The Get in Shape, Eat Healthy, Better, Etc... 2010 Thread!!! :) :) :) :)

Hwangman


Still managing about 4 to 5 days per week, but i'm now seriously losing motivation due to not really seeing any improvements.  My pecs are a tiny bit more defined, but they still don't look great.  My arms aren't any bigger, my chest is not any more defined, and my stomach is still flabby. 

I've been good about alternating the cardio and weight days at the gym, w/the occasional set of crunches mixed in, but at this point, it's been several months and i'm not seeing nearly enough to keep me motivated to go.  The wife talked about starting the p90x, and i may give that a shot, but i think i'm kinda over it.  I need to see results to stay on top of myself for working out.

You know this has been me in the past. I did stuff in the gym as well then I lost motivation. The only change I ever saw was a little in the legs and my weight dropped. I'd lost motivation eventually too.

P90X ... This program has seriously changed my life. I've got my own personal trainer and my only job is to put that dvd in and push play and Do my best and forget the rest. If the people on the dvd do 30 reps and I do 12 with great form, then that's what I'm supposed to do. I shouldn't try to keep up and do 30 with bad form.

Here's my point Hwangman. Maybe you're not doing enough, maybe it's wrong form, maybe a lot of things. I dare you to try P90X and not see results. The only way you won't see results is if you either don't push yourself and/or your eating is crap.

Tony Horton reminds us that "Rome wasn't built in a day and neither was your body"

I'll tell you what Hwangman. I have a challenge for you. Order P90X through me (I can pm you the link) and if you don't see a change at the end of the 90 Days, I'll refund your money personally. Because there's no way that you can do this for 90 days and not see results unless you yourself slack off.

I was 320 freaking lbs back on January 10th. I'm now on Week 8 of my 2nd time through P90X. I've seen AMAZING results already and I'm down 50 lbs. If I can do this and see results, you can too.

BRING IT.

BRING IT!!!

We had a different trainer today, so the workout was totally different, which was great! Some great cardio work on the spin bike (intervals and in/out of the saddle) and shoulders and arms on the weights.

Diet has been pretty good, although I could use to cut back a bit on the diet soda.

I never submitted the whole system of my opinions to the creed of any party of men whatever in religion, in philosophy, in politics, or in anything else where I was capable of thinking for myself. Such an addiction is the last degradation of a free and moral agent.
-Thomas Jefferson, letter to Francis Hopkinson, March 13, 1789

Did Kenpo X and my 100 sit up's, BRING IT!!!

BRING IT!!!

Thanks Aredore.  I really appreciate you taking the time to comment on my situation.  I'm sure eating is part of it, but i know my wife and i eat fairly well for people our age (late 20s).  I'm also sure my boredom comes into play since i can't manage more than 10-15 minutes of weights during a gym session.  Regardless of how i'm feeling or what songs i've got blasting through my iPod, it's just the most boring activity ever.

As for the P90x, my wife's coworker just started it and is going to let my wife borrow it when she's done.  We have to buy one of those door frame pull-up bars, but i think aside from that, we're equipped to do all the exercises in the program. I appreciate the offer you made.  Maybe the wife and i will start the program in the next couple months and see where it takes us.  I'm willing to give anything a try, provided i will see actual results quickly.

Hwangman

 I'm also sure my boredom comes into play since i can't manage more than 10-15 minutes of weights during a gym session.

You seriously expect to get bigger arms and a more defined chest by doing 10-15 of weights each gym session?  C'mon dude!  You should be doing at least 3x that amount.  It will even help the flab around your stomach more than you would think because it will burn fat.  You really need to do some more lifting to get the results that you want.  You can do it!

Great start today, mostly mixing it up

However, then failed on the cardio

I just had nothing in the legs this morning so I just took an early shower

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JasonB

Hwangman

 I'm also sure my boredom comes into play since i can't manage more than 10-15 minutes of weights during a gym session.

You seriously expect to get bigger arms and a more defined chest by doing 10-15 of weights each gym session?  C'mon dude!  You should be doing at least 3x that amount.  It will even help the flab around your stomach more than you would think because it will burn fat.  You really need to do some more lifting to get the results that you want.  You can do it!

Your lifting sessions should be between about 30-45 minutes. 

10-15 minutes? No wonder you can't see any improvements! Then again, maybe you should try a different sport/activity? If it's THAT boring for you, and there is no way you can see yourself enjoying it...maybe you should try something different. 

First of all, just try a few different approaches. Do some pyramid sets, and try as many different movements as you can whenever you are training a different bodypart. What exactly are you striving to achieve? If there is a particular body type you want then get a photograph and stick it on your wall for motivation. If you think you have skinny arms, then go to the gym wearing a vest so that they are constantly on show. That will make you more motivated to make them grow. 

As I've said before, you need to ENJOY it to really make any gains. If you dislike going to the gym and lifting, then you won't be putting 110% effort into it and you won't notice any difference. You want bigger arms, then work for them! And you want a flatter stomach - work for it! 

Taking a day off from the gym today. While I am glad to be back in a somewhat regular routine (3 days in a row this week! Woo hoo!), I don't want to get overzealous and push myself too hard as I get back into it. I did that a couple months ago and the result was a nasty sinus infection that lingered for two weeks.

So - off day for me today - and I will take extra care on the diet side of things. I'll be back in my regular gym session tomorrow morning!

Hwangman: A big +1 to all the comments on the time and effort required to see gains. Given your goals and your comments on your approach, I would recommend booking a couple sessions with a personal trainer with the goal of getting a stockpile of exercises you can change in and out as needed. You really need to be focused and giving maximum+ effort to get to the goals you have set. Only you can find the best way to do that, so experiment a little and see what works best for you.

I never submitted the whole system of my opinions to the creed of any party of men whatever in religion, in philosophy, in politics, or in anything else where I was capable of thinking for myself. Such an addiction is the last degradation of a free and moral agent.
-Thomas Jefferson, letter to Francis Hopkinson, March 13, 1789

So, I've been working out "for real" these past two days and it just goes to show how free weights work you much harder than the machines.  I had been doing just the machines for about three weeks prior and I would be only kinda sore the day after my workouts.  Today I'm so sore I can barely move.  Didn't do anything fancy...just the 45 min or so workouts I normally do.  It's a good sore, though!

JasonB


So, I've been working out "for real" these past two days and it just goes to show how free weights work you much harder than the machines.  I had been doing just the machines for about three weeks prior and I would be only kinda sore the day after my workouts.  Today I'm so sore I can barely move.  Didn't do anything fancy...just the 45 min or so workouts I normally do.  It's a good sore, though!

If the bodypart doesn't feel sore 2 days after I have trained it, I'm unsatisfied! 

It's definitely a 'good' sore though. Like you can feel the muscles growing back stronger. 

Don't rule out machines completely though. Some of them are brilliant. 

spikelineus

JasonB


So, I've been working out "for real" these past two days and it just goes to show how free weights work you much harder than the machines.  I had been doing just the machines for about three weeks prior and I would be only kinda sore the day after my workouts.  Today I'm so sore I can barely move.  Didn't do anything fancy...just the 45 min or so workouts I normally do.  It's a good sore, though!

If the bodypart doesn't feel sore 2 days after I have trained it, I'm unsatisfied! 

It's definitely a 'good' sore though. Like you can feel the muscles growing back stronger. 

Don't rule out machines completely though. Some of them are brilliant. 

I still use the cable machine for rows, the shoulder press machine (although I still do dumbbell military press as well), the tricep pulldown with a rope (LOVE that one), and various leg machines.  But the curl, bench, and lat pulldown machines don't come close to the real thing, IMO.  I remember I used the lat pulldown machine for a long time, then I decided to just start doing good ol' pull-ups instead...HUGE difference!

I am still on lat pull down as pull ups are still beyond me

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JasonB

spikelineus

JasonB


So, I've been working out "for real" these past two days and it just goes to show how free weights work you much harder than the machines.  I had been doing just the machines for about three weeks prior and I would be only kinda sore the day after my workouts.  Today I'm so sore I can barely move.  Didn't do anything fancy...just the 45 min or so workouts I normally do.  It's a good sore, though!

If the bodypart doesn't feel sore 2 days after I have trained it, I'm unsatisfied! 

It's definitely a 'good' sore though. Like you can feel the muscles growing back stronger. 

Don't rule out machines completely though. Some of them are brilliant. 

I still use the cable machine for rows, the shoulder press machine (although I still do dumbbell military press as well), the tricep pulldown with a rope (LOVE that one), and various leg machines.  But the curl, bench, and lat pulldown machines don't come close to the real thing, IMO.  I remember I used the lat pulldown machine for a long time, then I decided to just start doing good ol' pull-ups instead...HUGE difference!

Oh yeah, Wide Grip Chins win hands down every time. Although, I do like to do Lat Pulldowns as well. But I don't think you should ever substitute Pulldowns for chins completely. Wide Grip Chins are far more beneficial when done with correct form! 

When you say curl, I'm assuming you are talking about Bicep curls? The Bicep curl machine is useless - it has to be the most pointless piece of equipment in the gym. I think the best method for giving your Biceps the best session you can is by using a Preacher bench. That wins every time. 

spikelineus

JasonB

spikelineus

JasonB


So, I've been working out "for real" these past two days and it just goes to show how free weights work you much harder than the machines.  I had been doing just the machines for about three weeks prior and I would be only kinda sore the day after my workouts.  Today I'm so sore I can barely move.  Didn't do anything fancy...just the 45 min or so workouts I normally do.  It's a good sore, though!

If the bodypart doesn't feel sore 2 days after I have trained it, I'm unsatisfied! 

It's definitely a 'good' sore though. Like you can feel the muscles growing back stronger. 

Don't rule out machines completely though. Some of them are brilliant. 

I still use the cable machine for rows, the shoulder press machine (although I still do dumbbell military press as well), the tricep pulldown with a rope (LOVE that one), and various leg machines.  But the curl, bench, and lat pulldown machines don't come close to the real thing, IMO.  I remember I used the lat pulldown machine for a long time, then I decided to just start doing good ol' pull-ups instead...HUGE difference!

Oh yeah, Wide Grip Chins win hands down every time. Although, I do like to do Lat Pulldowns as well. But I don't think you should ever substitute Pulldowns for chins completely. Wide Grip Chins are far more beneficial when done with correct form! 

When you say curl, I'm assuming you are talking about Bicep curls? The Bicep curl machine is useless - it has to be the most pointless piece of equipment in the gym. I think the best method for giving your Biceps the best session you can is by using a Preacher bench. That wins every time. 

I use an overhand grip for pull-ups...when you mention "chins" I think of an underhand grip.  I have my hands out a bit further than my shoulders, I cross my legs behind my back, and I go up and down in a smooth & steady motion.  Love it.  Normally do four sets of eight.
Yep, I'm talking about the bicep curl machine.  I actually don't like doing the preacher curls...I'm more of a straight bar & dumbbell curler.  I just don't like how the preacher curl feels for whatever reason.  I like how the preacher curl pretty much forces you to not cheat, since your arms are locked into place, but I just feel like I get a better burn using proper form standing up curling a straight bar.

JasonB

Hwangman

 I'm also sure my boredom comes into play since i can't manage more than 10-15 minutes of weights during a gym session.

You seriously expect to get bigger arms and a more defined chest by doing 10-15 of weights each gym session?  C'mon dude!  You should be doing at least 3x that amount.  It will even help the flab around your stomach more than you would think because it will burn fat.  You really need to do some more lifting to get the results that you want.  You can do it!

Guess that's my problem.  I do pyramid sets on the bench press right now, but after 2 sets of that, i can't do anymore.  I then usually switch to 2 sets of 10 curls, then switch to the butterfly machine and do 4 or 5 sets of 10.  After that, my arms are exhausted, so i can't really muster anything else.  I'd like to put in more time, but if my arms can't really lift any additional weight, i don't see what i should be doing. 

I agree about the personal trainer comment, but it's not gonna happen right now.  I'm too strapped financially right now to join a gym or book sessions w/a trainer.  My wife and i have both talked about that, since we both need a plan and some motivation to work out, but it's not going to be a reality for a while, which is why i was hoping to get what i needed from our local mini-gym.

JasonB


I use an overhand grip for pull-ups...when you mention "chins" I think of an underhand grip.  I have my hands out a bit further than my shoulders, I cross my legs behind my back, and I go up and down in a smooth & steady motion.  Love it.  Normally do four sets of eight.
Yep, I'm talking about the bicep curl machine.  I actually don't like doing the preacher curls...I'm more of a straight bar & dumbbell curler.  I just don't like how the preacher curl feels for whatever reason.  I like how the preacher curl pretty much forces you to not cheat, since your arms are locked into place, but I just feel like I get a better burn using proper form standing up curling a straight bar.

Wide Grip Chin = Pull-up. Or at least how you have just described it to me! Best movement for gaining width to that back. That's fair enough on the Bicep front! I generally use the preacher bench with different variations of technique - Dumbbells at the same time, alternate Dumbbell curls, with a straight bar (wide grip and close grip) and I especially like doing reverse EZ bar curls on it which are an absolute killer! 

I just find when I do any sort of curl standing up, it's very easy to 'accidentally' cheat on the final repetitions. Sometimes I might do them stood with my back against the wall though, to stop myself from using any momentum.

I've been rather lazy about working out and all that other stuff for a long time. Since I'm starting to get the urge to get back into it, I have no clue how to get a routine going or anything.

Hwangman


...I do pyramid sets on the bench press right now, but after 2 sets of that, i can't do anymore....

Is that just because it is too heavy? Or is it a boredom thing? If it is too heavy dude, then just lower the weights until you are comfortable with what you are lifting. If you are feeling fatigued after 2 sets then either 1] you are doing the movement totally wrong, or 2] you are using far too much weight. 

Starwind


I've been rather lazy about working out and all that other stuff for a long time. Since I'm starting to get the urge to get back into it, I have no clue how to get a routine going or anything.

That's part of my problem too.  Thankfully, there are a lot of helpful people in this thread to point you in the right direction.

Spike, i'll try it on lower weights, but it's fairly low already.  I could probably do another couple sets after waiting 10 or 15 minutes, but i don't wanna be sitting in the gym doing nothing while i wait to get my energy back.  I'm doing the movement/form it shows on the equipment (it has diagrams for all the weights exercises on it), so i don't think it's a form issue.  I just apparently have very little muscle mass in my arms, and they fatigue really quickly.

Hwangman ... You won't see results quickly really in anything in my opinion. I didn't see any changes to my body until day 60 with my first round of P90X. Even on my 2nd Round, I didn't see any changes after 30 again but I know I'll see more next week on day 60. It takes time.

If the weights are too heavy, lower the weights and go for more reps. Tony's P90X rule is this:
8-10 reps - size
10-12 reps - lean
Of course each set of reps is about 60 secs depending on the movement. So I try to go heavy and get my 8-10 at least. But it's structured so you're blasting certain parts each workout. One day could be Back and Biceps. Two days later could be Chest, Shoulders and Triceps.

Today is X-Stretch and I did 100 sit up's.

A bunch of us on Facebook are having a monthly challenge. May's challenge was set a goal for X number of push up's everyday in May. My goal was 100 and I hit that everyday.

The June challenge is Sit up's. Again my # is 100 per day. Some people are doing 200, some are doing 400. It's crazy fun and motivating!!!

Remember, it takes time to develop your body and see changes. Then it takes that much or more to maintain when you get to that point as well. It's a journey, a marathon... it's not a sprint.

BRING IT!!!

BRING IT!!!

Mostly upper back this morning

With lat pull downs and rowing

Also threw in some leg work

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Core Syn today! whoohoo! BRING IT!!!

BRING IT!!!

Did a huge six exercise superset of chest (three sets), followed by three back exercises (three sets), six arm exercises (three sets) and two ab exercises  (6 sets with increasing reps). Excellent!

Plan on doing some cardio tomorrow morning!

I never submitted the whole system of my opinions to the creed of any party of men whatever in religion, in philosophy, in politics, or in anything else where I was capable of thinking for myself. Such an addiction is the last degradation of a free and moral agent.
-Thomas Jefferson, letter to Francis Hopkinson, March 13, 1789

Hwangman


Spike, i'll try it on lower weights, but it's fairly low already.  I could probably do another couple sets after waiting 10 or 15 minutes, but i don't wanna be sitting in the gym doing nothing while i wait to get my energy back.  I'm doing the movement/form it shows on the equipment (it has diagrams for all the weights exercises on it), so i don't think it's a form issue.  I just apparently have very little muscle mass in my arms, and they fatigue really quickly.

You definitely don't want to be resting for 10 minutes in between sets! You'll lose any sort of pump you have, and it will just be a waste of time. Maybe you should just concentrate on overall strength building movements? I'm talking Bench Press, Squats, Clean Jerks and Deadlifts. Maybe once you feel comfortable doing those particular compound movements, you could move towards doing a few more isolation movements as well. Your strength is definitely something that has to be built before you focus too much on aesthetics. 

Just a thought.

10-15 min rest and then starting up again is bad because your muscles were warm and now they're cold. Gotta warm up, stretch, work out hard, then cool down and stretch and be done.

Yoga X today, week 8 aka recovery week #2 done. Monday begins the final 5 weeks of Round 2. BRING IT!

BRING IT!!!

Think whatever you want, but...
I lost 15 kilograms (that's 35 pounds or so) in 2 month...
No salt. No sugar. No fats. No meat (escept diet chicken). No frying (only boiled and stewed food). No milk, cheese and allsorts (it turned out that I'm lactose intolerant).
Basically, I eat only vegetables, rice (LOTS OF RICE), some fish and occasional chicken. With garlic... lots of garlic... I want my food to be tasty dammit!
And now I feel much MUCH better... I became stronger... And... Just healthier...
And I'm sober since New Year celebrations... And I'm not going to drink on the next NY or any other holidays.
Thank you for your attention.

Wonderful! Time for a celebration... Cheese for everyone! Wait, scratch that. Cheese for no one. That can be just as much of a celebration, if you don't like cheese, true? You've run a maze like a good little rat. But no cheese for you yet. Well, maybe a little.
~ Sheogorath, Daedric Prince of Madness

Congrats br_wildead! Keep it up! Now you just need to start working out :)

Today is a rest day for me but I might do some cardio later. About to head to church in an hour or so and get ready to drum this morning.

Keep it up everyone! BRING IT!

BRING IT!!!

Week 9 Day 1 Chest, Back and Abs - DONE!!!

BRING IT!!!

On a side note, I'll be taking Day 150 pics this Thursday!

BRING IT!!!

We expect to see more improvement

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thefunkygibbons


We expect to see more improvement

Me too!!!

BRING IT!!!

Training for a 5k in a few weeks. My first!

After I get paid soon I'm thinking about P90X.

Haven't been able to train for the last 4 months due to work. Ack!

Almost a week since my knee surgery and I'm itching to get back into it.  I've been afraid to do anything for fear of making the injury worse.  So, tomorrow I'm going to start doing some low-impact upper body stuff (push-ups, bench press, curls, wrist stuff, etc.) and see how I feel.  If all is well, I may try some crunches.  Not really looking for any "burn" per se, just want to start working out the atrophy I've no doubt accumulated.

I have a follow-up appointment with my surgeon on Friday, so hopefully after that I can start improving my fitness and work up to maybe starting P90X.

It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.
Aristotle Onassis

All Shoulders and delts this morning

Think it was 8 different sets before moving onto the bike for a 25 minute sweat

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I've had to take a few days off from the gym to focus on family and school. Wednesday is my last class for the quarter (final exam - yay), and I'll be off until early September! Can't effing wait!

We'll see how it goes, but I'd like to get to my regular session tomorrow morning if at all possible. It depends on how much studying I get done tonight.

I never submitted the whole system of my opinions to the creed of any party of men whatever in religion, in philosophy, in politics, or in anything else where I was capable of thinking for myself. Such an addiction is the last degradation of a free and moral agent.
-Thomas Jefferson, letter to Francis Hopkinson, March 13, 1789

Wonderland and Bails, if you don't already have P90X and you are going to order it, please order it through me. :) PM me if you have any questions.

Plyo X Done!!! BRING IT!!!

Running my first 5K this Saturday. Thank goodness it's a Fun Run/Walk. I don't know if I'm able to run a full 5K non-stop yet but this Sat is a great test to see where I'm at!!!

BRING IT!!!

Stunning session today

I finally bought an iphone and I have only had time to load DT onto it

Playing BC&SL this morning made the weights seem super light and the cardio just sailed by

Much better than the dance music on the video screens

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Just bought a gym membership last week and I think I'm FINALLY going to be able to commit this time. Have gone five times in the last week with my buddy and I'm starting to get the hang of it. Hopefully the campus gym at METU in Ankara will be decent enough to keep up the routine.

Also, to aredore and others - what kind of fitness level would you recommend a person be at in order to try P90X? I'm just starting to get back into exercising after months of lethargy, but is it the kind of thing where you just need the motivation to do it, or should you be at a good fitness level before you start in order to keep up? Also, is it more suited to toning/losing weight or gaining weight? The latter is definitely what I'm interested in.

Well we all know that Aredore was a God like figure before he started



Kidding - Billy was brave enough to put up before pictures, and he will admit that it willingness to commit rather than starting fitness level that counts



(although if he keeps on, he will end up a God like figure)

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I've had several friends do p90x and get good results.  My personal favorite, though, is The New Rules of Lifting by Lou Schuler and Alwyn Cosgrove.  Outstanding book.  It emphasizes total body workouts, as opposed to "body part" emphasis.  It has a year's worth of lifting programs, more if you change stuff around to fit your goals.  Today actually marks two months for me sticking with the program, which is 1.5 more months than ever before.

My main advice, though, is if you don't like lifting weights, don't.  Do something else.  There has got to be something you can do that you enjoy.

I also am recovering from chronic shin splints.  The physical therapist I was assigned put me on a regimen of stretches and a "return to running" program that has been really helpful.  You basically alternate running and walking, gradually upping the running intervals.

fireandice


Also, to aredore and others - what kind of fitness level would you recommend a person be at in order to try P90X? I'm just starting to get back into exercising after months of lethargy, but is it the kind of thing where you just need the motivation to do it, or should you be at a good fitness level before you start in order to keep up? Also, is it more suited to toning/losing weight or gaining weight? The latter is definitely what I'm interested in.

I was 320 lbs when I started P90X back in January. This may sound funny but I was kind of in decent shape. Meaning I used to work out but that was 4-5 months before I started P90X.

The really cool thing is they show you how to modify but they also warn you it's intense, because it is. But the intensity is also depending on how much you actually push yourself as well. I personally think anyone can do P90X but it takes commitment and the mental mindset that you CAN and WILL do it for 90 days. So it's more mental than anything. Tony says you need to get the "I can't" out of your head and think of it as, I presently struggle with.

You'll lose weight, you'll tone and you'll build a crap load of muscle. I'm taking Day 150 pics tomorrow, I can't freaking wait!!!

If you have any other questions, please msg me. And if you're going to buy it, please buy it through me :)

BRING IT!!!

BRING IT!!!

P90X Rd 2 Wk 9 Day 3 - Shoulders, Arms and Abs - DONE! BRING IT!!! and bring on the Dream Theater and Iron Maiden show tonight!!!

BRING IT!!!

Mostly chest this morning but I am leaving aside the bench press as that keeps making the shoulder worse

Did some heavy shrugs so a little sore there

A good sore though

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I had a rough shoulder injury last year...I tried to bench though it and eventually did so much damage I had to stop benching altogether...it took months before I could even do push-ups again....

Be careful friend.

"Be careful.  You're a man who makes people afraid, and that's dangerous."

"It's what people know about themselves inside that makes em' afraid."

Indeed

There are plenty of other exercises I can do

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WilliamMunny


I had a rough shoulder injury last year...I tried to bench though it and eventually did so much damage I had to stop benching altogether...it took months before I could even do push-ups again....

Be careful friend.

 
When I was in Iraq a couple of years ago, my First Sergeant broke his arm doing the bench press.  He had a previous injury which healed wrong, basically the muscle sort of attached itself to a bone spur.  Something like that.  Anyway, he was attempting 315 and it gave out.  He went home for surgery and was back in Iraq in about a month, though his doctor told him it should take 3.  Long story short, be careful.

Updated pics coming soon... I took them, just need to do the side by side edit so you can see where I was before to now.

Haven't worked out yet today because its my wifes bday and we've been busy all day, but I will work out either before bed or do a double tomorrow to make up for today.

BRING IT!!!

Legs and abs today. Was shaking a lot near the end and I can barely sit up without my abs giving out, but I'm feelin' good!

aredore


Haven't worked out yet today because its my wifes bday...

Slacker 

Upper back this morning

Although work needs meant I dropped the cardio this morning

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Legs, Back and Abs - DONE! BRING IT!!!

Running in my first 5K tomorrow, can't wait to see how far I've come and what I can really do!

And yes the updated pics are coming soon, I already took them, I just need my friend to help me put the before and current side by side since I'm no good at photoshop crap, heh

BRING IT!!!

BRING IT!!!

Haven't been around for a while, don't plan on staying, but this thread is my jam. To all of you fools busting ass in the gym- keep it up. For the last month or two I have been totally back on track after my move last summer and exceeded my goals/records from before I moved.

Actually, I was overtraining for about two weeks doing 2 hours of cardio a night after climbing and weights, and I ended up going catabolic because I wasn't eating enough and all that long cardio was blasting me with cortisol. I've replaced the 2 hours a night with HIIT elliptical or bike every other day (on off days from major weight days) and I'm going with a 3-day-per-week weights regimen with abs on my off days, then finally ensuring that I don't go overboard on dieting. My intake was at or below 2000 cal a day but my maintenance was around 4000. Bad idea.


Keep up the good work guys (and gals). Peace.

It was time, I felt, for an Agonizing Reappraisal of the whole scene.

Now that it is summer time, I am starting to bike to/from work.  It's 8.5mi each way and takes about 45-50 minutes depending upon traffic.  Unfortunately, there is plenty of stoplights and traffic -especially near the schools in the morning.  Why drive to work and then to the gym just to ride a stationary bike?  I actually get home sooner this way.

I did it last Thursday and 3 days this week including today.  It's kicking my ass.

And all the science I don't understand
It's just my job 5 days a week

I begin training for my 1st marathon on Monday. I researched a bit and found a 16 week marathon training schedule I think I can stick to regularly.
  We have our 3rd baby due (anytime actually) so I don't know if I will be able to run the recommended 4x a week but I definately am going to make sure I get my long run in each week and at least 1 other run. I think I'll be able to get 3 runs a week pretty regular but I really have to wait and see how this 3rd baby (along with the 4 and 3 year olds) is going to affect the whole running schedule.
   Nonetheless on October 3rd I'll be running a marathon no matter how much training I've accomplished so that much is definate.
   My wife picked up the P90x to help her get back into shape. 3 kids in just over 4 years certainly has taken a physical tole on her and she is my hero!!!! But she is pumped to begin that series, I've trained to a couple of the DVD's and like it alot. I told her I'd do it with her when she began but I'll see how that will mix with the martathon training.
   I did like the XStretch alot, that is useful no matter what you are doing. I also did the cardio x and the yogax.
   I don't stop into this thread to often but now that I am going to begin my training you all may see me here a bit more either giving updates and most likely asking for advice from some of you 'professional' runners.

"Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.....Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars."                  Khalil Gibran

sounds like everyone is doing pretty great! Keep up the good work.

Ran/Walked my first official 5K this morning. 45:12 was my time. Not bad for my first ever and considering I've only been really getting into shape since January. I'm very happy with my time and I ran a little over a mile before I had to slow down to a fast walk, so good times!

BRING IT!

BRING IT!!!

Just got back from a cruise today and ate a disgusting amount of food lol... I definitely need to start up again

Was time limited due to work issues this morning so only had time for the warm up and 40 mnutes of weights

All good though

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After not hitting the gym all last week, I got back in there this morning for a nice 40 minute interval session on the elliptical. Had to get past that mental barrier from not being there for a little while, but I always feel great after pushing through and getting a good workout in.

I now have three months off from grad school, so that removes a HUGE time and stress element from my schedule. I also am in a biggest loser contest that I've been in denial about, so I have to get on the stick for that as well.

I never submitted the whole system of my opinions to the creed of any party of men whatever in religion, in philosophy, in politics, or in anything else where I was capable of thinking for myself. Such an addiction is the last degradation of a free and moral agent.
-Thomas Jefferson, letter to Francis Hopkinson, March 13, 1789

Chest, Shoulders, Triceps and Ab Ripper X - DONE!!!
This is Week 10 Day 1. The end of Week 13 (End of Round 2) is almost here!!!

BRING IT!!!

BRING IT!!!

Same issue this morning, but got in 60 minutes of warm up and weights

All shoulders this morning - terrific pump

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Plyo X done! BRING IT!

BRING IT!!!

Aredore, are you going to get the pics on here anytime soon??  Your first before & after pics were incredible!  Anxious to see the next ones.

Had a super tasty and healthy supper tonight:

2 egg whites
1 turkey burger patty
Lots of hot sauce

Celery


Yummmmm

All arms again

I have had several failed attempts to relaunch the food diet

Time to have another go

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JasonB


Aredore, are you going to get the pics on here anytime soon??  Your first before & after pics were incredible!  Anxious to see the next ones.

Yes I am. Sorry just recently started a new job and have been very busy. They are coming soon!!!

Back, Biceps and Abs done! BRING IT!!!

BRING IT!!!

This morning's session just about made me puke. It was touch and go there for a few minutes. It was the 25-rep sets of step-ups, squats, lunges and stiff legged deadlifts that did it. We also did lower rep sets of chest, back, bis, tris, and shoulders. As always, we end with a bunch of rapid fire ab exercises. Wow!

Currently sucking wind in the biggest loser contest (big surprise). Only down 1.5% after 4 weeks! I need to kick things into gear big time if I have a hope of winning this thing!

I never submitted the whole system of my opinions to the creed of any party of men whatever in religion, in philosophy, in politics, or in anything else where I was capable of thinking for myself. Such an addiction is the last degradation of a free and moral agent.
-Thomas Jefferson, letter to Francis Hopkinson, March 13, 1789

Man I have learned a fantastic lesson this year.

See... spent several years on an endless bulking cycle, cuz I was a scrawny dweeb of a man.  Hence the avoidance of cardio.

Well.  The fat piled on a bit too much round the gutular region.  And a good man at work had bypass at the end of last year.   He is doing great, and his reliance on cardio kept his heart strong before (and now after), and his experience triggered some alarms in my brain. 

So I've added interval training (sprints mainly) to the weightlifting.  At first it slaughtered my squats... but man, wow, just a few weeks in, and the fat is desperate to hang on, but is dying bwa ha ha ha.  Plus...  the weightlifting itself is so much more enhanced when spruced with intense cardio.  Jesus.  I feel like a new man.  It feels just...  like a lion, like awesome multiplied by infinity.

I learned:
Life is not a journey to the grave
With the intention of
Arriving tired in a worn out,
sad, old used up body,
But rather to slaughter all oppression,
arrive totally ripped,
Totally sexy,
And loudly proclaiming,
WOW !!!! What a ride!  Anybody wanna hop on?  Ladies?  (giggety)

http://soundcloud.com/codestation
"I want to run free in the zoo and mate with every species."
-Mike Portnoy discussing musical genres, 21April 2011

Mixed up session this morning but at least I got the cardio all in

Slight shoulder niggle but I trained around it

No cheating yesterday on food, which is positive

One day at a time, I guess

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thefunkygibbons


No cheating yesterday on food, which is positive

One day at a time, I guess

If you can try and draw up a meal plan for the week ahead. It makes the whole process much, much easier. 

Sadly I am not in charge of food in the household



This morning was solid upper back and delts

Loads of lat work and rowing so all good

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Has anyone of you tried creatine as a food supplement?

A corpse is meat gone bad. Well and what's cheese? Corpse of milk.

String - a friend of mine tried Creatine as a supplement and he noticed his weight loss completely stopped for some reason. He stopped it and his weight loss started again, I don't know if that helps you or not though.

Off to do Legs, Back and Abs right now, then off to work. Didn't get up yesterday morning and was too drained last night. So I'll either count yesterday as my rest day and catch up Sun or I'll work out tonight as well to catch back up. Either way, I'm still on track!!! Oh yeah, I will definitely work on the pics this weekend to post! Only 3 weeks and 2 days left in Round 2!!!

BRING IT!!!

BRING IT!!!

So I was hanging out with my older brother last night, and he asked me if I had ever heard of a planche pushup.  I was like WTF is a planche pushup?  He continued to tell me that it's a pushup where you have your hands around your hips and push your entire body, including your legs, upward.  He showed me some YouTube clips (even one of a gymnast doing these and frickin' CLAPPING between them), and then told me there was no way in hell I could do one.  I like a good challenge, so I tried them out.

It took a little while, but I got to the point where I could do about three sloppy ones.  My brother was amazed  I think I'm going to work on these each week because the burn you get in your shoulders is incredible.  I really want to add these to my shoulder routine.

I am sure some of you are aware of this website but if you are not I found it to be pretty cool. It is called mapmyrun.com, and it allows you to 'trace' a route of your run, tells you how long a run it is,and has an entire host of accessories that you can use to your benifit for your workout schedule.
  It has an app available for download to your smartphone as well. I've found it very helpful for my training and just wanted to share for those of you who may be doing what I was doing and getting in your car, setting the trip meter to 0 then keeping track of distance like that. Which sucks! I will no longer be doing that!
  Anyway, check it out it's pretty neat!
 

"Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.....Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars."                  Khalil Gibran

Hey guys... just put together a workout routine.  Trying to get my weight down to around 11 stone - it's currently at 12 stone 8 pounds.  How does this look?  I have no idea if this is any good or not, so some input would be appreciated big time.  

Monday
Running, 30 minutes

Tuesday
Swimming, one hour. 
Bicep Curls 3x10
Tricep Extensions 3x10
Wrist Curls 3x10
Bench Press 3x10
Shoulder Press 3x10
Sit Ups 3x10

Wednesday
Running, 30 minutes

Thursday
Swimming, 1 hour.
Leg Extensions 3x10
Leg Curls 3x10
Leg Press 3x10
Calf Press 3x10
Lat Pulldown 3x10
Back Extension 3x10
Seated Cable Row 3x10

Friday
Running, 30minutes

Saturday and Sunday are rest days.  Aiming to cut around 500-1000 calories from my diet too.

 

Chest and back in my session this morning. Killer! I can already feel it.

I never submitted the whole system of my opinions to the creed of any party of men whatever in religion, in philosophy, in politics, or in anything else where I was capable of thinking for myself. Such an addiction is the last degradation of a free and moral agent.
-Thomas Jefferson, letter to Francis Hopkinson, March 13, 1789