Journey, Not A Destination

Steve said:
I don't think I can give you a concrete answer to this question. If you wanted to be systematic about it, once you can perform a steady state aerobic activiy for 30-60 minutes on a consistent basis at a relatively high intensity (as for as steady state is concerned), then you can start experimenting with interval and high intensity interval training.

In reality, almost ANYONE who is starting a new exercise program should be cleared by a doc IMO. Can never be too safe. This said, if you are generally healthy, as soon as you build a base of conditioning up, you can begin experimenting with some more intense exercise.
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Well, I've just passed the medical for a new job, so I should be healthy enough. I didn't really expect you to be able to give a concrete answer, but what you said made sense anyway. I shall trust my instincts and move on when I feel ready for more of a challenge.

Steve said:
When I used to train, my favorite thing to do with someone in terms of diet was have them track their intake for 2 weeks, as I said above, while monitoring weight. Problem with this is, based on empirical evidence.... MOST people fudge their intakes unfortunately, which only hurts them in the long run.
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It can be embarrassing admitting to how much crap you eat, even when someone is trying to help you. But I guess what you've advised is pretty much what I've done. I know what I've been eating, so I've tidied it up a bit, spread it out better over the day so I don't get those hunger pangs in late afternoon that lead to me doing nothing but eat all evening, and found I'm at around 1800 calories a day. I don't want to cut it down lower than that because I don't like being hungry, so I've added enough exercise to burn around 400-500 calories a day, and it seems to be working out so far. At least the scales have read one pound less for the last couple of mornings

Steve said:
I always say: Remember, you are not signing a contract. Everything about nutrition and fitness is a trial and error process. Even I am constantly changing my approach. If you are not getting the desired effects a couple of weeks into it, you make the necessary changes.
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I think most of us want to just be told what to do to achieve the results we want, and not have to think, assess and plan for ourselves. Fortunately, once I get interested in something, I get obsessed with finding and reading as much information as I can, so I don't think it will be too long before I'm confident to work out what changes I need to make for myself.
 
Alibran said:
Well, I've just passed the medical for a new job, so I should be healthy enough. I didn't really expect you to be able to give a concrete answer, but what you said made sense anyway. I shall trust my instincts and move on when I feel ready for more of a challenge.
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That is your best bet. Have fun with the journey. :)



Alibran said:
It can be embarrassing admitting to how much crap you eat, even when someone is trying to help you. But I guess what you've advised is pretty much what I've done. I know what I've been eating, so I've tidied it up a bit, spread it out better over the day so I don't get those hunger pangs in late afternoon that lead to me doing nothing but eat all evening, and found I'm at around 1800 calories a day. I don't want to cut it down lower than that because I don't like being hungry, so I've added enough exercise to burn around 400-500 calories a day, and it seems to be working out so far. At least the scales have read one pound less for the last couple of mornings
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I do understand why they under report, is saddens me though. I think some people do so without even realizing. They will mentally block out those chocolates they ate between lunch and dinner.

What is your weight? Sorry if you told me before, I speak with a lot of people on here and the numbers start flowing together!



Alibran said:
I think most of us want to just be told what to do to achieve the results we want, and not have to think, assess and plan for ourselves. Fortunately, once I get interested in something, I get obsessed with finding and reading as much information as I can, so I don't think it will be too long before I'm confident to work out what changes I need to make for myself.
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Yes, most people do want to be spoon fed. I don't blame them.... some of this stuff isn't easy. Or put differently, it is vast enough of a subject that it stops some people from committing themselves for any appreciable length of time due to frustration and second guessing.

But that is why trainers have jobs, thankfully. :)
 
Alibran said:
I'm at 157lb right now.
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Maintenance at 157 is around 2350, which takes into account some exercise. This said, I def. would not go below what you are currently eating. If you reach a plateau, I would actually recommend bumping up cal intake for a bit.
 
Hey Steve :)

I have a question about front squats... tried them last night and had some troubles. Should I be able to do the same weight for them as with regular squats? I either had way to much weight, have crappy balance, or just couldn't figure out how to hold the bar correctly. Was very wobbly and leaning forward too much... ended up doing some regular squats since my arms were getting tired trying to maneuver that much weight around. Any tips?
 
jennay said:
Hey Steve :)

I have a question about front squats... tried them last night and had some troubles. Should I be able to do the same weight for them as with regular squats? I either had way to much weight, have crappy balance, or just couldn't figure out how to hold the bar correctly. Was very wobbly and leaning forward too much... ended up doing some regular squats since my arms were getting tired trying to maneuver that much weight around. Any tips?
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No, most can't front squat what they can back squat.

I forget, are you training in a gym? If so, do leg presses instead.
 
Nope, I'm at home, sounds like I need to get a smaller bar (wow that makes me feel so weak, there was a time that my legs were super strong... sigh).
 
jennay said:
Nope, I'm at home, sounds like I need to get a smaller bar (wow that makes me feel so weak, there was a time that my legs were super strong... sigh).
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Front squats are an extremely uncomfortable and difficult exercise. They will definitely take practice. If you have never done them before, you might want to skip them for now. Build up strength, then move on to them.
 
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