Maybe an odd question, but any ideas for cardio at home (inside) that doesn't involve a large machine like a treadmill or eliptical? I just don't have the space for something like that.
I feel like I'm lacking cardio overall, and I know I will not stick to a running program (tried it about 4 times and always just stopped at some point). I'm also in a position where I know I can't make a gym membership work due to my work schedule, so I've ruled that out.
I keep seeing ads for the TRX system. Is it worth it? It seems more strength training, but if it gets the heart rate up, I'd be into that too.
Any suggestions would be great.
How about something like burpees? Just do as many as you can. Apply the quality over quantity rule. Record your numbers and aim to beat them every week. If you get to 100 burpees, I'd say your cardio is pretty damn good.
I worked out consistently and with decent intensity for significant stretches of time since High School. Usually lasted around 6 months at a time before getting discouraged, I'd then take some time off and go for a 4-6 month cycle again. It's almost an annual thing. I've actually tried a couple 5x5 work outs in that time.
I always got discouraged cause every time I've either stayed the same weight or lost weight over the stretch of time that I was working out. My strength increased and I was able to lift significantly more which was always encouraging but then as soon as I stepped on the scale and the number basically stayed the same (+ or - 3-5 lbs) I lost the motivation.
I have myfitness pal on my phone and I'm no where near my caloric intake goals. My diet is just too inconsistent. When I was researching my work out and diet plans I estimated that I needed to exceed 3,000 calories daily in order to have net gain caloric intake for the days I worked out (and that's if I didn't do cardio). Every single time I exceeded 3000 calories I had stomach issues the next day. It's just not worth it to me.
That's why I'm shifting my focus. I can accomplish all of my other fitness goals (endurance and strength) if I stop getting discouraged by a lack of weight gain. I also enjoy running so no longer avoiding it in my work out plans to save precious calories will be great.
And as you said, who knows, maybe the weight gain will come on its own.
I went back and checked out the DDP thread from a little while ago. I didn't realize it was really a cardio thing, but it appears I was wrong.
I checked out the website. Is it prudent for me to buy the starter park and then get the more advanced stuff later? Or just buy the full package now and save on the bundle? I was thinking just buy the full package now - it's less than $100, so its not going to break the bank in case I really hate it (doubtful).
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I'd get the full one. The beginner workouts are fantastic for healing and flexibility, the cardio begins about 2/3 of the way in. The last few are insanely intense and will put anyone to the test. Start with the easy ones though, the hard ones will destroy you to start
DDP returned to wrestling too, after breaking his back 10 years ago and being over 50 his yoga got him back in the ring with 300 pound giants.
So after playing some soccer and volleyball this summer and realizing how out of shape I actually am, I've decided to switch my focus from getting bigger to getting more fit.
I have been trying to gain mass since high school and it's absolutely futile. I just don't have the discipline to force myself to eat past the point of being full. I actually HATE doing it and it routinely makes me sick, especially when I combined it with any sort of suppliments. Without being able to adhere to the diet requirements, not only am I not getting bigger, I'm also avoiding cardio which is making me in even worse shape. I'm done, it's just not meant to be.
Now that I have let go of any dreams of being anything other than skinny, I'm going to try and get back into as good of shape as possible. In all of grade school I was one of the kids that could run forever. Ran cross country, last one standing in the beep tests, etc... I want to get as close as I can to that level of fitness. This summer, when I play soccer again, I want to actually be able to run a full game. I want to at least feel fit.
Now does anyone have any ideas of some starting off points? I'm looking for a nice balance of cardio and strength training. Mass goes out the window. I'll eat enough to maintain my weight and if I gain anything, great, but that's no longer the goal. As for suppliments, I'll stick with protein. Everything else I have tried has given me stomach issues so I don't really want to #### around with that.
As always, any help is appreciated!
If you're looking to be fit for the purpose of soccer, I would recommend doing running that mimics an actual soccer game. I've actually just got back into running after realizing that playing once/week just doesn't cut it like 5 times/week does. Real shocker.
I've been doing fast-paced 5k's, and once the field behind my house clears off a little, I'll be doing fitness that involves short quick sprints, agility (ie two foot jumps over cones, high knees, etc.). I'll be making a circuit with various sections involving different activities, as those types of activities are ideal for soccer fitness. I do throw in the occasional 10k, but I have found over my "career" that doing higher intensity/shorter-durations has worked best for me.
I have been barbell training for the last month or so and loving it (stronglifts 5x5). Do not like going to the gym though, especially when all the squat racks are full. So I am pretty sure I would like to workout at home.
The rest is minor stuff like collars, storage, flooring etc. Not much to talk about there. Already have a decent bench.
What do you guys think? I like the body solid rack but if the cheaper one will work then I am all for saving money. Really unsure about the barbell. Pretty tempted to cheap out and upgrade later. With the dollar right now it is killer to order from Rogue. I have been keeping an eye on kijiji but see very little. I am a skinny nerd so I am not pushing a bunch of weight around. Any advice would be appreciated.
Last edited by Burninator; 03-26-2015 at 12:08 PM.
I have been barbell training for the last month or so and loving it (stronglifts 5x5). Do not like going to the gym though, especially when all the squat racks are full. So I am pretty sure I would like to workout at home.
.
Sorry I have no advice for you other than I have also started back in the gym after a nearly 10 months off after seperating my shoulder.
I decided to give the Stronglifts 5x5 app a go, and am enjoying it.
That is all.
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I have been barbell training for the last month or so and loving it (stronglifts 5x5). Do not like going to the gym though, especially when all the squat racks are full. So I am pretty sure I would like to workout at home.
The rest is minor stuff like collars, storage, flooring etc. Not much to talk about there. Already have a decent bench.
What do you guys think? I like the body solid rack but if the cheaper one will work then I am all for saving money. Really unsure about the barbell. Pretty tempted to cheap out and upgrade later. With the dollar right now it is killer to order from Rogue. I have been keeping an eye on kijiji but see very little. I am a skinny nerd so I am not pushing a bunch of weight around. Any advice would be appreciated.
I have a power rack and everything at home and love working out there as opposed to the gym. My rack is somewhat similar to the body solid one I think and I couldn't really give you an opinion on the difference between those three. All I know is that mine is good enough for what I am doing. I guess I'm not entirely sure what the more expensive one does for you that the cheaper one doesn't?
I have a 7ft bar which is basically the exact same as that cheaper option there and I have no problems with it at all. I'm sure that one higher end bar is somehow better...but I have no idea how. I just put weights on mine and lift heavy stuff. I can't think of a reason that I would need a more expensive bar in all honesty.
I'd be interested in hearing other opinions though in case I just have no idea! For some context I lift four times a week.
I bought some gymnastics rings and created a pipe contraption in my basement to hang them from the joists. First of all, awesome work out and it doesn't take long to start getting into more advanced moves. Second, has anyone on here achieved a unassisted ring muscle up? I'm so close, but just can't get through the transition from pull up to press. I'm not sure if it's my technique or strength (both?). I can do bar muscle ups, but the rings continue to give me grief. I've only been at the rings for about 4 weeks now, so maybe I just need more time.
So after playing some soccer and volleyball this summer and realizing how out of shape I actually am, I've decided to switch my focus from getting bigger to getting more fit.
I have been trying to gain mass since high school and it's absolutely futile. I just don't have the discipline to force myself to eat past the point of being full. I actually HATE doing it and it routinely makes me sick, especially when I combined it with any sort of suppliments. Without being able to adhere to the diet requirements, not only am I not getting bigger, I'm also avoiding cardio which is making me in even worse shape. I'm done, it's just not meant to be.
Now that I have let go of any dreams of being anything other than skinny, I'm going to try and get back into as good of shape as possible. In all of grade school I was one of the kids that could run forever. Ran cross country, last one standing in the beep tests, etc... I want to get as close as I can to that level of fitness. This summer, when I play soccer again, I want to actually be able to run a full game. I want to at least feel fit.
Now does anyone have any ideas of some starting off points? I'm looking for a nice balance of cardio and strength training. Mass goes out the window. I'll eat enough to maintain my weight and if I gain anything, great, but that's no longer the goal. As for suppliments, I'll stick with protein. Everything else I have tried has given me stomach issues so I don't really want to #### around with that.
As always, any help is appreciated!
Get Nike+ app for your phone if you have gps. Start at 1km and when you track your results you'll become addicted and keep pushing yourself further and further and faster
I've been working out for a bit over a month. Just dumbbells, stationary bike, and no protein powder.
My muscles are getting bigger but my gut is not receding at the pace I was hoping.
I have been barbell training for the last month or so and loving it (stronglifts 5x5). Do not like going to the gym though, especially when all the squat racks are full. So I am pretty sure I would like to workout at home.
The rest is minor stuff like collars, storage, flooring etc. Not much to talk about there. Already have a decent bench.
What do you guys think? I like the body solid rack but if the cheaper one will work then I am all for saving money. Really unsure about the barbell. Pretty tempted to cheap out and upgrade later. With the dollar right now it is killer to order from Rogue. I have been keeping an eye on kijiji but see very little. I am a skinny nerd so I am not pushing a bunch of weight around. Any advice would be appreciated.
If you have the time and patience, I would suggest checking out kijiji. I bought my Powertec rack off of there for about half the price you would pay retail.
Also the Olympic plates can be found on kijiji fairly regularly as well. 60 to 80 cents a pound is a good price. Brand new iron can be purchased for $1.00 per pound, so be sure not to overpay.
The barbell is the one thing I would put a bit extra money into. Its really the most important piece and you don't want a cheap piece of shat when you're squatting a couple 100 pounds on your back. Also, it depends on if you are going to be dropping the bar a lot (clean and jerk). Whatever you do, don't get the super cheap one at fitness depot. No lifetime guarantee on that crappy one. I think its the 100$ one you linked. The 150$ one is much better.
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I've been working out for a bit over a month. Just barbells, stationary bike, and no protein powder.
My muscles are getting bigger but my gut is not receding at the pace I was hoping.
A month probably isn't enough time to see the craziest results. Definitely keep it going and the results will come. The key to losing body fat, and weight in general, is to be in a caloric deficit. Generally speaking, gaining muscle and losing fat are two very different things. When people lose weight, the loss of body fat is simply bringing out the muscles they didn't realize they had. Weight loss will always mean losing fat and muscle, but the accepted notion is that a good weightlifting program, and high protein diet, will minimize the muscle loss. A big falsehood to come out the gym is the idea that "I am not losing weight, but that is because I am putting on muscle and losing fat, cancelling out a weight change". People that go to the gym with the goal of losing body fat should see a drop in weight. Without the assistance of illegal substances, muscle gain and fat loss are 2 competing ventures.
Anyway, exercise and a good diet, that leads to a moderate caloric deficit, will result in weight and fat loss, but it does take time. I am sure you are on the right track if your diet is on point. Your muscles becoming more visible is probably a sign that you are leaning out and losing some fat. Unfortunately, the stomach can be very stubborn for men.
Last edited by Flabbibulin; 03-26-2015 at 03:04 PM.
A month probably isn't enough time to see the craziest results. Definitely keep it going and the results will come.
Yes, I'm being patient even though it seems pointless some days, and I'm being dedicated, by going 6/7 days a week with only Fridays off. I am seeing weight loss slowly and notice my pants are getting easier to close. But like everything these days, everyone wants results immediately.
What do you think of the theory that muscle eats fat. T or F? I'm going on the premise that it is True.
If you have the time and patience, I would suggest checking out kijiji. I bought my Powertec rack off of there for about half the price you would pay retail.
Also the Olympic plates can be found on kijiji fairly regularly as well. 60 to 80 cents a pound is a good price. Brand new iron can be purchased for $1.00 per pound, so be sure not to overpay.
The barbell is the one thing I would put a bit extra money into. Its really the most important piece and you don't want a cheap piece of shat when you're squatting a couple 100 pounds on your back. Also, it depends on if you are going to be dropping the bar a lot (clean and jerk). Whatever you do, don't get the super cheap one at fitness depot. No lifetime guarantee on that crappy one. I think its the 100$ one you linked. The 150$ one is much better.
I agree with you on the kijiji part for sure. I would definitely be patient and keep checking because these things will be there.
Why do you recommend a more expensive bar though? I am pretty sure I have that cheap one and it seems fine, but I have no idea I guess! So, what's the difference?
I agree with you on the kijiji part for sure. I would definitely be patient and keep checking because these things will be there.
Why do you recommend a more expensive bar though? I am pretty sure I have that cheap one and it seems fine, but I have no idea I guess! So, what's the difference?
If it's the same bar I did research on, the bearings inside are plastic and will break down way faster. The more expensive ones "spin" better as well, which can be important for certain lifts.
The bar can also bend, and stay bent if too much weight is put on.
It's kind of like putting the best tires you can afford on a car,because it's the part closest to the road. Same with the bar, it's the closest to your body.
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Yes, I'm being patient even though it seems pointless some days, and I'm being dedicated, by going 6/7 days a week with only Fridays off. I am seeing weight loss slowly and notice my pants are getting easier to close. But like everything these days, everyone wants results immediately.
What do you think of the theory that muscle eats fat. T or F? I'm going on the premise that it is True.
From a literal standpoint, I do not think that is really true. What is accurate is that more muscle and more exercise means a higher BMR/metabolism ie. You naturally burn more calories in a day. That said, it likely takes a lot of time for an individual to put on enough muscle to make more than a negligible difference. Yes, a massive 240 lb bodybuilder with a single digit body fat would likely have a higher Bmr than a hefty 240 pounder over 20% BF, but most of us arent dealing with anywhere near that kind of muscle. There are plenty of ways to theoretically boost your metabolism, but at the end of the day, the biggest consideration is always calories in via food and calories out via activity level.
Another overstated gymism is that once a week cheat meals dramatically boosts your metabolism if you are eating very clean the rest of the week. While it "may" be true that there is a minor boost in metabolism for a day or two, it probably isn't nearly at the level that some suggest. An insane cheat meal/day will set you back. Incorporating them in a strict diet is more for mental sanity than some supposed boost in metabolism. For example, for every 4-5lbs you lose, have a cheat meal.
