Gym/workouts

I got lucky and got mine pre-pandemic from Amazon for around $900. I’m starting to see used home gym workout equipment pop-up on Craigslist for cheap.

 

is "ripped" healthy?

I ask because being ulta lean has never been proven to be "healthy".

My best blood tests came when I was my strongest. even to this day I test well.

I never dieted. I ate what I needed to grow. I eat mostly good food.


Therefore, Squat/Bench/Deadlift/Walking probably contributes to your health more than a vegan (or whatever) diet.

 

Wow. I guess getting mine for $500 was a good deal then.

 

Keep in mind this.....


That's a 25% increase in time. So if you last 10 minutes, you can get an extra 2 and a half added in there making it 12 and half minutes. I've done the math....being ripped isn't worth it in the long run.

Follow me for more fitness tips.

 

7 minutes and 30 seconds? That's, uh....7 minutes and 29 seconds longer than my all-time record!

 

I've been active and athletic through sports and military my whole life. I got in to weight training and joined a CrossFit gym in 2019. The gym went away from CrossFit and now leans more towards functional fitness. Since then I've gained 20 pounds while staying under 8% bodyfat and being as low as 5% when I did the 75 hard. I'll be 50 in April. I train in some form everyday for about an hour minimum. 1-2 days a week is lighter weight or just stretching and mobility. I worked with a nutrition coach for a couple years to get my diet squared away and learn what works, and doesn't work, for me. I really got hooked on the science of nutrition and exercise and earned my CrossFit L1 and Olympic Lifting Certificate. I've learned a few facts I can share with confidence. Consistency is key, there aren't any shortcuts to putting in the work, nutrition matters, sleep matters, technique matters, the program you follow matters. Fitness is achieved, train or be punished.

 

Unrelated to plans and food - Titan has a good deal on the X3 right now. Ordered last night with a few add-ons and now waiting to put into the garage gym. Will pick up the weight extension and cable system when those go on sale again.

 

Well said. I've been training most of my life, mostly traditional weights focused on bodybuilding. But of all the different training methods that I've tried over the years, there is no better lesson that I've learned than consistency. And that includes diet/nutrition and rest/sleep, not just the time spent training. I've always said that fitness/bodybuilding is a "personal science", but you need consistency to learn what works/doesn't work for you.

 

fyi for anyone wanting these....i saw they're on sale now (i just bought mine 6 days ago! )
i have the open move (these). i like to use them at work while working (at a computer) so if someone comes up to talk to me, i can still hear them. some people may be working out and need that capability to hear outside sounds while still listening to music

$80 SHOKZ OpenMove - Open-Ear Bluetooth Sport Headphones - Bone Conduction Wireless Earphones - Sweatproof for Running and Workouts, with Sticker Pack (Grey)

https://smile.amazon.com/Shokz-Open...&pd_rd_r=1096dff1-de06-4bb2-aebf-2eba1b90b576

the open runs are nice too if you're wanting to utilize them.

$130 SHOKZ OpenRun - Open-Ear Bluetooth Bone Conduction Sport Headphones - Sweat Resistant Wireless Earphones for Workouts and Running - Built-in Mic, with Hair Band (Black)

https://smile.amazon.com/Shokz-Open...&pd_rd_r=1096dff1-de06-4bb2-aebf-2eba1b90b576

 

Still holding at 280lbs, no fatty foods, fast food, sugar items, doing MT biking or walking at gym, a bit more heavy weight, went up to 15 reps, 4 sets, still no gain or weight loss, WTF?!?!?!?

 

Are you drinking? If so, quit for a month.

 

3-5 beers a week, like every other week

 

+1 on the Aftershokz. Picked up their original Aeropex back in 2020, now on their third season of cross country skiing (5-6 days/week) plus mountain biking in the summer. Have worked great!

 

I have been active my whole life, sports mostly, but as I got older those sports and my activities changed. (say from Basketball to Mountain biking) Since I was a kid I "hit the weights" and did well as an athlete through college. As time moved on and my body changed so did my requirements in fitness. There's always something along the way that derails the ideal plan, like life, or injuries, or the October through December holiday food festival and the ever popular weight rollercoaster that goes with it. I've worked to gain strength and weight (240/8% peak) as well as to lose weight and shred. (166/5% record low) But no matter what my goals were, or the obstacles that presented themselves, there was only one true combo factor that trumped all others and they are CONSISTENCY and PATIENCE.

When I was "going slim" and lost 72 lbs going from 238 (not in fit condition) to 166 (shreaded beanstalk 25 lbs lighter than I was in highschool) I lost the first 38 in the first three months. Then I stayed at 200# for nearly 3 months with not a pound in any direction before my body finally realized my patience and consistency to forge on was no match for it's will to resist. Finally it got over itself and I was able to shed the last 36 over the next three months... I did this using intermittent fasting, OMAD (one meal a day) with no specific food restrictions or diet, just a time (not specific) and specific duration (2hours max) for allowable intake. This is considered: 22/2 and it is pretty incredible once you acclimate to the changes, and it did absolute wonders for me, but it's definitely not for everyone. I've settled back to a more comfortable power to weight ratio at 190-195lbs. where I'm both strong and lightweight and ultimately where I feel the best overall both mentally and physically.

Anyway, what I'm saying is if you have a goal, be patient with yourself and always be consistent with being active every day. You need rest equally as much as you put demands on your body, so plan that in as well, but don't take the whole weekend to rest! Don't drink any alcohol!!! (I had to include this) Nothing does more damage than the poison of alcohol and sugar.

Drink half your body weight in ounces of water MINIMUM DAILY and you will be much happier.
The body is a very efficient machine and will always adapt to the least amount of effort needed to sustain itself. Therefore the least amount of muscle is developed for what daily activities you set yourself up for. Change up your sequences and days of workouts often and never give your body a chance to expect what you will do today. Be consistent in exercising, but not with the same thing or what specific exercises you do. Change it up!

What the mind believes, the body achieves! So stay positive and future focused. It's not just your body but your mind you are exercising. Can't do one without the other.

If you sit on the couch and drink beer, you will lose muscle and gain fat. Muscle is the body's greatest fat burner. Don't bother with "quick fix - fat burner pills" because your body will stop burning fat naturally if something else (pill) is making it easier for the body to not have to do that task. Then you have to retrain your body to start burning fat when you stop taking the pills. Best choice is minimum supplement intake (mostly just proteins, collagen, aminos, & Multi Vs) when needed. (Post workout mostly).


And finally....


The Magical Fountain of Eternal Youth for the Body and Mind is:


YOGA

 

“Get a bicycle. You will not regret it. If you live.” — Mark Twain

Over the last three years my approach has changed a fair amount. I had been lifting 3-5 times a week depending on the program and had bulked up (6'6" 260lbs). It was to the point where I didn't think it was overly healthy any longer. Then Covid hit and I couldn't get to the gym. That is when I found the bike again.

Last year I hit 4k miles of biking. I'm in the best shape I've been in since I swam in college. I've lost some upper body mass and likely won't hit any PRs lifting, but overall I haven't regretted it.

As many have said, find something you enjoy that works for you and it won't seem like a chore

 

I second this. Gave up the weights a few years back, now concentrate on getting outdoors, skiing (mostly nordic) in the winter and kayaking and mountain biking in the summer. The workout room is for bad weather days with just a Precor elliptical, a C2 SkiErg and a set of Selectech dumbbells. Did a virtual ski challenge in the midst of covid and skied over 1800 km with over 18 km of vertical across the last three 250km segments of the challenge that winter. Still managing to set new PRs at each of the winter nordic races, and ten pounds lighter than when I retired.

 

I wanted to get in Nordic, but at my size wasn't having any luck find gear. Also, the snow has been iffy in WI the lady few years

 

Welp, I'm fuckin'it up tonight, 12pk beer, wings, pizza and bacon wrapped chicken skewers and assorted chips n dips

 

Last night, after work, rested a bit at the house, did late night gym, woke super early today, did 3 mile bike ride

 

I do this and have been for ~7 years - https://f3nation.com/
Its more than just a workout, I've gained many great friends and seen how men are positively impacted. Hit me up if you want more details.

 

Anyone use an alternate to the TRX system? I see a bunch of cheap suspension trainers on Amazon but don't really trust the cheap ones. Looking at the $140 TRX (not their complete like $300 kit) and found a few alternates on Amazon for like $70 that are rated well, but every time I go to buy the system I saved has gone out of stock

 

I have an OG TRX, its a great product. I'd just hold out until they're on sale from TRX or find one on FB Marketplace.

 

Yeah.... @TaquitoBandito was telling me to do that. I just don't like most people or trust majority of folks to buy from marketplace. This forum is about the only community I enjoy. Maybe I'll hold out to see if TRX does a tax season sale. Thanks

 

The boy never listens….

 

Hit up an F3 workout, you may find that community an enjoyable crowd. There are tons in the DFW area. Really one of the few places I've found acceptance, I highly recommend.

 

Thanks, I'll look into it

 

Got a good deal on a used Fringe Sports GHD machine this weekend. I used it today and after trying some Glute Ham raises, I learned pretty quickly that I'm not in as good of shape as I thought. Love it though.

 

3 miles on the bike round the hood, went to gym, walked 2 miles, did upper body today, felt great to be back at it

 

Like they say on TikTok

Go to the fuckin' gym!

I'm taking my ass now