The Exercise/WorkOut Thread

[FireCaptain4]

I thought an exercise/work-out thread would serve as a nice addition to this lovely forum we have.

Feel free to share your weekly workout routines and/or athletic activities in this thread. Also, here would be a good place to expend advice as well as share personal stories/experiences. Really, this is kind of a Beta Edition, so everything goes.



Starting yesterday, I've begun working out again. I'm trying to get into shape as I've recently began to develop some not-so-lovely man lumps. For the first time since High School (about 2.5 years ago), my metabolism is starting to slow down and eating a full bag of chocolate-covered pretzels while sprawled out half-naked on my luxurious bean-bag doesn't cover it.

I nearly collapsed from exhaustion yesterday (haven't worked out since about April), but I jogged at a nice pace for a full-hour. Afterwards I gave up 40 push-ups, 150 crunches, and about 200 jumping jacks. I made the fatal error of not stretching before or after running yesterday, however, and now my legs are killing me today.

As for advice: iPods rule. Download some tunage to rock out to while you work out and it always helps my motivation.

[Tweek]

Rhythmic gymnastics.

Nah, for exercise I walk. I can't do gyms because...lots of people + insecurity = bad times for Tweek.

[RicochetShaw]

That's an impressive regimen, FireCaptain... but Jumping Jacks are pretty much a waste of time. They're a decent warm-up before cardio, I guess... but doing 200 isn't really going to do much of anything. If you're looking to add more cardio (which it seems you are), try jump rope and/or box jumps. Both are much more effective, and will yield much more visible results (including some killer calves).

[EVILxxx]

Nobody wants to hear this but... go run. Run you fools. I didn't start trimming down until I started running seriously. It may not burn a ton of calories initially but it gets your metabolism pumping. The only thing better is probably swimming though I don't think that is practical for everyone.

[QUENTIN]

I mostly stick to ripping phonebooks in half and a few triathalons a week to keep off the popcorn pounds.

[BakeTheMooCow]

Both of Girl Talk's albums are great for working out to.

[Digifruitella]

Find out your daily calorie intake, and cut it by 500 cals. Eat less foods containing saturated fats: dairy products. And eat more foods of monounsaturated/polyunsaturated fats.

And lastly, Cardio. Lots of it. Do High intensity interval training for 20 minutes. Or you can lock yourself into a "level" that's fairly intense for you and go for 30 minutes. Try to do cardio 5 times a week.

It's not rocket science though. Eat right, and exercise.

[Venus Venusia]

Originally Posted by EVILxxx

Nobody wants to hear this but... go run. Run you fools. I didn't start trimming down until I started running seriously. It may not burn a ton of calories initially but it gets your metabolism pumping. The only thing better is probably swimming though I don't think that is practical for everyone.

Yesss. I'm not much of a runner, but I'm starting little by little on a treadmill each time I go to the gym. I've managed to run 8 minutes without stopping (I know, that's sad) but I'm slowly building up each time. I've already noticed it helps curb my hunger. I do A LOT of walking too, seeing as we have 3 dogs.

Lately I've been focusing on core exercises as well. I've NEVER had a flat stomach in my life and I am determined! I just want to know what it's like. My stomach has always been my biggest problem area.

I eat pretty healthy, too. Lots of fruits and vegetables. And my main drink of choice is water. And yes, iPods are definitely a huge source of motivation for me. I like to listen to a lot of dance music at the gym, especially Janet Jackson, because I think of how much weight she lost in the late 80's. It sounds silly, sure, but everyone has their own inspiration.

[Ratlehed]

Originally Posted by EVILxxx

Nobody wants to hear this but... go run. Run you fools. I didn't start trimming down until I started running seriously. It may not burn a ton of calories initially but it gets your metabolism pumping. The only thing better is probably swimming though I don't think that is practical for everyone.

I agree with that. I play in a street hockey league. So I sprint often to keep in "shape". Some hard sets of sprints can kick your a$$ pretty good.

I have been lifting weights pretty serious since I was 20. I am 30 now. It takes awhile to build muscle and keep it. But its fun. Dead Lifts and sqauts are my favorite lifts. They work put alot of muscle groups.

I dont eat the best foods. So I was never skinny or ripped. Junk food is so much eaiser to make. I did the chicken and tuna thing for awhile, but it gets old.

[EVILxxx]

Another thing I found beneficial is a pre-work out drink. Whatever it may be drink something that gets your blood flowing because that extra bit of energy will motivate you to get off the couch. Some kind of creatine helps

[Cosimo]

i (h) ate the gym! have joined 3 before and never lasted longer than two months. self obsessed people i don't gel with. last week i rang up fitness first, and they offered me a 3 month pass for 100 smackers, but i'm moving back to london in jan so i said i'll think about it, but they have been ringing me everyday pretty much, so i put on silent. i rang back yesterday and told them straight to leave me alone! interrupting me whilst eating movenpick ice cream was the last straw!

[RicochetShaw]

Originally Posted by Digifruitella

Find out your daily calorie intake, and cut it by 500 cals. Eat less foods containing saturated fats: dairy products. And eat more foods of monounsaturated/polyunsaturated fats.

I disagree with this. Don't count calories, calorie counting is for suckers. I mean, you obviously don't want to go binge on a 1,000+ calorie plate of cheese fries. Be cognizant of what you're consuming, but counting and calculating your daily calorie intake is tedious and will probably make a healthy lifestyle seem more work than it is... it's unnecessary. Just be smart with what you consume, and, this is cliche but true: eat smaller meals more often, rather than a few large meals.

As for dairy, I disagree with you there too. Obviously it can be a pitfall with saturated fats, but you can easily just get reduced fat or skim milk/dairy products, which cuts the fat, but keeps the benefits of dairy - calcium & protein being the biggest ones. One dairy product in particular, Yogurt, actually does wonders for your digestive system, and eating a half-cup or so after meals (especially dinner) has actually been shown to reduce the fat you consume (I'm not sure of the exact physiology of this, but it's been proven in numerous tests). Don't cut dairy, just don't get the full-fat stuff. 2% isn't much better, so get 1%, half%, or skim. I recommend 1%, especially if you make smoothies & other health drinks, as many of the nutrients found in those are fat-soluble, so you'll need at least a little fat for your body to absorb them.

[Preston_79]

I do cock push ups. I'm a picture of health and fitness.

[Tyler Durden4]

I get most of my work out from playing shows. Jumping around for an hour, playing guitar and singing really wears me out.

Beyond that, I don't work out . I should though- I really should

[Digifruitella]

Originally Posted by RicochetShaw

I disagree with this. Don't count calories, calorie counting is for suckers. I mean, you obviously don't want to go binge on a 1,000+ calorie plate of cheese fries. Be cognizant of what you're consuming, but counting and calculating your daily calorie intake is tedious and will probably make a healthy lifestyle seem more work than it is... it's unnecessary. Just be smart with what you consume, and, this is cliche but true: eat smaller meals more often, rather than a few large meals.

Counting calories is for suckers? Wrong. You have to know what you consume BEFORE you start "cutting". Then you have to create a deficit. If you keep eating the same amount of calories and exercise there will be very little progress. Smaller meals, yes - but those 6 smaller meals have to fit into the new calorie intake. You have to be smart about your diet, DIET is what's important in weight loss. If you keep eating without watching what you eat and how much but exercise it will only compensate and you'll be stuck.

I know what I'm talking about from experience. I went on a calorie deficit and did cardio for full 31 days, and I lost 12lbs. Before that, I was doing cardio and eating without watching calories and there was NEVER that much progress.

As for dairy, I disagree with you there too. Obviously it can be a pitfall with saturated fats, but you can easily just get reduced fat or skim milk/dairy products, which cuts the fat, but keeps the benefits of dairy - calcium & protein being the biggest ones. One dairy product in particular, Yogurt, actually does wonders for your digestive system, and eating a half-cup or so after meals (especially dinner) has actually been shown to reduce the fat you consume (I'm not sure of the exact physiology of this, but it's been proven in numerous tests). Don't cut dairy, just don't get the full-fat stuff. 2% isn't much better, so get 1%, half%, or skim. I recommend 1%, especially if you make smoothies & other health drinks, as many of the nutrients found in those are fat-soluble, so you'll need at least a little fat for your body to absorb them.

You have to CUT them, not ELIMINATE. I never said you have to stop intaking milk or cottage cheese. You have to make it low fat.

[Preston_79]

Never eat till you're full. Don't eat fast food, or junk food. Do like a little cardio and some light weights for a couple hours a week. It's as simple as that.

[dennisv]

Chugging my beer. Works the triceps.

[Ratlehed]

Originally Posted by EVILxxx

Another thing I found beneficial is a pre-work out drink. Whatever it may be drink something that gets your blood flowing because that extra bit of energy will motivate you to get off the couch. Some kind of creatine helps

I cycle creatine sometimes. It does wrok if you use it right.

I drink Speed Stack. I forget what brand makes it. But it puts alot of pep in your step. I really liked the Stacker pills with Ephedarine (sp?). That stuff worked good. To bad to many people used it that shouldnt have.

[RustyRazor]

In my job, I'm sprinting around several thousand square miles of a storage facility daily to deal with customer issues and problems and that's about all of the exercise I get. I used to walk on the weekends with my wife but as it gets chilly, we wrapped that up.

[bigred760]

I play basketball a lot. Sometimes I work out, lift weights, run on a treadmill. I do play other sports, like soccer and flag football, but not as often as basketball. It's been a few years since I played soccer and I just picked up flag football again; I don't know how often that will continue though.

[RicochetShaw]

Originally Posted by Digifruitella

You have to CUT them, not ELIMINATE. I never said you have to stop intaking milk or cottage cheese.

... and I never said that's what you said. You did say "eat less... dairy." That's a direct quote, and it's something I disagree with. Even here, you say "cut it", and I don't think you should "eat less dairy" or "cut" it; keep your dairy intake the same, even up it if you need the extra protein, just make it low-fat/skim.

Originally Posted by Digifruitella

Counting calories is for suckers? Wrong. You have to know what you consume BEFORE you start "cutting". Then you have to create a deficit. If you keep eating the same amount of calories and exercise there will be very little progress.

You can have your stance and all, and that's cool, but calling me "wrong" here is a bit short-sighted (and rude). Nutrition is still a developing science, and while I feel pretty confident in my stance, due in large part to experience and some pretty heavy reading, I wouldn't be pompous enough to say you're objectively wrong.

The body's metabolic system is complex and dynamic, and your metabolic rate is not a zero-sum game. That is, it doesn't just respond to stimuli (be it input or expenditure) in a simple, computational manner. For example, running a mile for an average-sized male burns approximately 120 calories... during the run. But that doesn't mean you just subtract 120 calories from your +/- calories for the day. Depending on your conditioning, time of day you ran, and other factors, it will raise your metabolic rate for the rest of the day. That is, your body will actually burn more than 120 calories throughout the rest of the day. Additionally, the foods you consume after that run will be metabolized more quickly. If you were to consume a 200 calorie meal after the run, you can't just subtract 120 calories from that, as your metabolization of the meal has been altered as well.

Then there's muscle, which you will invariably build whether you're doing cardio (mostly in the legs) or weight training. Every pound of muscle requires 50 calories just to be sustained. Are you really going to measure how many pounds of muscle you have so can calculate the extent of this extra variable in your calorie intake/output?

Additionally, there's independent calories vs calories from fat. These different metabolize differently, and 100 calories from an apple affect your metabolic rate far differently than will 100 calories from cake. Simply put, there's a lot more to account for when losing weight, and staying healthy, then calorie intake/expenditure. On top of that, those are things you can't even really accurately measure, because they're contingent on so many other variables. Counting calories, therefore, is largely pointless, paradoxically over-simplistic, and makes eating healthy unnecessarily laborious.


And I'm not the only one who thinks this. It's not just some theory I made up. I'm glad you lost 12 pounds in 30 days or whatever, but here are some qualified sources that say counting calories is a waste of time:

Publication Naked Science calls counting calories a "blunder in medical science"

A story by the UK Daily Mail that says it's a waste of time

EV Fit says it's inherently a "flawed process"

Hanna Sutter, MD says it's a "big waste of time"

Even leading dieting sites say so

And leading nutritionist and Editor-in-Chief of Men's Health Magazine agrees

Here's one more for good measure



...you know how I said I wasn't going to say you're wrong? I lied.



PS. Using CAPS every other SENTENCE is kind of ANNOYING. You might want to INVEST in a THESAURUS instead of relying on CAPITALIZATION to MORE EFFECTIVELY communicate your THOUGHTS.

[Digifruitella]

No need to get bent out of shape because you've "read" a ton, and I didn't bother clicking on those links either.

If you talk to anybody at the gym, that is anybody who is actually fit - they will tell you the same thing I have said.

You are right I said eat less saturated fats; then I said dairy. Apologies for not "communicating" my thoughts, I am at fault, dear sire. What I meant was, EAT LESS FAT WHEN YOU'RE ON A DIET BECAUSE WHEN UR FAT U DONT NEED ANYMORE OF IT. Yes, eating low fat/skim is a smart choice.

However, I am not going to waste my precious time arguing with you over the actual FACT that when you're trying to LOSE fat (I know I'm annoying you aren't I, with my CAPS. That's ok, that's just how I write) you must calculate what your daily intake is before you're going on a diet and create a deficit of 500 calories. I don't care whose writer you get your nutritional info off of - a deficit is an imperative in your new diet if you want to lose fat.

Yes, your body DOES indeed burn calories throughout the day - but that doesn't mean just because you've burnt a certain amount it's guaranteed. It depends on the intensity of the workout. That's why weightlifting burns more fat. But you must do cardio, as well.

Having a rationally sound diet, and cardio are important factors in the weight loss. You may throw at me whatever you want, but I speak from experience and I know that when I, according to you, have went the "sucker way" - I have actually shed off 12 lbs of fat in a month

[RicochetShaw]

Whatevs, dude. Waste your time counting if you like, and feel damn accomplished for those 12 pounds. That's certainly a milestone to remember for the rest of your life. And I'm glad you're in good shape; personally, I've tried to make my argument less egocentric, but I feel pretty good about myself in that respect too. (And as far experience goes, I've been serious about exercise for 7 years... I even trained for my university's bodybuilding competition [which involved very intense nutritional and exercise regimens] for 2 years, until I broke my hand and had to stop. I also worked in gyms for a couple years, where I learned quite a bit, first-hand, from nutritionists and personal trainers; but then again, I can't claim to ever having lost 12 pounds in a month... I mean, holy shit dude, you should be famous - forget Jared the Subway guy, Digifruitella is the new mouthpiece of nutrition for the masses!). However, I feel this is a thread more about helping others, and I feel pretty confident that I've provided the more compelling and source-based case here that others will be more inclined to take heed of.

Originally Posted by Digifruitella

I didn't bother clicking on those links....You may throw at me whatever you want, but I speak from experience.... I have actually shed off 12 lbs of fat in a month

Why didn't you click the links? Are sources and facts from educated/competent people something you're not into?

You know, willful ignorance isn't usually the best way to get your point across. "I don't care what you, or any of your countless medically-based sources say, I once lost 12 pounds in a month!"... lol.

[Cosimo]

i play squash twice a week in club leagues. you have to be super fit but i aint. i smoke joints and have a bag of monster munch each day. if i quit these two things i could be a serious contender

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-to_ZohAer4

[jolanar]

I get a lot of exercise at work. It's not exactly a manual labor job, but there is a decent bit of heavy lifting (50lb boxes) and I'm constantly walking around and moving throughout my workday. I've never measured it out (although that does sound interesting to see) but if I had to make a guess I'd say I walk at least 10 miles or more throughout my 8 hour work day.

That being said, I eat very unhealthy. On an average day I probably eat 2 fast food meals. So these two things probably counteract each other. I have managed to do one wonderful thing though with my diet which is to completely cut out sodas, haven't had one in 6 + months.

I have tried running on a track, but I find that VERY boring. And I really don't want to go to some gym with a bunch of protein shake drinking juicers because yes, I would be very embarrassed. I have a relatively skinny frame to begin with and while I would like to build muscle, but I just really don't want to go to the gym.

[BubbaStrangelove]

I used to do a lot of lifting but it's one of those things that once you start, you can't really stop doing. Looking back I wish I'd spent more time on cardio and core building. I disagree with the suggestion of creatine supplement.

Since having to take physical therapy, I'm sold on the benefits of an exercise ball. I used to think that kind of stuff was so... not for me, but these exercises kick you ass, especially when you get into squats and walking thrusts - stuff like that. If you need to build muscle, go for it, but as far as toning, these balls are great - only drawback is they space they take up. It's like having a piece of equipment. I can lift me the hell out of some weights, but this slow motion moves based around the ball knock me out. There's plenty of moves you can find online - again, this is really for people that just want to stay tone, have a strong core, and gain ninja like balance. I haven't been keeping up with it, like I have with any exercise for a while now, but recently had a hernia surgery that was actually related to heavy lifting about 5 years ago, so I'm getting back on that horse (and ball).

And here's a video for inspiration - should at least get some heart rates up:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mK4qpfUSFgY

[Digifruitella]

Originally Posted by RicochetShaw

Why didn't you click the links? Are sources and facts from educated/competent people something you're not into?

No bro, because I don't need to read into anything more when I'm following something that already works for me and that is supported by many people. It's all about results, and I get them - so why bother changing something that isn't broken.

And I hope you do realize I'm talking about a "cutting phase" and not general diet. Oh yeah, believe me I do feel pretty good about accomplishing something like that. Mostly because it required a lot of motivation to keep a certain diet and doing rigorous cardio sessions every day for a month.

And just FYI, I weight lift too - and I was and still am in the "cutting phase" - counting calories happens to be part of the process, I would've hoped you'd known that since you've been a gym rat before and supposedly knew all.

I've never counted calories before, and don't really plan to when I'm through with my cut - but let's agree to disagree on our current argument.

Oh too bad about the broken hand. Bummer. Did you ever get back to liftin those weights bro?

OH YES I AM THE NEW JARED AASCCORINDG TO RICOSHETSHAW! Lol lol.. (because shaw is jealous he could never motivate himself enough to transform himself in a month.) lol lol.

[EVILxxx]

Originally Posted by BubbaStrangelove

I used to do a lot of lifting but it's one of those things that once you start, you can't really stop doing. Looking back I wish I'd spent more time on cardio and core building. I disagree with the suggestion of creatine supplement.

The creatine was a big help in getting my blood pumping and wanting to do more exercise even after I had finished working out. That led to me running afterwards eventually getting me up to 5 to 6 miles 5 days a week. And that is the only thing I was taking. Went from 205lbs(fat and muscle mostly) to 175lbs while putting on more muscle. I wouldn't knock it until you try especially since creatine itself is very good for you as long as you're not overdoing it.

[BubbaStrangelove]

Originally Posted by EVILxxx

I wouldn't knock it until you try especially since creatine itself is very good for you as long as you're not overdoing it.

I'm not knocking it. I took creatine as part of a regular workout regiment for about 14 months.

I wouldn't make suggestions to people without knowing more about them, and that includes making a general suggestion for people to take a supplement that our bodies are built to produce naturally, especially without having an idea of their medical history or blood levels. For instance, people with asthma and already naturally produced high levels of creatine could have negative effects from taking supplements, for example, they could die from asphyxiation. I guess though after laying in a casket for a year, you can't argue with the guaranteed weight loss you'll experience in a decomposed state.

If it makes you feel any better, I perhaps could have said that I disagree with making a generic recommendation of taking any type of supplement just because it worked for me since everyone's body and chemical makeup differs.

But hey, congratulations on the success. I don't knock you, just the idea that what works for one person will work for everyone.

[BadCoverVersion]

Gyms and super fit people intimidate me...so I've never been in one, um, EVER.

I need to get my arse in gear because I couldn't live without naughty food like super creamy pasta's, breads, cheeses and mashed taters and gravy...and of course now I'm a Ma and hitting 30 I'm finding it harder to shift my pot belly and I'm worried that I'll wake up one day to find cankles and dinnerladies arms!

I don't drive so I walk a lot. I'm in work today so I've only walked just over 2 miles this morning...I was pushing a buggy mind you so I guess that burns a few extra calories. Some days I'll go out with Noah and we'll cover 5, 6 miles or more...at least once a week.

If I was looking to get started in a gym how would I go about shifting my tummy weight and toning my upper arms?

[Pentangeli]

Originally Posted by EVILxxx

Nobody wants to hear this but... go run. Run you fools. I didn't start trimming down until I started running seriously. It may not burn a ton of calories initially but it gets your metabolism pumping. The only thing better is probably swimming though I don't think that is practical for everyone.

Do feel free not to live up to your name.

Running is evil. And i've arrived at the conclusion, albeit without science, that humans are not meant to run.

This is where its at:
* Squats & calf raises - twice a week
* Dead lifts & shrugs - twice a week
* And weighted sit ups on each of those four days.
* Each day about 40 minues total (incl warm ups/downs, and resting).

[BubbaStrangelove]

Not sure who said it first, but the only people who like to run are people who haven't had to run from the police.

Well, with maybe some exceptions, like Ronnie Dobbs.

[Aldo1989]

Originally Posted by BadCoverVersion

Gyms and super fit people intimidate me...so I've never been in one, um, EVER.

If I was looking to get started in a gym how would I go about shifting my tummy weight and toning my upper arms?

The biggest thing to remember, is there's no such thing as "spot reducing." All the crunches in the world aren't going to tone your stomach, if there's a layer of fat covering your abs.

If you started going to the gym, I'd recommend doing 30 mins of cardio and 30 mins of weights/machines, four days a week.

Of course, you can't out-train a lazy diet, so you'd need to cut out about 500 calories a day and generally eat healthier, less-fatty things.

Good luck!

[BadCoverVersion]

Originally Posted by Aldo1989

The biggest thing to remember, is there's no such thing as "spot reducing." All the crunches in the world aren't going to tone your stomach, if there's a layer of fat covering your abs.

If you started going to the gym, I'd recommend doing 30 mins of cardio and 30 mins of weights/machines, four days a week.

Of course, you can't out-train a lazy diet, so you'd need to cut out about 500 calories a day and generally eat healthier, less-fatty things.

Good luck!

I don't see what good will come of reducing my calorie intake when it's pretty much what is recommended for my weight/height/BMI.

My diet isn't exactly lazy. I love seafood, fish and white meat, steamed vegetables, rice, pasta...and I use olive oils, reduced fat creme fraiche for cooking etc.

I simply refuse to give up the CARBS, cheese, cakes, beer and all that other good stuff because I think depriving myself of the occasional culinary pleasure will just make me bloody miserable...and whats the point in that?

[Pentangeli]

Originally Posted by BadCoverVersion

I don't see what good will come of reducing my calorie intake when it's pretty much what is recommended for my weight/height/BMI.

My diet isn't exactly lazy. I love seafood, fish and white meat, steamed vegetables, rice, pasta...and I use olive oils, reduced fat creme fraiche for cooking etc.

I simply refuse to give up the CARBS, cheese, cakes, beer and all that other good stuff because I think depriving myself of the occasional culinary pleasure will just make me bloody miserable...and whats the point in that?

You shouldn't be cutting any of that. Carbs, calories, you need a lot. Eat what you want, would be my advice. While you're watching the news, or whatever you watch, do some jogging on the spot, without stopping, that'd do the trick.

[BubbaStrangelove]

Originally Posted by BadCoverVersion

Gyms and super fit people intimidate me...so I've never been in one, um, EVER.

I need to get my arse in gear because I couldn't live without naughty food like super creamy pasta's, breads, cheeses and mashed taters and gravy...and of course now I'm a Ma and hitting 30 I'm finding it harder to shift my pot belly and I'm worried that I'll wake up one day to find cankles and dinnerladies arms!

I don't drive so I walk a lot. I'm in work today so I've only walked just over 2 miles this morning...I was pushing a buggy mind you so I guess that burns a few extra calories. Some days I'll go out with Noah and we'll cover 5, 6 miles or more...at least once a week.

If I was looking to get started in a gym how would I go about shifting my tummy weight and toning my upper arms?

Having read you post, and based on what you have discussed, I assume you aren't looking for a six pack or guns for arms, and aren't striving for some kind of body you can take excessive pride in. It sounds like you just want to cut some fat from areas as you've probably undertaken different activities that aren't helping your decreased metabolism. It happens to us 30er parent-types. I was taught that the best thing to do is to continue increasing activity level to combat and help counterbalance what body thinking we are ready to go into a long rest phase.

Check out exercises where you hold poses, similar to yoga and the sort. I had to undergo physical therapy for about 6 weeks and this type of stuff helped. This is where I've gained this stuff. I took structured weight training in high school, and worked out under the guidance of a trainer when in college at the university gym. That stuff was fine when I was at that phase in my life, but things are different. I'm just mentioning this because I don't want you to think I'm running off with my fingers, or am suggesting things without an understanding of where you are coming from. Physical therapy, I've decided, is gym class for people who have settled down - read; old people.

I could search for some stuff for you because names escape me, but if you hit me up on AIM at some point, I can scan in and send you copies of the specific exercises I had to do. You'd have to give me some time though.

Most of what the therapist did was based around spot toning by way of increasing oxygen and blood flow to targeted areas, which burns fat - what specifically worked was stretching and more defined toning. An example, taking a light weight and holding it up and maintaining that pose for a count to 10, or moving into a stretch and holding that stretch. It's funny because this is all stuff I laughed at as a kid, and young man, but I couldn't believe how much it kicked my ass. It ended up being stuff I wish I'd known all along.

I can't explain it very well, but the physical therapist provided me nice little diagrams that a fool can follow. There's certain poses that shift balance in your body and work certain areas. Sorry I'm kind of tired and maybe convoluted trying to type here, but bottom line this is the kind of stuff us slower moving old folks need to do. (joking, we are young, just oldening ) I had gotten pretty out of sorts between breaking my hand and fingers, knocking 2 discs out in my back and pulling a stomach hernia - I wasn't doing the physical therapy to lose weight but for those kinds of things, and the weight loss can as a natural side effect.

The therapist said this is a what's expected. As our bodies lose elasticity, our energy levels go down, we more or less slowly whittle away from movements that were keeping us neat when younger. (us, not Andrea Agassi) It's just that we don't notice because it's all so gradual. For me, it was in therapy when the lady, a russian hardass that reminded me of the closest I'd get to having a sadist mistress (tee-hee) would tell me to do something that seemed like a sinch, something I could have jumped on 10 yeas ago - not until I rolled my eyes then went at it, only to swallow my pride, was it that I realized how much of a reality the adage "use it or lose it" really is. Yeah, I play with my son, go on walks, run with him, and it seems like a lot - fills out my time, but really it's nothing compared to dancing the night away. Even adding alcohol and psychedelics won't help match the experience.

Sorry that was so long winded, but I was trying to compress and cater to you things that I slowly learned over the course of almost 2 months. If it's too much to all take in, I apologize, and do so again if you find it useless or just don't think it applies to you. I agree that cutting calories will help you lose weight - that's from elementary PE class, but through my experience I found that as you get older you just have to put more effort into do additional things you wouldn't really think to do and most of those things involve our bodies becoming less limber and in turn and without us being very aware of it - we unwittingly make less motions and there are scores of toning exercises that combat that very truth.

As I realized at the end of this post, breathing is also very important.

[BubbaStrangelove]

Originally Posted by BadCoverVersion

I don't see what good will come of reducing my calorie intake when it's pretty much what is recommended for my weight/height/BMI.

My diet isn't exactly lazy. I love seafood, fish and white meat, steamed vegetables, rice, pasta...and I use olive oils, reduced fat creme fraiche for cooking etc.

I simply refuse to give up the CARBS, cheese, cakes, beer and all that other good stuff because I think depriving myself of the occasional culinary pleasure will just make me bloody miserable...and whats the point in that?

Originally Posted by Pentangeli

You shouldn't be cutting any of that. Carbs, calories, you need a lot. Eat what you want, would be my advice. While you're watching the news, or whatever you watch, do some jogging on the spot, without stopping, that'd do the trick.

If I hadn't been so busy yammering and trying to not flat-out say this, I would have realized that I didn't need to skirt the facts of not being young anymore.

BCV - gimme a couple days, I scan those PT exercises that spot train and try to catch you over IM one night. I actually asked the physical therapist about dieting and she said it wouldn't hurt, but it wasn't what the problem is - it all came down to not moving parts of my body that I didn't need to move in my daily life anymore. As people get older, you body adapts to your routine and starts being more practical. But when she said it, it sounded a lot nicer, and she looked a helluva lot better saying it.

[FireCaptain4]

Originally Posted by Tweek

Rhythmic gymnastics.

Nah, for exercise I walk. I can't do gyms because...lots of people + insecurity = bad times for Tweek.

Insecurity, schmemecurity! You should tag along for a jog with me. Together, we could conquer the world, Tweek. Or, at least our metabolisms.

Originally Posted by RicochetShaw

That's an impressive regimen, FireCaptain... but Jumping Jacks are pretty much a waste of time. They're a decent warm-up before cardio, I guess... but doing 200 isn't really going to do much of anything. If you're looking to add more cardio (which it seems you are), try jump rope and/or box jumps. Both are much more effective, and will yield much more visible results (including some killer calves).

I stuck the jumping jacks in at the end because I was too tired to continue doing anything else, but I've since dropped them after reading your post and I'm trying to box jumps into my schedule somehow. I keep going through the motions of some exercises I used to utilize when running Cross-Country and track dashes in High-School. I'm still working out the kinks of the exercise routines and, thus far, these first couple of weeks are just going to be spent trying to get myself used to working out again. However, more cardio is definitely what I'm going for. I've never been a muscle mass kind of guy, more of a lean and quasi-toned kinda guy. Thanks for the support!

Originally Posted by QUENTIN

I mostly stick to ripping phonebooks in half and a few triathalons a week to keep off the popcorn pounds.

Which are a few reasons as to why you're one of the coolest Schmoes ever Quentin.

Originally Posted by Venus Venusia

Yesss. I'm not much of a runner, but I'm starting little by little on a treadmill each time I go to the gym. I've managed to run 8 minutes without stopping (I know, that's sad) but I'm slowly building up each time. I've already noticed it helps curb my hunger. I do A LOT of walking too, seeing as we have 3 dogs.

I eat pretty healthy, too. Lots of fruits and vegetables. And my main drink of choice is water. And yes, iPods are definitely a huge source of motivation for me. I like to listen to a lot of dance music at the gym, especially Janet Jackson, because I think of how much weight she lost in the late 80's. It sounds silly, sure, but everyone has their own inspiration.

Keep it up and before long you’ll surprise yourself as you can, honestly, get addicted to running/jogging. I’m not there yet myself (I used to be a few years ago when I was athletically active), but it gets easier if you keep up with it. As Pentangeli has already said, though, I find the act to be pure evil as of right now.

My diet is one thing I really, really, need to clean up too. I’m used to eating everything in sight so that may be my biggest challenge.

Originally Posted by Preston_79

I do cock push ups. I'm a picture of health and fitness.

Ah, this reminds me that I need some Tenacious D on my iPod.


Ok, so I’m going to try and keep up with my workout regimen on here. I’ll try to update if I really feel there needs to be one. I’ve ran anywhere from 30 min-1 hour everyday since I started this thread. Additionally, I’m gradually adding more push-ups and sit-ups to my routine.

Right now, I’m the heaviest I’ve ever been in my life (204 pounds), but I’m going to try and knock that weight down a few notches.

Without further delay, here’s my current iPod playlist that I work out to:
“Mutha’uckas” -- Flight of the Conchords
“My Delirium” -- Ladyhawke
“This Ship Was Built to Last” -- The Duke Spirit
“Tie Me Up With Jackets” -- Fight Like Apes
“Can’t Go Back” -- Primal Scream
“Dominoes” -- The Big Pink
“Heads Will Roll” -- The Yeah Yeah Yeahs
“Lights and Music” -- Cut Copy
“Pet” -- A Perfect Circle
“Walkabout” -- Atlas Sound
“Evil” -- Interpol
“Daylight” -- Matt & Kim
“Fire It Up” -- Modest Mouse
“Be the One” -- Jack Penate
“Another One Bites the Dust” -- Queen
“Suffragette City” -- David Bowie
“Jumpin’ Jack Flash” -- The Rolling Stones
“Crocodile Rock” -- Elton John

[labialover]

Originally Posted by FireCaptain4

“Crocodile Rock” -- Elton John

I don't know why I laughed so hard when I saw this. I think it was the picture I had in my head of hearing someone sing the chorus while working out.

I just started working out again last week. I usually will work out for about 4 months, sometimes going twice a day, then I'll just stop. I'm convinced if I don't stop, and eat right, I'll look like this.

[Cosimo]

Originally Posted by BadCoverVersion

Gyms and super fit people intimidate me

badminton is good fun. when i play badminton i see a lot of ze chicks playing too

when i move back to london i'm joining a tennis, badminton, table tennis and squash league. fuck the gym! hopefully that will keep me occupied so i don't resort to drugs and cold hard liquor