I gained a bunch of weight over the last few years and was like 20lbs overweight, now I’m at the high end or a little over for my height, and still have fat around my midsection. I quit drinking for the most part, and my diet is pretty good right now since getting on anti-depressants and not snacking all night.

I’d like to get some muscles, but I hate gyms. I’ve been doing calisthenics indoors a few times a week. I also have some dumbells, and will jog or hike 2 or 3 times a week.

Should I think about getting more weights or just stick with this routine for now?

  • Tachanka [comrade/them]@hexbear.net
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    2 years ago

    You lose the most weight from cardio. I used to run until I burned 1000 calories at the gym. About an hour straight of running at a moderately high pace. Lost about 40 lbs after half a year of doing that. Would go through about 2 bottles of water and not need to urinate because I was sweating so much of it out. but after I started to develop chronic ankle pain, I cut back on running, but kept weightlifting, and I gained almost all the weight back, despite the fact that I was still exercising quite a bit.

    • Frank [he/him, he/him]@hexbear.net
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      2 years ago

      I’ve heard that ellipticals or biking are much more forgiving on your joints for cardio. Cartilage is a limited resource, best to save it for when you need it.

        • Tachanka [comrade/them]@hexbear.net
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          2 years ago

          nah they’re right. i used to do 12 km a week in the elliptical. much easier on the joints than doing it on a treadmill. I was pushing 30 and the shock from the impact wrecks your joints on a treadmill versus on an elliptical. The elliptical works your muscles without producing an impact with each footfall, because your feet remain firmly planted in pedals. However I think i developed chronic ankle pain from the tops of the pedals digging in a bit