Just a Few Questions.

[Protagonist]

Hi.

I had just joined the site and had decided that the best place for me to post first would be in the Getting Started forums. There, I had written in my thread that I'm currently a white-belt in karate and would like a few answers to my questions.

I had also written about my height and weight so that I could get some input about what exercises I should do:

[i also was wondering if running daily and doing push-ups would help me maintain good weight and help me in karate overall. I'm currently five-feet and six and one fourth inches and weigh about 114lbs, and even though it's not like I'm obese or noticeably chubby, I still need something to not make my so-called 'athletic genes' go to waste.]

I was told that for my height I was pretty thin, so it was would be wise to eat more and workout. I'm planning on starting to run a mile daily when the weather gets warmer, asking my Dad to take me to the gym whenever he has the chance, and going down into the basement to practice. The thing is, though, is that I eat very much. I'm not quite sure about my calorie intake, but I have a very big appetite. I'm thinking my weight has to do with my metabolism. If so, should I eat more, or do I just need to workout more? I'm also a female, and was told that females do not have as much protective muscle on their bones unlike males.

I was basically wondering if any of you had any tips on what workouts I should do and on what my diet should consist.

Thank you for reading/viewing/responding.

-Protagonist

[if you need to know, I'm taking karate as a class in my Freshmen year in Highschool, so I'm in the dojo two to three times a week for ninety minutes. I don't do very many cardiovascular activities since the weather is currently cold and unpredictable, and I'm still not sure if the gym here on the Airforce Base allows minors.]

[Bushido58266]

hello and welcome

here is what my diet and workouts consist of, hopefully if you follow this it will help you also

about a year ago i was 6 foot 174lbs and about 26% body fat, after changing my eating and workout plan i am now 6 foot 156 lbs and 9% body fat

DIET

to answer one of your questions you shouldnt really eat more as that could contribute to adding unwanted body fat. eat about 3 to 4 fairly good size meals a day. working out more would definitely benefit you but dont over do it. i eat food low in fat (saturated fat especially) and low in calories. i eat stuff high in protein and carbs (not to many when your not active, but make sure you have alot before doing something) i eat alot of fish and chicken and pasta (great source of carbs) i also switched to diet soda and i drink alot of water (another source of fuel when working out) and i drink alot of skim milk

WORKOUT

i do alot of martial arts, about a total of 6 1/2 hours. between karate and muay thai training gives me a great workout. i run 2 miles ever other day. make sure you do good cardio work, get your heart pumping at a good rate and keep it up for 40 to 50 mins. your karate training is good to. make sure you do some weight training to build power and speed. and make sure you rest, you never want to get over exhausted. just take a couple of days a week to rest

i hope you like your karate training and stick with it and i hope what i told you can help guide you to what your looking to do. if you dont mind me asking what form of karate are you taking?

good luck

Edited March 12, 2006 by Bushido58266

[Protagonist]

Thank you very much for your input.

-Protagonist

Edited March 12, 2006 by Protagonist

[marie curie]

Hey It's me again. About the diet and excercise- I would talk to your doctor about it... or just a dr if you know one. My concern is that if you are upping excercise, you may be burning off the carbs and protiens that you want to be turning into muscle. Remember, what works for one person doesnt always work for another, and men and women, especially, work differently. Anyway, since you are young, and still growing along with adding extra activity, it would still be a good idea to work out a "karate body plan" with your doctor. They know best

[Protagonist]

Hey It's me again. About the diet and excercise- I would talk to your doctor about it... or just a dr if you know one. My concern is that if you are upping excercise, you may be burning off the carbs and protiens that you want to be turning into muscle. Remember, what works for one person doesnt always work for another, and men and women, especially, work differently. Anyway, since you are young, and still growing along with adding extra activity, it would still be a good idea to work out a "karate body plan" with your doctor. They know best

Hmm. How exactly should I do this? How should I tell my parents I would like to suggest creating a 'karate body plan' with my doctor? But, it's a good idea, so I'll probably end up doing it anyway.

-Protagonist

[jaymac]

I bet your parents are proud of you and your choice to start MA. Just tell them your concerns about increasing exercise and your high metabolism. Explain that seeing your physician to help make diet changes might be a really smart idea.

[marie curie]

I don't know how your insurance works, and that will probably make a difference. Is it near time for an annual checkup? Your parents may be able to work something out. Is one of them in the military? Because the insurance for people in the military is awesome, and they could probably work something out.

[Protagonist]

I don't know how your insurance works, and that will probably make a difference. Is it near time for an annual checkup? Your parents may be able to work something out. Is one of them in the military? Because the insurance for people in the military is awesome, and they could probably work something out.

Well, my mom was going to schedule an appointment with our doctor for other reasons, but she hasn't gotten around to doing that yet. And yes, my dad is in the Military.

-Protagonist

[elbows_and_knees]

the first thing to consider, and I'm surprised nobody has mentioned it, is that you are young. Exactly how old are you? at a young age, diet and weight training can stifle your growth.

[Protagonist]

I'm only fourteen, turning fifteen on the third day of June.

-Protagonist