Who amongst us veterans are trying to get into better physical shape?

2014-02-17T08:52:48-05:00

I have been working hard to get into physical shape again and eating healthy. I know the Active Duty folks are already doing so but was wondering about my fellow veterans? <div>For me, I am doing kickboxing 4 times a week, elliptical, and weights as well as eating healthy meals. I'd love to know what folks are doing to get healthy. </div>

Response by SFC James Baber made Feb 17 at 2014 2:32 PM

2014-02-17T14:32:58-05:00

I was told by my doctor that I need to exercise more than I already do to help with my sleep apnea, which will also help with my diabetes, cholesterol, hypertension and a few others. He said if I can get the SA more under control than just using the CPAP, it will help reduce the other issues as well. So I have started riding my bike more and getting my wife to go on more walks for both of us and not just me alone. She already has me eating better, and I have cut out coffee and reduced my soda intake by half as well.

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Feb 17 at 2014 3:11 PM

2014-02-17T15:11:44-05:00

I know that we have a racing track and a large swimming pool in front of us, My son is going on 3 years already swimming, (Not Alone, and with a Coast Guard approve Life vest) this summer he will go back for advance training, but to be truthful, when in the race track he can keep up with me and I get tired, that tells me something.So swimming is one way I stay in shape.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2014 3:18 PM

2014-02-17T15:18:33-05:00

Marine DI Personal Trainer 3X per week.

Response by LTJG Robert M. made Feb 18 at 2014 1:01 PM

2014-02-18T13:01:18-05:00

I do a home based workout using the TapOut Series which is based on MMA training, good workout & good Training!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2014 2:04 PM

2014-02-18T14:04:18-05:00

Ironically I started to do just that yesterday.   I was an athlete all my life and I love being in good shape.    Plus you can ward off potential disasters like diabetes and high blood pressure.

Response by SGT Kevin Wright made Feb 18 at 2014 3:58 PM

2014-02-18T15:58:09-05:00

I have been working out regularly for years and really enjoy it. I get two days of 30-60 minute moderate to heavy cardio a week,plus two days of weights. I've blue collared my entire life so have had lots of gym setbacks but I push through because that's what I do. Healthy eating is a 32 oz. bone in  rib eye,a sweet potato and a salad. hahaha

Response by MSG David Kalb made Feb 18 at 2014 5:11 PM

2014-02-18T17:11:24-05:00

My daughter got me back into PT. We started running together and doing 5K obstacle courses and other 'fun' things. We did a 5K NFL Football run where we finished by running the length of Ravens stadium, rounding both goal posts and finishing on the 50 yard line. One run took us around Fort McHenry (Baltimore, MD). She has lost over 100 lbs and I've dropped over 60, my Doc is happy. Current training is for a Sprint Triathlon and the Navy 5 Miler (did the Army 10 Miler in 2013).

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2014 11:44 AM

2014-02-19T11:44:25-05:00

I began a fitness program at the end of November 2013. A friend of mine, who is training me, is a former bodybuilding competitor.  He is 57 yrs old and still in very good physical condition. We meet at the gym weekly, 3-4 days a week, doing all sorts of exercises for body building.  I am also on a strict meal plan which has completely eliminated soda, sweets, sugars, etc.  I drink at least 2 gallons of water a day, since water is the only liquid I am consuming now.  At the gym, the routine is different each day we are there but includes cardio on the treadmill each time. My friend is very smart with the exercises and develops a program days in advance, so each day's exercise is different.  I am glad to have started this program, as I have already lost 25 lbs since and have more to drop over the upcoming months.  I am very glad my friend encouraged me to get back to the gym, since it's been many years and the weight kept piling on.  I feel stronger, healthier, and am also using the fitness as a healthy drug for when I have a migraine, because I suffer with chronic migraine.  Fitness and eating the correct foods is the best way to move forward in life as we get older.  Thanks for asking.

Response by CSM Michael Poll made Feb 19 at 2014 9:14 PM

2014-02-19T21:14:11-05:00

I am always trying to stay in or get in better shape.  Unfortunatly getting old and being broken, having many surguries is impeading my ability to do the things I want to do.  THings that were easy when I was 20 are not as easy at 43....

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2014 9:18 PM

2014-02-19T21:18:02-05:00

Interesting that I saw this topic. I suppose it may not apply to veterans, but it may be accessible. The Army came out with the Global Assessment Tool 2.0 and it now included the option to progress through a 16 week weight loss program that gives exercises, helps tracks calories, and gives a forum to ask for assistance. I started the program today weighing in at 210lbs. I am trying to reach 185-190 before leaving for my next deployment. We'll see how it goes!

Response by TSgt Jeff Smith made Feb 20 at 2014 9:03 AM

2014-02-20T09:03:08-05:00

I am now a city letter carrier with the US Postal Service. My route is about 10 walking-miles long and I do that about five or six day each week. Yet if I'm not careful with my diet, I will gain weight. Exercise alone will not necessarily result in weight loss; diet must be a part of it. Also, for me to get any benefit from walking 10 miles a day, I have to walk fast enough to get my heart rate and respiratory rate up. I've found by adjusting my walking speed, I can maintain a certain weight or lose weight without changing my diet (which is fairly healthy diet, meaning I don't overeat). Over the past few years, my diet wasn't that healthy and I had gained several pounds. Last summer, I cut out all sweets past breakfast (the only change made) and lost 10 pounds in six months.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2014 9:21 PM

2014-02-21T21:21:56-05:00

A few weeks ago I stopped drinking any type of soft drinks.

I eat a ham sandwich, with cheese, and lettuce everyday for lunch.

And then I always am grabbing at Apples, bananas, and baby carrots...I run through a bag of apples every week at work, a bunch of bananas, and a bag of baby carrots every week.....and I am losing weight like crazy and I am feeling more energetic.

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Oct 7 at 2015 4:04 PM

2015-10-07T16:04:33-04:00

I am doing it but have maintained the shape I left after BCT. I love my heavy weights and the elliptical machine. I eat around 4 snacks per day then a regular, balanced meal at suppertime.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Oct 10 at 2015 12:22 PM

2015-10-10T12:22:06-04:00

Um...me?

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Oct 10 at 2015 4:15 PM

2015-10-10T16:15:06-04:00

I'm in my home gym every day..trying to bike an hr & do high reps with light weights..

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Oct 11 at 2015 11:11 PM

2015-10-11T23:11:06-04:00

I do weight watchers and water aerobics. Not sexy, but its what I can still do with bad feet. I also walk but my husband says strolling while birding doesn't count.

Response by SSG Robert "Rob" Wentworth made Nov 10 at 2019 8:54 PM

2019-11-10T20:54:05-05:00

I stay away from red meats at all cost, lots of fruits & salads vs sweets for snacks & desserts. Chicken, fish seafoods of all kinds (vary it to keep it interesting!) Reward yourself after a successful scale weigh-in! Spurge sometimes! I have lost 53lbs in 18mo and kept it off with the above daily routine.
VARIETY is the key!

Response by LTJG Robert M. made Nov 19 at 2019 8:18 PM

2019-11-19T20:18:25-05:00

Strength is built in the Gym, six packs are built in the kitchen

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Nov 20 at 2019 7:54 AM

2019-11-20T07:54:58-05:00

I run three miles over varied terrain up to three times a week, with a five mile run, mostly up very steep hills on the weekends. Generally, I do 22-24 minutes for the 3 miler, and 45-50 for the five miler. I try to hit the gym a couple times a week (sometimes in the morning on a "run day"" and work upper body, core, etc. I stick to a fairly rigid, low-fat, high protein diet, and normally devote a couple nights a week to mixed martial arts training. Sunday is my "range day", and I try to do at least a hundred rounds at various practical drills. When able, I still try and give myself "field time"... heading out on treks, whitewater, game tracking, etc. I brought in an old drafting table to use as my desk at work... so I stand, and try to rarely ever sit for long periods of time during the day.