FOT Fitness Challenge

[iAmBaronVonTito]

I would love to know how to loose my gut.

supposedly, belly fat is the hardest to lose.  from what ive read, cardio gets that gut under control...and it seems to be working for me.

[AaronC]

I'm 28, 6'10' 240lbs.  I don't smoke or drink, BUT I don't exercise or eat healthy.  I could list excuses why, but there is really no excuse for the shape I'm in.  My dad died of heart disease last year at the age of 45.  That really scared me.  I support this idea because it is the kick-in-the-pants I need to get back in shape. 

is that a typo or are you gonna be the center of the FOT intramural basketball team?

Whoops. Typo. 6'1"  I meant.

[Trembling Eagle]

On the weight side lots of compound movements, if your a guys that wants to pack on the muscle skip the dainty isolation exercises. You should have maybe 6 to 8 core exercise and the goal on those is to push yourself to lift heavier (sensibly of course) and in the lower rep range 6-10 versus 12-15 most generalists use.

so your gonna wanna do compound movements like:
military presses
barbell rows
squats
deadlifts
dips/pushups

Thanks! I have to admit 6 meals sounds tough to get used to, but if it works...

Does it matter a whole lot whether I use free weights or machines? I usually work out alone and without a spotter it makes sense to stay on the machines for some exercises (eg squats, bench press), but I wonder if that isolates things too much by taking balance and control out of the equation.

You can be a nerd about anything, I'm trying to resist the urge to be nerdy here. There is plenty of Star Wars vs. Star Trek debate that can go on over machines vs. free weights. I say use what you have, the key is applying progressive resistance.

Now I'm biased, I like free weights because they force you to use the little stabilizer muscles and they also force you into balancing--that affects your muscles in unique ways as well. But whatever.

 You can go heavy solo the key to lifting like that and in general I think is to remove the ego thing. It's odd but it's mostly none lifters who get carried away with putting too much weight on a bar and injuring themselves. You're not working the weight you're working the muscle. So if that means you have to use an empty bar to perfect your form for a few weeks so be it.

[hugman]

I would love to know how to loose my gut.

supposedly, belly fat is the hardest to lose.  from what ive read, cardio gets that gut under control...and it seems to be working for me.

supposedly and generally speaking, belly fat is first to come and last to go on men while women tend to collect and have trouble shedding in the legs and caboose.

[iAmBaronVonTito]

I would love to know how to loose my gut.

supposedly, belly fat is the hardest to lose.  from what ive read, cardio gets that gut under control...and it seems to be working for me.

supposedly and generally speaking, belly fat is first to come and last to go on men while women tend to collect and have trouble shedding in the legs and caboose.

supposedly! 

[hugman]

My turn. I'm off to the gym! Thanks for the nudge, y'all.  Gonna splash some cold water on my face and DO IT!

[erika]

I did Wii fit free step (you can do it while watching TV) for 30 minutes last night with a long stride (stepping back as far as possible when I stepped off the board) and today my ass HURTS! It's neat.

My only problem with Wii fit is that you're not supposed to wear shoes, which just can't be good for your feet/legs. Are there any super supportive socks out there?

[Martin]

Who knows for how long I will keep this up, but this week I've gotten up pretty early (7 am) and started the day with a long walk. Hour and a half yesterday, two hours today. A great start to the day, and with this beautiful weather it's just awesome. I love the city in the morning too.

[iAmBaronVonTito]

hugman, way to go!

erika, ive seen diabetes socks around retail stores (target, wal-mart) which help with circulation.  this may help as some of them reach to the knee.

Martin, keep walking until you end up in the states.



meanwhile, im here with a rain cloud for this pat on the back parade...i had enough processed starch for breakfast this morning, it undoubtedly canceled out my last three workouts.  im still in an oblivians mood (thanks to hugman's suggestion), thusly, i have a sweaty rendevouz with the gym tonite. 

[hugman]

For those who like to rock (trashily) here's an mp3 of my Songs To Kick Ass To "podcast".  It'll get your heartrate up and you'll glare at everyone else in the gym like you're going to kill them. Sound levels jump around a little (be especially aware that Trouble's Gonna Stay A While & Uptight Tonight are quite loud), but here's the link:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/kga7ih


Here's the tracklist:
1) VENI VIDI VICI -The Black Lips 2) TRASH - The Cripplers 3) DON'T LOOK AT ME WHEN I'M LOOKIN' AT YOU - The Revelators 4) HIPSVILLE 29 BC - The Cramps 5) TROUBLE'S GONNA STAY AWHILE - The Deadly Snakes 6) UPTIGHT TONIGHT - Flash & The Casuals 7) ODE TO A BLACK MAN - The Dirtbombs 8 ) THAT BLOWS - Von Zippers 9) BEAT ON THE BRAT - Thee Mighty Caesars 10) I SEE YOU, BABY - The Screws 11) RUNNIN SHINE - Zeke 12) TIRED OF YOU SICK OF ME - Scared of Chaka 13) SWING - Bloody Hollies 14) NO LOVE LOST - Joy Division 15) SOOPRIZE PACKAGE FOR MR. MINEO - The Mummies 16) ANTI-SATISFACTION - The Drags 17) I DON'T FEEL SO GOOD - Volt 18) NO REASON TO LIVE - OBLIVIANS 19) I'M INSANE - T-Model Ford


PS-Baron, do you have the Revelators "We Told You Not To Cross Us" on Crypt.  It's essential. One of the best records Crypt ever put out. And that's uh-sayin' something. Great for the gym, too.

[Julie]

I'm starting to be fit.

[iAmBaronVonTito]

julie, shooting people is not a sport.*

hugman, thats funny you posted this playlist with that revelators song because its one of my favorite songs off the album.  personally, i enjoy the crypt catalog so yes, that is saying something.  although, i admit to (what i now consider) hometown loyalty and purchasing exclusively from goner when i can.  im a sucker for anything memphis. 






*but seriously, be careful out there.  no kidding.

[Regular Joe]

After much research (still incomplete) I have come to realize that putting something like this together is HARD. Thankfully so far it seems the motivation is working all on its own, so that's good at least! Still, I'm determined to find a way for us all to be on a page together, even while using vastly different programs on our wide assortment of bodies. Thank you for bearing with it!

julie, shooting people is not a sport.*

Some might say that it is in fact the greatest sport of all, given a 15 minute head start.

[Jack from Arkansas]

Hugman, I'll be thinking of you as I gallop on Skull Creek trail this evening.  You are a sweetheart for making this thing and this is more than I could have hoped for from this thread that I was avoiding.

[hugman]

that's one bad-ass sounding trail.  enjoy!