Exercise More to Hack Better • Hacker News Board

Re: Exercise More to Hack Better

#81

Post by orangecat » Thu, Nov 04, 2010, 4:13 PM UTC

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.

Same here; exercise does nothing for me mentally other than making me tired. I still do it because I want to improve my health and appearance, but apparently I'm not getting the endorphin release or whatever it is that makes everybody else feel better. Or it could be a placebo effect that works for most people and not me.

Re: Exercise More to Hack Better

#82

Post by rue » Thu, Nov 04, 2010, 4:34 PM UTC

Gotttzsche wrote: post #78

kiba wrote: post #68

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I don't use shoes at all when I run. However, I would be willing to buy shoes like the vibram 5 fingers to protect me from the occasional pebbles and the dangerous glasses but not modify how I run barefoot.

what do you do in winter?

Run faster.

Re: Exercise More to Hack Better

#83

Post by rjurney » Thu, Nov 04, 2010, 5:12 PM UTC

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.…

That is why I started surfing. Nothing motivates you to max your heart rate than another set coming that will put you through a spin cycle if you don't get back outside the impact zone before it arrives. It has to be a part of your life.

Re: Exercise More to Hack Better

#84

Post by chriseidhof » Thu, Nov 04, 2010, 5:16 PM UTC

Johngibb wrote: post #76

dasil003 wrote: post #49

Earlier quoted context omitted.

...and don't buy expensive running shoes. The more padding a shoe has the more it leads to bad technique that actually increases the impact on joints. Humans are made to run, go thin-sole or 5fingers to teach yourself proper technique.

We also weren't made to run on asphalt and concrete. I agree with thin sole for trail running, but don't you need some sort of artificial cushion on hard surfaces?

It depends on how you land. I land on my forefoot, which means I don't need cushioning at all. Previously, I landed on my heel, which is when you need the cushioning. If you really want to go all the way, search for "natural running", those people run without shoes, even in the winter.

Re: Exercise More to Hack Better

#85

Post by rjurney » Thu, Nov 04, 2010, 5:20 PM UTC

Jach wrote: post #28

rjurney wrote: post #24

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You have to do it regularly. :) It sucks at first.

Is this a meth argument? If I'm relatively okay without exercise, and start exercising, staying on it for a while, the anecdotes here seem to suggest that if you ever stop it throws you in a huge funk.

Yes, only the opposite of what you suggest.

You are in a state of permanent withdrawal right now. You feel like crap, way worse than you're supposed to, and you don't know it. Your body requires exercise and you aren't giving it what it needs.

Yes, if you stop exercising you will return to your current relatively miserable state. Thats the worst that would happen - which is actually pretty bad.

Re: Exercise More to Hack Better

#86

Post by rjurney » Thu, Nov 04, 2010, 5:22 PM UTC

Deejahll wrote: post #36

jamesriley wrote: post #30

I wouldn't agree at all with 'the gym don't count' - I'm an on-off gym user for years now and can say that my energy levels are so much higher when I am exercising multiple times weekly, whether is be cardio or weight lifting. My general mood and spark is multiplied, to the surprise of many who believe they are exhausted most evenings and certainly couldn't put any spare energy to a workout. When I'm not working out…

I'll second everything said here. "The gym doesn't count" is an utter lie. If you've led a multiple-year sedentary lifestyle, a mere 15 minutes on a treadmill in the morning will show you an immediate difference in your motivation and mental clarity. Also, fat-asses: you don't have to kill yourself at the gym. Look up on the internet what your target heart rate should be, and stick to it. If you feel like you're goin…

Hackers are inside all the time. You're telling me 15 minutes on a treadmill beats 15 minutes outside for your well being?

Re: Exercise More to Hack Better

#87

Post by EthanEtienne » Thu, Nov 04, 2010, 5:33 PM UTC

I absolutely agree with this %100, "Get up, go outside, move around, and come back. You’ll get more done."

Not only helps with the Vitamin. D, but gives your sub-conscience time to process the top idea/problem on your mind.

Re: Exercise More to Hack Better

#88

Post by rjurney » Thu, Nov 04, 2010, 7:45 PM UTC

pyre wrote: post #34

rjurney wrote: post #20

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Definitely going outside is required. The gym does not give you the same benefit, imo. Its definitely also about connecting with nature. Editing now to clarify, thanks!

Pet peeves with these types of comments/articles: 1) They are completely anecdotal. "This worked for me, so it applies equally to all 7+ billion humans on this earth!" 2) They assume that everyone lives in the same climate and/or lives in a similar region. e.g. How are you supposed to 'connect with nature and the sun' when you live in Alaska and it's dark 6 months out of the year? How are you supposed to regularly 'c…

1) Almost all 7 billion humans on earth don't have a problem with not going outside. Just the Hacker News crowd.

2) I'm not assuming anything. Alaskans can snowmobile or dogsled.

Stop making excuses and go outside. You will thank me for it.

Re: Exercise More to Hack Better

#89

Post by tjpick » Thu, Nov 04, 2010, 9:30 PM UTC

bilban wrote: post #54

tjpick wrote: post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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.

the closest neighbours are several hundred metres away, and the garden is large and located in a very fertile area. It only gets attacked like that a couple of times a year. It's not something you'd do every night after work.

Re: Exercise More to Hack Better

#90

Post by gonzo » Thu, Nov 04, 2010, 10:51 PM UTC

sliverstorm wrote: post #46

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.…

I used to think EXACTLY like you. I'm not kidding, exactly. A friend got me into the gym, and it turns out it's a hell of a lot different than I thought. Lifting 10-lb dumbbells forever will make your brain go numb, but if you boost the weight up to the point you can only do 3x5 or 5x5 (3 or 5 sets of 5), the weight becomes the purpose. I don't know how to put it better than that- once you're halfway through a rep, y…

first 1-2 trips? Heck, I go 3X/week, and the first 1-2 months weren't very exciting.

but now I look forward to every session. I'm still in the 'rapid gains' part of the curve. (And I'm 48.)