am I doing enough

[bmg1988]

hi,
this is my first post here, and I recently started trying to lose weight. I think I have a good grip on things, but I want to be sure.
I am 18.
246lbs, I have lost 4lbs already.
BMR is at 2403.28.
Estimated Daily Calorie Needs are at 3725.084.
My estimated daily calorie intake is at 2500 - 3000.
I ride my bike at a consistant speed of about 10mph for 45 minutes, 5 days a week.
Mainly I would like to lose my stomach but I have a feeling this will be lost last anyway. Judging by my 4lb drop I assume this is good, but what I'm wondering is whether any body can offer any suggestions or confirm for me that this is good.
thanks for the help,
brian

 

[Llamabean]

It sounds like you're doing great! Your calories are reasonable and you're working out consistently.

Unfortunately, fat comes off where it decides and you can't focus on fat in a particular area. The good news is that it's really noticeable in the stomach for most folks so you should see results soon.

 

[patsfan]

You ARE doing great!

I would highly recommend, though, switching up your exercise routine. Your body will become accustomed to this workout, and in order to burn more fat/calories, you need to mix it up, both on the bike and by using other machines.

This month's issue of Self magazine features their 2007 Fit challenge- it may be worth a read. It has examples of how to boost your workouts, which I've poached and pasted here:

For a 30-minute workout:

Warm up for five minutes, increasing to level 5. Spend the next minute at the same pace, but add resistance. (If you're on a stairstepper, a treadmill, an elliptical trainer or a stationary bike, crank up the incline or resistance dial. Outside? Head for the hills or stairs.) For the next two minutes, maintain your pace, but remove the added resistance. Keep alternating between resistance levels (1 minute on; 2 minutes off) for 21 minutes total. Cool down at level 5 for four minutes without resistance.

You can also mix it up by alternating your pace (speed it up, maintain, slow it down, maintain) in the same way, or doing a combination of alternating pace and resistance. This is something you should do on a stationary bike, elliptical machine or treadmill.

Calories burned 118 to 321

Make it harder. Increase the intensity level of the two-minute intervals from 5 to 7.

Make it easier. Reduce the go-harder intervals to 30 seconds.

*Calorie totals based on a 135-pound woman.


I would also add strength training to your workout 2-3 times per week. It doesn't add hours to your time at the gym, and you wouldn't believe the boost in rate of weight loss after you've been doing it for a couple of weeks!

 

[corndogggy]

I ride my bike at a consistant speed of about 10mph for 45 minutes, 5 days a week.

Is this really wearing you out? I doubt it, but maybe it is. 10 mph constant on a bike is pretty slow. Actually it's really slow, especially if you're trying to get a workout. If you are healthy enough to handle it, you really need to bump up the intensity. If you are able to do this 5 days in a row and stay sane, I just don't think it's hard enough. I say bump up the intensity, shoot for 3 days, and try something else on 2 or 3 other days, like lifting or jogging or swimming or most anything.