tigger68

Very nice. I complement you highly on your fine work. Your wife is going to look awesome at SDCC!

I want that scale also, if it is showing the lower weight... but I guess we could pass it around the Fit Club.

Adam, welcome to the Trooper Fit Club. We're all about losing weight and getting fit here (me included) so we look good in our uniforms. Take a glance back through the pages and do some calculations to find out how many calories you need to eat daily to lose weight. Also, I'm going to add a pointer for everyone here. It is about belly fat. The midsection is one of the problem areas for anyone trying to lose weight. I know I have issues, and my tennis-playing obsessed younger sister carries her weight there and it is the bane of her workout program and fashion sense. Researchers have discovered that STRESS can increase the amount of belly fat you carry, and also increase your cardiac risk. So if you are having problems losing belly fat, perhaps you might look into exercises that would decrease your stress. Exercises such as (all right guys don't laugh) Yoga, stretching, meditation, etc. In fact, a good way to cool down after a workout would be doing Yoga or stretching. Anything that would decrease your stress levels will help in losing the belly fat. Okay, that's my tip for today. I'm off to spend my birthday coupon for a free gourmet burger at Red Robin (sorry pandatrooper, I broke the good eating rule this past weekend due to my birthday party) and then I'm back on track, but I'm celebrating today. Keep working out and remember the Fit Club is here to continue on the goal of the FISD...Troopers helping Troopers.

If they can't repel flavour of that magnitude, I think even stormtroopers could manage to get a kill "shot" of that one...very cute idea.

The Imperials are members of the 70th Explorer Garrison, Squad 66, and others who were at Vision Con this past winter. I've heard it was a lot of fun making the video. Unfortunately the listing on youtube doesn't have the right names and they say it is the 66th Garrison when it is Squad 66 of the 70th Explorers Garrison. Love the video!

Okay, I'm posting an update here. Since the beginning of June I've lost 15-18 lbs (depending on the day). Unfortunately, that means the Imperial Officer's tunic I made to measure no longer fits, and looks terrible. So I'm spending my evening tomorrown night after work re-tailoring it to fit me. I don't think the "I'm wearing my older brother's officer's uniform" is quite the look the Empire wants from its officers. Thanks again panda for the game. The only thing negative I have right now is I am getting a little bored (ADHD anyone?) but tother than that I'm enjoying it. And my officer's tunic is showing it. I'll have to post pictures of the before and after tailoring...just have to take them first. Cheers!

Great work! I also clicked on the "Mandalorian Dance" link and watched it. Also incredibly funny and lots of work.

Paul, you're in the right place and doing the right things. Just remember to scroll through the previous posts to see about what kind of exercise you want to do...then work it into your daily routine, but most of all, have FUN!

If you could invent some liquid cooling system for the suit, you could make a fortune because everyone not just stealth troopers would love to have it during the heat of the summer. Fantastic looking armor! Hope your DLT comes in really soon.

Congratulations. I hope you have a great wedding and life together. I agree with lunarlord, you should plan a SW wedding, nothing like starting off how you plan to continue

Terry I'm going to be at the Star Wars movie night (6/25 in Olathe-in my ID) and also the game in Topeka on 6/26. Hope to see you at one of those.

Okay I promised Pandatrooper I'd post regarding the EA Sports Active More Workouts game he sent me. I have to say after one week I'm very impressed with the game. It is very user friendly, I'm able to set the exercises I want to do (a big plus over most systems) and the profile is really helping to keep me on track. Its only been one week, so I'm not expecting to see any real big results, but I'll keep posting what I do notice. One minus for me though, is I really enjoy cooling down using the Yoga on Wii Fit/Wii Fit Plus, but I'm adjusting. It will be interesting though because I am currently on a fairly good sized dose of Prednisone which makes it difficult to lose weight so if this game is able to help me lose weight and control my appetite (which exercising does for me, don't ask why) and helps me sleep, then I'm all for it. So far, no real change in progress, but after only one week, I'm not expecting much knowing my body. I'm expecting a lot more in the coming weeks. This is tigger68 signing off...gotta go check the mailbox for the final 2 pieces for my imperial officer's uniform... yeah, finanical constraints have made it impossible for me to finish my other costumes right now, so I'm compromising to get into the 501st.

Cool Terry! Now we just have to coordinate it so I can see it live while trooping!

I was looking forward to getting this for my birthday next month Now I have to wait until October?????

Happy Birthday Army! Stay safe everyone! Especially those currently serving...that includes at least one member of my local garrison...stay safe Ed! We can't lose too many Sith Lords.

Ran across this article today regarding the psychiatric evaluation of Darth Vader by some French psychiatrists. Thought it was interesting, and somewhat insightful, if a little obvious. Enjoy! Just don't tell the big guy that you got it from me okay? Professional Diagnosis of Vader's Mental Problems

Good Job! But you need to eat, remember, if you don't eat, your body will find the nutrients somewhere and the only place it can get it from it itself. As for the Wii, good thing you're not playing on it, but for those of use who can't work out outside (severe thunderstorms with tornadoes anyone?) It does provide a good option. I have taken Pandatrooper's challenge, and he sent me the EA Sports Active More Workouts game last week. I just created my profile on the Wii this morning and am looking forward to the next six weeks. I'll report in weekly on my progress with the game. I am going to find it difficult to give up my WiiFit Plus because I've gotten to like it more and more, but I'm willing to try something new. I think I'll do some research on nutrition supplements and provide them here on the board. Keep up the good work everyone!

James welcome to the Trooper Fit Club. Feel free to look through the previous postings to get tips and hints, and to see what others are doing. It looks like you are doing everything right. Just one thing, if you ever get lightheaded or dizzy while working out, please reduce your intensity until it goes away. Other than that, you're on your way to a healthy body. Come join the rest of us!

Okay, I'm out of ideas to post this week. For some reason my brain has shut down, enough that I lost my bluetooth headset somewhere last night when I went with friends to see Ironman2...so maybe its a good thing I haven't posted anything. Oh, btw, I have taken pandatrooper up on his challenge to try the EA Sports Active system. As soon as I receive it and start using it, I'll be posting my progress here on a regular basis. Thanks panda for this opportunity.

I'll give you a quick answer, start hydrating prior to the hike. This will help. Also, if you are at Philmont, see of one of the others has water you can share. Just use the guidelines I gave as to how much water you are going to need, you may need more than recommended. Don't over hydrate prior, but get some liquid in you. This will help prevent your body from completely losing all the necessary water it needs. The fact that you stopped sweating was a medical emergency, and you needed to get cooled down immediately, and hydrated. I'll see if there are any more recommendations and get back to you.

Part Two: Hydration Okay, everyone knows you are supposed to drink fluids to keep yourself hydrated during exercise. Well, this is also very important while trooping. Some quick background: The body's way of cooling itself is through evaporation of sweat from the skin. While exercising to help this happen, you should wear loose clothing, or clothing that wicks sweat away from the skin. Clothing that traps the sweat against the skin is creating a "wet suit effect" which will actually raise the temperature of your body. This is very important especially if you are exercising (trooping) in a hot and humid environment as the humidity in the air makes it difficult for the sweat to evaporate from the skin. This can lead to heat illness (see post above) and other physiological problems like dehydration as the body tries to sweat more to cool itself down. So, we need to prevent dehydration, hypohydration (not enough water consumption) and hyperhydration. Prevention If you know you are going to be working out or trooping in hot weather drink a 16oz (~.5L) beverage several hours before the activity. During the activity: You should drink approximately 0.4-0.8L/hour adding up to 1 L/h for individuals who sweat excessively. If it is a hot and very humid day, please increase the fluid intake to more than 1 L/h preferably 1-1.5 L/h. Composition of the consumed fluids is also very important. If you are going to drink a sports drink, please make sure it is NOT high in glucose or sucrose. Yes these make it taste good, but it can be detrimental to the purpose of the drink. If you are planning on drinking a sports drink, you can drink the whole thing, but dilute it 50-50. 50% water adn 50% sports drink. The reason behind this is that the more dilute your sweat, the more your body will cool down. The more concentrated the drink, the more concentrated the sweat, the less the sweat can evaporate (yes, even while wearing armor). If you are determined to drink the sports drink, make sure that it contains low amounts of electrolytes. To replenish the sodium and potassium lost, you don't have to drink sports drinks. They can be replaced by consuming gels, energy bars and other foods containing these two electrolytes. After working out or trooping if you consume a meal with an appropriate amount of plain water this should be enough to replace the electrolytes as long as the food contains enough sodium to replenish that which was lost. Most pre-prepared foods consumed today have enough sodium to accomplish this. If you still feel excessively thirsty following your workout (troop) then you are probably not drinking enough fluid and are at risk for dehydration. Keep drinking water and throw an extra pinch of salt on your food to help combat this problem. Don't over hydrate as this can lead to more problems than dehydration. Listen to your body. To properly determine how much fluid you need, weigh yourself prior to a workout(troop). Record your weight and then weigh as quickly as possible after the workout (troop). Preferably perform both without armor, and with the same clothing on. The difference in the bodyweight is a good rule of thumb about how much fluid you have lost due to sweating that must be replaced. Remember one important thing. IF YOU FEEL THIRSTY, DRINK!!!! Your body is the best indicator of what you need. More than anything else this is vital. Stay hydrated, stay as cool as possible, but still have fun!

Part one of the Heat Related Illness and Hydration: HEAT EXHAUSTION A milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement fluids. However, if the person is hot enough, it can happen within one day or hours depending on the activity of the person. Symptoms: Heavy sweating (more than usual in your armor) Paleness Muscle cramps tiredness weakness dizziness headache nausea or vomiting fainting The sking may be cool and moist. The victim's pulse rate will be fast and weak and breathing will be fast and shallow. If this is untreated it will lead to heat stroke which is a medical emergency. If the victim has high blood pressure or symptoms are severe SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION AND CALL 911 (if in the USA) IMMEDIATELY Treatment Cool non-alcoholic beverages may be consumed. Rest. Cool shower, bath, or sponge bath. Get out of the hot environment, remove your armor/costume and get into an air-conditioned environment if possible. Do not put your armor back on, change into lightweight clothing. HEAT STROKE A form of hyperthermia, an abnormally elevated body temperature. Unlike heat cramps and heat exhaustion, heat stroke is a medical emergency that can be fatal if not properly and promptly treated Symptoms: High Body Temperature Rapid pulse Difficulty breathing Strange behavior Hallucinations Confusion Agitation Disorientation Seizure Coma Treatment Get the victim to a shady area, remove clothing and apply cool or tepid water to the skin. For example you may spray them with water from a garden hose. Fan them to promote sweating and evaporation and place ice packs under the armpits and groin areas. Monitor body temperature with a thermometer and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102oF (38.3-38.8oC) Always notify emergency services immediately. If their arrival is delayed they can give you further instructions for treatment of the victim. Prevention of both Avoid becoming dehydrated and avoid vigorous physical activities in hot and humid weather. If you have to perform physical activities (troop) in hot weather, drink plenty of fluids (water and diluted sports drinks) but avoid alcohol, caffeine, and tea which may lead to dehydration. If you are out in the sun for prolonged periods, you will need replenishment of electrolytes as well as the fluids. You can obtain this by drinking diluted sports drinks - more on that later. Take frequent breaks to hydrate yourself. This applies to both working out and trooping.

A couple of things in this post, and then I'll post the hydration article that I want everyone to pay particular attention to. First of all, Richard, you look great and you did it in a healthy way. A blow out (the beer and pizza thing) every once in a while won't hurt you. If you didn't do it you would probably end up bingeing in a bad way. The eating thing before a 6am run...what I'll recommend is this, take a fanny pack with you (yeah I know, not cool-looking enough for a stormtrooper), but maybe you could pretend its a thermal detonator Put a protein bar, or preferably a carbohydrate bar (PowerBar) in it along with water. Some runners use gels to provide energy. This will keep you from running out of steam on your run, and keep you going until you can get to your breakfast. Also, eating a protein bar, or preferably carbohydrate bar, about 1 hour before your run won't hurt. Just see what doesn't make you ill. Remember, this is all subjective and everyone is different.

My two cents worth, go have your free session, but if you are purchasing their products, and services, you can get the same results using Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem, etc. Also, "certified Doctors" could mean anything, up to and including someone with a Ph.D. in English who is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Technially they are a "Certified Doctor." I don't know about the whole water with Aloe, tea to give you an energy boost - any tea with caffeine in it will do that, and the milk shake full of nutrients... It is wiser to change your eating habits gradually and increase your energy output gradually. You might not lose weight as fast, but you'll keep it off longer and have less of a chance of it coming back. You could also discuss this with your physician when you see him or her.

Tanner, please tell me you are joking. You're only eating less than a bowl of corn flakes a day? This is not good. You need to be consuming more calories. I'm serious. If you are only consuming a small amount of calories, your body will use itself to provide the nutrients to maintain itself. Please refer to one of my previous posts about daily caloric requirements. It is on page 2 of this topic.