Ask HN: As a software developer how do you maintain your health? • Hacker News Board

Re: Ask HN: As a software developer how do you maintain your health?

#11

Post by RaceWon » Sun, Apr 21, 2019, 11:51 PM UTC

You don't need to go to a gym, But you do need to workout. Push-ups, sit-ups, and buy a curling bar with some weights--nothing crazy. Do a couple of sets of presses, some curls, and two other types of weight lifting exercises consisting of what ever else you want. Do it fast, and a lot of reps. 3 or 4 times a week is enough, and once you get into it only takes 20 - 30 minutes.

Also, walk fast; really fast, and run up the stairs whenever you can. I work at a big campus so that helps with the fast walking.

Eat vegetarian a few times a week, and as others have said; don't drink sugar, and be wary of the bread and potatoes.

Not bragging here but I'm 59 years old and Friday morning I banged out 140 pushups; a set of 30, a 40, and then I did 70 (my most ever. Typically I do a set of 30 and two 40's, but I will do 50 for the last set at times if they are coming easy enough. And I'll max out once in a while--formerly 60 was my high).

I only got back into working out around 2.4 years ago so its never too late.

Re: Ask HN: As a software developer how do you maintain your health?

#12

Post by roundthecorner » Mon, Apr 22, 2019, 3:32 AM UTC

I go for a short walk at the end of every hour. I have found my fitbit pretty useful in reminding me to do at least 250 steps every hour. The number might be small but i usually end up doing more than that once i get going.

Re: Ask HN: As a software developer how do you maintain your health?

#13

Post by sethammons » Mon, Apr 22, 2019, 3:56 AM UTC

You can't out-exersice a bad diet. Develop lean muscle. Sleep well.

Re: Ask HN: As a software developer how do you maintain your health?

#14

Post by avichalp » Mon, Apr 22, 2019, 10:05 AM UTC

Pay close attention to your diet and sleep. Try avoiding sugar and high carb foods. Try journaling your sleep quantity and quality, your moods and food you eat. Try finding pattens in the journal and keep experimenting till you find a combination that works for you.

I tried to fix my sleep few months ago. Written more about it here: http://avichalp.me/2019/04/06/debugging-sleep.html

Re: Ask HN: As a software developer how do you maintain your health?

#15

Post by wreath » Mon, Apr 22, 2019, 11:13 AM UTC

I do not work longer than 8 hours a day. I have a regular sleep schedule (10PM to 7AM), do strength training 3 times a week. I _try_ to eat properly, stay away from the company fridge which is stuffed with sugary drinks and beer. I try not to drink coffee after 1PM or so to not affect my sleep. I also try to not write any code after work hours, unless it's low work intensity in the office around that time.

Re: Ask HN: As a software developer how do you maintain your health?

#16

Post by itake » Mon, Apr 22, 2019, 4:57 PM UTC

I set some personal rules:

Sleep - I go to bed at the same time every night (10pm). Exercise - I go to the gym 3-5 times per week (every other day). Diet - No junk food. I can't stand the wasted plastic or the calories. Di - No coffee after noon.

Re: Ask HN: As a software developer how do you maintain your health?

#17

Post by thorin » Tue, Apr 23, 2019, 10:56 AM UTC

RaceWon wrote: post #11

You don't need to go to a gym, But you do need to workout. Push-ups, sit-ups, and buy a curling bar with some weights--nothing crazy. Do a couple of sets of presses, some curls, and two other types of weight lifting exercises consisting of what ever else you want. Do it fast, and a lot of reps. 3 or 4 times a week is enough, and once you get into it only takes 20 - 30 minutes. Also, walk fast; really fast, and run up…

That's impressive. I'm early 40s and have found doing this kind of exercise really beneficial recently.

I think push-ups are great for posture and all round conditioning. I could barely do 10 in a row a few years back, but now do 60-100 over 3 sets a few times a week.

I also do kettle bell swings and maybe some sit ups and this seems to complement the other exercises I do really well.

Like you I like to do lots of walking quite quickly and get out cycling or kayaking at least once a week.

Re: Ask HN: As a software developer how do you maintain your health?

#18

Post by duckface » Tue, Apr 23, 2019, 1:02 PM UTC

I got it too. there was a time when I was happier, having lots of sex ( like light aerobic exercise ) , and just naturally eating less.

my theory is that it starts with the mind. happy mind, light exercise, naturally eat less, and I lost weight.

Re: Ask HN: As a software developer how do you maintain your health?

#19

Post by throwaway413 » Tue, Apr 23, 2019, 9:06 PM UTC

I don't use this, but I recently saw the StrongLifts 5x5 [1] workout plan mentioned in an HN comment. Looked interesting, straightforward, and approachable for any level of practice.

[1] https://stronglifts.com/5x5/

Re: Ask HN: As a software developer how do you maintain your health?

#20

Post by lukaszkups » Wed, Apr 24, 2019, 10:02 AM UTC

I've replaced regular Cola with Cola Zero (yeah, I'm aware that it's not healthy as well but..) while keeping eating one or two candies while drinking black coffee and I've stopped gaining fat. Once I've started working out (running, ~5km, 1-3 times per week) and doing some pushups (nothing fancy, just 10 of them at the end of the day before shower) and here I am, one year later, feeling much better, with 13kg less :)

(before: ~93kg, now: ~80kg)