Diet and Exercise

[HwaRang777]

Hey guys,

Now I know it's awkward that I'm asking you guys about diet and exercise (c'mon, we're otakus. Our dream is to watch anime all day, so long as it isn't icky). Well anyway my question is, what are some exercises that will help me lose a lot of weight, help improve the shape of my lower/upper/middle abdomen and obliques? I've already lost about 5 lbs (about 2.27 kg) by running, but right now I'm at a plateau. And also what are you're takes on dietary/weight loss supplements. I'm not really plan on taking them, but a friend of mine says that Trimspa does work and it is safe. If I cannot lose a certain amount of weight by the time I'm 20 or 22, I may consider it. But please, I don't want to make this into a huge arguement.

[Eriana]

Tai-Bo is a great exercise it teaches a style of martial arts, balance and gets you body slimmer at the same time. Martial Arts gets your body in shape very effectively because it works on your muscles but also your senses and balance. I would try Jeet Kun Do by Bruce Lee you could probably find one of his books at a bookstore like Borders or something. Karate is good, Tai Kwan Do, Kung Fu or actually you could try Bo-Flex because that to is a very good work out. Sorry if I haven't helped you much but this definetly should work.
Also joining a gym and working out there is a good idea because most machines are very expensive to buy, as for Martial Arts I would try to find a place that teaches that sort of thing and get at it!
I know you can do it! ^_~*

[Wise Dragon]

I agree with Eriana. I take Karate and It helps me with keeping in better shape. Although Im not in good shape. It worked for me because I love it and it keeps me motivated. It might not be what your looking for; but you should find something you love doing, because then it wont be a chore.

If you do decide to choose martial Arts and you want tips and or advice feel free to ask me.

Erina I get the impression your a Martial Arts fan.

[Eriana]

Yep.
I love Martial Arts. My favorite form is Jeet Kun Do. Though I don't study much about it I have done it before and love it, you feel balanced, in control, protected and energized. I think its a great way to get in shape and learn how to protect yourself at the same time. I've never done Karate but have been thinking about trying it one of these days.

[Wise Dragon]

Karate is not a very pretty style because it favors efficiency over flamboyancy,(Ive rarely ever see it in any movies except the Karate kid) so some people are unattracted to it because of that; but those that stick with it for an extended period find that its actually much more intricate than what you would think.

[Eriana]

Yes a lot of people I have seen on television in big Martial Arts contests were amazing when they used Karate moves, they were so easy-moving and the moves seemed like they would be cake to master, but those are people who haved trained for years on end and have mastered the arts very well. I don't think I'll ever get up to that level.

[Scribs]

*Chuckle* Figures that the weightloss solution given on an anime site is the martial arts.

I suggest talking to your local doctor, he may have some good ideas (as that is what he does profesionally)

[Wise Dragon]

Yes you could. When I started I could only kick as high as my mid stomach, now I can go as high as my eye level and im not even anywhere near black. If you stick with it youll find you can do things you didnt even know you could do.

[Eriana]

I can kick over my head with ease. It's fun to do also. I can also do a jump kick and have built up my reflexes more than they were before. That's really great though Wise Dragon, I'm sure your excellent at Karate! ^_~*

[shooraijin]

Most of the mass-market supplements won't hurt you, but many won't make a difference either (and can be quite pricey). Some of the weird ones may not have had a long presence in the market, though, so you take risks with those.

There's even some argument over how much benefit daily multivitamins provide, but on the other hand, no one can really find a downside to them other than cost (assuming you're not wolfing down half a jar every day).

[Eriana]

I've learned that pills for losing weight is all just a pack of lies. They never work the only thing that will get you in shape is working out and dieting if neccessary.

[Fsiphskilm]

There's a

[Eriana]

wow cool. I've seen it before but wasn't sure if it actually worked. I may look into though.

[Maledicte]

Personally, I take yoga. It's the perfect kind of exercise for those who aren't accustomed to moving--it's just sliding from pose to pose and staying still most of the time! And it improves your balance, muscle tone, and flexiblity. You may not lose weight initially, but it does relax and energize your body simultaneously, and thus increases your output and metabolism.

[agasfas]

First and formost, spot training doesn't work. Doing crunches will not help shedding the pounds off the abdomen. Everyone has a six pack, it's just the fat over it.

Diet wise (some of this I may have said before): Eat a good health breakfeast, with fruit or something. Get the metabolism started. You don't necessarily have to cut your food intake right away, just eat healthier. But eventually you will have to cut food down a bit. If you want to change your diet make sure you give it a few weeks for your body and metabolism to adjust to the food intake. Most people gain weight on diets because they don't give it time. Say your used to taking in 2500 calories a day and you want to cut it down to 1900 cal/day. Well the body will continue to think it's in the same state for a few weeks. So you may be eating 1900 cal/day and still not loss weight. But after a few weeks your metablolism will eventually stabilize and things start to progress.

Eat a lot of protein, veggies and drink a lot of water. It's okay to eat snakes every now and then, but make sure most of what you eat is easy to digest and healthy.

Also, do both aerobic and Resistance training (weight lifting). It doesn't have to be hard core or anything. Running will only do so much. Doing both will have the most benefit.

For you lower/upper/middle abdomen and obliques... When I goto Gold's Gym I get one of those air balls Similar to this

They look dumb, but it's kind of like pilates. When you're on it you have to use all your ab and lower back muscles to stabalize yourself and stuff (the "core"). Plus, I see most people use this for their abs at the gym. Maybe not everyday, but I see them use it a lot. It really does work. I do other things, but I really like that the most because you can do so much on it.

[Lynx]

To stop from reaching plateaus, you have to switch up your exercise routine. cartiovascular exercise is best for weight loss, but dont just run. Might I suggest some DDR? DDR is great cardiovascular exercise, especially in heavy mode. you can do something like lifting weights or pilates or yoga on days that you dont do cardio... like if you run on mondays wednesdays and fridays then do weight training tuesday and thursday... something like that, whatever you wanna do. As for diet, eat a balanced diet, and dont skip meals! avoid snacking, fatty foods, and refined sugars. Diet pills generally dont work, so avoid them.

[Fsiphskilm]

America

[Kisa]

Hey guys,

Now I know it's awkward that I'm asking you guys about diet and exercise (c'mon, we're otakus. Our dream is to watch anime all day, so long as it isn't icky). Well anyway my question is, what are some exercises that will help me lose a lot of weight, help improve the shape of my lower/upper/middle abdomen and obliques? I've already lost about 5 lbs (about 2.27 kg) by running, but right now I'm at a plateau. And also what are you're takes on dietary/weight loss supplements. I'm not really plan on taking them, but a friend of mine says that Trimspa does work and it is safe. If I cannot lose a certain amount of weight by the time I'm 20 or 22, I may consider it. But please, I don't want to make this into a huge arguement.

Running and swimming especially are great. Swimming works all your body. It is recommended you have abour 30-45 minutes of cardio each day to burn your excess calories. Crunches and situps and side crunches will work your abdomen and obliques.
Lifting some certain weights will also help you tone areas you would like to concentrate on. But be careful you don't overdo them.
Try to be active and move around every day. The more you do the more you burn. Also, if you're eating too much take smaller portions and eat until satisfied, not full. Americans are too into eating til they burst, which is very bad.
I would personally stay away from supplements, except vitamins. They do things to your body you won't realize until later and if you have any questions ask a Doc about it.
I have taken Nutrition an am in Sports and work out regularly, so I can help with anything you need, if you wanna ask ^^
Good luck!