After the LAV fat post, it is interesting with aging how

[Eurodriver]

This thread is odd to me. Anyone who has seen my posts in the nutrition forum knows that I'm trying everything under the sun to gain weight.

When I graduated from Parris Island, my Senior Drill Instructor called me "Stick Marine". I was 6'3" 145lbs. I'm heavier now, but still lanky as hell.

[TAZ]

As with every thing in life the answer isn't as simple as work out more, or eat less or any ONE thing. Many things play a role in how your body changes as you age. Genetics is one, caloric intake is another and caloric output is another. Just like the 4 rules; ignore more than one and you won't like the end result.

We need to have an understanding of how our bodies are changing. Hormone levels are different at 50 than at 15. You may have been able to consume a bunch of carbs at 15 with no issues. At 50 you may ballon like the Hindenburg if you so much as look at a piece of bread. Understand what is making you have an issue and attack it.

As we age the metabolic issue is often compounded by injuries. Either acute (blown ACL, rotator cuff...) and / or long term overuse (tendinitis...). Metabolic rates drop as does your ability to work off the calories. For some this isn't a big deal. For the rest of us who have sustained some damage due to youthfully exuberant adventures; its a bitch.

With regards to work out routines. If you are able to work out or have figured out routines to work around those youthful injuries; I don't care who you are it's going to suck donkey balls for the first few weeks. Especially if you haven't done any activity for a long time. You just need to push through it without injury. After about 2-3 weeks of consistent activity the tiredness should go away and your will actually feel bad missing a workout. For those who have been out of activity for a long period you will be very smart to hook up with a trainer while you're staring off. Not only do you feel like you have some skin in the game ($ paid out), but they will motivate you and make sure that you're not causing other issues. Lots of people stop after a few days of working out cause they are sore, hurting and exhausted. All that can be managed to make the activity tiring, but not painfully so.

There is a reason why all those shows about weight loss always involve a trainer, nutritionist and often a physician. All 3 things need to be addressed for long term success.

The above thoughts are based on my personal experiences. 45YO; no ACL, no MCL, mangled Achilles, torn biceps tendon, torn deltoid tendon, busted anterior labrum, various compressed disks. And lost 30 or so # over the last year give or take. Work a desk job 8-10 hrs/ day, hit the gym 5-6 days a week and have some energy left to deal with a 10 YO.

It's possible

[rero360]

Some say 30 is the magic number, all I developed by that time was skin cancer. I still fit the BDUs I was issued 16 years ago when I was 18.

I'd say that applies to me. I have always stayed between 150 and 160 even since 10th grade, with the exception of a few years ago when money was really tight, I got into a motorcycle crash, and basically life just sucked, I dropped down to 140-145. No matter how much I ate, or what I ate, how much I worked out, I never broke 160.

I met my fiancee last Feb. a few months before turning 31. Since being with her I have increased my weight to 170, with 175 being my goal, I'm kind of plateaued right now at 168-170. We've been going to the gym 3 to 5 times a week since the second week of January, I'm doing exercises I never done before like squats (bad back, two fractured vertebrae) and I feel great. I took an APFT last month and scored almost 40 points higher than I did a year ago, shortly after getting back from Afghanistan, my run time was quicker than it has been in probably almost a decade, which is crazy considering I'm running on a bad ankle (broke it in the motorcycle accident and it's never been the same since) and am about 25 pounds heavier than I was a year ago.

We eat healthy, she more so than I, I add a fair amount of candy and sweets to all the chicken, turkey, fish, salads, fruits, veggies. We have dramatically cut back on eating out as well over the past 4 months, its cheaper to cook at home and generally better food.

I have gotten noticeably thicker in the chest, my dress shirts are tight in the armpits now, I've had to exchange my wedding clothing for the next size up, and I'm going to have to take my suit jackets in to get let out here soon.

[6933]

I'll build on TAZ. Many people decide to start the fitness "life" and immediately make a mistake. They try too hard, too fast. Take it slow. When I speak with someone about beginning running, interval training, lifting, jiu-jitsu, whatever, my first advice is "Start slow and gradual." I was talking to a nurse my wife works with about starting running and my advice was don't run yet, walk. Same principle with changing eating habits(not dieting!) is not to right off the bat drastically reduce calories and change everything you eat. Gradual. Helps prevent food fatigue and not so mentally challenging when the mental game may not be there yet.

Being healthy, physically active, eating correctly, and mental/physical discipline is a LIFESTYLE. It is not a diet, or something you do every so often. I have posted multiple times about eating cake, ice cream, and drinking multiple Mexican Sprites a day while still making weight and physical goals. Works for me. May not work for you. My recent body changes came partly from dietary changes. No more cake, ice cream, sweets, etc. Mexican Sprites reduced to one every other week or so. I went from good shape to excellent shape. I only mention this as it relates to dietary changes and the difficulty in switching your diet around and STAYING happy and positive. Can be very hard to do. This is where mental discipline comes in. Now, weeks later, the dietary transition is complete, no food fatigue, and positive vibes on the new changes. Most people simply can't wait the time it takes to see physical changes and decide the diet isn't for them. In other words, simply make excuses for their lack of discipline. This ties back in with taking the whole process slowly and gradually. Then, the new fitness lifestyler understands the changes don't happen overnight and are more inclined to stay the course. Be that as it may, I tend to be much more pessimistic in regards to most peoples lifestyle change attempts. Many people are just lazy and will look for any excuse they can to maintain their unhealthy lifestyle. Will some change? Of course and I hope those posting in this thread do. I have stated before that the caliber of person on this site is above average and my negativity is not directed here. It is at the fat asses I see everyday in public that are obviously making no attempt at bettering themselves.

[cbx]

This thread is odd to me. Anyone who has seen my posts in the nutrition forum knows that I'm trying everything under the sun to gain weight.

When I graduated from Parris Island, my Senior Drill Instructor called me "Stick Marine". I was 6'3" 145lbs. I'm heavier now, but still lanky as hell.

Oh don't be chitty euro......... Just kidding. You got lucky and won the genetics lottery. I have a brother the same way. He can eat anything, never gains weight.

On the flip side, if you ever decide to bulk up the process will take years.

I eat effing white bread and I feel like a gained 10 lbs.

[GTF425]

Yeah, sure, I guess.


But what about these guys...

Pat Mac
JD Potinsky
Tom Spooner
Kyle Lamb
Mike Pannone
Paul Howe

Short answer: mindset.

I'm still WAY too young for this thread, so I'll read and heed the words of those of you living it right now. I'll revisit this in...25 years.

But, after 7 years of Paratrooping and 3 years in Afghanistan, I'll say that taking care of injuries early and not letting them become debilitating probably plays a huge part in it.

[FlyingHunter]

What I tell my patients, in order of importance:

1. Genetics
2. Nutrition, particularly how certain foods interact with others
3. Exercise to include both cardio and resistive components
4. Hydration, I recommend 50% of your body weight in H20 daily.
5. Sleep

The self discipline to successfully manage #2 - #5 is where most people fall short.
I find it to be a curious human behavioral characteristic that most people only take #2 - #5 seriously AFTER a serious medical event.

Be Well.

[6933]

1. Genetics
2. Nutrition, particularly how certain foods interact with others
3. Exercise to include both cardio and resistive components
4. Hydration, I recommend 50% of your body weight in H20 daily.
5. Sleep

The self discipline to successfully manage #2 - #5 is where most people fall short.

Self discipline, or the lack thereof, is why people are overweight. Lack of discipline affects all the choices. "I worked hard today. I should eat a salad but a cheeseburger is a good reward and I deserve it." "I'm really tired today. I'll just take the day off." "This piece of cake won't hurt me." "I'm a little sore. I'll take an extra day off to rest. It will be for the best in the long run."


I will assume the 50% of your weight in water per day is a typo.

[FlyingHunter]

Self discipline, or the lack thereof, is why people are overweight. Lack of discipline affects all the choices. "I worked hard today. I should eat a salad but a cheeseburger is a good reward and I deserve it." "I'm really tired today. I'll just take the day off." "This piece of cake won't hurt me." "I'm a little sore. I'll take an extra day off to rest. It will be for the best in the long run."


I will assume the 50% of your weight in water per day is a typo.

yep -50% of your body weight in ounces

[JusticeM4]

Yea, it's called genetics.

And those millionaires who's lives depend on their image (Jennifer Aniston for example), have personal trainers, chefs, and dietitians. That helps, too, of course.

This.

Genetics is the main factor here. Of course people can spend money on diet fads, gyms, trainers, surgery, etc. But in the end, your genes dictate what your body will do til the day you die. Your genetics also dictate your metabolism, whether you eat like pig or never work out. Some people will be skinny no matter what.

I believe it has been called a "Genetic Lottery" by a female supermodel.