[VeggieFrank]

I hate to admit it, but I've really neglected my body in the last 5 years. If I were to post before and after pictures, you'd think I had them in reverse order.<br><br><br><br>
But, that's ok. I've decided to actually use my mind and my 24hr fitness membership this year, and get back into fighting shape.<br><br><br><br>
My goals are to gain muscle mass, increase muscle efficiency, lose fat/get lean, and reap the physical and mental benefits.<br><br><br><br>
I'd be much obliged for any dietary and exercise program resources you folks might point me towards. I'm strict vegetarian, my profession and lifestyle are sedentary, I have a lot of outdoor activity opportunities (tennis, basketball, walking, hiking, running, cycling), I like to cook, I can make time on a fairly consistant basis, I hate repetition, I hate treadmills, my body type adjusts well to bulking up quickly (or, at least it used to <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="">, I like free-weights. I have a minor problem with my right knee that may exclude high-endurance.<br><br><br><br>
I'd really like to make a significant dent in my health within the next 4 months, and am willing to commit to a defined program.<br><br><br><br>
I'm interested in Yoga as a way to increase body awareness and control. Problem is, I'm completely inflexible, so kinda concerned that it isn't my thing. The spiritual aspect to Yoga is also unappealing to me.<br><br><br><br>
Also, does anyone have experience with the p90x system? Too hard for a beginner? Free alternatives?<br><br><br><br>
Thanks for your input.

 

[SeaSiren]

This program would suit you well given what you want to accomplish:<br><br><a href="http://www.bodyforlife.com/" target="_blank">http://www.bodyforlife.com/</a><br><br>
If you like Free Weights (and so do I) choose the free weight options for the body part.<br><br><a href="http://www.bodyforlife.com/exercise/index.asp" target="_blank">http://www.bodyforlife.com/exercise/index.asp</a><br><br>
Here are meal options (click on more options to see veg proteins)<br><br><a href="http://www.bodyforlife.com/nutrition/createmeal.asp" target="_blank">http://www.bodyforlife.com/nutrition/createmeal.asp</a><br><br><br><br>
For your protein shakes you can sub Soy, Pea, Rice or Hemp shakes in place of the whey shakes.<br><br><br><br>
I would also suggest the book, most likely you can borrow it from your local library if you don't want to buy it.

 

[VeggieFrank]

<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>SeaSiren</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
This program would suit you well given what you want to accomplish:<br><br><a href="http://www.bodyforlife.com/" target="_blank">http://www.bodyforlife.com/</a><br><br>
If you like Free Weights (and so do I) choose the free weight options for the body part.</div>
</div>
<br><br><br>
it must be fate, siren, i ordered BFL just yesterday <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""> glad for the confirmation.<br><br><br><br>
If anyone's looking for a budget copy of the book, I got mine from half.com at an amazing discount.<br><br><br><br><a href="http://product.half.ebay.com/Body-for-Life_W0QQprZ733795QQtgZinfo" target="_blank">http://product.half.ebay.com/Body-fo...33795QQtgZinfo</a><br><br><br><br>
I also read, but cannot confirm, that the Women's version of the book is better left alone.

 

[SeaSiren]

<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>VeggieFrank</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
it must be fate, siren, i ordered BFL just yesterday <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""> glad for the confirmation.<br><br><br><br>
If anyone's looking for a budget copy of the book, I got mine from half.com at an amazing discount.<br><br><br><br><a href="http://product.half.ebay.com/Body-for-Life_W0QQprZ733795QQtgZinfo" target="_blank">http://product.half.ebay.com/Body-fo...33795QQtgZinfo</a><br><br><br><br>
I also read, but cannot confirm, that the Women's version of the book is better left alone.</div>
</div>
<br><br><br>
It must be fate then <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/wink3.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""><br><br><br><br>
I didn't even know there was a women's version. That being said women can train just as hard as men, so for the ladies who may be reading this don't think otherwise....get the main book. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""><br><br><br><br>
The program is really solid, I'm doing it right now for muscle building, I'll change it up when I go to cut for contest of if I stagnate on gains. But it gives a variety of exercises to do, if you plan it out you know exactly how much time you need to complete it. Weights 3X weekly, Cardio 2-3 x's weekly. You eat several times daily so not to feel hungry, and get a "cheat day" every week for whatever your craving. I love it because it is a life style not a "diet". <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="">

 

[muualla]

"I'm interested in Yoga as a way to increase body awareness and control. Problem is, I'm completely inflexible, so kinda concerned that it isn't my thing. The spiritual aspect to Yoga is also unappealing to me."<br><br><br><br>
Yoga is definitely the way to go for body awareness. It doesn´t matter if you´re not flexible, after a couple weeks/months you´ll notice an incredible difference in your flexibility. I know I did. The spiritual aspect can basically be cut out if you just leave out the mantras. They are a part of yoga, though, so I suggest you give it a try. =)

 

[Aussyj]

I lost a lot of my muscle being lazy and not eating enough. I am currently working on gaining it back up. Not so easy, I tell ya! Especially not when you have no workout equipment.

 

[synergy]

Good for you Frank.<br><br><br><br>
I'm heading back to the gym after a long 3 year hiatus. I've been taking dance classes, and walking a lot, but I've moved somewhere where have to take my car to the grocery store and to work instead or walking/biking.<br><br><br><br>
It was really gratifying to still be able to do 30 straight minutes on the eliptical (and not at a wussy speed). I can't wait to go back tommorow.<br><br><br><br>
I hope you enjoy it!

 

[VeggieFrank]

I so relate to that. It's going ok, not as on target as I would like to be, but not off the wagon either. It's good to have goals and accountablility. That book, btw. was never sent out by the seller... argh.<br><br><br><br><br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>synergy</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br><br>
It was really gratifying to still be able to do 30 straight minutes on the eliptical (and not at a wussy speed). I can't wait to go back tommorow.<br><br><br><br>
I hope you enjoy it!</div>
</div>
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