Workout Tips

[gtapp]

For a dedicated, already fit, person I might agree with your #1, but since most people need tips just to get into working out and keep going I disagree. I think for everyone but those seriously training for something having a workout partner is an extremely good motivator. I've gone through times of having a workout buddy and not and I'd much rather have someone to put the time in with.

My biggest workout tip I give is "even when you don't feel like working out, just get ready and go for 5 or 10 minutes. If you're still not feeling it then, go ahead and quit." It's not so bad thinking of just 5-10 minutes and likely once you've started your going to finish the workout. I still occasionally take the advice myself, some days it's just not working.

If you need a workout partner for motivation and/or a slogan on a wall then it is already over. You have NO chance. ALL motivation that has meaning comes from within! If you need someone offering encouragement to get motivated stay home and watch Oprah!

[gtapp]

Hey Gary! Good tips! I am, however, going to offer some praise for the use of a Smith machine, and here's why. I used to be a pretty decent lifter, until a few years ago when I broke the scaphoid (or navicular) bone in my left hand in a fall. This particular bone is quite vital in the use and operation of not only the entire wrist, but also the arm. Proper healing is important, and very long. My left arm was casted over the elbow for 12 weeks. Fortunately, I did not need surgery.

Of course once out of the cast, the was alot of muscle atrophy and that took time to heal. But one thing I found painful was the positioning of my wrist under a barbell on a flat bench. Everything was fine until I made the move to push the bar from the bench. The pain was excruciating! I tried and tried, but for weeks experienced much pain lifting again. And then I tried the Smith machine. Maybe it was psychological, or maybe it was because the angle that the bar was coming off the rack was different, I'm not sure. All I know is that there was no pain! I have been a fan of the Smith machine ever since, as it got me back to doing flat bench.

Good Point! The guy I mentioned who tore his Tricep off used the smith machine for months to do squats to keep his weight up!

[gtapp]

Why no dumbells I thought using dumbells encouraged proper form and developed stabilizer muscles.

Dumbells are great, as an accessory excersize. I love them but just not as a "Core" excersize. Strength and size come from barebells. Dumbells are very beneficial and I useually finish with them.

[ChiOCat]

For a dedicated, already fit, person I might agree with your #1, but since most people need tips just to get into working out and keep going I disagree. I think for everyone but those seriously training for something having a workout partner is an extremely good motivator. I've gone through times of having a workout buddy and not and I'd much rather have someone to put the time in with.

My biggest workout tip I give is "even when you don't feel like working out, just get ready and go for 5 or 10 minutes. If you're still not feeling it then, go ahead and quit." It's not so bad thinking of just 5-10 minutes and likely once you've started your going to finish the workout. I still occasionally take the advice myself, some days it's just not working.

If you need a workout partner for motivation and/or a slogan on a wall then it is already over. You have NO chance. ALL motivation that has meaning comes from within! If you need someone offering encouragement to get motivated stay home and watch Oprah!

Well, we move in different worlds. I see a lot of those who HAVE been sitting at home watching Oprah and I'm trying to get them to keep coming to work out.

But kudos to you for being so strong. I understand anything less is unacceptable.

[Common Cat]

My prefential work out: Run 30-45 minutes or around 5 miles. 2 sets of 30 pushups and 3 sets of 100 crunches. 5-6 times a week. At least thats what I do.

[TIrwin24]

My preferential workout:

[coachouert]

I think I'm in a different league for working out...

[ilovethecats]

If you need a workout partner for motivation and/or a slogan on a wall then it is already over. You have NO chance. ALL motivation that has meaning comes from within! If you need someone offering encouragement to get motivated stay home and watch Oprah!

again...that is simply not true. i would never question your knowledge on fitness as i have seen you around the tailgates and it's clear you know how to workout.

that said, you don't seem to know much about people as a whole, and you are really lumping large groups of people together as if there is one way...and one way only of doing something. this isn't the case. take my mother for example. she has never really been overweight, but after the death of my brother years ago she started letting herself go a little bit. after a couple years, and some weight gain, her and her best friend we talking about goals in church. they decided to rely on each other, and start walking together every day. now, nearly 8 years later these two ladies still walk together nearly everyday. both have lost weight, become much healthier, not to mention made what was already an incredible friendship even stronger.

so while it is certainly possible that some people don't need any help at all....others do. people look to others for support, encouragement, or even just advice. heck, isn't that why you post your tips for people on this board? why do body builders take pictures of themselves? is it only for personal gratification, or is it possible that some might look at those pics and aspire to be something more?

support and motivation comes in all shapes and sizes, and frankly i think your view is a little close-minded. i can think of many family and friends who have relied on other family and friends for support in getting healthier and more fit. some don't need the help....some do.....

[TIrwin24]

[SonomaCat]

I just decided to stop drinking pop completely, replaced the candy snacks at work with fruit, and decided to walk about a mile extra every other day or so (changed my daily routine to extend the distance I go for lunch), and I lost about 13 pounds in about a month (which was about the whole amount I wanted to lose).

I had good intentions of taking up running again, but that hasn't happened yet. I may also start using the bowflex in our garage someday as well. In the meantime, it's doing a great job as a drying rack for our clothes that can't be put in the dryer.

[ChiOCat]

I just decided to stop drinking pop completely, replaced the candy snacks at work with fruit, and decided to walk about a mile extra every other day or so (changed my daily routine to extend the distance I go for lunch), and I lost about 13 pounds in about a month (which was about the whole amount I wanted to lose).

I had good intentions of taking up running again, but that hasn't happened yet. I may also start using the bowflex in our garage someday as well. In the meantime, it's doing a great job as a drying rack for our clothes that can't be put in the dryer.

That was why I posted the link yesterday, exactly! Making small changes will make a difference and so many times people don't get healthy because they think they need to go all the way.

Good job and congrats on the loss

[canyoncat]

I joined Crossfit because I really don't know my way around a gym and needed somebody there to instruct me on how to work out. I could go down to the gym and lift, but I really didn't know the proper way without hurting myself or getting the maximum benefit. What is great about the instructors at Crossfit is that they are there to teach you proper technique and to make sure your technique/form is still good even when you start to get fatigued. We do a warm up that lasts for a good half hour to 45 minutes before we get into the actual work out of the day (WOD). Last nights WOD was:

5 rounds for time
12 push ups
15 box jumps (22" box)
18 Russian Kettle Bell Swings (25lb Kettle Bell)

Plus, at the top of every minute I had to do two reps front squat with 100lbs. Everyone else had to do overhead squats, but I have a small shoulder problem at this time.

[bcats]

I joined Crossfit because I really don't know my way around a gym and needed somebody there to instruct me on how to work out. I could go down to the gym and lift, but I really didn't know the proper way without hurting myself or getting the maximum benefit. What is great about the instructors at Crossfit is that they are there to teach you proper technique and to make sure your technique/form is still good even when you start to get fatigued. We do a warm up that lasts for a good half hour to 45 minutes before we get into the actual work out of the day (WOD). Last nights WOD was:

5 rounds for time
12 push ups
15 box jumps (22" box)
18 Russian Kettle Bell Swings (25lb Kettle Bell)

Plus, at the top of every minute I had to do two reps front squat with 100lbs. Everyone else had to do overhead squats, but I have a small shoulder problem at this time.

I was the same way and had a co worker who was doing it. It is like having a personal trainer/motivator there for you so you can get the most out of yourself. I was fat and out of shape and now a year later my strength and conditioning has improved greatly. I like the fact that everyday a workout is there that will no doubt challenge myself. For those in Billings check out Alternative Athletics. It doesn't matter what condition you start in the workouts can be toned down for your needs and it won't take long before you are able to complete the full workouts Rx. Here is the website with all the information. http://alternativeathletics.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[ChiOCat]

Another good tip - Train for something. No matter what you do it's always going to take you up a notch.