Well Jon, you take politics/social views out of the equation, then anything is possible.

You always like to think your doing things right, but everyone likes a little validation/positive feedback.

I've never had a regular doctor, because other than a few work/exercise injuries, I've managed to remain relatively healthy.

I do all I can for that 75% the experts say were all responsible for, and the rest is genetic and just plain dumb luck.

Just turned 65 in Dec, so getting signed into the Medicare system, I found a local doctor with the same belief system I have and had a complete physical which included a comprehensive blood work screening which I haven't had since I was in the military 40+ years ago.

Had numerous job physicals, but nothing this comprehensive.

Went for results a couple of weeks ago. Doc sat me down and said he had a few things he wanted to discuss with me? He had me going for a minute, because he was acting dead serious, looking at my test results on the computer monitor. He had some nurse with him for whatever reason and she was straight faced as well.

He looks at me and starts laughing and says " Does anyone at work ever tell you that you look like Kenny Rogers? I said all the time. We all laugh.

Then he says that he's reviewed my blood test results and that he doesn't see 1 person in a 1000, that has such good numbers! He showed the nurse and they both said whatever I was doing, keep it up.

Even better, he said he had NO advice to give me and that he felt guilty charging me for the office call and wrote a big N/C on my paperwork. Gal at desk, said she had never seem that and she's worked for him a long time.

So all I can say, is that whatever I've given up, pales in comparison to hearing my efforts over the last 30+ years has paid off so far, knock on wood.
Truth be told, I've really not given up much, I've just modified things and try to eat healthy most of the time and not worry/stress over my few "indiscretions". That and regular moderate exercise is all you really need,
Also, when the doctor tells you that you have a problem and suggest a medication for your issue, take a step back, ask about the side effects and do some on-line research.

I told my doctor that prescription drugs would be my last option, not my first and that I would try food/natural herbal remedies first before getting on that prescription drug merry-go-round.
If you ask the right questions and get involved as a "consumer", instead of just letting the Doctors do all the deciding, your much better off.

Know your options, and the "timetable" of whatever health issue you may have and make your treatment decisions based on facts, not fear.

If someone predicted MT and ST would have a diet/exercise advice gig going here at QJ I would have scoffed, but so it is. Keep it rolling!
Jon

Weather top has in 3 months of usage become my favorite go-to peice. Super light and with the ventilation options it is superbly breathable. An important aspect on cool morning bike rides.

I am not usually super keen on pull overs but this is so light it is easy on and off. Plus it is fairly stylish. I feel comfortable wearing it in a variety of social situations......I like the "technical" feel the garment has. Throw on a pair of versa tac ultra light pants and you could easily be mistaken for some sort of law officer. Hey, sometimes that can be helpful  (don't tread on me)

Mysteries of the world.........how is it that I-hop has the worst pancakes in the civilized world and yet that is their business? Ever try Perkins pancakes? Maaaavelous.

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MT and I agreeing? Wait, I think I just saw a pig fly by my window.

I don't want to get into my issues with PX 90 or any of the other popular type workouts but before embarking on any vigorous workout program, get your doctors okay.

Also know what kind of person you are?
What will you do when they show a "modification" for new exercisers or people not used to that much intensity.

Are you the type of person who can swallow your ego and listen, or the type that thinks " no pain, no gain" and ends hurt and depressed because you failed once again to find a workout/"diet" program you can live with.?

Getting up and moving your body, even in moderate ways and a good healthy eating program you can live with is the key.

Cutting out processed simple carb foods, and refined (white sugar" will jump start whatever food program you find that you can live with without feeling deprived.

Here's one that is getting good reviews. I'm not big on getting onto programs that are all encompassing but if you can understand the basic principals and learn to shop/cook, all the healthy "diet" sites have something you can use and learn for your healthy eating "diet".

(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

PBS  had a show about her plan.
Lots of good info and some criticism as well.
Yes, for some people it will be the hardest thing they've ever done, especially if they eat poorly now.
But being obese/sick and old before your time is harder still and epidemic in this country.

Just understanding how to eat healthy for most people is the key.
When I first got into exercising, I quickly found that despite working out hard, I couldn't quite lose that body fat that in my mind should of melted off.

Then a trainer I really respected asked me what I was eating/not eating?
Once she got me eating right, understanding how foods good or bad effect your metabolism, I was off to the races.

I always liked to cook, so I just acquired new healthy recipes and learned to modify old favorites that were less than healthy. Not as hard as you may think.
SHE always would tell her students in a hard class that " Nothing tastes as good, a healthy feels".
IF you've ever been there, you know how true that is.

Anybody thinking of rowing machines should google "WaterRower"  up up

I generally hate indoor training machines, but I'll use this one.

ST is right on IMO. Fat loss is more about diet than work outs. At least it was certainly the case for me.

Cut out the sugar, potatoes, fried and processed foods and you are on your way. No eating after 6 helps immensely.

As per workouts my philosophy is to do something every single day. That something is up to you. No need to make a project out of it or even belong to a gym. Here is where ST and I will part company.......I endorse the p90x style workout videos. Just press play, go at your own pace (I press "pause" a lot  ) and incorporate the dumbbells.......I believe resistance training is crucial, especially us old codgers  .

So.......think about it. Something every day.......otherwise, if your anything like me, it is oh so easy to get out of the routine. Maybe I'll bike an hour one day, do a yoga routine or weight disc or cardio another day. Or maybe get on the KF inspired rowing machine which doubles as a dandy clothes rack  .

Solo tripper,

Appreciate the metabolism/diet lesson. I am 6 ft 208 lbs and need to be around 192. In fact, when I go on my 10 day trips to Quetico each year, I usually drop 12 lbs.

Bottom line, I need to get to the gym and do more vigorous cardio and weight training. And like you said move to a more Medditerranean style diet as well. I used to be a regular at the gym and for the past couple of years I have been slacking.

I remember reading some of your old posts on diets. Good reads. I am planning on going back and re-read.

Ok .... Now, if I am really serious about improving my health, I have to set a New Years resolution for 2014 that has a measurable weight/cardio training and weight loss goal.

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This should probably be in it's own thread or rebooted from an older one, but since you asked, I'll respond.

The older you get, the slower your metabolism gets. That doesn't mean you can't lose weight, it just means that diet become's even more important.
A healthy diet ( I favor a Mediterranean) style one is closer to 75% of losing weight, combined with a moderate regular exercise plan.

You want a good balance between complex carbs/ lean protein/ and healthy fats.

Different people find what healthy lifestyle ( not diet) percentage of those 3 things works best for their metabolism/hereditary factors.

You can work out as hard as you want but the older you get, you can't burn the fat as quickly as you put it on IF your eating poorly.

I just turned 65, I'm 5'9" also, and weigh a little over 205 lbs. But I have a 45" chest and from years of hard work/exercise, a pretty muscular frame. I'm maybe 15-20 lbs over my "fighting" weight.

If you really want to see where your at, I highly suggest you get a body fat % test. The Gold standard is the test where your submerged in a tank of water, but caliper pinch test is good enough for most people and most competent health clubs can give you one for a nominal fee.

Don't go by those government BMI mass index charts. They were meant as a very general means of getting the public to self-test themselves. If your an exercise person, you find that the weigh part of that BMI equation will be a problem for you. Muscle weighs more than fat. A well muscled person will show-up as being obese in those BMI charts.

All Pro/ NFL Hall of Fame running back, Barry Sanders was only 5' 9" but weighed 205 lbs.
On the BMI chart he showed as being "obese".
A % of body fat test is the only accurate way to see how much FAT you have and that's what you want to lose. People go on fad/extreme diets without exercising and lose tons of weight. Problem is, body fat is the first thing you put on, the last you take off.
You drastically cut your calories doing whatever, and don't exercise, you lose muscle mass first and body fat last.

People get excited because when they get on scale they see they've lost "weight". What most of them have lost is muscle which you want, and not fat, which you don't.

Once you know your body fat %, you can pick a healthy "lifestyle change" that works for you.

MT,

I am a big fan of Railrider apparel. A bit on the pricey side but topnotch quality found in every Railrider item that I have purchased.

The pit zips on the Weathertop is a real plus and like you ... I feel necessary for heavy exertion paddling.

Thanks for the fitting info too ... looks like a XL for this  paddler. I am going to have to start a workout plan asap and try to get under 200 lbs. I added too many lbs during Thanksgiving holiday and now Christmas is just around the corner.

My metabolism is not what it used to be ... need to figure out how to "crank my metabolism" up a notch or two. I turn 60 next year and I have to start eating more healthy foods and being more active than I currently am.   Anybody have any hints to increase my metabolism besides a vigorous workout every other day? Diet ?

Finally got a shot at testing the Weathertop.........a little cool, breezy and misty for todays ride (low 60's with the wind chill.....brrrrr  )

I am impressed (of course I am).........just the right type of shell for working hard when conditions don't warrant gore-tex.

I liked the collar style........I was able to zip up and block the wind. But what was truly nifty was the underarm pit zips..........plenty of ventilation helped keep me from the constant problem of overheating which I find inherent in similar type garments. Definitely a winner..........perfect top for paddling and biking.

As for sizing.......I purchased both a medium and a large with the intent of sending one back. I'm 5' 9" / 185 and while the medium fit OK I liked the freedom of movement the large offered. Velcro cuffs keep the arms from being to long, plus I can have more options as per layering with the large.

Yup the piece is no doubt pricey.........but I anticipate many years of usage (possibly a lifetime) and can see this piece being employed on a regular basis.