fitness

[ms3guy22]

So this is for all those health mind people who spend decent time in the gym. Has it been worth it to you, and have you had alot of trouble reaching your goals.
how long have you been lifting?
what do you use(supplements)?
do you concentrate on anything?
and stats if you care like sharing.
i'll start
almost 4 yrs, i've gained about 15 lbs and maintained a body fat of 14%
na2 vapor, 80-100oz of water, 80-100grm of protein, and multi-vitamin
i focus on everything because of the army
5'9 150lbs 14% body fat- and yes i was very skinny when i started and it has been a very long adventure

 

[habeansha]

i've been lifting for 5 months
i take the vitamin world multivitamin and the whey protein
i dont really concentrate on anything unless im on the eliptical machine and i read people magazine

i dont really thinks it has helped a lot for me, i guess i can actually feel more muscle in my arms, nothing much else
its kind of like my car, i dont remember what it was like stock and i can barely tell that it is any better now because i just cant remember it
so i cant tell that ive gained any muscle or anything because i dont have a reference to what i looked like before.

yeah and i think i am still fat, my bmi says im overweight and i probably am
5'10 around 200lbs

 

[protojason]

Hey, this is good timing on your part, original poster.

I just started working out at the gym. This is week 7 for me.

History: Was quite active, exercise was via playing hockey/cycling/martial arts. (aka never felt like exercise!)

Somehow, ruptured a disc in my back approx 3 years ago. I went from 175ish to 210 lbs at 5'10. Back injury/severe sciatica nerve pain down left leg.

Long story short, 3 months ago, i was finally able to bend and touch my toes (keeping legs straight) with minimum discomfort.

Now it's time to be active again...hallelujiah ! One of my hockey buds showed me a routine in the gym, and after getting over the initial intimidation of the place, I've been a regular, 3x week since.

Start with 25mins cardio, then do the routine. I've started light, and gradually increase weights. I recorded baseline measurements and just figure i'll take a picture a month...(picture worth a thousand words) to gauge progress.

Anyhow, I do a total body workout, rather than 'chest/back day', legs, etc etc.

Squats, leg curl/thigh extension, hamstrings curl, calf raises,

dumbell press, cable press (almost a fly looking thing), lat pulldown, low row,

tricep pressdown, then barbell curls superset with a hammer curls with really light weight.

Results: i've only lost around 5lbs, but seem to be gaining strength. I was really sore after first routine, (AND THAT WAS WITH LIGHT WEIGHTS)..aka felt like a wimp.

I've gradually upped the weight, keep reps the same, so must be some progress.

No supplements.


Decision to make:.... Should I up cardio bigtime, try to get back down to 175ish, or keep my size, just try and bulk up the muscle/lose the fat.


Most of all, I think there is a psychological change. I just 'feel' better after the workouts, and knowing that I completed 'em.

Blood pressure has gone down. Resting heartrate too.

Sorry for the long post.

--jason

 

[jred321]

how long have you been lifting? since i hurt myself during soccer tryouts sophomore year of college, so ~5 years off and on (life does get in the way sometimes)
what do you use(supplements)? just whey protein. sometimes i'll do a multi-vitamin. i've tried other stuff over the years and it's not worth it
do you concentrate on anything? staying in shape. i mostly exercise so that i can go do other fun things at any time. soccer league needs players? sign me up. whitewater rafting this weekend? ok i'm in. recently i also started mountain biking and that was easy to get back into after many years off
and stats if you care like sharing.
5'9" ~180lbs, the last gym i was at had one of those stand on scale/body fat thingies and it told me i was between 10-15% body fat but those aren't super accurate. the other day i noticed some veins on the underside of my tricep that i've never seen before, i have to assume it's from the increase in cardio activity from biking

So this is for all those health mind people who spend decent time in the gym. Has it been worth it to you, and have you had alot of trouble reaching your goals.

spending time at the gym doesn't necessarily mean fitness. there are plenty of people who spend a ton of time at the gym but are not fit because they never leave the weight room. sure they can pick up a ton of weight but not fit.

it's totally worth it for me. i've gone through periods where i've had to take a month or two off here and there or just can't make it as much for a period of time and i just have so much less energy when that happens and i can't think as well.

as far as my goals, i don't really have set goals. it's mostly just stay in shape so i can do fun things when they come up without being sore for weeks after. it's a pretty subjective goal so reaching it is also subjective

 

[Diehonda]

how long have you been lifting?
About six years off and on. Prior to that I played soccer for 18 years, and swam for five years for the YMCA.
what do you use(supplements)? Used to take amino acids 1500, creatine, androstene, and protein. Now I just eat healthy while watching my portions. I have found that I would do much better if I would stop enjoying food so much.
do you concentrate on anything? Not really, I love butterfies though.
and stats if you care like sharing. I used to be 135lbs and now I am 215lbs, over six years of not lifting religiously. I am 5'11" also. Not sure what my body fat is but I wear a 33 waist with a tucked in shirt.


Edit: I do not work out in a gym. I lift at home twice a week and work out in the yard or lay tile ont he weekends.

 

[Katya4me]

I'm not into bodybuilding, but I did want to get back into shape and increase my flexibility. I also use exercise as a stress release.
how long have you been exercising? started back doing yoga twice a week over the winter, and try to go the gym about 2-3 times a week.
do you concentrate on anything? Getting into better shape. I wanted some upper body definition, so I've worked my way from 4lb. to 12lb. free weights, lots of stretches, a couple miles each on the elliptical and treadmill and then some weight machines usually.
and stats if you care like sharing.
5'6"- currently 139, BMI: 22.4, 27in waist

 

[RXMmazdaspeed]

So this is for all those health mind people who spend decent time in the gym. Has it been worth it to you, and have you had alot of trouble reaching your goals.
how long have you been lifting?
what do you use(supplements)?
do you concentrate on anything?
and stats if you care like sharing.
i'll start
almost 4 yrs, i've gained about 15 lbs and maintained a body fat of 14%
na2 vapor, 80-100oz of water, 80-100grm of protein, and multi-vitamin
i focus on everything because of the army
5'9 150lbs 14% body fat- and yes i was very skinny when i started and it has been a very long adventure

well being a personal trainer this is right up my alley....

has it been worth it? absolutely... staying fit not only makes you feel better and look better, it will help your health in the long run for many reasons.

how long have i been lifting? being an athlete all my life, i started lifting when i was a freshman in high school, but have only really understood it and have been lifting seriously for the past 3 or so years.

supplements: pre-workout i take an adrenalyn stack (caffeine mixed with other energy components, but it's also a thermogenic. this means it heats the core body temperature, increasing blood flow and creating the ability to sweat more) and arginine. post workout i take an isopure (40g of the highest quality protein you can have), 5g of bcaa (branch chain amino acids), a multivitamin, and i cycle on and off of creatine in 5 week intervals.

concentration: i mainly concentrate on the lifting aspect of fitness. i have a program using all supersets which will allow me sweat more and keep my heart rate up, which in turn lets me get away with little cardio. (i do play rugby on the weekends, however)

5'10", 185 lbs, apprx. 8.5-9% body fat.


also, if anyone wants tips on a training program, nutrition, or anything involving fitness.... please feel free to pm me.

 

[jred321]

i think i have like a chuck liddell body. enough definition but still a thick waist. i've worn 34" pants since HS when i was playing soccer/running track 5 days/week. if you ever see a side shot of chuck he looks similar (though at fight time he has better definition than i do because i like to eat ). even if i drop body fat i think i'll still have the same waist size, i'll never be a body builder or model. you can see it a little bit here but if you watch any of his fights you can see what i mean better
http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=fighter.detail&pid=148

 

[CnoTataymo]

How long have I been lifting?
- 3 1/2 years but last 2 years has been heavy

What do I use?
- No supplements, just eat as much protein as I can and not a lot of junk.

What do I concentrate on?
- The major muscles such as: Chest, shoulders, back, tri-ceps, bi-ceps, abs, legs every other day.

Stats:
- Started at 135 lbs
- Most gained was 155 lbs
- Current 150 lbs
- Goal was to bench 2 plates (225 lbs) and now I can bench 340 lbs but best max was 350 lbs. I like to bench a lot. I still lift heavy all over. Oh yeah, I'm 5'6.

 

[Mr Magnum]

How long have you been lifting?
Off and on for the last 5 yrs, since I was 18 yrs old (now 23). But I have been going regularly since the Jan 07 (New Years resolution that I kept(first))

What do you use(supplements)?
NO-Xplode for bit and cell mass, and Multi-Vitamin, but Now off NO-Xplode and Cell Mass. Now I developed a personal diet that I adhere now so I don't have to take all these supplements.

Do you concentrate on anything?
Mostly Cardio, and on certain areas that I feel can in improve from time to time.

And stats if you care like sharing.
Started 5 Yrs ago at 220 lbs size 36 waist, Currently 163 lbs with 12% body fat and a size 30 waist, with 40 lbs lost this yr.

It's been one hell of a road to have gone where I was to where I am and I still feel I got a lot more to go.....

 

[exNeon]

How long have you been lifting?
started going back to the gym almost 2 years ago, before that various injuries kept me from my regular hoops/ultimate/hiking activities, made it up to 250 at one point. i saw a pic of myself at a friends wedding and was like 'who's the fatty', i also use it for anger management but thats a different story

What do you use(supplements)?
i take nitro-tech (chocolate is chunky, vanilla taste like crap, havent had strawberry) whatever you do, put the milk in first then the powder.

Do you concentrate on anything?
just lifing in general and getting stronger. with a side of weight loss. im still somewhat limited by lingering health issues but not that much (knee surgery, migraines) i definitely see a difference. more defined all around. and feel stronger for sure. its nice to see a measurable difference after a while.

And stats if you care like sharing.
im now 215 lb 6'3", no clue on body fat, but i would like to see ~10% sometime.

anybody have suggestions on a good body fat scale or other form of measurement that doesnt include a water tank?

 

[ms3guy22]

i've tried almost every supplement out there minus roids, which would be the easiest way.
any suggestions would be great, the best success i've gotten is from workouts that i got from the mens sculpting bible from.
p.s. ive got a slight rupture in my rotator cuff and right knee thats got some issue, which prohibits me from doing huge weight for bench and squats

 

[jred321]

the best supplement for the money i've found is optimum nutrition whey protein. like $35 for a 5lb container, lots of good stuff none of the bad. through the years i've tried different supplements and through my experience most are worthless (and i found myself more prone to injury on creatine) so i've cut back to just whey and am happy and healthy

 

[Mr. Win]

So this is for all those health mind people who spend decent time in the gym. Has it been worth it to you, and have you had alot of trouble reaching your goals.
No... it just takes time and dedication. Work gets in the way but I stay positive about it.
how long have you been lifting?
4-5 years consistently @ least 3 times a week.
what do you use(supplements)?
Protein. Nothing else anymore
do you concentrate on anything?
Everything. Back. Chest. Legs. Arms. Cycling. Running.
and stats if you care like sharing.
13% BF 200lbs 6'2'' - 225lb was my max weight. Shoulder injuries have kept me from heavy lifting.

 

[RXMmazdaspeed]

i've tried almost every supplement out there minus roids, which would be the easiest way.
any suggestions would be great, the best success i've gotten is from workouts that i got from the mens sculpting bible from.
p.s. ive got a slight rupture in my rotator cuff and right knee thats got some issue, which prohibits me from doing huge weight for bench and squats

the best supplement for the money i've found is optimum nutrition whey protein. like $35 for a 5lb container, lots of good stuff none of the bad. through the years i've tried different supplements and through my experience most are worthless (and i found myself more prone to injury on creatine) so i've cut back to just whey and am happy and healthy

ms3guy22... follow jred321's advice. optimum nutrition whey is the best supplement money can buy. it's high in bcaa's and is made from whey isolate, which has a much higher absorption rate than whey concentrate.

if you are looking for a good supplement stack, read my post above. i take all natural supplements that the body would otherwise produce itself (minus the adrenalyn stack). ive gained around 5 lbs of muscle in the past 6-7 weeks ive been following it.

keep this in mind, however.... supplements should only be taken when you have your diet in check. if you changed up your diet and ate correctly you'd realize a larger difference than in any supplement you take. supplements are designed to improve upon a solid diet. if you want any advice with your diet, pm me.

 

[ms3guy22]

don't get me wrong, iv'e gone all in for months and havn't been satisified
0630:multi vitamin/nitrix supplement
0700:3 boiled eggs w/ natural oatmeal 20g protein
1000:900 cal weight gainer shake 50gr protein
1300:chicken,rice,blackbean mix 30g protein
1600rotein shake 35g protein
1900:tuna,rice,corn mix 35g protein

 

[Mr. Win]

You need more protein. At least 225 grams a day with 3-4k calories a day.

 

[Drox]

how long have you been lifting?

I have just started lifting about 2 months ago just to bulk up a bit.

what do you use(supplements)?

I use Creatine and Whey Protein

do you concentrate on anything?

I concentrate on working my legs, working out your quad is a great way to burn excess body fat because it is one of the largest muscles in your body. Another great way to lose weight is to go running in the morning on an empty stomach.

and stats if you care like sharing.
5'11" and 170lbs

 

[Killer]

I just hit the gym 2-3 times a week. Free weights and cardio/stair. I eat good too...not much fat in the diet. I have to do something...the beer intake would make me beyond huge. (lol2)

6'5" 255

 

[Mr. Win]

fat is essential in a diet. Think of it like not putting oil in your car.