I’m now on the elliptical for 45 minutes 6 days a week at level 17.
At this pace, I’ll be reaching the elliptical machine’s maximum intensity level (20) in a few weeks. I need to keep increasing intensity to challenge my body, something I will be unable to do once I reach level 20.
So, it’s time to find a new machine to command and conquer. Body, meet:
Once I hit level 20, I’ll add the treadmill into my workouts until it gradually consumes the majority of my cardio. I also hit the weights occasionally, but it’s not part of my daily routine — yet. I plan on incorporating a serious weight training regimen when I hit 275. I’m going to get ripped.
That’s the plan, anyway.
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You are such an inspiration to me. Keep up the good work!
Good luck with the treadmill. It’s a bit harder on the body than the elliptical machine. Eventually maybe you’ll start running on the ground, which is hardest of all!
This is great! I always feel like I get a much better workout on the treadmill over the elliptical machine. Keep it up!
I lost over 40 lbs in about just under 6 weeks doing 45 a day on the row machine. good total body machine.
You’re doing great, man. The treadmill is rough, but if you ease into it right you’ll really see that it will burn fat much faster than any other cardio workout.
About strength training – don’t wait. I have dropped 25 lbs in the past 6 months through combining strength training and cardio together. The cardio blasts the fat and by doing strength training I’ve gained muscle mass which has upped my metabolism and makes it so I burn more calories all the time.
The other reason you should do strength training is that you’re a new dad. I have a 3 year old and I cannot tell you how valuable being able to rely on my muscles has been with that little critter around. And a few weeks ago some parents from her preschool organized a big playdate for our kids at the local roller rink. I was able to skate with my daughter and keep her balanced and rescue her from falling pretty much effortlessly. You want to be a strong dad.
Keep it up man! I for one can’t stand anything but the elliptical.. too much for my knees and legs.
Like tex said, I highly recommend going for the strength training now. The more muscle you have, the better your metabolism works, which equals calorie burning weight loss! Also, it’ll just make cardio workouts easier (it seems like you’re having an easy time of it though, level 17? sheesh).. if you’re not too sore that is!
I’m going to back the strength training again. Particularly if you’re going to be going to a treadmill you should, for the sake of your knees, think about using a leg press machine or better yet, doing squats. Strengthening the muscles around your bones and cartilage will support the whole joint. Nothing derails all workout faster than a knee injury.
I’ve been going to the gym for about a year and a half now, doing weights and trying to lose some weight too.
Started on the tredmill and stationary bike, but never saw any results. The tredmill killed my feet, even with proper shoes & insoles… the constant pounding while walking/jogging/running limited my time on it. (I walk around the city on a regular basis). Bikes hurt my knees.
After reading this site a month ago, I modified my diet a bit and gave the elliptical another shot. It was fantastic. I’m happy to report that I’m down 15 pounds, 1 belt loop and I’ve kicked over my BMI “Obese->Overweight” line.
I’ve never been fantastically overweight; been the same weight since highschool. However, I was completely blind to the idea of ‘normal weight’; something I see clearly now. 35 pounds to go: a goal that I should be able to achieve comfortably in 3 months.
The constant pounding of my feet on the tredmill was awful. Never again.
I know the tread is scary, but such a great tool. The best feature, in my opinion, is the incline. Crank that baby to the highest incline and you will get maximum calorie burn and endurance. It’ll kick your butt, but totally worth it!