11–20 of 92 posts
i do a 2-3 hour workout 2-3 days/week centered around a martial art i compete in on the national/international level. the enjoyment factor really helps get you off the couch.
and i do about 1 hour or so of warmup into a weight routine 2 days a week to compliment the other training.
That consistency of showing up, even for 15 minutes a day 4 times a week, is what builds the habit. Building the habit is the important part. After you get the habit, then you will naturally start doing more challenging things to avoid boredom, because the constant is that you keep going, but what you do is what may change day to day. As well, you will find yourself setting aside more time to go to the gym because you'll feel more confident with your surroundings and the people. You may also become interested in classes, and start promising friends that "you'll see them at 5pm tomorrow." As you get (or stay) in good shape, you will learn about and be invited to various other athletic events or sports, which will reinforce the habit to stay in shape.
Weights a few times a week, running a few times a week. I play hockey during the winter twice a week.
I am hoping to get back into good shape soon...it gets harder as you get older.
sometimes i run to a pool and then swim. on weekends i tend to do longer runs, or else long bike rides to ponds for swimming. this is now that it's warm. during winter i swim indoors after work most days.
i'm trying to start up weekly roller hockey (thurs, 6pm, ahern, cambridge). all you need are skates/blades and whatever protective gear you want. i can bring sticks if you let me know.
i also enjoy roller tennis and roller frisbee. hmm, i guess that's it. i tried indoor soccer this winter, which was prett good. i used to fence. sometimes i spar outside, but i miss the precision of electronics.
i love moving outside. i think people interact with such freedom and joy when outside, especially in nice weather (though all sorts of weather can be interesting). just shooting hoops with someone can make for a more easy going conversation.
recently i've learn yoga, which again is especially awesome when done outside, say after running to a nice field or creek.
i pretty much work constantly at my computer, though i try to read at night before sleep (rather than working until my eyeballs literally need massaging). i try to tear myself away from work with things like piano and sewing, but exercise is the most consistent and best feeling.
oh yeah! pickup ultimate frisbee at least once a wee!! winter pond skating and ice hockey this year was also sweet!!
I run 6 days a week and ice skate 2-3 nights a week. Running allows me to both stay in good shape and do a lot of thinking; I've caught quite a few bugs during those morning runs. I played ice hockey in middle school and have loved skating ever since, so it's more for fun than health.
doesn't replace solitude with a whiteboard, or other parts of the process, but definitely helps with getting one's thoughts in order and seeing around assumptions. i feel more creative when my blood is flowing.
I do about 40 minutes of biking a day (commute to train station) and try to get to the gym twice a week for about 30 to 45 minutes. Since biking is enough cardiovascular exercise for anybody I mostly do weights at the gym, and typically (when I have an extra 15 minutes free) some yoga for stretching. I recommend the chalice lift for a good all-purpose hacker exercise. Go over to that big set o' one-hand weights the f…
If you want to start weight lifting go really simple to avoid any problems early on.
Squat, deadlift, overhead press, bench press. Do everything with barbells to start if possible, if not go with dumbbells.
I do agree 5x5 or so is the way to go - especially starting out as this will allow you to go with heavier weights.
Don't go to failure, keep well below that and stay consistent a few times a week. It is by far the best way to gain overall strength. Lookup 'riptoes workout' as a good guide to that basic plan if you want the generally accepted best way to gain strength from scratch.