Losing Body Fat/Exercise Routine/Diet

[Exodus]

I think you're right, whenever I went to the gym in the past it was always treadmill and bike, but a longer time on the rowing machine should give me that all area work out I need.

I tried having Whey Protein in the past, but it tasted foul (probably because I didn't mix it right). What about natural sources of protein like nuts? And can you recommend any decent sources of protein?

[Kayman]

I think you're right, whenever I went to the gym in the past it was always treadmill and bike, but a longer time on the rowing machine should give me that all area work out I need.

I tried having Whey Protein in the past, but it tasted foul (probably because I didn't mix it right). What about natural sources of protein like nuts? And can you recommend any decent sources of protein?

Some whey can be nasty tasting, some others taste pretty good. Just try and find a brand that sits well with you, add a scoop or two of nesquik to it to improve the taste if you want. Nuts are a good source of protein but also high in fat (although its good natural healthy fat), so if you're looking at losing weight then eat them in moderation, a small handful every couple of days. Like I say if you eat fish or decide you can start eating fish then that's your protein sorted right there.
I used to do a lot of rowing in the gym, 10 kilometers in two 20 to 25 minute sessions but it took a while to work up to that. You'll find you'll become quite broad in the shoulders and slimmer around the waist and your thighs will get solid. But most important is to find something that you enjoy doing, if you don't then you wont stick to it, it'll feel like working for working's sake.

[Exodus]

What would you recommend as a starting point for rowing? Should I combine it with any other exercises? Right now I just want to slim down a bit and ditch the fatty man boobs and fat around the stomach.

[Kayman]

What would you recommend as a starting point for rowing? Should I combine it with any other exercises? Right now I just want to slim down a bit and ditch the fatty man boobs and fat around the stomach.

Some rowers like to incorporate a bit of weight training with rowing, some weight lifters like to incorporate a bit of rowing, it all depends on what your goals are, if you're looking to shift fat quickly then I would make rowing your main thing for about 12 weeks then mix it up a bit with some weight training.
To start just get on a rower, set your resistance to a medium setting and then work on using correct form, I've seen people use bad form on the rowing machine so many times.
To start set a goal, say 5 to 10 minutes when you're a beginner, pace yourself and try and make those 10 minutes. After a couple of weeks your stamina will have improved and then do 15 minutes, then after another two weeks 20 minutes. Then start doing things like two 20 minute sessions with a 5 minute break in the middle, or one long paced 40 minute session. Interval training where you do 2 minutes easy rowing followed by one minutes fast rowing. Pyramid rowing where you row hard for increased lengths of time say 1 minute hard rowing, followed by 1 minutes easy rowing, followed by 2 minutes hard rowing, followed by 1 minutes easy rowing, followed by 3 minutes hard rowing etc etc..
There's all kinds of ways you can change it up.
As you get stronger and go for longer, increase the resistance on your machine. Make a note of how many meters you cover in a particular amount of time ( say 20 minutes for instance) and then try to maintain that distance or beat it the next time you row.
Just don't be surprised if on your first time you struggle to even make 5 minutes, don't over do it, it can be really hard work but it will build up your stamina very quickly it'll surprise you. Once your fitness improves you can start throwing in a couple of sets of stomach crunches or an ab exercise of your choice to get a really complete workout.

[Exodus]

Coupled with my cycling and a change of diet, Im hopeful of results. Your input has been genuinely welcomed (in terms of buzzing/shaving) and now this.

Thank You Very Much.

[hage]

I'm an old bloke and I've always worked out/done something. Last summer I had a six-pack for the first time ever. This is what seemed to work for me.

1. calorie counting: a gruel at the start but easy-ish after a while.

2. no alcohol/processed sugar: a gruel at the start but easy after a while.

3. reading about bodybuilding/exercising. Don't know why but it seems to help.

[akai]

I've been sticking to a traditional bodybuilding routine plus basketball and running for cardio. A few years back when I got out of shape (skinny fat) I gave P90X and shot and got solid results. It gave me a good base to work with before I started lifting heavy. It's pretty tough, but it's worth.

[baldozer]

Coupled with my cycling and a change of diet, Im hopeful of results. Your input has been genuinely welcomed (in terms of buzzing/shaving) and now this.

Thank You Very Much.

Being stress free and sleeping well is also important for weight loss.

[Abdullah]

I think your diet plan is quite good. It also seems good that you are cycling 8 miles in a day. But i think you need to spend in gym one hour at least three days in a week.

[Maxprovust]

A diet plan really healthy for good health-
1 - weetbix x 6, 300ml milk, tbsp brown sugar
2 - apple, 100g stew / mince meat, water
3 - 1/2 bbq chicken, peas and carrots, mash potatoe x 1, gravy, water
4 - 100g apricot chicken, mixed veg, water
train
5 - 30g whey in water, rice bubbles, 300ml milk, tbsp brown sugar
6 - beef burger, mixed veg, water
7 - fish, 200g yoghurt, water