NOT GOOD! I have been on Atkins for 4 wks (starting week 5 on Sunday) and working out since day one...however, if I'd had this eval back then I can't imagine how much worse it would have been.

Apparently I'm 41% bf, which I could just literally die from... I'm only 177 lbs., not to say that's not a lot, but to have so much of me be fat! Also, my bp was high, which it never has been high before?? Shouldn't it be lower since I"ve been exercising? I'm really upset!

I am doing everything I can do to help myself and it just doesn't seem to be enough!

She recommend I do 1 hr a day 5 x wk of cardio and 2 days of weights! I go to the gym 5 days a wk for 45 minutes, doing 3 days of weights, 2 of cardio, and plus walk 1 to 2 miles each weekend day... what else can I do?!

Sorry, just really sad.

Chrystal - girl, take a deep breath! It took time for you to gain weight, and it will take time to lose it. You have been with this new program for 4 weeks - most fitness folks say it takes at least 4 weeks to see results. Keep doing what you are doing, and you WILL see results.

First of all, it is not healthy to lose weight too fast. Second, you want to make exercise and low carb a lifestyle. If you do try to do too much (in other words, obsess about exercise), you will end up either a) sacrificing balance in your life or 2) causing yourself an overuse injury. Exercise needs to be fun and sustainable.

I personally did not see better results when I was doing cardio for an hour a day 5 x week. It was much better when I did cardio 3 times a week and weights three times a week. Weight training builds muscle, which boosts your metabolism way more than cardio. Right now, I work out less than 4 hours a week (not including fun stuff like walks with family and showshoeing, etc.) and I am in better shape than when I did the 1.5 hour 6 days a week. In summers, I bike a lot so I guess I get more cardio in there, but I don't look at it that way (it's just fun).

BTW, I started my weight loss journey at about 38% BF. It took me 9 months to get to 21% BF. Don't let your trainer scare you into doing too much too fast. Just keep doing what you are doing and you will be fine.

Jen
175/129/120

Who performed this "evaluation"? Some so-called trainers only know a one-size-fits-all method, and it sounds like your trainer might not be attending to your personal situation.

For one thing, body fat measurements are notoriously inflated (you should pardon the expression). For now, forget about that one.

An hour a day of cardio PLUS weight training is too much. You'll burn out for sure. Yes, do try to get in at least 30 minutes of exercise activity. But then, try to be as active as possible the rest of the day--taking the stairs, walking a little farther than you have to, parking at a distance. That stuff adds up, too. Strength training, as Jen points out, is very important, and you'll feel the results quickly, so that's rewarding.

Take it easy...and keep at it. It's a lifelong journey, and you've got time.

Barb L.
Started Atkins January 2003
162/137/130

change gyms...all my life i exercise...im a few pounds overweight thats it..i rollerblade, bike, power walk anything i feel like doing...i use to run and jog...stopped cause fell on my knees on blades...dont ask long story...anyhow...all you have to do is a good power walk for 30mins to start then later bring it up bit by bit 15mins more and do this 3x a week...then do floor exercises...weights is great but you have to be careful..not everyone knows how to lift properly...today they put these 20yr old trainers that will tell you what your suppose to look like and they dont even know your health history or just plain simple doesnt even know you...

you have to be your own judge today and dont give up and get discourage...you can do it..

helene

To Love is to risk not being loved in return. To try is to risk failure. But risk must be taken. Because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.

WOW, that's terrific advice! I'm so glad to hear it, I thought I was DOOMED! I surely couldn't do the requirements she requested (YES a TRAINER) and now I feel comfortable that my 30 minutes 5-7 days a week is going to work. I couldn't imagine anything not working from nothing at all...but she made me feel I HAD TO DO THIS OR ELSE! haha
My PT that I usually see is great and encouraging, but for the Fit eval I saw a diff person.

I have to say that if I'd been told I had to do cardio an hour a day 5x/wk, someone would have had a bloody nose



BC
172/108/108--5'2"
Zone since 4/98

ROFL, BC!

Jen
175/129/120