The Exercise Thread

[kach22i]

Using the search term "exercise" I went back 7 pages and could find nothing on the topic, so I'm starting a new thread.

My story:
About a month and a half ago I went to a friends house to watch the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao boxing match, could hardly call it a fight. Anyway, my friend had the TV set up in his mancave/garage, boxing posters all over the place and leaning against the refrigerator a heavy punching bag.

I asked him about the bag, he said it hangs just above from where I was sitting.

That gave me the idea to take my idle bag out of the basement where my wife long ago won the battle about "the noise" it made and established that it was an apparatus meant for hanging laundry on.

Typically my tiny garage is fulled with boxes of tools and parts for working on the Porsche, this year I hung the punching bag.

http://s184.photobucket.com/user/kach22i/library/Exercise%20and%20Garage%20Gym?sort=3&page=1





My mountain bike idle since 1996 is also back in action.

The weight set I've had since 1978 converted into functional art.

The nearby stadium and it's many outside stairs are part of my home gym.

I've done laps at public pool three times now.

In the five weeks since I've started my exercise routine I've lost five pounds. However I've lost over two inches on my waist, and I've built muscle all over my body, concentrating on my formerly neglected chest.

The transformation is quite astounding, I focus on different parts of the body on different days, typically only one or two days off a week.

Push-ups are their own category, a day just on that alone. 1. On knees with PS-90 sliding discs forward, and others spreading outward to the sides. 2. Rotating disc at various distances apart and with feet on the bench inclined. 3. Inclined with hands together, shoulder, and far apart. 4. Inclined with hands on a child's size basketball (almost pulled a collar bone muscle - be careful getting on). 5. 25lb dumbbells on end to increase motion range and back strength at an incline of course.

I discovered that I can hang from my pull-up bar and grab the punching bag with my legs as I pull them up. I have to reinforce the rafters before I get too aggressive with that exercise, very reminiscent of wrestling moves.

I can see where the fat is now, can feel the hot and cold temperature of the skin after a workout and see the means to an end goal.

The real motivation happened before the big event boxing match.

I had been working construction for the last nine months and about three months ago the project stopped, so I went back to doing architecture. Sitting there working on the computer feeling my muscle mass and muscle tone slipping away made me alarmed. No way did I want to slip backwards to where I was, far too much pain, progress and work involved to let that happen.

That's how after +20 years of almost no exercise (did a lot of walking though) I started back up.

One of the old body building / exercise books I have has an interesting statement in it.

Exercise is for using muscles your already have, bodybuilding is for building upon those muscles and for creating new muscles.

Q1; I've been told that I can do dips everyday as it is a core strengthening exercise, is that true?

Q2; I've been told that sprinting (power bursts), jump rope and bicycling are the leading fat burning actions one can take. Is swimming an equal or superior to the list already mentioned?

I'm interesting in hearing your stories and experiences.

I ask people all the time now what their exercise routine is, staying focused on the topic seems to help me maintain my momentum somehow.

If anyone tells you that a man in their mid-50's cannot build muscle mass, tell them to lost. It's not as hard as you would think, and makes you feel years younger.

[SilberUrS6]

I found that riding my bike had a profound effect on my shape. My middle has really shrunk down nicely, and my wife has said on multiple occasions how nice my ass looks.

But the real transformation is come in the way I can play soccer. The bike has given me fitness for running around for an hour and more like nothing else. While I'd love to have a cut chest and arms like those guys on the big screen, it wouldn't help me much when I play soccer, or for anything other than some sort of "gun show" sort of display. I enjoy riding bike just for the sake of riding bike, and I like playing the game for it's sake as well, so body shape isn't very important to me, but my wife does appreciate my fitness level, so that is something to consider.

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by SilberUrS6

I found that riding my bike had a profound effect on my shape.

What took me for a surprise was after bike riding I could feel it in my biceps, and to some extent upper chest along the collar bone.

My thighs of course took the brunt of the work going up and down hills.

I spend very little time actually sitting in the seat, using my legs to absorb the shock from potholes and other pavement irregularities.

The hills around here can be quite grueling, they seem to have it out for me.

[Bill Douglas]

I do a walk through hills with the dogs for an hour each morning then a couple of hours house renovating type work.

Saturdays I do a hard out trail run with the dogs. Getting the engine temps up type run. So I'm fit enough for whatever life may throw at me.

Umm, an interesting observation. I'd had a minor beer type gut for the last 10 years, then I stopped drinking my 2 or 3 liters of orange juice a day. Instead swapped it for a sodastream water habit, and the beer gut and extra weight fell off so fast I thought I had cancer or something. Darn, now I need to go out and buy a whole lot of new trousers.

I've got a gym membership but only go once every month or two.

But yes, a fit lifestyle, but not ultra fit, suits me.

[kach22i]

Yea, I've heard the phrase "don't drink your calories" before.

I don't abuse that, but there is always room for improvement.

[kach22i]

UPDATE

Finally got around to filling the tires with some sand.



$6 of tube sand weighs 70-75 lbs depending on the moisture content. This is far cheaper than steel weights at about $1.00 a pound.

The hole saw had no problem going though the rubber.



The sand flowed easily in, some dust associated with this, so wear a mask or do it outside.



I had my weight lifting neighbor spot me and did a few reps. The sand plus bar/tires came to 133 lbs. The tires do not spin at all, quite a relief.

Lots more room in the tires, they are only about 1/8th full right now. Temporary plugs in the top fill holes will be replaced with rubber plugs or rubber corks - soon.

Now I have one more exercise to add to my list.



And to top it off, earlier in the day I managed to swim a full lap at the public pool. At my present rate it will be about two weeks until I can do two laps back to back.........something to look forward to. I used to be the fastest kid in the city way back in Jr High school, that was a long long time ago.

[stuartj]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

Umm, an interesting observation. I'd had a minor beer type gut for the last 10 years, then I stopped drinking my 2 or 3 liters of orange juice a day. Instead swapped it for a sodastream water habit, and the beer gut and extra weight fell off so fast I thought I had cancer or something. Darn, now I need to go out and buy a whole lot of new trousers.

Interesting. Why anyone, especially grown ups drink soft drinks is beyond me, but people forget about fruit juice. Its loaded with sugar, even if just the natural sugar of the fruit. I don't know how many oranges it takes to give 2ltrs of juice- but you wouldn't eat that many oranges each day, id bet.

[creaturecat]

good work. do you have the ball for the abdomen/back exercises?
guard the knees.
i would avoid running down stairs. it catches up with the majority of people.

[creaturecat]

ps
i would lose the hillbilly barbell set-up thing.
c'mon. : )

[stuartj]

Originally Posted by kach22i

Exercise is for using muscles your already have, bodybuilding is for building upon those muscles and for creating new muscles.

Ive heard it said that there are two types of people- weight people and cardio people. There is no doubt, and lots of research supports, that weight work is good for men of certain age. Aside form building muscle mass, it fires the metabolism and gets the whole system working better.

Not being a body builder, I have found a mix of the two is the thing. But the first step to feeling better is getting some weight off, and in that the bicycle is your friend. Kind to older ankles, knees and hips, serious bicycling is exceeded only by serous rowing for calorie burn. Ofcourse, biccylces wont ride themselves, but if you ride 1 hour @ 18mph you will burn 1000 calories. More than walking running swimming.

And they say- 30% exercise/training, 70% nutrition.

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by creaturecat

good work. do you have the ball for the abdomen/back exercises?
guard the knees.
I would avoid running down stairs. it catches up with the majority of people.

Someone was trying to explain the big ball thing to me a couple of days ago.

There is a place near me called a "Workout Boot camp", I think they use them. I have a standing offer from my buddy which works there to check it out with a free class, it's on my list of things to do.

Regarding running down stairs, I stopped doing that two weeks ago after a friend suggested it was too much shock. I was leaning that way already, just needed to hear it from someone I guess.

creaturecat, it's a "car guy" weight set, in a garage - functional art. The cost of adding weight is 1/10th of a conventional weight set. I am a designer, I solve problems, this solution may not appeal to everyone, but it's not suppose to either.

FYI: I bought a bike helmet today, it's called a "halo", a red light wraps around it - good to be seen.

[911dean]

I started exercising a couple of weeks before I turned 40 and have been very consistent since. I'll be 49 in 5 months. I mostly lift weights and have put on 30 lbs of muscle. I don't consider myself a bodybuilder. I'm just a guy who strength trains and have reaped the rewards from dedication and consistency. I do feel best when I get in consistent cardio,unfortunately I'm not as consistent with that. My favorite method is to ride my bike. Luckily I have a bike trail close by which gives me a 13 mile ride door to door and can be stretched to 18. I try to do it as fast as I can every time and keep a detailed log.

I do struggle with eating at times. It can be hard when you live with someone who doesn't have the same goals or gets it. I'm currently hell bent on having a 32" waist. I was very close at 200 lbs. I'll be at the same place I was at, at about 208-210 this time.

I understand your weight set but do yourself a favor and get a proper bench and weights. Great deals can be had on Craigslist. I recommend some kind of cage. Also keep your eyes open for dumbells. Over time I've collected 5 thru 100 lbs and I'm close to a full set. I worked out at home by myself for the first 8 years and now go to a gym.

Keep it up. The weeks can turn to months and then years. That's how I got real results.

[Bill Douglas]

Originally Posted by stuartj

don't know how many oranges it takes to give 2ltrs of juice- but you wouldn't eat that many oranges each day, id bet.

Yes, I think that's the trap. People (me ) think it's a natural source - must be good. Without all the fiber to slow you down, you are getting a lot of fruit sugars in one hit.

[wdfifteen]

I used to exercise a lot and loved it. Running and lifting were my things. Now - arthritis in my feet keep me from running. Got a Concept 2 and started rowing until something went wrong in my right knee . I'm trying to ride, but biking brings the same knee pain as rowing. If it wasn't for sex I wouldn't get any exercise at all. I just hope my wrist holds out.

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by 911dean

I understand your weight set but do yourself a favor and get a proper bench and weights. Great deals can be had on Craigslist. I recommend some kind of cage. Also keep your eyes open for dumbells. Over time I've collected 5 thru 100 lbs and I'm close to a full set. I worked out at home by myself for the first 8 years and now go to a gym.

I was not sure what a "cage" was so I looked it up.

http://www.thecoli.com/threads/bench-press-assistance.219597/page-2

Set up a bench in the power cage and put the safety bars right at chest level

This looks like a great idea if you don't have a spotter hanging around.

I never knew something like this even existed, not been to a gym in decades.

I do have my eye out for equipment, but may rig something up in the meantime.

Brainstorm-1 ; Really large diameter wheels/weights (tractor tire size) would forgo the need for safety bars. Don't tractor tires weigh 200-300 lbs though?

[sugarwood]

Originally Posted by creaturecat

ps
i would lose the hillbilly barbell set-up thing.
c'mon. : )

Originally Posted by kach22i

Brainstorm-1 ; Really large diameter wheels/weights (tractor tire size) would forgo the need for safety bars. Don't tractor tires weigh 200-300 lbs though?

He's not going to go without a fight.

[Bill Douglas]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

i just hope my wrist holds out.

lol

[impactbumper]

Age 34, last July 4th recorded weight 227lbs (6 ft tall). Drinking, smoking...
Age 35, today, 165lbs, 11% body fat. No drinking, smoking.

I eat clean, work out 5 days a week, and drink 2.5-3 gallons of water every day.

My story.

Subscribed.

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by Berk

Age 34, last July 4th recorded weight 227lbs (6 ft tall). Drinking, smoking...
Age 35, today, 165lbs, 11% body fat. No drinking, smoking.

I eat clean, work out 5 days a week, and drink 2.5-3 gallons of water every day.

My story.

Subscribed.

When you say "eat clean", is that just cutting out fried foods and ice cream?

I'm having more problems avoiding cheese than I do gluten. Maybe because gluten bloats me up, gives me gas pains and makes me fart like crazy. And cheese just tastes good.

Rode the bike for 35 minutes this morning.

I was moaning while going up that last hill, then a fat chick on a bike breezes by me like I'm standing still. I know it's more than a gearing thing, but also know if I keep at it I'll be passing the fat chicks in no time.

NOTE: it is nearly impossible to jump-rope after cycling. Try it sometime and find out why.

[911dean]

Originally Posted by kach22i

When you say "eat clean", is that just cutting out fried foods and ice cream?

I'm having more problems avoiding cheese than I do gluten. Maybe because gluten bloats me up, gives me gas pains and makes me fart like crazy. And cheese just tastes good.

Rode the bike for 35 minutes this morning.

I was moaning while going up that last hill, then a fat chick on a bike breezes by me like I'm standing still. I know it's more than a gearing thing, but also know if I keep at it I'll be passing the fat chicks in no time.

NOTE: it is nearly impossible to jump-rope after cycling. Try it sometime and find out why.

Get yourself a simple cycling computer that gives MPH, Avg speed, max speed, trip and odometer. Map out a specific route in the 10 - 15 mile range. Keep a log of how many minutes and what you averaged speed wise. Tuesday's ride(3rd time this season)for me was 12.96 miles with an average speed of 16.7 mph in 46 minutes 32 seconds. 18 mph average is my short term goal. My fastest run I averaged 21+ mph but this was on a carbon road bike on the race side of things. My current bike is a ti gravel racer and perfect for me. Prior to it was a full rigid ss 29er and was usually somewhere in the 16+ mph range.