I miss the fitness threads and the fitness Doms!

[Keroin]

How many of you have the constant, nagging little voice? You know the one that pokes you if you skip a day of training or eat a bag of chips?

I was just wondering because I realized yesterday how much I owe to that nagging voice. I don’t beat up on myself. I don’t curl up in a ball and cry because I’ve let myself down. I just never, ever let up on myself. Back in 2004, I had some medical stuff that sidelined me for the better part of a year and there was nothing I could do about it but that voice never went away, not even for a day.

You have to get moving again. You have to get stronger. You have to be faster. You have to be better.

It runs in an endless loop and never stops. I don’t know where it comes from, I’m just glad it’s there.

Anyone else have little voices in their head?

 

[graceanne]

Anyone else have little voices in their head?

Yes. But my little voice wants me dead, because it insistently demands chocolate. It'll wake me up in the middle of the night demanding chocolate. It also is the one that tries to talk me into looking at the sun during eclipses and pulling fire alarms. My inner voice hates me.

 

[Homburg]

In martial arts, I trained with left and right foot forward when fighting. Of course, left feels natural because I'm right handed but it was good to switch it up.

My style changes depending on lead. While I am a righty, I am happiest fighting right-foot forward like a southpaw. Part of the reason is that my right knee has had a lot of issues, and thus works better forward. Said leg is also better at the fast kicks. Right-hand lead just sees more natural to me, and I blame Bruce Lee for trying it in the first place.

So, when in southpaw stance, I tend towards fast kempo kicks and lots of boxing/trapping due to JKD training. When I switch, it's all muay thai. For whatever reason, I slide right into MT in left-lead. So crosses and hooks, and big ole kicks. I also play right lead when doing stickfighting. It made learning SCA sword and board style really bloody hard.

The really good thing about the HIIT class is that the intensity level keeps the chatter to a minimum. If I want friendly banter, I'll go play tennis or something. I'm there to push myself and I find it distracting when there's a bunch of "blah, blah, blah" going on around me. Know what I mean?

When LB comes over to lift, we get some BS in prior, and some more while moving into another movement. While we're swapping off sets in the same movement, it's quiet concentration or minimal talk in relation to loads, form, coaching cues, etc. It's really, really good. I like the focus.

How many of you have the constant, nagging little voice? You know the one that pokes you if you skip a day of training or eat a bag of chips?

Sort of. Mine is just not as loud or consistent as it should be. When I'm in the groove though, it's plenty strong.

 

[Wife of Bath]

I know I haven't posted in here in a while, but I just ran a little under eight miles and signed up for a marathon.

Thought you guys could appreciate it .

And yes, I have the little voice. Mine only activiates when I start exercising though.

 

[damonX]

When I expressed this worry my trainer said that if you want bulky muscle you do more weight, if you just want long, slim muscles you do more reps. And that muscle burns fat faster.

Yes, Keroin was correct in her previous statement. As a former personal trainer, the vast majority of my clients were females. And they were all reluctant to achieve any kind of intensity when lifting weights, because hey thought that they would all immediately blow up into Ms. Olympia.

Female bodybuilders get that way because they not only devote their life to doing so, but because they take male sex hormones as well. Normal women do not have the testosterone to get "big muscles".

Another misconception is regarding "tone". Women often believe that they will get "toned" by lifting light weights for high reps. Let me clarify something. The definition of "tone" is the degree of muscular contraction when the muscle is as rest. You will increase tone by working out intensly regardless of the weight. Lifting light weights for high reps will increase endurance. Lifting heavier weights for lower reps will increase strength. Both( if done correctly) will incerease tone.

The most common mistake that women make in the gym is that they grab a weight with which they could do 100 reps with and they do 12- 15 reps. This type of training will not produce results. You will want to be reaching close to failure at the end of the set, regardless of how many reps you complete. You will not get big muscles! Lifting 5lb dumbbells will not burn more fat than lifting heavier weights. you will burn more fat by working out at a higher intensity, regardless of the weight. The reason the majority of women make no gains in the gym is that they tend to have an innate fear of lifting wieghts at a high enough intensity to do so.

 

[damonX]

I've long been of the opinion that while warming up prior to exercise is useful, stretching beforehand is overrated (for most activities). I don't stretch prior to lifting as, frankly, it leaves me feeling weaker. When I did MA, I refused to stretch prior to that. I always stretched afterwards when the muscles were warm, loose, and relaxed.

Yes, the idea that people should stretch prior to lifting is completely false. Static stetching does not increase the temperature of the muscles and so is useless as a warm up activity. Furthermore, stretching muscles decreases the ability of the muscle to produce force, which may negatively affect your workout.

Where is the line drawn between inflexibility and "tight calves" and the like? Tight muscles negatively affect performance, but inflexibility does not?

In my own cases, I've dealt with people with tight calves, tight hip flexors, tight hamstrings, etc, and when the problems were resolved, performance improved in terms of lifting, gait, mobility, etc.

The terms "tight" and "inflexible" can be used interchangeably. It doesn't matter which you use, if it's negtively affecting performance in a specific activity then it should be addressed. Keep in mind though, if you you increase the length of a muscle, you will need to focus on increasing strength in the newly aquired range, as there will be a strength deficit in that new range.

 

[kayte]

Yes, Keroin was correct in her previous statement. As a former personal trainer, the vast majority of my clients were females. And they were all reluctant to achieve any kind of intensity when lifting weights, because hey thought that they would all immediately blow up into Ms. Olympia.

Female bodybuilders get that way because they not only devote their life to doing so, but because they take male sex hormones as well. Normal women do not have the testosterone to get "big muscles".

Another misconception is regarding "tone". Women often believe that they will get "toned" by lifting light weights for high reps. Let me clarify something. The definition of "tone" is the degree of muscular contraction when the muscle is as rest. You will increase tone by working out intensly regardless of the weight. Lifting light weights for high reps will increase endurance. Lifting heavier weights for lower reps will increase strength. Both( if done correctly) will incerease tone.

The most common mistake that women make in the gym is that they grab a weight with which they could do 100 reps with and they do 12- 15 reps. This type of training will not produce results. You will want to be reaching close to failure at the end of the set, regardless of how many reps you complete. You will not get big muscles! Lifting 5lb dumbbells will not burn more fat than lifting heavier weights. you will burn more fat by working out at a higher intensity, regardless of the weight. The reason the majority of women make no gains in the gym is that they tend to have an innate fear of lifting wieghts at a high enough intensity to do so.

Hi damonX ~ As you said, women don't get big muscles. It just isn't how we are built. And we also have that slight amount of fat over our entire bodies that men don't have. Thus the muscle definitition isn't as pronounced.

In my younger days I belonged to a health spa and lifted free weights as well as using the rest of the equipment. Lifting free weights requires you to use your small muscles for balance and so as you know is more effective.

In any case the owner of the club was sponsoring a state wide contest and he saw that a few of the women at his club were using the bench press. He offered to cover our entrance fees if we'd compete. A few of us did. I actually took second place. I benched 127 lbs. May not be all that much to you, but I'm still proud of it. It did take a few months of some serious, consistent working but it was fun. And no, my muscles were no more obvious than they were before I got serious. A short time later, I was visiting my brother. I did really tighten the shower turning it off. Didn't realize anything. His wife had to ask him to get it open for her. That was embarassing.

 

[Keroin]

Yes, Keroin was correct in her previous statement.

Wooo, how far back did you read for that one? I can't even remember writing about that! LOL.

(Not that I mind being correct...)

 

[Netzach]

How many of you have the constant, nagging little voice? You know the one that pokes you if you skip a day of training or eat a bag of chips?

I was just wondering because I realized yesterday how much I owe to that nagging voice. I don’t beat up on myself. I don’t curl up in a ball and cry because I’ve let myself down. I just never, ever let up on myself. Back in 2004, I had some medical stuff that sidelined me for the better part of a year and there was nothing I could do about it but that voice never went away, not even for a day.

You have to get moving again. You have to get stronger. You have to be faster. You have to be better.

It runs in an endless loop and never stops. I don’t know where it comes from, I’m just glad it’s there.

Anyone else have little voices in their head?

Mie says that shit too and contributes to my issues. I need my adrenal glands *less* involved in my life. I have to do all those things but if I spent 5 months knocked on my ass I can take 5 more to get back to snuff, the voices in my head can learn to wait too.

I am walking 3x per week 20 min though as of Monday. It's time, it's warm enough. I have to start somewhere. Again.

That said, I am OFF of prednisone for 2 weeks as of this Monday. My face is almost normal again, has about a week to go.

Third and last starter pack infusion is Monday, then every 8 weeks. Gracie, you were right. Why the fuck I was so resistant to this stuff SO long I don't know - well I do know, it's a pretty big gun med, but holy shit is it better than the steroid parade.

And I'm eating some green stuff without blocking on it. This is a major triumph. I'm just hoping that when farmer's market season starts again I'nm ready. M will eat whatever I cook and he's lost about 40 lbs to the 30 I lost since his own high weight. It's awesome.

 

[Homburg]

That's great news, Netz!

--

Aaaand I slept straight through my usual session time. LB showed up, knocked on the door, and left because no one answered.

I feel like an ass now.

Oh well, guess we start the deload a little early. It's not like we don't need it badly, as my massive over-sleeping is probably evidence of...

 

[Keroin]

Yes. But my little voice wants me dead, because it insistently demands chocolate. It'll wake me up in the middle of the night demanding chocolate. It also is the one that tries to talk me into looking at the sun during eclipses and pulling fire alarms. My inner voice hates me.

LOL. Well, I have an inner chocolate voice, too. There are a few voices in there.

Sort of. Mine is just not as loud or consistent as it should be. When I'm in the groove though, it's plenty strong.

Mine gets louder the longer I go without training but it gets more intense when I'm training. If I have a good day, the voice starts saying, "More, more, more!!!"

I know I haven't posted in here in a while, but I just ran a little under eight miles and signed up for a marathon.

Thought you guys could appreciate it .

And yes, I have the little voice. Mine only activiates when I start exercising though.

Good luck with the marathon! Keep that little voice talking!

Mie says that shit too and contributes to my issues. I need my adrenal glands *less* involved in my life. I have to do all those things but if I spent 5 months knocked on my ass I can take 5 more to get back to snuff, the voices in my head can learn to wait too.

I am walking 3x per week 20 min though as of Monday. It's time, it's warm enough. I have to start somewhere. Again.

That said, I am OFF of prednisone for 2 weeks as of this Monday. My face is almost normal again, has about a week to go.

Third and last starter pack infusion is Monday, then every 8 weeks. Gracie, you were right. Why the fuck I was so resistant to this stuff SO long I don't know - well I do know, it's a pretty big gun med, but holy shit is it better than the steroid parade.

And I'm eating some green stuff without blocking on it. This is a major triumph. I'm just hoping that when farmer's market season starts again I'nm ready. M will eat whatever I cook and he's lost about 40 lbs to the 30 I lost since his own high weight. It's awesome.

I'm SO happy to hear you're off the pred! Hooray, hooray!

Yeah, my little voice would cause me some real problems if I ever had serious, long term health issues. That one year was bad enough. However, while I'm healthy, it's a good thing.

Aaaand I slept straight through my usual session time. LB showed up, knocked on the door, and left because no one answered.

I feel like an ass now.

Oh well, guess we start the deload a little early. It's not like we don't need it badly, as my massive over-sleeping is probably evidence of...

Oops! LOL.

Listen to your body H.


I did another "X-treme Ride" spin class last night, with a different instructor, and this class really did live up to the name. Quads were on fire, oh man!!! These guys were the real deal - roadies, triathletes, Ironman-ers - so I chatted with them after class and got some info on the local scene. Very cool! I can't wait to get my bike and start riding with these nice people.

 

[FurryFury]

First my schedule went to hell and then my body has been sick for over a month and a half.

However, I'm getting a better handle on my schedule so I hope to start working out again.

I have a doc appointment in two weeks that may or may not help with the pain and such.

So mentally, I'm feeling better.

 

[Homburg]

Mine gets louder the longer I go without training but it gets more intense when I'm training. If I have a good day, the voice starts saying, "More, more, more!!!"

The term we use for that around here is "Iron madness." It's that voice that tells you that you can slide another plate on there and do another set, really. Some days, wow, that voice kicks ass. Some days though? It kicks my ass.

Oops! LOL.

Listen to your body H.

It wouldn't have been so bad had Youngest Son not gotten sick at school. This meant that viv had to go pick him up. I don't hear the door when I'm asleep, period, and my phone was on my desk. So LB was knocking on the door, calling me, no answer. I feel bad.

But my body is thanking me. I've been feeling achey around the knees for the past coupla days, and a little at the right elbow. These are signs that I need to back down a little. It's nice to be able to notice them and listen to them.

 

[IhateClowns]

I know I haven't posted in here in a while, but I just ran a little under eight miles and signed up for a marathon.

Thought you guys could appreciate it .

And yes, I have the little voice. Mine only activiates when I start exercising though.

Wow that is awesome congrats and good luck with it

 

[graceanne]

Third and last starter pack infusion is Monday, then every 8 weeks. Gracie, you were right. Why the fuck I was so resistant to this stuff SO long I don't know - well I do know, it's a pretty big gun med, but holy shit is it better than the steroid parade.

Yep. I know.

I'm so happy for you. *hugs*

 

[sacrificedangel]

Yes. But my little voice wants me dead, because it insistently demands chocolate. It'll wake me up in the middle of the night demanding chocolate. It also is the one that tries to talk me into looking at the sun during eclipses and pulling fire alarms. My inner voice hates me.

I think our little voices came from the same family.

*sighs and glares at the half eaten bar of galaxy roasted hazelnut chocolate*

 

[WriterDom]

Today I have Pilates on TV, and 30 minutes on the treadmill. Tomorrow a 4.5 mile Nordic walk. Monday yoga class and legs. Was hoping for a bike ride but I'll let it get a little warmer first. I did the Dish yoga yesterday. I like the cable one better but at least the dish guy is much more interesting. It's probably good to get the theory behind what you are doing as well.

I haven't try the tv version of Pilates but if they follow Joseph Pilates, the exercises are very similar. If I can do both on the weekend, catch the class and do another Pilates during the week I should develop a pretty good core and some flexibility. I've never been able to do any mat work for over a month but if I stick with the class maybe that will help.

 

[Netzach]

20 min walk, no big deal.

 

[Homburg]

20 min walk, no big deal.

Would it be impolite to cheer a bit for your "no big deal"?

 

[Keroin]

I'm back to doing back extensions holding plates! Yahoo!!

*Play Rocky theme here*

 

[damonX]

Wooo, how far back did you read for that one? I can't even remember writing about that! LOL.

(Not that I mind being correct...)

Oops. Sorry. Oh well. It's a good topic to address anyways.

 

[WriterDom]

On the 17th, the day will be longer than the night. In Atlanta anyway. I want some shorts and T-shirt bike weather. Not happening this week.

Yoga in the morning!

 

[Bandit58]

I probably won't be going to the gym this week. I'm having a colonoscopy tomorrow afternoon and Sir insists I take the week off and start again next Monday.

 

[Keroin]

Oops. Sorry. Oh well. It's a good topic to address anyways.

No need to apologize. It's an excellent topic, one of my favourites

I probably won't be going to the gym this week. I'm having a colonoscopy tomorrow afternoon and Sir insists I take the week off and start again next Monday.

Smart man. Probably a good idea. Hope it all goes well for you Bandit.

 

[Cattypuss]

Slimming World weekly meeting is tonight and I've got this sneaking feeling that there's gonna be a gain for me at weigh-in.... I feel bigger in my clothes. I am pre-menstrual and so probably retaining fluid, but even so, I think I will be disappointed if I do have a gain. Oh well. I'll know in 10 hours' time!