On November 06 2012 10:58 autoexec wrote: I just finished my (American) football season this past week. The team doesn't start lifting and conditioning workouts till January but I am looking to start working out before then. I have no access to weights or a gym until then (except for a pull up bar in my room). Could you guys suggest some things that I could do on my own to start working towards getting stronger and faster? Or is this the forum for this? Thanks in advance!
Edit: Also is there any exercise in particular that works the chest a lot? It seems like that is what is holding me back from getting better bench press lifts so I would like to work on that before January.
Without weights it's gonna be tough, but you could head on over to the Bodyweight Training Thread and see what you can do there, gonna be hard to improve your bench without being able to bench though
On November 06 2012 09:29 hazelynut wrote: I think the only negative change is that I count calories too much and mention it in conversations, makes me a pretty boring dinner-mate. Finding healthy food to eat when I'm lazier than usual is also tough.
I've felt all your feels, especially the one about talking about calories :p Bored all my friends to death for a while there.
On November 06 2012 09:29 hazelynut wrote: I think the only negative change is that I count calories too much and mention it in conversations, makes me a pretty boring dinner-mate. Finding healthy food to eat when I'm lazier than usual is also tough.
I've felt all your feels, especially the one about talking about calories :p Bored all my friends to death for a while there.
I find that the boring dinner conversation is typically solved by a manhattan - but yes, everyone gets into a trap where they talk about calories and unhealthy average americans eat. At least you're excited about something though, I'd rather be "that health food guy" than talk about the weather for half an hour.
Right now I'm not exactly eating healthy anyway, because I can't afford it. I'm even eating pasta and pizza again, because otherwise I would be eating nothing.
@hazelynut keep on working. Plan is set just right for your goals. Make sure your pictures get to the progress pics thread!
@foam roll discussion: Also Softballs and golf balls for varying levels of resistance. I like a softball for my upper back, or for other areas when I'm not looking for delicious pain. It's more a relaxing massage. Also try rolling your piriformis with a golfball and you will know what pain is.
@Gotunk what do you mean nose bleed after deadlifts?
On November 06 2012 09:29 hazelynut wrote: So I've had stints of trying to be fit for like... a couple weeks at a time throughout college (see TL Health and Fitness 2011, and maybe 2010, where I make one post and leave). I'd usually give up when exams roll around and ever since dating this new guy in New York, I'd drink and eat too much and too well. Was starting to notice some flab and decided to do something about it.
I've finally stuck to a plan (56 days now!!) and I think I see results. It's kind of hard to tell because I began as a "clothes skinny" person. I look reasonable with clothes and look OK without, just extra flab on stomach and thighs. After about a month, I didn't really notice any change in the mirror except for more muscular thighs and calves (which is .... uh... okay I guess, better than flab) and I actually weighed more than ever. It was a little disheartening until I wore my jeans and noticed they were loose 1-2 inches. These were jeans that I was afraid of not being able to wear after accidentally putting them in a dryer and also after a summer eating in NY.
Took some before pictures in September and I plan to take an after picture at the end of November, when I go to IPL and proudly wear whatever I want. Will probably post both of those at the same time to (hopefully) show the most dramatic change. I'm pretty excited for it and it helps to have a goal in mind so I don't slack now that I know this is working I'm aiming to try to get Korean pop-star fitness, except healthier and more toned (think Yuri instead of Jessica!)
Plan includes:
eating at a 500 calorie deficit, and eating healthy things I cook myself (I average 250 because I eat out so much Dx)
keeping a food diary
running 3-4 times a week, been running 3 miles and now pushing it up to 4
pilates (www.blogilates.com), only discovered this recently! before that I was just doing like 30 crunches and calling it a day lol
only going out for dinner once a week ... this doesn't work out very well because my Saturdays/Sundays turn into fun days
drink lots of water whenever I can
I'd be lying if I said I was feeling better than I ever before. I still have bad sleeping habits and I've always been "fit enough" to not have this increased state of fitness show much effect on my life. But I have SO MUCH more confidence and happiness about self-image, and now I know what it means to work really hard until you think you're going to drop dead (used to just do enough exercise to be "tired" and call it a day). This plan, unlike previous ones, is really maintainable too because I don't feel like I'm making many sacrifices -- I'm just working harder. Nights out just mean working harder during the week (Hi Zatic).
I think the only negative change is that I count calories too much and mention it in conversations, makes me a pretty boring dinner-mate. Finding healthy food to eat when I'm lazier than usual is also tough.
TLDR; being fit and working harder than before, finally see results! will post before and after at the end of November-- this whole post isn't really relevant to all you power-lifting dudes, but just wanted to share, cheer and be merry with y'all! wheeeee
Haha, you'd be surprised how similar your situation is to those of the powerlifters. I counted calories for the first 8 months of lifting and only stopped counting because I got fairly good at knowing how much I was eating. I also bored everyone around me talking about it Other things like the dedication needed and the difficulty working consistently are also the same. The only way it differs is that it's probably a bit easier to see progress when powerlifting (your lifts go up) which makes it a bit easier to stay motivated.
On November 06 2012 10:58 autoexec wrote: I just finished my (American) football season this past week. The team doesn't start lifting and conditioning workouts till January but I am looking to start working out before then. I have no access to weights or a gym until then (except for a pull up bar in my room). Could you guys suggest some things that I could do on my own to start working towards getting stronger and faster? Or is this the forum for this? Thanks in advance!
Edit: Also is there any exercise in particular that works the chest a lot? It seems like that is what is holding me back from getting better bench press lifts so I would like to work on that before January.
As recommended, if you don't have access to a gym, you're going to want to check out the bodyweight thread - but that's not a "real" football workout. For football you want to get big strong legs and core - squats, deadlifts, and related exercises are your best friends. Your bench honestly doesn't matter much unless you're a lineman. It's unfortunate that you can't start any of that now. In the mean time, work on your running - become a faster sprinter. Work on your jumping if you can. Work on technique and watch game film. Learn to tackle better - you can ALWAYS learn to tackle better.
Bench is half about form. Check out the youtube series of videos "So you think you can bench" because Dave Tate has forgotten more about the bench than you will ever know. The other half is shoulders, chest, triceps (and back to get your out from the bottom) and unsurprisingly the best ways to work on those are benching and overhead pressing, which you can't do right now. Work towards handstand pushups I guess - those are a hell of a lot more impressive than a bench (and probably more functional for football) anyway.
On November 06 2012 09:29 hazelynut wrote: I think the only negative change is that I count calories too much and mention it in conversations, makes me a pretty boring dinner-mate. Finding healthy food to eat when I'm lazier than usual is also tough.
I've felt all your feels, especially the one about talking about calories :p Bored all my friends to death for a while there.
I find that the boring dinner conversation is typically solved by a manhattan - but yes, everyone gets into a trap where they talk about calories and unhealthy average americans eat. At least you're excited about something though, I'd rather be "that health food guy" than talk about the weather for half an hour.
Right now I'm not exactly eating healthy anyway, because I can't afford it. I'm even eating pasta and pizza again, because otherwise I would be eating nothing.
@hazelynut keep on working. Plan is set just right for your goals. Make sure your pictures get to the progress pics thread!
@foam roll discussion: Also Softballs and golf balls for varying levels of resistance. I like a softball for my upper back, or for other areas when I'm not looking for delicious pain. It's more a relaxing massage. Also try rolling your piriformis with a golfball and you will know what pain is.
@Gotunk what do you mean nose bleed after deadlifts?
On November 06 2012 09:29 hazelynut wrote: So I've had stints of trying to be fit for like... a couple weeks at a time throughout college (see TL Health and Fitness 2011, and maybe 2010, where I make one post and leave). I'd usually give up when exams roll around and ever since dating this new guy in New York, I'd drink and eat too much and too well. Was starting to notice some flab and decided to do something about it.
I've finally stuck to a plan (56 days now!!) and I think I see results. It's kind of hard to tell because I began as a "clothes skinny" person. I look reasonable with clothes and look OK without, just extra flab on stomach and thighs. After about a month, I didn't really notice any change in the mirror except for more muscular thighs and calves (which is .... uh... okay I guess, better than flab) and I actually weighed more than ever. It was a little disheartening until I wore my jeans and noticed they were loose 1-2 inches. These were jeans that I was afraid of not being able to wear after accidentally putting them in a dryer and also after a summer eating in NY.
Took some before pictures in September and I plan to take an after picture at the end of November, when I go to IPL and proudly wear whatever I want. Will probably post both of those at the same time to (hopefully) show the most dramatic change. I'm pretty excited for it and it helps to have a goal in mind so I don't slack now that I know this is working I'm aiming to try to get Korean pop-star fitness, except healthier and more toned (think Yuri instead of Jessica!)
Plan includes:
eating at a 500 calorie deficit, and eating healthy things I cook myself (I average 250 because I eat out so much Dx)
keeping a food diary
running 3-4 times a week, been running 3 miles and now pushing it up to 4
pilates (www.blogilates.com), only discovered this recently! before that I was just doing like 30 crunches and calling it a day lol
only going out for dinner once a week ... this doesn't work out very well because my Saturdays/Sundays turn into fun days
drink lots of water whenever I can
I'd be lying if I said I was feeling better than I ever before. I still have bad sleeping habits and I've always been "fit enough" to not have this increased state of fitness show much effect on my life. But I have SO MUCH more confidence and happiness about self-image, and now I know what it means to work really hard until you think you're going to drop dead (used to just do enough exercise to be "tired" and call it a day). This plan, unlike previous ones, is really maintainable too because I don't feel like I'm making many sacrifices -- I'm just working harder. Nights out just mean working harder during the week (Hi Zatic).
I think the only negative change is that I count calories too much and mention it in conversations, makes me a pretty boring dinner-mate. Finding healthy food to eat when I'm lazier than usual is also tough.
TLDR; being fit and working harder than before, finally see results! will post before and after at the end of November-- this whole post isn't really relevant to all you power-lifting dudes, but just wanted to share, cheer and be merry with y'all! wheeeee
Uh really good post, not all the time we get a female poster.
Props on staying focused and happy, that's exactly what this is about, keeping each other up and always giving advice to help others.
in other words, I suck right now.
Haven't been to the gym in days. I dont' know what wrongs, I think I need a challenge, I'll do the Coan Philippi routine (thx nazarene ;D) and see how that goes.
On November 06 2012 09:29 hazelynut wrote: So I've had stints of trying to be fit for like... a couple weeks at a time throughout college (see TL Health and Fitness 2011, and maybe 2010, where I make one post and leave). I'd usually give up when exams roll around and ever since dating this new guy in New York, I'd drink and eat too much and too well. Was starting to notice some flab and decided to do something about it.
I've finally stuck to a plan (56 days now!!) and I think I see results. It's kind of hard to tell because I began as a "clothes skinny" person. I look reasonable with clothes and look OK without, just extra flab on stomach and thighs. After about a month, I didn't really notice any change in the mirror except for more muscular thighs and calves (which is .... uh... okay I guess, better than flab) and I actually weighed more than ever. It was a little disheartening until I wore my jeans and noticed they were loose 1-2 inches. These were jeans that I was afraid of not being able to wear after accidentally putting them in a dryer and also after a summer eating in NY.
Took some before pictures in September and I plan to take an after picture at the end of November, when I go to IPL and proudly wear whatever I want. Will probably post both of those at the same time to (hopefully) show the most dramatic change. I'm pretty excited for it and it helps to have a goal in mind so I don't slack now that I know this is working I'm aiming to try to get Korean pop-star fitness, except healthier and more toned (think Yuri instead of Jessica!)
Plan includes:
eating at a 500 calorie deficit, and eating healthy things I cook myself (I average 250 because I eat out so much Dx)
keeping a food diary
running 3-4 times a week, been running 3 miles and now pushing it up to 4
pilates (www.blogilates.com), only discovered this recently! before that I was just doing like 30 crunches and calling it a day lol
only going out for dinner once a week ... this doesn't work out very well because my Saturdays/Sundays turn into fun days
drink lots of water whenever I can
I'd be lying if I said I was feeling better than I ever before. I still have bad sleeping habits and I've always been "fit enough" to not have this increased state of fitness show much effect on my life. But I have SO MUCH more confidence and happiness about self-image, and now I know what it means to work really hard until you think you're going to drop dead (used to just do enough exercise to be "tired" and call it a day). This plan, unlike previous ones, is really maintainable too because I don't feel like I'm making many sacrifices -- I'm just working harder. Nights out just mean working harder during the week (Hi Zatic).
I think the only negative change is that I count calories too much and mention it in conversations, makes me a pretty boring dinner-mate. Finding healthy food to eat when I'm lazier than usual is also tough.
TLDR; being fit and working harder than before, finally see results! will post before and after at the end of November-- this whole post isn't really relevant to all you power-lifting dudes, but just wanted to share, cheer and be merry with y'all! wheeeee
Uh really good post, not all the time we get a female poster.
Props on staying focused and happy, that's exactly what this is about, keeping each other up and always giving advice to help others.
in other words, I suck right now.
Haven't been to the gym in days. I dont' know what wrongs, I think I need a challenge, I'll do the Coan Philippi routine (thx nazarene ;D) and see how that goes.
Saw this in the progress thread:
On November 05 2012 16:44 NeedsmoreCELLTECH wrote: Going for 190kg deadlift in a two hours, which should be an easy 10kg PR. I planned on hitting 200kg at the end of the next 5/3/1 cycle, but maybe I'll go REALLY apeshit for Teamliquid. <3 you guys. If my buddy is there I'll get a video.
YEAH BUDDY! Pulled 190kg. Was heavy as holy fucking ass though, so didn't go for 200kg. Come at me Funkie, come at me.
Come at him.
Also to the Brian Shaw video, my god is he a monster. I remember someone posted an article on him. He doesn't even sound remotely human, he got into lifting really late and is beating everyone at strongman.
Edit: golf balls sound pretty good for rolling too, pretty painfully good.
Wheee, just got back from a smallish local tournament. First place for all adults below black belt. No footage available unfortunately, at least of the finals. Might upload some of the other matches.
One of my opponents, afterwards said it was "disconcerting" that I just stood there waiting to get attacked every time.
Apparently it psyches people out that I don't feel the need to move much when there's room between us and nobody is trying to close the gap.
On November 11 2012 04:54 JingleHell wrote: Wheee, just got back from a smallish local tournament. First place for all adults below black belt. No footage available unfortunately, at least of the finals. Might upload some of the other matches.
One of my opponents, afterwards said it was "disconcerting" that I just stood there waiting to get attacked every time.
Apparently it psyches people out that I don't feel the need to move much when there's room between us and nobody is trying to close the gap.
hey grats. i used to compete at tkd as well. was never very good at sparring though lol.
On November 11 2012 04:54 JingleHell wrote: Wheee, just got back from a smallish local tournament. First place for all adults below black belt. No footage available unfortunately, at least of the finals. Might upload some of the other matches.
One of my opponents, afterwards said it was "disconcerting" that I just stood there waiting to get attacked every time.
Apparently it psyches people out that I don't feel the need to move much when there's room between us and nobody is trying to close the gap.
hey grats. i used to compete at tkd as well. was never very good at sparring though lol.
For me, sparring is all mental. Final was 5-1, too, against a brown belt. Me being the green belt. He didn't have an answer for tall, quick, and confident. After I scored the first point of the match, he kept trying to psych me out, but that's just not going to happen.
On November 11 2012 04:54 JingleHell wrote: Wheee, just got back from a smallish local tournament. First place for all adults below black belt. No footage available unfortunately, at least of the finals. Might upload some of the other matches.
One of my opponents, afterwards said it was "disconcerting" that I just stood there waiting to get attacked every time.
Apparently it psyches people out that I don't feel the need to move much when there's room between us and nobody is trying to close the gap.
hey grats. i used to compete at tkd as well. was never very good at sparring though lol.
For me, sparring is all mental. Final was 5-1, too, against a brown belt. Me being the green belt. He didn't have an answer for tall, quick, and confident. After I scored the first point of the match, he kept trying to psych me out, but that's just not going to happen.
First tournament, too. Was a blast.
With some of the shit you've been through, I feel like psyching you out is actually impossible.
Didn't play today - hip was feeling weak/tight, and I didn't want to take a bad hit and undo all the months I've spent rehabbing it. Was the last game of the season and it didn't count anyway. Played Fordham. A-side went 47-17 and B-side went 43-12. Great close to the season. Dumped a cooler on out coach after the game. B-side is actually undefeated, A-side goes .500, but comes out ahead in bonus points (all our losses were within 5 points, all our wins were more than 20). Tonight is song night, game night, and then a mixer with a sorority. It's also homecoming, and next weekend is alumni weekend. It's time to get weird.
On November 11 2012 04:54 JingleHell wrote: Wheee, just got back from a smallish local tournament. First place for all adults below black belt. No footage available unfortunately, at least of the finals. Might upload some of the other matches.
One of my opponents, afterwards said it was "disconcerting" that I just stood there waiting to get attacked every time.
Apparently it psyches people out that I don't feel the need to move much when there's room between us and nobody is trying to close the gap.
hey grats. i used to compete at tkd as well. was never very good at sparring though lol.
For me, sparring is all mental. Final was 5-1, too, against a brown belt. Me being the green belt. He didn't have an answer for tall, quick, and confident. After I scored the first point of the match, he kept trying to psych me out, but that's just not going to happen.
First tournament, too. Was a blast.
With some of the shit you've been through, I feel like psyching you out is actually impossible.
Didn't play today - hip was feeling weak/tight, and I didn't want to take a bad hit and undo all the months I've spent rehabbing it. Was the last game of the season and it didn't count anyway. Played Fordham. A-side went 47-17 and B-side went 43-12. Great close to the season. Dumped a cooler on out coach after the game. B-side is actually undefeated, A-side goes .500, but comes out ahead in bonus points (all our losses were within 5 points, all our wins were more than 20). Tonight is song night, game night, and then a mixer with a sorority. It's also homecoming, and next weekend is alumni weekend. It's time to get weird.
Hammerheads all fucking day.
Awesome, sounds like fun. Just remember that picking up sorority chicks at a party is NOT like picking up girls at a gym.
Mostly because it's harder to keep your body rigid when you're drunk, so a deadlift is better than a clean.