Thread: AH.... WORKOUT! Board: Oblivion / Ship of Fools.


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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
can't find the old thread, I assume it's been oblivionated, but hosts can feel free to kill this if I missed it.

New Year on the horizon and I assume the bloated holiday bellies are getting people thinking of some physical activity.

Personally, I've just been getting so much physical activity due to life that I opened this to feel smug.

it's not like I'm choosing it, though. record snowfalls (even for us!) and the usual split-and-haul-wood routine has led to me getting something ridiculous like 2 hours of hard work a day. Given the choice, I'd be a complete midwinter slug.

but hey! at least the exercise is happening, and I feel strong as an ox. problem is, it's been so stormy that a day without the work is odd.

January plans - back to daily yoga (even if only for a few minutes, I'm so stiff!) and hopefully swimming 2 times a week. if I'm lucky, the shoveling won't continue to be a daily event.

So, what's happening out there, folks? up off your duffs!
 

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Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :
 
I did wonder about offering a January fitness race, but there wasn't any keenness about fitness anywhere noticeable so I wondered if the time had gone.
 

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Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Comet, I feel like a slug, but all I have to do for the new year is desk work, filing, tax stuff and cooking. This will be my exercise routine because I don't do cold weather and shoveling manure is not something I like to do.


But, good luck with your exercise routine, you're a better person than I am! I feel like such a loser.
 

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Posted by Taliesin (# 14017) on :
 
I was dog walking for my exercise, but the dopey canines have seriously endangered the whole thing by pulling me over in a bad falling way. I am now stiff and painful and have no desire to venture out...
 

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Posted by Ad Orientem (# 17574) on :
 
I've been a bit lazy this Christmas. I haven't been to the gym for a week now. For the new five or six months it's time to get into summer shape. Gain a little bit of mass and then get shredded.
 

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Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :
 
I need to get back to running, really really bad.

I have been down to once a week if I’m feeling particularly motivated, which, let’s face it, I’m not. I’ve got into one of those vicious circles of don’t feel like it – don’t go – have no energy – don’t feel like it.

I need to try to keep sufficiently in condition that I can start again properly as soon as the weather gets warm enough.

Twice now I have trained for the 20km/half marathon and then injured myself a month before the race . This year I WILL run the 20km. Which means I need to get into some serious training straight away in the Spring.
 

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Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on :
 
I've had to hold off the swimming for a month due to laser eye surgery.

Back to normal on Jan 6th.

Swimming 4 days a week Mon-Thurs, 30 lengths each day. Dog walking (45 mins) every day except Friday.

Each dog walk I now do a little running and I resolve to nudge this up by a few steps each time. By April Tatze will be allowed an hour+ walk every day (you have to limit it to 5mins per one month of age with labs, due to fast growing big bones and joints) - so I'm going to explore all the paths, trails, woods, moors and reservoirs I can.


 

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Posted by Jenn. (# 5239) on :
 
I've signed up for a 10k this summer, so going to be doing some running, beginning properly in New year. Also planning to eat better. I'm trying to be realistic about what I aim for each week, rather than getting frustrated because there is so much I haven't done.
 

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Posted by Horseman Bree (# 5290) on :
 
Right there with comet on the shovelling thing. At least every second day, usually more often, so far. Thankfully no rainy interlude (yet) - the ice is a bitch
 

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Posted by Doc Tor (# 9748) on :
 
This year, I'll probably try to increase the distance I run from the current 5k. Considering this time last year, I hadn't run that far since school, it's a bit bizarre.

The only problem is that I'm so stupidly competitive, I simply throw myself as fast as possible at the notional finish line, without much thought of 'training' or 'pacing'. I do swim a lot, and am more measured at that, except I've now more-or-less mastered front crawl and can now feel the urge to do my lengths quicker than I did last time, each time I get into the pool...
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Horseman Bree:
Right there with comet on the shovelling thing. At least every second day, usually more often, so far. Thankfully no rainy interlude (yet) - the ice is a bitch

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3 hours and 40 minutes, today. had to clear roofs and repair some damage. I still have to split wood and remove the berm.

my email just announced another winter storm warning. I'm fit and strong and OVER IT.
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
anyone...?

I had a day with NO physical chores! it was beautiful. though about noon I started guilting that I hadn't done yoga or swimming or anything. now I'm telling myself to SHADDAP and take a rest day, already.

tomorrow, though!

how go the new year efforts?
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
I had the puncture mended in my front bicycle tyre this morning so am now [theoretically] cycling again.
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
I biked to the shops yesterday and the wind was so strong extra effort was needed, but going home was much faster

Today I walked beside the river, but the wee diving ducks seem to have disappeared since the earthquakes and the river itself has not totally recovered from the raw sewerage that was pumped in as an emergency measure.

I am really struggling to increase my exercise.

Huia
 

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Posted by Jenn. (# 5239) on :
 
I ran! First run of the year. It didn't go to plan, had to have lots more breaks than planned, but then it was up hill and I haven't ran for 2 weeks. So good work
 

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Posted by Doc Tor (# 9748) on :
 
First Parkrun of the year, first PB of the year. A sub-30 min time is within my grasp: I just have to find that extra ten seconds from somewhere...
 

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Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :
 
I went running this morning. I am going to try to run again one week day as well and work up from there. The weather isn't too cold at present so I need to make the most of it.

I should probably check when 20 km registrations open as a way of making myself do it (the race is in the Autumn).
 

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Posted by moonlitdoor (# 11707) on :
 
Doc Tor, at that level you are probably still some way off your maximum potential, so if you want to train to improve I'm sure you can. If possible do some interval training, eg running hard up a hill and jogging down for about 20 minutes, or 8 lots of 2 minutes hard running with a minute rest between each, in either case attempting to be doing the same speed for the last efforts as the first. It's important not to get carried away and run the first ones too fast.

I am doing a half marathon on 9th of February, training going ok at the moment. Just need to avoid getting injured in the next month !
 

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Posted by Doc Tor (# 9748) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by moonlitdoor:
Doc Tor, at that level you are probably still some way off your maximum potential, so if you want to train to improve I'm sure you can.

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I'm carrying some extra weight (heh...), and paradoxically, I didn't run a particularly great race on Saturday: the course is very hilly, with one long hill repeated three times during the 5k. I slowed right down on the first climb, but remembered to attack it the second and third times.

Needless to say, the downhills do not make up for uphills. But yes, it's the hillwork I need to concentrate on, and go for longer runs to building up stamina. As it is, I have nothing left when I cross the line (which tends to worry the organisers, as it sounds like I'm dying ).

Since last March, I've knocked eight minutes off my 5k time, and my realistic goal this year is to get to somewhere close to 28:00 - in acknowledgement that it only gets harder from now on.
 

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Posted by moonlitdoor (# 11707) on :
 
Losing some weight should make a difference, I've heard about a second a mile per pound, so if you can shift half a stone, you should be 20 seconds quicker over 5k. Longer runs are good but personally I'm a believer in the principle that if you want to run faster, you have to train faster. That's the point of interval training, it gives you practice in trying to run hard when you are already tired, which is what the latter stages of a race is like.

It's worked well for me anyway, good luck with your target, let us know if you manage it.
 

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Posted by SusanDoris (# 12618) on :
 
Curiosity Killed

I'm always interested in the fitness races, but knewI wouldn't be able to do July or this month (pre and post op),but looked in here to see if one was running. I'm walking almost as far - but not as fast - as I did before and at the end find that I'm hardly out of breath at all. My legs and back are getting stronger and physio exercises help, but I've still got a way to go and my chest muscles, particularly on the right side, are only up to very light weights. I re-joined the swimming class and went for the first time yesterday. I really enjoyed it, and could have done a strong breast stroke, but today I am glad I only moved cautiously, as I'm aching.
At the surgery here, the physio organisation is good, soI'm going to ask for some help on those weak chest muscles.
My sons said to me, 'It's not a competition, you know!'
 

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Posted by Doc Tor (# 9748) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by SusanDoris:
My sons said to me, 'It's not a competition, you know!'

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Heretics! It's always a competition!
 

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Posted by SusanDoris (# 12618) on :
 

 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
I have such a craving to start running again, which of course is nigh impossible right now because of the road conditions. pisses me right off. happens every year. roads go to hell: comet wants to run.

not cool!
 

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Posted by no prophet (# 15560) on :
 
I go out with the dog (we're down to one) for 30-45 minutes each morning. The faster times is when it's -35°C with a wind chill.

Then I ride a bicycle to work, which takes about 45-50 minutes each way. In the summer it can be 30 minutes, but in winter not so fast.

The issue with winter cycling at any temperature is getting too hot. Today at -26°C I wore t-shirt, two of those thin long sleeved Under Armor type shirts (except that they are not Under Armor, they are cheaper ones), a windproof-breathable shell on top, merino wool long johns, pants and then nylon wind pants on bottom, gaiters covering lower legs and fastened to tops of light boots (I love gaiters!). On head, 2 toques and a neck tube (I also love toques!). Handses: 2 wool mittens with leather lined mitts on top. --- I was just a touch warm on the upper body today. I also have a rear helmet light, rear on the bike, LED on my left arm for signalling, another LED on my front, and a really bright front blinky on the bike.

In my view, weather is simply to be accepted, and dressed for. And physical activity is a drug, to be taken daily.

[ 07. January 2014, 23:42: Message edited by: no prophet ]
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
it's not the cold in my case, np. that doesn't concern me at all. in fact, please more cold! it makes the roads better.

We're coastal here, and WET. I've seen the sun for one day (well, part of one) in the last 5 weeks. mostly snow, which is manageable, but lately it's rain on top of the snow.

Add to that, this is a very mountainous region. everything is on a hill. and the rain flows down the snowy hilly roads and creates wet ice chutes. Driving is hair-raising, but walking alone (not to mention running) is almost impossible. I have driven my mother from one side of the street to the other to avoid her having to walk it.

I have creepers, and thanks to them I can waddle at maybe 3 mph on the horizontal streets. No way I'm going any faster.
 

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Posted by blackbeard (# 10848) on :
 
Last summer and much of the autumn was a DISASTER in fitness terms, mainly because I spent too much time messing about in boats, which although it's an outdoor pursuit in which fitness helps, does little to get me fit.

Also hampered by my sister's excellent cooking which in a short visit of only a few days, saw me putting on weight at a frightening rate ...

Now gradually getting back into running, spurred on by the local parkrun (5 km, offroad, very friendly and helpful, and FREE!). Trying to get my pb down (aren't we all?).

But a good workout today (finally got around to going to gym) with my heart rate going up to places it's not supposed to be in a 70 year old bloke. Hope I haven't overdone it. ... maybe will get some of that weight off. Every little helps, especially in parkruns.
 

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Posted by Doc Tor (# 9748) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by blackbeard:
But a good workout today (finally got around to going to gym) with my heart rate going up to places it's not supposed to be in a 70 year old bloke. Hope I haven't overdone it. ... maybe will get some of that weight off. Every little helps, especially in parkruns.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Doc Tor:
We have some extraordinarily gnarly gadgees at my Parkrun - run all their lives, and see no reason to stop.

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quote:

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Originally posted by moonlitdoor:
There's a guy I used to know through work, retired a few years ago and is now 70. He can still do 22 something for the parkrun, having been quite a useful runner when he was younger.

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I almost wish I hadn't seen that! still, it gives me something to aim for. 26 something is beyond my grasp at present, though I'm working on it. Still, at my age (also 70) I'm grateful to be able to do a parkrun at all.

Slightly nearer topic: workouts: I'm finding that it takes a few days to fully get over a fairly hard one. I just hope that this means it's doing some good! or possibly that at my age I should be taking things a bit more gently (no, belay that, go for it!).

Blackbeard, recycled teenager
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
how long is a parkrun?
 

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Posted by Chocoholic (# 4655) on :
 
I'm afraid I'm not very active, I was as a kid but not now. I've tried the gym and various stuff but don't get that feel good/post exercise high, I just get the bad bits! Out of breath, chest/limbs etc hurt. I did go to the gym several times a week for quite a while a few years ago and felt no better and no fitter, my weights had increased a little but there was bit much improvement in the aerobic stuff.

But! I have just bought a tai chi DVD! Nice gentle exercise in the comfort of my own home
 

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Posted by ecumaniac (# 376) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by comet:
how long is a parkrun?

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quote:

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Originally posted by moonlitdoor:

I am doing Wokingham half marathon on 9th of February, so training 4 times a week at the moment. Just need to stay injury free.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Augustine the Aleut:
I have ratcheted my four times a week swim of a thousand metres up to 1100m. After Candlemas, I'll increase it to 1200m. Aside from that, 4km to where I get my morning cortado, and 4km back. I find that if it's part of a routine, it happens and, if not, it won't.

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I don't have time for that length of swim! I manage around 750m a time - but I've been 4-5 times a week for the last two weeks, which is better than nowt.
 

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Posted by Bob Two-Owls (# 9680) on :
 
I have started back on the C25K programme myself. Did W1R1 last night and covered 4k in the half hour walk/run according to Mapmyrun. I am aiming to join in with the local Parkrun by Easter by which time I hope to be 2st lighter and running about a 30 min 5k.

[deleted duplicate post - Piglet, AS host]

[ 16. January 2014, 03:10: Message edited by: piglet ]
 

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Posted by mark_in_manchester (# 15978) on :
 
Another Couch-to-5k man here. Back to wk4 - 5min and 3min running bursts. Former is at the limit of what my lungs will take - not run since school. Still, seems to be doing my head some good.
 

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Posted by Doc Tor (# 9748) on :
 
I ran up those hills as hard as I could manage. It hurt from about 500m in, and I had plenty of time to contemplate my folly over the remaining 4500m. Couldn't even breathe through half of the run, no matter how hard I hauled - cold and damp air apparently doesn't work with my asthma. Who knew?

And I've knacked my left heel. The base of it is incredibly sore. I won't run again until next Saturday, and make sure I do lots of pool time.

30:03

4 bloody seconds short of a 29:xx time.

Still a PB though...
 

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Posted by cattyish (# 7829) on :
 
I started jogging around the place with a couch to 5k plan (the NHS one) last summer and am now doing it three times per week. I went out yesterday in Aviemore and ran really slowly for 4.6km, which is not far but it's more running than I would have believed possible for me this time last year. It helps that I like running in the dark and the rain and that it's currently not deeply snowy.

One of my friends is thinking of starting a Parkrun in Stirling. Has anyone done that elsewhere?

Does anyone run with ice grips on? I have yak traks but I haven't tried running with them yet.

Cattyish, slow but steady.
 

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Posted by moonlitdoor (# 11707) on :
 
I know through the parkrun I do, Crane Park, the people who set it up, and through work I know one of the people who started up Guildford parkrun. Could put your friend in touch if desired.
 

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Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :
 
I went running twice last week. I did not feel like it. I still do not feel like it.

I think I am allergic to winter
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
me, too.

still too treacherous to run around here, but did some hill-hiking and am now wallowing in sore muscles. I hear rumors of an ice-free section of town that I'm going to tackle tomorrow.

ache ache ache.
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Either everyone is out doing things and is too busy to post, or you're all a bunch of slackers, like me.

Well that's about to change. Today I need to do some outside work digging up lavender along the driveway so that when the contractors came to relay the earthquake damaged concrete they don't ruin my favourite plants. It would have been easier if I'd takem cuttings, but then I wouldn't have had the benefit of the exercise.

Huia
 

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Posted by Jenn. (# 5239) on :
 
I was going to go for a run, but I went to a self defence class instead. It was a good decision. Next run is planned for thursday. First parkrun will be on saturday, but I'm only aiming to run for about 22minutes, the rest will be walked and I'll come in last. I can only get better from there!
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
coming in last is still finishing, Jenn. as opposed to the majority of the world, who wouldn't even consider such a thing. so go, you!

I've been active, just not checking in here, regularly.

you know how some days your workout feels like bliss, and others just suckitysucksucksuck? that's me.

Yesterday, the sun was out, the wind was low, all was generally right with the world. So I loaded up the pooch and took him out to my favorite out-of-town stretch of beach and did my run/walk thing, combining sand and road stretches (still winter, still more walk than run, but I'll take advantage of the dry sand and pavement!) and it was BLISS. 4+ miles, deep breaths, salty air, bird song, sea lions just out of reach (thankfully, cause HELLO!) and I even sang along with the ipod during the walk parts, embarrassing the dog and not caring. Total superhero status. felt like a million bucks.

Today? my 4 minute morning Tabata was a colossal effort. I took 30 minutes to recover. then splitting and hauling 16 pieces of wood (4 rounds) - something I do almost daily, damn near took the stuffins out of me. I'm ready for a nap, and I haven't even gone to work yet. ack!

here's hoping tomorrow will be back to superhero status.

[ 27. January 2014, 20:21: Message edited by: comet ]
 

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Posted by pjl (# 16929) on :
 
last year I rarely missed a session at the gym which consisted of one and a half hours 3 times per week.

Skived off many times over the Christmas period and gained 6 kg.Making a big effort now before resorting to my old jeans of a larger waist size.
 

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Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
I started back in earnest at the pool recently. Last Wednesday I was hauled out by fellow swimmers and lifeguards when both my calves locked up in the biggest cramps they (the rescuers) had ever seen, and I had ever felt. I had tensed up as I went to pass someone in my lane, and the legs locked as I came off the wall in a tumble-turn. It was towards the end of a long set and I guess I was severely under-hydrated,

As it happened one of those pulling me out was a parishioner. I think he was probably quite surprised by my command of the English language.

Six days later my calves are still sore. I returned to the pool yesterday and today, but in genuine fear, and basically swimming only with my upper body, very tentative, very frightened. It'll be a long time before I forget that pain.

[ 28. January 2014, 07:25: Message edited by: Zappa ]
 

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Posted by Jenn. (# 5239) on :
 
Zappa, I hope the calves are recovering. That sounds really horrible. Take it easy!

I ran for 30 mins today - personal record. 4km, and I'm pretty happy with that. It's park run on saturday and a friend is going to run with me to try to stop me going out hard and then stopping. I'm hoping to get round in 40 minutes. I may not be able to walk on sunday.

Really please with myself though, I wasn't expecting to mange that distance or time today
 

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Posted by moonlitdoor (# 11707) on :
 
good luck tomorrow, let's hope it's not raining. Do some stretches afterwards to help stop yourself stiffening up and you should be ok on Sunday. Hope you manage to run the whole way, it will be a good feeling.
 

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Posted by Freelance Monotheist (# 8990) on :
 
Still swimming for an hour twice a week and feeling the benefits! On Wednesday I went out for a run for the first time in ages and am still quite stiff/sore today, but it was amazing! I ran about 6 km in about 55 minutes, and at times I forgot I was running, as I lost myself in my music! I felt like I was flying/going really fast (at least for me) at times too! Going to go out again on Sunday, maybe in the forest rather than tarmac/pavement!
Jenn, I'm mightily impressed at your 4 km in 30 mins, and good luck for the park run!
Eeep, Zappa, hope you can get back in the water with confidence soon, and you never get cramps like that again.
 

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Posted by Doc Tor (# 9748) on :
 
Having not run last week due to a cold, we pitched up this morning and skated around our 5k very gingerly.

Despite taking it easy - several runners fell - I still clocked a sub-32m time and felt like I had plenty left in the tank. Hopefully it'll have warmed up a bit next week and I can crank it up...
 

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Posted by Jenn. (# 5239) on :
 
Unfortunately the weekend did not go to plan. I woke up with a migraine on saturday which took all day to shift properly. I had to work all day today (at least all daylight hours). Might try tomorrow after work, but might have to wait until wednesday now before daylight and free time happen together.
 

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Posted by pjl (# 16929) on :
 
Did my 11/2 hr stint at the gym this morn.
Not easy the Monday shift, could not adjust the
shower to run cold at the end.

Does not feel right finishing a shower on 'warm'.
 

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Posted by Doc Tor (# 9748) on :
 
30:38

Not ideal conditions, but I feel I should have done better. The assault on Mount Thirtyminutes continues next week...
 

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Posted by moonlitdoor (# 11707) on :
 
should have been a big workout today as I was due to run the Wokingham half marathon but they cancelled it on Friday due to flooding on the course; some sections under 9 inches of water apparently.
 

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Posted by blackbeard (# 10848) on :
 
Moonlitdoor, that must be absolutely gutting after all that preparation.

We lost our parkrun as well (we splashed merrily around the course last week and I don't think it could have got much worse, but apparently the car park was flooded! alas, the dependence on the infernal combustion engine) but at least there will be another parkrun next week - I hope - or maybe a parkswim

Blackbeard, amphibian
 

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Posted by Lilac (# 17979) on :
 
For indoor exercise, try "dands", also known as "Hindu pushups", "kinky pressups", and so on. A "dand" is actually three Yoga asanas run together, and it's a full-body workout in itself. Lay out your exercise mat and start in the "downward dog" position, butt in the air with arms extended. Dive down into the "plank" position and keep going. End by arching your spine at craning your head back in the "upward dog" position. Be careful, because some books say this is dangerous, and it may be for some people. Then bridge up into "downward dog" again, working your stomach muscles.

Keep warm while doing this, to avoid pulled tendons and suchlike. You'll easily find "dand" videos on YouTube. After that you can go on to "baithaks", which are Hindu squat-jumps.
 

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Posted by IngoB (# 8700) on :
 
After about an eight year hiatus to take care of career, family and moving across countries and continents, I've finally gone back to practicing martial arts. Dang, I really missed that stuff... It's a bit like learning to dance, but with speed, power and intent. On one hand fascinating applications of biomechanics and psychophysics, on the other hand just sweat and aching muscles and leaving it all in the gym. On one hand pure poetry in motion if you see the fluid body control of a well-executed form, on the other hand the brutal honesty of sparring if you want to find out if you can bring it. What I really love about it is that it is always meaningful. Even if you are apparently mindlessly drilling a move, it's not just to burn calories or exercise the muscle or get an exercise high. It's like finger exercises in playing a music instrument, you are constantly building up muscle memory and coordination towards a purpose. And when you see it come together, it can be like magic.

Anyway, just saw this thread and thought I should share my excitement about getting active again. And if anybody has a question about getting into martial arts, I'm happy to help out as far as I can (here or by PM). I've tried about a dozen arts, dabbled in about half a dozen and managed to not suck at two - and those two were on rather opposite ends of the spectrum: WingTsun (mostly hardcore self-defence) and Chen Taijiquan (mostly about ... well, that would require a lecture, but not about self-defence usually).
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
hey, good timing! Jujitsu is the only one taught here. it looks like I'd spend a lot of time falling and getting bruised, so I'm nervous about signing up. (yes, I'm a sissy. I don't like pain) are my initial impressions fair? should I give it a chance?
 

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Posted by IngoB (# 8700) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by comet:
hey, good timing! Jujitsu is the only one taught here. it looks like I'd spend a lot of time falling and getting bruised, so I'm nervous about signing up. (yes, I'm a sissy. I don't like pain) are my initial impressions fair? should I give it a chance?

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JJ is basically a catch-all term describing an entire class of Japanese MAs. It's difficult to say just what you would get to train without some further detail (what kind of JJ). If you give me a name or a website, maybe I can say more. Unless you live in a very small place, it's also rather unlikely that there is only JJ on offer. But I guess Alaska has plenty of very small places...

Generally speaking, falling on (tatami) mats may look (and sound, if the technique requires "slapping" the ground as in Judo) spectacular to somebody who has not trained it. But it is not generally a very dangerous part of MA, and not usually painful either. In fact it is quite possibly the best example of how MA technique can make a direct and positive difference to one's regular life. Practically all martial artists who have learned how to fall have some story to tell how they avoided pain and injury in real life by applying their falling. In my experience (mostly from Judo), injuries occur more during "randori", basically the equivalent to full-contact sparring in the throwing arts; and then mostly in the preparation phase as you are trying to fight through the defences of your training partner, not in the falling as such. But in most places you would get nowhere near randori for quite a while. And when you do get to randori you would be mostly facing your peers, who probably are as worried as you are. Beginner randori can look like really awkward pair dancing...

As for bruising from striking, some JJ styles have next to no striking, some have a lot. Few JJ styles I have seen are heavily invested in full contact sparring though. Most striking would be in a controlled "technique training" mode, which generally means that you either do not get hit at all (the punch is stopped before impact) or at most lightly tapped. Most bruises in striking training instead tends to come from the defence in partner exercises. Either because you are "blocking" some strike (usually using the forearm / lower leg to move the partner's limb out of its path) or because you are "stopping" it (slapping or kicking the incoming limb to stop it). So if there are lots of partner exercises in striking, then I would expect some bruising primarily to the lower limbs.

However, even if your local JJ does a lot of striking exercises with partners, again typically that would be slowly built up for beginners. You'll hardly go home black and blue from the first lesson. (And if so, then it's probably a place to avoid.) After a year of training you might find that you get annoyed with other people "not making contact"...

I would say, just go and try it. Every MA place should offer at least one trial lesson that is provided for free (or at least cheap) and without further commitment. If they don't, leave. Look not so much at what the head instructor can do, but at what the senior students are practicing and how they are moving. Good teachers of MA are rarer than good fighters, and the senior students show you where you can get to with this teacher in a reasonable amount of time. Also, trust you sense of aesthetics. Everybody can spout some nonsense about ripping out throats and whatnot. But you can see speed, coordination, flow, power, balance, posture ... grace in motion. Even if the body harmony is aggressive, it doesn't mean that you cannot see it. Just like you can see what is good in gymnastics, and what is not so good, even if you cannot do the moves yourself. Just make allowance for the fact that many martial artists in the West are, or used to be, the "nerds" and sports "losers", and "grace in motion" can mean for them that they have learned to move surprisingly normally now.

And while Bruce Lee is no demigod of mine, these comments on abilities and training are indeed worth taking on board.
 

---

Posted by Lilac (# 17979) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by IngoB:
And if anybody has a question about getting into martial arts, I'm happy to help out as far as I can (here or by PM). I've tried about a dozen arts...

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lilac:
I've been watching videos of Karate Kata from Youtube, and I'm fascinated. But can you explain the idea behind these exercises?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Doc Tor:
30:10

Seriously, what do I have to do to break 30 mins?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by blackbeard:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Doc Tor:
30:10

Seriously, what do I have to do to break 30 mins?

---

When you find out, perhaps you could let me know?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Doc Tor:
30:10

Seriously, what do I have to do to break 30 mins?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by moonlitdoor:
Did the Berkhamsted half marathon this morning, ....

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by mark_in_manchester:
Half-marathons...aaarrrgghhh! Can't imagine it - but my 71 yr old dad has entered one next month.

My C-to-5k program has reached the end; I started in Dec after not running for >25 years. I've mapped out my 5k around park and streets on the walkjogrun site, so it may be a bit off. First three were 32:22, 30:45, then something unknown as I knocked watch, getting cagoule off while running. Today, 29:35! But I'll have to do it 'properly' somewhere now for confirmation...

Good luck to all -

Mark

---

That's good going. There's bound to be a parkrun in your area - you'll be good to go on Saturday morning if you sign up now!
 

---

Posted by Doc Tor (# 9748) on :
 
Clocked a time of 30.45 yesterday without even trying (hadn't run for two weeks so took it easy).

It now appears that I'm running a 10k in two week's time. Arse.
 

---

Posted by mark_in_manchester (# 15978) on :
 
oh lord - no way I could get round twice. 29:29 today - but really at my limit. Still not dared to get timed properly!
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Mojo is back in the water now ... a good 3 km workout today ... still working on stamina rather than aerobic or anaerobic action, and monitoring the calves closely, but the fitness is back.

followed it up with ninety minutes vigorous gardening in what passes for hot sun in NZ ...
 

---

Posted by mark_in_manchester (# 15978) on :
 
28:08!

Now weather is a bit warmer, I went through my wardrobe to find something through which my inefficient body can more effectively disperse the enormous quantities of waste heat it generates during exercise. Track suit is just too thick.

I found a T shirt and swimming shorts which were decent enough, and in the kind of earthy tones favoured by a conservative dresser in his mid 40s.

The family have christened me 'the brown streak'. Hmm.
 

---

Posted by Scots lass (# 2699) on :
 
I have decided exercise makes me much happier. I've had a very poor attendance over the last few months at my kickboxing class and am determined to do better. I've made it twice this week! Hopefully I can keep that up for the next few weeks then think about bringing it up to two hours training instead of one for one of those sessions. Right now I'd fail my green belt grading if I did it again (1hr30mins continuous), so I can't even think about trying for orange (2hrs, extra techniques) but I really want to get back to my grading fitness. It should have the added bonus of kicking off the weight I put on when I wasn't training regularly, plus it really does make me feel better about the world. I think it's the combination of endorphins and clearing my mind by an hour of focusing entirely on the physical exercise .
 

---

Posted by Doc Tor (# 9748) on :
 
I did a 10k training run last Sunday, in preparation for this Sunday's 'race'. Got round in 1:10, which wasn't bad, but due to living on a hill, the first part of the run is always going to be downhill, and the last part home uphill.

First 8k absolutely fine, last 2k I died horribly. Legs went completely about 200m from home. Still. Did the distance, decent enough time.
 

---

Posted by blackbeard (# 10848) on :
 
Well, it's been a bleak few weeks for me, fitness wise. Slow, and I have missed a few parkruns through feeling too unfit even to contemplate running. Maybe a combination of hitting the gym a bit too hard, and a vaguely defined lurgy, and a possible case of SPOD.

Today was a bit better though, giving the possibility of getting back to normal, and a parkrun time of a bit less disastrous. This despite a hiatus in anything that could be called training. We shall see how things go ...
 

---

Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on :
 
I am unfit, I always have been.

I walk for an hour a day (five days a week) and swim for half an hour a day(four days a week)three of these overlap and I do both.

But I remain steadfastly unfit. My pace is slow and my muscles are weak.

So, my dear Shipmates, what do you think of my idea of employing a personal trainer to see where I'm going wrong and get me moving?


 

---

Posted by Doc Tor (# 9748) on :
 
Possibly. It sounds like you're doing a decent amount of exercise - but you still feel feeble?

I would be tempted to get checked out by a doctor first, before increasing your regime - talk about your diet as well, as some of us ( ) eat more because we're doing more.

Do things less gently that you've been doing. If you cover x distance in y minutes, start by shaving the seconds off. Swimming is excellent exercise (especially for those of an older persuasion...), but do the same thing: do it for longer, do it faster.

And good luck!
 

---

Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 
Doctor first--there could be some ridiculous little thing like a vitamin deficiency that could be causing the problem, and that no amount of hard work will fix without treatement. Says the idiot who recently discovered a massive vitamin D deficiency. )
 

---

Posted by blackbeard (# 10848) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Boogie:
.....But I remain steadfastly unfit. My pace is slow and my muscles are weak.

So, my dear Shipmates, what do you think of my idea of employing a personal trainer to see where I'm going wrong and get me moving?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lamb Chopped:
Doctor first--there could be some ridiculous little thing like a vitamin deficiency that could be causing the problem, and that no amount of hard work will fix without treatment. Says the idiot who recently discovered a massive vitamin D deficiency.

---

Thanks, I will - but I doubt it.

My diet is good and healthy.

I think my problem is psychological/neurological.

As soon as I get uncomfortable (out of breath, sweaty, hot etc) my brain sends very strong ///STOP! THIS IS WRONG/// signals which I find impossible to override.

I think it's connected to the ADHD. I am super sensitive to temperature, light, noise, touch (labels etc feel like sandpaper) and emotions. So as soon as my body feels uncomfortable - I stop or slow down. Thus the walks and swims are pleasant and sometimes quite fast. But never vigorous enough to build any stamina or strength of heart, lungs or muscle!

Whether a personal trainer could help with this or not I am not sure.

[ 23. March 2014, 13:41: Message edited by: Boogie ]
 

---

Posted by quetzalcoatl (# 16740) on :
 
Boogie

Have you thought of ME? I have known a lot of people with this, who have a multitude of symptoms, some of them quite mysterious, such as great tiredness, feeling upset, and so on.

Of course, there are conflicting ideas about ME - psychological and physiological. But I have seen people improve via psychological improvement.

Some GPs and psychiatrists recommend a physical training regime, but I've known people who felt much worse under it.
 

---

Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :
 
<tangent>CFS/ME is a huge can of worms* and, to be honest, is less likely than something like an iron deficiency which can cause symptoms of exhaustion or a underactive thyroid.

* lots of research showing viral origins and organic changes, including mitochondrial and vascular damage, disputes about diagnostic criteria, confusion over which criteria are being used for diagnosis in which research papers, so comparisons of the research isn't often like with like (Fulcher & White (1977) being a case in point).

All the early research in this country was psycho-social, more recent is biological. Kerr and Gow, early biological researchers, checking for biological markers, re-diagnosed the people they were sent from hospital departments using the research standard diagnostic (Canadian) criteria and reckoned a third were misdiagnosed other medical problems, including pernicious anaemia and thyroid problems, a third were what they recognised as CFS/ME and a third were something they couldn't identify.

Someone I knew, knew because she died recently, had a genetic mitochondrial disease masquerading as CFS/ME. </tangent>
 

---

Posted by IngoB (# 8700) on :
 
FWIW, I thought "perhaps that's an iron deficiency" when I read Boogie's problems. My wife had that for a while after an infection, until it was detected by a blood test, and it basically made serious physical exertion impossible for her (as well as making life harder generally). It's easy to check though, and easy to fix (or at least easy to counteract, with iron supplements). In her case, things normalised after a while.
 

---

Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :
 
Yes, my most likely reasons for exhaustion are iron levels have dropped again or asthma drugs not working properly. And in women iron deficiency is incredibly common, even eating a good diet.
 

---

Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on :
 
I have had severe anemia - where I needed two urgent blood transfusions - cured eventually by a hysterectomy. So I know what that feels like, and it isn't that.

quetzalcoatl - regarding ME, I think not. I am hyperactive and do lots in the day, not lacking in energy. I have two family members with ME and it wipes them out (husband's side, not related to me)

My problem is stopping or slowing down exercise before it does me any good!

Thank you all for your thoughts.

I am still mulling over the personal trainer idea, it's a lot to shell out but worth it if I get fit for the first time ever.



<edited to remove an overload of exclamation marks>

[ 24. March 2014, 12:59: Message edited by: Boogie ]
 

---

Posted by moonlitdoor (# 11707) on :
 
A celebrity guest runner at my local parkrun this morning, Michelle Dillon, who was in the Olympic triathlon in Athens 2004.

It's quite nice to be part of the same event as a former elite athlete.
 

---

Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :
 
*bump*

Spring has sprung, the sun is shining and I ran 7km this morning.

I have almost completed my registration for the 20km in the autumn on the basis that giving myself something to aim at will make me actually do it.

Also I've gone all flabby and wobbly and I'm not feeling very happy about that. My legs still have a bit of muscle tone (sort of) but all the muscles that I once had in the environs of my arms and my abs have gone AWOL. I am languishing after the sculpted figure that once was mine and there's only one way I'm going to get it back...

How's everyone else doing?
 

---

Posted by Doc Tor (# 9748) on :
 
Because there was something in our park last Saturday, we decamped across the water to the Newcastle Parkrun, which is mostly flat.

28:50

I'm in Glasgow for a convention over Easter, and I'll try and make it to Victoria Park for the run on Saturday, assuming I'm not too hungover from the night before...
 

---

Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Well done, Doc Tor!

In a previous post you asked what you had to do to break 30 minutes. There's your answer - go to Newcastle!


 

---

Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on :
 
The deed is done - I have had my health checked and employed a personal trainer. Two hours a week, starting on Thursday.

He says kettlebells will be involved - I had to Google them!

He says the first thing to be done is to get me out of my comfort zone - too true!


 

---

Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :
 
I have finally organised myself and put a bag together with clothes, towel, soap etc. that I am going to leave at work tonight. Then I will run in tomorrow morning instead of taking the transport. (There are shower facilities in the office that I can use on arrival.)

Running in actually doesn't take much longer than getting the metro. I did this a couple of years ago and it's very efficient.
 

---

Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on :
 
OK - the personal trainer been today and done all the measurements, and I have paid for six weeks of workouts (twice a week). Good news - my BP is spot on. The fat measurements were alarming!!

His car is a bit disconcerting - it has 'Military Workouts' emblazoned down the side!

(No problems with the neighbours or friends passing and wondering what I'm doing 'tho - they will assume my husband has gone even more fitness obsessed than he already is!)


 

---

Posted by Jane R (# 331) on :
 
Did he actually take a detailed set of measurements, Boogie, or did he just weigh you, check your height and tell you your BMI?
 

---

Posted by IngoB (# 8700) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Boogie:
He says kettlebells will be involved - I had to Google them!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Boogie:
The deed is done - I have had my health checked and employed a personal trainer. Two hours a week, starting on Thursday.

He says kettlebells will be involved - I had to Google them!

He says the first thing to be done is to get me out of my comfort zone - too true!

---

Just being weighed and measured by a strange bloke would push me
way out of mine.

Huia
 

---

Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :
 
Booooooooo

I had just got into the swing of it and now I have a cold.
 

---

Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by IngoB:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Boogie:
He says kettlebells will be involved - I had to Google them!

---

You are doing girevoy? How cool. I always wanted to try that, but never got around to it. Lots of martial arts people use them for ballistic weight training.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jane R:
Did he actually take a detailed set of measurements, Boogie, or did he just weigh you, check your height and tell you your BMI?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Huia:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Boogie:

He says the first thing to be done is to get me out of my comfort zone - too true!

---

Just being weighed and measured by a strange bloke would push me
way out of mine.

Huia

---

Yes - I had to pretend to myself he was a doctor. The pinch tests for fat were sooo embarrassing!! My BMI is 25 on weight/height but 35 on the pinch tests.

Some work to do then!

[ 25. April 2014, 17:10: Message edited by: Boogie ]
 

---

Posted by Jenn. (# 5239) on :
 
Right: I have not run for some time. I've gone all wobbly in all the places I don't want to be wobbly. I'm getting out of breath too easily.

SO: Tomorrow I shall run. It will be slow. It will involve a lot of walking. But it will happen.
 

---

Posted by Doc Tor (# 9748) on :
 
I managed 29:28 in Glasgow - almost perfectly flat, but I was hungover, late to bed and full of fried breakfast, so quite pleased with the time.

Back to my usual Parkrun tomorrow, with all its hills.
 

---

Posted by Nenya (# 16427) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Boogie:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jane R:
Did he actually take a detailed set of measurements, Boogie, or did he just weigh you, check your height and tell you your BMI?

---

He measured with a tape measure - arms, legs, waist, hips, chest. Then he used an implement to pinch my fat in all my fatty places

---

I always knew there was a good reason for not getting a personal trainer.

Hats off to you, though, Boogie, for pushing through on the whole thing. I hope it really works for you.

Nen - thinking fondly of the weights kept at the bottom of the cupboard upstairs.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Nenya:
...Nen - thinking fondly of the weights kept at the bottom of the cupboard upstairs.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Nenya:
...Nen - thinking fondly of the weights kept at the bottom of the cupboard upstairs.

---

Safest place for them or otherwise they might fall out and injure someone.

---

My sentiments exactly.
 

---

Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on :
 
Phew!

That's it - first kettlebell workout done. I can not believe the stuff I was doing - not sure I'll be able to walk at all tomorrow. But, so far so good, I feel fine at the moment.

Here is what I was doing but without the toned body (yet!!)


 

---

Posted by Jane R (# 331) on :
 
Boogie:

quote:

---

He measured with a tape measure - arms, legs, waist, hips, chest. Then he used an implement to pinch my fat in all my fatty places

---

Sounds impressive; that's the most accurate way of measuring body fat without a full-body scan.

I have seen other people doing kettleball workouts at the gym but never dared to try them myself - I can lift an 8kg weight all right, but I don't think my back is up to the strain of swinging it around...

Anyway, I am planning to renew my membership this evening and book a couple of sessions with a personal trainer.
 

---

Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on :
 
My trainer has been four times now, I have done kettlebells, bench workout with weights, circuit training and BOXING! Yes - proper boxing with gloves on! - I simply couldn't believe it when he produced them, but I must say I really enjoyed it.

He comes on Mondays and Thursdays and I do a kettlebell routine in between, which he leaves for me on paper each time.

My muscles ache the day after each workout and are stiff the day after that, but never actually sore - just 'tender'.


 

---

Posted by Doc Tor (# 9748) on :
 
Managed to finally break 30:00 at my home parkrun on Saturday (29:31, which is 34s faster than the previous best).

I think there's no real technique to it. Just a case of consistently running faster over the whole 5k.

And yes, it hurt.
 

---

Posted by Hart (# 4991) on :
 
I've done something I may regret... I just bought P90x. I'd been looking at it for a while and figured: it's too expensive, and I know the basics of how to organize workouts without a DVD telling me what to do; I don't have time to work out six times a week. But, Amazon were running a special on it, and I got a bunch of Amazon vouchers for ordination, and summer is coming which should be quieter than the rest of the year, so I thought: why not!

We'll see how it goes. I still realistically doubt if I have time for six workouts a week (I'm at three right now), and I have some travel this summer which will definitely screw up any prospect of getting it done in 90 days. But, it might prompt me to step up the exercise and even if I don't do it "perfectly" that doesn't invalidate what I do do.
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Good beginning Hart, you are doing far better than I.

We are at the beginning of winter here so i really need to get out and walk. I hope that getting my ipod nano organised will at least encourage me to walk in the park, which is far more pleasant than dodging the road cones and trying not to breathe too deeply near the sewerage maintenance happening at the end of my street.

Huia
 

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Posted by moonlitdoor (# 11707) on :
 
I got talking to a chap called Dennis at the parkrun yesterday who is 80, and still enjoying it. I asked him if he had been running all his life and he said he only took it up aged 49. It was a rainy morning and so fewer people were there than usual but he said he might be old but he's not soft.

So I hope that is an encouragement to Blackbeard that you may still have a good few years running ahead of you.
 

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Posted by Beethoven (# 114) on :
 
I've restarted C25K again, but have got as far as week 3 now. I'm determined to keep going, now that I'm adjusting to running without my 4-legged partner (it'll be a while before Tiny Pup is able to join me, and I'm not willing to wait that long!). I remember the days - all of a year ago! - that I was aiming to get my 5k under 30 mins; now I'm running for a total of 9 mins in half an hour. But I will get there again. I'm so much happier when I'm running regularly - something to do with getting away from things, having time to myself, and doing something constructive that's just for me, I suppose. Just need to keep going over the next few busy weeks...
 

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Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :
 
Meh. We had a thing that did the rounds in the office that acquired the nickname "Tyrannovirus Rex" - you think you've caught a bit of a cold and then it lasts two whole weeks and leaves you *knackered* (yes, we are actually threatening the sue the owner of the building for their shockingly horrible air-con system that propagates this kind of crap).

So my training program has gone all out of the window . I should be regularly running 10km by now, but I'm still struggling my way through 8. If I don't kick this up a bit, I'll never get round the 20km in the autumn.

On the upside, I bought new running shoes and they are all sproingy.
 

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Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
After my horror cramps a few months ago I am back on top and churning out the three kilometre swims several mornings a week - the pool is a heated out door with air temperatures down in single Celsius digits so there's a few psychological challenges.

I'm simply working on the distance now, with no drills, sprints or other variations. That way I can get the distance in in 56-57 minutes (so freestyle only, one hit, cruise-pace) and be out in time to get the boys to school. Nice headspace, nice rhythm; All the aerobic and anaerobic stuff belonged to another me, and I don't have anything to prove to myself anymore.
 

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Posted by no prophet (# 15560) on :
 
My mental well being requires me to be active. Nothing extreme, just steady. Routine is now: out with the dog for about ½ hour just before 6 a.m., then cycling to work 12 km each way. Summer weather is here now, 23°C today. I can make it in about 23 minutes. Nothing extreme, just steady. (It is often 45 minutes in the winter.)

I have been forced by various things to miss some days. I find tension higher within me. Yes, physical health is important, but mental well being is the main benefit I find.
 

---

Posted by Doc Tor (# 9748) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
After my horror cramps a few months ago I am back on top and churning out the three kilometre swims several mornings a week - the pool is a heated out door with air temperatures down in single Celsius digits so there's a few psychological challenges.

I'm simply working on the distance now, with no drills, sprints or other variations. That way I can get the distance in in 56-57 minutes (so freestyle only, one hit, cruise-pace) and be out in time to get the boys to school. Nice headspace, nice rhythm; All the aerobic and anaerobic stuff belonged to another me, and I don't have anything to prove to myself anymore.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
... not be competitive, just count the lengths ...

---

My father used to swim once a week and continued until he was about 80. He was only competing against himself: his target was 30 lengths in half an hour and he passed the time by checking his speed with the swimming-pool clock at the end of every other length.

He would then undo any good he'd done himself by going for a pint or three with a couple of colleagues ...
 

---

Posted by Evensong (# 14696) on :
 
I recently stole the idea of a very cool running app from Zappa called Mapmyrun. I've been a runner forever but never knew how far I usually ran. The free version tells you how far you've walked/run, your speed, elevation. Great fun!
 

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Posted by SusanDoris (# 12618) on :
 
The following might sound like a tale of woe! Butt I'm lucky that I'm the sort of person who bounces back from adversity with my incurable optimism intact!! ;
I'm another one whose fitness routine has been badly disrupted. On 5th March; just as I had got back to almost 100% fitness following the heart op last year; I was knocked down by a car! The (elderly woman) driver was entirely at fault. Fortunately no brain damage or spinal chord injuries; but I sustained fractures to thoracic vertebrae 3; 4; 8 and 9; plus two cracks in the pelvis. None needed surgical intervention; but in hospital two weeks total bed rest was followed by the fitting of an Aspen body brace (the latest design which none of the nurses had seen before!) . I had to get used to wearing this until after another ten days I was wearing it 24/7. I was sent to Romsey Hospital for rest and rehab and came home on 9th April. Gradually managed to increase walking. Visit to hospital last week showed that I can now take the brace off at home; and don't have to wear it at night!! The physios I am told will supply me with a smaller; lighter brace to help wean me off the need for it. I do so miss going to the gym; but I hope my general fitness will get me there sooner rather than later.
 

---

Posted by Jane R (# 331) on :
 
Ouch! Now that puts my sprained ankle into perspective... glad to hear you're recovering, SusanDoris.

I had a go on the rowing machine today but only managed five minutes before my ankle started twingeing and I decided it was better to stop before it really started complaining. I did manage nearly all of my usual weights workout, though (substituting squats with 4kg weights for doing leg-presses on the machine).
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
wow, SD! so glad to hear you're recovering, that's quite the trial!

remember, the fitness will come back, and you don't want to push and make things worse. You have got a beautiful attitude! I'd be slinging around words of power like... but you all know that.

no "outside" fitness routine for me lately, because between the new job and the landscaping contracts I'm physical and sweaty for 10 or so hours a day. I hope it translates to a more aesthetically appealing waistline, because I can't seem to fit in anything else. We have gorgeous hiking weather here lately and I've only managed two shortish ones, and no yoga or weights. ugh. the yoga will have to start soon, though, as the work stuff has my lower back getting bound up.

how's everyone else doing?
 

---

Posted by SusanDoris (# 12618) on :
 
Jane R and Comet

thank you! : Physio came here today and has given me some more exercises to do.)
 

---

Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on :
 
I've done six weeks now with my personal trainer. I had my assessment today.

Lost 3 kilos
Resting heartbeat down by 10 points
3 inches off waist
3 off hips

So, in other words, it's working!

Hurrah!

So I have booked another 4 weeks.



 

---

Posted by Doc Tor (# 9748) on :
 
While I was down at my parents, I weighed myself (we have banned scales at home because teenagers).

I seem to be converting lard to muscle: so even though I've had to go and buy a belt and my T-shirts are now fitting better, I haven't lost much, if any, weight at all. That doesn't bode well for my joints in any weight-bearing exercise, but meh. I'll keep hauling my arse around the park when I can.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Doesn't the fact that your muscles are stronger mean that there will be less stress on the joints?

Today I went to the closest women's gym and booked myself a 8 days free trial. I am not really a fan of gyms as I think they make their money on people signing up, then not using them, but given the fact that the roads and footpaths are such a mess walking is much less enjoyable and cycling is really scary.

There is a special offer (of which I was unaware when I walked in) of no joining fee, and if I sign up for a year it is $19 a week, which is the equivalent to a medium salad, a scone and a pot of tea at most of the cafes around town. (I made the comparison so I could persuade myself to exercise more, after failing to be sufficiently self motivated to just go out and do it by myself).

I really need to get moving as my GP is making threatening noises regarding a change in medication if I don't lower my blood sugar.

Of course it is the middle of winter here and all I want to do is cuddle up with a book. Is it possible to read a kindle while stepping out on the treadmill?

All encouragement gratefully received and $1 to the floating fund for each kilo I drop.

Huia

[ 18. June 2014, 07:52: Message edited by: Huia ]
 

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Posted by Beethoven (# 114) on :
 
Reading while on a treadmill might be tricky, although many years ago I did see a couple of gym regulars reading while on exercise bikes... Audio books are often recommended for runners, though - the story is hopefully enough to distract you from the time running. I've not tried it yet, but one day perhaps!

[ 18. June 2014, 10:33: Message edited by: Beethoven ]
 

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Posted by Jane R (# 331) on :
 
Just finished doing my new workout, guaranteed (by my personal trainer) to produce that authentic just-crawled-out-of-the-primeval-slime feeling without straining my dodgy ankle. I may regret this tomorrow when my muscles stiffen up, but at the moment I feel OK.

I've tried reading whilst on the exercise bike (reading on the treadmill does weird things to my sense of balance) and it doesn't work for me. If I have the energy to concentrate on reading I'm usually not working hard enough; I can only read whilst doing the warm-up or cool-down and it's hardly worth taking a book with me just for that. Also I quite like having an hour or so when the only thing I need to worry about is whether I can get to the end of the workout without collapsing in a heap; I do a lot of reading elsewhere.
 

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Posted by Hart (# 4991) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Huia:
Is it possible to read a kindle while stepping out on the treadmill?

---

I've actually seen people do just that. Obviously, not the people going at a million miles per hour, but people who are using the treadmill for longer sessions of brisk walking seem to do it fine. Ellipticals are, I think, better for reading, as your head is more stable. A tv episode can also be good if you have a tablet that will show you those.
 

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Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :
 
I am sort of back into it.

Ran into work yesterday (8.5 km). Going to do the same tomorrow. Only snag: I packed the bag to leave here overnight with my clothes etc and then remembered when I got in this morning that I’d forgotten to pack a towel and had to go buy another one at lunchtime

(OTOH this makes a change from what I’ve done in the past, which is pack my bag and then realise that I’ve omitted my underwear. Fortunately I’ve always remembered in time )
 

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Posted by Doc Tor (# 9748) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Huia:
Doesn't the fact that your muscles are stronger mean that there will be less stress on the joints?

---

Technically yes. I don't have an unrealistic view of my weight, but a stone lighter would make all the other things a bit easier. Especially running up that bastard hill.
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
You run up hills, and La Vie en Rouge runs over 7k to work . My running is restricted to running for buses which have the temerity to arrive at my stop on time, instead of the usual 10 minutes late, amd leaves me the colour of a beetroot and sounding as though I have very bad asthma.

Because of my attitude, age and joints I don't think I will ever be a runner, but I've enjoyed some good walks lately.

Huia
 

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Posted by Jane R (# 331) on :
 
I don't do running either, Huia, but after 9 years of going to the gym (fairly) regularly I probably could if I wanted to. And I can lift 8 kg in one hand, swim for three-quarters for an hour without feeling like my legs are made of spaghetti when I get out of the pool and walk for about four hours* without having to spend the rest of the day recuperating. When I first joined a gym I was bright red and gasping for breath after 15 minutes on the exercise bike.

So keep at it - it's worth it! And you will get fitter, even though you can't run (yet).

*possibly longer...
 

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Posted by moonlitdoor (# 11707) on :
 

quote:

---

originslly posted by Doc Tor
I don't have an unrealistic view of my weight, but a stone lighter would make all the other things a bit easier.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by moonlitdoor:

quote:

---

originslly posted by Doc Tor
I don't have an unrealistic view of my weight, but a stone lighter would make all the other things a bit easier.

---

I am 1.80 and 68 kg which is quite a good build for running but even so it would help me to be a few kilos lighter. You have to be pretty skinny before losing weight will no longer make you quicker.

---

I am 1.82 and 105kg. I am, to be fair, built like a brick outhouse, but I think I last saw 68kg when I was about 12.
 

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Posted by Beethoven (# 114) on :
 
My most recent run saw a whopping 18s off my average mile pace! So pleased with that, and refusing to think about the additional 3+ mins that need to come off to get me back to where I was a year or so ago...! It's a step in the right direction, and that's what counts. Oh, and the different route might have helped, despite feeling more difficult, but we're not mentioning that either. 18 seconds!
 

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Posted by luvanddaisies (# 5761) on :
 
I'm now about to start working in a shore-based job again after 5 years on sailing ships & boats (well, I'll be on a boat, but it'll be on the Thames, so not At Sea, and I'll go home at the end of a shift, and they don't have sails).

Since I won't be running around in the rigging of tall ships or whatever, and to compensate myself for landing back ashore, I've promised myself that I will Get Some Exercise and Get Fit once I've got a measure of my shifts and stuff.

I'm sort of looking for what you guys think & possibly trying to recruit some exercise buddies...

I'm planning a two-pronged approach - classes and home-programme.


On the Classes front I really fancy Aerial Silks (and possibly Hoop & similar), I'm googling the London places that do those to find ones that aren't stupidly expensive, but that I can do drop-in due to shift work.
I'd also like to give Bikram Yoga a go.

Later on, once I've got used to that and seen a way to fit it in, I'd like to think about trying the Crossfit thing, and maybe putting in Capoeira &/or Krav Maga, if I could afford it (although most places want one to wear set clothes for that, which adds to the cost).

On the Home front (and this is where the searching for exercise buddies thing comes into play) I'm thinking of trying out one or other of the Beachbody programmes. I've narrowed it down to:
P90X3 or Insanity .

The main advantage from my perspective of P90X3 is that they're 30 minuteish workouts (most of Insanity's about an hour, apparently there's one that's 86 minutes), but the main selling point for me of Insanity over the other is that it doesn't need equipment - so for P90X3 I'd need to get a pull-up bar, and I'm not sure a door one's practical here, especially since I'd need to have the door open and at certain times of the day my housemate is teaching, so there'd be children trundling back & forth, which wouldn't be do-able.

What do you think? Would anyone fancy doing a programme together? Both of those are exercise and nutrition programmes, one is 90 days, the other 60 days. They're not cheap, but they do get good reviews all over online, and it'd be much harder to buy them then waste the money by not doing them if there was a little group of people all encouraging each other.
 

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Posted by betjemaniac (# 17618) on :
 
Crashes into the thread as a potential new arrival...

I'm just a shade under 6 foot (about 5' 11 3/4"), and was about 12 stone (168lbs) throughout my 20s, and pretty fit.

Last year I noticed I'd got up to 12.7 (175), and yesterday weighed again and am now 14.1 (197). Definitely much rounder in the middle over the last 18 months.

Don't know if I'm worried or not (or if I need to be) - is this just an inevitable part of being early 30s and metabolism slowing down?

Or I suppose I could dig the trainers out again...
 

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Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
Luvanddaisies

I think Hart may already be doing P90X3, you might PM him

Jengie

[ 25. June 2014, 17:06: Message edited by: Jengie Jon ]
 

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Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :
 
betjemaniac, I guess the only real answer to your question about your weight is “ask your doctor”.

OTOH, remember that weight loss isn’t the only (or even the greatest) benefit of getting regular exercise. It is also good for heart health, bone density, muscle strength, immune system, improves your mood…

Get those trainers out! You have nothing to lose but ill health!
 

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Posted by blackbeard (# 10848) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by betjemaniac:

Don't know if I'm worried or not (or if I need to be) - is this just an inevitable part of being early 30s and metabolism slowing down?

.....

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Beethoven:
Reading while on a treadmill might be tricky, although many years ago I did see a couple of gym regulars reading while on exercise bikes... Audio books are often recommended for runners, though - the story is hopefully enough to distract you from the time running. I've not tried it yet, but one day perhaps!

---

I can't read on a treadmill - the up and down motion makes me dizzy! Audio books/podcasts are good, but the best thing I've found is a music playlist with the tempo at the same rate as my running pace. Could not believe the difference it made!

I'm about to move house, too far away from my gym, so the plan is to do cycling (I've bought a tricycle!), running outdoors (eeeeek - but it's a very quiet village so should be ok) and I have a suspension trainer and this Nia Shanks programme.
 

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Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :
 
I ran 11 km on Saturday morning and I’m not even sore! (it was flat and I wasn’t going very fast but still happy).

Tomorrow morning, back to running into work with an extra circuit of the park (8.5 km) and then ditto with two extra circuits of the park on Thursday (10.5 km).

Maybe I will run this 20 km thing after all? Although with nothing like moonlitdoor’s style . My only aim is to get all the way round and still be alive at the end of it.

[ 30. June 2014, 10:52: Message edited by: la vie en rouge ]
 

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Posted by Jane R (# 331) on :
 
Well done, la vie en rouge!

Just checking in to brag slightly, though I'm not in your league. I did my latest gym workout this morning followed by an hour's cycling this afternoon - into the city centre and back, and with enough breath left to do a singing exam too (the jury is still out on whether I passed). And I feel fine... I should use my bike more for trips to the city.
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Well done Jane.

I want to get back to using my bike more, but there are 3 car vs bike accidents a day here (due to the infrastructure being repaired and all the traffic being merged into one and a half lanes) so I'm am not brave enough. I will be using the exercycles at the gym to try to maintain bike fitness as I'm determined to ride more in the summer when the nearest major road should be back to normal.

First day at the gym was ok, but I think I need to start more gently with the weights as my ribs protested. I really like the treadmill - it's so smooth, compared with the munted footpaths. I spent half an hour on it - which is an advantage of going at an off-peak time. The view out over the Estuary makes it more interesting too and today there was a rainbow, bright against the dark clouds.

Huia
 

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Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :
 
11 km for me again yesterday (should have been a bit shorter. I may have taken a wrong turning . Also it was chucking it down and I got a thorough hosing).

Anyway, big news – it’s working! I looked in them mirror last night and realised that those muscle things are growing back. I have abs again! Yay!!
 

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Posted by mark_in_manchester (# 15978) on :
 
I fell off the wagon for 2 months - 5k in 27mins has fallen to 35mins with 2 walks - but hey, here we go again.

(Incidentally, time off was at least in part due to something fungal . Athletes here suffering from fungus feet - or elsewhere - might like to try old-fashioned Whitfield's ointment. Bloody cheap on ebay - 500g for cost of 15g tube of fancy stuff - and, I have found, highly effective. Stings like f*ck, too, in a reassuringly therapeutic kind of way )
 

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Posted by moonlitdoor (# 11707) on :
 
500 grammes of ointment ? How many feet have you got ?

I am sure you'll be able to do the 20km la vie en rouge. You've still plenty of preparation time and you don't need to do a high mileage to train for that distance.

If you've got a route to work which you can make about 9 km, I suggest to you once a week that you do kilometers 2,4,6,8 as efforts. Whatever pace you intend to run in the race, do those kms about 20 seconds quicker.

So in a race of that distance I am looking to run about 4 minute kms, therefore my 1 km efforts would be 3m 40s but you can adjust this for any pace. You'll find this is excellent preparation.
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
God gyms are boring. I swear next time I'm going with headphones, whether I arrange any nusic is beside the point - they stop women wittering on about how many calories they've burnt in the last 5 minutes, or trainers trying to drum up business because they know exactly what you need, without knowing any medical or injury history.

I am a reluctant gym user, mainly there because I currently can't exercise in the way I used to. I suppose in a way it's like going to a Billy Graham meeting and complaining whan someone wants to convert you, but I'd be quite happy just to be ignored while I do my thing.

Next time someone asks me what my goal is I'm going to say I want to be 6" taller and blonde

Huia
 

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Posted by Brenda Clough (# 18061) on :
 
I was unable to tolerate exercise classes, despised using machines, and found an exercise bicycle deadly dull. I need to accomplish something practical with exercise. I find that bicycle commuting is just about ideal. Every day I bike I save 20% of that week's commuting costs. And my health is improved! Bliss!
 

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Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
Huia

Tell them it is to be fit enough to walk the Camino. It is obscure enough for even Christian ones not to realise what you are talking about, plus it only means a reasonable level of fitness. Note it is phrased as "fit enough", so you do not actually have to do it. If you want something more local maybe to walk Te Araroa.

Jengie

[ 12. July 2014, 08:39: Message edited by: Jengie Jon ]
 

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Posted by Fineline (# 12143) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Huia:
Next time someone asks me what my goal is I'm going to say I want to be 6" taller and blonde

---

quote:

---

500 grammes of ointment ? How many feet have you got ?

---

You're right, of course - it's like buying a 5 gallon drum of bargain pickled onions. But like the onions, I reckon it's going to last me quite a while. Perhaps I should divie it up and offer some for sale here, though now you could work out my margin
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
The other question that's been on my mind about gyms is whether/how much staff intervene. One of the women who talked to me about how many calories she had burned was on the cross-trainer, then the exercycle. When she finished she staggered over to the water fountain the bounced off walls to the changing room. It looked to me like she had seriously overdone it.

I realise that she's an adult and as such responsible for her own decisions, but do those who run the gym have some kind of duty of care?

The good news is that the roadworks at the end of the street are due to be finished at the end of July so it will be a bit safer to cycle to the local shops, but as 3 cyclists a week are hit by a vehicle here I am still a bit nervous of cycling anywhere.

Huia
 

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Posted by Doublethink (# 1984) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Fineline:
Yes, I was quite taken aback. It only started happening when the gym was taken over by a huge chain. I ended up leaving and joining a much smaller gym, where although I would see the same people each time I worked out, at least I was left alone. But then I left that one too because it was so small that it got quite crowded at times, and I often had to wait a while to use the machines or the free weights area. I have my own kettlebells now, so I can work out at home if I feel so inclined.

---

quote:

---

Next time someone asks me what my goal is I'm going to say I want to be 6" taller and blonde

---

Gosh, your gym sounds weird! I've only encountered the Gossiping Females once or twice in about nine years of going to mine. Though that could be because I usually go during the day when it's not very busy (one of the perks of being self-employed). Our gym has personal trainers (who you have to pay extra for) but they also do a half-hour consultation which they call a 'refocus'; you book an instructor who will show you how to use the machines and devise a workout routine for you. I think you can have one of those every month for no extra charge.

I usually say I want to be fit enough to keep up with my 10-year-old daughter. This is becoming harder as she gets older, especially as she has just taken up karate.

Meanwhile, I have something that my personal trainer describes as a fat-burning workout; guaranteed to produce that just-crawled-out-of-the-primeval-swamp feeling after only 45 minutes.

Oh, and I passed that singing exam

[ 15. July 2014, 11:38: Message edited by: Jane R ]
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jane R:
... Oh, and I passed that singing exam ...

---

Congratulations!

You do know that singing is very good for you, don't you? As (I think) William Byrd put it:

quote:

---

If Singing be so good a Thing
I wish al Men would learne to sing.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jane R:
Though it's not easy motivating yourself to work out in this heat...

---

Funnily enough I did better last week when I had to deal with the soaring temperatures. I went running early (and not too fast) and got through 12km. I am now On Holiday™ chez parents en rouge and have no intention of going running whatever.
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Well at least the heat isn't a problem for me. Today's forecast high is 9c (48.2f) with a wind chill factor that will take it down to around 2c.

I'm experimenting with different times at the gym for a different mix of people, but I won't ever go during peak times if I can avoid it. Yesterday a treadmill and both the crosstrainers were out, which was a bit limiting, however I did up both my speed and time on the treadmill and came away with a lovely endorphin high. I really only go for that - and the showers .

I also went to the library and downloaded some beginner exercises for the swiss ball. The instructor who did my initial intake interview and setting of exercises wasn't very detailed when it came to technique. Also she completely missed out stretching and warming up (or isn't that considered to be important any more?).

I may book some time with a trainer, if only to ensure my technique on some of the equipment is safe. To be honest I'm not that impressed with the professionalism of this gym, but I need to take into account I wasn't that keen on joining to start with. All the positive "you can do it" messages and the perkiness of the staff are a bit wearying.

Huia - the grump
 

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Posted by cattyish (# 7829) on :
 
My gym is outside . We used to have a treadmill but we never used it because Mr Cat goes to martial arts thingies and I go outside. It could do with air conditioning at the moment though. I feel sorry for the Commonweath athletes right now.

Cattyish, trying to decide when to run.
 

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Posted by Doc Tor (# 9748) on :
 
It is ridiculously hot. I ran the Newcastle Pride 5k the Friday before last - clocked a sub-30 time, but I overheated, and needed a lie down in an ambulance with the cold-air blowers on me for a bit. The air quality is currently awful - very humid, no breeze to speak of, and until it cools down/gets windier, I think it's better I don't run.

So off to the pool on Monday.
 

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Posted by Freelance Monotheist (# 8990) on :
 
Swam for an hour yesterday, and walked to and from the station to get there ( almost an hour round trip), then today I tackled the 14 km run after a long break, which took me an hour and 45 minutes, so it would still take me about 6 hours to do a marathon!
 

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Posted by ChastMastr (# 716) on :
 
Hmmm. Exercise. I should probably do such things.

Hmmm...
 

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Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on :
 
Phew!

I have just completed a kettlebell circuit with my new weights - I have gone up from 4 and 8kg to 6 and 12 kg.

I have a great sense of achievement!

I still have my personal trainer coming twice a week and will continue 'till I'm fit! Then I will move to once a week and, if I manage on my own, once a month.

We do different things every single time he comes, which is great for me as I am very easily bored.

My favourite remains the boxing - so much that I am sorely tempted to get some gloves!
 

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Posted by Doublethink (# 1984) on :
 
Well done
 

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Posted by sharkshooter (# 1589) on :
 
I've not posted on this thread before, but have been actively working out for about 4.5 years now, mostly at a gym (spinning classes and weights). Just started doing more abs work. In the summer I like to bike outside as well, and have a 20km route that I do several times each summer - did 43 km once in 2 hours on the bike this year.

I haven't run since first year university in the late '70s, but did a 5K this morning. I was worried about my knees (the reason I stopped running so many years ago), and I am about 55 lbs heavier than I was back then. At 5' 8+" and 192 lbs (down from a peak of 212), I am not thin, but with all the biking, I don't consider myself to be severely overweight either.

So, having not run, I ran a what I felt was a comfortable pace, and put in some fast walking parts each time my pulse approached 180. I thought I did well at 33m40s. But the lack of knee pain is the best part of it.
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
time for me to kick myself in the ass again.

throughout the summer, my work has kept me working hard physically, and has been excellent for my waistline, too!

however, about a month ago, I got "promoted" to a desk job. It means better pay and a better use of my skills, but I'm afraid of falling behind the fitness curve. Add to that that it's autumn, which here means crazy storms, and I tend to wind up closeted away with snacks and blankies. not okay.

so, hopefully starting today I'll be incorporating some treadmill time, and sometime this week I'll go back and get a pool pass for the winter. my hope is for early morning yoga daily, with afternoon (between the two jobs) swimming alternating with running either indoors or out. I haven't kicked up the running in a while so I'm a little afraid of how much I may have backslid!

anyone else taking on a new regime for the season change?
 

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Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :
 
I'm not quite 3 weeks out from the 20km. I went 15 fairly comfortably this morning but OTOH the 15 on Saturday morning were hell (it was hot and humid).

I think I should get over the finishing line and still be alive, but I'm not aiming at any particular stellar time.
 

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Posted by IngoB (# 8700) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Boogie:
My favourite remains the boxing - so much that I am sorely tempted to get some gloves!

---

Boogie! First kettlebells, now this. Boxing is fun. But what are you doing? Pad work? Heavy bag? Light sparring? Shadow boxing?
 

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Posted by Jane R (# 331) on :
 
Well, my fitness regime has stalled due to having to spend most of my day at home looking after Indisposed Daughter.

When she is better I have grandiose plans to go to the gym every day which will probably be scaled down to 'at least three times a week' because of the huge backlog of work that's building up.

I've got a couple of DVDs with routines I can do at home, but they're too easy. And having to excavate the living room carpet before doing a workout is very off-putting.
 

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Posted by Doc Tor (# 9748) on :
 
I managed 29:09 for the 5k in the park on Saturday. It doesn't seem that long ago that I was moaning I'd never crack 30:00.

The swimming especially (3-4 times a week) seems to be paying dividends. I've lost over 10lbs since Easter, and more importantly, about 4 inches around the waist. I'm never going to be 'thin': the more I exercise, the broader I get. But I'm actually beginning to feel fitter, as opposed to exhausted. Which is nice.
 

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Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :
 
*bump*

I ran 20km! I didn't die!!

I also made it round in the highly respectable time of 2h 2m 26s, which is 10 minute miles and good enough for me (especially because the course is very much not flat - that incline from 7 to 8 km is a killer).
 

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Posted by blackbeard (# 10848) on :
 
Another *bump*
It's been, for me, a pretty disastrous few months fitness-wise, due mainly to not training, perhaps due to too much time spent messing around in boats. Trying to get back into a reasonably fit state but it's slow hard work, I don't seem to bounce back from exertion in quite the way I used to. Nothing at all to do with age, though, oh no. Of course not, it can't be age because I used to have (just a year or two ago) a 5k time comparable to Shipmates half my age (not that I'm trying to be competitive or anything).

Clearly I need enough of a sense-of-humour failure to invest a bit more time in training, and to take it a bit more logically. I WILL get there, I WILL.

We shall see.

At least messing about in boats is a useful substitute for weight training. As in hauling boats up slipways. Or using the anchor windlass (Armstrong's Patent).

Blackbeard (it's white now), threescore and ten plus one

[ 02. November 2014, 17:32: Message edited by: blackbeard ]
 

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Posted by ChastMastr (# 716) on :
 
Hmmm. What is this "workout" of which you all speak?

Was thinking this morning that it's not just how much or how little or what I eat--it's living such a sedentary life compared with when I was in better shape and felt better.

I need to start walking again. Baby steps, I know, not overdoing and then burning out.

Please pray for me.
 

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Posted by Jane R (# 331) on :
 
Everyone has to start somewhere, Chastmastr. Keep at it and try not to get discouraged - you will make progress. I've been exercising regularly for about the last ten years, and although I can't leap tall buildings in a single bound I am a lot fitter than the average middle-aged office worker. When I first started working out I could barely manage ten minutes on the exercise bike; nowadays it takes about an hour's intensive workout before I achieve the just-crawled-out-of-the-primeval-slime feeling...
 

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Posted by ChastMastr (# 716) on :
 
Thank you. I used to go on long walks in general just because I liked it. Need to start doing that in bits.
 

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Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on :
 
How's it going ChastMastr?

I started about 5 months ago from totally unfit, really small steps.

I have just completed three kettlebell circuits with no breaks - 6Kg and 12Kg kettlebells. It took an hour. It's the hardest physical work I have ever done apart from giving birth!


I feel proud of myself
 

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Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by IngoB:
Boogie! First kettlebells, now this. Boxing is fun. But what are you doing? Pad work? Heavy bag? Light sparring? Shadow boxing?

---

Ooooops - I missed this, sorry!

We do pad work. But I have just found a sparring partner! He's going to come once a week.



 

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Posted by Jenn. (# 5239) on :
 
I just ran 5k without stopping! It wasn't the quickest (39.15) but I didn't stop. I did park run 10 days ago in 35.26, but stopped on the way round. I'm aiming for 37.30 with no stop this weekend.
 

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Posted by moonlitdoor (# 11707) on :
 
How did you get on Jenn ? Once you get used to running the distance without stopping, you'll beat your 35 minute time, as running at a steady pace is the most efficient. The group at work I run with sometimes do a circuit with a mixture of fast running and jogging. It's a good form of training but it takes quite a bit longer to get round the circuit than when we just run at a steady pace.

I am just getting back into running the last few weeks after 3 months injury. Today managed to get under 20 minutes for the first time since returning, but I think I could have wrung a glass full of water out of my shirt at the end.
 

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Posted by Doc Tor (# 9748) on :
 
My first ever Parkrun time was 37:43 (18 months ago). Today I ran a PB of 28:18. A bit of application and your target is reachable. Good luck!
 

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Posted by IngoB (# 8700) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Boogie:
We do pad work. But I have just found a sparring partner! He's going to come once a week.

---

You are going to spar once a week with a guy? Impressive, and a little scary.
 

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Posted by Jenn. (# 5239) on :
 
36.23 this week - pretty pleased with that. Might go again next week!
 

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Posted by marzipan (# 9442) on :
 
So for some reason, I've decided to start climbing again (I used to climb indoors regularly - but it was five years ago). I went bouldering last night (short route that don't need a rope - as I'm out of practice).
Today I keep discovering muscles that I didn't know existed till they hurt!
 

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Posted by blackbeard (# 10848) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by marzipan:
So for some reason, I've decided to start climbing again ....

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by SusanDoris:
Today I walked the first half of my long walk. No painkillers needed before-hand and only a steadying use of the walking stick. I think I could have walked home again too, but decided that might be pushing it a bit, so got a taxi home checking the mileage which was 2.6.

---

That's marvellous!
 

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Posted by Doc Tor (# 9748) on :
 
My Parkrunning seems to have stepped up a gear. I'm still the bloke who dies on the line, but I managed 27.58 on Christmas Day, before all the pies and cake and cheese. My fastest was a flatter Parkrun two weeks previously, which I knocked off in 27.17.

I did 28.04 on Saturday, and more importantly, was less than 45s slower than my daughter...
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
I was given a voucher for free Jazzercise classes during January. Did the first tonight. I was mostly walking through it trying to pick up the moves, but I still feel I've had a good stretch.
 

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Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :
 
Since the 20km I have done pretty much nothing. My knee was getting kind of sore by the end so I decided to take a bit of a break, which has turned into rather a lot of a break . I need to get back into it properly but it’s Too Cold at the minute. For the muscles I don’t mind so much, but I really dislike breathing in the cold air.

Also my best workout plan involves leaving all my stuff at the office the night before, running into work and taking a shower on arrival. In the winter this gets impracticable because I would have to leave a coat and everything (for going home in the evening). I guess I shall be a lazy lump until about March… I really should get back to it though. I wasn’t aiming at the clock when I ran the 20km but now I’m kind of bummed that I got so close to 2 hours but not under it.
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
I have signed up to do two walks - a 10k in May and (gulp) a marathon in June.

The 10k should be easy enough; I walked to the optician today, which was 6km, but a marathon..... much training needed.
 

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Posted by Jane R (# 331) on :
 
Inspired by the runners on this thread, I decided to take the plunge and start running myself. Someone told me about the 'Couch to 5k' programme... the first few weeks looked too easy (since I'm not actually starting from a couch), so I tried out Week 4 just to see if I was up to it and discovered I could do it.

I'm not running very fast yet... just a gentle jog, but it's a start. I plan to work through the Couch to 5k programme until I can run for 30 minutes without stopping and then start building up my speed.

Who knows, I may even venture to a Park Run one of these days...
 

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Posted by Beethoven (# 114) on :
 
I'm on week 3 of Couch to 5k now - final run of it tomorrow morning, then on to week 4... Somehow it feels like a huge achievement that I've managed to fit in running a few times a week again, even though it's exactly what I did a few years ago and nothing much has changed!
 

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Posted by Jane R (# 331) on :
 
Good for you, Beethoven. I am moving on to Week 5 next week, with the big scary buildup to running for (gasp) twenty minutes nonstop. I will let you know how I get on! Though if I find I'm on my knees after eight minutes I may go back to Week 4 for another week. There's no rush, and I don't want to injure myself and have to start all over again after several months recuperating.
 

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Posted by Jenn. (# 5239) on :
 
I've taken a bit of a break from running one Christmas and am struggling to get back. I'm debating signing up for 10k to get my motivation back. I'm redoing the c25k but also running there and back (1.7k each way). We'll see how this goes. My problem at the moment is the non stop running -I can go for ages with regular 2 main walks. Will this improve with practice?
 

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Posted by Doc Tor (# 9748) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Jenn.:
Will this improve with practice?

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Yes. I used to walk (especially towards the top of the hills, of which we have many). Now I don't. It does help if you don't run at your usual running speed, but a bit behind it. You'll have more in the tank, but a lot of it (at least for me) is psychological. Once you know you don't have to walk, you can keep running.
 

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Posted by moonlitdoor (# 11707) on :
 
Do you need to walk because you get out of breath or because your legs get tired ?
 

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Posted by Jenn. (# 5239) on :
 
Think its my breathing, but not sure. It's probably mostly my head! Its hills that do it.

[ 30. January 2015, 15:19: Message edited by: Jenn. ]
 

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Posted by Ad Orientem (# 17574) on :
 
I've just started a new programme. I was spending too much time at the gym, up to ten hours a week. I was over training. I'm doing shorter (30-40mins) but more intense workouts five times a week. The programme lasts twelve weeks altogether. Let's hope I can keep it up. I like the ideology, that if you want an athelete's physique you have to train like an athelete. So, summer six-pack here I come.
 

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Posted by moonlitdoor (# 11707) on :
 
My advice Jenn, for what it's worth, is to try to maintain a constant level of effort. So what that means in terms of going up hills is that you slow down to the extent that you are still expending the same amount of effort as you are on the flat.

If that means a slow jog or even walk to start with, so be it. As your fitness improves your uphill pace will gradually improve.

What you don't want to do is try to run up hill at the same speed you run on the flat, and then have to stop and walk at the top of the hill. That's more like interval training, which is a good way to improve fitness but you need to be able to run continuously for about 40 minutes fairly comfortably before there's any point in thinking about intervals.

ps I am not a qualified coach but reasonable runner parkrun best 18.42
 

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Posted by Doc Tor (# 9748) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by moonlitdoor:
parkrun best 18.42

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That is quite unreasonable.

Faster than most of our course records, in fact... (fastest I've ever done is 27.18)
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
Hi, all.

My yoga is going great, weight training comes and goes (really need to set a schedule rather than just maintaining and screwing around), but I just can't seem to get the running off the ground again.

I'm the queen of excuses when it comes to outside running- too cold, too icy, too dark, too many bears. So I bought a second-hand treadmill thinking I could still get the runs in even when the weather is frightful. I've used big fancy gym treadmills before and they're boring, but okay. This one is... eh. Boring, but also the tread part seems short; I don't feel I can get a decent gait without risking a wipeout. And... Really effing boring.

So I'm open to suggestions from people who run in all sorts of crappy conditions. How do you talk yourself into it? I think I really need the outdoor time, the treadmill kind of sucks. But it's just so EASY to skip out on the outdoor run, every day brings a new excuse.

Ideas?
 

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Posted by Doc Tor (# 9748) on :
 
Get up. Go out. Leave your running kit out and hide your day clothes. Once you've got one leg in the running tights, you've already made the decision to run. Don't even stop for the first mug of tea/coffee. Have a bottle of water by your bed, drink it as you get togged up. Then just go.
 

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Posted by Jenn. (# 5239) on :
 
Was just getting back to 5k and fell down a single step. Badly damaged foot. No running for weeks :-( there goes my plans of a 10k at Easter.

Comet - could you join a group? I'm not the most social of runners but I did mean that there were set times when people were expecting me and a programme we were following. It got my motivation going a bit. I'm competitive and I wanted to beat them at the 5k
 

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Posted by Beethoven (# 114) on :
 
Wheat (sometimes) works for me is just giving myself permission to not want to go. Doesn't mean I'm allowed to not go running, but I'm allowed to be reluctant. So I can put my running gear on, while grumbling 'I don't want to do this', tie my shoes moaning 'It's too cold/dark, I'm too tired', and even start my warm-up while thinking of all the things I'd rather be doing. But as long as I still get out there, it's ok. Admittedly the conditions here are somewhat less unfriendly than in the wilds of Alaska, but this has kept me running through frost, icy roads, windy weather... And on Sunday, I actually enjoyed part of my run!
 

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Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 
I like the bears as an excuse. Beats my excuses all hollow.
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
After writing the above post I've done some thinking. I'm not going to guilt myself for not running in the winter. When I run, it's because I love to run. I don't love to run when it's icy and stormy. So, fine. I'm a fair weather runner.

I am doing fine with yoga and weights and walking everywhere. I don't need to do it all all the time. That just gives me constant guilt for not being perfect.

So. Running will resume when the roads dry out. Meahwhile, I'll be proud of myself for what I do over the winter. It's not like I'm in bad shape this year.
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Excellent decision, ma'am.
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
WW's right - what's the point of running to get fit if you slip on a Patch of Treachery™ and break a leg?

There's an indoor running/walking track at the University's PE department here, which is open to the public for a small entry fee, and you can run or walk (there are lanes designated for each) at your own pace without fear of winter-related injuries - do you have anything like that in Cometland?
 

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Posted by Doc Tor (# 9748) on :
 
27:41 for the 5k.

Not bad for a gadgee...
 

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Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on :
 
Phew!

I've just finished my kettlebell workout - we have started to put moves together now. Swing/clean/press etc.

Just like this lady, except that I get short breaks between sets and I don't have a tattoo
 

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Posted by Jengie jon (# 273) on :
 
OK

A question for people here, does anyone know any decent books about getting fit for a person who is a relative novice. I am not wanting to become an expert but to know enough to understand what the guys at the gym are doing when they change my routine.

Jengie
 

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Posted by Jane R (# 331) on :
 
You probably don't need a book if that's all you want to know. My aerobics teacher told me that you use less energy to complete a workout once you've got used to doing it - so you need to change your routine regularly, about every six weeks or so, to maintain your activity level, and if your fitness is improving you also need to move to a more challenging routine.

It stops you from getting bored with doing the same thing all the time, too.
 

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Posted by Jengie jon (# 273) on :
 
I am not asking for anything that simple. I am wanting to be able to contextualize the advice given rather than just having it flow over my head. I want enough to be able to be able to have some idea of the persons reasoning. This would make me more able to choose wisely how to adapt the routine to my developing fitness level between reviews.

Jengie
 

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Posted by Jane R (# 331) on :
 
In that case, try something like a GCSE textbook. Though you might find an A-level or undergraduate-level one more informative.

I've indexed a few of these (not the one I linked to) and I remember being impressed at how much students needed to know to pass their exams.

Another thing you might consider is asking your instructor when you're doing the review to tell you things you can do in between reviews to make the exercises harder. Mine is happy to do this (eg., do more repetitions/increase the weight/increase the resistance on the CV machines; also some floor exercises have more challenging variations that you can add on to the basic exercise when you're ready).

[ 07. April 2015, 07:54: Message edited by: Jane R ]
 

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Posted by Doc Tor (# 9748) on :
 
*bump*

How's everyone doing? My 5k time seems to stay static for ages, then I take a big bite out of it (26s on Saturday, for a PB of 27:12).

I am trying to do something every day, though, mostly swimming, with a bit of running - I did 10k this morning because I didn't want to have to think about the Girl doing her AS Maths paper...
 

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Posted by Jane R (# 331) on :
 
I signed up to do the Race for Life 5k in (gulp) about seven weeks' time. I have built up to 30 minutes non-stop running on the treadmill, but had a bit of a shock when I went for my first outdoor run on Monday and discovered that (a) the friends I was running with were a lot faster than me and (b) I had to walk after about 20 minutes.

So it's back to the gym to get an updated workout and training schedule...
 

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Posted by Doc Tor (# 9748) on :
 
Most people (IME) walk the Race for Life. It's also a crashing mistake to try and judge how well you're doing by how fast your mates are going. Please don't go down that road, as it only leads to despondency.

Find someone willing to run at your pace, stay with them and you'll be fine. There's a whole bunch of folk at Parkrun who are not just faster, but older, than me, and if I tried to keep up with them, I'd combust.

Case in point: the bloke I'm trying to currently beat is two age brackets above me. That's right: I'm trying to overtake a 60+ year old man, and I still can't quite do it (I'm 48).
 

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Posted by Jengie jon (# 273) on :
 
JaneR

My reading (I am novice too) is that running outside is very different from running on a treadmill. The books say if you must train on a treadmill then put it at 1% incline to help counteract how easy it is compared with outside.

However, I suspect with a couple of runs outside in the next week you will find you pace and fitness will improve dramatically compared with what they are today. My experience is that every time I try something new, initially I get a fitness burst. It does not keep going, but the first few weeks are encouraging.

Jengie
 

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Posted by Jane R (# 331) on :
 
Thanks guys - especially for the tip about adjusting the incline on the treadmill, I'll try that. I am feeling less despondent now - I have another seven weeks to get up to speed.

I am not aiming to keep up with my friends - just hoping to run all the way and finish not too far behind them!

Next time I will try having dinner *after* the run instead of 45 minutes before, too - that didn't help.
 

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Posted by moonlitdoor (# 11707) on :
 
I think treadmill running and outdoor running are slightly different techniques. To run fast outdoors you want to push off from the ground which lengthens your stride, but you can't really do that on a treadmill, you can only increase your cadence.

Personally I find outdoor running easier, as well as a hundred times more fun, but most people do find treadmills easier.

Good luck Doc Tor in catching your 60 something, there are some good older runners out there once you get past him. Some of the world age group records are really amazing. For 75 plus men at 5k it's 19.07 !
 

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Posted by Doc Tor (# 9748) on :
 
I've never run on a treadmill - I can't actually imagine how that would feel. I'd miss the subtle changes in the slope and surface of the ground, and that you feel like you're actually travelling. On my longer runs I get to see the Angel of the North, and on the shorter ones at this time of year, there's a line of ornamental cherries in full flower to run under.

Also, I slaughtered my PB again. I'm down to 26:39, a full minute faster than two weeks ago. Jimmy wasn't even there, either...
 

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Posted by Beethoven (# 114) on :
 
Well done to all shippies who are persevering with their running (or indeed other regimes).Last weekend I set my PB for 10k, with a chip time of 1.15.20 - absolutely delighted with that for my very first attempt ever! The next day I had to do a (very gentle) run with Op 2 as she's decided she'd like to start Couch to 5k, which was lovely, and I'm not going to feel disheartened at the fact she's so much quicker than me..!

Tonight's aim is a 35 min run. The sun is shinin, but it's not all that warm, so it should be perfect conditions for a good run

[ 10. June 2015, 17:38: Message edited by: Beethoven ]
 

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Posted by Jane R (# 331) on :
 
Congratulations Beethoven!

I did another outside run by myself yesterday. I think moonlitdoor is right and I need to use a slightly different technique when running outdoors - the lower part of my calves and the tendons in my feet seemed to be working very hard, which suggests that they were doing things they weren't used to. I still managed to do 20 minutes jogging, followed by 5 minutes walk, then another 10 minutes jog, so I'm getting there. I took a bottle of water with me this time so I could keep myself hydrated, and that also seemed to help.
 

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Posted by Beethoven (# 114) on :
 
Well, last night didn't go quite to plan - dinner an hour later than it should have been, and my legs were clearly still more tired than I'd realised. But I managed half an hour of running (with a minute's walk after 20 mins), so that's still OK.

Well done Jane - sounds like you're making excellent progess. Running outdoors is so much more fun than the dreadmill!
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
I went for a sixteen mile stroll last week. We stopped off for lunch and a poke round a craft shop, then we had another stop to visit a small heritage centre, then we stopped again for ice cream, but even so, sixteen miles must count for something, fitness wise.
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by North East Quine:
.. a sixteen mile stroll ...

---

Crikey - that's not a stroll, it's a marathon.
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
My thoughts, too, Piglet. I enjoy a stroll or even a walk but not sixteen miles.
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
The "stroll" referred to our speed, not our distance.
"Look! Is that a bullfinch or a chaffinch?" Let's stand still for ten minutes to watch it!
"Look! A bench! Let's sit on it!
"Great view! I must stop to take a photo!"
etc etc.
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Sounds like my kind of stroll.
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Now that you put it that way, NEQ, it maybe doesn't sound quite so scary.
 

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Posted by Jane R (# 331) on :
 
I did it!! I completed the Race for Life!

I must admit, I did have to walk occasionally, but I ran most of the way. And the only obstacle that I had to chicken out of was the scramble net (vertigo...)

It took half an hour to wash the mud off afterwards, but
 

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Posted by ArachnidinElmet (# 17346) on :
 
Congratulations Jane R
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
What A-in-E said!
 

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Posted by Jane R (# 331) on :
 
Thank you!
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Jane I am seriously impressed!

OK lazybones - this was on page 2, so I brought it back up to skite.

I walked for 1 hour on Monday and 2hours today (Wednesday) - and No, I am not walking for 3 hours on Friday

Unseasonably warm weather has helped.

Huia - hoping to get fitter.

[ 05. August 2015, 07:54: Message edited by: Huia ]
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Huia:
Jane I am seriously impressed!

---

...and so am I!

I am still walking most morning and most evenings - 40-60 mins in the morning and 20-40 mins in the evening - not power walking or anything silly like that but not strolling either.

Progress of sorts in that I have lost a couple of kilos that seems consistently gone away and, possibly more importantly, I recently noticed that my waistline has reduced by an inch or two.


 

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Posted by Jane R (# 331) on :
 
Well done on the weight loss, Wodders!

I haven't done much running since the Race for Life - I've gone back to circuit training to try and build my upper body and core strength up.

I took my daughter swimming this morning too, which was about as depressing as usual - she is a much better swimmer than I am.

[ 06. August 2015, 12:57: Message edited by: Jane R ]
 

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Posted by Jengie jon (# 273) on :
 
There is a purple passage in the book I just got about how when you think you are doing fine this eleven-year-old girl dives in and paces up and down the pool faster than you without really trying.

The thing is that eleven-year-old girl is my niece who likes nothing better than to beat her aunt at swimming. Elder brother is faster still but he just gets on and trains thus family can pretend he is swimming in a different pool.

So you have my sympathy.

Jengie
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
I haven't done any swimming in years, but I know I would be much slower than I used to be, not that I was ever fast.

It's Friday here and this week I have clocked up 6 hours of exercise so far, mainly walking. I asked my GP for a "Green Prescription" which means I have access to a very cheap exercise class at a local church hall. The last session includes Swiss ball work, dyna bands and balance and stretching. I find it harder to persuade myself to branch out from walking as I can do that as part of my normal day, whereas I find repetitive stuff can be boring.

Huia
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I agree, Huia, although I have done very little walking as left hip and pelvis are very dodgy now. My sister goes to gym daily. Even house sitting in South Australua, she has found a gym run by the council. She goes every day. Gym's cheapness is somewhat overcome by the fact it is thirty kilometres away from where she is.
 

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Posted by Jane R (# 331) on :
 
I don't mind (much) about the twelve-year-old girl beating me - she's a very fast swimmer, she can beat other twelve-year-olds. What I really object to is being overtaken by the octogenarians! They're older than me - they SHOULD be slower!!
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
agree - tie weights around their ankles

Damn gym/Swiss balls. Yesterday my main exercise was trying to inflate three with a pump that self-destructed several times - it was so frustrating! In the end a friend came around with a small compressor and saved what was left of my sanity. I lent him the middle sized ball and passed on a set of exercises that I had been given.

Because I am short I use the smallest ball for exercising, but the biggest (75 cm diameter) is good for sitting in while I'm on the computer. It also has the advantage over a chair in that Georgie-Porgy doesn't perch herself on it

Huia
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Great picture in my mind of Georgie- Porgy trying to perch on one of those balls. I can see the huffy expression when she fell off.

[ 09. August 2015, 03:19: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Kick kick.
 

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Posted by Jengie jon (# 273) on :
 
Alright big silly question time. I fairly regularly run outside (between once a fortnight and once a twice a week). I should be doing that tomorrow, but the weather is wet, wet, wet. I am wondering instead of going down the gym and doing an hour or so running on a treadmill.

Fyi at present I have gym membership and have in the past walked on a treadmill but have never run on one. In my usual runs I cover just under 10km in a mix of slow running and walking and warm up before hand. Living where I do, the route is hilly.

Any advice?

Jengie
 

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Posted by blackbeard (# 10848) on :
 
Speaking as one who has just renewed his gym membership after a year or so of not going to the gym at all ....

I never use the treadmill at the gym, I can't help feeling that in real running the scenery changes ... but I don't seen any problem in using it if you want to (assuming there's no problem in getting on or off it). I couldn't stay on it for an hour, I just don't have the patience, and short sharp bursts might actually do more good than long periods at a steady speed. (Not too sharp though unless you are fairly fit to begin with.)

One of the problems with running is over-use injuries and it might be better to spend some time on other devices which don't load joints and tendons quite so much.

Staff at the gym should be able to offer helpful advice.

Is the gym associated with a swimming pool?

If you are only managing an average of about one run per week it might be advisable to deliberately take things a bit easy, the gym environment could possibly lead to over-doing things a bit.

Round about here, the recent and apparently continuing monsoon is reducing any path that's not tarmac to a bottomless quagmire.
 

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Posted by Jengie jon (# 273) on :
 
Running in the gym is actually a rather needs must than an actual desire. Today outside I'd be running through about half a centimeter of water the whole time including on slopes. I have yet to work out how Sheffield manages to be hilly, have good drains and still when it rains has this film of running water on every solid surface.

I should explain, that this is one session in a varied routine. I swim once to twice a week and do weight training twice a week as well. I reluctantly introduced a run basically to get my legs and feet develop the strength to do long walks. I am at present trying to alternate walks with run week by week. Summer time I vary it with both a walk and a run in a week with when I am busy with a run instead of a walk. I thne only swim once a week.

If I could run cross country that would be my choice, but where I live that is not possible. So I make do with a street run through parks and such most weeks.

Jengie
 

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Posted by Jane R (# 331) on :
 
If your gym has a variety of training equipment it might be worth alternating between different CV machines. My gym has treadmills, cross-trainers, stair-walking machines, exercise bikes and rowing machines. If I'm in a hurry I tend to go for the rowing machine as that gives my arms a bit of a workout as well. I know the main point of a CV machine is to give your heart and lungs a workout, but they all seem to work slightly different muscles; or at least, switching from one to the other instead of always using the same one seems to make me work harder.

I've just added walking a neighbour's dog to my list of things to do (the neighbour in question had a stroke recently and can't walk the dog himself) but I don't think that counts as a proper workout as the dog in question is old and fat and fairly lazy (a twenty minute stroll around the village is about his limit). So I'm still doing the circuit training three times a week.
 

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Posted by Stercus Tauri (# 16668) on :
 
I've become a bit of an evangelist for our local YMCA. I had some muscles messed around after surgery some time ago, and spent too long being inactive on account of it. The physiotherapist suggested the wellness program at the YMCA to get things straightened out and working again. This was some of the best advice I ever had. The trainers there are excellent and you get personal guidance starting at your own level. The atmosphere is good. It's not full of people flaunting their spandex clad bodies (though there are a few inspirational bodies to be seen) and the age range is almost complete - up to octogenarians and beyond. It's working really well for me. It was strange getting on the rowing machine - my favourite - for the first time. The trainer came up and asked, "Why are you doing it like that?" I was subconsciously picking up where I left off long ago, and was working it as though it was the real oar I used to pull on the Dee in Aberdeen. I could almost hear the water under the bow behind me. It's good, and the first result was being able to cut back on the physio almost immediately. I don't know how much more fit I really am after a year of it, but the sense of well being is worth a lot.
 

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