*.* 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.

[RunKC]

Just curious if you guys know what could be the problem here. Whenever I run, I start out well, but by the time I get half a mile, my calves kill me. They don't just hurt. They feel like someone is literally stabbing them.

This happens every single time. Is it possible it's my shoes that are the problem? They are a couple years old and a bit worn out, but not terrible.

Maybe I need to eat something to get a nutrient to help my muscle recover?

[Buehler445]

Originally Posted by RunKC

Just curious if you guys know what could be the problem here. Whenever I run, I start out well, but by the time I get half a mile, my calves kill me. They don't just hurt. They feel like someone is literally stabbing them.

This happens every single time. Is it possible it's my shoes that are the problem? They are a couple years old and a bit worn out, but not terrible.

Maybe I need to eat something to get a nutrient to help my muscle recover?

Try new shoes. Ice it when you get home. Hopefully it is just shoes and not tendonitis or something.

[BigCatDaddy]

Originally Posted by RunKC

Just curious if you guys know what could be the problem here. Whenever I run, I start out well, but by the time I get half a mile, my calves kill me. They don't just hurt. They feel like someone is literally stabbing them.

This happens every single time. Is it possible it's my shoes that are the problem? They are a couple years old and a bit worn out, but not terrible.

Maybe I need to eat something to get a nutrient to help my muscle recover?

Like cramps?

[lead_block]

I have a PVC pipe for rolling out my back and IT bands but it seems kind of worthless on my hamstrings and glutes. Anyone ever tried a tennis ball? I'm not really looking to buy anything just some simple home remedies.

[jiveturkey]

Originally Posted by RunKC

Just curious if you guys know what could be the problem here. Whenever I run, I start out well, but by the time I get half a mile, my calves kill me. They don't just hurt. They feel like someone is literally stabbing them.

This happens every single time. Is it possible it's my shoes that are the problem? They are a couple years old and a bit worn out, but not terrible.

Maybe I need to eat something to get a nutrient to help my muscle recover?

Maybe try compression socks or sleeves. I used the socks post sprint workout and the sleeves are nice for deadlift shin protection but I've seen people running with them.

[Marcellus]

Originally Posted by RunKC

Just curious if you guys know what could be the problem here. Whenever I run, I start out well, but by the time I get half a mile, my calves kill me. They don't just hurt. They feel like someone is literally stabbing them.

This happens every single time. Is it possible it's my shoes that are the problem? They are a couple years old and a bit worn out, but not terrible.

Maybe I need to eat something to get a nutrient to help my muscle recover?

Pretty odd but if you have a rolling pin, like for baking, before you run spend about 5 minutes and roll the shit out of your calves. Up and down lots of pressure. Couple minutes a calve alternating.

See if that loosens them up and gets the blood flowing before you run.

Try doing some calf raises on a step or curb as well. Anything to get them stretched and blood flowing.

Tight calves can cause lots of other issues like Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis.

Make sure you are hydrated, I know that seems like common sense but if i am dehydrated at all my calves go first.

[Saul Good]

Went shopping for new jeans yesterday because my old ones are too big. I took 33 and 32 inch waists into the fitting room...too big. I'm now a 31. I graduated high school 17 years ago and wore a 32 inch waist. I'm bigger through the shoulders and chest but smaller through the waist...feeling really good about that.

I do have a question, though. I'm basically at my ideal body weight, and I no longer cut calories or deprive myself of junk food in order to lose weight. I still watch my portions, but I don't leave the table hungry...just try not to gorge myself. I over-ate fried chicken and cookies yesterday, but it wasn't as bad as it could have been. I simply can't put down as much food as I could have a year ago.

I weighed myself this morning expecting to have gained a few pounds over a weekend of heavy eating and drinking, and I actually dropped a little. That's fine, as I'm still within the five pound window of my ideal weight, but I don't know if I need to start consciously trying to stop losing weight.

I've gained a considerable amount of muscle, but I would like to add another 5-10 pounds. My frame can support it without getting bulky, and I prefer lean muscle to bulk.

Should I just keep doing what I'm doing and let the weight simply do what it will? I don't think I'm losing muscle, and I still have a little softness in my love handle area (not pudgy there, but I'm starting to see my abs everywhere else while that spot still has a bit of jiggle).

Do I need to change my diet, or should I just assume that I'm still shedding fat faster than I'm gaining muscle and leave it at that as long as I'm looking better and not losing muscle?

[Silock]

Keep doing it.

[Omaha]

Originally Posted by Silock

I thought functional fitness prevented stuff like that! heal up soon, man.

Originally Posted by lewdog

Holy ****, I was just going to post something similar!



Omaha, maybe Crossfit will teach you the functionality to STOP before you **** with something and aren't seeing where you are going. Ask your trainer for a workout to target that next time! How about wall ball shit with a blindfold or something???

Originally Posted by NewChief

Give him a break. It's been a while since they worked Bulgarian split squats while balancing on two medicine balls into their WOD.

Thanks, guys. It's support like this that keeps me going through these tough times.

[Silock]

Lol

How is it doing now?

[Omaha]

Originally Posted by Silock

Lol

How is it doing now?

Pretty good. The swelling is down. It still hurts to touch, but I'm good to walk/jog on it. I've just been lifting & biking. I think it's best to hold off on crossfit, football & racquetball for a little while longer.

[kepp]

Originally Posted by RunKC

Just curious if you guys know what could be the problem here. Whenever I run, I start out well, but by the time I get half a mile, my calves kill me. They don't just hurt. They feel like someone is literally stabbing them.

This happens every single time. Is it possible it's my shoes that are the problem? They are a couple years old and a bit worn out, but not terrible.

Maybe I need to eat something to get a nutrient to help my muscle recover?

Is it a cramping pain, or something different? Also, where on your calves does the pain occur? My first advice would be to go to a good running store and get fitted for shoes. Make sure to go to a place that will analyze your feet, your stride, etc.

It could be caused by numerous things. Your may need more heel-to-toe drop in your shoes. (mine, Brooks Adrenaline GTS, have 12 - 14mm drop) That could be causing too much stress on your calves. I tried "minimal" shoes once and they darn-near killed my calves. Also, work on your calf flexibility. Not just before/after a run, but as a part of normal, non-running workouts. You may also be running too far up on your toes. Ideally, you want to land mid-foot.

Honestly, there's a laundry list of things that could be causing it and you'll likely just have to rule them out one-by-one.

[Omaha]

Originally Posted by kepp

Is it a cramping pain, or something different? Also, where on your calves does the pain occur? My first advice would be to go to a good running store and get fitted for shoes. Make sure to go to a place that will analyze your feet, your stride, etc.

It could be caused by numerous things. Your may need more heel-to-toe drop in your shoes. (mine, Brooks Adrenaline GTS, have 12 - 14mm drop) That could be causing too much stress on your calves. I tried "minimal" shoes once and they darn-near killed my calves. Also, work on your calf flexibility. Not just before/after a run, but as a part of normal, non-running workouts. You may also be running too far up on your toes. Ideally, you want to land mid-foot.

Honestly, there's a laundry list of things that could be causing it and you'll likely just have to rule them out one-by-one.

I would also recommend rolling your calves with a foam roller or pvc pipe. You can also take a barbell and roll out your heel chord. Take your time. It will suck, but I found it very helpful.

[Aspengc8]

Originally Posted by Saul Good

I've gained a considerable amount of muscle, but I would like to add another 5-10 pounds. My frame can support it without getting bulky, and I prefer lean muscle to bulk.

Should I just keep doing what I'm doing and let the weight simply do what it will? I don't think I'm losing muscle, and I still have a little softness in my love handle area (not pudgy there, but I'm starting to see my abs everywhere else while that spot still has a bit of jiggle).

Do I need to change my diet, or should I just assume that I'm still shedding fat faster than I'm gaining muscle and leave it at that as long as I'm looking better and not losing muscle?

All muscle is 'lean' muscle. Bulk is just a by-product of too high of a surplus of calories. Unless your an 'assisted' lifter, your not going to shed fat and build new muscle tissue at the same time. If you are leaning out, it may appear visually that you are, because now you can actually see them a bit. Your best bet is to make sure you are not losing strength when leaning out. You can build a little bit of strength as your body becomes adjusted to the movement patterns, but your not going to build much. If you want to add some size and keep fat gain relatively low, your going to have to count calories and aim for a slow 1-2lbs per month gain.

[Hammock Parties]

God ****ing damn.

There is this big fat ass beast at the gym who just ****ing TALKS AS LOUD AS POSSIBLE constantly to anyone who will engage her in a drip of conversation.

Doesn't work out, doesn't even stand up, just sits on the ****ing floor most of the time.

Today she came over to me while I was resting between sets and SAID REALLY LOUD:

"WE LOST A TRANSFORMER LAST NIGHT."

Stared. Straight. Ahead. You. Do. Not. Exist.