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Exercise More to Hack Better

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Re: Exercise More to Hack Better

#51

Post by megablast »

CoreDumpling wrote: post #31

My problem with deliberate exercise is that it doesn't feel purposeful (vague notions of improved health notwithstanding). Picking up a chunk of iron just to put it back down again or stomping on a moving platform just to remain in the same place feels about as useful as typing out a bunch of boilerplate code just to delete it shortly afterwards. I might change this attitude should I find more interesting activities.…

So you buy a watermelon every day? No. That is the problem with your method, you really should be doing something every day.

And if you are not sweating, it is not exercise. Make as many excuses as you want, lots of people do, but you will feel better if you do actually exercise.

Re: Exercise More to Hack Better

#52

Post by loup-vaillant »

Eliezer wrote: post #22

After going outside and walking in the sun for a couple of hours, I'm too tired to get any work done the rest of the day. As far as I can tell, everything said about exercise is lies. Or perhaps mileage varies. Just remember, mileage varies, and also, you're not alone.

Having seen the way you look in not-too-old videos, you look overweight, and your upper-body looks rather weak. That makes me fear for your life expectancy. I love your work, and it may be crucial that you don't stop cold until at least your eighties.

Of course, getting in good physical shape won't be easy. It takes time, and may even slow down your work, at first. But you may want to seriously consider the long term trade-off.

Re: Exercise More to Hack Better

#53

Post by cfb »

jpr wrote: post #44
jamesjyu wrote: post #33

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Try a sport! I too hate treadmills and lifting weights -- it's just dreadfully boring. However, if you pick up a sport, you can hone your coordination skills and progress to become a better player. I find that it's much more motivating when you're competing with people. And, I feel much better knowing that I am acquiring a useful skill that can be measured against in competition. Personally, I play competitive table…

Treadmills suck of course, if you are on treadmill, you could more easily and cheaply just go outside to walk/jog/run and get some fresh air while you're at it. But I disagree on "lifting weights". I suppose that most people don't see it as a sport, which "lifting weights" isn't, granted. But things like powerlifting, olympic weightlifting, strongman competitions are sports, which require coordination, skills and pro…

I strongly disagree. While I prefer cycling or running to a stationary bike or threadmill, I can use the latter without worrying about the hazards of traffic or terrain when I'm exhausted after a long day of work. I've hurt my ankle too often while running in nature absent-mindedly.

Re: Exercise More to Hack Better

#54

Post by bilban »

tjpick wrote: post #11
burnedouthacker wrote: post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

From experience, I would say activities like painting a house, or gardening aren't a substitute to running in every aspect; sure, they can clear up your mind, but you won't experience an improved cardiovascular and respiratory health, or even a "high".

I like to "garden" using a chainsaw. That's a pretty good workout.

Problem is with that type of regime, you'd end up with no garden left and some really annoyed neighbours.

Re: Exercise More to Hack Better

#55

Post by bilban »

kevinherron wrote: post #3

It's even worse than lowered productivity for me. I just start getting straight-up depressed; just absolutely terrible feeling. No energy, no drive, no light. And then I realize that somewhere in the last two weeks I stopped my regular exercise regiment for some reason or another and pick it back up - cured instantly. It's easy to fool yourself into thinking that the funk caused the stop in exercise but that's nearly…

You are so right of course. Even a few breaks throughout the day - increases my coding. If I forgo any kind of exercise - it's a fast downward cycle.

Re: Exercise More to Hack Better

#56

Post by d_r »

PilotPirx wrote: post #39
Eliezer wrote: post #22

After going outside and walking in the sun for a couple of hours, I'm too tired to get any work done the rest of the day. As far as I can tell, everything said about exercise is lies. Or perhaps mileage varies. Just remember, mileage varies, and also, you're not alone.

Drink more water. Dehydration is your enemy.

You must stay hydrated, but I'm not sure if drinking water is good advice. You have to not forget your electrolytes. Something like Gatorade works, though.

Re: Exercise More to Hack Better

#57

Post by patio11 »

loup-vaillant wrote: post #52
Eliezer wrote: post #22

After going outside and walking in the sun for a couple of hours, I'm too tired to get any work done the rest of the day. As far as I can tell, everything said about exercise is lies. Or perhaps mileage varies. Just remember, mileage varies, and also, you're not alone.

Having seen the way you look in not-too-old videos, you look overweight, and your upper-body looks rather weak. That makes me fear for your life expectancy. I love your work, and it may be crucial that you don't stop cold until at least your eighties. Of course, getting in good physical shape won't be easy. It takes time, and may even slow down your work, at first. But you may want to seriously consider the long term…

To put it another way, one hour at the gym has the highest marginal return at curing death among all hours you will spend today.

I go for a similar reason: I'm banking time for my children.

Re: Exercise More to Hack Better

#58

Post by ponce »

I commute by bike (2x30 min/day), go running 1h30 once a week and have a rowing machine (1h/week). I don't want to live without these highs. It also helped me in productivity and mental illness.
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