Gym angst

My gym instructor told me the X trainers are basically pointless. You could run on the treadmill for half the time and achieve the same results. That's probably why you're not getting tired Grego.
 
I try to work out 4 times a week and leave my weekends open. However, I have been cramming cardio and weights in those 4 days. I think now that I have my own place and need to behave myself more, the weekend workouts will start happening.

Here is my schedule as it looks now:

M Shoulders (45 min), abs

T Back & Biceps (45 mins) + 20 mins cardio

W Chest & Triceps (45 mins), abs

Th Legs (45 mins) + 20 mins Cardio

F off day (can switch this off day with any of the days previous)

S Drinking

S Drinking (but feel bad about it!)
 
Personally, I can't stand doing cardio inside... I think you get better results running outside than on a treadmill... and try and add some hills or sprints during the run

I don't think those machines tell you anything... calories burned etc..

for me, even though I hate it, the only way I feel fitter is if I get up and run or do some form of cardio in the am on an empty stomach.. I leave weights for after work.. no way could I do them in the morning

I need to do weights to see any results..

Its different for anyone, but for me diet is the key.. I could be going to the gym 10 times a week, but if I'm stuffing my face every day, I won't see any results.

Like everyone said, seeing your abs is all about getting your bodyfat % down... and I think different people can see their abs at different bodyfat%.. everyone is different
 
Beckiboo said:
My gym instructor told me the X trainers are basically pointless. You could run on the treadmill for half the time and achieve the same results. That's probably why you're not getting tired Grego.
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i tend to avoid them really cos of that reason. only use them when i can't be arsed but feel i should at least do something
 
utagaura said:
Personally, I can't stand doing cardio inside... I think you get better results running outside than on a treadmill... and try and add some hills or sprints during the run

I don't think those machines tell you anything... calories burned etc..

for me, even though I hate it, the only way I feel fitter is if I get up and run or do some form of cardio in the am on an empty stomach.. I leave weights for after work.. no way could I do them in the morning

I need to do weights to see any results..

Its different for anyone, but for me diet is the key.. I could be going to the gym 10 times a week, but if I'm stuffing my face every day, I won't see any results.

Like everyone said, seeing your abs is all about getting your bodyfat % down... and I think different people can see their abs at different bodyfat%.. everyone is different
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I agree whole-heartedly. Diet is the key.
 
Morbyd said:
grego - you're pretty buff. you work out as regularly as Drew?
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buff, am i??:oops:

i play lots of football and have done since whenever, only started going to the gym recently (last couple of years). go most days in my lunch hour just cos i can and its convenient. if i didn't go at lunch time then i'd probably never go.
 
try using an ab-cruncher - and you have to do a couple of hundred a day.

Also have a think about something like Creatin. Contrary to public opinion, it's NOT a protein-based suppliment or steriod, it's an amino acid which increases the muscle's ability to recover. It's ideal if you're looking to tone (as opposed to putting on muscle bulk). It's 100% safe and legal, and used by many a top Sportsman. People like Joe Cole have been known to use it to improve their upper body strength.
It occurs naturally in the body and is about £30 a kilo (a kilo has lasted me over a year) - I use it during busy exercise periods (like now, shifting weight), but stay off it at other times - it's often recommended to do 2 months on, one month off.

Creatin WILL help someone increase muscle mass if they push a lot of weight, but only because it allows the body to recover more quickly, allowing you to ultimately do more reps, but it isn't the solution for anyone looking to turn into Arnie.
 
grego said:
i tend to avoid them really cos of that reason. only use them when i can't be arsed but feel i should at least do something
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The treadmill burns slightly more calories than x-trainer, but not significantly.

The x-trainer is much more friendly on your joints. Running is not the best exercise if you're carrying excess body weight.

Personally i like the rower best as it works your back & shoulders and to a less extent legs and ab muscles.
 
bripmon said:
I agree whole-heartedly. Diet is the key.
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That pains me to read because I've been working out like a biatch in the gym lately, but I also love eating chocolate cakes :( I guess I will have to change my diet if I want to see results *sigh*
 
Beckiboo said:
That pains me to read because I've been working out like a biatch in the gym lately, but I also love eating chocolate cakes :( I guess I will have to change my diet if I want to see results *sigh*
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You could always start eating Rice Cakes instead of Chocolate Cakes.

You're probably just craving comfort food in the (still) cold climate.

Soon as the warmer weather hits, it'll be salads breakfast, lunch and dinner.

:lol:
 
some people can get away with eating more crap than others.. boys more than girls (generally).. I can't... but I can't eat like a rabbit either..

I think another reason why most girls don't see the results they want is because they don't do weights, where as boys do .. and a lot of times girls do these silly machine weights with high reps... or bending over to the side with a 5 pound dumbell..


Still , (for me anyway) diet is EVERYTHING.. I can run every morning and do weights 4 nights a week, but if i eat crap, it does nothing..

when I 'try' to eat well, I try to eat 5 small meals a day rather than 3 sessions
 
utagaura said:
some people can get away with eating more crap than others.. boys more than girls (generally).. I can't... but I can't eat like a rabbit either..

I think another reason why most girls don't see the results they want is because they don't do weights, where as boys do .. and a lot of times girls do these silly machine weights with high reps... or bending over to the side with a 5 pound dumbell..


Still , (for me anyway) diet is EVERYTHING.. I can run every morning and do weights 4 nights a week, but if i eat crap, it does nothing..

when I 'try' to eat well, I try to eat 5 small meals a day rather than 3 sessions
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It all depends on metabolism rates among individuals. If you work construction, your metabolism is a lot faster, and you need more food to account for the energy spent. But, if you work in an office, you probably don't need to eat the bigger meals. There is nothing wrong with indulging your sweet tooth w/ chocolate cake. Ice cream is my major indulgence. Just keep in mind, like everything, moderation is the major factor.
 
oh beleive me I do ingulge.. its always good to have a day where you indulge.. just not every day or every meal..

I know what I have to do do, its just a matter of doing it. yes, sitting on my arse all day at the office does nothing ha ha!
 
Thanks all! ;)
Some really useful advice there!

OK - diet advice:

1. Please can someone reccomend a good recipe book with simple vege stuff only in please? (I'm not sure I want to eat pasta every day for lunch and need suggestions for carb rich alternatives!)

2. I need a snack before I do the gym at about half five - obviously carbs are needed here - I guess I should split my lunch in two and do the little and often thing but am still in need of suggestions.

3. As 2, but this time for protein rich food in the evening...all I can come up with are fish dishes with side salads etc.

I'm out of ideas but need to establish a routine, then I'll be fine!

I've heard about the Men's Health 'Abs diet' book - is it any good or is there a good alternative? These beefy types all tend to be meat eaters but I guess it would be very useful anyway.

Thanks again!
 
Robder said:
Thanks all! ;)
Some really useful advice there!

OK - diet advice:

1. Please can someone reccomend a good recipe book with simple vege stuff only in please? (I'm not sure I want to eat pasta every day for lunch and need suggestions for carb rich alternatives!) Complex carbs - bread (rye is best or stone ground), brown rice (whole grain), sweet potato, nuts - most fruit is also carb rich

2. I need a snack before I do the gym at about half five - obviously carbs are needed here - I guess I should split my lunch in two and do the little and often thing but am still in need of suggestions. Don't eat too much before training. Fruit is good for the sugar rush (not bananas though). Maybe some nuts too

3. As 2, but this time for protein rich food in the evening...all I can come up with are fish dishes with side salads etc. Salmon/Brown Rice/Roasted vegetable or Stir Fry with tuna steak/chicken or Omellete?

I'm out of ideas but need to establish a routine, then I'll be fine!

I've heard about the Men's Health 'Abs diet' book - is it any good or is there a good alternative? These beefy types all tend to be meat eaters but I guess it would be very useful anyway. Sounds like a gimmik. Basically abs = low body fat. That's all there is to it

Thanks again!
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Some quick ideas off the top of my head ^^^
 
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Drew said:
3. As 2, but this time for protein rich food in the evening...all I can come up with are fish dishes with side salads etc. bacon cheeseburger, chips or beef/shrimp fried rice, or paella
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Sorry Drew, I think you had a typo. Fixed it for you ;)
 
Morbyd said:
Sorry Drew, I think you had a typo. Fixed it for you ;)
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...and I hear a tub of Ben & Jerrys is really good for stabalising metabolic rates. ;)

Drew said:
not bananas though
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Why? :? I thought that would be the ideal pre gym snack...I hate arriving hungry because I can't lift anything.
 
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