Howdy all,
I'm in a bit of a bind here. I've been trying to get in shape for the past 6 months or so, but I'm not really sure what I'm doing wrong, or if I'm just not seeing the proper results. I'll start off with where I'm at currently. This is where I'm at and where I wanna be.
Now, one little hangup I have is a horrible self-consciousness... I think I'm fat. People tell me I'm nuts, pant size says otherwise (32x34). It sorta gives me the motivation to push myself to obtain what I want, but on the other hand, not seeing much in terms of results really drags me down. BMI is said to be 23.5, and a rough estimate of body fat puts me at 17.29% (eek!). I've been exercising and eating better for a while now, but I'm not sure if it's the right stuff, or whether I'm pushing myself enough. Hah, there are time I wish I had a workout buddy, that way I'd have some competition!
The Workout
- Every other day I usually run approximately 2-3 miles or around 12-18 laps around the track nonstop near apartment. I don't really sprint, I mainly jog for the most part. I start off strong and brisk but usually slowly peter down as the laps go on. Some days I do 2 miles, others I do 3.
- Usually I try doing this before jogging, but it doesn't always work out that way. I do about 150 crunches, 25 reverse crunches, 75 wide pushups, 50 regular pushups and 25 diamonds, 25 pullups, 50 chinups, and 25 leg lifts. The numbers vary depending on how tired I am after run. Normally I don't get through many because I'm hungry and tired. Sad, I know.
The Diet
- daily diet is often somewhat sporadic from time to time. Usually breakfast consists of 3 pieces of whole wheat bread with peanut butter and a banana with either a glass of milk or orange juice. If I'm working, break snack is a 6-oz lowfat (1.5g) vanilla yogurt with about a cup of granola and a chopped up banana. Lunch is usually a sub, or a turkey sandwich, no afternoon break, dinner is either grilled chicken, pork or baked fish with steamed carrots or white rice or pasta. A nighttime snack is usually a yogurt and granola or 2 slices of bread and peanut butter.
Sorry for the massive amount of info, but I felt that everything just needed a clearer picture. I don't think BMI and estimated body fat are correct due to leg muscles. I've developed rather solid legs (I think) from biking, bouldering and rollerblading, so I know that attributes itself to muscle weight and not fat.
So, all in all, can anyone see what I'm doing wrong? I've been trying to modify things, workout and diet, but nothing really seems to be working...
A Bit of Guidance, please.
Moderators: Boss Man, cassiegose
ok to start you are not fat. not even close. if anything you need to gain some weight (muscle). best suggestion to you is to start lifting some heavy weights, doing bodyweight workouts are ok but will only take you so far.. make sure you do full-body workouts and don't neglect your lower body! Also don't run on your weightlifting days and if you feel the need to, do it after your workout.