Official Workout/Fitness Thread (Re-born)

[nate33]

Sounds great, CCJ. Keep up the good work!

[dangermouse]

anyone know anything about zinc?

i had about 4 months off lifting/working out because of a back injury and then travelling, the last month or so ive been struggling to get back into routine, i could not push past the wall whatsoever. i started taking zinc supplements about 2 weeks ago because i read it was good for general health, but this week ive been able to train twice as hard for twice as long, and i can string more days together without a rest day.

all in my head or is this some form of zinc wizardry?

[Zonkerbl]

I've reached that point where I just do not want to go to the gym.

Think I'll just take it really easy, do a mellow, half hour elliptical workout listening to music and just enjoying the free time.

[dobrojim]

re Zinc - a lot of supplements are unnecessary and can even be hurtful if taken
excessively.

rode my bike to work today. Wonderful.

[pancakes3]

1 - It's a lot easier to keep track of calories with an app.
2 - I'm trying the 18 hr fast thing and only eating within a 6 hr window every day from 10am-4pm.
3 - Getting motivated to work out is tough. I actually think it's easier to control the diet than to exercise consistently. 30 mins on the elliptical isn't peanuts either. With the right resistance and sustained effort it's a pretty solid workout.
4 - My friend swears by supplements. I don't. Nutrition is such in America that you get way too much of everything as it is. I just pop a multivitamin, and take CLA and green tea extract just for the hell of it without any real expectations. I don't think it noticeably helps my athletic performance in any way.

*5* - The underwater headphones came in and I just got back from a 750m swim. They work. They're a little small but I have a big head. It's a good thing though, because they don't move when I swim. They pinch and it's a little uncomfortable putting it on and taking it off but for the most part you forget it's there. I would liken it to taking on/off a football helmet vs wearing it. It's decent quality and actually work better when underwater than in the air. They don't sync with a regular ipod and only play whatever you load onto the 4GB hard drive, or use the radio tuner. You can't easily change volume/songs while swimming. They're not overly loud so don't expect it to drown the world out, but for me - I got lost enough in the music at least as much as if I'm jogging with cheap earbuds. It still remains to be seen if they're worth the 3 figure price tag. I was thinking that it would replace my ipod as the go-to headphone for all my workouts, and even shooting around the basketball, driving range, tennis court, jogging, etc. but for non-aquatic activities it's not as good as the ipod/earbuds model.

I'd probably say unless you already swim frequently and are desperate-ish for aquatic entertainment, hold off until a more reputable company gives it an ergonomic makeover. Given the validity of the technology, it's probably right in the near future.

[dobrojim]

getting motivated to work out is a WHOLE lot easier if you can incorporate
a social aspect to it ie do it with friends.

[Zonkerbl]

It took me a long time to make a habit out of working out. Once I did, it was easy. Making a habit out of eating well is much harder for me.

Yeah, after class in college I would go lift weights for an hour and then go play basketball for an hour or two. Very social and when you're playing bball you're not really thinking that it's a workout, it's just entertainment that happens to keep you in great shape. Then I got a job and there's no time to work out and nowhere to play basketball that doesn't cost $100 a month and no one to play with who isn't 100 times better than me. At IU there were 16 courts -- all I had to do was go down to court 10 to find folks about my skill level. Basketball isn't as much fun when you suck, suck, suck.

Let me count the ways working out in a gym sucks. Watching time tick slowly down on the treadmill - suck. Boring, non-sport activity - suck. Having to pay $40/month for a gym that doesn't even have a bball court - suck. Gyms never, ever have heavy bags any more - suck. Finding time during an eight hour workday - suck. Trying to work out at the end of an eight hour work day when you're totally exhausted - suck. Having to get up at 5:30 in the morning to work out before work - suck. The only redeeming feature is getting a chance to listen to music for an hour. And not dying.

I may be at the point where I need to hire a trainer so it's not totally boring. But a trainer's job is to make you work out more than you normally would, and my problem is that I always work out too hard -- still trying to do the same workout routines at 42 that I did at 22.

[nate33]

Zonker, would it make sense for you to get a weight set and worked out at home?

About 13 years ago, I shelled out $200 bucks for a home gym. I found an Olympic weight set (45 lb bar, 2x45 plates, 2x35 plates, 2x25 plates, 2x10 plates, 2x5 plates, 2x2.5 plates) for $100 on clearance. And I found a squat rack and weight bench for $100 on clearance. That $200 bucks has saved me the cost of a gym membership for the next 132 months. (I have a YMCA membership now, mostly for my kids.)

Other advantages of working out at home are that you save the commute time, you can work out anytime you want, and you can put your own TV or radio in the room. I have a media center network set up so that all my TV's can play the media stored on my office computer through Roku boxes. That really helps with the boredom factor.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Backtrack to my workout post above ...

Yesterday, the day after, my knee was painfully stiff and slightly swollen. I should have iced it right away instead of shooting around and trying to ignore the pain. Turns out yesterday AM I had to limp gingerly to get down the stairs to drive my kids to school. No way would I have been able to do the workout and I ended up skipping my treadmill scheduled "homework" on my calendar workout plan.

Instead, I bought a knee brace and wore it the rest of the day, and even slept with it on. Took some ibuprofen. Propped the leg up. Did put an ice pack on the knee last night, but I have to confess that is what I should have done 24-30 hours earlier. Lesson learned.

The good news is today the knee is a lot less stiff and not hurting (much). I am going to put the brace back on and do a light shoot around in a few minutes, as well as work my core/abs with the swiss ball. After that, I will get the first swim I've done in a while in. The bottom line is some discomfort comes with the territory. I'm finally toughening back up. Just power through it. There's an older guy who works out at my gym. He's a cancer survivor and a military retiree. I can hear him saying, "Where's your will?". That dude is my idol of sorts. It's cliche, but that guy is tough as nails IMO.

It feels really good to finally be getting back after it. Everything works better once I start working out regularly. Pain and all, I feel better. My knee isn't going to stop me.

[Zonkerbl]

Zonker, would it make sense for you to get a weight set and worked out at home?

About 13 years ago, I shelled out $200 bucks for a home gym. I found an Olympic weight set (45 lb bar, 2x45 plates, 2x35 plates, 2x25 plates, 2x10 plates, 2x5 plates, 2x2.5 plates) for $100 on clearance. And I found a squat rack and weight bench for $100 on clearance. That $200 bucks has saved me the cost of a gym membership for the next 132 months. (I have a YMCA membership now, mostly for my kids.)

Other advantages of working out at home are that you save the commute time, you can work out anytime you want, and you can put your own TV or radio in the room. I have a media center network set up so that all my TV's can play the media stored on my office computer through Roku boxes. That really helps with the boredom factor.

I tried that... I got a heavy bag and some jump rope and stuff... It just doesn't work for me. After work I'm too damn tired. I also had some really good reason why I couldn't do it in the morning, probably because I had to get kids to school or whatever. Carving out some time in the middle of the day at work is what ended up working out the best for me, particularly because my ex wouldn't let me listen to my techno at home.

So now I have a less hectic morning schedule and a much less insane girlfriend, but I've already established the habit of going to the gym in the middle of the day so why mess with what works? But the "opportunity to listen to music I can't listen to anywhere else" incentive has gotten a lot less strong.

[Zonkerbl]

Backtrack to my workout post above ...

Yesterday, the day after, my knee was painfully stiff and slightly swollen. I should have iced it right away instead of shooting around and trying to ignore the pain. Turns out yesterday AM I had to limp gingerly to get down the stairs to drive my kids to school. No way would I have been able to do the workout and I ended up skipping my treadmill scheduled "homework" on my calendar workout plan.

Instead, I bought a knee brace and wore it the rest of the day, and even slept with it on. Took some ibuprofen. Propped the leg up. Did put an ice pack on the knee last night, but I have to confess that is what I should have done 24-30 hours earlier. Lesson learned.

The good news is today the knee is a lot less stiff and not hurting (much). I am going to put the brace back on and do a light shoot around in a few minutes, as well as work my core/abs with the swiss ball. After that, I will get the first swim I've done in a while in. The bottom line is some discomfort comes with the territory. I'm finally toughening back up. Just power through it. There's an older guy who works out at my gym. He's a cancer survivor and a military retiree. I can hear him saying, "Where's your will?". That dude is my idol of sorts. It's cliche, but that guy is tough as nails IMO.

It feels really good to finally be getting back after it. Everything works better once I start working out regularly. Pain and all, I feel better. My knee isn't going to stop me.

Well, it will, eventually. That's why I stopped playing basketball. Doctors were like, well, you have tendonitis. Put some ice on it.

Ten years later I go to a chiropractor who's like, oh yeah, your knee hurts because your clavicle has popped out of place. Here, let me fix it. Poof! No more knee pain. Except now I haven't played bball in ten years so ...

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Zonker, it's funny you would mention a chiropractor.

The other day a friend told me about a local chiropractor who did wonders. He gave me the chiropractor's name and told me where his office was. Unfortunately, when I got the chiropractor's number from an Internet search the telephone number was no longer in service. I even drove by where my friend said the guy's office was and parked nearby. I literally walked up and down the block and couldn't find it.

When I called another nearby chiropractor I asked him about the chiropractor who my friend recommended. The chiropractor I called asked if my recommended guy was still in business. He said the guy is in his eighties. I told him, "Thanks".

I trust my friend's advice. This friend owns and operates a Christian book store. In the past my friend recommended the church I attend and my pastor who has been an awesome influence to me and my sons. I don't want to go to the wrong chiropractor. I was told the old chiropractor practices using Eastern medicine. He does a lot without xray or CT scans. Best of all he doesn't even charge much.

I am going to the old chiropractor if I can find him. Zonker, I bet he can go "poof" on my knee.


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[dckingsfan]

One more thing... the 20 minute jog or the 20 minute elliptical aren't the best "fat burning" options. But together they aren't too bad - especially if you pushed the elliptical to 40 minutes.

Well, that's what it was, but I just wasn't getting any actual weight loss. I figure my body is just adjusting my overall energy level afterwards to accommodate whatever workout I do, so why waste 20 minutes (and spend the rest of the day tired and unproductive)? I think I can only lose weight by changing my diet, which just isn't feasible with all the traveling I have to do now.

If you can add in one very long endurance set per week, you will find the weight loss will come.

[dckingsfan]

I will break 1000 miles bike commuting for the year on my next day of commuting.

Sweet - what kind of bike do you have - cross bike?

[dckingsfan]

Completed session 2 just a while ago. This one was very challenging.

Circuit training. 3 sets of 8 exercises. One minute each, 30 seconds rest in between exercises. 3 minutes between sets.

Started with tossing a ball against the wall. Second exercise was flipping 200-lb tire. Third, pushups off the tire. Fourth, planks against the tire. Fifth, was called mountain climber, where you hold the tire with outstretched hands, and run in place pushing against the tire, knees-to-chest. Sixth, dumbbell row pushups one arm at a time. Seventh, bicep curls with two dumbbells. Eighth and last, push weighted sled length of the floor, pull it back.

After the first circuit, I thought no way could I do two more. I had to pray, breath, and throughout the workout I took three extra 30 second breaks. Most of all had, I to convince myself and calm my breathing. I felt like I was going to throw up on the last set. I haven't been this out of shape in my life. But, I got through it!

Right now, I can tell my lats and abs are getting worked the hardest. The sled pull made my hamstrings burn, but not to injury.

I'm going to fix a protein drink and have that while I recover in a cold tub of water. EDITED: I'm good, about 30 mins later. Cold water is amazing!

Add in some endurance work

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Will do, dck.

Today, I had a so so TRX workout. Got there late. Also, after knee swelling minor setback I had a major relapse of binge eating a couple days this week.

(Note: Kids' grades and other stressors might have given me the excuse or thrown me off. Not sure, but I went HAM on comfort food. Gotta weigh in Monday, and now I need to drop 3-5 lbs over the weekend.)

Endurance work and tightening up on my eating discipline are in order. I have to plan my meals and put some time on the front end to make sure I have healthy food in front of me. I will drink a LOT more water. Also, I am going to undertake a MAJOR attitude adjustment with respect to my tendency towards negative self-talk/low self esteem during my training sessions. I know that nothing can defeat a person more than their own doubts. Also, if I'm hard on me that's making it all the harder. I have to speak life. (Prov 18:21) Prayer works when you believe, in faith. (Jas 5:16)

Who was that guy from years back on Saturday Night Live? Stuart Smalley

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DIETlxquzY[/youtube]

I'm going to say that the next time a training session or other challenge makes me question my resolve.

(More) seriously, this one I do believe in:



This following clip is the best clip from any Rocky movie I have ever seen:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTC7aeK_qgY[/youtube]


"If you KNOW what you're worth go out and get it. But YOU GOT TO BE WILLING TO TAKE THE HIT!!!"

"Nobody can hit hard as life. How hard can you GET HIT and keep moving forward?"

[dobrojim]

I will break 1000 miles bike commuting for the year on my next day of commuting.

Sweet - what kind of bike do you have - cross bike?

I have a road bike, a Cannondale that is starting if not beyond the
point of being considered old. It's 24 speed. A CAD4.

Rode in on Wed and Friday this week. Tomorrow I will be riding it
in the Reston Triathlon. Assuming I finish this year marks my 20th
consecutive year of completing that event. I have not run since
July due to knee issue. I will run or walk the 10k foot portion of
the event as necessary.

This event changed my life, led to my becoming a distance runner
having completed over 40 marathons incl 14 Bostons and over 30 ultramarathons.
Never saw that coming.

[Kanyewest]

I've been doing the interval training the past month. I've built it up to the point that I'm running 8 1 minute sprints and 2 minutes of walking with a 5 minute warmup - which totals about 2.7 miles. During the days I do interval training, I work on my legs and my core, and on the "rest day" I work on my arms and chest.

My goal right now is to lower fat but maintain my weight. I plan on cutting down on the carbs. I have generally been having whey protein shakes after workouts= what are some snacks that you guys have?

That's a real good workout routine. I do a similar routine. Sprinting all out for a full minute is brutal, isn't it?

Yeah I got the workout from you! I really start to feel the pain towards the end.

[dangermouse]

Injury:

Don't know how it happened, woke up yesterday morning with numbness/tingles in my last two digits of my left hand, goes right back to the bottom of the palm on that side. Elbow has a sore spot too.

Have i pinched a nerve here?

How long does it take to sort itself out, or am i going to have to see someone?

[Kanyewest]

I would rest it for a bit- 4-5 days and if it isn't improving or getting better, then it might be a good idea to go to the doctor.