I've switched from a muscle building weight program to a fat burning regimen - lower weights with lots of reps and lots of sets and fast explosive movements, and cardio interval training. I've been doing this about a week and a half and results are visible - fat is dropping like yesterday, at least around my arms and legs which are considerably leaner than my stomach and more noticeable. I've even slacked on nutrition this week, ate out at lunch every day while I was out running around town.
[ April 01, 2006, 11:00 AM: Message edited by: Mike Pipes ]
Posted by Kimmy Fitzgerald (Member # 5109) on :
Mike, I have watched your posts, I have yet to see you,,,Who are You?what your improving..........let's try that/....
[ April 01, 2006, 02:26 AM: Message edited by: Kimmy Fitzgerald ]
Posted by Kimmy Fitzgerald (Member # 5109) on :
All I ever see is food that your eating
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
Hey Kimmy,
You probably just haven't seen the pics of my transformation so I'll post 'em again.
Here's the first before and after shots. I think the before shot is at my heaviest which I'm going to guess was 325. I never got on a scale so I'm not 100% positive about that weight but when I got serious about losing weight in January 2004 I was noticeably lighter at 305. The "after" shots here were after losing 40 some-odd pounds since January.
Now fast forward into August 2004. Here I am at about 225-230lbs - possibly 100lbs lighter than that first picture. Feeling good, grinning ear to ear. You can tell I really enjoyed the summer this year, look at that great Arizona tan. Hmm.. think I'm starting to look a little "twiggy"..
Can't have myself looking like a twig so here's the latest version of me after 7 months in the gym pumping iron. I shot this one this morning. I'm now right around 250lbs with the extra muscle, arms, chest, shoulders and legs obviously leaner but still thick around the stomach - that will go away with time plus my abdominals are really built up and push the pooch out further making me look bigger than I am - same with my obliques pushing the love handles out and now I know why they say you shouldn't do weighted exercises for obliques.
Oh yeah, take note that I'm wearing the same shirt in the shot below, as the shot above. That's a good reference to see the increase in mass.
[ April 01, 2006, 11:04 AM: Message edited by: Mike Pipes ]
Posted by Janette Balogh (Member # 192) on :
Spring is definately in the air around here, and my energy level is up. Life is good!
I implimented some changes in my routine in the past month that have been working out very well.
First, I've decided to start waking up earlier, and accomplishing more in the morning. That includes my treadmill run, which I had previously been doing after my work day.
Well ... this has been much better. I now get up early, get some stuff done around the house, visit on the bb with my coffee, and then hop on and go afew miles. I do anywhere from 4 to 6 miles. It feels great to get it done early. I'm usually done and ready to start the work day by 8:30 to 9:30.
It also sets the pace for me for the rest of the day. I find myself more focused, more productive and energetic.
I think I mentioned trying some flaxseed in my last health report. Well, I've been keeping that going, adding ground flaxseed to my "power" cereal every morning.
Finally the time is changing back, so I'll be back riding bikes with my bike group one evening each week. We are all very ready for that.
Last Sunday, I went out on what turned out to be a cool and rather windy day, to test drive kayaks. I tried out 5 of them, both the sit on top kind, and the sit in kind. I liked two models the best, and of course they happen to be "higher end" kayaks. So, after tax time I'll be investing in one, once I make my decision on the model.
Today I am finally getting on the roller blades I bought for myself last year! Stop laughing Mike!!!! Dave and I are going out for a "ride", he'll be on his bike, and I'll be roller blading. Wish me luck in not bustin' my butt!
I think the thing that has had the most benefit for me this past month was my change in schedule. Getting to bed abit earlier, and starting my day going earlier has helped me in managing my work day better also.
I never stop looking for ways to make my life run smoother, and to basically just be happier in the things I do. Even the mundane stuff.
I also try to put something in each day that I look forward to. Doesn't have to be anything big ... there is pleasure in the small stuff. Could be as simple as looking forward to having yesterday's great leftover's for lunch the next day. hahahaa... I just find that having something to look forward to just adds something to each day for me.
Well, that's it for me this month.
Mike you are looking great! Kimmy, these little "health reports" each month are not really just for exercise nuts, or dieters or whatever. It's just for some inspiration to add some "good for you" knowledge and encouragement for each other. That entails both physical, emotional and mental well being.
Any bits of info in this regard is always a good thing.
So, anyone else got anything to share?
Nettie
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
LOL Nettie.. you're finally getting around to using your new skates and now I'm waiting on another new pair to arrive. Yesterday I placed an order for a pair of inline speed skates with huge 100mm wheels. I'm sure when they arrive I'll be right there with you, butt firmly planted against the pavement. Posted by Rick Beisiegel (Member # 3723) on :
Hey Pipes:
Any of those recent pics would make a great resident photo for Letterville....
Posted by W. R. Pickett (Member # 3842) on :
NETTIE, roller blading has the power to transform a booty into an absolute (from my perspective) work of art! I have a (lady) friend who really got into doing some miles, and she went from being a "wide strider" to something, just. . . s o f i n e. ; ' )
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
quote:Originally posted by Rick Beisiegel: Hey Pipes:
Any of those recent pics would make a great resident photo for Letterville....
Hey Rick, you need to drop it. Now. Your repeated pestering and "calling out" of users (myself AND others) in public here on the BB is getting old. You make more noise about it than the owners of the site and it needs to stop.
Posted by Rick Beisiegel (Member # 3723) on :
Mike
I have no issue with you or any other visitor here. It was a JOKE, (thus the little "winky" icon). Don't take it so personal, Dude.
[ April 01, 2006, 06:40 PM: Message edited by: Rick Beisiegel ]
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
I have never been on rollerblades in my life, but I'm getting the itch to try. How much should I expect to pay to get something decent?
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
Hey Russ, a decent skate runs between $100 and $150. In fact, $150 is pretty much top of the line in consumer skates. Often you can also find closeouts on previous year's/discontinued models. The last pair I bought about a year and a half ago was a closeout because the store was just clearing inventory for the new year's models. It was a $150 skate I got for $112. It's an awesome skate too, the absolute best skate I have ever used in 20 years of inline skating despite having spent more than TWICE the money in the past. Skate prices have dropped quite a bit over the last 7-8 years and the skates keep getting better.
You don't want to go too cheap because then you sacrifice ride quality, fit and they'll be harder to skate in which will ultimately make you less likely to use them.
K2's are my favorite, the speedskates I just ordered will be my 6th set of K2 but I'd also recommend Rollerblade, Salomon and Roces.
Posted by Robert Cole (Member # 477) on :
Mike: Anybody ever tell you now that you have dropped the weight that you look a little bit like the "dude" on Overhaulin'? You know the one, "chippy" "chipper" "chipmeister"? The F O O S E ?
Love the hair dude. And your pictures, are fantastic!!
Regards, Bob C.
Posted by Russ McMullin (Member # 5617) on :
Thanks for the information Mike. I'll start shopping.
Posted by Janette Balogh (Member # 192) on :
Russ, I bought mine at a close-out on last year's models. I ended up buying two pair. Got one at 49. bux, and another at 99. bux. They both ended up being differing styles of RollerBlades. The more expensive one was called "Lightning" I think.
I finally used the cheaper of the two today, and I was quite clumsy when I first started, and got marginally better after awhile.
I did take one INTENTIONAL swan dive onto some grass because I was coming upon a busy street, and didn't know how to stop quickly. Not exactly graceful, but it could have been worse.
I would advise taking some lessons, or going out with some friends that know how to skate. Also, it's important to get your skates to fit you well. From what I understand, they should fit snug, with little to no wiggle room on your feet... and they should really support your ankles well. You should have no wabble in the blades either. (hence the ankle support)
I wore two pair of sox. A thinner slippery pair, with a heavier padded pair over them to avoid any rubs that would cause blisters.
My skates seemed almost too tight for me today. (maybe the more expensive pair will be better) I can't really say that my feet were comfy, and they sure did feel tingly when I got them off. Ahhhh ... felt good taking them off. They will definately take some getting used to.
If Mike wants to chime in on any advice, or correct me on anything I'm sharing here, ... I'm all ears. I want to learn how I can make this a more enjoyable experience. I used to be pretty good at ice skating, ... so I know I have potential.
Besides, I want to better my booty! Nettie
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
Ahh skate fit.
OK, while sitting down, put the skate on and kick the back wheel against the ground to seat your heel as far back into the heel pocket as possible. Your toes should just barely "feather" the end of the skate - wiggle your toes and if you feel the end of the skate ever so slightly, that's a good fit. Don't worry, when you stand up, your toes will naturally pull back from the end of the skate a little bit thus giving you some more room.
The instep of the skate, where it fits over the mid section of your foot, should be snug but not tight, and there should be no pressure points created by buckles or laces. The pressure should be very evenly distributed, this is why I like skates that lace through the instep area (ie: K2's) instead of using buckles - laces are easier to control in this respect.
The ankle lace/buckle/strap should be a little more snug but not so much that it cuts off circulation or restricts movement. Your ankle *needs* to move fore and aft. If I ever have any pain in my feet while skating, which by the way is a big no-no, it's usually because of the ankle strap being too tight.
The top buckles/straps I like fairly tight because that is where the lateral ankle support comes in which also translates into more power transferring through the skate to the ground. You don't want it to create any pain or cut off circulation but it does need to be a tighter fit than the instep area. I actually have to stop a few times during my skate sessions to tighten the top buckle cause my legs shrink under the pressure. Cellulitis from the past has scarred/closed up the lymph draining paths in my legs so they're always a little swollen.
You should not have any pain or numbness as a result of wearing skates. If your feet hurt at any time most likely it's because some strap/buckle/lace somewhere is too tight. It could also be poor fit but I'll tell you right now my current skates are too big for me because the toe box was too narrow for my wide ol' paddle feet on the next size down and I don't have any problems at all. Some might claim bad arch support but that doesn't hold up either - I have one arched foot and one flat foot - if anyone's gonna have arch support problems it's me and I don't.
Nettie, sounds like your skates are done up too tight. Try wearing a single pair of lycra socks. They'll wick moisture away from your skin (a big plus, helps avoid blisters) and if there's any sliding around, it's not going to produce any blisters because lycra is so low-friction.
If you get blisters on the balls of your feet, it's because of technique. You're getting up on your toes when you push, you should concentrate on pushing with your whole foot.
[ April 02, 2006, 11:50 PM: Message edited by: Mike Pipes ]
Posted by The Moon (Member # 452) on :
Who thinks we need to start a Letterhead Calender? Can't be just me.
Great Job Mike!!!! Way to go. You look happy and that's what counts.
The Proud of You side of the Moon
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
Thanks Stef!
Bob C, nope nobody has ever mentioned the Foose look-a-like thing. Maybe it's only certain angles.
Well, I've taken a step back in time to the year 2004 and pulled out the original nutrition plan I used to lose that first 100lbs. I'm going to use that plan again to jumpstart some more leaning progress. It's not a whole lot different in what I'm doing now except these days I'm more lax and don't mind cheats as much (that stops right now) and since I haven't measured any portion sizes in a while it seems I've been eating more.. a lot more.
Yesterday was the first "new" day and yeah, those first days were tough - just feel like snacking on stuff all day long because the "hunger" never quits. I do feel more energetic though with less food in the belly weighing me down.
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
Hmmm nobody else has updates to post about?
OK I have a couple...
Since my post with the photos in this thread I have dropped to 246lbs.. woohoo!!
And that shiny new pair of speedskates came in on Tuesday. I have some ankle training to do. Here's a pic.. the wheels are 100mm diameter, in other words, SMOKIN' F-A-S-T! That blue wheel is an old one from my previous skates resting there for reference - it's 80mm - or at least it was when it was new.
Posted by Janette Balogh (Member # 192) on :
Oh Boy! Those look scary!
Okay, so I'll toss out some positive thoughts here. It has to do with healthy interactions, and surrounding yourself with the right environment, and people.
Ever notice the impact that your environment, and the people you encounter have on your mood?
For instance, waking up in the morning to a counter full of last night's dinner debris, and a sink full of dirty dishes won't really give you a boost with your morning's coffee right?
Same with your workplace? Would you call your's "user friendly"?
And the people you surround yourself with. Are they drama queens, energy zappers, or high maintenance people? Or are they uplifting and bring you a laugh or a smile, even under trying circumstances?
I try to keep myself surrounded by the people and things that make me feel good. Some days it's a challenge.
Okay ... so anybody got anything else to share?
Nettie
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
Most of my interaction with other people, at least locally in real life and not on the internet, is positive and uplifting. In the internet world I just don't read everything. When the "Whiny BS Meter" beeps it's time to shut it down.
That's probably one of the reasons I like the gym. It not only makes me feel good when I'm done workin' my butt off, it's also motivating to be around other people that share a common, very personal goal. Plus the very short & sweet two liner conversations with others between exercises ("Lookin' good, keep it up!" or "Burn, Baby. Burn!") are always fun.
I spend most of the day talking to myself so most days I feel pretty uplifted. I get my high early in the morning at the gym, come home eat breakfast which always makes me happy:) Get showered and cleaned up, naturally that makes ya feel good.. then I kick on the tunes and I'm off into my own little world while I work. If I get calls or emails for orders, well shoot that's just even more dandy.
People are like mirrors. If you want positive and uplifting interactions from others you have to be positive towards them. They will respond by reflecting your attitude. If you're crabby with them, they will be crabby with you. If you complain about some insignificant detail of your oh-so-woeful pathetic little life they will complain about their life in an attempt to make their's seem worse. If you're positive they reflect positivity and again try to one-up you, provided you're not just a bit *too* cheerful in which case you just frighten them. Posted by Gary Hove (Member # 4970) on :
I took this challenge to the firemans combat challenge. I lost 20 pounds and finished the course in 2min 35sec, Thanks Mike
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
Cool deal Gary!
I just got back from taking those monster skates for another spin. I stuck to the flat part of the trail where I skate so I had a nice safe place to roll.
Well, after about 20 minutes of puttering around I was real good and comfy (and stable) with those skates and so.... It was time...
Oh yeah baby...
Time to let it fly and kick down a mean sprint... just for giggles.
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Cool]](cool.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
You can tell I really enjoyed the summer this year, look at that great Arizona tan. 
![[Rolling On The Floor]](graemlins/rolf.gif)
![[Applause]](graemlins/applause.gif)
![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
in 2min 35sec, Thanks Mike
