You've missed the biggest crush of all-Sara and mine crush on each other. Of course, don't tell Mreik...he gets morbidly jealous sometimes and then runs to his mistress and we...
The Interviews Thread
- Thread starter Typhon
- Start date
You've missed the biggest crush of all-Sara and mine crush on each other. Of course, don't tell Mreik...he gets morbidly jealous sometimes and then runs to his mistress and we...
Sorry you feel that way, for the record
1) The crush question was a Joke chosen from a pool of light hearted questions I saved on a word document. I gave it to you to give you a chance to have a bit of fun. I would have given it out earlier but I know your single (all previous intervewees have been married) so you'd have the most freedom to have a bit of fun with it
2) I said 'Best feature' and not 'physical feature' to allow you scope to choose whatever you like. You could have chosen your sense of humour or your forearms, it was left so open for a reason
Other than that I think I asked you more questions about lifting and training than any of the men so I fail to see how my questions were demeaning
Away from the controversy of sexism allegations for a minute; here's my next interview victim.
Stingo is a long serving and well respected member of our community and his journal is a personal favourite of mine.
I’ll start you off nice and easy, if you could be any kind of nut, which would you be and why?
An almond, because I like almonds, and then at least one person would want to eat me.
For those that haven’t read your thread, could you briefly describe the journey you’ve taken from your starting point to the present day? Overhauling a 354 lb body into a currently 234 lb body, starting in May 05 til now.
From reading your thread I think you’re the perfect example of how a good balance of cardio and proper weight training is ideal for weight loss. What would you say to anyone reading this now who might be afraid to venture over to the weight section at their gym?
Weights are for everyone, particularly those, like me, who are not as healthy as they could be. One of the hardest things I had to do was get over myself and just go and get it done. I'd also add that while you start on machines, it's best to try to graduate to free weights as soon as possible. Also, don't just "do cardio" - do interval training, it's much more efficient than steady state and will get you better results.
What was the first goal you set yourself? Were you tempted to ease off the training after reaching that first goal?
The first goal that I set for myself was going 30 minutes consecutively on the elliptical, having started from 1 minute, 45 seconds.
You’ve made a massive change in your physique, what gave you the initial motivation to start the change?
Also, what has given you the enthusiasm to stay committed for so long? I was lying in a hospital bed with cellulitis on my left leg. My lower legs have terrible circulation due to heredity, but particularly the left one - whenever I get a cut on my foot the area between the ankle and just below the knee gets infected. This progressed to the point of needing an IV antibiotic and a hospital stay to get rid of it. Well, a prolonged stay with nothing to do gives a person time to think... and I thought, this sucks... so I made up my mind to join a gym when I got out of the hospital and eat better too.
Have you ever used the services or a personal trainer? Yes. If so, how important were they in helping you reach your goal?
I think my current trainer, Tim, is the best one I've had - we always do something different when he trains me. Olympic lifting (cleans, snatches, etc), sandbag carrying, sled pulling, tug of war were all new to me before I started training with him. I've also learned that intensity is what matters, not weight - training with the proper intensity and form is what I need to succeed.
Have you ever thought about giving up on your new lifestyle?
No. Because I don't want to have to do all this work again, and also it suits me now.
What 3 bits of advice would you give to someone who is in the same situation as you once were and is thinking about creating a weight loss plan?
Do it. 2. Now. 3. When in doubt, see #1. But if you ARE going to do it, do it sensibly... That means: eating whole, natural foods with an emphasis on proteins that are close calorie-wise to your maintenance level. It also includes exercise - a full body resistance training workout coupled with interval training sessions for cardio. This of course could be a goal in the future - just saying, I'm going to walk to the end of the block and back could be start of a person's journey.
There are so many people that fail at their fat loss goals. What would you say is the most common mistake that you’ve seen people making?
Drop the all or nothing approach - body by Buddah didn't happen in a day and it's going to take more than a day to turn it into a fitter, trimmer model.
Have any forum members helped you along the way? If so then here’s your chance to say thank you.
I'd say that there are those who've provided inspiration by example - I won't mention names, as I'm bound to forget someone, but I'd like to say it's a privliege to walk this road with you all. This particularly includes the people who try, then fall off the wagon for whatever reason, but climb back on.
If you were made manager for the day of your local gym, which changes would you make?
For the corporate gym I belong to, it'd be getting a power cage with a set of olympic weights and a barbell. I'd also suggest offering personal training too. As for the Y, it's pretty complete from what I've seen, so no changes I could think of, past adding more power cages (they only have one) I can't think of anything else.
Do you have any plans on what you’re going to do once the fat is off?
Are you going to set any new challenges like power lifting or marathon running?
Probably, but I'm not sure what they'll be yet.
What have you enjoyed the most about being your new lighter weight?
It seems to me a chicken or the egg problem - people seem to treat me differently now, but I'm not sure if it's because I'm a different person (mentally as well as physically), or because I've lost that weight or both.
Do you have any foods that are ‘off limits’ now? If so, which one do you miss the most?
Not so much off limits, but greatly reduced - would be beer and/or pizza, particularly beer. I frequent a forum dedicated to the beer scene, locally and nationally - and enjoy hanging out with likeminded folks to shoot the breeze and have a good brew.
How have your family and friends reacted to your weight loss?
I think it surprised them at first but they've been very positive about it.
I know you were following the programs within ‘The New Rules Of Lifting’ and had good success with them. Have there been any other programs you’ve followed that you would recommend?
No, because my previous programs were designed for me by the people who run the corporate gym. However, I'd think that any program designed along the lines of the rules outlined in NROL would be good for getting results. That's the case with the program I have now from my trainer.
In closing, for those looking for inspiration, I'd suggest watching this video, but have a box of kleenex handy.
Stingo is a long serving and well respected member of our community and his journal is a personal favourite of mine.
Profile Questions
Name: Tom Brennan
Age: 41
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 235
Occupation: Statistician
Marital status: Single
Years training: It will be 3 years in May 08.
Favorite TV show & film: Monty Python's Flying Circus, Casablanca, or The Seventh Seal
Name: Tom Brennan
Age: 41
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 235
Occupation: Statistician
Marital status: Single
Years training: It will be 3 years in May 08.
Favorite TV show & film: Monty Python's Flying Circus, Casablanca, or The Seventh Seal
I’ll start you off nice and easy, if you could be any kind of nut, which would you be and why?
An almond, because I like almonds, and then at least one person would want to eat me.
For those that haven’t read your thread, could you briefly describe the journey you’ve taken from your starting point to the present day? Overhauling a 354 lb body into a currently 234 lb body, starting in May 05 til now.
From reading your thread I think you’re the perfect example of how a good balance of cardio and proper weight training is ideal for weight loss. What would you say to anyone reading this now who might be afraid to venture over to the weight section at their gym?
Weights are for everyone, particularly those, like me, who are not as healthy as they could be. One of the hardest things I had to do was get over myself and just go and get it done. I'd also add that while you start on machines, it's best to try to graduate to free weights as soon as possible. Also, don't just "do cardio" - do interval training, it's much more efficient than steady state and will get you better results.
What was the first goal you set yourself? Were you tempted to ease off the training after reaching that first goal?
The first goal that I set for myself was going 30 minutes consecutively on the elliptical, having started from 1 minute, 45 seconds.
You’ve made a massive change in your physique, what gave you the initial motivation to start the change?
Also, what has given you the enthusiasm to stay committed for so long? I was lying in a hospital bed with cellulitis on my left leg. My lower legs have terrible circulation due to heredity, but particularly the left one - whenever I get a cut on my foot the area between the ankle and just below the knee gets infected. This progressed to the point of needing an IV antibiotic and a hospital stay to get rid of it. Well, a prolonged stay with nothing to do gives a person time to think... and I thought, this sucks... so I made up my mind to join a gym when I got out of the hospital and eat better too.
Have you ever used the services or a personal trainer? Yes. If so, how important were they in helping you reach your goal?
I think my current trainer, Tim, is the best one I've had - we always do something different when he trains me. Olympic lifting (cleans, snatches, etc), sandbag carrying, sled pulling, tug of war were all new to me before I started training with him. I've also learned that intensity is what matters, not weight - training with the proper intensity and form is what I need to succeed.
Have you ever thought about giving up on your new lifestyle?
No. Because I don't want to have to do all this work again, and also it suits me now.
What 3 bits of advice would you give to someone who is in the same situation as you once were and is thinking about creating a weight loss plan?
Do it. 2. Now. 3. When in doubt, see #1. But if you ARE going to do it, do it sensibly... That means: eating whole, natural foods with an emphasis on proteins that are close calorie-wise to your maintenance level. It also includes exercise - a full body resistance training workout coupled with interval training sessions for cardio. This of course could be a goal in the future - just saying, I'm going to walk to the end of the block and back could be start of a person's journey.
There are so many people that fail at their fat loss goals. What would you say is the most common mistake that you’ve seen people making?
Drop the all or nothing approach - body by Buddah didn't happen in a day and it's going to take more than a day to turn it into a fitter, trimmer model.
Have any forum members helped you along the way? If so then here’s your chance to say thank you.
I'd say that there are those who've provided inspiration by example - I won't mention names, as I'm bound to forget someone, but I'd like to say it's a privliege to walk this road with you all. This particularly includes the people who try, then fall off the wagon for whatever reason, but climb back on.
If you were made manager for the day of your local gym, which changes would you make?
For the corporate gym I belong to, it'd be getting a power cage with a set of olympic weights and a barbell. I'd also suggest offering personal training too. As for the Y, it's pretty complete from what I've seen, so no changes I could think of, past adding more power cages (they only have one) I can't think of anything else.
Do you have any plans on what you’re going to do once the fat is off?
Are you going to set any new challenges like power lifting or marathon running?
Probably, but I'm not sure what they'll be yet.
What have you enjoyed the most about being your new lighter weight?
It seems to me a chicken or the egg problem - people seem to treat me differently now, but I'm not sure if it's because I'm a different person (mentally as well as physically), or because I've lost that weight or both.
Do you have any foods that are ‘off limits’ now? If so, which one do you miss the most?
Not so much off limits, but greatly reduced - would be beer and/or pizza, particularly beer. I frequent a forum dedicated to the beer scene, locally and nationally - and enjoy hanging out with likeminded folks to shoot the breeze and have a good brew.
How have your family and friends reacted to your weight loss?
I think it surprised them at first but they've been very positive about it.
I know you were following the programs within ‘The New Rules Of Lifting’ and had good success with them. Have there been any other programs you’ve followed that you would recommend?
No, because my previous programs were designed for me by the people who run the corporate gym. However, I'd think that any program designed along the lines of the rules outlined in NROL would be good for getting results. That's the case with the program I have now from my trainer.
In closing, for those looking for inspiration, I'd suggest watching this video, but have a box of kleenex handy.
No hard feelings then?
I look forward to getting your answers
and just in case this message starts a new page, everyone needs to look at the previous page to see Stingos interview
Nice interview with stingo, i never realised he lost all that weight. Whats with all the interesting people here with theyre interesting journeys!!!
I suppose i havnt been training long enough to mention anything interesting, iv got no interesting results or anything. Maybe in a few years when im squatting a bus i might be interesting.
I suppose i havnt been training long enough to mention anything interesting, iv got no interesting results or anything. Maybe in a few years when im squatting a bus i might be interesting.
Yeah, I wanted to interview Stingo because he's achieved so much but never brags about anything so I thought I'd put him in the spotlight.
His training is very solid so hopefully more people who are interested in losing weight will start taking a look at his thread now and see that ab crunches and rice cakes aren't the only options
His training is very solid so hopefully more people who are interested in losing weight will start taking a look at his thread now and see that ab crunches and rice cakes aren't the only options
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totally!
and Derwyddon- nice job handling CCR's response. the written word can get wiggly sometimes, don't I know it.
Evo- sheeeeesh, I kinda thost she was mine! Maybe she just pretends I'm you...hahahaha
and whoever said you can't understand a crush coming from a place like this- I feel sorry for you. If you see this place as data, and not a place of people interacting with one another on a near daily basis. there is alot more to a forum then there is to any appearances, or workplace, or fitness class. This is the real deal, real people in a real place, with real feelings, real support, real pain, and REALLY REAL.
and Stingo--- you nailed that interview. I like almonds, but I aint eatin you! hahaha
I loved how you said for those who "ARE" planning to .....be sensible. It shows coviction, and if they AINT got it- your words don't apply
and to close with TEAM Hoyt. nice. and that is a real guy, real heart, and enthusiasm.
That was me
I still stand by it!Even tho iv met a girl off the internet before so maybe ima hypocrite!
I dont understand how you can have a crush on someone here, i suppose unless youve seen many pics of them and actually talked to them on the phone at least. And got to know them well.
Dont feel sorry for me mate, i think what i think so what does it matter. I understand that its real, and real people interacting, I enjoy talking to all of you. But personally i couldnt have a crush on anyone even if id seen many pics of them etc.
hahaha
I had to look that word up- ME TOO! hahahah you are such a.... why I otta. Just cuz I am an emotionally unstable, off the chart, intense romantic (see me on V-day) does not mean you need to make fun of me. hahah
Tom- I just meant exactly what I said, and you handled it well
jhajhaja sorry for seeming as demeaning as I was being at the moment back to work.
so in LOOOOVEEE!
FF
Maybe thats because your posts are all interactions with CCR and Karky.
Watch out guys.
Absolutely. I was actually hoping this thread would get a bit interactive between members and the interviewers info.
Ill start with saying that most people are looking to increase their strength, they want to put as much weight on the bar as possible. However doing 3 sets of 10 reps isnt the most direct way from A to B. Well then trainee will say, "ok I will lift for 8 reps." Still too many.
It is widely accepted that the best "strength" adaptations occur in the 1-5 rep range. So if the range for strength is this, why dont more trainees utilize it? Then they usually say, "I dont want to go to heavy and hurt myself." You can hurt yourself with higher reps as well, maybe even easier. As you fatigue your form may start to get piss poor on the later reps.
Anyways so what I was saying is that if you want to build strength or blast plateaus, lift freaking heavy weight. Do some 3, 2, or 1 rep sets. One of my personal favorite methods for strength training is wave loading. You can have a read about it at T-Nation with The Wave Loading Manifesto or check out the Strength programs in NROL.
Flexibility is extremely important and none of us probably devote as much attention to it as we should. Even I dont. However prior to my workout, I always spend about 5-8 minutes doing some dynamic mobility work. I make sure to properly warm up the hips and core through twisting and joint movements.
I try to static stretch after my workouts to help increase flexibility, reset muscle tissue, and aid recovery. I also have a foam roller at home that I dont nearly utilize enough. Even though it takes 10 minutes, I find myself neglecting it. However it is a great addition to ones flexibility goals.
So in short, warm up, cool down with some stretching, and foam roll if you can. Talking posture is a whole different area
Told you so. :SaiyanSmilie_anim:
I agree with what you are saying Tony, and would like to make some additions.
Everyone needs to remember that training lower reps is not an all or nothing situation. Not every lift needs to be trained in lower reps ranges.
Also, as training progress, so does the method for getting stronger. Sometimes lower reps will elicit the best gains, sometimes higher reps will produce the best strength gains. Things will change over time.
I like making additions.
Absolutely. It all has carryover. Higher reps can help your lower rep weight and vice versa.
Train evenly and effectively. Dont get stuck in the 3x8-10 or 4x6. There are thousands of different ways to get a response.
Train evenly and effectively. Dont get stuck in the 3x8-10 or 4x6. There are thousands of different ways to get a response.
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