*.* 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.

[tooge]

Originally Posted by lead_block

Awesome! My point exactly. My question wasn't for fitness freaks, it was posed regarding the extreme bench press and squat programs in particular. I agree with you. Your boxing skill and resultant cardiovascular health could and will serve you well. However, squatting 400 lbs serves a person how?

[Silock]

Originally Posted by tooge

Awesome! My point exactly. My question wasn't for fitness freaks, it was posed regarding the extreme bench press and squat programs in particular. I agree with you. Your boxing skill and resultant cardiovascular health could and will serve you well. However, squatting 400 lbs serves a person how?

Too much cardio, like the kind you do during a triathlon actually increases your risk of heart problems. Plenty of reasons NOT to do it.

[tooge]

Oh, and btw, I think that you guys work out so much is fantastic. I do as much as I can with 2 kids in sports and a busy practice. Like I said, it was just a question, I get it.

[tooge]

Originally Posted by Silock

Too much cardio, like the kind you do during a triathlon actually increases your risk of heart problems. Plenty of reasons NOT to do it.

Yeah, I've read that there is temporary cardiac damage in some extreme endurance athletes. I was more of a swim 20 laps, bike 10 miles, run 5 miles kind of guy as far as training goes.

I also lifted weights when I was younger, but it was mainly for vanity reasons. If I could go back 20 years, I'd try not to "bulk up" so much as I did then. Silock, you have a good lean look. My body type was always very "thick", so it was easy for me to build lots of muscle. Still is at 46 years old, so I am very core centered now with much less heavy lifting.

[Omaha]

Originally Posted by tooge

I did the triathlons to keep within my ideal weight and to get in and keep great cardiovascular shape. Again, I wasn't bashing bodybuilding or guys that want to squat 400 lbs, but I can think of plenty of reasons to want to run faster, bike more easily, etc., but no reason to squat 400 lbs.

I can't squat 400 lbs, but I find that improving my squat helps me do everything better. A proper squat requires a certain amount of strength, coordination, flexibility, joint mobility, and balance. Improving my squat was a big part of resolving my lower back pain. It also helps with my running, biking, football, volleyball, racquetball and anything else I do for fun. It's also pretty cool to lift a weight that I was unable to lift a month earlier.

Oh, and it keeps me from being a big, fat ****. That's an added bonus.

[Saul Good]

Originally Posted by tooge

I did the triathlons to keep within my ideal weight and to get in and keep great cardiovascular shape. Again, I wasn't bashing bodybuilding or guys that want to squat 400 lbs, but I can think of plenty of reasons to want to run faster, bike more easily, etc., but no reason to squat 400 lbs.

I know you aren't bashing. It's an interesting dialogue.

When you were working to get into shape, didn't you set goals to run/bike/swim faster, longer, etc.?

There will likely never come a time in your life when you will need to get somewhere via bicycle in 37 minutes rather than 39 minutes. It's just a way to challenge yourself. Also, there are side benefits in everyday life to being able to lift a ton of weight just are there are side benefits of being in cardiovascular shape.

Sometimes you need to carry bags of concrete, move furniture, pull a boat closer to a dock, or just want to pick up your wife and bang her. You're probably never going to wish you were less strong, slower, or had less endurance.

[tooge]

Originally Posted by Saul Good

I know you aren't bashing. It's an interesting dialogue.

When you were working to get into shape, didn't you set goals to run/bike/swim faster, longer, etc.?

There will likely never come a time in your life when you will need to get somewhere via bicycle in 37 minutes rather than 39 minutes. It's just a way to challenge yourself. Also, there are side benefits in everyday life to being able to lift a ton of weight just are there are side benefits of being in cardiovascular shape.

Sometimes you need to carry bags of concrete, move furniture, pull a boat closer to a dock, or just want to pick up your wife and bang her. You're probably never going to wish you were less strong, slower, or had less endurance.

Yeah, I get it. Personal goals. I suppose I can see why a guy that bench presses 390 lbs and is huge wonders what the point of being able to do X number of (insert personal goal).

And yes, I did always want to run a bit faster or longer, so I see your point. Regardless, any exercise is good exercise.

[NewChief]

I'm not really into heavy weight, though my dead lift numbers aren't shabby. My two motivations: look good and feel good.

I'm with you, though, that I'm not personally into the huge numbers. I want to stay lean and lithe, not get crazy bulky.

[Marcellus]

Originally Posted by Silock

Too much cardio, like the kind you do during a triathlon actually increases your risk of heart problems. Plenty of reasons NOT to do it.

Everything I have read on this it still seems pretty fuzzy and usually references extreme endurance athletes and not weekend warrior types or people who run a few marathons a year.

Its like anything else, you go extreme and there can be consequences.

There is any more general health risk for the average endurance athlete than what you are putting yourself through with your diet and workout routine.

[Marcellus]

Originally Posted by NewChief

I'm not really into heavy weight, though my dead lift numbers aren't shabby. My two motivations: look good and feel good.

I'm with you, though, that I'm not personally into the huge numbers. I want to stay lean and lithe, not get crazy bulky.

When I was in my early to late 20's I weighed around 200lbs (5'11") and had a 32" waist.

I am in my early 40's now and weigh 178 and am close to being as strong as I was then and look much better. I like looking leaner.

I'm no Silock by any means but I look good for 42.

[Saul Good]

Originally Posted by tooge

Yeah, I've read that there is temporary cardiac damage in some extreme endurance athletes. I was more of a swim 20 laps, bike 10 miles, run 5 miles kind of guy as far as training goes.

I also lifted weights when I was younger, but it was mainly for vanity reasons. If I could go back 20 years, I'd try not to "bulk up" so much as I did then. Silock, you have a good lean look. My body type was always very "thick", so it was easy for me to build lots of muscle. Still is at 46 years old, so I am very core centered now with much less heavy lifting.

I've got the opposite build. I've got skinny arms and legs. I'm wide through the shoulders and have a bit of a natural "beer gut" that runs in my family. (Even my young kids have it.)

I can tone up my arms and legs quickly, but I get lean muscles as opposed to bulk. I can get decent abs, but my chest doesn't really fill out.

It's a good build for boxing, as I'm quick and can get muscular without gaining weight. It's not good for looking ripped even when fully dressed, though.

[Saul Good]

Originally Posted by Marcellus

When I was in my early to late 20's I weighed around 20lbs (5'11") and had a 32" waist.

I am in my early 40's now and weigh 178 and am close to being as strong as I was then and look much better. I like looking leaner.

I'm no Silock by any means but I look good for 42.

You must have been really skinny back in the day.

[BigCatDaddy]

Originally Posted by Saul Good

You must have been really skinny back in the day.

[NewChief]

Originally Posted by Marcellus

When I was in my early to late 20's I weighed around 20lbs (5'11") and had a 32" waist.

I am in my early 40's now and weigh 178 and am close to being as strong as I was then and look much better. I like looking leaner.

I'm no Silock by any means but I look good for 42.

I'm 6'1" and fluctuate between 185 and 195. Look better approaching 40 than at any point in my life other than high school.

[Buehler445]

Originally Posted by Omaha

OK, I got into my doc early and I know you all give several ****s about whether I live or die so I'll share what he told me. He said that low globulin levels are common with vigorous exercise. It just means my immune system is depleted as a result of being exhausted. He said all of my other #s confirmed that I'm fine. I just need to rest.

Welp. I'm off to the gym....

It's AIDS. Really though, rest up. I always perform like shit whenever I'm dog tired. Stay well man.