Getting my fitness up
Discussion
Excuse the horrible title, I couldn't think what else to make it
Now that I have a full time job, I'm wanting to (cliche incoming) "turn my life around". Currently I'm pretty unhealthy, junk food was a common staple of my diet, no physical exercise other than walking around the shop I would volunteer at.
Since I got the position I cut down on the junk food (not entirely) and due to being a Parts Person there is a bit of manul labour. The start of making myself fitter and healthier.
I currently weigh around 53kg and I'm 6"2', which means I'm dangerously underweight and so I want to bump up my weight with muscle rather than fat.
So, other than the gym (as that's a cliche, and I don't like clichés; hypocritical I know considering what I just wrote) what other ways are there?
I've been suggested walking, jogging, running which will all help my stamina and fitness, not so much the weight/muscle.
So any generic fitness suggestions?
Very vague post I know, really difficult to explain my line of thinking.
Now that I have a full time job, I'm wanting to (cliche incoming) "turn my life around". Currently I'm pretty unhealthy, junk food was a common staple of my diet, no physical exercise other than walking around the shop I would volunteer at.
Since I got the position I cut down on the junk food (not entirely) and due to being a Parts Person there is a bit of manul labour. The start of making myself fitter and healthier.
I currently weigh around 53kg and I'm 6"2', which means I'm dangerously underweight and so I want to bump up my weight with muscle rather than fat.
So, other than the gym (as that's a cliche, and I don't like clichés; hypocritical I know considering what I just wrote) what other ways are there?
I've been suggested walking, jogging, running which will all help my stamina and fitness, not so much the weight/muscle.
So any generic fitness suggestions?
Very vague post I know, really difficult to explain my line of thinking.
Mothersruin said:
Lift stuff and eat loads - cliche or not.
If you still dismiss it, then I don't care - good luck.
Can "lift stuff and eat loads" be done without a gym membership etc? Well obviously the eat one can be.If you still dismiss it, then I don't care - good luck.
Could doing the manual labour etc carrying doors and the like at work be classed as "lift stuff"?
you want to gain weight? eat a calorie surplus. Not gaining weight? then you're still not consuming enough.
you wanna get your fitness up? what exactly do you want to be fit at doing?
if you wana be able to lift heavy things then you train for that.
if you wana run for a marathon you train for that.
if you wanna sprint hard you train for that etc..
if you want to float like a butterfly and sting like a bee you train boxing.
if you want to get good at chopping wood then get a large hammer/mallet and an old tractor tyre.
you get the idea.
if you want movements that involve your body rather than lifting weights then look up callisthenics training.
you wanna get your fitness up? what exactly do you want to be fit at doing?
if you wana be able to lift heavy things then you train for that.
if you wana run for a marathon you train for that.
if you wanna sprint hard you train for that etc..
if you want to float like a butterfly and sting like a bee you train boxing.
if you want to get good at chopping wood then get a large hammer/mallet and an old tractor tyre.
you get the idea.
if you want movements that involve your body rather than lifting weights then look up callisthenics training.
How old are you? Have you always been so lean? 53kg at 6ft2 is very light, if you think you're already eating a high calorie diet and aren't taking a lot of exercise it might be worth a visit to your gp, you could probably get referred to a dietician or someone who could sort you out with proper meal plans, throwing excessive calories into yourself such as protein powders or weight gain products might cause all sorts of other health issues.
As for heavy lifting, there's plenty you can do with a kettle bell and a heavy bag but going to the gym doesn't have to be a bad experience.
As for heavy lifting, there's plenty you can do with a kettle bell and a heavy bag but going to the gym doesn't have to be a bad experience.
The people who go to the gym are my issue, everyone I could possibly know who goes to the gym on a regular basis are complete t
ts.
As for the home gym suggestion; fun fact: Not everyone has that sort of space and money... (If you're going to be snarky to me, I'll be snarky right back)
I'm 19, I've always been this skinny. I've been to dietitians before, and I eat as much as I can. Not much works, which is exactly why I am trying/planning on increasing weight with fitness/muscle rather than just outright fat.
I just want to be generally fitter and healthier, not specialising in anything in particular.
In terms of visiting the GP, that is my absolute last resort solution. If this whole regime doesn't work.
I'll have a look at "PT"
ts. As for the home gym suggestion; fun fact: Not everyone has that sort of space and money... (If you're going to be snarky to me, I'll be snarky right back)
I'm 19, I've always been this skinny. I've been to dietitians before, and I eat as much as I can. Not much works, which is exactly why I am trying/planning on increasing weight with fitness/muscle rather than just outright fat.
I just want to be generally fitter and healthier, not specialising in anything in particular.
In terms of visiting the GP, that is my absolute last resort solution. If this whole regime doesn't work.
I'll have a look at "PT"
Have you been to the gym on several occasions? because i can't agree with your statement about the types of people who go there. many people who go there go in, workout and leave without even spekaing to someone (i'm one of them). the negative stereoype/image you have about people who go to the gym are more likely to be hanging around the dumbell rack doing curls, and you can spot them a mile away.
truth is many people don't talk to one another in a gym, they just get on with what they're there for. though many people seem to let 1-2 potential bad stories or experiences overshadow many other trips that are perfectly normal.
truth is many people don't talk to one another in a gym, they just get on with what they're there for. though many people seem to let 1-2 potential bad stories or experiences overshadow many other trips that are perfectly normal.
ambuletz said:
truth is many people don't talk to one another in a gym, they just get on with what they're there for. though many people seem to let 1-2 potential bad stories or experiences overshadow many other trips that are perfectly normal.
This.... Everyone in the gym is there to improve themselves, and nobody takes the piss because you cant lift as much, cant run as far, or doesnt have big muscles. Equally though, people who can lift a lot, run far, and have big muscles also tend to be more confident and potentially louder or more 'laddish'.
It shouldnt put you off, there will be everyone from 80 year old OAP's doing a light exercise class through to someone bench pressing 200kg. You'll be nothing out the ordinary!
Shermanator said:
The people who go to the gym are my issue, everyone I could possibly know who goes to the gym on a regular basis are complete tts.
As for the home gym suggestion; fun fact: Not everyone has that sort of space and money... (If you're going to be snarky to me, I'll be snarky right back)
I'm 19, I've always been this skinny. I've been to dietitians before, and I eat as much as I can. Not much works, which is exactly why I am trying/planning on increasing weight with fitness/muscle rather than just outright fat.
I just want to be generally fitter and healthier, not specialising in anything in particular.
In terms of visiting the GP, that is my absolute last resort solution. If this whole regime doesn't work.
I'll have a look at "PT"
GP would be my first port of call.ts. As for the home gym suggestion; fun fact: Not everyone has that sort of space and money... (If you're going to be snarky to me, I'll be snarky right back)
I'm 19, I've always been this skinny. I've been to dietitians before, and I eat as much as I can. Not much works, which is exactly why I am trying/planning on increasing weight with fitness/muscle rather than just outright fat.
I just want to be generally fitter and healthier, not specialising in anything in particular.
In terms of visiting the GP, that is my absolute last resort solution. If this whole regime doesn't work.
I'll have a look at "PT"
This isn't meant to be rude or having a dig, but 53kg at that height can't be normal or healthy. You may have something underlying that is genuinely an issue.
As for the gym stereotype - you're pretty far off. Maybe you just know a load of knobs.
I wasn't as extreme as you, but at 18 I was under 11 stone at around 6 foot, however I had been trying to gain muscle for about 2 years as playing rugby at that weight was not fun...
The only way to do it was to track what I ate to get an idea of calorie intake (this was a looong time ago so no apps to help), which showed me I was eating way less than needed to gain weight, also my protein intake was too low.
I had to create interim meals to increase calories and protein, because at the time I wasn't used to eating large meals (if only that was still the same...).
I also had to shift to the main compound lifts (squat, bench, deadlift) plus some other power stuff (plyometrics etc).
I didn't really start the above until closer to 19/20, but went from under 11 stone to 15/15.5 stone by the time I was late 20s, and then closer to 17 by mid thirties. Then I got injured all the time, stopped playing rugby and stayed a similar weight, but became a fast b'stard
First you need to properly measure your diet - lots of apps to help you, just be honest. Then use this to build a higher calorie diet that also has enough protein - it might be that you need to add 2 or more extra 'meals' if you cant eat volume.
Second I'd recommend some basic bodyweight exercises at home and start some running (ideally in park so you run on grass not concrete). Lots of decent apps to help, I used 'Workout Trainer' for a while when travelling a lot for work to keep some basic workouts. You can set routines that hit the bigger muscles (squat, pressup etc), worth doing some of the core workouts as well as that will help prepare for...
Third - If you really want to add muscle then a decent gym that will allow you to do something like 5x5 (a compound lift program)
Take your time, dont rush and get injured, find somewhere/someone who will show you how to lift properly. Also keep working on all-round flexibility/mobility.
Lastly if your diet analysis shows you are eating well above required, then worth checking this with your GP.
I'm sure others will have other views, just be open to their ideas.
HTH
The only way to do it was to track what I ate to get an idea of calorie intake (this was a looong time ago so no apps to help), which showed me I was eating way less than needed to gain weight, also my protein intake was too low.
I had to create interim meals to increase calories and protein, because at the time I wasn't used to eating large meals (if only that was still the same...).
I also had to shift to the main compound lifts (squat, bench, deadlift) plus some other power stuff (plyometrics etc).
I didn't really start the above until closer to 19/20, but went from under 11 stone to 15/15.5 stone by the time I was late 20s, and then closer to 17 by mid thirties. Then I got injured all the time, stopped playing rugby and stayed a similar weight, but became a fast b'stard
First you need to properly measure your diet - lots of apps to help you, just be honest. Then use this to build a higher calorie diet that also has enough protein - it might be that you need to add 2 or more extra 'meals' if you cant eat volume.
Second I'd recommend some basic bodyweight exercises at home and start some running (ideally in park so you run on grass not concrete). Lots of decent apps to help, I used 'Workout Trainer' for a while when travelling a lot for work to keep some basic workouts. You can set routines that hit the bigger muscles (squat, pressup etc), worth doing some of the core workouts as well as that will help prepare for...
Third - If you really want to add muscle then a decent gym that will allow you to do something like 5x5 (a compound lift program)
Take your time, dont rush and get injured, find somewhere/someone who will show you how to lift properly. Also keep working on all-round flexibility/mobility.
Lastly if your diet analysis shows you are eating well above required, then worth checking this with your GP.
I'm sure others will have other views, just be open to their ideas.
HTH
Shermanator said:
The people who go to the gym are my issue, everyone I could possibly know who goes to the gym on a regular basis are complete tts.
As for the home gym suggestion; fun fact: Not everyone has that sort of space and money... (If you're going to be snarky to me, I'll be snarky right back)
You wouldn’t be going for them though, would you? You’d be going for your self. So who cares what anyone else is doing or is like?ts. As for the home gym suggestion; fun fact: Not everyone has that sort of space and money... (If you're going to be snarky to me, I'll be snarky right back)
I wasn’t being snarky. And actually if you don’t like gym people this does seem like an easy solution. FWIW I built a pretty decent home gym - twice - for about £100 buying second hand. Doesn’t have to be expensive but you do need a little bit of space.
Shermanator said:
I currently weigh around 53kg and I'm 6"2', which means I'm dangerously underweight and so I want to bump up my weight with muscle rather than fat.
.
Get checked for coelliac, talk to GP. If you;re 6-2 and just over 8 stone, you weigh less than my wife who is a size 8-10 and a lot shorter than you. You must be a skellington!.
Why am I suggesting this? Good mate of mine spent whole of uni very light and conscious about it. Gym. Bad diet. Beer. Nothing stayed in. Some arse based issue (had the s
ts for 3 weeks) caused him to talk to a doc. Sure enough - flat villi and it meant that a tiny proportion of what he ate went in as goodness / energy. He has to drink cider not beer now but is miles happier.Also, if you really spent a lot of time eating bad food and being sedentary, you should be fat not thin..
All sorts of people go to gyms. From teenagers that like to sit on Instagram instead of doing anything, to 75yos that are doing what they can and everyone in between. Suck it up and go - put headphones on and you don't even notice anyone else if you're doing it right.
Or a home gym can cost almost nothing bought second hand.
Get MyFitnessPal and show us on a general week how much you're eating and I BET you aren't eating enough, because unless you're hugely unwell and stting out most of the nutrients in your food, you aren't getting enough if you're only 53kg at 6'2.
Or a home gym can cost almost nothing bought second hand.
Get MyFitnessPal and show us on a general week how much you're eating and I BET you aren't eating enough, because unless you're hugely unwell and s
tting out most of the nutrients in your food, you aren't getting enough if you're only 53kg at 6'2. Weighing 8 1/2 stone at 6' 2" puts you in the underweight category by quite some margin. 10 1/2 stone or 75kg puts you in the 'normal' zone.
You need to start eating better. A healthy breakfast (Granola is excellent), lunch (wholemeal sandwich, granola bar, apple etc) and dinner with a good helping of veg will be a start.
Once your diet is sorted out you can think about getting some muscles on that skeleton of yours. All you need is a couple of Dumbbells to work your arms, do some sit/press ups etc. And go for a brisk walk every evening for at least a couple of miles.
You DO NOT NEED TO GO TO A GYM unless you want to. You can do everything you need at home, and don't underestimate the benefit of walking. again, you don't need to jog or run in order to get fit(er).
Lastly, enjoy being one of those who just doesn't put on weight...when you hit 35 things will (probably) change!!
You need to start eating better. A healthy breakfast (Granola is excellent), lunch (wholemeal sandwich, granola bar, apple etc) and dinner with a good helping of veg will be a start.
Once your diet is sorted out you can think about getting some muscles on that skeleton of yours. All you need is a couple of Dumbbells to work your arms, do some sit/press ups etc. And go for a brisk walk every evening for at least a couple of miles.
You DO NOT NEED TO GO TO A GYM unless you want to. You can do everything you need at home, and don't underestimate the benefit of walking. again, you don't need to jog or run in order to get fit(er).
Lastly, enjoy being one of those who just doesn't put on weight...when you hit 35 things will (probably) change!!
gregs656 said:
Shermanator said:
The people who go to the gym are my issue, everyone I could possibly know who goes to the gym on a regular basis are complete tts.
As for the home gym suggestion; fun fact: Not everyone has that sort of space and money... (If you're going to be snarky to me, I'll be snarky right back)
You wouldn’t be going for them though, would you? You’d be going for your self. So who cares what anyone else is doing or is like?ts. As for the home gym suggestion; fun fact: Not everyone has that sort of space and money... (If you're going to be snarky to me, I'll be snarky right back)
I wasn’t being snarky. And actually if you don’t like gym people this does seem like an easy solution. FWIW I built a pretty decent home gym - twice - for about £100 buying second hand. Doesn’t have to be expensive but you do need a little bit of space.
Even though a home gym seems a lot cheaper than I thought I still don't have the space. I live with my parents, in an already overcrowded house, and while we have 2 sheds one is falling down and the other has bikes, garden furniture and car washing stuff in it. No space for another shed.
I think I will be eating better, while going for a walk every night. Once everything starts to fall into place I'll start jogging etc.
I'll also throw in some sit-ups and press-ups in there at some point.
Will stay away from the gym until later, but will still go at some point in the next few years.
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