[Offers] NSC Fitness Thread

[chaileyjem]

Not sure where else to put this - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-68510576

Three or so weeks ago I caught the 31 bus to the local A+E because I was a bit worried. A bit stressed. A bit - how shall I put this - out of breath. I mean I couldn’t possibly be ill, oh no - I run ! I’m teetotal ! I eat fish ! i play football ! - but I had a long weekend ahead of me and I thought I’d get checked in, checked, and sent on my way. To spend a weekend worrying about TikTok, Coldplay and Dua Lipa. (the day job)

That wasn’t quite what happened. 13 hours later after multiple tests and nurses looking increasingly worried as the blood pressure started getting ever higher I was packed off to see a cardiac specialist in the middle of the night . In an ambulance.
Three weeks later I’m home, I’m running (again) , and im walking the dogs (again) . I’ve still more checks to do (all manner of scans and monitors and little stickers attached to my chest) - but I’m ok. I think . I did read one of the many notes I’ve been sent and couldn’t quite clock it when someone suggested I’d been seriously ill.

I tried to take it easy. This has mostly involved old episodes of Kojak and probably more NSC than was wise. So apols if you've been on the end of that. ha ha.

So far then it looks like some meds and the help of one or two things suggested by that dear Michael Mosley should do the trick. And it’s just something that millions of middle aged men are familiar with so relieved I caught it when I did. But early days.

I've been lucky - i have brilliant colleagues at work who have made it clear what’s important, some great friends and family who have looked in and looked after me and finally of course to the NHS who seemingly for the last few weeks at least have thrown everything they have at getting me up and running again . And shared a fair few cups of tea and biscuits too. (Who knew they have free Bourbons on offer if you’re not quite 100%)

But absolutely right @CHAPPERS If you're in your 40s/50s etc and still feel absolutely fine - get your blood pressure checked out. Most GP surgeries have free machines now in their waiting areas. its and i don't want to get too dramatic here - a life saver.

 

[AZ Gull]

Three or so weeks ago I caught the 31 bus to the local A+E because I was a bit worried. A bit stressed. A bit - how shall I put this - out of breath. I mean I couldn’t possibly be ill, oh no - I run ! I’m teetotal ! I eat fish ! i play football ! - but I had a long weekend ahead of me and I thought I’d get checked in, checked, and sent on my way. To spend a weekend worrying about TikTok, Coldplay and Dua Lipa. (the day job)

That wasn’t quite what happened. 13 hours later after multiple tests and nurses looking increasingly worried as the blood pressure started getting ever higher I was packed off to see a cardiac specialist in the middle of the night . In an ambulance.
Three weeks later I’m home, I’m running (again) , and im walking the dogs (again) . I’ve still more checks to do (all manner of scans and monitors and little stickers attached to my chest) - but I’m ok. I think . I did read one of the many notes I’ve been sent and couldn’t quite clock it when someone suggested I’d been seriously ill.

I tried to take it easy. This has mostly involved old episodes of Kojak and probably more NSC than was wise. So apols if you've been on the end of that. ha ha.

So far then it looks like some meds and the help of one or two things suggested by that dear Michael Mosley should do the trick. And it’s just something that millions of middle aged men are familiar with so relieved I caught it when I did. But early days.

I've been lucky - i have brilliant colleagues at work who have made it clear what’s important, some great friends and family who have looked in and looked after me and finally of course to the NHS who seemingly for the last few weeks at least have thrown everything they have at getting me up and running again . And shared a fair few cups of tea and biscuits too. (Who knew they have free Bourbons on offer if you’re not quite 100%)

But absolutely right @CHAPPERS If you're in your 40s/50s etc and still feel absolutely fine - get your blood pressure checked out. Most GP surgeries have free machines now in their waiting areas. its and i don't want to get too dramatic here - a life saver.

Wishing you all the best @chaileyjem

 

[Mellotron]

Though I'd attempt to resurrect this thread, to see if anyone is attempting a health kick or similar at the moment and could do with motivation/encouragement.

I've been ignoring it all for a few months and - as it likes to do - the weight has slowly drifted back on. Recently discovered a dairy allergy (which is nice) and now going on another health kick.

Starting; 109kgs
End goal; 80-85kgs range

Current; 108.2kgs

Doing a full water fast today - for me this is about wrestling control back over what I put in my body.

 

[Mellotron]

So much of it is in the head. If you can get in the right headspace for it mentally, you can absolutely do it.

I've come from a place of eating 3,000+ calories a day, eating fast food for breakfast, lunch and dinner, having to stop meals halfway through because I felt like I was going to be sick, etc etc.

You CAN do it. Start by making very small tweaks, build them into habits, then once they don't feel difficult to do, add more. Your brain will adapt.

Just reminding myself - and anyone else who needs to hear it - of this.

 

[Mellotron]

Three or so weeks ago I caught the 31 bus to the local A+E because I was a bit worried. A bit stressed. A bit - how shall I put this - out of breath. I mean I couldn’t possibly be ill, oh no - I run ! I’m teetotal ! I eat fish ! i play football ! - but I had a long weekend ahead of me and I thought I’d get checked in, checked, and sent on my way. To spend a weekend worrying about TikTok, Coldplay and Dua Lipa. (the day job)

That wasn’t quite what happened. 13 hours later after multiple tests and nurses looking increasingly worried as the blood pressure started getting ever higher I was packed off to see a cardiac specialist in the middle of the night . In an ambulance.
Three weeks later I’m home, I’m running (again) , and im walking the dogs (again) . I’ve still more checks to do (all manner of scans and monitors and little stickers attached to my chest) - but I’m ok. I think . I did read one of the many notes I’ve been sent and couldn’t quite clock it when someone suggested I’d been seriously ill.

I tried to take it easy. This has mostly involved old episodes of Kojak and probably more NSC than was wise. So apols if you've been on the end of that. ha ha.

So far then it looks like some meds and the help of one or two things suggested by that dear Michael Mosley should do the trick. And it’s just something that millions of middle aged men are familiar with so relieved I caught it when I did. But early days.

I've been lucky - i have brilliant colleagues at work who have made it clear what’s important, some great friends and family who have looked in and looked after me and finally of course to the NHS who seemingly for the last few weeks at least have thrown everything they have at getting me up and running again . And shared a fair few cups of tea and biscuits too. (Who knew they have free Bourbons on offer if you’re not quite 100%)

But absolutely right @CHAPPERS If you're in your 40s/50s etc and still feel absolutely fine - get your blood pressure checked out. Most GP surgeries have free machines now in their waiting areas. its and i don't want to get too dramatic here - a life saver.

Are we ok now?

 

[One Love]

Came back from a weekend away with 2 friends who have been using the Weightwatchers app and thought I'd give it a go.

I've been overweight for a long time since injuries and illness curtailed my running which I used to use to control my weight.

Started 4 weeks ago at 219lbs with a target of 182lbs.

Doing 10,000 steps a day and following the app I've lost 12lbs in 4 weeks which I'm really happy with.

I never realised how much carbs were to blame .

 

[Weststander]

Came back from a weekend away with 2 friends who have been using the Weightwatchers app and thought I'd give it a go.

I've been overweight for a long time since injuries and illness curtailed my running which I used to use to control my weight.

Started 4 weeks ago at 219lbs with a target of 182lbs.

Doing 10,000 steps a day and following the app I've lost 12lbs in 4 weeks which I'm really happy with.

I never realised how much carbs were to blame .

Carbs are broken down into the sugar Glucose. Unless adults are doing a lot of exercise or a physically demanding job, we simply don't need a significant intake of carbs. I try to limit it.

 

[A mex eyecan]

I‘ve been reducing my carbs and sugars as I was recently classified as ‘pre-diabetic’. Basically I’ve cut out breakfast cereals, breads, cakes etc. Breakfast is typically Greek yoghurt with berries or eggs and salmon. It’s amazing how long they keep me full for. I miss the sweets, I only now have a beer if I’m going out, none at home. May open a red wine but only one glass a night.

I‘ve now lost 18lbs in 8 weeks. Blood sugars won’t be measured for another 6 weeks so will be interesting.

 

[The Terminator]

Really enjoyed reading through this thread, fitness is a bit of a passion of mine, and I love hearing everyone’s stories. NSC can be a brilliant place sometimes. Thought I’d chuck in my ten pence, for whatever it’s worth. Most of the stuff has been covered already.

When it comes to health and fitness, what most people are after first and foremost is weight loss. Truth is, a calorie deficit is king. It really is that simple. calories in vs. calories out. Every diet that’s ever existed, from keto to intermittent fasting, ultimately works by creating a calorie deficit. That’s the common denominator.

The best place to start is to calculate your TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) plenty of free calculators online. This tells you roughly how many calories your body burns in a day. Then, aim to eat a few hundred calories below that, and you will lose weight. It’s basic physiology. There’s a study online which shows a bloke eating purely McDonalds for a month but staying under his calories and he lost weight. Obviously not recommended but it serves the point.

To get a proper sense of your intake, I’d recommend downloading MyFitnessPal and tracking everything you eat and drink for a week or two. It’s eye opening for most people. I wouldn’t want to track forever, but doing it for a short while teaches you a lot, you’ll soon be able to eye ball things more intuitively. If your weight starts creeping up again, just tighten things back up.

Some practical tips that I’ve personally found helpful:

• Minimise liquid calories - There are so many zero calorie drink options now, an easy swap that can make a big difference.
• Prioritise protein. Aim for roughly 1g per pound of body weight. Protein helps keep you full and supports muscle retention, especially if you’re also doing resistance training.
• Stick to proper meals. Grazing throughout the day adds up fast.
• Walking is criminally underrated. Hitting 10,000 steps daily consistently has a greater impact than a couple of half-hearted runs a week. Gamify it. Take the stairs. Walk to the shop. Build it into your routine.
• Make it sustainable. This is key. Fad diets may work short term, but only long term lifestyle changes bring real, lasting results. Build habits you can maintain without burning out.

For me personally, I’ve been weight training for years, it’s something I genuinely enjoy. More recently, I’ve been focusing on overall health, not just aesthetics. That might be a topic for a future post, but for the everyday person just wanting to lose a bit of weight and feel better, the basics above will get you 90% of the way there.

If you’re after a flexible, no nonsense approach to dieting, look into IIFYM (If It Fits Your Macros) – it allows for more freedom while still being grounded in the science of nutrition.

There’s a lot of information out there, but if you’re after a good starting point, I’d recommend James Smith’s book – “Not a Diet Book.” Straight talking and grounded in evidence.

Sean Casey on Instagram is another example. A young Irish lad, hes always doing “one month challenges” like only consuming sandwiches while still managing to lose weight by maintaining a caloric deficit. His approach hits home the fundamentals.

I look forward to following this thread with genuine enjoyment.