Hi guys, as you've probably guessed from my username, my name is Joe. I'm 15 years old and 6'3", 155lb with a roughly 14.2% body fat (I used an online calculator so it's not too accurate).
My goal from late last year (mid-December) was to lose fat and build some muscle and shape in order to play rugby at a higher level next year when I move to college (I dunno what you guys call it in the US, but where you study from 16-18). My goal is not so much to gain mass, but to gain definition, shape and strength.
I started off doing push-ups (about 30 every morning and evening, gradually increasing over a few weeks to 50) then I added some chin-ups (I started doing 20 every morning and evening, but I had poor form, so now I do 5, but fully extending my arms, wider grip etc.) and some sit-ups (started at 50, then added 3kg of weight - not sure if this is the correct thing to do, but it feels fine and adds enough resistance).
I am currently doing 5 chin-ups, 50 weighted sit-ups followed by 50-60 press-ups every evening (not much, but I can feel a difference, and I'm gradually increasing to my goal of 20 chin-ups and 100 sit-ups and push-ups).
I have gained noticeable definition in my back and I've gone from a belly, to some decent abs, as well as a larger chest and arms, but my goal now is to reduce my body fat down to around 11%, so I'm looking into a cardio work-out, as well as maintaining weight-free basic strength training.
I have been looking at rowing machines, and I'm on the fence about purchasing an 8-resistance-level, magnetic brake rowing machine. I think that a 40 minute - 1 hour workout in the morning on a low setting, followed by 10 minutes on a higher level, followed by what I do currently, would be the most beneficial and efficient. The though behind this is that the cardio will be most effective in the morning, as my body will have burned a lot of my glucose/glycogen whilst I slept, so I will be burning away fat sooner (?) and my body will have the necessary proteins and energy for recovery after the strength training (?). I would like somebody to clear up these ideas and if possible, give me any advice as to what I'm doing right or wrong and what would be a more efficient workout for me.
Joe
My goal from late last year (mid-December) was to lose fat and build some muscle and shape in order to play rugby at a higher level next year when I move to college (I dunno what you guys call it in the US, but where you study from 16-18). My goal is not so much to gain mass, but to gain definition, shape and strength.
I started off doing push-ups (about 30 every morning and evening, gradually increasing over a few weeks to 50) then I added some chin-ups (I started doing 20 every morning and evening, but I had poor form, so now I do 5, but fully extending my arms, wider grip etc.) and some sit-ups (started at 50, then added 3kg of weight - not sure if this is the correct thing to do, but it feels fine and adds enough resistance).
I am currently doing 5 chin-ups, 50 weighted sit-ups followed by 50-60 press-ups every evening (not much, but I can feel a difference, and I'm gradually increasing to my goal of 20 chin-ups and 100 sit-ups and push-ups).
I have gained noticeable definition in my back and I've gone from a belly, to some decent abs, as well as a larger chest and arms, but my goal now is to reduce my body fat down to around 11%, so I'm looking into a cardio work-out, as well as maintaining weight-free basic strength training.
I have been looking at rowing machines, and I'm on the fence about purchasing an 8-resistance-level, magnetic brake rowing machine. I think that a 40 minute - 1 hour workout in the morning on a low setting, followed by 10 minutes on a higher level, followed by what I do currently, would be the most beneficial and efficient. The though behind this is that the cardio will be most effective in the morning, as my body will have burned a lot of my glucose/glycogen whilst I slept, so I will be burning away fat sooner (?) and my body will have the necessary proteins and energy for recovery after the strength training (?). I would like somebody to clear up these ideas and if possible, give me any advice as to what I'm doing right or wrong and what would be a more efficient workout for me.
Joe