Trooper Fit Club

[tigger68[501st]]

I'd like to start out this year (I know I know it is halfway through February) with welcoming the new faces. I love reading the stories and wish I had my own success story to add to them. Unfortunately circumstances kind of worked against me this past year and I haven't been able to keep up what I'd been doing.

 

For those of you new to the topic, please go back and re-read the informational posts earlier in the topic. Especially those on determining caloric intake, hydration, supplements, exercise recommendations, etc. There are also topics on determining your BMI (which I'm not a fan of because it is basically a height weight chart that most athletes fail) and other good things.

 

I am going to have to check out that book "The Paleo Solution" and the website. It looks like it contains a lot of good info.

 

Remember, if you are quite overweight, or have other health problems, please see your physician so they can make sure you are not at risk for heart problems if you begin working out. We don't want to lose you to something that is supposed to help you.

 

Cheers!

[arbayer2[TK]]

I'm in a similar sitch, Jim. I'm only at 140-ish lbs. when a guy of my stature (6'2"-6'3") averages out to at least 170, maybe more. I used to be even skinnier, around 120-130, but luckily I guess I've started to grow out. Pretty sure my metabolism and eating habits are to blame, and when I get a chance I plan to start lifting weights to gain muscle mass to make up for it. You're not alone, brother.

[TrooperVenger]

I'm currently in the second week of my P90X journey. Yes, it's kicking my butt.

Those of you on my facebook already know this if you've been following my daily blog.

[Tenacious_AG]

Many of us have previously discussed how we would like to lose weight in order to feel better about ourselves and look better in our armor. This thread is simply a way for us to cheer each other on in our pursuits of reaching a healthy weight, and to also offer tips and words of encouragement.

 

How this thread works:

1. post a picture(s) of yourself at your starting height and weight in your armor.

(Pics in street clothes are welcome too.)

2. pick a goal weight

3. explain what things you are going to do to lose weight

4. Report back with your weight loss on either a weekly or monthly basis.

5. Post progress pics, to show how well the armor is fitting as the weight comes off.

 

So let's get started, we can do this and we'll hold each other accountable and encourage each other, plus

once you hit your goal weight, I will send you one of my stormtrooper decal window stickers for your car!

 

This thread is for anyone who wants to improve how they look in their armor: for some it will be losing weight, for others it will be gaining mass/muscle to fill in their armor better. All are welcome to participate.

 

Congrats to Christaan Von Martin (naatsirhc) who earned his Stormtrooper car sticker by working hard and hitting his goal weight!

 

Hey all, I may be jumping on a bit late, but I loved the spirit behind this thread!

 

I may be doing things a bit backwards as far as the thread's rules are concerned. I joined FISD back in January because I entered a bet with my wife centered around health and fitness. It's a long story so I'll let you read up on it here in my introductory post. The short story was this: I was getting fat, with a history of weight-related health issues running rampant in my family. My wife wagered that I could acquire stormtrooper armor (prior to understanding the costs associated with it) if I was able to run throughout each week for a year straight. As of tonight, I'm 5.5 weeks away from satisfying the conditions of our wager. Victory is close at hand!

 

At the start of our wager ( sometime June 2011) I was 5' 10" (still am!) and a pretty hefty 200-205 lbs. Through the months of running through blistering heat and the icy cold, I've weathered horrible shin splints and nasty blisters in the name of winning rights to some armor! By April, I was also down 30 pounds to 173! My weight has fluctuated since then due to the flu and added muscle.

 

I' never intended to set a target weight loss goal, simply because my only goals were to 1. be healthier than I was before and 2. win the bet -- but now that it's getting closer to the end, I have tried to experiment with dietary changes, with some degrees of success. For those looking to lose weight, I've noticed losses when:

 

- I abstain from alcohol on days I exercise. As a homebrewer, it's sort of difficult for me to avoid all consumption! However, I noticed consistent week-to-week weight losses when I only drank on my 'days off'. I'm no physician, but I believe this behavior may allow my body to focus on processing the fat cells I've stored up instead of having to juggle them with some freshly-made stout.

 

-I mix up a "Green Monster" for dinner on days I work out. Instead of a large meal, I have a 30 ounce smoothie made with a few apples, a pear or two, some pomegranate juice, a scoop or two of some weird mother earth biotic frozen yogurt, a handful of berries and about six to ten cups of spinach. It sounds dreadful, but as long as the smoothie is at least 40% fruit, you really can't taste the spinach. For the truly brave, cut out an apple and some of the spinach in exchange for an avocado. Consume at room temperature . Anyway..

 

- I read in a few fitness mags that those exercising to lose weight should consume a few grams of protein within 20 minutes of a strenuous workout. If there's a doctor on the boards, feel free to chime in, but IIRC the article said something about protein helping to stabilize our body's cortisol levels after strenuous activity -- and if they remain unbalanced, our bodies go into "survival mode" where all stored energy (fat) is saved because our bodies can't tell the difference between leaving a gym and fleeing from a zombie apocalypse. I have always had a Muscle Milk shake or some kind of protein supplement within a half hour of my workouts -- can anyone else corroborate the benefits of this?

 

Other than the running, I can't say I've really tried much of anything else on a consistent basis. After the eighth month, my metabolism either adjusted or I started putting on more muscle because my rate of weight loss slowed to a crawl. Perhaps I need to cut more alcohol out of my diet. It doesn't help that I picked 2012 to attempt to brew the maximum quantity of beer legally permitted (in OH, that's 100 gal per person, per house, per year -- with my wife in the house, that means I am limited to "only" 200 gal.) and as of this evening I'm at 70 gallons this year, with more on the way next weekend .

 

I will post my "final" weight in 5.5 weeks!

 

Several friends are pushing me to run a 5k costume run this Halloween -- is there anybody here who has experience doing something like that in their armor? I fear for my life, I as I understand it, these suits can be quite warm.

[Darth Ruprecht]

Hey folks. I've been MIA for a while but haven't forgotten my goals.

 

Thought I'd drop by with an update.

 

Since my post last May, I've had to undergo knee surgery and dealt with the weight gain post-op from limited activity, plus the holidays.

 

I was back above 200 on my birthday in February. I decided that was enough.

 

Starting weight: 230

Current weight: 185

Goal weight: 170

 

I'm getting closer every day.

 

I don't have my white armor yet, though my lid is complete.

 

I'll be at C6 in August, hope to see you all there!

[Hemostat1976]

Bump. There is no magic here. Burn more kcal in a day than consumed, And lose weight! Stop putting pie in the piehole. See what happens in 4 weeks......

[Mookattacks]

Hey guys. I gave birth 5 months ago so my goal is to at least get near my prepregnancy weight.

Before- 113

day I gave birth- 170ish I didn't wanna weigh myself xD

This pic id when I was prolly 150, I don't have a pic at my heaviest

now-132

I still have a while to go but being in the fire department I gotta get back in shape and fast. Sorry my pics are kinda poopy. these are the only full body pics I have and I really don't feel like taking more xD

Drink water, and eat smaller frequent meals instead of 3 large ones. and exercise!!

[mr0072003[501st]]

Great thread. Keep it going guys and gals!

[Spectre]

So I haven't trooped since last July due to being lazy and not fixing up my kit, basically.

I tried it on just before...well..at least I tried on the lower body up to the ab plate. I have apparently put on quite a bit of weight since I last wore it and I can no longer fit into the armour.

I don't want to shim anything because I have done too much work on the kit as it stands and any more work will simply make me lose interest.

So the obvious solution is: lose some weight and stop being so unhealthy.

 

I want to eventually achieve about 80-85kgs and then start pumping iron to build up muscle.

 

Currently I am about 97kgs and most of it is in my stomach and thighs, which is exactly where the trouble is in my armour fitting.

I'm not sure how I am going to go about losing the weight, as I don't like gyms (self-conscious, lack of motivation/commitment) and the roads around my place are pretty crappy for running. Probably just eating better and riding my bike again I guess.

[TK-7186[TK]]

You do not need a gym to get in shape. If you have a small space in your house look into TRX, Sandbag training, cross fit, etc....and work on circuits. Focus on the foods you eat and drink a lot of water. The basic thing is calories and coalories out. If you burn more calories then you take in you will loose weight. I was 225 when I built my armor and now I am down to 215 by mixing up my workouts with strength training and circuits. I converted my basement into a workout area and have a variety of things. Recently I wanted to do more cardio, I find running boring, and got hold of some of those Insanity DVD's and I am yet to get thru one, but I have found my stamina is much better during my martial arts class. I will mix those DVD's with Cross Fit workouts and the Sandbags. I will also do strength training with deadlifts, squats and tire flipping(in the warmer weather since my tractor tire is probably frozen to the ground).

[tigger68[501st]]

Wow, this thread has been around almost 4 years now. I really need to make links to the pertinent information for people starting out wanting to lose weight that are near the beginning of this thread.

 

I'll give a quick background and sum up

 

1. I have a degree in exercise physiology and although I don't look like it, I am also a certified strength and conditioning specialist.

2. When looking for how much you should weight, look for body fat percentage not body mass index. You'd be suriprised, if I showed you the BMI of elite Alpine skiers, it isn't always in the "healthy" range. Your body fat percentage is a more accurate indicator of fitness.

3. When looking at your caloric intake you should find your Resting Metabolic Rate. This is the number of calories needed just to maintain life in your body while being a couch potato. It is approximately r75-90% of the total caloric intake you should consume to maintain your current weight.

4. Please do not take your caloric intake below 1400 calories a day, whether you are a man or woman Studies have shown this to be damaging to your immune system and you will find yourself more run down and getting ill more often if you do.

5. Exercise, but to moderation. Moderation is a term used a lot.

and last but not least....

 

If you should find yourself slipping once in a while don't fret. The term you need to always remember is NO GUILT!

 

I'll try and get those links posted here ASAP.

[kevnaminute]

I didn't post when I started my weight loss goal, which was Jan. 2. But so far I'm down from 216 to 197...and counting (trying to get to 190). All I did was just start watching my calorie count. My armor (AP) fits much better now.

 

Everyone stick with your goals! It's worth it!

[TB5K[TK]]

I was really putting on the weight a moth ago right at the time I decided to get some armor. I immediately cut out beer and bread. I've dropped about 8 pounds in the last month from that alone. I'm doing sit-ups and push-ups now. Trooping makes me want to be a better man.

[MxPxRobbie[TK]]

I'm down 45 lbs as of this morning... feels good building this new kit and not needing shims!

[Darth Voorhees[501st]]

So i havent posted here in a while...life got in the way of alot of things .....and sitting around making props, and costumes and such really caught up with me. I've put on a few pounds. So i decided to get back on the diet horse! lol

 

A good freind of mine, was telling me about this "juice fast" her and her Boyfreind have been doing and its been working great for him. He has lost 65lbs in about 60 days. He is MUCH bigger than me so he has a ways to go, but i dont need to lose too much more than 65lbs. So i decided to give it a try. It is basically juicing fruits and veggies, and just consuming that. Now before all you heath peeps start barkin at me, lol yes i know to take my multi vitamins and drink lots of water while doing this.

 

Last week i did a pre-juice fast by just replacing 2 meals a day with the juice and eating one healthy meal as well. So ive dusted off my juicer and will be going juice crazy! lol I was told i could start the diet with Naked green machine and blue machine drinks as they are the closest to juicing stuff yourself. So i did that today, and will go veggie/fruit shopping tomorrow

 

This is a 60 day fast, but i will probably do it for 3 weeks and then eat as healthy as i can, almost vegetarian, for about 10 days because im going on a Caribbean cruise lol I dont think i can live on a juice diet on a cruise ship lol.

 

But after that i want to jump right back in and try and do it for the full 60 days. Hopefully i will drop weight quickly and then i will eat fruits veggies, fish and some chicken from then on. Little to zero red meats. I can have kale and beans (not together ew lol) to get my proteins as well as some of the fish and chicken.

 

My wife just had weight loss surgery (gastric sleeve) so she will be on a similar diet, so it will help that we both wont be eating pizza for a looong while lol

 

I also cleaned up my bikes and will be doing some bike riding as well when i can

 

So i want to start documenting my progress....My current weight is 223lbs at 5'7" My goal is to be 155-165lbs.

[armoredguard]

Figured I'd drop by and just say keep it up everybody your an inspiration to us all...except me I feel guilty im not out doing cardio right now, also various public events ie tough mudder sparten race ect are amazing for getting in shape sign up for one about 2 months in the future and tell everybody I mean everybody about it it'll motivate you to work harder at your goals. At least these strategies work for me. 4 months ago I was 6' and 133lbs now im up to 148lbs just push ups sit ups and running lots of running.

[MxPxRobbie[TK]]

So i havent posted here in a while...life got in the way of alot of things .....and sitting around making props, and costumes and such really caught up with me. I've put on a few pounds. So i decided to get back on the diet horse! lol

 

A good freind of mine, was telling me about this "juice fast" her and her Boyfreind have been doing and its been working great for him. He has lost 65lbs in about 60 days. He is MUCH bigger than me so he has a ways to go, but i dont need to lose too much more than 65lbs. So i decided to give it a try. It is basically juicing fruits and veggies, and just consuming that. Now before all you heath peeps start barkin at me, lol yes i know to take my multi vitamins and drink lots of water while doing this.

 

Last week i did a pre-juice fast by just replacing 2 meals a day with the juice and eating one healthy meal as well. So ive dusted off my juicer and will be going juice crazy! lol I was told i could start the diet with Naked green machine and blue machine drinks as they are the closest to juicing stuff yourself. So i did that today, and will go veggie/fruit shopping tomorrow

 

This is a 60 day fast, but i will probably do it for 3 weeks and then eat as healthy as i can, almost vegetarian, for about 10 days because im going on a Caribbean cruise lol I dont think i can live on a juice diet on a cruise ship lol.

 

But after that i want to jump right back in and try and do it for the full 60 days. Hopefully i will drop weight quickly and then i will eat fruits veggies, fish and some chicken from then on. Little to zero red meats. I can have kale and beans (not together ew lol) to get my proteins as well as some of the fish and chicken.

 

My wife just had weight loss surgery (gastric sleeve) so she will be on a similar diet, so it will help that we both wont be eating pizza for a looong while lol

 

I also cleaned up my bikes and will be doing some bike riding as well when i can

 

So i want to start documenting my progress....My current weight is 223lbs at 5'7" My goal is to be 155-165lbs.

I did this previously and had horrible results... I think it was because I hated juicing leafy greens. Tasted horrible to me. So, I did lots of fruit juice and packed on more weight.  I'm doing a ketogenic diet currently, and it's super easy and I'm eating things like eggs, bacon, steak, avocado, cheese, broccoli, nuts, etc.. and the weight is falling off of me. By the end of the year I stand to be around 180. If I reach that goal i'm rewarding myself with a new costume!

[Cyber Bishop]

I have to find photos of me in 07 then now.. In 07 I was around 250lbs.. I had some stress issues in early 08 thought I was having a heart attack, and changed my eating lifestyle as well as kicked off my daily exercise regimen.. By late summer I was around 182, I hurt my back and could not lift weights so I dropped down to 170 (nothing but cardio) and my friends/family said I looked really emaciated.. I was cleared to lift in late December but had to take it slowly and would not be able to lift heavy for a couple of years.. Now I hover around 190 with a 12 - 14% body fat ratio.

[obrotherracing[TK]]

Maybe we (those of us needing to trim up a bit) could jog in our armor!!!

[bluehickey]

I have to find photos of me in 07 then now.. In 07 I was around 250lbs.. I had some stress issues in early 08 thought I was having a heart attack, and changed my eating lifestyle as well as kicked off my daily exercise regimen.. By late summer I was around 182, I hurt my back and could not lift weights so I dropped down to 170 (nothing but cardio) and my friends/family said I looked really emaciated.. I was cleared to lift in late December but had to take it slowly and would not be able to lift heavy for a couple of years.. Now I hover around 190 with a 12 - 14% body fat ratio.

 

Post some before and after pics and I'll mail you your sticker (see first page of thread)!

[Cyber Bishop]

This is from Boo At The zoo in 07.. I am with "Gordon" from Sesame Street"

 

I was about 250 for this with a size 40 pant.

 

This is me for the premiere of the GI Joe movie in 09

 

I was around 180 with my current pant size of 30-32

 

This is me a few weeks ago after getting all the parts to my new TK

Hovering for the last 3 years around 190.. Same pant size.

[Darth Voorhees[501st]]

Dude you look great man! ...now about that helmet.....

 

I did this previously and had horrible results... I think it was because I hated juicing leafy greens. Tasted horrible to me. So, I did lots of fruit juice and packed on more weight.  I'm doing a ketogenic diet currently, and it's super easy and I'm eating things like eggs, bacon, steak, avocado, cheese, broccoli, nuts, etc.. and the weight is falling off of me. By the end of the year I stand to be around 180. If I reach that goal i'm rewarding myself with a new costume!

Yea i tried it for a week...couldnt stick to it. I didnt mind the taste of the juices or anything, but i had a mental desire to eat something. I dunno how he did it lol. I may look inot this ketogenic diet...seems eaiser! Is it like atkins? Ive done that before with good results, but it seems the last couple of times i tried it i was having a hard time in the first 2 weeks trying to get myself into ketosis.

 

I am however back down to 220. which has been a weight ive been hovering around the last couple of years. But now i need to get below 200!

Edited April 14, 2013 by Darth Voorhees

[bluehickey]

Awesome job Earl! Keep it up!

[Cyber Bishop]

Awesome job Earl! Keep it up!

 

Thank you! I exercise pretty much every day.. On days I do not go to the gym I either ride my bike at home or the stationary bike..

[animefreak7]

Don't have my armor yet so I can't do the before and after armor pictures yet, but maybe once I'm out of school and a bit closer to my start date I'll post pics of my before and after weight in civilian clothes. Anyway Before the start of the new school year I was down to about 180lbs (I had lost 90lbs before that so I guess my real starting weight would be 272lbs but since were looking at the present that will just be an FYI we'll ignor it for the purpose of this forum). This school year I pretty much have been focusing on all the upper level classes I have to take and alot of the ones for my major are production classes which meant that I didn't have much time to spend at home or workout and for the first half of the semester I had been working two jobs so I really didn't have much spare time and I ended up eating out alot because I didn't have time to make food to bring with me. As a result I gained about 40lbs, putting me back up to 228lbs. This last month since I haven't been able to work out I've been doing the atkins diet since my mom was doing it anyway and it was easy just to follow along with her, and I lost 13lbs so far. Starting in the next week and a half once I'm out of school for the summer I'm going to be going back and doing INSANITY and following the meal plan with it (Guess that's the exact oposite of Atkins but I figured if I wasn't going to work out I might as well diet so I can start losing some weight before I start my workout plan).
I want to do P90X along with INSANITY as well this summer but my aunt and cousins are moving out to Colorado from Tennesse and will be staying at our house until they find a place and my aunt gets a job out here. This unfortunatly means that the room that I have my pull up bar for P90X mounted in may become a bed room, so I might not be able to do P90X just because my gym may not be accessable, however I'm for sure doing INSANITY as I can just clear off the work bench, grab that old t.v. with the built in DVD player out of the basement and do INSANITY in the grage. I haven't started working on my armor yet, one because I ended up goofing and getting a recast so I'm currently looking at getting a new kit ordered here in the next few weeks, and I would love to look sharp in my armor once I get it done. Also I hate that my drivers liscense is a lie... I must change that lie into a truth again, or if I can make it a lie that I'm heavier than I actually am I would like that too.
Starting weight: 215lbs
Goal Weight: 180lbs (technically that's still about 20lbs over the recomended weight for me but it's a good starting place)
I'll try to remember to take a before picture once the Monday I start my workout and post it here. I'll hold off for bit though as I'm not starting right away.