unluckypenny's Forum Posts

For my custom resistance training workout on my home gym, gyminee estimates the total calories burned after I input my reps and weight for each set. My question is how are these estimated calories computed? The reason I ask is b/c I received a heart rate monitor watch for Christmas that estimates calories burned during a workout as well. Gyminee’s estimate was over 1200 calories while the watch only estimated 479. Which can I depend on to be more accurate as there is quite a huge difference between the two. Any input that any of you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!

Topic: Fitness and Exercise / Question about Estimated Calories Burned

This topic was created for the Family Fit Weight Loss Challenge #1 challenge.

Topic: Fitness Challenges / Family Fit Weight Loss Challenge #1 by unluckypenny

Thanks to all for your input. I’ll keep doing my research and see what a consistent value should be for my workout. In the meantime, I guess I’ll err on the side of caution and go with the lower number when balancing out my calories.

All of my info on gyminee is accurate and correct except I don’t have a number to input for body fat %. I guess that will be my first step towards getting a more accurate estimate.

Thanks again!!!

Topic: Fitness and Exercise / Question about Estimated Calories Burned

I’m considering buying a Nintendo Wii and the Wii Fit components. However, I’m hesitant to spend $500 on something when I’m not sure how beneficial it is. I would like to hear from some Wii Fit owners/users. Do you like it? Is it user-friendly? Is it worth the investment price in your opinion?

I know that I would use the Wii for games as well as Wii Fit, so that will factor into my decision, but Wii Fit is my primary consideration for purchasing the Wii.

I’d love to know what you all think about this…

Topic: Fitness and Exercise / Wii Fit - Is it worth the cost?

Thanks for the input so far…

To Kimlin85: You make a good point on other things I could get for $500, but I already have a home gym, treadmill, and recumbent bike.

I guess what I am looking for is something to do that might be more “fun” on those days when my motivation is kind of low.

More accurately though, I’m probably just trying to justify buying a Wii by telling myself it’s gonna be a great workout tool, when I really just want one to fulfill by technogeek innerself…lol!!!

Topic: Fitness and Exercise / Wii Fit - Is it worth the cost?

I was in your shoes just a few months ago. My work atmosphere (kids afterschool/summer type program) was/is very stressful at times and those tempting “junk” foods are always around b/c the kids are eating them.

What helped me the most was that I took my “addiction” to junk food and turned it around to my “addiction” to reading package labels. It totally changed my mentality when I realized my lunchtime walk that burned 250-300 calories could be wiped out with one candy bar of a few cookies.

I now prepare a fruit snack and brown bag lunch when I fix my breakfast every morning. It’s easy to think “I don’t have time to do all that”, but I work a full time job and co-own a business that most days works like a full time job itself. I’m here to say it can be done. Believe me, I’ve used all the excuses in the past. I’ve also failed before but this time is working (down 61 lbs in 5 1/2 months).

Also, something I realized shortly after starting this is that the minute I dropped the diet sodas (aspartame makes you crave the junk), switched to water, and made sure I got the 8-10 glasses a day…the cravings for “junk” food disappeared. So, sometimes when you think your hungry have a glass of water instead. You’ll realize you weren’t really hungry after all.

Good luck to you. Another motivation will be when your success leads to those too tight clothes fitting again. Before you know it you’ll be buying new clothes for the best reason…b/c what you have is too BIG!!!

Topic: Diet and Nutrition / I cannot control my eating of junk food

I too have been a vegetarian all my life and there are some really great meat substitute products out there that are packed with protein. The Smart Deli Bologna and Turkey are both pretty good, low in calories and fat. Worthington also makes many varieties of vegetarian “meat” that are high in protein, but you have to be a little more careful about calories and fat with these.

Also, nuts and beans and protein supplement shakes are another way to get what you need on a daily basis.

Topic: Diet and Nutrition / ??? for Vegetarians

Congrats to Zetard! What an awesome job!!!

Topic: Fitness Challenges / Most Weight Loss by Valentine's Day by flygirl0218

For me, I have been working primarily on weight loss with my result just shy of 70 lbs since September. My workout is 7 days a week in my home alternating between cardio (10 miles on recumbent bike) and pseudo circuit on my home gym with treadmill intervals. Each day is about 45-60 minutes in length including stretching/cool down.

Topic: Fitness and Exercise / How many hours do u spend at the gym ?

Congrats to Chereen!!! Great Job!!!

Topic: Fitness Challenges / lose 30 lbs in 2 months by tiana787

Yes…weighing in on your body tracker does update your challenge status.

Topic: Fitness Challenges / Lose the Most Weight by Summer (June) by sheawilson2

Mine is because of the phrase “lucky penny”. But, even though my name is Penny, my luck is generally terrible. Thus, unluckypenny was a natural fit for me. Thankfully, luck has nothing to do with health and fitness. So, I’m all good!!! :-)

Topic: Just For Fun / So where does YOUR username come from?

As the original poster on this topic, I thought I would check back in and see what everyone had to say. Wow! Lots of opinions…Thanks for that.

BTW, I ended up NOT buying the Wii or Wii Fit. Bottom Line: It was just too hard to justify spending the money when I have so many other “better” work out options. Turning on the TV every morning and seeing the grim economic forecast also helped make the decision for me. My money is not easy to come by and is better spent elsewhere.

Thanks again though for all the valuable insight…

Topic: Fitness and Exercise / Wii Fit - Is it worth the cost?

I am looking to purchase new home gym equipment b/c what I have is a fitness quest 465 which is so old that I cannot get replacement parts for it. Does anyone have any of the Weider models? If so, what do you think of it? I’ve been doing a lil’ window shopping online and the reviews are mixed. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!!

Topic: Fitness and Exercise / Weider Home Gym-Reviews Please!

The cost of the one I’ve been looking at is in the $400 range. I’m curious to know why you wouldn’t recommend an all-in-one. I’ve been using the one I have 3 days a week since Sep. along with 3-4 days of cardio. My goal has been weight loss and I’m down almost 80 lbs doing the mix of cardio and weight resistance so far. I realize free weights are probably better but honestly am not sure I have the proper education/training and consequently the motivation to stick to a free weight regimen. I’m afraid if I feel the learning curve is too much of a burden, I won’t stick with it as I have the all-in-one.

That being said, I’ve been quietly lurking in the background reading a lot of your posts as well as your blog. I greatly respect your opinions and I’m certainly open to what you might have as suggestions/alternatives.

Thanks for your input and I’ll definitely look forward to what you have to say.

Topic: Fitness and Exercise / Weider Home Gym-Reviews Please!