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Show HN: Workout.lol – a web app to easily create a workout routine

workout.lol

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Re: Show HN: Workout.lol – a web app to easily create a workout routine

#171

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> would be better served just picking a standard full-body workout routine (e.g. GZCLP) But many people aren't going to follow those routines. It's my impression that deadlifts and squats aren't good exercises for this use case because of the danger they present. Sure, they might be "completely safe" when "done correctly", but somebody using an app and trying to mimic exercises they see in videos or pictures is only…

As humans we squat and dead lift all day. Every single person should learn how to do those two movements with some proficiency and intention. They should be part of basis of any weight program focused on health and longevity. And while progressive overload is needed, no one is going from the bar to massive weight overnight. Also, not everyone needs to have the goal of being a power lifter. Peter Attia talks about wan…

Not with weight on their back. You should seek professional advice for weight training. I learned that trainers don't even let people touch a bar for a year as they repair and strengthen their core. It's all body weight and PVC pipes to develop form.

Re: Show HN: Workout.lol – a web app to easily create a workout routine

#172

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> would be better served just picking a standard full-body workout routine (e.g. GZCLP) But many people aren't going to follow those routines. It's my impression that deadlifts and squats aren't good exercises for this use case because of the danger they present. Sure, they might be "completely safe" when "done correctly", but somebody using an app and trying to mimic exercises they see in videos or pictures is only…

As humans we squat and dead lift all day. Every single person should learn how to do those two movements with some proficiency and intention. They should be part of basis of any weight program focused on health and longevity. And while progressive overload is needed, no one is going from the bar to massive weight overnight. Also, not everyone needs to have the goal of being a power lifter. Peter Attia talks about wan…

That specific suggested program is a 5x3 with 85% effort. People following it will be lifting considerable percentage of their body weight very quickly. Without proper muscle control, joint conditioning, knowledge of how to deal with minor injuries etc. Good program with a trainer, ok for a highly motivated individual with strength goals, terrible for an average beginner.

Re: Show HN: Workout.lol – a web app to easily create a workout routine

#173
post #98

Earlier quoted context omitted.

“Just picking a standard full-body workout routine” - that’s the issue, I have no idea what the names of standard routines are or where to find them. I’d love to know several. I know none. Like many things, knowing the name or term of what you’re looking for is the gateway - without that you’re stuck floundering.

You can figure out the basics in a couple of hours of reading. You don't need to process it all at once. I started lifting with some dumbbells I found on the street and just practiced moving them around slowly with light weights attached while figuring out which muscles different movements activated, then searched for simple terms like 'dumbbell shoulder exercises'.

Absolute waste of time unless you are able to do dragon flags and hold a horse stance for more than a minute. People's hips and core are jelly and you are suggesting they start lifting weights?

Re: Show HN: Workout.lol – a web app to easily create a workout routine

#174
As other folks have noted, this is a nice web app, but not well-suited for coming up with a real training plan that meets an individual's health goals.

For my own personal goals, I've enjoyed/had success with doing variations of Jim Wendler's 5/3/1 workout for roughly a decade, and recently made a simple (and much, much uglier) web app [1] to record my lifts, suggest one-rep max targets, calculate weight for each set, etc. It's not nearly as flexible as the tool in this post (built mostly for 5/3/1 + power lifts) and doesn't have any options except self-hosting (for now), but one can specify their full routine in a JSON-formatted config, and then do their routine.

[1] https://github.com/bcspragu/stronk

Re: Show HN: Workout.lol – a web app to easily create a workout routine

#175

I do feel like most beginner/intermediate lifters with gym access would be better served just picking a standard full-body workout routine (e.g. GZCLP) and sticking to it. Figuring out which muscle groups you'd like to be targeting with specialized exercises is not something you should be doing as a novice.

100% with you. A few full body lifts + cardio is what most people need. This might be useful for physical therapists or body builders though.

The amount of horrible, dumb fitness advice on here is almost surprising.

Re: Show HN: Workout.lol – a web app to easily create a workout routine

#176

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The issue with most of those workouts is that they often incorporate „unhealthy“ exercises like squats (with weights) or situps. I find it really hard to find one that focuses on health rather than building muscle.

Why are Squats with weights “unhealthy”?

Because you can hold a squat with only body weight and improve faster that squatting with barbells.

Re: Show HN: Workout.lol – a web app to easily create a workout routine

#177

Earlier quoted context omitted.

As humans we squat and dead lift all day. Every single person should learn how to do those two movements with some proficiency and intention. They should be part of basis of any weight program focused on health and longevity. And while progressive overload is needed, no one is going from the bar to massive weight overnight. Also, not everyone needs to have the goal of being a power lifter. Peter Attia talks about wan…

Not with weight on their back. You should seek professional advice for weight training. I learned that trainers don't even let people touch a bar for a year as they repair and strengthen their core. It's all body weight and PVC pipes to develop form.

if your trainers aren't letting you touch weights for a year you need better trainers. form is important but perfect is the enemy of good enough. if you try and be absolutely perfect before progressing at all you'll never move an inch.

Re: Show HN: Workout.lol – a web app to easily create a workout routine

#178
post #136

Everyone is very complementary so can I be allowed to be the debbie downer? As a web app, it's neat! Functionally, not a fan as yet. I've lifted for a couple of decades. I put in the muscles for a pull workout I will be doing today and the results are... dumb. "Dumbbell superman" nah not going to do that. Two types of hammer curl? Nah that's a waste of time. "Bayesian hammer curl" wtf, my eye is twitching. Two types…

I’ve known plenty of people who will ask 1,000 questions about lifting before ever going to the gym. I think this app is great for people who are just getting into it, and want something that feels like a definitive answer.

Im sure after a few months of this, you’ll find better information on how to progress, but I’d recommend this to anyone texting me “hey what should I do at the gym.”

Re: Show HN: Workout.lol – a web app to easily create a workout routine

#179

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That link does a lot of talking without really explaining what you DO have to do.

Well you didn't read it then. It's actually extremely clear about doing DEADLIFT / SQUATS / BENCH PRESS/ CHIN or PULL UPS / OVERHEAD PRESS. I can understand you may not like the 'troll' / provocative way of writing tho, it's not for everybody

Yeah, I have no idea if he's right. But he's very clear.
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