In reply to G4OIG:
Define correct weight
For me it should be 70-75kg. That’s the weight when I should be at a point that diet alone would control my blood sugar and I could give up all the pills and injections. Currently 92kgs. I was 100kg. A change of diet and exercise regime resulted in that weight loss and some muscle gain. The absolute loss is greater, lard is less dense than muscle and there’s less lard about my waist but lumps on my arms from the rowing machine.
My glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) is now 48 which is classed as “borderline diabetes” if I wasn’t pumped full of drugs. It was about 60 before I started the “new way of living”. Being at 60 for any period of time is like having a ticket for a ride on the express to oblivion. 
The bottom line is I feel significantly better than 7 months back.
Andy
MM0FMF
In reply to MM0FMF:
Correct weight is very hard to define. Simple indicators such as BMI only give a very rough guide. BMI is also only much use for “average” people. It is useless for athletes. That being said I know a lot of people who hide behind suggesting that they are “naturally large” of “have heavy bones” when what they should be doing is losing weight 'cos they’re just plain fat. Interestingly they are usually the first to rubbish BMI pointing out that the English Rugby Team are all “over weight” according to that measure. There is little purpose to be served in pointing out that they would be out of breath running for a bus no mind playing a game of rugby.
In reply to GM4TOE:
Sorry to hear that you are struggling a bit with hillwalking Barry. Similar story here I,m afraid. Since I’ve moved into my seventies, dragging the body up a hill has got a lot tougher. I suppose fitness levels are relative. My daughter in law’ who lives in the north lakes’ has just completed all of the southern wainwrights in just over 24 hours in one overnight session. She carried her own kit and was unsupported to most of the run. Makes me weary even contemplating it.
73, frank
In reply to MM0FMF:
My glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) is now 48 which is classed as
“borderline diabetes” if I wasn’t pumped full of drugs. It was about
60 before I started the “new way of living”. Being at 60 for any
period of time is like having a ticket for a ride on the express to
oblivion.
Mine is 37, but I still have to take Metformin twice a day. (I don’t know what it would be if I wasn’t taking the Metformin.)
My weight is currently 103 kg … trying to get it below 100 kg as the next step, but it’s HARD!
73,
Walt (G3NYY)
In reply to G3CWI:
BMI… the English Rugby Team are all “over weight” according to that measure…
Well doesn’t muscle weigh more than the equivalent volume of fat, or is that another myth?
As it’s confession time, I currently weigh 88kg which for my 1.82m height gives a BMI of around 26 kg/m2 = overweight. I am definitely happier at 85kg, but the medical profession would like me to be much less than that. At 82kg the “you don’t look well” comments start.
I am actually more concerned about hypertension and I always use that as an indicator as to whether or not a round of activations has done me good. My fundamental BP is usually around 132 / 84. After the recent trip to GM/SS it dropped to 116 / 71, but has since climbed back around 10 points. Still, it is within what my GP considers to be reasonable for my age, particularly as a visit to a medical establishment can ramp it up to 220 / 110. Thankfully I give him my readings via email! 
With all the benefits that SOTA brings, isn’t it about time it qualified for some National Health funding? 
73, Gerald G4OIG
In reply to G4OIG:
Well doesn’t muscle weigh more than the equivalent volume of fat, or is that another myth?
Yes. As Richard said BMI is often mis-used. You work out BMI and see if it agrees with what the patient looks like. If it doesn’t you go further. So atheletes get a BMI which says they’re fat. But as a simple first test, it does the job.
Andy
MM0FMF
In reply to G4OIG:
At 82kg the “you don’t look well” comments start.
That’s because people are used to the “super-sized” you. They would soon get used to a new svelte G4OIG. SOTA only brings a real benefit if you are doing it several times a week. Occasional forays are not as effective. Perhaps you and Paul should get a tandem?
73 Richard G3CWI
In reply to G3CWI:
SOTA only brings a real benefit
if you are doing it several times a week.
Really depends on how much “it” you do each time
73, Barry N1EU
(who hopes to be doing it twice tomorrow)
In reply to G3CWI:
Svelte and G4OIG - never knowingly uttered together in serious conversation, but I have also never been “super-sized”. I wouldn’t mind, but every time I lose weight down to that “magic” 82kg, the weight comes off my face in a far greater proportion relative to my middle. 
As for forays on a bike, they are a non-starter. My knees wouldn’t stand it. I have enough trouble cycling the hills around here! SOTA has certainly strengthened my knees, but they are still prone to the odd painful disconnect on occasion.
73, Gerald G4OIG
In reply to G4OIG:
I’m surprised bikes are bad for your knees. When I did my ankle my doctor recommended cycling (especially with a clipped in shoe) as a way of exercising the joint and muscle but restricting from impact shock and moving in the wrong dimensions.
Andy
MM0FMF
In reply to MM0FMF:
You have to twiddle and not push!!! Then it is very good for knees and ankles; not sure about hips.
When I knackered a knee some years back the physio and doc were quite stroppy about my going to them (and to work) on the bike. My argument was that I could actually ride to the exit door at the bottom of my work staircase and it hurt much more to shuffle up one flight of stairs than to get to the bottom. (Similar situations at their premises, and as for walking from the car park; forget it!) I also went the long way round to reduce the gradient; more twiddle - less push.
It certainly worked; the knees were good for a 30+ km hill walk until a couple of years ago and still might be but the energy isn’t really there now 
I think swimming is even better but lacks the utility and convenience of cycling.
73,
Rod
In reply to G4OIG:
but every time I lose weight down to that “magic” 82kg, the
weight comes off my face in a far greater proportion relative to my
middle.
A heavy face - never heard that one before!
73 Richard G3CWI
In reply to G3CWI:
A heavy face
Is that a euphemism for “fat head” ?
Andy
MM0FMF
In reply to G3CWI:
My son was refused entry to Strathclyde Police (when it existed) because he was 106Kg of solid muscle and 1.9m and therefore his BMI was way off the scale. It was suggested he re-applied when he got down to 85Kg.
Northern Constabulary had no such problem; so I don’t advise being bad in Inverness - he is big & very fit!!! (Obviously the spitting image of his father - not!)
73
Barry GM4TOE
In reply to M0JLA:
"… Then it is very good for knees and ankles; not sure about hips …"
Both my surgeon and the rehab specialists did recommend cycling after my total hip replacement in February. I have started cycling as soon as I was able to mount the bike. It is still the easiest non-motorized way to get from point A to B.
73, Ruda OK2QA
In reply to N1EU:
25Kg load.
1 small Yaesu handy with rubber duck. 1 spare battery.
23Kg of cakes, fizzy pop, chocolate bars and the odd sandwich thrown in - just in case he gets hungry on the way down.
Hope you’re on the mend Mr Micky?
About a month ago I was at the doctors for the second time complaining of severe pain in my right leg especially after a decent walk. I have been diagnosed with Sciatica. Strangely there is no pain in my back at all, though I was told the nerves go down both legs. Sota activations cause me great pain.
Now, what’s odd is when I’m out on my mountain bike I can go for miles without pain at all? And over some pretty hilly, rough terrain. Obviously using different muscles and as I’ve been mountain biking about 20 years I have clearly trained certain muscles to take the abuse.
73 Chris M0RSF
In reply to M0RSF:
I have had recurring and agonising Sciatica for about a week every 8 weeks or so - for 10 years.
I’ve changed my office seating from a chair to a gym-ball for a year and not had it since then! One of the best 8 quid purchases I’ve ever made!
I know I’m probably the only person on earth this will work for as everyone is different - but I guess I’d just share that nugget…
R
In reply to G1STQ:
Hope you’re on the mend Mr Micky?
Nothing that a couple of months in the Caribbean won’t cure
73 Mickey
2E0YYY
In reply to 2E0YYY:
Nice new association in The Pacific due soon.
Andy
MM0FMF
