Is America really as fat as I think?

[PricklyPete]

Eh, it takes me about 4 hours a week at the gym and not eating like a fat fuck to stay in shape. It's far from an obsession, it just takes a little discipline.

Again, people are lazy so they won't do it. There's a reason we have a show called "My 600lb Life" on TV. Those people didn't get 600lbs overnight, they were lazy as shit for years.

This.

<— 40, 6’4”, 175lbs (at max...often less), 3 kids

I run early in the morning 2x a week (15-20 miles a week)...and usually one long mtn bike ride early Sat morning (20+ miles). I adjust the length of the Sat morning ride depending on my family schedule. 4-6 hours max.

My wife goes for walks every few days while I watch the kids. Gets 1-2 mtn bike rides in a month.

We are both in great shape.

Not being fat is way more about diet...and everyone has time for that. Exercise is important, but not central to being thin. If I spike in exercise, I have to significantly increase food intake to make up for the exercise (happens a lot in the summer).

I don’t have some magic genes. I started gaining weight in my 20’s when I ate poorly and traveled a lot. I picked running back up, and it had little affect on my weight. Changing my diet by eliminating added sugar and processed food made ALL the difference. I feel better now than I did at 26.

It is about priorities.

My wife and I swapped date nights with my sister/husband. They chose to go out to dinner/drinks. My wife and I chose to go on a mtn bike ride together. Nothing wrong with going to dinner, but my wife and I had a blast, got super turned on with each other as we pushed respectively harder lines on the trail (this manifested itself later that evening), and prioritized a healthy activity as part of our relationship bonding. Most of our vacation trips involve activities that are physically demanding. We regularly push our kids on longer hikes. I make a point that all of my “hall pass” weekends are activity based (mtn biking, hiking/backpacking, or ski trips). I regularly watch the kids for the weekend and my wife will do the same for her break from the kids.

Again, it is about priorities.

 

[Fenixgoon]

This.

<— 40, 6’4”, 175lbs (at max...often less), 3 kids

jesus you gotta be thin as a rail. i'm 5'9" and 173. trying to lose a few pounds to get in better physical shape (internally healthy AFAIK) but damn, i can't imagine being 7 inches taller at the same weight

 

[ImpulsE69]

He kind of proved my point though. There is no way that one of the before mentioned traits doesn't apply to him. Not to mention most people's hobbies don't include mountain biking, hiking and getting up early to run. In no way am I saying it's bad, I'm just stating that all he did was help me make my point. He isn't the norm. Going to the gym isn't the norm. I'm not saying it shouldn't be, but let's be realistic. It takes discipline - especially if you love to eat. That takes obsession compulsion of some sort to stay at it because being on a diet and working out takes planning, of both what to eat, what not to eat, when to eat, when not to eat, etc. All of this makes you sit there and think about your next meal. There is a whole state of mind that most people simply well..frankly, don't care to deal with. This is probably easier for some than others, but my guess is people who LOVE food have a much harder time of it.

Having to deal with my self image and weight is new to me, as I never had to when I was younger. Obvious things are though I was way more active. Now I'm way less active, but trying to eat the same things/amount. Add that I'm older, etc, and I simply cannot do it and not gain weight. I've been on a more or less regiment for a year of healthier eating and working out at least a little each day. I would wager it isn't nearly enough, but I've kept the weight down. That being said, it consumes my time and mind, and I'm just doing minimum effort stuff here.

Also, let's agree that 10-50 lbs overweight doesn't at all fall in the same class of issue as a 600lb person. You are talking completely different things and that's just from the mental aspect.

And yes young ones, it gets worse as you get older. 🙂 You have to have REALLY good genes to not have it become an issue (or you hate food).

 

[PricklyPete]

jesus you gotta be thin as a rail. i'm 5'9" and 173. trying to lose a few pounds to get in better physical shape (internally healthy AFAIK) but damn, i can't imagine being 7 inches taller at the same weight

Thin/lean, yes. Wouldn’t call myself a rail though. I definitely have a biker/runner build (weighed closer to 200-205 when I played hockey in college).

 

[PricklyPete]

He kind of proved my point though. There is no way that one of the before mentioned traits doesn't apply to him. Not to mention most people's hobbies don't include mountain biking, hiking and getting up early to run. In no way am I saying it's bad, I'm just stating that all he did was help me make my point. He isn't the norm. Going to the gym isn't the norm. I'm not saying it shouldn't be, but let's be realistic. It takes discipline - especially if you love to eat. That takes obsession compulsion of some sort to stay at it because being on a diet and working out takes planning, of both what to eat, what not to eat, when to eat, when not to eat, etc. All of this makes you sit there and think about your next meal. There is a whole state of mind that most people simply well..frankly, don't care to deal with. This is probably easier for some than others, but my guess is people who LOVE food have a much harder time of it.

Having to deal with my self image and weight is new to me, as I never had to when I was younger. Obvious things are though I was way more active. Now I'm way less active, but trying to eat the same things/amount. Add that I'm older, etc, and I simply cannot do it and not gain weight. I've been on a more or less regiment for a year of healthier eating and working out at least a little each day. I would wager it isn't nearly enough, but I've kept the weight down. That being said, it consumes my time and mind, and I'm just doing minimum effort stuff here.

Also, let's agree that 10-50 lbs overweight doesn't at all fall in the same class of issue as a 600lb person. You are talking completely different things and that's just from the mental aspect.

And yes young ones, it gets worse as you get older. You have to have REALLY good genes to not have it become an issue (or you hate food).

I agree that my discipline with food an exercise is not normal...but I make it happen because I make it a priority. I make it a priority because:

1) I feel/sleep/perform much better when I am eating well and exercising regularly.

2) I actually do love food...but I like food that makes me feel good...not just tastes good. It does take some time to hone your cooking/preparing skills to make healthy food you enjoy. The great thing is that we all have access to this amazing thing called the internet that has troves of easy/healthy recipes. You just have to try them.

Because I prioritize family/food/exercise...Other things do take a back seat:

1) I almost never work on my cars anymore
2) I rarely work on the house and choose to often pay people to do things I am more than capable of doing
3) I watch very little TV
4) my reading is limited to time at work and on the train back and forth
5) I probably watch 3 sporting events a year max

I still try to prioritize work and friends, but they take a back seat to family/health. When I was younger, work was definitely a higher priority....I’ve learned that life is too short for that to be a priority.

My favorite thing is when I can mix exercise with friends/family. Take my date with my wife or that I am meeting 4-5 friends after work tomorrow for a 18 mile mtb ride and then a beer or two. Exercise and catching up with friends all mixed into one.

 

[Fenixgoon]

Thin/lean, yes. Wouldn’t call myself a rail though. I definitely have a biker/runner build (weighed closer to 200-205 when I played hockey in college).

you do not look like your avatar whatsoever though😀😀

 

[PricklyPete]

you do not look like your avatar whatsoever though😀😀

I embody Walter Sobchak in spirit! 🙂

Gracias

 

[highland145]

I embody Walter Sobchak in spirit! 🙂

Gracias

You have to be in shape to out run all of the fires in CO.

Just sayin'.

😉

 

[luv2liv]

i find eating healthy in USA is very difficult. everywhere i go, i'm bombarded with ads for fast food, sweets, sodas, etc....

 

[ewdotson]

jesus you gotta be thin as a rail. i'm 5'9" and 173. trying to lose a few pounds to get in better physical shape (internally healthy AFAIK) but damn, i can't imagine being 7 inches taller at the same weight

From my point of view as a guy fairly similar in size to him (6'3"/180) - there really is a point where frame size starts to matter. I mean, I could frankly stand to lose another 10 pounds, but I have a ludicrously narrow frame. I think it's perfectly reasonable to assume that wouldn't be true for most dudes my height/weight.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Obesity is not just a US problem, it's a world wide problem. UK obesity rates are increasing faster than the United States for example.

Yet at the same time, US mortality rates from circulatory diseases (which includes heart attacks and strokes) are lower than other countries. Sweden has a higher mortality rate from heart attacks and strokes for example.

So what does this mean? People are getting fatter yet living longer. I say you only live once, eat whatever the hell you want and don't worry about others.

In my case I'm 5'6 but 220 lbs, by BMI index alone I am considered overweight...yet I have far more muscle than fat because I power lift. Skinny people can gloat all they want about being skinny, lets see them bench press, squat, or deadlift as much as I do.

Don't lose perspective brudda. Sure they can't match your lifts, but they will unceremoniously dust you in distance racing, be it running, biking, whatev. All that muscle is oxygen hungry. And gravity ain't your friend. Our MMA gym used to be in the back of the fitness center, which meant passing through the strongman training room to get there. Not just weights - Giant tires, the stone cannon balls, keg throw, all that cool stuff. I have seen guys that weigh considerably less than their warm up sets, gas and smash them on the mats. And stand up is worse because they cannot get near you unless you let them, and again they gas out fast. Athletes train for their discipline/s, and many require they do not eat whatever they want, whenever they want. You picked one where you eat big to get big, that's all.

I was watching Gallagher with my son on Netfilx

I should report you for child abuse. 😛

Nobody has time to prep and cook meals. With both parents working 50+ hour weeks to afford their McMansion and German luxosport SUVs, they're too exhausted to come home and spend another hour prepping, cooking, and cleaning so they pick up fast food or other takeout for the munchkins.

That is not the demographics of my area. The husbands in that scenario tend to be in shape, round is a shape. But every time I go to Target, it is chock a block with the hot MILF trophy wives. It is the working poor that are straight out of Wall-E. I read their memes about how food is the best thing in life to them, the pictures they constantly post of it. You can feel their love and adoration for it through the screen. How much joy they are experiencing from just looking at it, before shoving it in their face portals. Oh, and wine, the girls love to post memes about being winos, blissfully, drunkenly? unaware they are telling us they are winos.

 

[PricklyPete]

From my point of view as a guy fairly similar in size to him (6'3"/180) - there really is a point where frame size starts to matter. I mean, I could frankly stand to lose another 10 pounds, but I have a ludicrously narrow frame. I think it's perfectly reasonable to assume that wouldn't be true for most dudes my height/weight.

Frame definitely plays a big part. I have wide shoulders but quite lacking in the butt area.

As I said, when I had a lot more upper body muscle when training/playing hockey in college, I was easily 30lbs more.

 

[PricklyPete]

You have to be in shape to out run all of the fires in CO.

Just sayin'.

😉

As if the dozen fires were not enough, all the smoke from the NorCA fires has arrived in CO causing an even worse situation. I’m fairly sure going mountain biking or for a run is worse than smoking a pack of cigarettes at this point.

 

[highland145]

As if the dozen fires were not enough, all the smoke from the NorCA fires has arrived in CO causing an even worse situation. I’m fairly sure going mountain biking or for a run is worse than smoking a pack of cigarettes at this point.

How about weed?

 

[TestKing123]

Don't lose perspective brudda. Sure they can't match your lifts, but they will unceremoniously dust you in distance racing, be it running, biking, whatev. All that muscle is oxygen hungry. And gravity ain't your friend. Our MMA gym used to be in the back of the fitness center, which meant passing through the strongman training room to get there. Not just weights - Giant tires, the stone cannon balls, keg throw, all that cool stuff. I have seen guys that weigh considerably less than their warm up sets, gas and smash them on the mats. And stand up is worse because they cannot get near you unless you let them, and again they gas out fast. Athletes train for their discipline/s, and many require they do not eat whatever they want, whenever they want. You picked one where you eat big to get big, that's all.

No perspective lost, and I get what you're saying. But think about what you said, is long distance running worth it if it makes you look skinny and sickly? Because that's how exactly how most long distance runners look like. Sure they can outrun me in a 15 or 20+ mile race, but I will outrun them by far in a 3 mile or even a 5 mile race.

That's because in addition to powerlifting I train heavily in HIIT and do sprinting. Sprinting/running at a very fast pace for 3 miles benefits your body more because you build your legs and increases your endurance for everyday tasks. What does running for 15/20 miles do for you other than eat away at your muscles? Which body type would you rather have, one of a long distance runner or one of a sprinter?

I don't eat to get "big", I actually don't care about size. I eat to get STRONG, and whatever body type that gives me, I accept. I'm not a bodybuilder who trains just to LOOK strong, I literally "pick heavy things up and put them down". I only do bench, squat, and deadlift...nothing else. I'm not one of those curl monkeys you see at the gym that focuses on biceps or whatever, I'm one of those people that turn heads when I deadlift 600 lbs and squat 500 ass to grass. I used to bench heavy (400+) but limited now to 225 for 30-50 reps because of a shoulder injury. And after I do all that I'll either run for 3 miles as fast as my legs allows before they turn to jelly, or do 10 minutes worth of HIIT sprints.

Then I'll go have a steak 🙂

Lastly, if you have smaller guys beating bigger guys in your MMA gym because they "gas" then you have crappy fighters. I used to go to a boxing/MMA gym with actual coaches and professional fighters, the smaller guys didn't stand a chance. Weight classes exist for a reason in both MMA and Boxing. No one "gassed out" in a match because we did some pretty rigorous training.

It's funny, all this talk about training and even when I was 200lbs I was still considered obese by BMI standards.

 

[PricklyPete]

How about weed?

Isn’t that considered a vegetable? I heard it cures all kinds of things like ambition and eating disorders.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

No perspective lost, and I get what you're saying. But think about what you said, is long distance running worth it if it makes you look skinny and sickly? Because that's how exactly how most long distance runners look like. Sure they can outrun me in a 15 or 20+ mile race, but I will outrun them by far in a 3 mile or even a 5 mile race.

That's because in addition to powerlifting I train heavily in HIIT and do sprinting. Sprinting/running at a very fast pace for 3 miles benefits your body more because you build your legs and increases your endurance for everyday tasks. What does running for 15/20 miles do for you other than eat away at your muscles? Which body type would you rather have, one of a long distance runner or one of a sprinter?

I don't eat to get "big", I actually don't care about size. I eat to get STRONG, and whatever body type that gives me, I accept. I'm not a bodybuilder who trains just to LOOK strong, I literally "pick heavy things up and put them down". I only do bench, squat, and deadlift...nothing else. I'm not one of those curl monkeys you see at the gym that focuses on biceps or whatever, I'm one of those people that turn heads when I deadlift 600 lbs and squat 500 ass to grass. I used to bench heavy (400+) but limited now to 225 for 30-50 reps because of a shoulder injury. And after I do all that I'll either run for 3 miles as fast as my legs allows before they turn to jelly, or do 10 minutes worth of HIIT sprints.

Then I'll go have a steak 🙂

Lastly, if you have smaller guys beating bigger guys in your MMA gym because they "gas" then you have crappy fighters. I used to go to a boxing/MMA gym with actual coaches and professional fighters, the smaller guys didn't stand a chance. Weight classes exist for a reason in both MMA and Boxing. No one "gassed out" in a match because we did some pretty rigorous training.

It's funny, all this talk about training and even when I was 200lbs I was still considered obese by BMI standards.

Exactly my point, powerlifters are usually crappy fighters. And weight classes exists for those of a certain skill level, a big, strong, white belt, gets smashed FAR more often than not. And you can delude yourself with the not gassing out nonsense, but there is no dispute in combat sports world about how few HWs, particularly that are muscular, with a gas tank. Hint: it is a rare. And Fedor was never a natural heavyweight but he beat the who's who of the category for years. And yeah, some guys want to look like and perform like the guy on the left, you may not want to, but that does not invalidate them or their discipline.

long distance running worth it if it makes you look skinny and sickly?

Don't hate. Your opinion, and I promise you not shared by millions of people that prefer distance sports. I assure you that some think the big powerlifter build looks unattractive too.

And yeah man, we have mucho pros here in central Florida, and the 185lbers school the ammy big boys in stand up. Hitting hard means dick if you are getting outworked and do not have the ability to defend what is coming because all they can do is shell or get shelled. And honestly, most of what you are posting would be better suited to a fitness log in the H&F forum. Because we are both way off the reservation now, of where the topic was at.

 

[TestKing123]

Exactly my point, powerlifters are usually crappy fighters. And weight classes exists for those of a certain skill level, a big, strong, white belt, gets smashed FAR more often than not. And you can delude yourself with the not gassing out nonsense, but there is no dispute in combat sports world about how few HWs, particularly that are muscular, with a gas tank. Hint: it is a rare. And Fedor was never a natural heavyweight but he beat the who's who of the category for years. And yeah, some guys want to look like and perform like the guy on the left, you may not want to, but that does not invalidate them or their discipline. Don't hate. Your opinion, and I promise you not shared by millions of people that prefer distance sports. I assure you that some think the big powerlifter build looks unattractive too.

I think you are switching the argument now to MMA. The world knows MMA fighters hate to do cardio, especially the heavyweights. That's why the "best" division is usually middleweight. However, boxing is different. Boxing is all cardio vascular (just like how Connor McGregor found out real quick). Take a look at the current heavweight champions Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua. 240+ pounds of pure muscle with extreme knockout power, neither have issues with gassing out. Also in the pic I pointed out, most people would choose to be the sprinter (which is the same body type I have except I'm a bit bigger at 220lbs).

Also, if you think powerlifters are weak as fighters, then you don't seem to know much about training. When fighters need to prepare for the next division above, what do you think they do? Of course not a strict power lifting program, but a program that far resembles powerlifting than anything else to get the weight on. That's because it packs on FUNCTIONAL muscle fast. You must be confusing power-lifting with bodybuilding, because "bodybuilding" is an absolute no-no for any kind of combat sport.

And yeah man, we have mucho pros here in central Florida, and the 185lbers school the ammy big boys in stand up. Hitting hard means dick if you are getting outworked and do not have the ability to defend what is coming because all they can do is shell or get shelled. And honestly, most of what you are posting would be better suited to a fitness log in the H&F forum. Because we are both way off the reservation now, of where the topic was at.

I live in Central Florida too. Which gym do you go to?

And yes, this is a bit off topic... but it drives the point that obesity statistics includes quite a number of people like myself. Whether or not you think this is really obese is up to you.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

I spend most my time training on my own with my son now. Most active when work permitted with training and teaching kickboxing and Shotokan Karate in a dojo our crew built. But I have trained with American Top Team Rockledge, Tribe-K (this was the one down the hall from the strongman room at the Sunbay fitness before it closed down. ForceFitness, which had coaches from Brazilian top team for awhile, ATT for awhile, and Rivera bros boxing. It also went belly up, MMA and martial arts in general are a hard sell here in Brevard. Places spring up, last a year or two, then close. I have also trained a bit with the BJJ guys at Sand drift in cocoa, Unlimited MMA, and a few others. Where are you, O-town?

 

[TestKing123]

I spend most my time training on my own with my son now. Most active when work permitted with training and teaching kickboxing and Shotokan Karate in a dojo our crew built. But I have trained with American Top Team Rockledge, Tribe-K (this was the one down the hall from the strongman room at the Sunbay fitness before it closed down. ForceFitness, which had coaches from Brazilian top team for awhile, ATT for awhile, and Rivera bros boxing. It also went belly up, MMA and martial arts in general are a hard sell here in Brevard. Places spring up, last a year or two, then close. I have also trained a bit with the BJJ guys at Sand drift in cocoa, Unlimited MMA, and a few others. Where are you, O-town?

That's alot of closed gyms. I did mixed martial arts training in the Marine Corps and fought as an amateur. That was 15 years ago. Since I left I bounced around several boxing/MMA gyms in New York before moving down here in Orlando (I live close to Downtown Orlando). The last few years I spent most of my time with Gym Rat and Don Miguel (MIguel Cotto's gym), though since my shoulder injury I've been forced to take it easy. In my days I never had a situation where I would "gas out" against smaller opponents, and in fact I found them easier, be it on the mat or in the squared circle. And even in the times I lost, it wasn't because I gassed, it was because of skill level.

Your argument that muscles will impede a person against a smaller person (be it running, biking, fighting, etc..) is correct as long as you realize it applies only to the average joe who doesn't know how to use them.

 

[vi edit]

This.

My wife and I swapped date nights with my sister/husband. They chose to go out to dinner/drinks. My wife and I chose to go on a mtn bike ride together. Nothing wrong with going to dinner, but my wife and I had a blast, got super turned on with each other as we pushed respectively harder lines on the trail (this manifested itself later that evening), and prioritized a healthy activity as part of our relationship bonding. Most of our vacation trips involve activities that are physically demanding. We regularly push our kids on longer hikes. I make a point that all of my “hall pass” weekends are activity based (mtn biking, hiking/backpacking, or ski trips). I regularly watch the kids for the weekend and my wife will do the same for her break from the kids.

Again, it is about priorities.

My wife and I like hitting NYC. Our first day we walked from Brooklyn to Central Park. It was over 13 miles with detours. Another day we ran in Central Park plus a shitload more walking, it was over 17 miles worth of running/walking that day. Same thing if we hit Vegas or Chicago. We are on our feet A LOT. Plus destination half marathons and a thing we've started doing as well.

 

[purbeast0]

I just ate at Arby's for the first time in ages and got a medium combo. Holy shit you should see how big the medium fries were. I should have taken a picture. The medium drink is most likely 32oz because I have it right next to my 32oz water bottle at my desk now and they are like the same size.

So as others have mentioned, portion sizes are out of control here!

 

[PricklyPete]

My wife and I like hitting NYC. Our first day we walked from Brooklyn to Central Park. It was over 13 miles with detours. Another day we ran in Central Park plus a shitload more walking, it was over 17 miles worth of running/walking that day. Same thing if we hit Vegas or Chicago. We are on our feet A LOT. Plus destination half marathons and a thing we've started doing as well.

awesome

 

[Zanovar]

Judging calorie intake when you have a leg injury is a tricky one,be it hamstring pull/strain and god forbid a torn one.My running/cycling/rowing and quite a few weight training exercices are gone.

 

[highland145]

Judging calorie intake when you have a leg injury is a tricky one,be it hamstring pull/strain and god forbid a torn one.My running/cycling/rowing and quite a few weight training exercices are gone.

Having a problem with my feet so I've cut out 3 of my 6 days of cardio for the last several months......I'm up almost 5lbs.🙁 I might need to cut out beer. 🙁🙁