Hey you! Yes you! Lets get fit and trim! [Archive]

Darth Turbogeek

Dec 29th, 2009, 05:28:12 AM

Hello again!

Yes, here we go again in this ridiculous attempt to actually STAY fit and not just have a passing fantasy.

Some ground rules -

1) Fads are out.

A fad does not increase your fitness nor does it help you stay healthy. This thread and the previous one I ran was the very opposite - being healthy and fit is a lifestyle, not a resolution or wishful thinking. There are some hard and fast rules and fads tend to break them.

2) There is no easy way out

A fad can be seen by offering more for less. Let me make this plain as I can - there is NO shortcuts. This is going to hurt and it will hurt more to begin with. It does get easier as you build a routine and a lifestyle but if you want to run 10K, you cant do it by playing with a Wii Fit.

Not that a Wii Fit is a bad thing or a fad. But it's no subsitute for hitting the road and really putting some kms on your shoes.

3) Losing weight is a game of calories.

This is the ONLY rule you need to know if you want to lose weight. You simply eat less than you burn. How you go about it is your business (either diet or increase daily joule burn) but to be truly effective and long lasting, a balanced approach is best, as well as NOT doing crash dietiing. Do a 500 calorie per day deficet lifestyle to smoothly lose the excess size.

4) BMI lies

Dont trust it. A overweight person can simply be chock full of muscle and ballistically fit and healthy, a horribly unfit person can be BMI of 17. Trust your tape measure instead

5) Muscle weighs more than fat

Thence, when you begin a fitness program you can find your weight very stubbon. That's your body switching from fat to muscle. Dotn let it bother you. However did you notice you lost a cm around the waist.....?

6) You can not target fat loss from a region.

Sign of a fad is when it claims to blow away fat from the thighs or stomach. This is wrong. You will likely lose fat there LAST as this is where the fat stores are sopposed to be. Your body will likely do odd things first like... hey wait my fingers arent sausages anymore and where the double chin gone....?

When the easy fat stores are gone, then the body works on the long term stores. It's not easy work and it takes time.

7) Do weights.

This really burns the calories big time. And also encourages your body to go into fat burn mode, that lasts 24-36 hours after a weights session - in cardio, your body usually stops burning fat almost immediatly when you stop. The more muscle you have, the faster your metabolism works and the more at rest calories you burn.

8) But... I dont wat to look liek a weight lifter and get bulging muscle :(

This is one of the silliest myths out there. Firstly, a bit of muscle looks sexy. Second - see that point I made about weight loss? YOU CAN NOT BULK UP UNLESS YOU STUFF HUGE AMOUNTS OF PROTEIN / CALORIES IN. You can NOT get bulky if you keep the calorie intake down. So if you want to look slim and trim, dont guzzle 50 litres of protein drink.

Women also dont have the genetics to do a bulk up so dont worry. But they can get a yummy bum by hitting the squat rack.

9) Fitness log

Log what you do. it's simple, watch what I do here

10) Be consistent and watch what you eat

Just because you are on a fitness binge and are losing weight means you can splurge. Be disciplined. McDonalds is crap anyway.

11) Set realistic goals

Should be self explainitory. Dont be silly with saying 50 kgs loss in a month or a marathon in a month. When you fail, it'll be depressing and you will fall off the fitness wagon. Say "okay, 5 km in three months". NOt easy but very doable.

12) Free weights trumps machines

A weights machine is fine but free weights are always better. A weights machine targets a muscle group, while free weights do that AND use the stabilisers and other muscle groups to perform the exercise. You thence burn more calories with free weights and get more benefit. However, weights machines are quite fine and good to start with.

13) REST

Take a day off at least once a week to stop burnout and to allow your body time to repair and relax.

As I go, I'll log and also explain some things I do as I go.

So here's the beginiing of the log and goals for me....

Age - 40
Weight - 84 kgs
Current fitness - Above average

I bulked up last Christmas and also had a few injury problems so I also blew out to close to 90 kgs. Bad.

Goals - 10km in 50 minutes by March 31 2010
100 km bike 4 hours
Swim - 5 km
Weight - 78 kgs
Waist - 85cm

Specific device goals

Squat - 100 kgs, 6 reps
Bench - 80 kg, 6 reps
Incline press - 75 kgs
Incline leg press - 200kgs
Deadlift - 70 kgs

Today's workout - 5min run to warm up, then belt the weights for an hour. Usually get to do about 9 - 10 sets of three sets per exercise.

So.... how about you?

Dasquian Belargic

Dec 29th, 2009, 12:04:01 PM

I really want to start running again.

I can't afford a gym membership though, and perhaps more than that I cannot get comfortable in a gym environment. I was loving running in a local nature park, so I'm hoping that my former running buddy (aka my mam) will be up for start out again once some of the ice clears (since right now the only place you can walk without the potential of falling over is in the middle of roads |I)

Yog

Dec 29th, 2009, 12:45:50 PM

DT, very good OP, with some excellent points on exercise that I all agree with. I really don't have anything to add. Maybe except, if your primary goal is to lose weight rather than bulking, I'd consider doing 10-12 reps thereabout until failure instead of 6 reps.

As for myself..

Height: 184 cm
Weight: 84 kg
BMI: 24.8
Heart rest rate: 90 :(
Blood Pressure ~ 110

47% Muscle
23.8% Fat
58% Water

2319 kcal
2.6 kg bonemass

Measurements in cm (when flexed, will need to remeasure these)
Wrist: 16
Lower arm: 26
Biceps: 32
Abs: 92
Chest: 92
Shoulders: 117
Hamstring: 54
Legs: 36

My goal is not to gain or lose weight, but to replace body fat with muscle, and improve my resting heart rate. I don't plan to set any silly goals as "six pack" or "bulk up x kg in muscle", but set realistic small goals for my training, and to make the training a part of the daily routine.

I'll be using free weights (dumbbells) for stabilizing muscles and balance, and will work with the major muscle groups in 3 sets per major exercise until failure. Also pushups is good for me, because I suck at that, which means I need it. Also for keeping flexibility and avoiding pains, it is important to stretch out properly after the exercises. I might add some Yoga into my training routine getting more flexibility.

Foodwise, nothing special, except try to go for leaner meats, more vegetable and fruit, and get my daily dose of multivitamin, omega 3, and 1g tablets of vitamin C. I might use some of my protein shake for faster results.

Will post more later. :)

Lilaena De'Ville

Dec 29th, 2009, 02:39:54 PM

I lost 30 pounds over the last six weeks. :)

Just 30 more to go! I have to figure out how to be more active with two kids. I have yoga dvds but I don't know that I could do that with Owen knocking me over. Yoga would help me get flexible, which is good because I am bendy like a dry stick.

DT, I think #5 is wrong - don't you mean muscle weighs more than fat? ;)

My stats:
Height- 5'9"
Weight- 175lbs (was 206 right before I went into labor :eek)
Pant size- 12

Goal:
Weight- 135-140lbs
Pant size- 6

Callista

Dec 29th, 2009, 03:01:37 PM

I'm totally joining this thread! Shall keep me accountable...not that I don't keep myself accountable lately...well sorta...working out I'm slacking. So I'll use this to keep active.

I'll update with all my stats later. Here's what I know:

Age: 26
Height: 5'10"
Current Weight: 196 lbs
Goal Weight: 175-ish lbs

I don't have a gym membership either but will be doing various weights and cardio. Soon as there's no snow I'll be running again -- the gyms here have lame hours and the prices aren't worth it, so I won't be joining one for a treadmill.

Callista

Dec 29th, 2009, 03:04:51 PM

o_O we got this twice xD sorry!

Shadow Storm

Dec 29th, 2009, 05:52:05 PM

Funny posting time of this thread, since I just rejoined Weight Watchers last week for my diet, although I need to go back to the Y and start weight lifting again.

Age: 24
Height: 6'7"
Current Weight: 518.2lbs / 235kgs
Goal Weight: 280lbs / 127kgs

My friend that works for WW said it was really suprising that, having been off of WW since September, and out of the gym since November, I had only gained three pounds, even with all of the holiday pigging out. So I'm using that as motivation to start me back on the program.

Darth Turbogeek

Dec 29th, 2009, 07:46:29 PM

DT, very good OP, with some excellent points on exercise that I all agree with. I really don't have anything to add. Maybe except, if your primary goal is to lose weight rather than bulking, I'd consider doing 10-12 reps thereabout until failure instead of 6 reps.

(Point 5 corrected, thanks LD)

That's a good point in regards to reps, but either works for weight loss - Lower reps but higher weight also helps build strength and muscle. Right now I do 12 reps to start for warmup and to trigger the body, reload weights to do 10 reps, pick up 5kgs, reps to fail (Usually 9-10) then add 5 kgs then rep to fail (usually about 8)

Today's exercise was 25 km on the bike. A good mix of hills as well.

First article to read - Squats

http://stronglifts.com/how-to-squat-with-proper-technique-fix-common-problems/

Every word in this article is true. A Squat is THE exercise to do that hits the whole body and works you hard. Also, it burns a lot of calories.

Oh and here's one for the six-pack...

http://stronglifts.com/the-reverse-crunch-get-your-six-pack-abs/

Remeber, you can NOT target fat.

Lilaena De'Ville

Dec 29th, 2009, 08:36:57 PM

I'm thinking I'm going to try out Tabata. I need some kettle weights or dumbells though.

Darth Turbogeek

Dec 29th, 2009, 09:52:15 PM

I'm thinking I'm going to try out Tabata. I need some kettle weights or dumbells though.

Pretty basic HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training). HIIT has the advantage that it also triggers the body into fit burn mode.

Darth Turbogeek

Dec 30th, 2009, 04:57:00 PM

14) Soft drinks / soda /pop BAD, water GOOD

Drop soft drinks now. If you are guzzling a litre of Coke a day, you are screwign up all your good work. Switch to water - water is always the best thing to drink. Keep well hydrated during exercise as well. Gatorade should probably be the only alternative you should consider and even then, water is king. "Diet" drinks still have shit in them that are not friendly to a diet and still wear your pancreas out. Plus water is cheaper, you save money.

Karl Valten

Dec 30th, 2009, 05:28:03 PM

I spent most of the summer working out or running nearly everyday (with rest days space in of course) and was getting very happy with the results.

Unfortunately once the school semester hit I stopped doing anything altogether. I'll jump in on this and keep my workout log posted. I do have an exercise log back on my computer in minneapolis and will post that once I go back.

My info:

Age: 20
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 163 lbs
BMI: 21.5
Heart rest rate: 54 bpm

Goals: By the end of March

Run:

5km in 20 minutes
1 mile in 6:45 minutes

Weight - 180 lbs (hopefully muscle and not fat :p )

Specific device goals

Squat - 350 lbs 6 reps
Bench - 200 lbs, Full 5x5
Incline press - 170 lbs, Full 5x5
Incline leg press - 600 lbs, 6 reps
Power Clean - 160 lbs, Max-out
Be able to preform a muscle up with good form

Martial Arts Goals:

Handstand - Hold for 10 seconds
Be able to preform a backwards hand-spring
Be able to preform a one-handed cartwheel
Advance to 7th Kyu in Rank

Crazy ambitious, but I have a lot of time on my hands this semester as opposed to last.

Anyone have any ideas about how to measure increase in flexibility quantitatively (besides sit-and-reach)?

Darth Turbogeek

Dec 31st, 2009, 05:47:16 PM

Please remember, BMI is not a measure to use.

NYD - rest.

Yesterday - 60 kg squats, 50 kg bench, 40 kg deadlift, 20 kg lifts, bit of other things and realise I had a burnout coming so enforced a complete restday.

Darth Turbogeek

Jan 2nd, 2010, 12:47:50 AM

2/1/10 - 33 km on the bike. Soaking wet due to a thunderstorm but hey, least it was summer and warmish

Darth Turbogeek

Jan 3rd, 2010, 12:01:39 AM

3/1

Gym time. 65kg squats, 20 kg (total) lats, 57.5 bench, 30kg overhead press, 17.5 kg 21's, 25 kg tricep overheads, 35-40 kg seated rows, 55kg calves, abs, 15 minutes on the elliptical.

Darth Turbogeek

Jan 4th, 2010, 03:55:08 AM

4/1 - 5.2 km run. OUCH OUCH OUCH

Callista

Jan 6th, 2010, 02:41:05 PM

I have a question concerning calorie intake!

Say I want to stick to around 1200 calories...and I burn 500 working out...should I up my intake to 1700? Just making sure this is correct xD

Darth Turbogeek

Jan 6th, 2010, 08:02:00 PM

I have a question concerning calorie intake!

Say I want to stick to around 1200 calories...and I burn 500 working out...should I up my intake to 1700? Just making sure this is correct xD

Are looking to maintain weight or lose it? How much is your daily calorie burn?

Callista

Jan 7th, 2010, 01:10:52 AM

Lose...and...uh...I dunno? Is there a way to figure that out?

Darth Turbogeek

Jan 7th, 2010, 03:12:47 AM

Lose...and...uh...I dunno? Is there a way to figure that out?

Scroll down to caloric intake calculator

http://healthfitness.com.au/calculators/

And 1200 calories a day does sound too low even without the exercise. You should have a minimum requirement of 1800ish just to maintain weight if you are short and already thin. So if your daily calorie intake to just maintain weight is 2200 for instance, you should be 1700. Being as 500 calories exercise is equal to a 35 minute run at a slowish speed, you would have a moderate activity level and your calorie intake to maintain weight be closer to 2400, or in my case 2700.

So that means for me to lose weight, I need to eat 2300 calories a day. You sound like you can possibly go to 1900. Work out your calorie maintain intake and post it so we can confirm

Yesterday - 1h8m cardio

Today - 60 kg bench (YAY!), 70 kg squat (done badly, went up too early), general leg work out and lats. Found myself pumping iron for an hour and a half? Where did the time go?

Callista

Jan 7th, 2010, 08:19:39 AM

Aight it says my sedentary ways are 2100 xD

Moderately active is 2520.

Darth Turbogeek

Jan 7th, 2010, 08:57:08 PM

Aight it says my sedentary ways are 2100 xD

Moderately active is 2520.

Good-o, then 1900 sounds about right. Milage may vary depending on your actual activity level of course

Darth Turbogeek

Jan 9th, 2010, 04:58:04 AM

09/01/10 - 2K swim. And I still stink of chorine hours and showers later. Fun tho, havent doen a decent swim in sometime.

Yog

Jan 9th, 2010, 05:05:22 PM

^^ damn, you don't waste your time do you? :lol

Ok, I finally got started. Full body work out with weights for an hour or so. Now to make it part of my daily routine.

I am also updating some of the stats I posted earlier (fat percentage in particular), because those were from 2007, and they were not accurate any more, so now it's going to be up to date with today's date. I certainly put on quite a bit of weight and body fat on since then...

I think fat percentage is the best way to measure progress in terms of replacing fat with muscle, and resting pulse the best way to measure condition.

On that note, I really recommend a bathroom scale that measures not only weight, but Electrical Impedance of your body. The way it works is, it sends a small (harmless) electrical pulse up one of your legs, and it travels down the other leg. Because leaner more muscular meat is more electrical conductive, it travels faster if you have low body fat. So based on the travel time it calculates your body fat percentage. It is also important to input your height, because a tall person have longer legs. Now, in my case, I have longer legs compared to my height than most people, which means my real fat percentage is probably a bit lower than the scale tells me, which is reassuring. The point of this though is measuring progress. My long term goal is reaching about 12%. If I make it to 7%, I'll have a six pack (or a washboard at least)..

To learn more about how to measure body fat, read this (http://www.builtfit.com/general-fitness/measuring-body-fat.htm), but electrical impedance through a bathroom scale is really the most cost effective method with some level of accuracy.

Darth Turbogeek

Jan 10th, 2010, 03:07:49 AM

^^ damn, you don't waste your time do you? :lol

:D

Hey, seeing someone deadly serious might give others the will to get going themselves :)

Now if only that bloody huge cat I own would take a hint

Darth Turbogeek

Jan 10th, 2010, 05:49:00 PM

Detox - this is utter rubbish. Not only does it remove a lot of things from the diet that are actually required, it is unsupported in real evidence that the toxins "claimed" to be ridden even exist

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_cleansing#Detox_diets

http://www.realbuzz.com/articles/detox-diets/

So file detox under myth and if you are looking for a real good diet that actually can work long term, try this....

http://www.realbuzz.com/articles/the-gi-diet/

Callista

Jan 10th, 2010, 11:34:38 PM

I so badly wish it was warm outside! I want to run the trail!!! -___-

I have a workout schedule in place for myself starting this week. Nothing super harsh...just running 3 times a week (hopefully, depends on if I can find a treadmill), upper body once a week, lower body once a week, and midsection training 3-4 times a week - this is my biggest area I'd like to focus on. I also will be doing a TON of campus walking (way over 10k steps a day) 2 times a week. :)

Going to attempt to find a cheapo gym around the area or invest in some weights at home. I don't want to spend extra money, but I really want to run for my cardio and can't do so outside (preferred).

Shadow Storm

Jan 11th, 2010, 11:57:23 PM

Darth Turbogeek

Jan 12th, 2010, 02:24:46 AM

It would be interesting to see if a combination of the GI diet and WW diet could work.

(WW being this - http://www.realbuzz.com/articles/weight-watchers-diet/ )

WW could help keep track of portion control, what is said to being one of GI's main faults. I guess the primary method of them working together would be to just follow WW and Disqualify foods that have a high GI content along the way.

Absolutly. In fact, the dont just depend on one thign is exactly the right way to do things - your body is complex, which is why a varied approach always does work best - diet, proper exercise, rest etc as a whole.

Yesterday - weights (legs, some upper body)

Today - 40C heat is not a good time to be on the bike. So I was on the bike. 20+ km. You know you have pushed too hard when you only sweat after you re-hydrate

Shadow Storm

Jan 12th, 2010, 04:32:05 AM

For WW - For those who may be interested in getting started, I'll share the points calculation method from my hand guide. The steps should be simple to calculate -

--------------------------------------------------

1) What do you weigh?
Enter the first two digits of your weight in pounds. If you weigh less than 100 pounds, just enter the first digit.

2) Are you...
Male - 2
Female - 8

3) How Old are you?
17-26 - 4
27-37 - 3
38-47 - 2
48-58 - 1
Over 58 - 0

4) How tall are you?
Under 5'1" - 0
5'1" to 5'10" - 1
Over 5'10" - 2

5) Do you spend most of your work day....
Sitting Down - 0
Occasionally sitting, mainly standing - 2
Walking - 4
Doing Physically Hard Work - 6

6) (Nursing Moms only) Are you...
Solely Breastfeeding - 10
Supplementing Breastfeeding with solid foods or formula - 5

Calculation:
1) _______
2) _______
3) _______
4) _______
5) _______
+
6) _______
= Your daily points.
(If your total is less than 18, your daily target is 18)
(If your total is more than 44, your daily target is 44)

----------------------------------------------

So for me, combined, my points would normally come out at 65 points, but since the cap is 44, my current is at 44 points per day.

Darth Turbogeek

Jan 13th, 2010, 02:31:01 AM

I kinda dont understand the point thing.

12/01 - hit the weights. Ouch

Yog

Jan 13th, 2010, 05:07:35 AM

After my first training session, I felt like I had been run over by a truck. I guess that's what I get for being out of shape so long. Not to mention, I probably did not stretch out after the exercises as well as I could. So I needed more rest than I anticipated, because I felt really sore.

I seem to be fully recovered now though, so it's time for another workout today. :)

Darth Turbogeek

Jan 14th, 2010, 02:55:36 AM

14/01 - 700 calorie cardio buuuuuuuuuuuurn.

Results so far - minimal weight loss, very noticale waist loss!

Callista

Jan 14th, 2010, 12:49:04 PM

Last night I did something kinda fun...I needed to read, but was running out of time for the evening to workout...so I worked out while reading xD

My favorite was the balance ball bridge thingy (shoulders only on the ball, legs bent at 90 degrees and midsection lifted flat -- not sure what this is exactly called) that I held for several pages at a time...definitely worked the glutes and thighs! And my arms get a workout as I have to hold the book up xD

Yog

Jan 14th, 2010, 05:21:31 PM

14/01

Another full body workout.

- bicep curls
- pushups
- benchpress
- dumbbell press
- shoulder press
- wrist curl
- tricep dips
- situps
- squats
- calf raises
- good mornings
- deadlift

After all that, it felt like I was going to pass out.. :p

I also drank plenty of water, took a proteine shake and a banana immediately after the exercise to help recovery time.

Darth Turbogeek

Jan 14th, 2010, 05:45:48 PM

I'm resting today, my body basically needs it badly. I've worked out every day since last Firday so I broke the rest day rule. Too many days in a row with out a clean break is NOT good.

Yog

Jan 14th, 2010, 05:54:47 PM

I'm resting today, my body basically needs it badly. I've worked out every day since last Firday so I broke the rest day rule. Too many days in a row with out a clean break is NOT good.
Yeah, when it comes to lifting weights, resting is actually just as important as the exercise itself, for building muscles. The muscle fibres need time to repair / rebuild.

I have a simple rule: If I feel stiff / sore after the previous session, I am not going to work out those muscle groups. Rather, I'll rest until I am fully recovered.

At some point, I'll probably alternate between upper and lower body workout days to better utilize my time.

Darth Turbogeek

Jan 17th, 2010, 06:11:43 AM

Two days rest, then back to the weights.

Cant understand how I've managed to move myself to 70kg brench. The bar jsut felt too light so I just kept adding iron till it felt enough and whey, WTF how much?

Yog

Jan 17th, 2010, 12:28:17 PM

Darth Turbogeek

Jan 17th, 2010, 04:51:29 PM

Cant understand how I've managed to move myself to 70kg brench. The bar jsut felt too light so I just kept adding iron till it felt enough and whey, WTF how much?
Yeah, it is actually feasible to become twice as strong in one or two months from the point of starting training. Usually, one start to notice stuff like "whoah, that car tire used to be heavy, now I'm lifting it like nothing", or "wow, these jar lids open so easy now of a sudden. How odd!". But the most obvious example of course, being able to do heavier weights.

It was more the case that it was really startling as I only did 60kg bench last week! It's pretty obvious to that I wasnt pushing myself as hard as I could too. So sometimes an increase in weight can also mean better technique and just plain better confidence you can handle the weight in question.

When I recommenced weights in late November, I was strugglign with 40 kgs. Not bad gain.

Darth Turbogeek

Jan 19th, 2010, 03:15:08 AM

Re : 70 kg bech - I went to a bench I know the weight of hte bar and yes, it was 70kg last session so confirmed. Even if I decided to back off today and push 60kg - I was more interested in getting my squat right as I'm not getting my ass to the grass properly when the bar is loaded. I'd rather get it right than stroke my own ego.

Then onto shoulder press, lat pulldown, pecs, dips, curls and seated rows.

Callista

Jan 19th, 2010, 08:54:50 PM

ARGH!

I've not ever had this problem and never hear people having this problem, but I can't seem to get in enough stinkin' calories per day!! I eat tons of small meals/snacks but I'm forever stuck at 1,000-1,200. -__- it's obnoxious... xD

Yog

Jan 23rd, 2010, 11:37:19 AM

Good site to get ideas and inspiration for workouts here:
http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/exercise1.htm

20/01 Upper Body Workout
22/01 Lower Body Workout
Today: Introduction to Yoga
Tomorrow: Upper Body Workout

Darth Turbogeek

Jan 23rd, 2010, 02:59:06 PM

Stiiiiiil going!

Yesterday was legs, getting my form and technique a lot better.

Chaz de Coventina

Jan 23rd, 2010, 03:11:49 PM

Yesterday was my leg day and I ended up doing a routine by Jay Cardiello that had me near-weeping within the first twenty minutes even though it was really fun - Charlie's Angels squats are hilarious and burn.

Today I'm doing a plyometric workout followed by a 25 minute HIIT run and the p90x ab ripper routine that I do every other day. If I can get my butt moving, that is. >_<

Yog

Jan 23rd, 2010, 07:12:29 PM

Jay Cardiello is not a bad inspiration.

I'm inspired by the Brad Pitt transformation (http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/bullman2.htm) workout myself.

Darth Turbogeek

Jan 23rd, 2010, 07:18:44 PM

Yand the p90x ab ripper routine

You are better off doing 8 minute abs.

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

And then planks.

Today - 2.1 km swim, will be doing planks a bit later

Chaz de Coventina

Jan 23rd, 2010, 09:41:53 PM

Darth Turbogeek

Jan 29th, 2010, 03:33:41 AM

Tried 8 minute abs (holy blast to the past, Batman); it was nice, I might start doing that on Sundays, when I do my recovery workouts!

I still prefer ab ripper x, just because I feel like I'm getting a better workout and am seeing dramatic results, but there's nothing like having an extra routine in the grab bag to keep the body confused! Thanks! ;)

P90X is not a properly designed workout and in fact risks doing damage to yourself. If you want a good safe ab exercise, do planks.

Back with the trainer. I got my ass kicked. Still exhausted, but damn it was good to be truly back in it!

Yog

Jan 30th, 2010, 04:55:39 PM

I got my ass kicked today as well.

Also lowered my body fat percentage (lost about a kilo of body fat), and resting heart rate is down to 78 beats per minute. :D

Darth Turbogeek

Jan 31st, 2010, 02:40:03 AM

3km swim with basically NO rest. Surprised I could do that.

Darth Turbogeek

Feb 1st, 2010, 03:37:41 AM

90kg sqaut x2 reps, 80 kg 3x5. Lunge climbing to 70kg, inclined leg press 160kg, leg curl 70 kg, leg lift 75 kg, calves 55 kg. Bench 60kg 3x8. Started with 1km run @10kph, end with cycle 15 minutes.

Next week I'll try 100kg one rep squat just to see if I can do it.

Darth Turbogeek

Feb 3rd, 2010, 04:24:57 AM

I got my ass kicked today as well.

Also lowered my body fat percentage (lost about a kilo of body fat), and resting heart rate is down to 78 beats per minute. :D

What kind of a gym do you go to? Is it a newer one with newer plasticy machines and soft cover weights, or a real meateater gym complete with ARRRRRNOLD pictures fading on the walls?

I go to Fitness First, which is just a cash grab of posers. Some gyms are awful, one or two have got real equipment - I always think a decent gym has at least two squat racks and two benches. Well today I tried this old gm in a converted warehouse with 40 year old solid steel machines, weights in lb and cheesy weightlifter posters everywhere - best damn gym ever! It's got serious get the fuck fit types, four squat racks (!) and three benches and every combination of weights, racks, benches, machine and cardio you can imagine. This is the kind of place you are welcome to spend HOURS in and they dont charge much for membership too.

There's a few Mr World's that have trained there and a few current real body builders and it also hosts sports teams. It's got this smell of ingrained sweat and linament that you just know this place is for training, not posing. The bars are old, worn and bloody great to use. I hit the place so hard I lost a kilo of sweat just pushing iron. The free weights area is bigger than the entire rooms of other gyms and the machines area is twice that size with my guess about 80 machines - and not one type repeated too.

Love it and I can see myself parking my ass there every day for a lot of hours a week :D

Morgan Evanar

Feb 3rd, 2010, 03:56:01 PM

I had something going but because of all the shit I've had in my life I completely fell off the bus. Once I get some of this cleared out I'm going to start up again. It's been a lousy week. Moving all this furniture/stuff has to be worth something.

Yog

Feb 4th, 2010, 08:08:29 AM

What kind of a gym do you go to? Is it a newer one with newer plasticy machines and soft cover weights, or a real meateater gym complete with ARRRRRNOLD pictures fading on the walls?
Nothing nearly as sophisticated as that, I'm afraid.

This is my gym:

Old fashioned dumbbells with plates.
http://www.mneh.org/pics/training/dumbbells.jpg

Plates, bar, retention bolt, gloves.
http://www.mneh.org/pics/training/weights.jpg

Optional accessories for training hands, and pushup bars.
http://www.mneh.org/pics/training/gear1.jpg

And that's it basically. I also use a chair with my feet on a bed for triceps dips. Might get something like a door gym (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkISy_uPPrw) for pullups.

I am showing these photos in order to illustrate for people you really don't need to spend a whole lot of money on a gym membership or lots of expensive equipment for a good workout. There really is no excuse not to have a couple dumbbells in your house for good resistance training. They are cheap and take very little space. Personally, I have these close to my computer, in order to tempt me go exercising at any spur of the moment. It's much easier (for me at least) to get motivated for training when it's right there at any time of the day without having to drag myself to a gym.

That being said, I do plan to get a gym membership eventually. I just have not decided which one to go for. Some of them are less expensive than others, some have more equipment, some have instructors and personal trainers, some have a pool, and some have organised daily activities such as ninjutsi / yoga etc.

Love it and I can see myself parking my ass there every day for a lot of hours a week :D
Sounds awesome! :)

Darth Turbogeek

Feb 6th, 2010, 05:14:17 AM

Dont need no gym if you dont need to :)

Today, I just needed a pool - 2.5 km is not as long as usual BUT threw in HIIT as well. 35 m uttery balls to the wall as hard as I can, 65m idle.

I feel screwed but good

Darth Turbogeek

Feb 12th, 2010, 06:21:44 PM

LAst week's program -

Sunday decied to be a mechanic on the race car. Some rest day :)

Monday - legs. Got the 100kg squat * 2 reps, the working set is now 80kg. Deadlifts, Goodmornings, leg press, leg raise and leg curl / calves

Tuesday - Carbo big bash

Wendesday - Tried to do chest / back, didnt work weel as was energy low from the day before and the legs were extremely sore

Thursday - Rest!

Friday - Personal training session, 80 kg x2 bench, 60 kg workign set, chest and arms.

Saturday - No idea as yet, it will be hard work whatever it is :D

Darth Turbogeek

Feb 18th, 2010, 09:46:58 PM

So how you all going? I'm doing not bad I think - no real weight los but my 1.5km run dropped below 8 minutes (OUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCH) and waistline is obviously receeding.

And I'm seriously considerign a Triathlon now too. I think my run has improved enough to cope.

Callista

Feb 21st, 2010, 08:57:37 AM

I am currently stuck at 194 xD

I've not been able to work out for a few weeks. I was sick for a couple weeks and injured my tail bone cycling...it's still healing :( But I'm hoping to do Yoga twice this week at the gym I joined :)

EDIT: I lied...I apparently broke my stall! 191 :D

Darth Turbogeek

Feb 22nd, 2010, 05:15:19 PM

Callista

Feb 22nd, 2010, 07:38:32 PM

As a rather more than decent cyclist wo's injured himself in some very painful ways over the years, I'm utterly befuddled how you managed to injure your ass unless you came off or hit something very hard.

Alos, dont focus on your weight. Focus on your waistline. For example, I'm down another 2cm and yet I have not lost a scrap of weight from previous notes. I am stuck on 84kg yet I'm obviously losing the stomach now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r87D-JyichM

Proof women wont get hulky by pushing weights.

I have no idea what I did...seriously...but my tail bone is teh hurtz! I think it's 'cause I lost all the padding in my rear xD it was a cycling class, not actual outside cycling.

I should take measurements - it's been awhile.

I'm excited to try Zumba this week! Also have a boot camp...and yoga...and some crazy 30 min ab class. Shall see how it all goes!

Darth Turbogeek

Feb 22nd, 2010, 08:21:13 PM

If it was in a class and not a fall, then I really doubt it'll be anything you have to worry about. Just push through the discomfort .... wait I know what it was. You didnt adjust your seat correctly. Make sure you have it set right, you should have your legs alllllmost straight at the bottom of the pedal stroke.

http://www.jimlangley.net/crank/bikefit.html

Like this.

This also applies on a spin cycle. Having the seat too low puts pressure where you dont want it.

BTW, ab classes are honestly not worth the trouble. You can do the same and better by planks

http://exercise.about.com/od/abs/ss/abexercises_10.htm

Note that it also gets your stabilizers and is a more full body exercise - full body is the most effective ones. I would go as far as to say dont bother with the abs class and just go into the free weights area for lifting. Developing good muscle is one of the real keys to shaping up and you do need to lift to get it.

Dont be bothered by the BIG BICEPS!!!!!!!!!! crowd, there's usually some guy like me with a real serious sweat on who will be delighted to help you out.

(Zumba is a bit of a fad BUT it certainly does work and is fun. Two of the things you really need in any exercise regime)

Darth Turbogeek

Feb 23rd, 2010, 01:55:23 AM

Bodyweight benchpress workset! 85kg *7 reps!

Next for 100kgs.....

Lilaena De'Ville

Feb 25th, 2010, 05:27:24 PM

Callista

Feb 25th, 2010, 06:50:12 PM

Darth Turbogeek

Feb 25th, 2010, 09:47:39 PM

Went to a gym yesterday for the first time. Ever. Elliptical for 30 minutes (wanted to quit after 2, but I kept going!), worked with a few weight machines at about 10-20 reps (I didn't keep track, was mostly just testing the water) and then a stationary bike for twenty minutes. Going again right now!

Dont forget the free weights! :D

I'm now workign my way into a 105kg squat. THAT HURTS. Also got a change of program so go liek this -

Day 1 - Heavy legs - light cardio warmup
Day 2 - Heavy chest / back - light cardio warmup

(Because they are two very different muscle groups, you can go back to back with little problem)

Day 3 - Heavy cardio
Day 4 - lights legs - allowed heavy cardio warmup / cooldown
Day 5 - Shoulders / Arms - allowed heavy cardo
Day 6 - Cardio / rest
Day 7 - Arms / shoulders

So I have three days that are heavy in different areas, then a wind down as Shoulders/ arms are no where near the weights plus the options of when I do heavy cardio workouts.

Lilaena De'Ville

Feb 26th, 2010, 10:20:46 PM

Three days in a row! Worked more on my legs on the machines rather than my arms this time. Triceps and abs are sore!

Elliptical still kicking my butt. Did the treadmill yesterday and it wasn't as hard as the elliptical is. I mean, I still pushed myself into a pretty fast walk uphill for 30 minutes but I didn't feel the 'want to quit' after just a few minutes like I do on the other.

Darth Turbogeek

Feb 26th, 2010, 10:55:24 PM

My rally co-driver does MMA and Judo so we decided to go kill some iron together

100 kg deadlift 2 rm

100kg squat 1 rm

90kg bench - fail

I did some of his supersets and he did some of my dropsets - and we're both utterly wiped out :D I really gotta strengthen my back some.

Yog

Feb 27th, 2010, 06:53:34 AM

About to drop another percent of body fat. :D

I can't emphasize enough how efficient training with free weights is. Everyone should do it. It's also laughable how little effort I put into this, maybe, 1-2 times per week at 30 mins to 1 hour, and watching my diet somewhat. Ok, so every time I work out, I feel like passing out (it's interval training basically with no rest), but it's hard to argue with the results. v:)v

Darth Turbogeek

Mar 3rd, 2010, 06:46:38 PM

Hey look, I can fit back into my nice shirts again! And I have room!

Darth Turbogeek

Mar 8th, 2010, 10:45:34 PM

And despite some rather nasty work setbacks I seem to have very abruptly lost 1.5 kg in less than a week. Like been swearing at the scales for weeks for not moving a scrap and then *whack* gone.

Yog

Mar 9th, 2010, 03:05:06 AM

And despite some rather nasty work setbacks I seem to have very abruptly lost 1.5 kg in less than a week. Like been swearing at the scales for weeks for not moving a scrap and then *whack* gone.
Yeah, funnily enough, results often happen after breaks. Weeks is pushing it though.. Let's get cracking again! :whip

I had a session on Saturday, will have another one today.

Let's see if you can follow up! :D

Darth Turbogeek

Mar 9th, 2010, 05:30:13 AM

Who said I've been having breaks? :D

I've actually been pushing even harder and gone to a 7day on - 1 day off rotation. I've also really stepped up the cardio and the intensity - today's was a real body bludgeon HIIT, along with shoulder/arms/back weights session.

My session today was -

10 min warmup with no less than 10kph run, gradually speeding up to 11 kph.

Shoulder Press
Military Press
Upright Row -> Platelift superset
Lateral Raises
Reverse pec flies
Shrugs

Then 28 min HIIT. I used to do HIIT hard enough to drop most other people in a senseless pool of sweat, I am gradually reaching that level agin but it dropped ME in a pool of my own sweat today. Today was so intense I blinded myself in my own sweat.

I'm starting to ramp up the cardio to be aiming to be doign 1000 cals a session.

Darth Turbogeek

Mar 24th, 2010, 06:07:43 PM

HELLLOOOO??

Who still going?

Me, just got back from kyacking and holy hell I have aches and pains in places I forgot about.

But I have just seen 83kg on the scales so I'm stoked :D

Yog

Mar 24th, 2010, 06:41:19 PM

I'm still going. I was shocked and pleasantly surprised to discover the other day my resting heart rate had dropped from 90 to 72 or so since I started this. :thumbup

(and that is with almost no traditional cardio exercises. Just goes to show how effective weights are)

Morgan Evanar

Mar 25th, 2010, 01:51:07 PM

I've swam for at least 3 days each week for the past month. I can now go for 30 minutes nearly continuously.

Next month I'll add weights, I just wanted to make sure I wouldn't pass out.

Lilaena De'Ville

Mar 25th, 2010, 02:29:10 PM

Been working out. My heart rate has improved greatly on the elliptical, which is good. I can work harder/faster now and not worry about cardiac arrest. ;)

Darth Turbogeek

Mar 26th, 2010, 11:58:35 PM

(and that is with almost no traditional cardio exercises. Just goes to show how effective weights are)

Now throw soem HIIT in and think what you'll get :D

You get sore and hardly able to limp like me. Ouch.

Darth Turbogeek

Mar 29th, 2010, 04:30:10 PM

Got a professional fitness test today -

Resting heart rate - 56 bpm(! WTF thats seriously good)

Waist - 103cm (should be 94)

1 min situp - 47 (Could have been more, paced myself too slow)

Pushups to fail (no pause allowed) - 35

Real BMI (electro resistance test) - 27.6 (YUK)

So some was good others.... got a lot of work to do

Cirrsseeto Quez

Mar 29th, 2010, 11:27:21 PM

I started back again (fitting that I post using this alt!)

2.5 mile run in 30 minutes. Not bad but not good either. Took it easy for a first go in months.

I'll get my legs under me first then get back into core lifts.

Dasquian Belargic

Apr 2nd, 2010, 04:45:40 AM

30 min run yesterday

Wanted to vomit my lungs afterwards

Wyl Staedtler

Apr 2nd, 2010, 01:32:09 PM

Isn't it a wonderful feeling? My brothers and I are going for a run in the morning and J says we're going hard and fast and not stopping until we taste metal. :uhoh

Pierce Tondry

Apr 2nd, 2010, 07:31:19 PM

J says we're going hard and fast and not stopping until we taste metal. :uhoh

That just sounds really, really wrong. HAVE FUN!!!! :)

Sanis Prent

Apr 3rd, 2010, 08:36:33 AM

Y'all know what's good for working out? chopping through a garden plot with a hoe and sorting rocks and roots. It worked well for me yesterday at least!

Then again, I celebrated by pouring beer in my face and had some fries lol.

Darth Turbogeek

Apr 9th, 2010, 05:11:25 AM

Today was 4km run to warm up .... and much to my surprise in less than 20 minutes?????

Wha....? When did I start being able to put some speed on running?

Then a standard two hour weights bash. I felt damn good afterwards, if a tiny bit sweaty and smelly

Darth Turbogeek

Apr 19th, 2010, 07:25:34 PM

Hey yo thread, we're still going!

More HIIT, more riding, 83 kgs and dropping. And right now I'm beginning to throw in riding to work, 25kms one way.

Morgan Evanar

Apr 19th, 2010, 09:08:34 PM

Still swimming, now lifting too. I've put pounds on my lifts over the month, will probably go faster soon since I'm building up all the little support muscles and stuff. Feels good man.

Sanis Prent

Apr 19th, 2010, 10:26:22 PM

Does farming count as exercise? I did a lot of that this weekend

Callista

Apr 20th, 2010, 07:25:41 PM

yoga, lifting, running, biking...ftw...will give a proper update next week :)

Morgan Evanar

Apr 22nd, 2010, 06:57:34 AM

Does farming count as exercise? I did a lot of that this weekendUh yeah, especially if most of it is done with hand tools.

Deadlifted 175 for 5. Could have gone harder, but the insurance rep was there to inspect my damaged car so I had to drive to my parent's place from the gym.

Fuck car accidents and people who don't do a mirror check, I probably could have done 185, maybe more.

This week has been bad, and I get cranky when I can't make the gym every 2 days.

Eluna Thals

Apr 23rd, 2010, 10:47:52 AM

Be very careful with dead lifts. They're so good for your core, but so fucking dangerous if you let your form slip.

Callista

Apr 30th, 2010, 05:19:55 PM

So I've been doing the C25K again...so much fun! I can't wait to run 5ks without stopping. My goal is to do at least 1 5k by the end of the year. My ultimate goal is to do a triathlon...THAT will require mucho training.

Anyway, so running 3 times a week, plus lots of core training at least 4-5 times a week, lifting, pilates, yoga, and biking. It's hella fun! I hate not doing something physical each day.

Only bad thing is I'm not eating enough calories when I do multiple workouts in a day.

Currently at 185lbs.

Darth Turbogeek

Apr 30th, 2010, 06:01:41 PM

I've stopped driving - walking and ridign everywhere is surprsingly fun. Plus the fact I can legitimatly get to places faster on my bike when I decide to get up it.

Morgan Evanar

May 1st, 2010, 08:39:34 PM

Callista

May 2nd, 2010, 02:48:01 PM

Just did week 3 of the C25K - it's so much easier on a treadmill then outside...granted the last day of my week 2 I was doing it uphill in the wind with sand pelting me as they filled the volleyball pits xD

With that and the strength/toning circuit class right after (awesome but killllled -so tired right now) my HRM states I burned just at 1000 calories - oy...

Do you guys recover pretty fast from workouts?

I find that during cardio and even lifting my heart rate gets up there pretty high but almost immediately after I'm good to go again... I don't know what this says about me (my mother actually cannot run because her heart rate gets too high, but she can speed walk and lift all she wants without a problem).

I need to take my resting heart rate since I think it's changed and I should probably update it on the HRM.

Darth Turbogeek

May 2nd, 2010, 07:51:23 PM

Now doin 205 dead and up from 45 to 55 for dumbell bent over rows. My shoulder press is stuck at 40, ugh.

My squat is stuck at 135 for the past two outings and the past two weeks have been crazy, blah. Almost did 145 but I got to the bottom and my body said no. It will be good to not be fighting life this coming week and getting back to a regular schedule.

I gotta say that I've pretty much stopped trying to ratchet up my numbers - I treat the whole thing as HIIT with weights. My body is having some serious problems trying to adapt but that's good :)

Morgan Evanar

May 3rd, 2010, 06:59:53 PM

My numbers are small and squishy and I'm going to worry about them for the next six months or so.

Today's workout was pretty sad, except for bench and pullups which were ok. It was a long day and I didn't get to the gym when I would have had more energy. Back is still sore so I went for the same volume with lighter weight on the squats.

Darth Turbogeek

May 4th, 2010, 12:13:34 AM

Dont worry about numbers unless you are bulking.

I have an exercise anyone else can do - run. Because I will be chasing you with an axe if I hear MAY THE FOUTH BE WITH YOU again. You will get very fit if you manage to escape.

Wyl Staedtler

May 10th, 2010, 03:46:11 PM

Did a jaunty 8-miler with a friend today. We may do the Honolulu Marathon again this year. WE SHALL SEE.

Now I'm trying to decide between kickboxing or pilates class this aftie; or, if I'm really ambitious, doing the 12:30 kickboxing class, grabbing a smoothie, and then hitting the 2 o'clock pilates session. Only one more week of the free gym membership!

Morgan Evanar

May 11th, 2010, 09:33:54 PM

Wooo swam 30 minutes.

The Original BuffJedi

May 13th, 2010, 08:37:25 PM

Great to see all you guys are still at it!!

Darth Turbogeek

May 15th, 2010, 06:12:24 AM

Wooo swam 30 minutes.

How far?

I had my ass on a bike for two hours on Friday = 52 km. Hopefully on Monday I dig the racing bike out and see just how fast I can flatten 25 km.

Lilaena De'Ville

May 15th, 2010, 12:21:17 PM

I've decided I love the rowing machine.

Morgan Evanar

May 15th, 2010, 12:49:04 PM

Wooo swam 30 minutes.

How far?

I had my ass on a bike for two hours on Friday = 52 km. Hopefully on Monday I dig the racing bike out and see just how fast I can flatten 25 km.Dunno, need to start counting.

Morgan Evanar

May 20th, 2010, 03:31:56 PM

Who can deadlift with two plates on each side?

That's right, this guy.

Also figured out I was squatting incorrectly, has been fixed, legs now sore :)

Lilaena De'Ville

May 20th, 2010, 10:39:19 PM

Going to the chiropractor tomorrow to get all my parts put back where they're supposed to be, then hopefully more working out next week. Haven't gone at all this week. My shoulder is messed up and its stressing out my neck and my back. Or something. I think it was from my women's self-defense class.

Anyway! Haven't gained any weight so that's good. Haven't lost any yet either. :( NEED TO EAT LESS

Callista

May 21st, 2010, 05:13:37 PM

Was at the gym at 6 (opening) every day this week but this one (didn't work, took a day of rest). Ran every day, but yesterday...kind of pushed myself too hard on Wed so I did biking yesterday instead to give myself some rest. Haven't lost any weight recently, but I think I've gained some muscle!

Darth Turbogeek

May 23rd, 2010, 05:39:13 AM

My week -

Monday - Dear LORD cold cold why cant bikes be heated..... (1hour and 25+km later) Holy shit that was fun and WTF I am sweaty and I have to do it going home in the afternoon but do it faster....

Tuesday - AGGGH WET WET WET Bike up hill raaagh in office afternoon ride home in peak hour traffic and shock drivers by going faster than they can go to gym warm and swimming in bike sweat shoulder weights ride home

Wednesday - fuck da bike walk to gym chest and back weights done in a HIIT ouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuch

Thursday - play in traffic again and see 85 kph on the race bike (No I am not kidding, I really can do 80+kph on a bike when the mood takes me, usually fear of being hit by a bus) get to gym do a heavy workout for legs non HIIT because leg strength is really good for speeding bicyclists

Friday - Cold morning catch train to near office, sprint on bike for 6km, get to office, in afternoon sprint to station (try to top 6km in 7 minutes, going up hills included), go to a intermediate station and go for an evening sprint over 10 km, try to make it ome in under 20 minutes

Saturday - screw this exercise shit, rest and repair oh who am I kidding off to gym for arms and light recovery

Sunday - Combine chest / back / legs and begin new strength cycle

And I remember why I like riding so much. Screw runners high, Cyclists can get high too. Actually last week got seriously floaty after one high paced ride - what a serious buzz!

Darth Turbogeek

Jun 25th, 2010, 07:07:49 PM

107.5 Kg 1rm max squat - the 2rm attempt juuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuust failed :)

Callista

Jun 27th, 2010, 09:33:33 AM

Ran my first 5k yesterday :D

Had a horrible side stitch in the 2nd mile...so sadly my 5k was 37 min :( first mile was 10 min, so I'm happy with that!

Starting the P90X Lean version tomorrow and will be keeping up with the running (hopefully).

I'm sitting at 184lbs (was down to 181, but TOM sucks).

Taataani Meorrrei

Jun 27th, 2010, 12:18:56 PM

Back to running every day. Results = wooooo

Three miles today. That was awesome.

The Original BuffJedi

Jun 28th, 2010, 07:34:52 PM

Having, had played Soccer, I never really had to concentrate on my legs..always naturally strong, and developed. I Was thinking not too long ago that it was sad that my max bench was almost as much as my max squat. The last four weeks I have blasted them . Total tonight 565 lbs.(full squat) Goal 700 even....I HATE working legs with a unlimited passion!!

Taataani Meorrrei

Jun 28th, 2010, 10:17:12 PM

My limit on squats seems to be how pissed off my knees are. I was doing 350 pounds for a while and I got tendonitis and had to back off. I'll just take it easy this time, I think.

Taataani Meorrrei

Jun 29th, 2010, 06:33:40 AM

Ran a hard mile (10 minutes, working to getting back to an 8 minute one) then did max bench (185) and max squats (255). Max bench sucks without a spotter. Glad I have a fairly strong core that doesn't fuss too much with rolling a heavy-ass bar from chest to crotch.

Squats weren't max per se, but I'm not really wanting to push my luck. Let my knees bitch and let my core get sore as hell and then I'll see about getting back to 300-ish. In the meantime, hello protein drink!

Callista

Jun 29th, 2010, 11:14:44 AM

Once I an do a 5k in 30, then I'll work on lowering my time - lol... until then I'm totally cool with 10 min miles xD

Day 2 of P90X! It's Cardio...so I probably won't run afterwards, but I might run tonight.

The Original BuffJedi

Jun 29th, 2010, 12:11:57 PM

My limit on squats seems to be how pissed off my knees are. I was doing 350 pounds for a while and I got tendonitis and had to back off. I'll just take it easy this time, I think. I personally prefer doing leg presses, seems its easier to keep everything inline and less stress...still Sucks though lol!

Eluna Thals

Jun 29th, 2010, 08:53:40 PM

I used to like leg press, but it doesn't work as many muscle groups at once as squats, and sadly, I don't have a leg press. I do have a bench I can configure for squats though. The caveat of course is that it's much higher impact and generally more dangerous, but I'll take that I guess.

Leg press is pretty much just to impress some noob when I can go smug mode and say "watch me leg press the weight of a car lol". I'd rather kill myself than to regularly move enough plates onto that machine for me to get any benefit out of it.

Eluna Thals

Jun 30th, 2010, 06:31:58 AM

Haha, I finished three miles this morning in spite of post-squat-day soreness. It wasn't like I hobbled them either, I kept a pretty good pace.

Darth Turbogeek

Jun 30th, 2010, 06:14:54 PM

Lets see if anyone else rides a bicycle 25 km at speed in -3C

It literally hurts to get into a warm room after that.

Taataani Meorrrei

Jul 2nd, 2010, 05:34:51 AM

Back at it after a day off

Sanis Prent

Jul 2nd, 2010, 01:57:24 PM

Three miles done, a little more intense this time.

I may get weights in today depending on if my knee is feeling up for it.

Wyl Staedtler

Jul 2nd, 2010, 07:56:49 PM

Been doing a lot of yoga and just started re-incorporating runs this week. Yesterday was a low-energy, joint aching day so I ended up just walking as briskly as I could for about an hour - lots of hills and stairs though!

About to do forty-five of yoga, jump rope for twenty, and then maaaaybe do an ab and arm routine if there's time. Maybe.

Callista

Jul 3rd, 2010, 12:06:37 PM

Day of rest is tomorrow, but I'm thinking of taking it today and doing the Kenpo tomorrow.

So far p90x has been okay. My muscles are just really tight, but not too sore. I enjoy more the cardio stuff than the strength training, even though I need the strength more than cardio at this point.

Can't wait for Monday and getting back to a normal routine!

I'll be starting the C25K program over again, though probably at week 4 or 5. I finished it at a much lower elevation previously and being this high up is kickin' my rear, so I want to do the intervals again to get used to it.

Need to incorporate better and higher calorie food choices... as running and p90x is burning way more than I'm taking in and I can feel it wearing on me to the point I just have no energy.

Anbira Hicchoru

Jul 5th, 2010, 02:00:17 PM

I'm gonna go run a low intensity mile or two, then crush the heavens with a brutal squats routine, and I guess finish with some dumbbell curls since Christin is a no-spotting babby and I need a spotter on bench.

The Original BuffJedi

Jul 5th, 2010, 08:10:41 PM

Ran(jogged) little over 6 miles(and only smoked one cig)...finally hit the abs again, for like the first time in MONTHS!!!!

Eluna Thals

Jul 5th, 2010, 08:24:57 PM

Thought my tendonitis was ebbed enough to do heavy squats. My knee says "FOOOLED YOOOOUUU"

>_<

So, guess it's back to the treadmill like a little bitch for a week, until I get my sea legs back under me.

Darth Turbogeek

Jul 5th, 2010, 10:08:28 PM

Why not just do lighter and more reps? That'll be the best cure.

What cant be cured is one of my bike wheels finally gave up. Not bad I guess from a bike - It has something like 3000kms since it was rebuilt with a lot of hard use so..... ah well.

New Speed rims :D

http://www.russhays.com/img/pr/ec90.jpg

Something like this I suspect. I'm gettign to the point where even minor variations in wind resistance make a difference so to actually move faster I need better aero, not more power.

Eluna Thals

Jul 5th, 2010, 10:24:30 PM

I'm probably gonna have to ease up on the gas and do lighter squats, even when my tendonitis eases away. Just something I suppose I need to work into.

EDIT: Those rims looks trippy as hell. How much are those?

Darth Turbogeek

Jul 6th, 2010, 04:13:15 AM

EDIT: Those rims looks trippy as hell. How much are those?

Depends if I want to get alloy or carbon fibre. Alloy are cheapish - carbon fibre can be 500 each

The Original BuffJedi

Jul 7th, 2010, 07:54:31 PM

Who did tricep dips with 150 pounds..yup!!!! at a body weight of 220 :)

Callista

Jul 18th, 2010, 09:56:01 AM

I went on a 15.2 mile hike (9 hours exactly) yesterday and by the time I finished, I couldn't feel my legs other than the bones that ached like crazy. Pretty sore today. Couldn't move my right arm because the trapezius was ridiculously tight.

There was a 3.5 mile canyon stretch that was all uphill and loose rock...it was most definitely a mountain biking path xD Not so much pedestrian!

Felt good to complete it, but I went through all 64 oz of water before 3/4 complete. It was 95 degrees out and too hot to eat. Stopped to get some water at the stream, but by then I only had 30 min. left to walk...or crawl...which is basically what that last part was. I hurt so bad. Knees hurt today. Definitely a take-it-easy day!

The Original BuffJedi

Jul 19th, 2010, 07:51:27 PM

So for craps and giggles i did the PX90(I think that's what is called) anyway....wow!! just WOW!! it's gotta be a joke, right????

Callista

Jul 20th, 2010, 08:25:51 PM

A joke as in you thought it was easy and it wouldn't work? or hard?

The Original BuffJedi

Jul 21st, 2010, 05:27:20 AM

A joke as in you thought it was easy and it wouldn't work? or hard?Way too easy and I personally thought it was to complicated, for who it is geared for. Working out should be kept simple and found it a very good way for less advanced to hurt themselves doing ridiculous moves. Now if i'm not mistaken, there are several different workouts for this program?? so if i do any others I may eat my words, but.... Now if someone likes it and is getting what they need from it great!! thats just totally my opinion on it :)

Callista

Jul 26th, 2010, 06:13:43 PM

Yeah, I wondered about some of the moves also when I started it. I know of 3 programs with it, but there was also P90 before P90X I believe.... yeah I dunno... I sadly have to start over after breaking my pinky toe and spraining my wrist - lol (neither of which happened while exercising...)

The Original BuffJedi

Jul 26th, 2010, 07:19:18 PM

Darth Turbogeek

Aug 5th, 2010, 05:46:35 AM

So for craps and giggles i did the PX90(I think that's what is called) anyway....wow!! just WOW!! it's gotta be a joke, right????

It is a joke.

Just get on a bike a ride is all that's needed, fancy programs are jsut there to sell shit, rather than make you a lighter, better looking person.

I am soooo close to 81 kg it pisses me off and I jumped back on the bike to make it happen :)

Miranda Tarkin

Aug 5th, 2010, 02:12:38 PM

I want to invest in a bike next but doing the elliptical 3-4 times a week and hiking helps. I feel more energetic and have better endurance, just the damn pounds wont come off XD

Corell Capstan

Aug 5th, 2010, 02:18:58 PM

In our recent move, I've inherited some hand weights and a skipping rope. Any suggestions for what I could do at home with these?

(Aside from comedy 'burn them' or 'shove them up your arse' options.)

Morgan Evanar

Aug 5th, 2010, 02:19:33 PM

Skipping rope is great.

Darth Turbogeek

Aug 5th, 2010, 03:13:04 PM

I want to invest in a bike next but doing the elliptical 3-4 times a week and hiking helps. I feel more energetic and have better endurance, just the damn pounds wont come off XD

Watch your waist line, not the scales :) I've dropped 5 kgs but the effect around the waist has been dramatic

Miranda Tarkin

Aug 7th, 2010, 01:55:33 PM

Yesterday and today worked out on the elliptical and burned over 500 calories. Now I am off to figure out a reputable place that has a mountain bike. 6-7 laps around the 3 mile hiking trial by my home will be fun when it is nice out.

Callista

Aug 8th, 2010, 10:01:25 PM

I think if I properly tape my toe, I can run again! ...I hope...shall attempt tomorrow!

I did do 7 hours of mowing over the past 2 days (push mower)...this not being able to workout stinks :(

Miranda Tarkin

Aug 9th, 2010, 03:26:08 PM

Darth Turbogeek

Aug 9th, 2010, 06:08:15 PM

For you bike people - can you recommend something? I'm just using the paved trails at the forest preserve or around my neighborhood, but there are some serious crazy expensive bikes. Any brand I should go for?

There is no particular brand in building a bike, they just build the frame, so try a few out at a shop to get a feel for one you like. The ancillaries come from all sorts of different companies. Ignore the top end bikes.

A good not expensive hardtail would be pretty suitable, which tends to be the entry level bike, so this is one with front suspension. You can get those really cheap but they are also crap. You tend to see at around the 450 AUD mark, the euipment they pt on a bike goes up in quality and also the weight goes down.

My advice would be especially when you are starting out is to get a second hand or cheaper new (not dirt cheap, those are shit), learn how to ride - there more to it than just balancing and pedalling :) - then reassess when you have achieved a certain level of comfort with riding and what exactly you will use a bike for. If you get beyond the odd 10km ride then the bike quality becomes a lot more important - when you ride at the pace I do, carbon fibre and aero begins to really kick in as well as high quality ring gear, puncture resistant tyres, brakes and long ride comfort.

However, the most important thing about riding is just simply getting out there on somethign you like to ride. The road bike I have is a 12 year old Cannondale Saeco CAAD3 with carbon fibre / lightweight alloy, aero wheels and Shimano race ring gear / pedals. But more importantly is that I've had it all adjusted to suit me and while it's not a modern bike, it's a fantastic thing to ride and I ride it till it breaks, then repair and ride it again. It's not the best bike for what I do - a 10,000 AUD carbon fibre all singing all dancing triatlon special would be - but because I like riding it, I do. And that's the most important thing, find a bike YOU like and then just ride it. Brands dotn mean a thing when you just want to ride :)

(As well as the Cannondale, I have a Jamis hard tail and Giant hardtail. Giant, Trek or Cannondale make some pretty sweeeeeeeeeeeeeet bikes)

The Original BuffJedi

Aug 9th, 2010, 08:26:03 PM

After that great insight by Turbo, I hate to say this, but....bought my bike 99 bucks @ Wal-mart(i really hate wal-mart). Bike with 4 serious bikers now and again, we get to and fro the same place at the same time(sometimes me ahead) and the only difference is i paid a whole lot less. i should say though, i rarely ride more than 10 miles with them.

Darth Turbogeek

Aug 10th, 2010, 04:00:01 AM

should say though, i rarely ride more than 10 miles with them.

When you get beyond the 1/2 hour mark is when it'll become a problem - a good bike is a lot less fatigueing so you can keep the speed going for longer - so for instance at the 30 km mark I'm really getting into the work while a lot of other cyclists are being dropped.

After that point your natural power becomes less of an advantage as how much you weigh becomes a factor. The less you weigh, the less drag and energy you expend every pedal stroke - which is why Alberto COntador flies up hills and big guys like Sean Kelly are gasping, despite being considerably more powerful - Sean Kelly is close to 100 kgs, Contador 62. Kelly would romp home in a sprint but Contador can just simply ride further and up hills faster.

I usually train with a 12kg backpack and the heavier bike for that reason - it's harder so to keep my pace up I need to work harder and build power + endurance. It's murder at the 1 hr mark - however with no backpack and on the road bike I can keep up 33-34 kph speeds consistently just because it's so much easier. Actually, I'm aiming to be able to ride at 40 kph average and drop down a few more kgs.

Tear

Aug 10th, 2010, 11:32:02 AM

Darth Turbogeek

Aug 10th, 2010, 07:50:06 PM

Ok, I've got an open question to all you get fit people or just simply people who try to eat healthy.

Milk.

What's your opinion of it? Bad or good? Or enjoy it in moderation? I keep hearing how awful it is for you with It's drawbacks far outweighing its benefits. What do you guys think?

We're not genitically disposed to long term milk drinking is true. But on the other hand milk is a great source of dietry needs and calicum.

And is yummy. And is really good for recovery.

Dont bother with the low fat crap, it's in no way better and tastes like water anyway.

ALSO the organic movement are retards so feel quite free to drink pasteurised milk.

The Original BuffJedi

Aug 11th, 2010, 07:26:58 PM

The Original BuffJedi

Aug 11th, 2010, 07:29:04 PM

Park Kraken

Aug 12th, 2010, 09:42:57 PM

I need to get back to eating healthy food, mainly. I've been packing on too many sugary foods for the energy boost during night shifts for work.

For one thing, I definitly need to work Taters, whether they be sweet or regular, preferrably baked whole, back into my diet.

Darth Turbogeek

Aug 17th, 2010, 07:03:02 PM

This is the best application for trackign workouts I've come across. And it's also got an actual decent Facebook application too

http://www.endomondo.com/workouts/kW51N3vXt5E

Endomondo it's called and a lot of runners use it. And it's also sutible for cycling, walking, rowing, whatever you do outdoors. It also tracks calorie burn too.

Mu Satach

Sep 1st, 2010, 02:22:43 PM

Checking out Endomondo.
Anyone using RunKeeper or other such sites?

update -

the auto pause, voice prompts, goal setting, countdown to start, HRM AND built in music player have all made my geeky heart skip a beat

this thing puts every other tracker I've used to shame and so far I've only used it once.

only downside at the moment is I can't see a way to browse public challenges

Darth Turbogeek

Sep 7th, 2010, 07:18:41 AM

I think I'd like to try out RunKeeper as Endomondo doesnt do stoppages and sometimes loses distance tracking.

http://www.endomondo.com/workouts/h6Q9Szn3-mU

Here's my latest Endomondo on the cycle - and if you think that seems to be pretty quick with some distance, yes it was :)

However the bike computer - which is very accurate said 15 minutes faster and 2 km more. So Endomodo says 20ish kph average, the bike computer says closer to 25. Actually up to the 51 km mark came up in 2hr 10, so the last 10 km was tragically slow for me - I ran out of energy as I failed to eat as I rode. Bad move - you need at least a litre of water and 500 calories to simply keep going and more if you want to keep the pace up. Up to the hour mark, I was able to keep up a 30kph speed, at the 51km mark I was strugging to push 24kph.

Wyl Staedtler

Sep 7th, 2010, 04:22:43 PM

Darth Turbogeek

Sep 7th, 2010, 04:44:49 PM

If you do not rest, your body can not repair itself.

That's the bottom line.

Pierce Tondry

Sep 7th, 2010, 05:00:03 PM

What are y'all's opinions on rest days? I know they're important but I find it makes me anxious not to get a workout in every day; do you take a full day off on your rest day or do you just lower the intensity of your workout?

I'm thinking maybe I could just go on a shorter, easy trail in the morning for my run and then relax with some yoga on recuperation days and that might be enough of a break. Thoughts?

If you do not rest, your body can not repair itself.

That's the bottom line.

Quoted for emphasis.

Of course, if you don't want to listen to us, you can always ask your brother. My bet is, he calls you fucking stupid and berates you until you give up the idea.

Wyl Staedtler

Sep 7th, 2010, 05:45:04 PM

Well, he runs 6 miles every day (the whole family runs) but he takes Sundays off of resistance training. I'm thinking I could do the same thing as running is the best stress reliever for me. I've been working mymileage up steadily and the last week or so I've consistently gone 4 miles on my evening run and about 2 in the mornings; the am trail has a half-mile loop though so it'd simply be a matter of turning around at that point to cut it in half. An easy jog for a mile isn't really a workout, imho, compared to my usual routine. Is that still going to prevent my body from recovering?

Lilaena De'Ville

Sep 7th, 2010, 05:50:25 PM

I googled.

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-267--13104-0,00.html

A light jog should be okay, according to that article, but full rest is better.

Pierce Tondry

Sep 7th, 2010, 06:47:10 PM

The article looks at it from the point of view of someone trying to improve or maintain their overall fitness. It's also a bit dry on actual data. Feels kinda like someone read other articles that have looked at actual data and said "I agree with their conclusion because my own experience fits it, so I will write about it from my viewpoint." Nothing wrong with that, but I don't chalk him up as any kind of expert.

To a certain degree, fitness is relative. If you are used to running 30 miles 3 days a week, a one-mile jog is barely tapping your reserves. You're also in your 20s, which is a good time to be physically fit and to push yourself to your peak. You won't get quite that good again.

The problem with your overall proposal is that it's comparable to continuing to drive a performance car after it's used up all the oil and needs more. If you don't stop the car long enough to refill, you can't put more in and you'll damage the engine quickly. A short trip to the grocery store might not be that harmful; on the same lines, a one mile jog's probably okay if you're desperate for an exercise fix. It's just better if you add that oil/rest first. Your body's a black '67 Impala too; take care of it.

What really concerns me is that your suggestion doesn't seem motivated by a higher level of activity and your ability to naturally do more, but an attempt to deal with a psychological compulsion to exercise (or some other headspace problem) by giving in to it to a small degree. The first is okay, the second is baaaaaad.

Darth Turbogeek

Sep 12th, 2010, 04:13:56 AM

The problem with your overall proposal is that it's comparable to continuing to drive a performance car after it's used up all the oil and needs more. If you don't stop the car long enough to refill, you can't put more in and you'll damage the engine quickly. A short trip to the grocery store might not be that harmful; on the same lines, a one mile jog's probably okay if you're desperate for an exercise fix. It's just better if you add that oil/rest first. Your body's a black '67 Impala too; take care of it.

See this? This is 100% true. Even the fittest atheles give themselves a good day of rest because the body NEEDS it. This is not some supposed rule of thumb, it's medically backed. And I add pro teams always have rest days where they will allocate nothing - a light walk or a short slow ride is the absolute maximum, something to simply allow the body to recuperate.

Frankly Liz, overdoing it can be just as bad as not doing it. And you sometimes just go too far or go off on tangents that are not going to work in the long run.

BTW, resistance training IS NOT REST. A good weights set should be able to push your heart rate and cardio system every bit as hard as for me to stand on the pedals and accelerate to 60kph and hold it for a km.

Mu Satach

Sep 15th, 2010, 09:56:17 PM

Biffed it on my bike tonight - ow - I hurt. :p

Darth Turbogeek

Sep 16th, 2010, 06:51:33 AM

Tsk Tsk. Back on the bike you get :)

BTW, I'm now 81.5kgs.

Mu Satach

Sep 16th, 2010, 11:13:07 AM

Nice!

I'll be back on the velo as soon as the right knee can bend & extend without pain. Mmm, the sauna is calling me tonight and perhaps the pool will become a mainstay for the next week or so while things heal up.

Darth Turbogeek

Sep 18th, 2010, 05:07:20 AM

http://www.endomondo.com/workouts/vjkUjzXMeSY

Top this

Mu Satach

Sep 20th, 2010, 11:01:48 AM

that map makes my legs hurt

Darth Turbogeek

Sep 22nd, 2010, 01:44:53 AM

Wait till you see what I have planned in November - 95km in three hours.

First things first is that I'll have to work out how to stop hitting the wall - I've doen that twice lately and it's not good.

Cirrsseeto Quez

Sep 22nd, 2010, 06:22:27 PM

Starting up P90X with Christin. I'd rather do free weights but this way we both participate in the whole shebang. Heard good things from folks I trust.

Pierce Tondry

Sep 22nd, 2010, 07:25:30 PM

I will not be outdone by you Alabamaniacs. Prepare for defeat!

Wyl Staedtler

Sep 22nd, 2010, 08:05:22 PM

I`m in. xD

Darth Turbogeek

Sep 23rd, 2010, 04:21:37 AM

Ooooooooooh dear.

Loklorien s'Ilancy

Sep 25th, 2010, 06:07:46 PM

Came home from work today to find that p90x arrived in the mail :D I think I'm going to move things up and start tomorrow.

Sanis Prent

Sep 27th, 2010, 03:50:19 PM

We did chest & back, and ab ripper last night. Plyometrics are tonight

Mu Satach

Sep 27th, 2010, 03:53:04 PM

So you guys going to do the whole photo documentation of the process?

Lilaena De'Ville

Sep 27th, 2010, 04:17:43 PM

I took my pictures today. :cry

Have to figure out where/how to put up the pull up bar or where to finagle the bands so I can use those for the pull ups. Also - push ups are impossible to do with kids around.

Owen did love the warm ups though. :p I did about twenty five minutes of the Chest/Shoulders whatever one but had to stop because it was getting crazy. Ty is going to put up the bar tonight though, after the hockey game.

Wyl Staedtler

Sep 27th, 2010, 06:39:19 PM

doing core synergystics now. I really, really, really don`t feel like working out =/

Byl Laprovik

Sep 27th, 2010, 07:45:27 PM

So you guys going to do the whole photo documentation of the process?

I think we did half of the photos they asked for, but yeah.

Did Plyo tonight. That...wasn't bad actually! Then again I love squats like a fat kid loves cake, so I guess they didn't completely murder me.

Loklorien s'Ilancy

Sep 27th, 2010, 07:47:14 PM

My quads are shaking. It's gonna be a fun time at work tomorrow.

Byl Laprovik

Sep 27th, 2010, 07:49:17 PM

Oh yeah they're gonna have to wheel me to my cube tomorrow like I'm Christopher Reeve, no doubt.

Charley

Oct 2nd, 2010, 09:45:38 AM

First week done, hell yeah.

A little sore, but loving this rest day. Making me an omelette and preparing to take it easy. Weight's holding pretty constant but I'm noticing strength and stability gains and my clothes are going loose, which is just fine by me.

Callista

Oct 2nd, 2010, 12:14:17 PM

Good for you! That rocks!

I don't have the P90X DVDs, but I do have the book and my workout sheets, so I will pick that back up and do what I can (no bands or bar, not that I could even DO a pull up). Did arms yesterday - definitely lost some strength! Little sore today, but it feels great!

I found an AWESOME running trail (I have a vBlog about it and spiders on Facebook) here that is 5.3 miles long (eventually will be 22 I guess). I don't know how many miles I did; didn't finish it, but I had been running prior to going down it. There are 1/4 mile markers, so I'll have to see next time.

Feels so good to be back in the running game! Will start training again for a 5 and 10k as soon as I get accustomed to the new schedule.

Darth Turbogeek

Oct 4th, 2010, 04:27:13 AM

Loklorien s'Ilancy

Oct 4th, 2010, 05:20:27 AM

Well I am enjoying p90x so far, and I find it to be fun as well :|

Charley

Oct 4th, 2010, 06:21:24 AM

P90X sucks it's everything I hate in a workout/program and none of the fun.

100km cycling in 4 hours now that kicks ass. Aiming to get that bad boy done in 3 hours :) - settign out a 50 km course tomorrow, settign a base time and then going to just go for it, if I can burn 50 km in 1:40 by christmas, I'm on track

Normally the negative nancy stuff just rolls off my back, but of all the places to do that, don't do it here. If people are working and getting something out of it, don't sabotage that. It's not cool at all.

Wyl Staedtler

Oct 4th, 2010, 11:51:57 PM

I'm halfway through plyo (I hate it but I love it) and had to pause to catch my breath - whatever else it's doing, it's certainly breaking down some things that need breaking down. Catharsis comes in the shape of Mary Katharines and tastes of lactic acid and sweat.

General Dan

Oct 5th, 2010, 05:50:37 AM

I slayed plyo this morning. Only paused it once, which felt pretty boss. All I gotta do now is get my speed up and my reps up.

Loklorien s'Ilancy

Oct 5th, 2010, 07:40:43 PM

Plyo was great today :D Worked by butt off, and I feel awesome for it!

General Dan

Oct 5th, 2010, 08:04:45 PM

Tomorrow should be a cinch, but I dread Thursday. Yoga :x

Mu Satach

Oct 5th, 2010, 10:54:21 PM

keep it up - all this talk and posting of activities has got me restless - the bike is going to be my commuter vehicle tomorrow (along with the city Trax line)

General Dan

Oct 6th, 2010, 05:12:37 AM

I'm forced to take a 1 day hiatus while my dumb country bumpkin water service figures out how to turn on the water again >_<

Mu Satach

Oct 6th, 2010, 01:46:09 PM

^ that's total suckage

getting all antsy - Bad Ash is my inner mental coach these days and right now he's smacking my upside the back of my head telling me to get my ass to the gym - but I can't until 45 min. from now...

Loklorien s'Ilancy

Oct 6th, 2010, 05:28:49 PM

There's this type of sit-up on ab ripper where you lay on your back, feet splayed out. With one hand behind your head and the other stretched out, you have to lift yourself up, then bend forward to touch your opposite foot. The past four ab sessions I simply couldn't do this set because of a strained oblique, and the simple honest fact that I'm top-heavy.

Today I did one :D

Wyl Staedtler

Oct 6th, 2010, 05:49:46 PM

the crossed-leg/wide leg sit up? Woman, you`re a superhero. Those bastards are inhuman.

Wyl Staedtler

Oct 6th, 2010, 05:51:20 PM

hahaha oh man I`m getting so ridiculously emotional. I`m so proud of everybody. I`mma go dry my nancy mom-tears but keep it up, hombres!

Loklorien s'Ilancy

Oct 6th, 2010, 06:03:13 PM

Oh Liz :hug

Charley

Oct 6th, 2010, 08:46:55 PM

Water's back, and so am I.

Will be doing bi's, tri's, shoulders, and abs tomorrow :)

Chaz de Coventina

Oct 10th, 2010, 04:32:43 PM

I think I legit sprained my butt. Did a double yesterday - legs, back, and abs in the AM and kenpo in the PM. Today it feels like my ass is bruised and I can't sit. Owie. :(

(also I've started smoking a bit again and despite it being dumb, I'm really clinging to it.)

Pierce Tondry

Oct 10th, 2010, 07:13:42 PM

Wyl Staedtler

Oct 10th, 2010, 08:06:04 PM

Home-rolled, yeah. My uncle mailed me some loose leaf and fresh papers from Kenya. Good stuff but it's a terrible habit.

Slaughtered chest and back - I love pushups and I'm so angry that I can pound them out like two-penny nails. Feels wicked good.

Loklorien s'Ilancy

Oct 10th, 2010, 09:11:13 PM

Girl, you're a beast. I can only do pushups on my knees so far.

Chaz de Coventina

Oct 11th, 2010, 01:58:33 AM

Upper body/core stuff is fun - I can manage about twenty standard form before I have to drop to my knees on most of the moves, except for those goddamn diamond pushups (though I managed fifteen man style and five more on my knees today!) and the under-the-fence ones which are ridiculous; I do like, two, and then my arms literally collapse. :uhoh

Lower body work? Eff off. I'm TERRIBLE at it, no stamina whatsoever. Squats and lunges are personal hell. :shakefist

Pierce Tondry

Oct 11th, 2010, 07:50:22 AM

Home-rolled, yeah. My uncle mailed me some loose leaf and fresh papers from Kenya. Good stuff but it's a terrible habit.

This speaks to a massive bias I have, but I hope you stop.

Lower body work? Eff off. I'm TERRIBLE at it, no stamina whatsoever. Squats and lunges are personal hell. :shakefist

I'm the opposite. My legs can take whatever I throw at them, within a certain range of my current fitness level.

I've had a ton of trouble getting into the mood to work out, as in, I haven't. I've run everywhere in the past week, and I did my hiking on Wednesday (and I'm pretty sure I injured myself there), but the bottom line seems to be that I only really have the motivation to exercise consistently when I'm extremely angry. Something tells me that's not good, but at least I've found a source of anger to fuel myself with for the moment.

Loklorien s'Ilancy

Oct 11th, 2010, 09:03:56 PM

Chest, back and abs today. I worked extra hard and made gains on push-ups. Still on my knees, but instead of 100% of the time, it's about 95% ^_^;

Second round of decline push-ups I flat out couldn't do. Collapse-city, heh. Next time I'll get 'em :shakefist

Wyl Staedtler

Oct 11th, 2010, 09:31:10 PM

Good job, chica! You are becoming a "muscle-ladeh" (imagine that in an old-lady Korean accent and you will be able to picture my neighbor, Aunty Mary; picture her flexing her tiny bicep as she says this, too. ^___^)

For the first time ever, I did the wide-leg/crossed-leg situps with crossed legs. :D

Now I have plyo to do. The intro's been playing for about ten minutes now. Le sigh. =/

Loklorien s'Ilancy

Oct 11th, 2010, 09:56:50 PM

Do eeet :D

Isn't that a hell of a feeling when you do something like those sit-ups for the first time? It's pretty much indescribable. For me at least.

:hug

Wyl Staedtler

Oct 11th, 2010, 10:07:20 PM

It totally is. Makes you sort of cockily attack the rest of the workout. Like, "Pffffft, I can do this shit, suckahs!" :hat

Chaz de Coventina

Oct 12th, 2010, 05:43:16 PM

Week two done for me, no p90x today.

This morning, I accomplished something that I didn't think I ever would. At Vinyasa class down in Hanalei, for the very first time ever, I was able to go into part of Eka Pada Galavasana (or Hip Opening Crow Variation). It looks like this (http://www.yogascope.com/blog/2007/05/hip-opening-crow-variation-eka-pada.html) when you do it properly; picture it without the back leg extended but instead with the knee bracing the shelved leg. Basically you go into tree pose, then modify that by pulling your foot from the inner thigh of the standing leg and resting it on the opposite hipbone. Then you go into a forward fold and then a front bend and then crow! I could only do the first part (balancing with both legs off the ground but no extension) and only with my right leg bracing (my left hip is super tight) but progress! :D

And then I fell asleep in Savasana, another first. It was glorious. ^_^

Byl Laprovik

Oct 12th, 2010, 09:01:57 PM

I'm getting more and more confident in my yoga. Some stuff is still ridiculous to me, (table!) but I'm no longer gassed by all of those upper > plank > lower dog transitions.

I slaughtered plyo this morning pretty well enough. Tomorrow morning's arms, shoulders, and abs. Should be easy as long as I get crackin early.

Byl Laprovik

Oct 13th, 2010, 06:14:20 AM

I got 18/25 on wide leg situps with good form. I should be able to clean my plate at this rate within a week on those. Plus, I'm actually doing more than one pulse-up / v-up now! Everything else clicked so good this morning.

On the downside, I really need new iron if I'm gonna continue to push myself on arms. 35 pound dumbbells are almost too light now.

Loklorien s'Ilancy

Oct 13th, 2010, 09:36:40 AM

Arg I hate being sidelined :mad This sick crap needs to go away :colbert

Tear

Oct 13th, 2010, 12:19:17 PM

Arg I hate being sidelined :mad This sick crap needs to go away :colbert

After you are better make sure you give yourself a good week of recovery time afterward. Because even though you feel better you are still sick and if you workout too hard your body might relapse.

It sucks to be out for the extra week when you feel fine but It's better then getting sick back to back. Which has happened to me.

I've also just finished the 90 day challenge for p90x. Finished it about two weeks ago. Only missed about 4 days in it's entirety. If you guys have any questions as your going through it or what sort of things to expect let me know.

And keep at it! You guys are doing good!

Wyl Staedtler

Oct 17th, 2010, 03:18:38 PM

I don't feel like working out even though it's my favourite workout of the week (chest and back). I feel (what I imagine it feels like to be, at least) hungover and generally gross.

Last week of intense stuff and then it's the cardio recovery week. Nutritionally I need to get better. I ate nothing but crap yesterday. Month two I'll do better and hopefully see some better results.

Chaz de Coventina

Oct 17th, 2010, 04:25:53 PM

Welp, did it anyway. Really, really struggled today for some reason. The second go-round of chest/back was just that I really fought for depth and form so I understand that being a challenge; but ab ripper x, which while difficult I can normally get through just fine, was a bitch today. We hadn't even gotten to a ten count in mason twists and my legs were collapsing and by back easing to the ground. :/

Loklorien s'Ilancy

Oct 17th, 2010, 06:25:43 PM

I love mason twists, but I can only do about 13 before I have to stop and collect myself before going on ^_^;

Keep it up babydoll!!

Byl Laprovik

Oct 17th, 2010, 07:43:12 PM

Recovery week it is!

(I kind of missed last day of lower body and kenpo for week 3 but my friend was getting married and well I'm just gonna deal)

Monday: Yoga
Tuesday: Core
Wednesday: Kenpo
Thursday: Stretch
Friday: Yoga
Saturday: Core
Sunday: Stretch.

Neat, a resty-relaxy week. Just what I need.

The Original BuffJedi

Nov 2nd, 2010, 03:33:18 PM

Back at it!!

The Original BuffJedi

Nov 2nd, 2010, 08:14:21 PM

My second night back at it!! i feel great!! I have given my self 60 days to get back into Great shape. 58 to go. my avatar (or what ever you call it) is my pre(starting) picture, hopefully in 58 day's I won't fit in it!

Darth Turbogeek

Nov 7th, 2010, 02:53:50 AM

Who can do the Sydney to Gong (90km) ride in 3 hour 24 min?

Yeah, that would me :D

Even rode with the fast peleton for 21 km. Pack riding at 40+ kph rocks but damn I literally can not eat enough tonight. I've torn thru every bit of food I can get my hands on.

Wyl Staedtler

Nov 13th, 2010, 05:53:02 PM

Welp, after three weeks of almost constant travel with only every-other-day runs and a couple sessions of resistance training/week when I could squeeze them in, I'm jumping back into p90x with my brother on Monday. As much fun as being relatively sedentary (in comparison with the normal schedule) has been, all the Afrikaans food and little sleep and drinking is catching up and my body is pissed off.

So, a bit of yoga today to try and clear this headache, and then an easy detox day tomorrow and then Mr. Horton is coming to tea. :D

Darth Turbogeek

Dec 11th, 2010, 04:47:45 AM

Hello three litres of fluid to recover from today's cycling in 35C heat.

Loklorien s'Ilancy

Jan 13th, 2011, 07:44:19 PM

After falling to the wayside from Burning Nerd until yesterday, I just finished Chest & Back and Ab Ripper X. Since I'd been gone so long I decided to just start over from the beginning, and damn. I feel like a weakling!! Looking at today's numbers in comparison to when I stopped, it's amazing how much of a difference just a month and a half makes >_<

Cirrsseeto Quez

Jan 14th, 2011, 09:12:15 PM

I've had a few dawdling dips into and out of P90x since Burning Nerd (mostly plyo, but a little of the rest too) and it's hard to not feel a bit whooped. I wish I could get my schedule to behave so I could keep a consistent workout.

I think I may need to start looking into going back to working five day work weeks so I can use the extra two hours to my advantage.

Wyl Staedtler

Jan 14th, 2011, 10:37:13 PM

The important thing is that y'all are back on the fitness horse! Don't stress! You'll be whoopin' Tony's ass in no time. :D

I did a yoga class with the sis-in-laws & kids today; as you can imagine, it was a lot of wriggly silliness and not a lot of actual working out. Which was okay; bonding, ftw.

Today is supposed to be the KenpoX day of week 13 in P90-X for me but I was so, so, so loathe to do it for some reason; maybe because I feel like I JUST did it? Anyway, rather than struggle with the mental battle of having to push to get in the 110 percent, I did a 15 minute total body circuit with my brother's mother-in-law and then followed that with a 40 minute circuit workout via Jackie Warner. Totally kicked my butt! Gahhh! But it was awesome. :D

Wyl Staedtler

Jan 15th, 2011, 08:55:40 PM

X-Stretch today. Did half of it and then got bored.

Went on a hike with brothers. Not a wise idea. Slipped and landed WITH THE SQUISHY PART OF MY KNEE on the edge of a wooden stair brace. So now my knee is extra squishy and very squeaky and spongy when I walk. It's like poking a ticklish Spongebob.

Chaz de Coventina

Feb 11th, 2011, 05:08:55 PM

Today marks day 1 of 60 in my Insanity journey. I am very, very intimidated. My last venture was trying the `fit test` from my brother`s copy and it left me a puddle of goo.

I`m hoping with P90X and Brazil Butt Lift under my belt that I`ll be at least a little more prepared but I`d be lying if I said I didn`t feel completely judged by the shirtless, glaring photo of Shaun T on the cover. :uhoh

ETA:

Sweet jeebus christus. Day one is complete and mother of everything that was absolutely gutting. So, so hard but so. much. fun. The music is amaaaazing. Today was the Plyometric Cardio Circuit workout.

<embed width="600" height="361" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullscreen="true" allowNetworking="all" wmode="transparent" src="http://static.photobucket.com/player.swf" flashvars="file=http%3A%2F%2Fvid13.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2 Fa266%2Flizmclellan%2FDSCN0890.mp4">

Before:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a266/lizmclellan/before.jpg

After:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a266/lizmclellan/after.jpg

Tess Abrahams

Feb 12th, 2011, 05:31:25 PM

Insanity, Day 2: Cardio Power & Resistance

Not as sore as I was expecting to be! About thirty minutes after completing yesterday's workout, my muscles locked and I became a walking zombie - never had anything like that happen before. The kids found great joy in kneecapping me from behind and watching me fold like a cheap suit (to be fair, I would've laughed too if I hadn't been hurting so much.) I drank a bunch of water and went to be fully expecting to wake up crippled and wondering how I was going to power through a workout without being able to move.

But lo and behold, I felt fantastic when I woke up! Certainly the plyo drills from yesterday left an impression, especially in my butt, but the stiffness didn't hinder me from the daily routine. Naturally I figured my body had adjusted and was ready to kill the next workout.

Ha ha ha. Oh, Liz. You idiot.

This was after the ten minute warmup.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a266/lizmclellan/daytwo.jpg

As hard as this workout was, it was also fun. And it helps your confidence when the participants in the DVD are yelling and collapsing during sets just like you. Yay for being relatable! :eee

Just like any exercise regime, diet plays a massive role in results. I'm not following the nutritional guide that came with the program but I am logging what I eat and trying to eat fairly clean and I've incorporated Shakeology for the first month (I get a discount on it otherwise I wouldn't because it's too much monies.)

Breakfast: two gluten-free pancakes with chia seeds, filled with 3/4 Tbsp fresh peanut butter and topped with berries.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a266/lizmclellan/glutenfreepancakeswithpeanutbutter.jpg

Post-workout snack: 1/2 an apple with 1 tsp warmed almond butter, a small cluster of grapes and one piece of jalapeno mozzarella cheese, sliced

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a266/lizmclellan/postsnack.jpg

Lunch: Sh-sh-shakeology! Made with berries and almond milk. I'm not bowled over by the taste but it's decent enough and I love the way I feel afterward. So far I've been replacing lunch with the shake; the idea of a cold breakfast is off-putting and there's something so lovely about sitting down as a family at night and eating dinner together. Plus, there's always a slump in my energy level at about two o'clock and having the shake at lunch has so far eliminated that drop. Win!

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a266/lizmclellan/lunch.jpg

Tess Abrahams

Feb 13th, 2011, 08:18:53 PM

Insanity Day Three: Cardio Recovery

I feel like this:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a266/lizmclellan/DayThree.jpg

Which is better than the alternative. It's a nice break.

Breakfast was Greek yogurt with berries, chia seeds, unsweetened coconut, raw oats, and sprouted unsweetened almond granola. Lunch was Shakeology made with strawberries and almond milk. Snack was a hardboiled egg and six rice crackers (I thought I would want more but alas, I was not very hungry) and dinner right now is fish salad with the possibility of leftover lentil soup if I'm still hungry. All signs point to yes.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a266/lizmclellan/complete.jpg

Oh god I cannot wait until rest day.

Anna Fernandez

Feb 13th, 2011, 08:34:03 PM

I've been counting my calories for a week and I'm already down two pounds (plus working out in the gym HIIT style for a week as well).

Yay!

Tess Abrahams

Feb 15th, 2011, 02:25:35 AM

Awesome job! Hope you enjoyed your workout today!

Insanity Day Four: Pure Cardio.

This was insanely fun. Really challenging but filled with moves that I love - suicide jumps, upright mountain climbers, traveling Heismans, jack pushups. :love

Mmm, collarbone sweat and James Dean.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a266/lizmclellan/dayfour.jpg

I definitely fell behind in eating today and did not consume enough! I didn't feel hungry at all but this is something I struggle with (not getting enough calories) and so it's not a habit I want to fall into.

Brekkie was an (overdone :() egg on whole wheat toast with avocado and another piece of toast with soy butter (Earth Balance) and fruit jam. Jams I don't normally do but this one has only six grams of sugar and only contains fruit and a bit of arrowroot powder!

Seriously though, two pieces of toast.

Lunch was some olives and garlic&vinegar-marinated mushrooms split with my brother, and a Kombucha each. There was an emotional breakdown involved here which led to this meal which is why it is not so much a meal as it is a snack. Fun times. It's Monday, y'all.

And then for dinner another Shakeology with strawberries. Had this post-workout and it was a refreshing change of pace and exactly what my tumultuous stomach needed.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a266/lizmclellan/pan.jpg

Anna Fernandez

Feb 15th, 2011, 03:14:10 PM

I overate because date night. :x

I am going to be extra good from now on. ^_^;

Tess Abrahams

Feb 16th, 2011, 03:00:38 AM

Insanity Day Five: Plyometric Cardio Drill

Here is a fun conversation:

"Why aren't you stretching?"

"Eh. I did the warmup."

"Uh huh. You should stretch. You've been in heels all day, your muscles are too contracted for a warmup alone to get them ready."

"Nah, I'm loose and limber."

"You're a fuckin' moron."

Exhibit A: A Fuckin' Moron

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a266/lizmclellan/complete-2.jpg

So, yes. I did the ten minute warmup and then lollygagged during the pre-workout stretch because I figured I was hot and loose and ready to go, screw that slow stuff. Should have listened to my brother, though, because about halfway through something in my hip went OWOWOW.

So I paused it and stretched.

And then finished the workout. Why? Why? I have no sympathy for the fact that I am now hobbling around with pain shooting up and down my hip. It was totally a result series of bad decisions on my part and is a well-deserved injury. Pretty sure the piriformis muscle is strained. Thank goodness for rest days! Going to be extra kind to it tomorrow.

Brekkie was two whole eggs (not one egg + two egg whites like normal), scrambled, with a piece of wholewheat (greek)yogurt cornbread and Earth Balance. Mid-morning snack was 15 almonds dusted with raw cacao powder. Lunch was a steak wrap on a sprouted tortilla with raw onion, avocado, and tomato. Side of carrot and celery with red wine vinegar, dijon mustard & pepper dressing. Pre-workout snack was an Access Fat Conversion Bar. Dinner was a Shakeology (not pictured because, you know, they all look the same.)

And I broke my no-eating-after-seven-thirty guideline and had more cornbread with raw peanut butter. Pain makes me miserable and hungry, apparently. Plus cornbread is delicious.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a266/lizmclellan/complete-3.jpg

Lilaena De'Ville

Feb 17th, 2011, 11:23:27 AM

Had a rest day yesterday, my eating resolve suffered because I didn't have the extra calories to 'spend.' SIGH

Still, working out today!

What's the 'skinny' on the whole "muscles weigh more than fat" thing, like, with dropping my caloric intake to 1,276 a day and working out 4-5 times a week, should I expect to drop weight every week? I mean, I'm hoping to drop at least some weight every day, this is a lot less food than I usually eat (and drink, no Cokes lately [except yesterday]).

Tess Abrahams

Feb 18th, 2011, 12:51:36 AM

Insanity Day Six: Cardio Power & Resistance

After a wonderful rest day yesterday that involved lots of heating pads, massages, stretching, and some electrode impulse therapy (basically you get in a Tron suit, they hook little suckers up to your injured muscle(s), you sit in a bluey-green gel tub and get mildly zapped for ten seconds in 90 second intervals), I woke up feeling much, much better! My hip barely hurt at all!

Ahaha but I did not want to work out. Had an extremely busy day filled with errands, guitar fixing, drug dealer run-ins and other such city escapades. My eating was... pretty terrible, tbh.

Brekkie was an egg, two pieces of ww toast (one with almond butter, one with peanut butter) and two strawberries. Lunch was with a friend at a restaurant; berry herbal tea with honey and mint, plus a ginger-seared tuna steak on top of a red spinach & wasabi greens salad. Dinner was a gluten-free chai tea chocolate chip scone & water. Late snack was lettuce and tomato slices drizzled in papaya dressing.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a266/lizmclellan/complete-4.jpg

I wasn't even going to work out but then someone *coughHOLLYcough* texted me about how they had worked out and so then I did, too. Boy oh boy did my crumby food intake catch up to me. I ran out of steam halfway through and it was murder finishing up.

But I did!

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a266/lizmclellan/daysix.jpg

Another day down, boo-ya! :dance

Anna Fernandez

Feb 18th, 2011, 01:46:45 AM

And here I was thinking I was the one who needed encouragement today (I did). I'm hoping I see some weight loss in the morning, even just a tiny bit.

Tess Abrahams

Feb 19th, 2011, 02:09:40 PM

Insanity Day Seven (yesterday) : Pure Cardio

Got in, got out. Was super tired after being up all night with a sick little boy :( No photos, too busy. Ate alright.

Kiddo seems to be a little more apt to sleep today, rather than throw up. Will update with today's workout if/when I get a chance to do it. Hoo boyo, I am really, really exhausted. >_<

ETA:

Insanity Day Eight: Plyometric Cardio Drill

Really, really struggled with this one today. The suicide drills were the high point (I love them so much) but the ski abs and in-and-outs that followed were pure torture. Interestingly enough, I hit The Wall during the final set and the charged through it, sobbing like a champ and all. I'm going to blame the music for the tears part because when you're exhausted and pushing yourself and using every mental trick you know, having epic Rocky-esque music come on is just a cheap shot. (ngl, I may have pretended I was in a sports movie montage)

As for eats, brekkie was a MASSIVE bowl of high protein cereal (1/4 cup steel cut oats, 1/4 cup quinoa, 1/4 cup Scottish oats, 2 tsp pumpkin puree, 4 frozen cherries cooked in 1 c water and 1/2 c unsweetened almond milk and topped with cinnamon, unsweetened coconut and a tsp of raw almond butter),lunch was a bite of mint chocolate ice cream, 1/2 cup of carrot soup with whole wheat crostini and a garden salad, undressed. Post-workout snack(eating right now) is 8oz of plain 0% Greek yogurt with cinnamon and 1/2 tsp of homemade granola. Dinner will be a Shakeology.

Early bed tonight ferrrr surrrrre. x_x

Lilaena De'Ville

Feb 25th, 2011, 10:35:44 AM

So I've been waffling between 174.6 and 173.8 for a week and a half, but finally got some movement on the scale yesterday - 173.2! And then today I weighed in at 171. Woohoo!

Polly Smithson

Feb 26th, 2011, 02:17:13 PM

Halfway through the Insanity Plyometric Cardio Drill workout and I just threw up two bowls worth of Raisin Bran.

What a waste of treat cereal. :(

Lilaena De'Ville

Mar 1st, 2011, 01:13:11 PM

Ugh, don't throw up anymore. Bleh!

I now weigh 169! Good-bye 170s!

Polly Smithson

Mar 1st, 2011, 03:28:13 PM

woohoo! way to go! :dance

Haha, I have now skipped two days of working out. I just flat out couldn`t bring myself to do it - I felt so, so sluggish and gross. So for once I listened to what my body was saying and was a lazy, lazy bum. Woke up feeling recharged today so I`m back on today with Pure Cardio and Cardio Abs!

Chaz de Coventina

Mar 5th, 2011, 12:24:24 AM

Well, nothing like a long day of business back and forth to effectively kill the desire to work out. The brain is a muscle and when you make it gogogo it exhausts you just as much as a circuit session! :(

Unfortunately the whole weekend is crammed full of conference calls and finance meetings and client reviews and project updates and the massive chore of deciding who is going where during the upcoming months to monitor site work. Definitely going to be zero time to workout tomorrow (unless the territory assignments get brutal and there is table death matches!) and I doubt there will be time on Sunday (though m'gonna try.)

So that means right now, I'mma amp it up and knock out Insanity Cardio Power & Resistance. At half past ten. :uhoh

(and then bed homgyusss)

eta: holy. cow. that was wicked. this was meant to get easier but it definitely isn't! no adjusting here - and these are only month one workouts! a couple more weeks and then they're longer and harder! :eek

Yog

Mar 5th, 2011, 08:24:43 AM

Sugar, fast carbohydrates, and processed foods in any form I have completely banned for the last couple weeks. I now eat protein rich foods, healthy and fresh, with plenty of omega-3, vitamins and minerals, plenty of vegetables and with as low Glycemic Index as possible). I work out with free weights every second day now (I alternate between upper and lower body to give muscles time to rest).

For me, it is not not about diet change, or to "lose some weight". It is about living healthier. It is a lifestyle change, and it is going to be a permanent one, because after reading books on the subject, I started realizing how much crap humans put in our bodies. I feel much better doing this. :)

Loklorien s'Ilancy

Mar 5th, 2011, 05:08:40 PM

Amen, brother :)

Polly Smithson

Mar 7th, 2011, 04:51:25 PM

Pausing to say: that primal roar that builds up in your chest just before you let loose on a brutal, soul-crushing run of high-intensity intervals?

That's awesome, man. :D

Polly Smithson

Mar 8th, 2011, 12:38:57 PM

Oh bloody hell. My arms. I can't lift them or extend them straight out. D=

Yesterday morning I did my Insanity Pure Cardio and skipped the Pure Abs 15 minute tack-on routine because I knew later on in the day I'd be going to CrossFit.

The whiteboard should have been my first hint that it was going to be brutal. Written on it were four things: The beatings will continue until morale improves, I never know whether my heart is about to explode or I'm going to throw up, I can't = 15 burpees, It's too hard = 15 squat jumps.

Warmup: 400 meter run, handstand walks, bear runs, crab walks, squat runs, inchworm, jumping jacks. Stretches.

Workout of the day: .5 mile run, 15 bar squats, 15 deadlifts, 20 box jumps, 25 pullups. Repeat FIVE TIMES.

Die slowly.

Taking a rest day today because there is no alternative, haha.

Selinica Miriya

Mar 8th, 2011, 02:40:48 PM

I've never been an 'on-purpose' exercise person in my whole damn life.

I used to walk most places not for any other reason than I wanted to (and everything was so damn close and I am blessed to be living in a beautiful place). Rollerblading was mad love because I felt fast and I was fast and it was my own body's work aided solely by wheels. It felt fucking fantastic. All about the speed, it's addictive. I used to DDR for a couple hours at a time and empty around a litre of water into myself in the process before breaking for lunch. Danced on the weekends until my legs hated me the next day. Hiked steep shit that definitely wore on me.

And it would probably kill me today.

Wouldn't you know it - life happens. I had a kid (darling girl is nearly five now). I got lazy. Didn't even rollerblade anymore, certainly didn't go for the epic long walks, even. And I've never felt fat in my life until now. My birthday was just this past Saturday.

I'm 27.
Weight: 173.0 lbs
Height: 5'6 1/2"

Boy, am I pokey. So yesterday, I started jogging. At 11pm, as it was the only time I could get to it. 5*C outside - it was perfect. So I began the 'couch to 5k', for something to start with.

60sec jogging, 90sec walking for 20min. Brisk warm-up and cool-down walks at 5min each.

I do this again tomorrow and on friday. It's a start. It's wanted!