. But that shit has passed now, thank god. i do feel some tightness during the day, but it feels good. I"m not in crazy pain like I was the first week. So what were your goals and what kind of transition did you make? I could see myself meeting my goals early and wanting to quit, but I'm also determined to finish this. My wife is doing it with me so that helps me stay motivated.

5/14/2013 9:34:48 AM

We did it together, but we did it before work and basically just got burnt out on getting up at 6 to do it. We didn't quite intend to quit, but realized we were only doing a couple days a week because we'd wake up and think "eh, we'll do it tomorrow" more often than not. Oops.

5/14/2013 9:42:19 AM

^^ We weren't only doing Insanity. I guess we just felt like we were active enough without Insanity. My goals were to lean out. When I hit 160 after the first month I figured that was lean enough, but we kept going for a week or so more. We were running a lot and lifting, too.

Traveling a lot also kind of got in the way. We did a couple of adventure races that summer and we did a camp out as well. So, I guess it was more than just getting burned out.

Quote :

"dude I was ridiculously sore the first week. I mean could fucking barely walk sore. But that shit has passed now, thank god."

Wait until the second month.

Quote :

"SHIT IS BANANAS"

[Edited on May 14, 2013 at 9:52 AM. Reason : Don't get me wrong. It's a great program and we still do the workouts from time to time. ]

5/14/2013 9:51:45 AM

Gotcha. Well we are on day 16 and have stuck to the diet pretty much as planned (we do have a cheat day on our off day allowing for 500 more calories which i usually drink) and we haven't missed a workout. if i get results like this guy I will be stoked!

5/14/2013 9:57:37 AM

Matt how did you like UD 2.0? It looks killer and will be tough to work my drinking schedule around but im going for it.

Ive never experienced anything like the hunger today after squatting/deadlifting last night. That shit is crazy. How the hell am I supposed to diet when Im starving by 9 AM?

5/14/2013 11:26:44 AM

Quote :

"Also face shitting all over kipping is funny. Yes deadhang pullups are much more difficult than a kipped pullup, but both have thier merits."

What are the benefits of a kipped pullup?

5/14/2013 11:37:10 AM

I tried UD2 for about 3 weeks... It was too hard for me. The hardest part is actually the carb loading. The depletion workouts were pretty tortuous as well.

When I return from France, I will try a modified version of it. And since I'll be looking to add mass, it should be a little bit more manageable.



[Edited on May 14, 2013 at 11:51 AM. Reason : 3 weeks]

5/14/2013 11:50:27 AM

I've been really slack the past couple weeks. Starting a new routine tomorrow. Major excuse - too many celebrations with junk food (last one is today, hence why I start tomorrow).

I know that if I were to cut back on drinking it would make it a lot easier, but wine is so delicious! /faceworldproblems

5/14/2013 11:59:36 AM

lol

5/14/2013 12:51:03 PM

Quote :

"I know that if I were to cut back on drinking it would make it a lot easier, but wine is so delicious! /faceworldproblems"

I thought about that while I was running yesterday.

But I have absolutely no desire to cut back on my drinking. I'm not even close to face level...but I pretty much have to have beer/wine with every dinner. Which usually turns in to about three drinks a night. If I'm drinking water with dinner...I'm a little depressed.

5/14/2013 12:59:58 PM

I'm actually still not drinking, which is weird. I gave it up in August with one instance in September when I was convinced that getting really hungover would help me also give up cigarettes. It didn't work, but I eventually gave up smoking in January with just a few here and there.

I drink extraordinary quantities of coffee all day every day.

5/14/2013 1:28:43 PM

man i was the same way. I used to have 2-3 beers or a couple cocktails every day and then more on the weekend. i became determined to lower my body fat so in order to stay with a calorie deficient diet I had cut out the alcohol. now I only drink on Saturday. It's made a huge difference. It's much easier to get up in the morning and i have more energy. I've read that daily alcohol consumption will also lower your metabolism but not sure how scientific that is.

5/14/2013 1:36:05 PM

I just did a 22 minute core yoga routine (could've been longer but one of those involved interval pushups and I was done after 24 ) and after plugging it in I burned a whopping 62 calories!



I feel like I was more graceful and better at it with a huge belly versus whatever that just was. I know I'll get better the more I do it, but what a disappointment.

At least I did something today, right? I'll probably go on another walk with the kid after his nap. Maybe a bike ride.

5/14/2013 2:10:54 PM

5/14/2013 2:11:40 PM

5/14/2013 2:12:45 PM

well that makes me feel better

(seriously)

5/14/2013 2:24:22 PM