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IRL (In Real Life) => Sports => Topic started by: Bison on July 31, 2012, 01:59:21 AM

Title: Exercise Habits
Post by: Bison on July 31, 2012, 01:59:21 AM
I know there are other guys here who exercise.  Just curious about what other folks are doing to stay in shape and get in a regular workout.

I really, really enjoy Crossfit.  Unfortunately I've been travelling a lot so the lack of access to weights and pull up and dip bars can really disrupt a crossfit schedule.  I've got a medicine ball and kettle bell that I've be travelling with to do some of the exercises.

Just started up with TRX recently.  Very travel friendly work out regiment.  Its deceptive in just how much it works you out.

And of course I'll throw in a run and jump rope for some cardio.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Bison on July 31, 2012, 12:10:57 PM
Wow?  Am I the only one who exercises around this joint?
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: bayonetbrant on July 31, 2012, 12:52:15 PM
I've got my weekly soccer night that I play, and I'm getting more regular about throwing my daughter in the stroller for a quick walk when I get home from work. 
I ought to do more, tho. 
Now that I've got the garage cleared to where I can get in there in the mornings, I might make something out of my morning workouts.  Plus, the garage has a nice indoor/outdoor carpet on it, so it's not too uncomfortable to work out in.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: bayonetbrant on July 31, 2012, 12:52:31 PM
but to answer your question from above:  probably! ;D
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Jack Nastyface on July 31, 2012, 01:00:28 PM
FWIW...I used to fence twice a week, but I was side-lined about 2 years ago with a hip/lower back injury.
In order to regain some of strength and flexibility, I now do Bikram - or "hot" - yoga.  It doesn't give me the cardio that I need, but it is great for core strength and flexibility...which are the two physical characteristics I miss most from my youth.  I don't particulary like working out in the gym (weights, machines, etc)..partially because I have never been able to build "bulk" muscle nor do I have an interest in doing so...but I really do need to do something for cardio.  I went for a 10k rollerblade the other day and going up a gentle hill just about kicked my a$$.
Admittedly, much of my weekly workout comes from yard-work, gardening, etc...
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: DoctorQuest on July 31, 2012, 01:59:30 PM
At 50+ my biggest concern is keeping th ol' ticker in good shape so I do some serious cardio three times a week (mainly treadmill but I'll switch it out for other cardio machines from time to time.) I also try to do some upper body work on the weight machines but I have to be careful due to hernia surgery a while back.

My wife and I like to walk but I need the treadmill for a good, intense walking workout.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Centurion40 on July 31, 2012, 02:41:49 PM
I used to go to the gym (not that I am anywhere near to being in shape) 1 to 3 times per week, but my recent health issues have interrupted that.

When I did go it was treadmill and the circuit.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Bison on July 31, 2012, 04:08:28 PM
Yup cardio is very important.  My folks got a pretty nice stationary bike with a good wide seat and heart monitor for not too much in order to get a good cardio workout in every other day.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: TheCommandTent on July 31, 2012, 06:40:08 PM
I used to play soccer growing up and that kept me in shape.  After I broke my foot in a college game I have exercised much less.  I can't stand going to a gym so I don't do that.  I occasionally ride my bike or go hiking but nothing that will get me in good shape.  The only thing I do consistently are some pushups and situps in the morning just to get the blood flowing.

I am not in bad shape but at my last physical the doc said I could use to lose 15 pounds.


When they threaten to take away my bacon I might become motivated to workout :)
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Gusington on July 31, 2012, 09:46:02 PM
I have been using an ancient NordicTrak for the last 12 years 5-6 times a week, 45 minutes a day. Also do crunches and some free weights to keep the gut and man boobs in check. 2-3 times a week I hike with my dog ~ 6 miles per hike. My ideal weight is 150 or under and I have been hovering around 150 for a while. I would love to lose 5-10 pounds.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Arctic Blast on July 31, 2012, 10:40:19 PM
Quote from: Bison on July 31, 2012, 12:10:57 PM
Wow?  Am I the only one who exercises around this joint?

I call it work.   ;D

I'm curious about that whole TRX setup, though. It's good?
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: MetalDog on July 31, 2012, 10:46:27 PM
I'm outside five days a week.  I circle peoples houses three times, sweeping the eaves, checking the foundation and pulling 300' of hose around the base perimeter applying chemical.  No serious cardio, but constantly moving.  I took a step counter with me one day and read eleven miles.  I'd say that's average.  And I could stand to lose twenty pounds.  The doctor said forty.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Con on July 31, 2012, 11:12:40 PM
Quote from: Jack Nastyface on July 31, 2012, 01:00:28 PM
FWIW...I used to fence twice a week, but I was side-lined about 2 years ago with a hip/lower back injury.
In order to regain some of strength and flexibility,

Funny I was just talking about fencing with some friends.  I used to fence at competition level and won quite a few tournaments etc.  I was an epee man myself.  I slowly gave it up a about a decade ago but I was thinking of taking it up again, though I am concerned about how stiff I am in the joints etc.

Other than that the dog gets a three mile walk every morning in the woods which includes scrambling on trails.  I used to do a three mile run three times a week but a heel spur put stop to that.  Now the doc wants me to lose 15-20lbs to get back to my ideal weight again so I am thinking of slowly seeing if I can get back into running as well.  (It seems when you hit 40's that everything to do with exercise is done slowly)

Only problem is having new 8 month old twins in the house the first thing that goes is any time to do any exercise.  Though they are keeping me active chasing them since they just learned to crawl!

Con

Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Bison on July 31, 2012, 11:47:23 PM
Quote from: Arctic Blast on July 31, 2012, 10:40:19 PM
Quote from: Bison on July 31, 2012, 12:10:57 PM
Wow?  Am I the only one who exercises around this joint?

I call it work.   ;D

I'm curious about that whole TRX setup, though. It's good?

Yes it is.  And there are a number of workouts that you can download the video for a pretty reasonable price.  Those work out add more strength, flexibility and such to the routine.  Its really good for those who have limited space, time or money for a bunch of different types of workout equipment.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Bison on July 31, 2012, 11:50:05 PM
It maybe hard to do for time and location but if running is too hard on the old joints than swimming is a fantastic alterative.  I know what they say my max ideal weight is so I just try to stay 10 pounds below and call it a day.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Arctic Blast on August 01, 2012, 11:25:10 PM
Quote from: Bison on July 31, 2012, 11:47:23 PM
Quote from: Arctic Blast on July 31, 2012, 10:40:19 PM
Quote from: Bison on July 31, 2012, 12:10:57 PM
Wow?  Am I the only one who exercises around this joint?

I call it work.   ;D

I'm curious about that whole TRX setup, though. It's good?

Yes it is.  And there are a number of workouts that you can download the video for a pretty reasonable price.  Those work out add more strength, flexibility and such to the routine.  Its really good for those who have limited space, time or money for a bunch of different types of workout equipment.

Well, once my right elbow is un-Fubar'd, I think I may make an investment in it.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: bayonetbrant on August 02, 2012, 05:41:31 AM
Quote from: Con on July 31, 2012, 11:12:40 PMNow the doc wants me to lose 15-20lbs to get back to my ideal weight again

wow...  losing 15-20lbs would get me...  15-20lbs away from my military-standard weight (I think).

I'm not overweight; I'm undertall

but I dare y'all to go play a 50-minute indoor soccer game with me ;D
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Shelldrake on August 02, 2012, 06:40:17 AM
Back in the day I was an avid runner but my knees and hips can't take the pounding anymore. I settle now for walking 30-60 min each day and cycling on weekends. I also count hauling a push mower around the yard as exercise. ;)
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: TheCommandTent on August 02, 2012, 07:51:32 AM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on August 02, 2012, 05:41:31 AM
Quote from: Con on July 31, 2012, 11:12:40 PMNow the doc wants me to lose 15-20lbs to get back to my ideal weight again

wow...  losing 15-20lbs would get me...  15-20lbs away from my military-standard weight (I think).

I'm not overweight; I'm undertall

but I dare y'all to go play a 50-minute indoor soccer game with me ;D

If I lived closer I'd take you up on that offer.   :)
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Centurion40 on August 02, 2012, 08:46:03 AM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on August 02, 2012, 05:41:31 AM
Quote from: Con on July 31, 2012, 11:12:40 PMNow the doc wants me to lose 15-20lbs to get back to my ideal weight again

wow...  losing 15-20lbs would get me...  15-20lbs away from my military-standard weight (I think).

I'm not overweight; I'm undertall

but I dare y'all to go play a 50-minute indoor soccer game with me ;D

FIFA?  ;)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everyeye.it%2Fpublic%2Fcovers%2F29072011%2FFIFA-12_Xbox360_cover.jpg&hash=f4bafad16ac2236532f52263682ebb084a24344a)
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: bayonetbrant on August 02, 2012, 08:59:07 AM
I'd get killed like I was playing my son
(who, BTW, had an AWESOME night in goal for his new team last night ;D )
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: bayonetbrant on August 02, 2012, 08:47:55 PM
tonight's 'workout' - a walk with Bayonette

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ash4%2F422213_10102066438806985_1314824044_n.jpg&hash=e527440f4e9edb7b362add766bc0b221c1dc7633)
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on September 06, 2012, 05:47:02 PM
I used to play rugby and lift weights pretty religiously (although I've always had a gut.  Even when I was working as a land surveyor and spent 10-12 hours every day hiking up and down mountains with 30 kilos of gear, I kept the gut) but rugby ended when I hit 35 (took me 3 days to recover from a match) and moving back to Canada, going back to school, and changing careers pretty much killed my gym routine for 4 years.  The end result is that I'm now a sad, fat bastard.

I'm pretty settled now (still looking for a condo or townhouse though) and I'm set to get back into a routine.  I tried the Zone diet when I lived in Japan and it worked reasonably well for me, but I don't see it as an option here (don't have time to prepare meals when I'm working 12 hour shifts).   I've been reading the Body-For-Life book and website and I think I'm going to give that a go.

Anyone wanna do it with me?  It's a 12 week regimen.  Could be good to have someone else involved to motivate/compete with, even if they are faceless web entities.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Staggerwing on September 06, 2012, 06:02:13 PM
I'd give it a go but the whole 'buy our stuff' thing puts me off. I can't afford that kind of output. Can this be done with regular supermarket food? Also, getting the needed workouts in has been my problem. I could try two 10 minute cardios (1 in am and 1 in pm) per day but I don't have (or have room for) any weight equipment (if you don't count lifting my kids off the floor after a tantrum :D).
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Bison on September 06, 2012, 06:08:30 PM
My workout regiment has gone to crap over the last few months.  It's been hard to get into a routine.  I've started up again, but it takes a couple of weeks to get over the soreness and into progression.  Whatever you choose stick with it and remember results take time.  Good luck guys.  I know working out helps my mental functions too and as you all know I can get a little wired if I'm not burning off the mental garbage with a good workout.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on September 06, 2012, 06:22:10 PM
Quote from: Staggerwing on September 06, 2012, 06:02:13 PM
I'd give it a go but the whole 'buy our stuff' thing puts me off. I can't afford that kind of output. Can this be done with regular supermarket food? Also, getting the needed workouts in has been my problem. I could try two 10 minute cardios (1 in am and 1 in pm) per day but I don't have (or have room for) any weight equipment (if you don't count lifting my kids off the floor after a tantrum :D).

As they don't sell the stuff in Canada, I'm just going to wing it.  I already have a few tubs of protein, GABA, Creatine, and vitamin drinks kicking around so it shouldn't be that hard.  What's going to be tough is my work schedule.  I work a pretty strange shift.  2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on, 2 days off, 2 days on (on even months) or 3 days on (odd months), 3 days off (even months) or 2 days off then I switch to 2 nights on, 2 days off, then 3 nights on and then a week off.  Then repeat.  Work days are a write off as I'm at work for 12 hours and commuting for another 30-40 minutes each way. The 6 small meals a day will be a problem as well on work days.

Oh well, all I can do is fail, right?
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Staggerwing on September 06, 2012, 06:26:39 PM
True, true.
Are you going to keep some kind of journal? I'll peruse the site a bit more on the weekend and see if it would work with just granola bars, generic protein shakes, and whatever else the Hel I can find at the supermarket. I'm pretty ignorant of whole food supplement thing so I'd have to keep it simple.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Bison on September 06, 2012, 06:31:32 PM
There are alternatives.  Some workouts only require 20-30 minutes a day.  Like crossfit or TRX for example and both can be taylor to the equipment you have like the TRX workout kit with is very compact and can be used nearly anywhere and Crossfit is some weights, kettlebells and pull up and dip bars.  Honestly I'd stay off the protein for awhile to burn off the fat and get your body back into a state its used to working out.  I don't really like creatine.  If you need a protein, whey is a good one to drink before or after a weights session.

Also I know it sounds like a crazy diet, but the paleo diet is pretty easy to follow.  Eat fresh fruits, vegitables and meat.  Stay away from carbohydrates.  I love pasta so this gets hard for me, but you will see results.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on September 06, 2012, 06:31:59 PM
Yup.  I'll try to keep a journal.  I've already got one for the iPhone that I use to record my daily food intake and exercise.  Seems to be decent enough and I can record nutritional info into it myself if the item's not on the list.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Bison on September 06, 2012, 06:33:20 PM
Clearly you think I'm an asshole so I'll stop with the suggestions now.  Good luck guys.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on September 06, 2012, 06:33:49 PM
I tried the paleo diet for a while but couldn't stick to it.  I can't eat seafood/game meats so it always felt pretty limited. 
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Bison on September 06, 2012, 06:34:50 PM
I eat a lot of chicken.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on September 06, 2012, 06:35:41 PM
Quote from: Bison on September 06, 2012, 06:33:20 PM
Clearly you think I'm an asshole so I'll stop with the suggestions now.  Good luck guys.

LOL nope.  I think we're just typing and responding slightly out of sync so I'm always replying one message behind.  (yes, I see the red warning bar telling me someone's posted while I was typing, but I ain't gonna let no red bar control me!)
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on September 06, 2012, 06:36:04 PM
See?  Just happened again!
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Staggerwing on September 06, 2012, 06:39:12 PM
Quote from: Bison on September 06, 2012, 06:31:32 PM
There are alternatives.  Some workouts only require 20-30 minutes a day.  Like crossfit or TRX for example and both can be taylor to the equipment you have like the TRX workout kit with is very compact and can be used nearly anywhere and Crossfit is some weights, kettlebells and pull up and dip bars.  Honestly I'd stay off the protein for awhile to burn off the fat and get your body back into a state its used to working out.  I don't really like creatine.  If you need a protein, whey is a good one to drink before or after a weights session.

Also I know it sounds like a crazy diet, but the paleo diet is pretty easy to follow.  Eat fresh fruits, vegitables and meat.  Stay away from carbohydrates.  I love pasta so this gets hard for me, but you will see results.

Thanks. No room at all for weights ATM except maybe a pair of small dumbells. I'll check the local Walmart to see if they have a cheap set. I'm never going to get buff at this point in life so the muscle thing is of less concern than weight and health. Ill look for the Whey though.

Quote from: Bison on September 06, 2012, 06:33:20 PM
Clearly you think I'm an asshole so I'll stop with the suggestions now.  Good luck guys.

Dude! I'm a slow typer! give me a chance.:D I appreciate the help, I do.

Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on September 06, 2012, 06:31:59 PM
Yup.  I'll try to keep a journal.  I've already got one for the iPhone that I use to record my daily food intake and exercise.  Seems to be decent enough and I can record nutritional info into it myself if the item's not on the list.

What app are you using?
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on September 06, 2012, 06:42:24 PM
The app I use is called Lose It!

I've got a weight free routine as a MS Word file that I worked up when I was living in Thailand and didn't have access to a gym or weights.  I can send it to you if you like.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Bison on September 06, 2012, 06:47:26 PM
I would look at TRX.  The equipment fits into a small mesh bag and can be used on any solid house door.  It's pretty reasonable as well like $90.  It uses resistance to build up strenght and endurance and adds in running for cardo.  You can modify how much you do and all that and the work out takes maybe 30 minutes.  Unless you want to build mass, there is no need for protein shakes.  Just eat meat, beans and other protein sources.  That will keep you trim and feed your muscles.

Stagger.  It's possible for anyone to add muscle regardless of age.  It just takes time.

Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Staggerwing on September 06, 2012, 06:58:36 PM
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on September 06, 2012, 06:42:24 PM
The app I use is called Lose It!

I've got a weight free routine as a MS Word file that I worked up when I was living in Thailand and didn't have access to a gym or weights.  I can send it to you if you like.

I'd love it! Thanks!

Quote from: Bison on September 06, 2012, 06:47:26 PM
I would look at TRX.  The equipment fits into a small mesh bag and can be used on any solid house door.  It's pretty reasonable as well like $90.  It uses resistance to build up strenght and endurance and adds in running for cardo.  You can modify how much you do and all that and the work out takes maybe 30 minutes.  Unless you want to build mass, there is no need for protein shakes.  Just eat meat, beans and other protein sources.  That will keep you trim and feed your muscles

Thanks for the tip. I'll see if I can track it down on Teh Webz.

QuoteStagger.  It's possible for anyone to add muscle regardless of age.  It just takes time.

I know. I'm sure I can bulk up a little. Enough to make my next house move (if and when) a little easier anyway!
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Bison on September 06, 2012, 07:04:01 PM
Plus it makes you a little bit sexier!
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Staggerwing on September 06, 2012, 07:19:30 PM
So's I can get a gift basket just like Steelie's? Maybe I'm better off fat.  :-\
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Bison on September 06, 2012, 07:22:13 PM
No man.  It's so you can hit on the cougars in the local shopping markets.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Staggerwing on September 06, 2012, 07:35:12 PM
Quote from: Bison on September 06, 2012, 07:22:13 PM
No man.  It's so you can hit on the cougars in the local shopping markets.

Cougars want young prey. Maybe there's some coeds out there with 'Daddy Separation Issues' to work through?  ;)
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Bison on September 06, 2012, 07:36:41 PM
Snap!
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: TheCommandTent on September 06, 2012, 09:02:59 PM
So what would you fitness gurus suggest to get rid of a small gut.  I am by no means overweight but any fat seems to go right to the stomach.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on September 06, 2012, 09:04:50 PM
Meth?
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Staggerwing on September 06, 2012, 09:17:04 PM
Avoid Eth?



(... anol, especially of the tasty brown ale kind...)
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Bison on September 12, 2012, 03:49:07 PM
I just did a 2 mile run.  Due to travel and moving and vacation lets just say I have not be doing a regular cardio workout.  It hurt alot.  Not to mention I had tacos for lunch which really didn't help.  However I struggled through at a 8:06/mi pace.  Not too shabby for my lackluster workout regiment lately, but a fair cry from it feels good.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: TheCommandTent on September 12, 2012, 03:58:17 PM
^Good for you.  Sometimes its hard just to get up and do it when you haven't run in a while


While we are on the subject of exercise my wife is slowly wearing me down about buying an elliptic machine.  Given the fact that winter is approaching and I get really lazy during the winter I am think it might be a good idea.  So any of you guys have any idea on what brands we should be looking into or staying away from?
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Bison on September 12, 2012, 04:12:28 PM
Not really, but I would highly recommend one where you can plug in an iPod and has a workout display to track and change up your workouts.  They are really nice machines.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Gusington on September 12, 2012, 08:36:10 PM
Weird my wife and I are shopping for an elliptical machine too...

Each day this week so far I have gone on a 5 mile hike after work because the weather has been so nice. Takes about an hour. Each day I lost one pound. I may do this for as long as I can instead of working out on the 100 year old NordicTrak ski machine I have (to be replaced by the elliptical, eventually).
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: GDS_Starfury on September 13, 2012, 08:04:13 AM
sex burns 2000 calories an hour.
or so Ive heard.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: TheCommandTent on September 13, 2012, 08:53:32 AM
Quote from: Gusington on September 12, 2012, 08:36:10 PM
Weird my wife and I are shopping for an elliptical machine too...

Each day this week so far I have gone on a 5 mile hike after work because the weather has been so nice. Takes about an hour. Each day I lost one pound. I may do this for as long as I can instead of working out on the 100 year old NordicTrak ski machine I have (to be replaced by the elliptical, eventually).

Odd coincidence.

My in-laws have one of those ski machines, I tried to use it but it was to uncomfortable.  I think this weekend we may go out looking and trying some of the different ellipticals.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Marty Ward on September 13, 2012, 08:55:50 AM
Quote from: GDS_Starfury on September 13, 2012, 08:04:13 AM
sex burns 2000 calories an hour.
or so Ive heard.

Will I lose weight burning 33 calories a day for 60 days?  :)
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Keunert on September 13, 2012, 09:15:12 AM
i am slowly turning into a dirty old fatbag. having two small kids (2yo & 4yo) it feels like i am pretty much just going from 06:30 to 21:00. how do you manage to get your workouts done? and where on a day do you get them in?
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Bison on September 21, 2012, 11:02:52 AM
Well the family got a membership at the Y.  Pretty good deal for everyone.  Kids get dance, gymnastics, pool and workout programs.  Wife and I get outdoor running paths, weight rooms and a ton of different types of exercise classes.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on September 21, 2012, 01:38:01 PM
I finished my first week on the Body-For-Life program.  I'm not sure about it.  The change in workout routine was hard for the first couple of days and my muscles adjusted.   I'm used to working just 2 body parts per day, but doing 3-5 different excercises with heavy weights for each zone.  The BFL program alternates between upper body one day, then cardio the next, and then lower body the third day.  You do one exercise for each body part with increasing weights and very short breaks between sets.  It took a bit to dial into what the program is asking of you but now that I am, I'm finding that I'm not feeling that I'm keeping pace with my old workout.

Diet has been another adjustment.  This calls for 6 small meals a day with a 50/50 carb/protein split.  I'm not sure if going back to glycemic load foods like bread, potatoes, and pasta is a good idea.  I'm feeling more tired than before despite the program's claims that I'd have more energy.  I'm also taking a lot of supplements on this program.  I think all it's done so far is make my urine more expensive.  I'm also getting the beginnings of some gout twinges in the right foot.  Hope it doesn't blow up into a full attack.  Gout sucks!
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Gusington on September 21, 2012, 01:47:29 PM
Keunert. I also have two small kids. I work out in my study where the exercise machine is or hike up and down the mountain I live on. I do it when the kids are in bed when I am watching them alone (in my study) or while The Wife is watching them.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Bison on September 21, 2012, 05:03:17 PM
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on September 21, 2012, 01:38:01 PM
I finished my first week on the Body-For-Life program.  I'm not sure about it.  The change in workout routine was hard for the first couple of days and my muscles adjusted.   I'm used to working just 2 body parts per day, but doing 3-5 different excercises with heavy weights for each zone.  The BFL program alternates between upper body one day, then cardio the next, and then lower body the third day.  You do one exercise for each body part with increasing weights and very short breaks between sets.  It took a bit to dial into what the program is asking of you but now that I am, I'm finding that I'm not feeling that I'm keeping pace with my old workout.

Diet has been another adjustment.  This calls for 6 small meals a day with a 50/50 carb/protein split.  I'm not sure if going back to glycemic load foods like bread, potatoes, and pasta is a good idea.  I'm feeling more tired than before despite the program's claims that I'd have more energy.  I'm also taking a lot of supplements on this program.  I think all it's done so far is make my urine more expensive.  I'm also getting the beginnings of some gout twinges in the right foot.  Hope it doesn't blow up into a full attack.  Gout sucks!

Well I think it's great that you are putting in the effort.  I'm sure in time it will pay off and I bet its other people who notice the change before you do.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: TheCommandTent on September 21, 2012, 09:20:07 PM
The wife and I went out looking at elliptical tonight.  This is going to hurt the wallet when we decide on one.  We thought we wanted one with the fly wheel in the back, because we read this was better for you.  However, some of the ones we tried with the fly wheel in the front felt more comfortable so now we don't know what to do.  The wife wants one ASAP and I want to make sure we make the best choice for our dollar, as well as be sure we'll actually use it.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Bison on September 25, 2012, 03:33:56 PM
I've been running on some nice paths around a couple of small lakes.  Nice shaded path with a few hills on the route to give a nice little kick to the cardo workout.  Also been doing some full body weights exercises, which is good but I really want to add in some more crossfit or TRX style workouts.  Weights are nice, but I get bored with them after awhile.  Nothing is better than pull ups and dips.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Keunert on September 25, 2012, 03:48:01 PM
i finally took the plunge, a small one though. bought some weights and an app on my mobile with small 5 minutes workouts. every excersize just goes for 35 seconds and then nex comes. i do two times 5 minutes in the morning and the same in the evening. don't laugh but i was feeling muscle pains for the last days, but it is getting better. the short time really motivates me and i feel like not having an excuse to skip it.

i don't know how much effect these 20 minutes will have health wise but it feels good to do at least something. i will also look out for some family friendly fitness place like Bison described it.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Bison on September 25, 2012, 03:51:22 PM
Get some cardio in man.  Its easy and is one of the best ways to burn of the fat, especially running.  No need to sprint.  Just a slow jog until you cannot run any more then walk.  Slowly build up time and distance.  Start with like 2 miles.  Eventually you'll be able to run the whole way and then WANT to start adding distance or better time.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Gusington on September 25, 2012, 07:41:08 PM
^Agreed. Running/hiking/walking is great for you and really clears out the cobwebs from the braincase too.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Keunert on September 25, 2012, 10:41:12 PM
what is cardio?
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Staggerwing on September 26, 2012, 05:35:45 AM
Quote from: Keunert on September 25, 2012, 10:41:12 PM
what is cardio?

Exercise that makes your heart race and causes you to sweat a bit and burns off calories while strengthening your heart, lungs, and circulatory system. Good for building endurance. The term is short for 'Cardiovascular'.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Keunert on September 26, 2012, 07:51:30 AM
how often do you go running a week and for how long?
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Bison on September 26, 2012, 08:36:37 AM
3-4 times a week.  Usually do 2-4 mile runs.  I'm not a marathon runner.  Some folks really love to do distance, but it takes awile to build up the endurance.

Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Gusington on September 26, 2012, 10:49:10 AM
I go out 4~5 times a week, 5 miles, on hilly terrain. In the beginning I hated it and the big hill made me vomit, but I like it now...to the point that I really feel like crap when I don't go.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Bison on September 26, 2012, 10:50:24 AM
You walking or running the hill?
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Gusington on September 26, 2012, 07:44:56 PM
A light jog. I aint no superman. Each time gets a little easier but I always want to vomit a little and I always feel like I am having an aneurysm. Exercise is good for you!
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Keunert on September 27, 2012, 01:32:29 AM
Jogging: i tried it several times and gave up fast on it each time
swimming i liked a great deal better but that is not so easy anymore
after moving out of the city.

do you guys jog through winter too? or is there no winter where you live?
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Bison on September 27, 2012, 06:44:44 AM
Quote from: Keunert on September 27, 2012, 01:32:29 AM
Jogging: i tried it several times and gave up fast on it each time
swimming i liked a great deal better but that is not so easy anymore
after moving out of the city.

do you guys jog through winter too? or is there no winter where you live?

I ran outside up to -20 F.  Its a matter of wearing proper clothes.  What's your temp?
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Gusington on September 27, 2012, 06:50:48 AM
I walk/hike in the winter unless it is too icy. Then I use a treadmill or ski machine.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Keunert on September 27, 2012, 08:32:14 AM
35 -14 Fahrenheit are not unusual, a lot of rain during autumn and winter.
Nothing dramatic. just not very motivating for a warmduscher like me.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Bison on September 27, 2012, 08:49:02 AM
That's not too bad at all.  Just get out and jog/walk and keep at it.  I promise you that your better half will notice the changes before you ever do.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Keunert on September 27, 2012, 09:10:53 AM
everything works quite well so far in that departement.
or do you refer to weight loss?
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Bison on September 27, 2012, 09:36:49 AM
I'm saying you might think you got some mojo right now, but give it a few months after some serious excersise.  Trust me. 
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Keunert on September 27, 2012, 09:50:53 AM
if running sports give mojo,
then Barry White and Rick Ross
are just pretending to have some?
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Bison on September 27, 2012, 10:13:11 AM
Do you have a sultry, silky smooth voice to singing wooing music?
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Keunert on September 27, 2012, 10:19:46 AM
Mötorhead songs are about all i can sing.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Bison on September 27, 2012, 10:21:17 AM
Yeah.  I'd get busy with developing a six pack instead of an inflatable tire around the ol' midsection then buddy.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Gusington on September 27, 2012, 12:21:49 PM
I hate to do this but Barry White, while definitely sexy, is dead...likely because he never exercised other than being on bottom, you know.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: hammersby on September 27, 2012, 01:53:34 PM
I'm training right now for a half-marathon in honor of my sister.  I am so out of shape that my dog hurts.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Bison on September 27, 2012, 02:18:58 PM
That's awesome!  Keep us informed of your progress.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Gusington on September 27, 2012, 08:33:25 PM
Nice hammersby. My sister did an Ironman last month...a marathon run, a 140 mile bike trip and a 2 mile swim in the Hudson. She finished and survived. One guy actually died while doing it. So...be careful.

One of my best friends is training right now to do the NYC marathon in November.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Keunert on October 03, 2012, 05:08:29 AM
how about biking instead of running? is it a lot less effective if you do it for half an hour?
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on October 05, 2012, 03:06:10 PM
I'm three weeks into the Body-For-Life programme.  I have had to modify the regimen in order to accommodate my shift schedule and its been mostly successful.  The hardest part has been night shifts.  I'm using a nutrition/calorie counter app called Lose It! which has been very useful.  I definitely eat a lot more when I work night shifts.  I suspect it's because I usually only sleep 4-5 hours on those days.  Exercise is harder in those days as well.  I just don't have the same energy and run out if gas a lot sooner than when u work days.

Oh we'll, 4.5 kilos down so far and they're putting in a gym at work this week, so that might help night shifts.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Bison on October 05, 2012, 03:13:25 PM
Biking is a good cardio too.  I'm not a biker so I'm not sure how much you have to do in comparison to running.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on October 05, 2012, 03:19:14 PM
You have to do a lot more.  Basically you have to work longer/harder (steep hills are good) to overcome the mechanical advantage that the bike provides you.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: besilarius on October 06, 2012, 08:35:38 AM
Asked my doctor about that, as my ankle is getting arthritic and biking puts less stress there.
As a rule of thumb, if you run one mile, you need to bike three to have the same effect and benefits.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Bison on October 06, 2012, 08:52:11 AM
That's some good information to take note of there bes
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Keunert on November 17, 2012, 08:28:34 AM
so i am doing some excerzises for almost two months. until three days ago i did 20 minutes each morning and 15 minutes each evening, saturday was off. 20 different excersises each time, for one minute or 45 sec each. i did notice a light transformation of the body. but each time i increased the weights or went faster with the excersises the body started to hurt a little. that's when i did a little research and learned that muscles could get harmed if they do not get enough pause.

now i switched to arm/shoulder/chest and cardio switch in the morning and a belly (?) and leg switch in the evening. but now i feel that there is just not enough intensity anymore for the muscle build up.

any recommendations?
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Bison on November 17, 2012, 09:59:08 AM
You'd need to list what you are doing. 
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Keunert on November 17, 2012, 10:56:28 AM
Day 1 Morning
arms/chest/shoulders, 15.5 pound weights
3 * 8-12 repetitions of Hammer Curls, push ups, lateral raises, all in all 14 different exercises
6 * 1minute of high/low plank, reverse plank dips and others

Day 1 Evening
abs
20 * 45secs of different crunches and planks

Day 2 Morning
cardio
20 * 60secs of jumping jacks, knee ups, jump rope, ski hops, all in all 20 different exercises

Day 2 Evening
leg
20*45secs of different leg exersices

i would gladly skip the leg stuff but this entire programm was done with some semi shitty mobile app. and i couldn't find a better one so far.
the arms shoulder and chest exercise takes quite long and i am not sure how long i should pause between the exercises? i just changed this from 20minutes of 20 different exercises to this program. with the pauses it feels less intense than before.

the goal is not to become a super athlete, just to get a little more endurance and in contrast to gaming (shame on me for that) it feels like i spend my time doing something that is benefital.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Bison on November 21, 2012, 02:23:23 PM
You're better off picking a few of the excerises and increasing the intensity and amount to time.  So do like 21-15-9-3-1 pyrimids of x/y/z excerises with minute or minute and half rest in between each set.  Or if you are doing weights something like 3 sets of 12-15 reps with a minute rest in between sets then move onto the next weight excerise. Also it takes TIME to see/feel differences in your physical appearance.  What are you doing for cardio?
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Keunert on November 21, 2012, 03:54:26 PM
thank you for your answer.

i am reading, or better surfing into the fitness stuff a little more. i have now dumbell sets organized into three splits: one for bizeps/latissimus(?) one for legs/shoulders and one for chest/trizeps. there are about ten sets with 12-15 repetitions each. like you proposed.

up til now i did 20minute of constant dumbbell lifting with lower weights. it was rather hard. now i increased weight but i think with the new sets of only 12-15 repetitions i need to increase weight more, i guess you should barely make the last set, that's not the case right now.

i do a cardio set every second day for 20 minutes. it has 20 exercises like jog in places, jumping jacks, plank jacks, mountain climber pulls, plie squat hops and so on. it makes me sweat a lot. i still not ready for the jogging thing, but i realize that almost every site recommends it a lot.

i am doing this now for two months. you will not find a person with a lower level of fitness than me.
i am or wasn't fat but not slim either. so i believe there is already a change in physical appearance there. my wife says the same.
the downside is my lack of interest in any other physical activity  ::)  -  i fall in bed and drop into sleep within seconds.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: TheCommandTent on December 28, 2012, 09:57:30 PM
So I got home from work tonight and the wife says some friends are getting rid of a old treadmill and wanted to know if we wanted it.  So of course she already said yes. We went over and brought it back and after dragging it around the house we are renting in the snow we finally got it inside. Problem is the place we are renting is small so there is not much room for it so its crowding the kitchen table now.  But the wife is excited and it will be nice to get some exercise during these winter months.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: GDS_Starfury on December 29, 2012, 12:16:35 AM
by exerecise you mean drinking a beer while you watch her bounce up and down.


I approve of this regime.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Gusington on December 29, 2012, 01:16:23 AM
Good for you Tent. For reference, I have been using a treadmill and upping the amount I run and have lost ~10 pounds since October.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on December 29, 2012, 01:41:25 AM
Bastard.  I've been doing this stupid body for life thing (kinda, can't get to the gym on work days) and I've only lost 8 pounds.

Man, they should make Chivalry for the Wii or Kinect.  That'd be an awesome workout.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: bayonetbrant on December 29, 2012, 07:21:34 AM
Quote from: TheCommandTent on December 28, 2012, 09:57:30 PMthe house we are renting in the snow

you rent a different one for when it's not snowing?  that can't be all that efficient...
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: bayonetbrant on December 29, 2012, 07:22:26 AM
Quote from: GDS_Starfury on September 13, 2012, 08:04:13 AM
sex burns 2000 calories an hour.
or so Ive heard.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-prn1%2F66550_253047861483827_247421411_n.jpg&hash=e431690ca850d70c896d3b1ca225be88d00066de)
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: bayonetbrant on December 29, 2012, 07:24:58 AM
new office is one the 3d floor.  I think I'm going to start forcing myself to take the stairs, because otherwise I'm not going to slip much exercise into my day.  Supposedly there's a gym across the street run by the office complex folks that we get free access to, but I need the IT dude to get back from vacation for me to get my keycard for it.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: TheCommandTent on December 29, 2012, 07:37:07 AM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on December 29, 2012, 07:21:34 AM
Quote from: TheCommandTent on December 28, 2012, 09:57:30 PMthe house we are renting in the snow

you rent a different one for when it's not snowing?  that can't be all that efficient...

I've been grammar nazied.........
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: TheCommandTent on December 29, 2012, 07:38:00 AM
Quote from: GDS_Starfury on December 29, 2012, 12:16:35 AM
by exerecise you mean drinking a beer while you watch her bounce up and down.


I approve of this regime.

That sounds better than my original plan :)
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: TheCommandTent on December 29, 2012, 07:39:20 AM
Quote from: Gusington on December 29, 2012, 01:16:23 AM
Good for you Tent. For reference, I have been using a treadmill and upping the amount I run and have lost ~10 pounds since October.

Well done Gus, I hope I can lose somewhere around 10-15 pounds.  However, I have this problem where I just eat whatever I want so thats not helping.  ;D
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: bayonetbrant on December 29, 2012, 08:04:00 AM
Quote from: TheCommandTent on December 29, 2012, 07:37:07 AM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on December 29, 2012, 07:21:34 AM
Quote from: TheCommandTent on December 28, 2012, 09:57:30 PMthe house we are renting in the snow
you rent a different one for when it's not snowing?  that can't be all that efficient...
I've been grammar nazied.........

1. you kinda did it to yourself, eh? ;)
2. you've been grammar ninja'ed, not nazied.  I don't insist you use perfect grammar, I merely mock you when given the opportunity.  To be fair, I mock whoever I can when the grammar allows and humor abounds ;D
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Keunert on December 29, 2012, 11:25:24 AM
Sind Grammatiknazis die besseren Faschisten?

Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Gusington on December 29, 2012, 07:23:42 PM
I work on the 10th floor and take the steps whenever feasible. Some days it means getting to my desk a sweaty mess but no one notices anyway.

I have reached my goal of 10 pounds and am now going to push for 15. It took a couple of months of regular running to get the water weight out and then start to burn blubber, but it did happen. Before running I was in worse shape than I wanted to admit.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: bayonetbrant on December 29, 2012, 08:42:55 PM
Quote from: Keunert on December 29, 2012, 11:25:24 AMSind Grammatiknazis die besseren Faschisten?

nein, sie sind alle gleichmässig schlecht

aber Grammatikninjen sind unglaublich lüstig ;)
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Keunert on December 30, 2012, 04:12:12 AM
lüstig as in lustful?

please do not elaborate
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: bayonetbrant on December 30, 2012, 07:05:21 AM
lüstig as in funny
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Keunert on December 30, 2012, 07:23:35 AM
there is lüstern as in a dirty version of lustful
or lustig = funny. Lüstig sounds a little like swiss german.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: bayonetbrant on December 30, 2012, 07:32:34 AM
keep in mind, I haven't lived in Germany since 1988, and I haven't used it much since 2006.  I'm a little rusty with my German ;)
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Gusington on December 31, 2012, 11:49:52 AM
How do you say 'that's what she said' in German?
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Keunert on January 01, 2013, 12:44:49 AM
das hat sie gesagt

or

das ist, was sie gesagt hat
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Gusington on January 01, 2013, 08:25:59 PM
^Thank you...it has a nice ring to it.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Bison on January 02, 2013, 11:42:49 AM
Ran 3 miles on New Year's Day.  Off to run a few more miles and put in an hour or so in the weight room.  You know making my fat layers more tough and stuff.3
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Toonces on January 03, 2013, 01:21:43 AM
I went to the gym after work today, which I do fairly regularly when I can't surf for one reason or another.  Anyway, I forgot it's a new year, which means the gym was packed.

So I started up P90X again.  I've been thinking of starting the program again for a while anyway, so this was a good excuse to just do it.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on January 03, 2013, 02:17:47 AM
Same.  I went at about 10:30 this morning and it was bloody packed.  I bailed and went to the spa instead.  Hopefully once the kids are back in classes and the resolve to resolve fades I can actually get into a routine again.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Keunert on January 03, 2013, 04:01:12 AM
i destroyed the last chocolate and the last cookies by eating them real fast yesterday.
looking down i see only a moderate christmas growth of myself. that's quite an achievement.
and after a flu i did restart my exercise stuff two days ago.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Keunert on February 24, 2013, 03:27:52 AM
i am 4 months into my exercise regime.  i reached a level where i do not make anymore progress and stay with the same weights for weeks now. my body changed: i lost maybe 8-12 pounds and gained some muscles. i use my bike to go to the trainstation, i restarted badminton once a week and most important: i am ready to start a running routine.

i thought of two or three runs a week. how long would you suggest?
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Gusington on February 24, 2013, 02:19:58 PM
I run 5k 5 times a week. This is a winter schedule on a treadmill since its icy and dangerous to run outside. Each 5k run takes me about 26 or 27 minutes. Since I started running in October I am down 10 pounds. Once spring and summer come I hope to lose a bit more. I am in better shape than I have been in for a while. I am sore all the time now, however.

On the days I don't run I use the ski machine and do some free weights and crunches. I go on the ski machine between 30 and 60 minutes.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Keunert on February 24, 2013, 03:25:58 PM
a ski machine???

5k is 5000 meters?

thanks for the info Gus.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Gusington on February 24, 2013, 09:36:42 PM
Sorry 5km, or 3.5 miles.

And yeah a ski machine. It used to be much more effective for me but I don't even break a sweat on it now.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: GJK on March 01, 2013, 10:23:18 AM
I'm getting back to my "normal" workout routine after taking a year off due to life events; new job, moving, Bell's Palsy illness, and becoming the custodial parent of my youngest son (a blessing).  I've been in competitive bodybuilding before and my brother was a competitive powerlifting and we used to train together.  After just a few weeks, my squat is up over 500lbs, my bench is at 365 and I'm deadlifting 550lbs.  Shooting for 600 in squat (previous max), 405+ in bench and whatever I can get in deadlifting.  This as I'm approaching 50 (48 now).  I may not realize those numbers at this point however since I'm really bumping up the cardio to cut off all the excess fat that I accumulated in that year off.  I'm a big guy (currently weight 285) at 6' so I'm not one for ass kicking cardio.  I will either do a pure fat-burning routine (one minute walk at around 2.5mph alternated with one minute sprint at up to 8.5-9mph).  Thirty minutes is usually my max for that effort though I have gone on for longer at times (when down around 255lbs).  My gym has a "Cardio Theater" where they play recent DVD releases on a large projector screen.  I've found that I can do an 1.5-1.75 hour "cardio" routine while watching the entire movie.  This will be a slow pace elliptical/treadmill/bike mix.  I do make sure that I break a good sweat and I will increase the intensity for brief periods if I feel my HR is dropping too low to sustain a fat-burn. 


Attached are a couple of photo's from 2009/2010.  I use them as inspiration and as a goal of where I need to get back to.  I appreciate threads like this as I can refer back to my post and read others when periods of burn-out and come or when there's a lack of motivation.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Keunert on March 02, 2013, 08:33:56 AM
GJK: impressive muscles! good luck in getting back there.

Today i did my first run. my aim was to get 5km like Gus. I took my phone with me and a free running app that tracks length, speed, time and the height of the track. i run a course in a nearby wood i knew from a walk last summer. when i finally made the round i had only made 3.5km. but with snow still lying and temperature at a freezing point i called it a day. but i was able to constantly run without stopping and felt like i had still some reserves. it took me 23minutes (quite slow i know) but there was 100 hundred meter of height to run up to (well and down again)

i already know how to make the course five kilometers and hope to run it three times a week. once a week i will skip it and instead play an hour of badminton with friends.

it's really more fun than i expected it.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Gusington on March 02, 2013, 12:38:13 PM
Running can be quite addicting. I know that's a cliche but it's true. I do 5k 5 times a week and have lost 10-11 pounds in about 5 months. That is significant for me - since I am short I have less of a threshold for packing on extra weight!

Work up to where you want to be Keunert, take your time. And try to vary the speed you run. Go a little quicker for a little bit, then slow down, then try to speed up again. That variation is supposedly very good for your heart.

And somebody remind me to hire GJK as my personal bodyguard.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Keunert on March 04, 2013, 07:34:44 AM
I wondered lately if my excersizes would be a lot more effective if i would eat proteins. my father in law adviced me not to eat it.
how about you guys? do you eat additional proteins and how did it affect your workout and how did it influence your body?
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: GJK on March 04, 2013, 08:25:34 AM
Quote from: Keunert on March 04, 2013, 07:34:44 AM
I wondered lately if my excersizes would be a lot more effective if i would eat proteins. my father in law adviced me not to eat it.
how about you guys? do you eat additional proteins and how did it affect your workout and how did it influence your body?


Protein breaks down into amino acids which are the building blocks of muscles.  Have to have protein if the intent is to add lean muscle - and that should be your intent.  We all begin to lose muscle mass at various rates once we hit our thirties unless we work to build muscle mass.  Muscle mass controls your metabolism and obviously oversees your strength and endurance (the heart being a muscle as well as the endurance of other muscles). 
I'm a bit extreme at working to add muscle mass so my protein supplementation is not a normal one.  I add about 150 to 200 grams of protein a day to my diet for three consecutive days and then restrict protein to about 50 grams on the fourth day.  Extra protein can be taxing on the kidneys. 
I'm curious about the rationale to NOT eat protein? 
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Staggerwing on March 04, 2013, 07:51:22 PM
I've another question for all you guys. For those of us who have limited exercise time- for repetitive exercises such as knee bends, crunches, free weights, etc, is it better to rest the muscles between each end of the movement or keep tension until the return? In other words, if I do a knee bend is it best to rest on my haunches before standing back up or stay tensed up and is it best to lift up a free weight in a flex, let it back down, relax the arm, and repeat, or is it best to never relax the muscles between each lift until the set is done?
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Gusington on March 04, 2013, 08:04:36 PM
^I have no real idea but it sounds like the road to an injury of some kind if you don't relax at least a little.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: GJK on March 04, 2013, 11:38:26 PM
Depends on the exercise.  Heavy exercises (squats, deadlifts, bench for example), I might take a brief pause at the top of the movement but then I get back to the starting position.  This is for the working sets with heavier weights.  During light weight warm-ups I might hold the movement at the top for a bit longer just to get the blood concentrated in the area. 
Concentration movements I will hold it at the top of the movement.  Example was tonight with concentration curls. 

As Gus said, you definitely don't want to "bounce" at the top of the movement (or down in the squat) as that will surely cause injury at some point.

You want a controlled lift.  If you're hurky-jerky the weights are too heavy.  If your form breaks down, you're too heavy with the weights or too fatigued with that muscle group.

And really there is just no way that you could keep the muscle tense through the entire lift.  As you return to the beginning of the movement, the antogonistic muscles are at work so keeping your pecs tight as you're lowering the bar in the bench (where your back muscles are controlling the descent) would be near impossible physically (as an example).
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Keunert on March 05, 2013, 04:27:13 AM
would you take additional proteine if you do 4 sessions a week (30minutes) with leight weights (10kg)? or is a balanced food diet enough?

my father in law mentioned bad side effects for the kidneys and also some effects on the Mr Johnson. my wife finds it disgusting because of the raw material
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: GJK on March 05, 2013, 06:24:36 AM
A balanced diet would be sufficient for you and you increase your protein intake naturally by eating more fish and fowl or from the best source of protein, eggs; it doesn't have to come from a powder.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Gusington on March 05, 2013, 11:01:11 AM
I have one buddy who works with bell weights as his primary form of exercise. When he was doing it 4-5 times a week he lost about 40 pounds. He is a huge guy, about 6"5', 265 pounds at his heaviest. He also played college football and worked as a bouncer, so I do trust him when it comes to getting in shape. Depending on your size working with weights like that could work well for you. For me it really would not be ideal because I am small and I am just trying to stay lean and healthy, not bulk up...so running with some light weight work is perfect.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Keunert on March 05, 2013, 12:32:24 PM
my problem is that i have only dumbells nothing else and i don't want to go to a gym. the first two month i had to increase weight every other day.
now it isn't so anymore. one thing i got was a sore wrist from push ups and similiar stuff.

the other thing is i have three training sets with different muscles that i can do every day (alternating). but what i do not have is for every set an alternative one with the same muscles
that hurts the progress too from what i read. now i could increase weights on some exercises but thats a little work with only one set of dumbells.

i may get a book with lot's of exercises. the ones i checked so far weren't what i was looking for.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Gusington on March 05, 2013, 12:38:57 PM
Are you looking to get leaner or bulk up?
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: GJK on March 05, 2013, 01:23:29 PM
P90-X will kick your butt with just a few dumbells, a chin bar and enough area in your living room or garage or bedroom to do the plyometrics and other routines.  You won't get bulky on that program but you will get in great shape and will put on some lean muscle mass.  You just have to have the discipline to stick with the program - but that's the rule with any exercise plan.  www.p90x.com, I highly recommend it.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Gusington on March 05, 2013, 01:48:33 PM
Is that meant as a total program on its own?
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Keunert on March 05, 2013, 02:11:25 PM
i guess leaner, even though i have no idea what that word's meaning is. but not bulky.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: GJK on March 05, 2013, 02:24:15 PM
Quote from: Gusington on March 05, 2013, 01:48:33 PM
Is that meant as a total program on its own?


Yes.  Full body workouts that includes resistance training, cardio, plyometrics, isometrics and lots of core conditioning.  They have a "Before you start" test just to see if you have the baseline ability to go through the course.  It's tough, I won't lie - but I've seen several people have great results from it.  Includes dietary suggestions/recipes as well.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Gusington on March 05, 2013, 03:08:39 PM
Thanks I am going to check it out.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Arctic Blast on March 05, 2013, 07:15:03 PM
Well, a few months ago I started doing something about getting my ass in shape. Discovering you weigh 232 pounds tends to have that effect.

#1 I realized I was eating way too much food, and my overall diet was incredibly disproportionate. Fixed that.
#2 I HATE cardio. Running bores me. But I've always found walking relaxing. So I pretty much walk everywhere, now. Easily 10 kilometers a day. And I don't tend to be someone who is even capable of 'slow strolls', so I go pretty quick. As an added bonus, I've found that a walk in the evening helps me clear my head, so I'm able to fall asleep that much faster.
#3 About 30-45 minutes of working out per day. Just things I can do at home. Lots of different types of pull ups, crunches, core work and push ups. A little bit of light weight work, mostly things like dumbbell punches and T Pushups. I typically do upper body 3 days a week, lower body 3 days a week and then chill out on Sunday.

As of today, I'm 214 pounds and have noticeably toned up. Most importantly, my back and knees feel a Hell of a lot better than they did before.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Gusington on March 05, 2013, 08:01:47 PM
^Awesome man. That's almost 20 pounds. No small feat. How tall are you?

Keunert Bulky means big and muscular...i.e., just the opposite of me (small and swarthy).
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: GJK on March 05, 2013, 10:50:34 PM
Quote from: Arctic Blast on March 05, 2013, 07:15:03 PM
As of today, I'm 214 pounds and have noticeably toned up. Most importantly, my back and knees feel a Hell of a lot better than they did before.
Good job AB, congrats! 
Diet is the main thing but the hardest part for most of us to control.  Carb control is my key.  I love pasta and Tex-Mex but my body will store all those extra calories and convert those carbs to fat.  What did Yogi Berra used to say (not about diets, but baseball) "the first half is the exercise, the other 90% is the diet" (modified to fit our discussion). 
The thing with cardio and resistance training - our bodies adapt to that new workload and thus it will stall out and stop responding.  When you first start exercising and dieting, the results are wonderful!  But then your body gets what's going on and it adjusts the metabolism and the next thing you know, you're in a rut.  You have to constantly shake things up to throw your body a curve.  Up the cardio and ease up on the weights or vice-versa for a short period of time and then revert back.  If you do your exercise routine in the evenings, switch to the early morning.  I used to love cardio in the morning (no, not that kind...well, yes, I DO love THAT kind as well of course!).  Done on an empty stomach when you first awake, your body has to go to the fat stores to fuel the cardio session because there is no readily available glycogen that you would normally have after eating all day.  That's a great way to get rid of some stubborn fat. 
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Bison on March 06, 2013, 12:24:22 AM
I've been on a pretty good routine lately.  Well until last week when I did something and torqued a muscle/nerve in my shoulder doing some push ups.  Getting old is a bitch.  Sometimes you get injured doing some pretty routine exercises that you've done countless times over the years.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Arctic Blast on March 06, 2013, 01:18:32 AM
Gus : I'm a bit over 6'1"

GJK : Yep, keep changing things up. This is where having a sister who's a personal trainer helps.  ;D

Diet was probably the toughest change for me. I've always liked working out. But I also really like food...especially pasta. And beer. I was consuming way too many carbs and not enough of everything else.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Gusington on March 06, 2013, 08:35:46 AM
I'm the same exact way. I could live on carbs alone.

6'1" and 214 sounds pretty reasonable to me Arctic. What is your weight goal? Mine is 140 for the summer...I'm at 145 now at5"5'.

Bison a good friend of mine threw his back out picking up a pencil for his son.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Keunert on March 06, 2013, 09:22:46 AM
i am 6'1'' and 180 pounds, would like to go 170 - 175.
i had 170 punds in my late teens with no belly at all.
this would be great.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Gusington on March 06, 2013, 01:29:23 PM
Everyone commenting in the last few pages seems to have the exercise part down which leads me to believe that it is the diet part that is generally the most difficult part for everyone. I know it is for me.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: GJK on March 06, 2013, 03:23:35 PM
Diet - for sure.  If I plan out my meals, I'm ok.  Never hungry and no rash decisions that usually lead to poor eating/blown diet.  It's when I haven't prepared or planned a meal and I'm hungry and need to eat NOW that I will blow it and eat some outrageously fatty or high carb meal (and I'll love it while I'm doing it!).  If you can plan the meals out - have the groceries at the ready - you'll be far more better at sticking to the diet.


And with everything, if done in moderation, you can even have the bad stuff and still be ok.  ;)
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Arctic Blast on March 06, 2013, 04:44:35 PM
Weight goal for me is right around 200 pounds. I could be pretty damn happy with that.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Mr. Bigglesworth on March 06, 2013, 06:44:44 PM
Quote from: GJK on March 05, 2013, 10:50:34 PM
Quote from: Arctic Blast on March 05, 2013, 07:15:03 PM
As of today, I'm 214 pounds and have noticeably toned up. Most importantly, my back and knees feel a Hell of a lot better than they did before.
Good job AB, congrats! 
Diet is the main thing but the hardest part for most of us to control.  Carb control is my key.  I love pasta and Tex-Mex but my body will store all those extra calories and convert those carbs to fat.  What did Yogi Berra used to say (not about diets, but baseball) "the first half is the exercise, the other 90% is the diet" (modified to fit our discussion). 
The thing with cardio and resistance training - our bodies adapt to that new workload and thus it will stall out and stop responding.  When you first start exercising and dieting, the results are wonderful!  But then your body gets what's going on and it adjusts the metabolism and the next thing you know, you're in a rut.  You have to constantly shake things up to throw your body a curve.  Up the cardio and ease up on the weights or vice-versa for a short period of time and then revert back.  If you do your exercise routine in the evenings, switch to the early morning.  I used to love cardio in the morning (no, not that kind...well, yes, I DO love THAT kind as well of course!).  Done on an empty stomach when you first awake, your body has to go to the fat stores to fuel the cardio session because there is no readily available glycogen that you would normally have after eating all day.  That's a great way to get rid of some stubborn fat.

I try to avoid carbs. Checking out the grains rice is the worst at almost pure carbs with the least protein. Barley is the best with the highest protein. Its chewey which also makes the brain think you are full. I try to stick to barley and oats for grains, sometimes pasta. I love pasta, i don't love how I wear it after.

The simplest thing I do, which anyone can do, is knee bends in front of the screen. I read the web while doing shallow knee bends. It moves a lot of mass with the biggest muscle groups.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Arctic Blast on March 07, 2013, 01:48:59 AM
Quote from: Mr. Bigglesworth on March 06, 2013, 06:44:44 PM
Quote from: GJK on March 05, 2013, 10:50:34 PM
Quote from: Arctic Blast on March 05, 2013, 07:15:03 PM
As of today, I'm 214 pounds and have noticeably toned up. Most importantly, my back and knees feel a Hell of a lot better than they did before.
Good job AB, congrats! 
Diet is the main thing but the hardest part for most of us to control.  Carb control is my key.  I love pasta and Tex-Mex but my body will store all those extra calories and convert those carbs to fat.  What did Yogi Berra used to say (not about diets, but baseball) "the first half is the exercise, the other 90% is the diet" (modified to fit our discussion). 
The thing with cardio and resistance training - our bodies adapt to that new workload and thus it will stall out and stop responding.  When you first start exercising and dieting, the results are wonderful!  But then your body gets what's going on and it adjusts the metabolism and the next thing you know, you're in a rut.  You have to constantly shake things up to throw your body a curve.  Up the cardio and ease up on the weights or vice-versa for a short period of time and then revert back.  If you do your exercise routine in the evenings, switch to the early morning.  I used to love cardio in the morning (no, not that kind...well, yes, I DO love THAT kind as well of course!).  Done on an empty stomach when you first awake, your body has to go to the fat stores to fuel the cardio session because there is no readily available glycogen that you would normally have after eating all day.  That's a great way to get rid of some stubborn fat.

I try to avoid carbs. Checking out the grains rice is the worst at almost pure carbs with the least protein. Barley is the best with the highest protein. Its chewey which also makes the brain think you are full. I try to stick to barley and oats for grains, sometimes pasta. I love pasta, i don't love how I wear it after.

The simplest thing I do, which anyone can do, is knee bends in front of the screen. I read the web while doing shallow knee bends. It moves a lot of mass with the biggest muscle groups.

Heh, I've actually taken to doing something similar...I surf the web while standing on a balance board. Makes reaching for the mouse an interesting experiment in maintaining balance.  :o ;D
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Keunert on March 07, 2013, 04:30:13 AM
GJK: would you suggest to go running before breakfast? to burn more fat? or is this a little too hard on the body?
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: GJK on March 07, 2013, 06:48:21 AM
Quote from: Keunert on March 07, 2013, 04:30:13 AM
GJK: would you suggest to go running before breakfast? to burn more fat? or is this a little too hard on the body?


Yes, I would.  As mentioned, when you awake and start to exercise on an empty stomach, your body has to more quickly go right to the fat reserves to fuel that output as there's no readily available glycogen in your system.  I have to get up at 5:15a.m. every morning as it is to be at my first service call of the day but if I didn't have to do that, I'd be getting up at that time to do morning cardio for sure.  I burned a lot of fat off that way a few years ago (as in those pictures).
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Gusington on March 07, 2013, 08:29:05 AM
I would do that too if not for work...I'm up to get to work at that ungodly hour anyway. So I have to settle for running in the evening. I still lost weight that way but I wonder how much I would have lost by running in the morning?
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on March 07, 2013, 01:17:24 PM
Shift work is what's messing me up.  I can't get to the gym on days when I work day shift as I have to leave before they open and they close about 30 min after I get home.  Night shifts are worse though as I tend to eat way more on those days and the stuff I end up eating tends to be convenience type stuff.  Lots if bad carbs, high sodium, etc.

The company put in a gym at work but my manager has a fit if any of my crew wants to use it during our shift.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Gusington on March 08, 2013, 02:03:46 PM
Are you fat?
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Gusington on March 08, 2013, 02:04:07 PM
double post
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on March 08, 2013, 03:48:47 PM
Yes.


and yes.

6'0"

259 lbs.

27% body fat.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Mr. Bigglesworth on March 08, 2013, 05:07:42 PM
More than 1/4 lard? You better work on that before the ticker jams dude.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: GJK on March 09, 2013, 03:11:39 PM
Excellent workout today - 2.5 hours in the gym for leg day.  Squat was up to 550lbs for 2 good and deep reps.  Not to brag (ok, I am :) but it's so motivating to have several guys in the gym stop their set to watch you get under 500+ lbs of free weights.  Felt great.  Feels like I have to put on a "performance" for them and not dissapoint.  So very motivating - it carried me on for the next 2 hours.  My legs were trembling as I limped out of the gym - another good sign.  Still retaining too much fat (hence the extra strength).  Haven't had my BF% measured as of yet, no guess where I'm at currently.  I'm alternating training days with cardio days at the moment since I just can't get up early enough to do morning cardio/evening training.  Cardio is usually the length of a movie in the cardio theater at moderate pace alternating between elliptical and treadmill with some jogging but mostly a brisk walk.  Body weight is at 285lbs and I'm right at 6'0" tall. 
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on March 09, 2013, 03:46:18 PM
My knees can't take barbell squats anymore.  Too many years of rugby. 

I use a 45 degree seated incline squat machine with free weight plates.

I do:             12x 490lbs
                     10x 520lbs
                       8x 540lbs
                       6x 570lbs
                     12x 490lbs

Muscle mass has been much harder to keep on after I turned 35 or so.  It wants to go to blubber even though I keep the protein intake up and still do heavy lift sets 4 days/week.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: GJK on March 09, 2013, 05:34:58 PM
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on March 09, 2013, 03:46:18 PM
My knees can't take barbell squats anymore.  Too many years of rugby. 

I use a 45 degree seated incline squat machine with free weight plates.

I do:             12x 490lbs
                     10x 520lbs
                       8x 540lbs
                       6x 570lbs
                     12x 490lbs

Muscle mass has been much harder to keep on after I turned 35 or so.  It wants to go to blubber even though I keep the protein intake up and still do heavy lift sets 4 days/week.


Hack Squat with 570obls?  Damn, that's impressive!  If you lived nearby, I'd say let's grab a workout together!
I'm finding that even with a layoff (where I added a TON of fat), my muscle memory is remarkable and my body is transitioning back to the way it was at an amazing rate.  I'm accused of 'roiding almost daily at work and at the gym (but I'm not).
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on March 09, 2013, 05:53:22 PM
Not standing hack squats.  I use a 45 deg incline squat (press) machine similar to this.  Easier on the knees.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fitnessmaster.co.tz%2Fuploads%2Fposts%2F2011-10%2F1319569199_k-22_incline_squat_machine.jpg&hash=8f102fc047ef3dcedbfbeb92f218e3bb9d5ab321)
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: GJK on March 09, 2013, 10:31:39 PM
Ah - we call that a "leg sled".  Still, very impressive.  The gym that I'm at now doesn't have either a Hack Squat nor a Leg Sled - both of which I sorely miss.  I've come up with some compromises though. 
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: GDS_Starfury on March 10, 2013, 12:45:01 AM
12 oz weights and hip thrusts.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: GJK on March 10, 2013, 01:16:19 AM
Quote from: GDS_Starfury on March 10, 2013, 12:45:01 AM
12 oz weights and hip thrusts.
I quote again:
"Fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life, son."
:)
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: GDS_Starfury on March 10, 2013, 01:28:53 AM
but Im neither fat nor stupid.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: GDS_Starfury on March 10, 2013, 01:29:33 AM
well I sure as shit not fat.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Keunert on March 10, 2013, 05:05:52 AM
why so humble?
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Keunert on March 25, 2013, 02:24:19 AM
i should have listened to Bison and Gus back in September last year when i started my new 'sport light' life.
both recommended to combine dumbbells exercises with running. but i wasn't ready for that yet.

6 months ago i bought dumbbells. my weight was around 189lbs.
4 months later i bought myself a scale. i was around 186lbs.
then i started a running routine (5.5km every second day) a month ago.
since then i watch my weight drop every day. this morning i hit 175.5lbs.
i guess this will continue some time and once it stops i can think about running 6days/week.
and this time i listened to GJK's advice and run before breakfast. the only thing i eat is half
an apple before start.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: GDS_Starfury on March 25, 2013, 05:39:10 AM
most would be surprised at the effective nature of 15 lb weights used between round of various wargames.  curls, butterflies and situps after one dies early in WoT adds up to a lot of exercise.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: mirth on May 06, 2013, 10:32:39 AM
Ran/jogged my 1.5 mile loop for the first time without having to slow to walk at any point. Feeling pretty good about it because I've only been at it for a little over a week and at 42 I haven't done any consistent running in at least 10 years. Also, over the past couple months I've lost 20-25lbs.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Mr. Bigglesworth on May 06, 2013, 12:09:14 PM
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on March 09, 2013, 05:53:22 PM
Not standing hack squats.  I use a 45 deg incline squat (press) machine similar to this.  Easier on the knees.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fitnessmaster.co.tz%2Fuploads%2Fposts%2F2011-10%2F1319569199_k-22_incline_squat_machine.jpg&hash=8f102fc047ef3dcedbfbeb92f218e3bb9d5ab321)

The 45 degrees cuts the weight in half. That is still decent strength. A pulley leg press does not cut the weight. I put 360lbs on the pulley machine then do 2 sets of 50. shift to 1 set of 12 on the calves in between. Pushups 1 set 30 on the knuckles on hard surface. 1 set 30 on palmes. I need to do more lower back, that is a weak spot for me. Good mornings I suppose.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Keunert on May 09, 2013, 01:50:53 PM
^so your avatar is an actual picture of yourself? i thought that it was some silly Warhammer crap. but now i am impressed.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: GDS_Starfury on May 14, 2013, 11:33:57 PM
does masturbation count as cardio?
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Keunert on April 16, 2014, 05:58:22 AM
with spring coming along i restarted my running routine and my dumbbell routine. since i have reduced meat consumption in recent months to one or two meals a week i wanted to ask if you would advice to get some additional protein?

i do 5 runs between 30-45 minutes a week and do 5 times 30 minutes of dumbbell exercises (rather light weights) and once a week 45minutes of badminton. i sometimes feel a little exhausted.

last year i made the same until winter when one feet started to hurt.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Arctic Blast on April 17, 2014, 01:22:28 PM
^^Whey protein isolate is your friend.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Keunert on April 17, 2014, 02:42:36 PM
what is this?
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Gusington on April 17, 2014, 04:00:17 PM
^Hopefully Star won't answer that.

I have been running 5k, 5 times a week for 18 months and lost between 15 and 20 pounds. I am going to start doing some rowing and some light weights to get back some mass because running really does cause some serious loss...my arms are like twigs now.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: Arctic Blast on April 18, 2014, 05:10:56 PM
Quote from: Keunert on April 17, 2014, 02:42:36 PM
what is this?

Basically, I'm talking about protein powder. Mix it into whatever you eat/drink after working out and there's your protein.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: GDS_Starfury on April 20, 2014, 12:35:34 AM
actually I could really benefit from a good protein shake in the morning or evening.  my job is pretty aerobic as it is and I eat like a horse.  food has been the biggest monthly expense my entire adult life.  not only that but, I no matter what I do I cant break the 180 lb barrier and put on muscle weight.  its the only weight I can put on as I have an absurdly low body fat index and I have a hyper metabolism.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: airboy on July 20, 2014, 09:15:18 PM
I've been going to the gym regularly (2-4 times a week) doing weight lifting (machines) and walking on an indoor track.  I've been doing this for three months now.

My back is a lot better.  I was in almost daily back pain and almost all has vanished.  My stress levels are way down - despite some severe external stress factors.

I was not aiming to lose weight.  But my muscle ratio has gone way up. 

I'm very type A and have a desk job.  So this is pretty much the only exercise I get.  Especially when it is too hot in Bama in the summer to walk outside much.

My gym has all of my routine on a computer setup.  Thus the total weight lifted is given at the end of each workout.  I've gone from around 11,000 pounds to almost 19,000 pounds per workout.  This seems like a whole lot - but it really is not.  My circuit is 9 machines.  On the leg press I do 155 x 3 sets x 12 reps per set = 5,580 pounds.  In contrast, on curls I'm doing 35 pounds x 3 sets x 12 reps per set = 1,260 pounds.

One thing I have noticed (again) is how many people lift weights in a manner that minimizes the usefulness of the routine.  I've seen somebody do a "12 rep set" where they jerk the weights on a leg curl 4 times really fast.  Then stop for 15 seconds.  Then another 4 really fast.......  They are letting the momentum do most of the work.  I've also seen a lot of people really jerk weights with their entire body when they are supposedly exercising specific muscle groups.  Both of these activities get you a lot less benefit while greatly increasing the chance of injury.  The machines at my gym tell you when you are going to fast, when you let the weights rest, etc......
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: GDS_Starfury on July 21, 2014, 12:47:04 AM
I just bench Gus 20 times.
Title: Re: Exercise Habits
Post by: GJK on July 21, 2014, 01:30:45 PM
I benched 405 the other day.  I hadn't done that in years.  Squats are consistent at 500lbs with strict form or a cheat squat at 545.  I stopped deadlifting but will dont bent over, reverse grip rows with 365.  I'm also running 4 miles in the morning, 3 or 4 mornings a week.

I've gone through a bit of burnout the past 2 weeks however, doing more running than weight lifting but I'm hoping to get some motivation back with a solid workout tonight.

The biggest things that helped me...dropping all the fun things in life....no drinking and I don't sit at the computer for hours after work like I was doing a year or so ago.

How do I feel?  Tired.   :2funny: ... seriously, I feel great and have had to purchase a new wardrobe twice now.