Workouts: What are you doing?!

[Mike Lowe]

I did P90x and it was decent but got super boring.

I finished Insanity and LOVED it, although now trying to go back and use it just to maintain is getting SOOOOOO boring.

I tried Asylum and it's tough, but my biggest issue is that the workouts are just getting too long. I stopped after about 10 days.

I'm looking for a program that goes about 4-5 times a week, for about 40-45 minutes per session. Something that gets good results like Insanity as that program has me in the best shape of my life. I just can't keep doing it because I'm so bored with the routine--even the warm-ups are driving me insane.

So what are folks doing?! I love that I haven't paid for a ($62/mo) gym membership since February, and I'm in FAR better shape than I was then.

I've heard that Men's Health usually has some good workouts? Delta Fit/Fitness or something like that?

Also, I should note that all I really have at my disposal is a resistance band and some light hand weights. No need for all that crap IMO, so hopefully there's some other programs that utlitize body weight as resistance.

[Crapshoot]

I'm not using any program, but rather an hour long workout just using the facilities next to me that seems to work for me. I start by running 10-15 laps of park next to me (estimate it's about 3 miles); follow that by doing about 150 chest presses, and then follow that by doing 20-30 laps in the pool at my complex (not a full length pool - I'd say a 50 foot workout). The net effect is that I'm not burnt out on anything, and the swimming at the end tends to be a nice cool down ( with the added bonus that I'm nice and hungry after, which makes anything I eat taste like heaven).

[Fidatelo]

I just run a lot, usually 4-5 miles several times a week, and then play hockey on Friday nights. Is that a workout routine? I don't know. I need to throw some sort of muscle-building component in, though, as I have a pretty dorky looking upper body (no arm muscles and still some flab from when I was heavier). Maybe some pushups and situps or something.

[Lathum]

16 oz curls 4-5 nights a week.

[GoldenEagle]

Crossfit is cool if you can find a good affiliate that does not charge an arm and leg. But the chances of that are about zero.

I am about to start doing the Starting Strength program. I have heard good things about it. My plan is to lift 3x a week and jog 3x a week.

[Sun Tzu]

I've been gradually getting back into the gym since I hurt my back two years ago. I'm now going 4-5 times per week, jogging 2 miles each time and doing some lightweight/high rep/perfect form movements. I also do stretches for about 10-15 minutes each day, paired with a foam roller to keep my IT bands happy.

[Blackadar]

Originally Posted by Mike Lowe

I did P90x and it was decent but got super boring.

I finished Insanity and LOVED it, although now trying to go back and use it just to maintain is getting SOOOOOO boring.

I tried Asylum and it's tough, but my biggest issue is that the workouts are just getting too long. I stopped after about 10 days.

I'm looking for a program that goes about 4-5 times a week, for about 40-45 minutes per session. Something that gets good results like Insanity as that program has me in the best shape of my life. I just can't keep doing it because I'm so bored with the routine--even the warm-ups are driving me insane.

So what are folks doing?! I love that I haven't paid for a ($62/mo) gym membership since February, and I'm in FAR better shape than I was then.

I've heard that Men's Health usually has some good workouts? Delta Fit/Fitness or something like that?

Also, I should note that all I really have at my disposal is a resistance band and some light hand weights. No need for all that crap IMO, so hopefully there's some other programs that utlitize body weight as resistance.

We must have different tastes, because I hated Insanity. I'm currently working on a modified P90X routine (chest/back & arms/shoulders & plyo only - with only music and cues so I don't have to listen to Tony, jogging and biking on other days). Not listening to Tony's blather has made P90X tolerable again.

So, let's see...you want manly workouts but you don't have much in the way of weights. If you had bigger weights (or good bands), you could try Body Beast from Beachbody. It's serious strength training. Most of those workouts are around 40 minutes.

If you want to get a barbell with a few small weights, you could try Body Pump (again via Beachbody) - light weight but a huge number of reps. This was a series by Les Mills that Beachbody is now putting out. I have the instructor's versions of a few of the Les Mills (pre-Beachbody) workouts and they rock, but they last for an hour. I think the Beachbody versions are shorter. I'm seriously jazzed about the forthcoming Beachbody Body Combat series - it's my favorite workout series from Les Mills.

What probably meets your stated needs the best is the body weight series called the Weider X-Factor. It's available in any major retailer (Target/Walmart) for around $30 or so. Amazon.com: Weider X-Factor St: Sports & Outdoors Don't let the low price fool you - those are seriously some great body weight workouts that will get your heart rate up. These are generally around 40 minutes long.

The best resource for DVD workouts is Video Fitness: consumer guide to exercise videos. The forums there are largely (90%) women, but that group knows everything about home workout programs.

[TurnerONU22]

My wife and I have been doing CrossFit for about 3 months now and I absolutely love it. The downfall is that it is expensive, but it much cheaper than having a gym membership plus personal training, which is what you get with CrossFit.

Personally, I'm not a self-motivator, so I couldn't get a good exercise in, because I wouldn't be able to push myself to keep going. I've built up a good amount of muscle, lost about 15 pounds (205 to 190) and feel like I have more energy than ever, as well as less stress.

The other thing that I enjoy is that, besides a few benchmark workouts, the WODs (workout of the day) are different. I also enjoy doing lifting as well as cardio exercises combined together without taking a full rest between them.

[Logan]

I've lost some weight recently (about 25 lbs) through diet/cardio but I know I need to do more weight training to take the next step. Problem is, I really don't enjoy lifting. Oh yeah, I'm also weak as shit. I generally feel uncomfortable trying to lift at the gym when it's so crowded, people are going about their routines, and I'm generally clueless about what I want to do. And again, I don't enjoy the actual act.

Thinking maybe supplementing my gym cardio with a home workout DVD system might not be a bad idea. Blacky, the one you linked, I know it says "intermediate" at times on Amazon but it seems like they're using that to describe it being much less grueling than P90x, Insanity, etc. Could a beginner use that at his own pace?

[cartman]

I've developed a sudden interest in Zumba

[Crapshoot]

Cartman, taking a trip to Maine?

[korme]

Originally Posted by Logan

I've lost some weight recently (about 25 lbs) through diet/cardio but I know I need to do more weight training to take the next step. Problem is, I really don't enjoy lifting. Oh yeah, I'm also weak as shit. I generally feel uncomfortable trying to lift at the gym when it's so crowded, people are going about their routines, and I'm generally clueless about what I want to do. And again, I don't enjoy the actual act.

Thinking maybe supplementing my gym cardio with a home workout DVD system might not be a bad idea. Blacky, the one you linked, I know it says "intermediate" at times on Amazon but it seems like they're using that to describe it being much less grueling than P90x, Insanity, etc. Could a beginner use that at his own pace?

Honestly get a personal trainer if you want to go to the gym. That's the problem with most people in the beginning, they go to the gym and don't know where to start. A good trainer won't be hard on you or embarrass and understand you're new, make you feel comfortable. Worth it if you can afford it.

[Crapshoot]

Originally Posted by korme

Honestly get a personal trainer if you want to go to the gym. That's the problem with most people in the beginning, they go to the gym and don't know where to start. A good trainer won't be hard on you or embarrass and understand you're new, make you feel comfortable. Worth it if you can afford it.

I kinda disagree. When I started going to the gym, it was entirely on my self - I just started doing random activities, and found my level - that way I was doing stuff I wanted to do (like the rowing machine). A trainer is great if you lack the motivation yourself to kickstart - but if that's not the case, I don't think its a huge need.

[NorvTurnerOverdrive]

yeah, with the internet you don't need a trainer.

deadlifts

military press
pull ups

bench
squats

3 days a week. google proper form. 3x5's a good place to start

edit: max weight you can do while maintaining proper form

[Logan]

Originally Posted by korme

Honestly get a personal trainer if you want to go to the gym. That's the problem with most people in the beginning, they go to the gym and don't know where to start. A good trainer won't be hard on you or embarrass and understand you're new, make you feel comfortable. Worth it if you can afford it.

Yeah the "affording" is a big problem. NYC personal trainer prices are insane. I'd rather keep looking like this than pay those people.

[TurnerONU22]

Originally Posted by Logan

Yeah the "affording" is a big problem. NYC personal trainer prices are insane. I'd rather keep looking like this than pay those people.

Check the CrossFit prices. I hadn't lifted since high school when I joined and I'm probably one of the weakest ones there, but I never feel out of place. The workouts are modified based on what weight you can handle right now, so they are scaleable for every different level (from beginner to advanced).

[Blackadar]

Originally Posted by Logan

I've lost some weight recently (about 25 lbs) through diet/cardio but I know I need to do more weight training to take the next step. Problem is, I really don't enjoy lifting. Oh yeah, I'm also weak as shit. I generally feel uncomfortable trying to lift at the gym when it's so crowded, people are going about their routines, and I'm generally clueless about what I want to do. And again, I don't enjoy the actual act.

Thinking maybe supplementing my gym cardio with a home workout DVD system might not be a bad idea. Blacky, the one you linked, I know it says "intermediate" at times on Amazon but it seems like they're using that to describe it being much less grueling than P90x, Insanity, etc. Could a beginner use that at his own pace?

Then don't go to a gym. I work out at home most every day simply because visiting a gym doesn't fit into my schedule. You don't have to join one to get fit - I'm in far better shape than most guys my age and I rarely step foot in one. I only do so when I travel or occasionally with a couple of guys at work on a guest pass.

As for your 2nd question, YES. Most anyone could do X-Factor at their own pace. And for the price you can't beat it with a stick. It's all body weight so you don't need any equipment. You'll definitely get a lot stronger in your core (abs *and* lower back), which will help you considerably if you decide you want to lift later on.

With all due respect to Turner, Crossfit isn't always good. It's very trainer specific as to the workouts, form guidance and results. I've seen a number of crossfit classes where the participants have simply awful form and there's no correction by the instructor. Also, extreme fatigue + heavy weights can be a disastrous combination and I've seen people get run into the ground and then yelled at to lift something heavy - usually with really bad results. Needless to say, I love the concept but I've seen some very poor execution out there. Overall, I'm not a fan.

[Logan]

Thanks. I like going to the gym for cardio and make good use out of the ellipticals and rowing machines. It's the weights that I find too boring, plus the other issues I mentioned. I'll look into the DVDs some more.

[Maple Leafs]

#humblebrag

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by Lathum

16 oz curls 4-5 nights a week.

I assume that's a liquid measurement, not mass?

SI

[Mike Lowe]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I too hate lifting weights and have always been strong in the cardio department...even the Insanity and P90x cardio-heavy workouts are the easiest ones for me.

What I liked about Insanity so much was that it felt like a practice and it was over relatively quick. I'd keep doing it, but I know my body will begin to adjust too much to the program and it's just downright boring right now. Asylum, meh it was just too long and I'm at a point now where I want to continue to tone and am not really looking for anything "life altering" as too many of my older clothes aren't fitting now anyway (and I wasn't overweight really to begin with).

Anyway, Crossfit sounded interesting but I'm liking the "free" that P90x and Insaity provided (borrowed).

For the guys not sure what to do in a gym, don't waste time on a trainer. However, if a place gives you one free for a day that usually helps navigate you around that specific gym which can be helpful. Personally, I'd get one of the many great phone apps out there and just "be that guy" on his phone at the gym--which is far more common now I imagine!

I will look into X-Factor...haven't heard of that one.

Thanks again everyone!

[Desnudo]

Originally Posted by Logan

I've lost some weight recently (about 25 lbs) through diet/cardio but I know I need to do more weight training to take the next step. Problem is, I really don't enjoy lifting. Oh yeah, I'm also weak as shit. I generally feel uncomfortable trying to lift at the gym when it's so crowded, people are going about their routines, and I'm generally clueless about what I want to do. And again, I don't enjoy the actual act.

Thinking maybe supplementing my gym cardio with a home workout DVD system might not be a bad idea. Blacky, the one you linked, I know it says "intermediate" at times on Amazon but it seems like they're using that to describe it being much less grueling than P90x, Insanity, etc. Could a beginner use that at his own pace?

You need to lift progressively heavier weights if you want to gain and keep strength and especially mass. Gaining mass means that you'll keep your strength gains longer.

I could say I was roughly in your situation a few years ago. The light bulb for me was finding a repeatable workout that I actually enjoyed and gave me fairly fast results.

No matter the workout schedule, I would highly recommend a foundation of bench press, squats, and deadlifts. These core exercises will give you the biggest gains for the least amount of time investment. Using that foundation, you can knock out a strength building workout in 30-45 minutes, 3 times a week; although 4 is better.

Checkout this site for a wide variety of options. I would try out some and see if you find one that is enjoyable. I will say weight lifting becomes much more enjoyable once you get to a point where you feel like you have a plan that works and are seeing measurable gains week in and week out.

One tip that worked for me was to add those little 2.5 lb weights to whatever exercise you are doing week after week.

Bodybuilding.com - Huge Online Supplement Store & Fitness Community!

[Buccaneer]

Elliptical or swimming laps 3-5 times per week. Combine that with a modified diet (lower carbs, snacks), it all has done wonders.

[TurnerONU22]

Originally Posted by Blackadar

With all due respect to Turner, Crossfit isn't always good. It's very trainer specific as to the workouts, form guidance and results. I've seen a number of crossfit classes where the participants have simply awful form and there's no correction by the instructor. Also, extreme fatigue + heavy weights can be a disastrous combination and I've seen people get run into the ground and then yelled at to lift something heavy - usually with really bad results. Needless to say, I love the concept but I've seen some very poor execution out there. Overall, I'm not a fan.

100% agree with this, except for the not a fan part. I'd recommend only going to a place that's directly affiliated with CrossFit, which should solve most of the problems above.

[Draft Dodger]

P90x for me. I too fight with the boredom though and I usually don't get through all 12. Trying to stick with it this time, because I definitely see results. Will probably go to p90x 2 after, although I'm not as fond of it. I've tried Insanity and hated it.

[Galaril]

Originally Posted by Blackadar

We must have different tastes, because I hated Insanity. I'm currently working on a modified P90X routine (chest/back & arms/shoulders & plyo only - with only music and cues so I don't have to listen to Tony, jogging and biking on other days). Not listening to Tony's blather has made P90X tolerable again.

So, let's see...you want manly workouts but you don't have much in the way of weights. If you had bigger weights (or good bands), you could try Body Beast from Beachbody. It's serious strength training. Most of those workouts are around 40 minutes.

If you want to get a barbell with a few small weights, you could try Body Pump (again via Beachbody) - light weight but a huge number of reps. This was a series by Les Mills that Beachbody is now putting out. I have the instructor's versions of a few of the Les Mills (pre-Beachbody) workouts and they rock, but they last for an hour. I think the Beachbody versions are shorter. I'm seriously jazzed about the forthcoming Beachbody Body Combat series - it's my favorite workout series from Les Mills.

What probably meets your stated needs the best is the body weight series called the Weider X-Factor. It's available in any major retailer (Target/Walmart) for around $30 or so. Amazon.com: Weider X-Factor St: Sports & Outdoors Don't let the low price fool you - those are seriously some great body weight workouts that will get your heart rate up. These are generally around 40 minutes long.

The best resource for DVD workouts is Video Fitness: consumer guide to exercise videos. The forums there are largely (90%) women, but that group knows everything about home workout programs.

My wife and I are certified Body Combat and Body Pump (The Les Mills ones not Beach Body ) instructors me it is more hobby and not my primary job. I either teach it or do each three times a week. The LesMills classes are really great for getting and staying shape and are fun to boot. I also do belong to a MMA gym here i n Denver area that I train 3 hours a week in K-1 Kick Boxing and another 2-3 hours a week in Muay Thai with a pro fighter. I can still hang in there with the younger guys (I'm in my early 40s)so it works for me. I am in my early 40s.

[Groundhog]

I'm playing basketball 3 nights a week these days - unfortunately, it's turned out to be 3 nights in a row which means on the 4th day I am physically exhausted, as well as giving me 4 days straight with no exercise of any sort.

[Comey]

One of the benefits of having a part-time job at the YMCA is that I get a free membership. I'm using it to resurrect my basketball life, which I had in earnest before I moved to CT five years ago. I am also joining a TRX class, plan to make use of the pool each morning, and will be doing spinning classes as well. There's a super-hot yoga teacher, but I just haven't brought myself to that yet.

I also run an average of five miles a day, though that used to be seven. I'm working my way back from an injury, and gearing up for three runs in the next six weeks.

The injury also took me from the gym, where I was doing abs everyday, and arms every other day. I did my first ab workout in two weeks yesterday, and it destroyed me. But I'll be back today...

[Carman Bulldog]

I'm also a very big proponent of the larger muscle group theory of thought as referenced by a few people earlier. That includes...

Squats
Deadlifts
Bench Press
Pull-up/Chinups
Standing Press

As a cheap plug, I'm currently documenting my last 3.5 years of workouts on the dynasty forum found here and my move to a new program called the 5/3/1 and hopefully an eventual 400 pound deadlift.

[Easy Mac]

Necro-bump.

In the middle of week 5 of P90x. Its starting to get repetitive, but I'm also just feeling fatigued for the last week. Not that my muscles are feeling tired, just that I have no energy. Not sure I can attribute it to the workout or just some sore of malaise. I'm sure working out before bed isn't helping, but I just don't have time any other part of the day.

Also, frustrated that I'm not shedding weight. Reading online, I see the weight loss I'm seeing isn't abnormal (6 pounds in 4 full weeks), but I feel like I'm working so much more than previously that it should just peel off. I do seem to be stronger, and people seem to notice my body's molting of fat, but that's still a bit frustrating. I lost more weight in 6 weeks of running 3 times a week (11 pounds) than I have working at least twice as hard.

The good thing is that I do kind of notice muscles outside of my calves for the first time possibly ever.

[Radii]

Originally Posted by Easy Mac

Also, frustrated that I'm not shedding weight. Reading online, I see the weight loss I'm seeing isn't abnormal (6 pounds in 4 full weeks), but I feel like I'm working so much more than previously that it should just peel off. I do seem to be stronger, and people seem to notice my body's molting of fat, but that's still a bit frustrating. I lost more weight in 6 weeks of running 3 times a week (11 pounds) than I have working at least twice as hard.

Weight loss is at least 90% diet. I dunno what your activity level was like before but its actually rather common for people who increase their activity level significantly to stall out on weight loss for a time but to lose inches. 6 pounds in 4 weeks is awesome

Also consider that working harder with what you're doing now is probably way more taxing on your body than running 3 times a week, is it possible you are finding yourself way more hungry and eating a lot more as a result?

Paradoxically, I'll also ask the opposite question, you mention fatigue.. make sure you're eating enough. If you're working yourself significantly harder while trying to eat less that could cause the fatigue issue.

[Chief Rum]

Also, something else to consider, Easy Mac, is that, if you're working out late, the adrenaline and rush of blood from the workout is likely interfering with your sleep patterns. It sounds like you can't do anything about that, but if you can learn to get up super early and do your workout and then get ready for work, this will not only stop the adrenaline-sleep issues, but I have seen studies that show that morning workouts actually improve the quality of your sleep that night.

[jeff061]

I'm doing crossfit. 1 to 1.5 hours, 3 days a week. Kicking my ass.

[revrew]

Heavy lifting. Some days, a whole Subway. Other days, a quarter pounder. WITH the cheese.

[Kodos]

I'm sure your results speak for themselves, Rev.

[rowech]

Two to three years ago I had lost 90 pounds but have put about 20 of it back on so I started working out again. For the last five weeks, I've lifted and done HIIT on off-lifting days, taking 1 or 2 days off a week. I've managed to put on six pounds and have given up which is unfortunate. Seemingly, the harder I've been working, the more I've gained. Before the next question comes -- yes I'm eating how I should be. Less than 2000 calories daily. Oatmeal for breakfast, protein shake on lifting days for lunch or sandwich and pretzels on running/off days. Standard dinners. If I go for anything in the meantime, it's graham crackers or sugar free pudding. Could use a bit more in the way of vegetables but should be good otherwise.

What's worse is the scale shows no change in body fat percentage either. I do have hypothyrodism and it seems my prescription is always super fickle and if it's what is causing the problem, I'm not sure what to do since doctor is ultimtely in control of that.

[Chief Rum]

I regularly do cardio at the gym, and I also run and ride my bike outside on occasion, and especially if I am preparing for a competitive run.

Because I am working on weight loss and doing a lot of cardio, I am now also working in weight lifting workouts to combat muscle tone loss.

I currently do planks in the morning at home, and I need to do more core work in general (but the planks do good work for me).

I do squats, calf raises, quad raises, inclined leg lifts and weighted lunges for legs, and I do bench press, bicep barbell curls, and a handful of other dumbbell and barbell exercises for my tris and shoulders that I can't remember the name of off the top of my head.

After I run the Long Beach half in October, I am hoping to get myself in shape to doing my first Spartan race next year (along with running my first full marathon at the LA).

[Easy Mac]

Originally Posted by Chief Rum

Also, something else to consider, Easy Mac, is that, if you're working out late, the adrenaline and rush of blood from the workout is likely interfering with your sleep patterns. It sounds like you can't do anything about that, but if you can learn to get up super early and do your workout and then get ready for work, this will not only stop the adrenaline-sleep issues, but I have seen studies that show that morning workouts actually improve the quality of your sleep that night.

I actually pointed out to my wife the other night that my fitness band tracks my sleep. Previously, it showed about 3/4-4/5 of my sleep each night was registered as deep. Literally the day I started P90x, only 1/3-1/2 of my sleep each night is registered as deep. She thought it was probably due to working out at night. Strangely, when I was running, also at night, it seemed to improve my sleep. I've thought about exercising in the morning, but I'm too tired from working out the night before to get up. Right now it's a chicken/egg deal.

I definitely need to improve my diet. It is much better than before, but I am still almost completely lacking in vegetables. My parents never really made us eat them as a kid, and now its 100% a texture thing in that I'm just not used to how they feel. I actually don't mind the taste of them. Its far more difficult to get used to them than I thought it would be, mainly because I feel like gagging with a lot of them. My diet is pretty much entirely protein and the occasional snack/veggie/fruit. I'm more or less staying within ~100 of my intake goal (above/below), but I think the lack of nutritional variety is the biggest hurdle right now.

[Suicane75]

Shooting hoops, lifting weights, smoking Marlboros. Down 66 pounds in a year. My cardio sucks though.

[RainMaker]

I lift 3-4 days a week and mix in some cardio. One thing I've found to be a huge motivator is Fitbit. Bought one and added a bunch of friends who have it too. It shames you if you are inactive for a few days and motivates you to park a little farther away or go on a walk.

[DanGarion]

I play racquetball as much as I can M/W/F and I walk/job and lift when I can't play on those days and maybe one more day.

[Easy Mac]

So I finished p90x 6 weeks ago, dropped about 13 pounds to 182. I then switched over to t25 and am down to 173. Still haven't really changed my diet aside from eating less of crappy food, but it is working at the moment. I assume I'll hit a wall and actually have to start eating good food. My goal has been 165 by Christmas day (started at 209 in late April), and I'm pretty much right on line to hit it (not a huge Thanksgiving fan, so I don't have to worry about eating too much).

I am a bit worried as I just started fighting some nasty allergies at the moment... so I'm worried if I miss a day or two that I might get a little demotivated.

[Dutch]

Don't let it demotivate you, but if you get sick, you get sick...rest and come back to it when you can. Good job!

[CU Tiger]

Originally Posted by Easy Mac

So I finished p90x 6 weeks ago, dropped about 13 pounds to 182. I then switched over to t25 and am down to 173. Still haven't really changed my diet aside from eating less of crappy food, but it is working at the moment. I assume I'll hit a wall and actually have to start eating good food. My goal has been 165 by Christmas day (started at 209 in late April), and I'm pretty much right on line to hit it (not a huge Thanksgiving fan, so I don't have to worry about eating too much).

I am a bit worried as I just started fighting some nasty allergies at the moment... so I'm worried if I miss a day or two that I might get a little demotivated.

I need to do something new and I've looked at T25 a bit.

Can you give any feedback into what the workouts look like?

Any examples of types of movement or equipment utilized? Any weights or all cardio.

I'm always skeptical of the video programs after being a meat head gym rat for 20+ years....and compounded by a couple recent surgeries mean pull ups are and likely forever will be out of the question for me moving forward...that killed the p90x routine which was so pull up intensive.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I've developed a pretty basic exercise routine that seems to work for me.

I have a gym at work, so I usually go during lunch, which works well for me. So, those days - M, W, F - I do pull-ups, dips, and then run a little over 3 miles doing intervals on the treadmill with 2 minutes flat, 2 minutes of an incline.

The other days - T, Th, and either Sat or Sunday - I've been doing that 100 push-ups in 10 weeks program. While it took me closer to 55 weeks, I'm finally doing five sets of 20 push-ups, with 90 seconds between them, those mornings.

The routine works for me. I feel a lot stronger than I ever have before. I've lost about 15 pounds in the process - not really goal, but it's felt good - and I enjoy it enough to keep at it.

I should probably change things up a bit, but, at 41, I'm probably in the best shape I've been in for 20+ years, so if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[Logan]

Funny as I dug this thread up last week looking for the body weight exercise DVDs that Blackadar recommended a few years ago. I didn't pull the trigger on those yet, but I did buy a set of resistance bands that I used yesterday for the first time. I still hate lifting weights so I plan on using those 3x a week. Nice and sore from yesterday.

I've dropped about 18 lbs since Labor Day when I got my diet way back on track, and I've been running a lot over the past month or so. I should probably call it jogging since I go slow but I never had the stamina to run and now I'm going between 2 and 3 miles a day (mile at a time, walk a couple minutes, then another mile, etc). I think adding the band workouts will really help, and I'm going to give it a couple months and see how results go and if I need to implement something else.

It's laughable how weak I am.

edit: And that sounds awesome H_B, nice job.

[Ryche]

I did quite well for awhile working out 3 times a week, pretty much doing a leg, back and chest/shoulder exercise each workout and a couple more periphery exercises. Added about 15 pounds of muscle in 6 months (admittedly without a whole lot to build on when I started). Diet makes a huge difference, get enough protein with regular weight lifting and the muscle will come.

Trying to get myself back into that routine but getting up before 5 am to workout is just not fun.

[Easy Mac]

Originally Posted by CU Tiger

I need to do something new and I've looked at T25 a bit.

Can you give any feedback into what the workouts look like?

Any examples of types of movement or equipment utilized? Any weights or all cardio.

I'm always skeptical of the video programs after being a meat head gym rat for 20+ years....and compounded by a couple recent surgeries mean pull ups are and likely forever will be out of the question for me moving forward...that killed the p90x routine which was so pull up intensive.

T25 is OK. It gets a crap ton of sweat going. I mean I worked out on the hardwood on Saturday out of necessity and had a small pool of sweat on the ground. As long as you stay within your calorie goal for the day, the weight will come off. There have been times where I honestly couldn't tell if I started drooling or if it was just sweat rolling off. My wife asked if I peed myself one day, and I was fairly certain I had not.

It is not for people for bad knees/backs/ankles. It is an insane amount of lunging, and I HATE the lunging. Very little weights being used (none in the first 5 week session). Not a good workout for building muscle, but if you need to shred a few pounds and don't mind hopping around way too much, I think it would be a good program.

That being said, it's only 25 minutes 4x week (plus 2 workouts on day #5, but I just do one on day 5 and one on day 6), so it's over very quickly. As I said, I've lost 9 pounds in 6 weeks while eating ~1700 calories (5'9, 175-180), and I have done absolutely no other exercising outside of normal movements every few hours at work.

Definitely for someone who doesn't want to/just can't make time to exercise, but it can get pretty intense with the constant lunge/squatting.

Shaun T isn't overly annoying, I often find myself cursing at him. The girl eye candy is OK, and the boy eye candy is meh (if that's your thing). Some of the moves go fast and may take a few reps to figure out how they're moving their legs (there are a few I cannot make my body follow due to minimal rhythm).

[hollmt]

For anyone like me that hates running/jogging for the sake of running/jogging but still wants a nice cardio workout that hits all your muscle groups, a rowing machine is a nice option.

I bought one a few weeks ago and love it. The one I got is a beginner rower (I didn't and couldn't afford the concept machine) but it serves it purpose. It has different levels of resistance and you can go as fast or as slow as you want.

I incorporate basketball 2 times a week as well. The rower is the only 'machine' I use to exercise. Everything else I just use my own body and body weight. 10 count body-builders (some call them burpees) is fantastic, lunges, a side lunge thing I use with a resistance band (I've heard it called the 'monster walk') and planks for the core. I am up to about a solid 2 minute plank in the full pushup position, which is challenging me right now. I started out on planks in the girl pushup position on the elbows and worked my way up. I also do a exercise for my lower back specifically because I sit in front computers quite a bit at work and at skinny person fat belly was showing itself.

I will not have that skinny fat belly thing going on. It is hideous.

[Radii]

I had been doing the group classes at my local Anytime Fitness for about a year (from July 2014-August 2015). That got me off to a good start and got me comfortable being the fat dude in the gym, which it turns out no one there but me cares about, but its still scary at first. I stopped doing that at the start of September and am working on a weightliftiing program instead.

I'm doing one of the popular novice programs called Ice Cream Fitness, similar to Stronglifts or Starting Strength but with more accessory stuff. Lift 3x a week, start with light weights, increase weight on each movement by 5 pounds every workout and see how far you can get before you start failing things. A big focus on the big compound lifts, Squat, Bench, Deadlift, Overhead Press and Barbell Rows.


My flexibility and mobility are still below average and will definitely hold me back, so I'm working on those things just as much as I'm working on strength. I do a 20-30 minute generic stretching routine every day that I lift (Starting Stretching). I am also taking a yoga class once a week, and keep intending to add planks and more stretching on rest days, but so far I've been pretty lazy about that.

I'm only 5 weeks in to the lifting program, so still very early on. The weight is still light and I'm still working a ton on form and getting eveything right. I'm definitely enjoying the time in the gym so far, it feels good.