I have stretch marks, I hate them...I am going on a weight-loss and exercise campaign starting June 1st. (When my gym membership starts again.) I have lost 9 lbs since the loss of GPBoy so I figure I might as well keep up the trend. My goal is to go down 2 sizes by the end of the summer. :)

Body for Life: fluke or fact?

Fact.

Body for life could also be titled: The Dummies guide to basic and intermediate bodybuilding.

Hey James, can you give me some diet, fitness, and/or exercise tips for my problem area? Thanks. :) I want to look good in a bikini in July.

Ok do it tomorrow. but you need to me one favor.

Tell me what you ate yesterday, today and also tomorrow. And what times you ate it. As well as, as close as possible, the calorie and protein/carb ratio.

Should I keep a log of everything I eat?

I don't remember yesterday's menu.
Pork chops, mixed vegetables, and salad for dinner, I think.

Friday:
Breakfast: Oatmeal

1:30 Lunch: Thai garlic chicken with stir fry vegetables and salad

6:30 Dinner: Steak, veggies, and fries

I walked 2.5 miles today. I need to slowly work my way into running as per Hootie's suggestion. :)

The basics of weight loss, muscle building and general fitness are pretty much the same. And tedious really.

Most people fail because they get psyched up for working out or dieting but get bored with the everyday stuff.

Writing it down can be the most powerful tool you have Cream. If I gave you no advice at all but you started keeping absolute track of what you ate and when, as well as excercise and sleep, you would probably hit your goals pretty fast.

Why? Because it would make you much stricter.

I did that when I was on Atkins, but the diet was way too restrictive. I did pick up some good habits from that diet. I am off junk food and sugar. I try to limit my carb intake. I can't eliminate carbs.

So I'll keep a log of my food and exercise and sleep. I just want abs of steel for my cruise in mid July. :) Now I am going bathing suit shopping. The horror! :eek: ;)

I think everyone hates bathsuit shopping! :p

The cure for stretch marks: NOTHING! :( But the best thing that one can do it to moisurize the area with Vit E. Get the jell caps and safety pin, poke a hole in it squeez and... ta da the best way to reducs the visability of stretch marks. It works, I do it!

Body for Life: One of the best books I have read concerning health a fitness. My best friend is a certified personal trainer and he told me to read it. It seriously is better than one of those _____ for Dummies guides. It has pictures, charts, etc. The best part is the personal stories and the before and after photos to keep motivation.

Atkins: I refer to it as the double edged sword. Sure people are amazed at what cutting carbs out, but even going up to maintance level will kick ys in the ass and most people do gain back some weight. It has to be a change of lifestyle not a fad.

Thats my two cents, and I hate trying to fit my cardio in everyday, and I like to eat good food. But if your trying to lose weight, it's a lot of change and thats why it so tough. Make little changes here and there... they will add up! :)

Some fitness advice please!

I want to work on my lower body (hips/thighs/butt/legs)

What is the best way to do this? I don't want to be very muscular, just more toned.

Would I have to follow a certain diet for this?

I PMed you James. Respond ASAP :D

It wasn't as bad as I thought. I tried on 6 or 7 and bought 3 bikinis. :) I actually looked pretty good in the mirror in the dressing room. I just need to tone up.

James, I could use some of your fitness wisdom so I can get those abs of steel. Thanks. :)

cardio

are you nuts? walking on your hands is simple?