*.* 2013 General Fitness Thread *.*

[penguinz]

Welcome to 2013! Now get your ass in top physical condition!

**From the 2012 Thread**

If you want to get back into lifting, or need a new lifting routine, START HERE:

http://startingstrength.wikia.com/wi...inner_Programs

If you have questions about the SS programs, look here:

http://startingstrength.wikia.com/wiki/FAQ

Keep in mind that you're a novice lifter for a longer period of time than you think you are. Novice lifting can last anywhere from a few months to a year or two, depending on how hard you hit the weights and where you started.

Once you've reached the point where you don't make regular progress on the SS program, you are ready to move on to the intermediate stage, which can last you for a good number of years. Find it HERE:

http://madcow.hostzi.com/5x5_Program/Linear_5x5.htm

If you're a very advanced lifter (many, many years of CONSISTENT weight training), then there are lot of programs out there, and which one you pick is simply a matter of preference. If you're really that advanced, you should know what works for you and what doesn't by this point.

[Simply Red]

Originally Posted by penguinz

Yes, creatine is a supplement that has been proven effective.

Get the powder, much cheaper than pill. http://www.amazon.com/AST-Science-Mi...s=ast+creatine

thanks peng.

[Silock]

Originally Posted by Pestilence

Is it better to do cardio before weights? Or after weights?

Is that more of a just a personal thing and it doesn't matter?

Depends on our goals. If you're just trying to get in shape, it doesn't matter. If you're going for all out strength, then do cardio after.

[The Franchise]

Originally Posted by Silock

Depends on our goals. If you're just trying to get in shape, it doesn't matter. If you're going for all out strength, then do cardio after.

I'm looking to drop weight first.

[Aspengc8]

Originally Posted by penguinz

Anyone use fatgripz? Are they worth the $30?

If your looking for increased grip strength and some forearm size, then yes.

[Aspengc8]

Originally Posted by Simply Red

I worked my pecs and shoulders, basically ate roasted chicken drums and protein mix.

I'm so beat down tired, I really have a long long ways to go.

But I'll keep plugging away

Add some carbz in there and your way to hyoogeville.

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by Silock

Depends on our goals. If you're just trying to get in shape, it doesn't matter. If you're going for all out strength, then do cardio after.

Originally Posted by Pestilence

I'm looking to drop weight first.

If you are lifting any weights, isn't the overall goal to at least get a bit stronger? I think it should be and thus, weights always before cardio even if you are trying to "get in shape" and drop weight. Cardio before weights decreases your lifting capacity much more so than weights affecting your aerobic capacity.

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by Simply Red

do you all still do creatine, what's the latest school of thought on that - also, powder or pill or does it matter? I know this has been covered, but if you don't mind. .......?



Ty

Cheap Creatine Monohydrate, powder. 5g per day. No need to cycle.

[Aspengc8]

Originally Posted by lewdog

If you are lifting any weights, isn't the overall goal to at least get a bit stronger? I think it should be and thus, weights always before cardio even if you are trying to "get in shape" and drop weight. Cardio before weights decreases your lifting capacity much more so than weights affecting your aerobic capacity.

I agree. Most guys can actually get to 10-12% easily through just lifting and diet, no cardio needed.

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by Aspengc8

I agree. Most guys can actually get to 10-12% easily through just lifting and diet, no cardio needed.

I wasn't stating that though. I do cardio from time to time, although it really doesn't have to be necessary as you stated as you can burn plenty of calories lifting and have a good diet to be in a caloric deficit....you'll drop fat. Do cardio if you want, but lifting should ALWAYS be done first. You lift weights to get stronger, so do that when you are freshest.

[Aspengc8]

Originally Posted by lewdog

I wasn't stating that though. I do cardio from time to time, although it really doesn't have to be necessary as you stated as you can burn plenty of calories lifting and have a good diet to be in a caloric deficit....you'll drop fat. Do cardio if you want, but lifting should ALWAYS be done first. You lift weights to get stronger, so do that when you are freshest.

I know you didnt.. just wanted to throw that out cause most guys think some form of cardio or GPP is needed to get lean. Don't get me wrong, cardio is good for the heart, but I know a lot of guys that just ignore it, even when getting lean.

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by Aspengc8

I know you didnt.. just wanted to throw that out cause most guys think some form of cardio or GPP is needed to get lean. Don't get me wrong, cardio is good for the heart, but I know a lot of guys that just ignore it, even when getting lean.

Yup. I'd drop 15lbs in 6 weeks before Olympic Lifting competitions and would never do a lick of cardio because it affected squat recovery way too much.

[Hammock Parties]

Cardio is awful. Just eat less.

[Simply Red]

Originally Posted by Pam Oliver's Forehead

Cardio is awful. Just eat less.

PROTECT YOUR KNEES NINJA!!

[luv]

Originally Posted by Pam Oliver's Forehead

Cardio is awful. Just eat less.

Cardio is good for your heart. While lifting may burn calories faster, it's good to throw a cardio day in. Even if you're not trying to lose weight.

[Silock]

Originally Posted by lewdog

If you are lifting any weights, isn't the overall goal to at least get a bit stronger? I think it should be and thus, weights always before cardio even if you are trying to "get in shape" and drop weight. Cardio before weights decreases your lifting capacity much more so than weights affecting your aerobic capacity.

I've done it both ways and noticed no ill-effects from cardio before my weights.

I'm in shape, though. If I weren't in shape, I think it would be different.

EDIT: Also, you will still get stronger, even with cardio first, if that's the way you work out. You may not reach your peak strength, but everything happens on a scale with max cardio endurance at one end and max strength at the other. You can't have both, anyway, so if your goal isn't one or the other, it really shouldn't matter too much to the non-elite.