...does anybody else here work out regularly?

[abcdefz]

Just curious. I know enree does.

I slacked off two and a half weeks ago (bike in the morning, lifting in the afternoon); I need to get back into it.

[Qdrop]

i do.

but you have me on ignore.
never mind.

[instigator7022]

i do, im getting ready for soccer season.

[mp-seventythree]

I worked out regularly until I was told I needed an operation on my knee, now all I'm allowed to do is swim. But I'm getting my operation on Feb 17, so a few weeks after that I should be allowed to get back into it.

It's amazing how shitty you feel when you're used to exercising regularly, and then you have to stop.

[Mr_Complex]

i do, im getting ready for soccer season.

Yeah, same. Since breaking up for Christmas, I've done nothing in terms of training. First game is on Sunday and I'm not even prepared.

[abcdefz]

...so what do you guys do to train?




But I'm getting my operation on Feb 17, so a few weeks after that I should be allowed to get back into it.



Hope the operation goes well. Swimmingly, in fact. :rolleyes:



It's amazing how shitty you feel when you're used to exercising regularly, and then you have to stop.



No shit. I've gotten kind of depressed.

I took a break because I'd been at it for about three months straight, six days a week, and I was just... ugh. I just needed a break.

Then I didn't get back after what was supposed to be just three days off, and... ugh.

My usual routine: 12 sets of ab exercises in the morning (giant sets of four exercises), then 20-30 minutes or cardio.

Afternoons: splits, hitting each part twice a week; 18 sets per afternoon total, every two exercises supsetted. I'd just gotten to 4 sets per exercise (24 sets total) when I started burning out.

[mp-seventythree]

It's depressing to look in the mirror and see your body losing definition, and seeing yourself getting fatter. But I'm still eating as well as I can, so I'm positive that I can get back into shape fairly quickly.

[abcdefz]

It's depressing to look in the mirror and see your body losing definition, and seeing yourself getting fatter. But I'm still eating as well as I can, so I'm positive that I can get back into shape fairly quickly.



That's basically where I am.

I taped off and weighed in and all that a couple of days ago, and it was a nice reality check; I've barely lost anything.

But my body feels different. It's not as tight. I don't feel like I'm ready to spring into action any moment of the day.

[mp-seventythree]

Yeah, I just find myself wanting to sleep whenever I get on the couch. But a week or so before my operation we're going to Egypt for 7 days, so I'll probably swim a lot (I generally do when I'm on holiday). But after the op I have to totally rest for two weeks, so that will undo all the good work from the swimming.


:(

[abcdefz]

I feel for you, sir.

-- but maybe you'll wind up with some pent-up energy because of all the exercise deprevation, and then you can get to it.

[instigator7022]

That's basically where I am.

I taped off and weighed in and all that a couple of days ago, and it was a nice reality check; I've barely lost anything.

But my body feels different. It's not as tight. I don't feel like I'm ready to spring into action any moment of the day.
I love that feeling when you haven't worked out for a while and then you start doing it again and you can feel yourself getting tighter and also the feeling your body gets after being super sweaty and then drying off. It's kind of disgusting but still kind of nice.

[mp-seventythree]

Strangely, I know exactly what you mean :)

[abcdefz]

This thread is helping; it's psyching me up. (y)


-- this last few months was the first time my chest really responded. Everything else always blows up nreal nice, but the pecs lag. So I concentrated on upper-chest exercises and MAN, did it start shaping up.

I think I only recently learned how to really use the chest for presses; I think my arms were doing most of the work before. That's probably part of it.

[jabumbo]

i havent really done anything regularly since high school when i ran for track all the time.


the thing i always say i want to work onnow is my flexibility. since i used to take tae kwon do (big on kicks) i used to have a great range of movement, and everything was easy. now, i cramp up all the time even when im not doing much work.

i should start tonight. stretch before i go to bed. i used to do it and i would wake up feeling much more relaxed. especially now since im cramped up at a desk all day long. i go out to eat for lunch more often just for an excuse to walk around (i might just walk for a break, but we're next to a highway, so it would be hard)

[instigator7022]

(i might just walk for a break, but we're next to a highway, so it would be hard)

challenge the cars to races

[abcdefz]

It's so weird, about exercising... it's a lot easier to not do it, but you don't feel as good. And whenever I am exercising, I realize how much I missed it.

I don't care so much about lifting plateus and stuff; I need to figure out how to conquer enthusiasm plateaus.

[abcdefz]

challenge the cars to races




...did you ever see Bowfinger? :D

[jabumbo]

i try to keep myself in shape by doing whatever in terms of group sports and such.


i am organizing a weekly basketball game with friends on fridays. and i hope to play in both an intramural soccer league and ultimate frisbee. so that will be 2 more nights a week.

and i still want to invest in a nice bike, something i can ride around to get to class and hit some trails. i think if i put a few $$ into one, i will actually use it. (since i never used my old, cheap, beat up bike much)

[instigator7022]

I dont really like running unless there is a soccer ball involved, like just running for running i hate! Swimming i like to do for fun, but since it's winter no swimming :( unless i want to swim in someone else's pee @ the indoor pool. I like pilates a lot though. Stretches feel sooooooo good.

[instigator7022]

and i hope to play in both an intramural soccer league and ultimate frisbee.

HA! my school has an ultimate frisbee team! We're like the only district around who does.

[jabumbo]

HA! my school has an ultimate frisbee team! We're like the only district around who does.


yeah, we had one too. when i was in high school, a kid who played at his school actually started a league. it was really unorganized when i was there, but now its really pretty cool.

my english teacher was one of the guys who like started the cities leauge and so it was pretty cool. the down side was that i was the only one who could throw the disc any good, so we never scored till a new kid who was fast and could jump could catch all my long passes

[instigator7022]

yeah, we had one too. when i was in high school, a kid who played at his school actually started a league. it was really unorganized when i was there, but now its really pretty cool.

my english teacher was one of the guys who like started the cities leauge and so it was pretty cool. the down side was that i was the only one who could throw the disc any good, so we never scored till a new kid who was fast and could jump could catch all my long passes

i never played except in gym but many of my pals do. I can throw straight but not long. haha

[mickill]

Not since the baby came along. Just pull-ups/chin-ups, push-ups and the occasional crunches these days.

[abcdefz]

...just when it strikes you, or is it something you do regularly?

Yeah -- I can't imagine making time for regular, full-on workouts if I had a kid. Unless workouts were at home (which they are) and the wifey and I alternated days or something. And that's assuming the baby was sleeping well, etc.

Good luck. :D

[mickill]

No, the push-ups, chin/pull-ups are a daily thing. They only take a few minutes each so it doesn't interfere too much with my day, or the amount of time I spend with my daughter. Crunches and sit-ups take longer, so I don't always get the chance to do them. I'm hoping to find a way to just get back into a normal routine again, maybe during her naps. Not enough hours in the day, really.

[abcdefz]

Just curious: is your metabolism changing, are you getting soft, etc.? I don't know what sort of shape you're in, to start with.

I'm just a litttttle bit weird about the whole aging thing and just letting myself go. With no hairline concerns, I basically don't look like I'm aging at all unless I let myself get sloppy, and I'd kind of like to keep it that way for a while.

[mickill]

No, I'm pretty much the same. Just less rested.

[abcdefz]

Ah.

See, I have pretty shitty genes, so if I'm not exercising, everything just gets doughy.

[Qdrop]

No, the push-ups, chin/pull-ups are a daily thing. They only take a few minutes each so it doesn't interfere too much with my day, or the amount of time I spend with my daughter. Crunches and sit-ups take longer, so I don't always get the chance to do them. I'm hoping to find a way to just get back into a normal routine again, maybe during her naps. Not enough hours in the day, really.

just strap her to your back....
she'll think it's a blast...

[Rock]

just strap her to your back....
she'll think it's a blast...
ummmm wouldn't that crush her during his sit ups?

and yeah....do it Luke and Yoda style.

[Anne Lauren]

Just curious: is your metabolism changing, are you getting soft, etc.? I don't know what sort of shape you're in, to start with.

I'm just a litttttle bit weird about the whole aging thing and just letting myself go. With no hairline concerns, I basically don't look like I'm aging at all unless I let myself get sloppy, and I'd kind of like to keep it that way for a while.

Yeah I'm pretty self-conscious about my body and overall appearance like that too...I care what I look like. But, I go in cycles...I don't like how I feel or look, so I do something about it. Then, I get comfortable and lazy again. The best shape I've ever been in was in college, dancing. I really have no desire to be like that again...too much effort. I just want to be able to go back to when I was 18 and could eat whatever the fuck I wanted, not go out of my way to excercise, and still look good. I'm only 26 and I have to consciously work at it. I just recently lost a lot of weight due to stress, I think...not really meaning to. But, I actually want to curve out a little more, now. Getting older sucks...boobs aren't as perky, thighs aren't as firm...

[Qdrop]

ummmm wouldn't that crush her during his sit ups?

and yeah....do it Luke and Yoda style.

she can take it....
babies are durable...

[abcdefz]

Yeah I'm pretty self-conscious about my body and overall appearance like that too...I care what I look like. But, I go in cycles...I don't like how I feel or look, so I do something about it. Then, I get comfortable and lazy again. The best shape I've ever been in was in college, dancing. I really have no desire to be like that again...too much effort. I just want to be able to go back to when I was 18 and could eat whatever the fuck I wanted, not go out of my way to excercise, and still look good. I'm only 26 and I have to consciously work at it. I just recently lost a lot of weight due to stress, I think...not really meaning to. But, I actually want to curve out a little more, now. Getting older sucks...boobs aren't as perky, thighs aren't as firm...




Yeah, see... I'm 39 now. Even when my abs are clearly showing, I still have this little paunch. I know that some women like that, but I'd rather it be all lower ab. (y)

[Anne Lauren]

Yeah, see... I'm 39 now. Even when my abs are clearly showing, I still have this little paunch. I know that some women like that, but I'd rather it be all lower ab. (y)

Well, different women are into different things. Honestly, I don't like it when a guy's too riped...like their some action figure. In shape...but, not like it consumes their lives or something. I like for my man to be a man...drink beer and eat wings during the game. And not use fat-free dressing. However, not look like a total ass slob...like that's all that they do.

[Leonie]

I cycle to school every day, that's 2 times 15 minutes a day, it's not really i work out.

I have a 1,5 hour basketball training twice a week.
in the weekend i have often a b-ball match.

once in a week i've PE, but i dont really consider it as a work out :p

[rirv]

I train 2-3 times a day, usually 6 days a week for rowing.
It involves sessions on the water for up to two hours at varying intensities, up to 20km on the rowing machines, plenty of weights, some endurance circuits, running and cycling... I guess you could say I take it seriously, but it's not like "working out" to get buff, it's training to win.

[mp-seventythree]

I train 2-3 times a day, usually 6 days a week for rowing.
It involves sessions on the water for up to two hours at varying intensities, up to 20km on the rowing machines, plenty of weights, some endurance circuits, running and cycling... I guess you could say I take it seriously, but it's not like "working out" to get buff, it's training to win.

That's pretty intense. how many calories do you have to consume a day to fuel that kind of work?

[rirv]

I don't really calculate how many, but it's probably about 4500-5000 at a guess.

[mp-seventythree]

I like it when I'm able to do enough exercise to allow myself to eat whatever I want.

[abcdefz]

I train 2-3 times a day, usually 6 days a week for rowing.
It involves sessions on the water for up to two hours at varying intensities, up to 20km on the rowing machines, plenty of weights, some endurance circuits, running and cycling... I guess you could say I take it seriously, but it's not like "working out" to get buff, it's training to win.




That's very cool.

I wish that my interests were such that I stayed in shape just because of what I like to do, or my job, or whatever. But if my employment and interests determined my body type, I'd probably be a doughy Stephen Hawking or something.

I do really like lifting weights, but it's for the end result rather than the activity itself. If lifting weights had zero affect on the body, I'm not sure I'd do it often at all.

[Anne Lauren]

I train 2-3 times a day, usually 6 days a week for rowing.
It involves sessions on the water for up to two hours at varying intensities, up to 20km on the rowing machines, plenty of weights, some endurance circuits, running and cycling... I guess you could say I take it seriously, but it's not like "working out" to get buff, it's training to win.

Hey, where do you row? My brother rowed at Columbia in NY. Infact, he was in the top 25 fastest rowers in the nation for his boat or something like that...in other words he was pretty good. Columbia recruited him. That's why he went there.

[Leonie]

I train 2-3 times a day, usually 6 days a week for rowing.
It involves sessions on the water for up to two hours at varying intensities, up to 20km on the rowing machines, plenty of weights, some endurance circuits, running and cycling... I guess you could say I take it seriously, but it's not like "working out" to get buff, it's training to win.
god damn it i was just starting to consider myself pretty spotive ;)

[rirv]

Hey, where do you row? My brother rowed at Columbia in NY. Infact, he was in the top 25 fastest rowers in the nation for his boat or something like that...in other words he was pretty good. Columbia recruited him. That's why he went there.
University of London

[Anne Lauren]

University of London

Cool. I've tried out the rowing machine...urg (I guess that's how it's spelled) and it will build up your endurance probably better than any other workout out there. My problem is that I start out giveing it my all and then wear out quickly. My brother said it's all about paceing your energy equally throughout the whole time. Then, at end you give it your all.

[GreenEarthAl]

I throw about sixty-thousand pounds of rubber per day. And bike 10 to 12 miles per day.

Effective.

[like2_drink]

i do, i don't play sports that much anymore so i love to stay in shape/get stronger

[cookiepuss]

I try to workout a minimum of 3 days a week for a minimum of 30 minutes. On the weekend I try to step up my cardio to 45 minutes. Most of the time I only do cardio, but I'm trying to be better about incorporating more weights.


I've been doing this for about 7 months and my body had changed for the better. I wear a smaller size and I feel good about my curves. (y)

the way I motivate myself to go to the gym is to reward myself with the steam/sauna/hot tub after my work out. I love it. I'll never join a gym that doesn't have those things.

[jackrock]

I've been workin' out, I'm huge
:D

no, not really, though I'm in track now, and i wanna get into soccer for after march... better get out there!

[beastieangel01]

when I kept getting sick, I wasn't able to work out. I would cough until I threw up due to ANY strenuous activity (i.e. working out). So, I gained about 15 pounds, I forget how much weight exactly.

Basically, I was I think around 120 before I got sick. After that ordeal, I was around 136 and around a size, 11? I think. Now that I have finally been able to work out again, I am down to 125 and wear a size 7.

I'm just happy to even exercise. It makes me feel better. And I love to feel that burn :D

[WhoMoi?]

I usually get to the gym three times a week. I do weights, and cardio on the elliptical. I like doing the treadmill but my knees always kill afterward, so I've been trying to avoid that. I do abs at home on my off days.

I definitely slacked during the holidays though. :o

[like2_drink]

I definitely slacked during the holidays though. :o

really? i always goes alot more over the holidays, just all-round more time to go

[kate]

i just joined the YMCA a few weeks ago. i like it a lot for two reasons. 1, they have this FitLinx thing where you push your number into a screen at each machine and it tells you exactly how many of how much to do. 2, there's a lot of old people there and they make me feel good about myself (even though most of them can lift twice what i can and run laps around me, but hey, at least i'm not wrinkly!)

so in summary, yes, i work out regularly.

[WhoMoi?]

really? i always goes alot more over the holidays, just all-round more time to go

Yeah, that makes sense. For me it's because I stay with family over the holidays, far from my gym. Plus I get a little out of my general routine as a whole during holidays. Then it's sooo hard to get back into it...but I do it. :)

[Mr_Complex]

Yeah, same. Since breaking up for Christmas, I've done nothing in terms of training. First game is on Sunday and I'm not even prepared.


We drew 0-0 and I got through it pretty well. Stocked myself up on a can of Red Bull, a bottle of Lucozade and a Mars bar before the match.

[na§tee]

i'm currently, erm, unemployed.
all i do is go to the gym. 5 days a week mostly, two hours. i figure this plus no money to eat anything will get the christmas pounds off. bleh.
when i have a job i try to go 3 times a week, and walk home from wherever i'm working [normally in the govan area so it's about an hours pacing].
i find the gym so mind numbingly boring i have to have some music to listen to or a book.
it is a strain each and every time i go and it certainly isn't something i enjoy but it has to be done so i make myself do it and feel better for it.
yup.

[abcdefz]

....what do you do? Bike? Handball? Weights? Swim?

[na§tee]

oh, nothing major. i do about an hour on the bike/cross trainer to warm up. also those cross trainer things that you can change the angle on [see how gym-savvy i am, ha!]. then 15 minutes of rowing. and then i head upstairs to the exercise conditioning suite where they have a full body routine from steps 1 to whatever that i go through, if some big sweaty men aren't on them huffing and puffing.

[adam_f]

I lost 35 pounds last year. Down to an even 200. True story. Could be a movie actually.

[marsdaddy]

I don't care so much about lifting plateus and stuff; I need to figure out how to conquer enthusiasm plateaus.I've found one way to conquer this is to not overdo it. If you devote too much time to working out, you're neglecting something else -- even if that something else is just relaxing. Then, you burn out, need a break, etc. etc, ad nauseum.

Try designing a workout that will work, no matter your schedule. For instance, I have a 30 minute workout where I do a circuit of legs, and upper body, where I vary the exercises every other day. If I have an extra 15 minutes, I'll do cardio to start with -- warms up the muscles for a better workout. I do my ab work at home, usually while watching TV.

That being said, I used to workout 3-4 days a week with 3 hours of basketball on one of those days. I'm not quite cleared to go back to my workouts, and can't play basketball anymore, so I'm in search of another strenuous cardio exercise -- I've heard spinning is great cardio and easy on the knees.

[tracky]

Lately I've been doing some push-ups and weights, that's about it. I used to do a lot of crunches but they never did anything so i've kinda given up on loosing the gut, and now i'm just focusing on bulking up the top to even it out ;) :p

[beastieangel01]

tracky: for your muscles, stomach, arms, whatever, you cannot just spot treat them.

You gotta do the crunches + 30 minutes of cardio at least three times a week + a balanced diet (and perhaps one that cuts a lot of calories). Otherwise, it ain't gonna happen. Gotta get rid of the fat that is on top of the ab muscles via diet + cardio, and the crunches just build the muscle.

[abcdefz]

I've found one way to conquer this is to not overdo it. If you devote too much time to working out, you're neglecting something else -- even if that something else is just relaxing. Then, you burn out, need a break, etc. etc, ad nauseum.

Try designing a workout that will work, no matter your schedule. For instance, I have a 30 minute workout where I do a circuit of legs, and upper body, where I vary the exercises every other day. If I have an extra 15 minutes, I'll do cardio to start with -- warms up the muscles for a better workout. I do my ab work at home, usually while watching TV.

That being said, I used to workout 3-4 days a week with 3 hours of basketball on one of those days. I'm not quite cleared to go back to my workouts, and can't play basketball anymore, so I'm in search of another strenuous cardio exercise -- I've heard spinning is great cardio and easy on the knees.


...can you get any pool time?

If you're still working in the area, you might consider a membership at San Jose State. It's like, $32 a month for weights + pool, and their open hours aren't bad.

[abcdefz]

tracky: for your muscles, stomach, arms, whatever, you cannot just spot treat them.

You gotta do the crunches + 30 minutes of cardio at least three times a week + a balanced diet (and perhaps one that cuts a lot of calories). Otherwise, it ain't gonna happen. Gotta get rid of the fat that is on top of the ab muscles via diet + cardio, and the crunches just build the muscle.


Yeah.

Unfortunately, on most folks, the fat around the gut and lower back is the very last to go. You've got to get the overall bodyfat percentage down, or even the most developed abs just won't show.

[enree erzweglle]

Yeah.

Unfortunately, on most folks, the fat around the gut and lower back is the very last to go. You've got to get the overall bodyfat percentage down, or even the most developed abs just won't show.That's not a good place to carry fat in terms of heart health.

As a woman, it's a challenge to get and keep the abs that I want. I can get to where there's a sort of six-pack there (it's more like a four-pack), but I hate that look on a woman (or really, on anyone).

I like there to be a bit of softness there, but when I'm stretched out, I like there to be a lot of sort of sinewey firmness nearly right under the surface.

I think ripples or a chiseled look detracts so much from the beauty of the female torso. (I know that there are health benefits from having developed abs--I'm not disputing that--but having stuff sticking out and threatening people, to me, seems overkill.)

I stayed out of this thread for so long.

[abcdefz]

:D


On women, the two-pack looks best, I think.

[tracky]

tracky: for your muscles, stomach, arms, whatever, you cannot just spot treat them.

You gotta do the crunches + 30 minutes of cardio at least three times a week + a balanced diet (and perhaps one that cuts a lot of calories). Otherwise, it ain't gonna happen. Gotta get rid of the fat that is on top of the ab muscles via diet + cardio, and the crunches just build the muscle.


yeah yeah i know, but those chicken burgers are soooooooo goooooood ;)