Hello everyone,
I joined this website a few years back, made maybe 2 posts, was discouraged, and felt defeated and didn't come back - A year later, something happened - I felt a surge of motivation and sudden drive, and began to go to the gym 3 months straight for 4-5 days per week, doing an hour per day of a combination if cardio/aerobics and resistance training in the form of isometrics. This was all done in a group led by a trainer and it worked incredibly. I lost upwards of 30lbs and felt great - Then summer vacation came around the corner, school got more hectic, and I lost the time - Slowly, I've started to put the weight on again.

Now, I'm a university student taking 17 credit hours for the semester. Currently, I'm 10 days into the Muslim month of ramadan which consists of fasting for the majority of the day. In the past, I've found it to be a healthy break to the yearly routine of eating during the day so long as I moderate what I eat, when I get to eat it, and how I go about my day. The thing is, whether or not it's ramadan, I seem to have trouble finding the time or motivation to go work out. Education is just so demanding, and I feel like if I take any time out of my day to exercise, I jeopardize my academic performance. Additionally, with the loss of the convenience of having a trainer like I did back home, I feel much less motivated. Now when I say trainer, it wasn't like I was signed up to any group - You just showed up at the posted times, joined the workout, and left - The freedom was wonderful

As an added note, my eating habits, although imperfect, are not too bad. I rarely drink soda, and I avoid fast food as much as possible. Still, in the past, I've seen intense exercise work very well for me and I would like to use that approach to re-initiate the weight loss process so I can get down to an ideal weight.

Your thoughts/opinions are more than welcome, and thank you in advance.

KME

Welcome back KME. My experience is that exercises is an ongoing process. the more you do, more weight to lose. But if you stop it, the weight may come back. Better to combine with other chnages, like eating habits, life styles, etc..

Anyways, wish you good luck!

Thanks for the reply laji01

I've been looking at the Activities Center (Gym) for the university and they have many different group fitness programs, one of which is cycling (essentially spin class). Can anyone testify to the effectiveness of spin class when it comes to weight loss - I know it's very intense but is it a good alternative as opposed to other exercises? Thanks!

KME

anything that you will do on a consistent basis will help you with your weight loss journey...

Spin classes are all about your heart rate... so it can be effective.. but only if you go to it and enjoy it and can keep it up - in conjunction with proper nutrition

Thanks for replying Malficent,
Hopefully, I'll manage to keep up a regular routine of attending spin classes, coupled with some resistance training to strengthen the muscles. I appreciate your help.

KME