How long to lose 40 lbs? facts..

Here are the facts: I am a 39 year old male, 5'7' tall, large frame. My upper body is very solid, legs are solid, but I have a nice beer gut going. i currently weigh 245lbs. I joined a gym because I'm not disiplined to do any cardio at home on a treadmill. I am going there 4 days a week, 35 minutes cardio per session (ave heart rate about 130 bpm while biking, climbing, jogging etc) and i have been lifting weights on about 15 machines, all 3 sets of 12 reps. I have cut way down on my lousy eating habits and i only drink beer on saturday nights, (maybe 6 12oz. cans) What would be a reasonable time frame to lose around 40 lbs?

Sounds like you're doing good. I would allow one year to lose the 40 lbs. - I base this on a safe weight loss of 1lb/wk., and assuming you'll take off a few weeks here and there due to illness, holidays, etc. If you lose weight too fast, chances are you'll gain it all right back rightaway (this is one of the main reasons why many fad diets don't work in the long term).

I think you would be better off concentrating on your physique rather than your weight. Particularly for males, exercise programs can often build muscle. Since muscle has a greater density than fat, you may actually gain weight, while at the same time trimming down your beer gut.

I dumped 40 lbs in less than 4 months. I go to the gym everyday! 3 times a week I am there 2 times a day! If you want to lose it fast you have to bust your a$$. I have also used Hydroxycut in moderation. I had my reasons for needing to tear the weight off fast, and I did it.

Cut out the beer till New Years. Try to drink a gallon of water a day. If you eat decent, cut out the sodas, and drink water you'll lose weight. I have heard of a guy that lost 25 lbs in one year just doing that!

Good Luck!

Let us know in a couple of years if you've kept it off.

Have you made permanent changes in your eating/exercising habits that you can maintain for the REST OF YOUR LIFE?

I took about 8 months to lose 40lbs, and it's stayed off for 3+ years, with no signs of returning. And I have a routine I can live with through surgery, cancer treatment, emotional upsets, etc. bj

I think that encouraging people to lose weight fast is a mistake...big time. It is long term eating and activity habits that are important.

However, I strongly agree that with the idea that 'easy' is not included in the above comment.

Sling Skate

Buy ALTOIDS!!! Thanks for the support UK.

<el snippo>

I posted the original message in this thread and have enjoyed everybodys opinions. I think what will work the best for me is to concentrate on a long term program. In the past, my job (in retail) didn't allow me the proper schedule to eat properly, work out and sleep let alone afford the cost of a health club membership. I have changed jobs and finally am enjoying the career I have always wanted. Not only does this job let me manage my eating, sleeping and excercise, it also pays more so I really have no more excuses for not being fit. This year i'll turn 40, and with dedication and hard work, my next 40 will be healthy ones, (God willing) Thank you for all your suggestions and opinions. I'll chime in when i lose those 40lbs. (or whatever i weigh when i look and feel great)