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.

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.

Did Kenpo X and my 100 sit up's, 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

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.

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

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!!!

Mostly upper back this morning

With lat pull downs and rowing

Also threw in some leg work

Core Syn today! whoohoo! 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!

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!

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.

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!

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

BRING IT!!!

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

We expect to see more improvement

thefunkygibbons


We expect to see more improvement

Me too!!!

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.

All Shoulders and delts this morning

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

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.

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!!!

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

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.