Blonde will make thin ....Here we go again !

[EvilPie]

I think I have posted a few times and threatened to start joining in here. 

But in the last 2 weeks I have finally done it, I way in every 2nd Tuesday now, and I am back at the gym doing a bit of training (taking it easy as just getting back in after a long absence), I purchased myself a fitbit and it gives me the encouragement to go walking more. 

I started on April 15th. 

Tuesday 14th - 162.6 kg
Tuesday 28th - 159.3 kg
Tuesday 5th - ??

I have set myself some short term and long term goals. 

Goal 1 - I aim to be down to somewhere between 140 - 145kg by September.  I'm expecting to tone up a fair bit by putting in some solid performances at the gym.  Hence why I don't expect to drop much in Weight. 
Goal 2 - Targetting an end of year weight of 130 kg.
Goal 3 - Qualify for the 2016 European Masters Weightlifting Championships.  At my peak 14 years ago I lifted a combined total of 307.5kg when weighing 115 - 120 kg.  I need to lift 242kg to make the 2016 European Masters.  Seems a long way off right now as flexibility is pretty poor. 

Most important goal is an ongoing one and that is just to feel healthier/fitter. 

Going to be really interesting following this.

Having completed my first week I can't recommend the Focus T25 program highly enough for a quick cardio blast that will also really improve that flexibility. I've always hated these workout DVDs as they're totally gay (sure you feel the same) but as long as nobody can see you prancing about it's well worth it and can't possibly fail to give results.

How old are you by the way?

I know that my biggest problem every time I try to get in to training again has been injuries most of which I assume are a combination of age and all the training I did when I was younger. Any time I've had an injury it's really set me back and I've struggled to remain motivated.

The current physio I've got has really encouraged me to step up the stretching especially after training and I'd strongly recommend you fit some stretching in if you don't already do so.

You strike me as more of a 'train through the pain' kind of person which is similar to myself but believe me it's not as easy as when age was on your side.....

Very best of luck with this. Really looking forward to seeing your results.

[Kmac84]

I snatched an empty bar once without dropping it on my head which at less than 90kg, I'm sure you'll agree Kmac, is pretty fucking impressive.

 

Sure is bud, I forgot how heavy 20kg was when I went back to the gym last week.   

[Kmac84]

I think I have posted a few times and threatened to start joining in here. 

But in the last 2 weeks I have finally done it, I way in every 2nd Tuesday now, and I am back at the gym doing a bit of training (taking it easy as just getting back in after a long absence), I purchased myself a fitbit and it gives me the encouragement to go walking more. 

I started on April 15th. 

Tuesday 14th - 162.6 kg
Tuesday 28th - 159.3 kg
Tuesday 5th - ??

I have set myself some short term and long term goals. 

Goal 1 - I aim to be down to somewhere between 140 - 145kg by September.  I'm expecting to tone up a fair bit by putting in some solid performances at the gym.  Hence why I don't expect to drop much in Weight. 
Goal 2 - Targetting an end of year weight of 130 kg.
Goal 3 - Qualify for the 2016 European Masters Weightlifting Championships.  At my peak 14 years ago I lifted a combined total of 307.5kg when weighing 115 - 120 kg.  I need to lift 242kg to make the 2016 European Masters.  Seems a long way off right now as flexibility is pretty poor. 

Most important goal is an ongoing one and that is just to feel healthier/fitter. 

Going to be really interesting following this.

Having completed my first week I can't recommend the Focus T25 program highly enough for a quick cardio blast that will also really improve that flexibility. I've always hated these workout DVDs as they're totally gay (sure you feel the same) but as long as nobody can see you prancing about it's well worth it and can't possibly fail to give results.

How old are you by the way?

I know that my biggest problem every time I try to get in to training again has been injuries most of which I assume are a combination of age and all the training I did when I was younger. Any time I've had an injury it's really set me back and I've struggled to remain motivated.

The current physio I've got has really encouraged me to step up the stretching especially after training and I'd strongly recommend you fit some stretching in if you don't already do so.

You strike me as more of a 'train through the pain' kind of person which is similar to myself but believe me it's not as easy as when age was on your side.....

Very best of luck with this. Really looking forward to seeing your results.

34, but feel older. 

I might give that work out a try after phase 1.   For now I'm working light weights with a bit of cardio in the gym just trying to get the technique right.  I don't plan in putting a 100kg on the bar before September. 

My main cardio will be done in the swimming. 

Stretching wise, I do a good stretch before starting now, I'm thinking of trying some Bikram Yoga. 

[EvilPie]

34, but feel older. 

I might give that work out a try after phase 1.   For now I'm working light weights with a bit of cardio in the gym just trying to get the technique right.  I don't plan in putting a 100kg on the bar before September. 

My main cardio will be done in the swimming. 

Stretching wise, I do a good stretch before starting now, I'm thinking of trying some Bikram Yoga. 

Thought you may be older than that as you said you were going for the 'masters' event. I've never seen a masters where the qualifying age is below 40 before now. Assume it's 35 for you hence the target for next year?

Definitely got to go really steady that's for sure. It's so difficult to keep it in your head that you just aren't as strong (or young) as you once were. At 34 you're certainly not too bad but it's going to be a fight from now on as unfortunately as far as competitive sports are concerned you're body won't be helping you out so it's all down to you!!

I've set myself back several times just by pushing it that little bit too hard wanting to get back to how I was in my prime but I think I've finally accepted that I need different goals and being 105kg with a 33" waist isn't one of them

With regard to the stretching I've been told that it's actually more important after your training rather than before. Warm up before and stretch after is apparently the way to go.

I promise I won't go on about it again but as far as that workout DVD goes I think before phase 1 would be better. It doesn't just trim you down and improve your cardio it helps to strengthen your core and I'm sure that yours (if mine was anything to go by) will be incredibly weak at the moment.

I'm sure that a couple of the tweaks I've had in my back since I started training again would have been prevented if my core had been a bit more stable. All those tiny supporting muscles that took years to develop as part of your previous training will have long disappeared so to get them back as well as the main ones is essential. I know that you know this but so did I and it didn't stop me pushing too hard too soon so if I can give you a nudge to help prevent you having the same issues I will.

Btw. If at any point you want me to f**k off and mind my own business please let me know. Typing isn't my favourite sports so I'd happily get back in my box if so requested

[AndrewT]

Has anybody got any thoughts or had any prior experiences with this?

http://stronglifts.com/5x5/

I've been doing this for a few months and I think it's really good. As Zerofive said, it's not a weightloss programme - the idea is to get strong, though it will change your shape for the better, even if the numbers on a scale might not change.

I have been progressing up (though only by doing twice a week rather than the 3 the programme suggests), and can now squat my bodyweight for the first time. If you've not done any barbell work before then it's really good.

[byronkincaid]

Has anybody got any thoughts or had any prior experiences with this?

http://stronglifts.com/5x5/

I've been doing this for a few months and I think it's really good. As Zerofive said, it's not a weightloss programme - the idea is to get strong, though it will change your shape for the better, even if the numbers on a scale might not change.

I have been progressing up (though only by doing twice a week rather than the 3 the programme suggests), and can now squat my bodyweight for the first time. If you've not done any barbell work before then it's really good.

meathead

[Kmac84]

34, but feel older. 

I might give that work out a try after phase 1.   For now I'm working light weights with a bit of cardio in the gym just trying to get the technique right.  I don't plan in putting a 100kg on the bar before September. 

My main cardio will be done in the swimming. 

Stretching wise, I do a good stretch before starting now, I'm thinking of trying some Bikram Yoga. 

Thought you may be older than that as you said you were going for the 'masters' event. I've never seen a masters where the qualifying age is below 40 before now. Assume it's 35 for you hence the target for next year?

Definitely got to go really steady that's for sure. It's so difficult to keep it in your head that you just aren't as strong (or young) as you once were. At 34 you're certainly not too bad but it's going to be a fight from now on as unfortunately as far as competitive sports are concerned you're body won't be helping you out so it's all down to you!!

I've set myself back several times just by pushing it that little bit too hard wanting to get back to how I was in my prime but I think I've finally accepted that I need different goals and being 105kg with a 33" waist isn't one of them

With regard to the stretching I've been told that it's actually more important after your training rather than before. Warm up before and stretch after is apparently the way to go.

I promise I won't go on about it again but as far as that workout DVD goes I think before phase 1 would be better. It doesn't just trim you down and improve your cardio it helps to strengthen your core and I'm sure that yours (if mine was anything to go by) will be incredibly weak at the moment.

I'm sure that a couple of the tweaks I've had in my back since I started training again would have been prevented if my core had been a bit more stable. All those tiny supporting muscles that took years to develop as part of your previous training will have long disappeared so to get them back as well as the main ones is essential. I know that you know this but so did I and it didn't stop me pushing too hard too soon so if I can give you a nudge to help prevent you having the same issues I will.

Btw. If at any point you want me to f**k off and mind my own business please let me know. Typing isn't my favourite sports so I'd happily get back in my box if so requested

Not at all mate all the tips certainly help.  I'd agree about stretching after a good work out being really important and as I start pushing harder and going heavier I will definitely be adding stretching in.  But for the next 8 weeks the most I plan on having on a bar is 40 kilo.   So I don't think it's as important.  I had a lot of bother with my back over the last year so as part of my warm up, I do a whole routine I worked on with the physip for a few weeks and its all around the core and keeping it strengthened. 

[muckthenuts]

Has anybody got any thoughts or had any prior experiences with this?

http://stronglifts.com/5x5/

I've been doing this for a few months and I think it's really good. As Zerofive said, it's not a weightloss programme - the idea is to get strong, though it will change your shape for the better, even if the numbers on a scale might not change.

I have been progressing up (though only by doing twice a week rather than the 3 the programme suggests), and can now squat my bodyweight for the first time. If you've not done any barbell work before then it's really good.

Brill, tyvm for the feedback.

[RED-DOG]

Stand aside salad dodgers, let me show you how it's done.

Starting weight, 14st 5lb.

Target weight, 13st.

Smoke me a lettuce....

[tikay]

Stand aside salad dodgers, let me show you how it's done.

Starting weight, 14st 5lb.

Target weight, 13st.

Smoke me a lettuce....

14-5? Ha!

I started 3 weeks ago @ 13-12, & have shed 9lbs now. Target is 12-12 by May 29th, which would be a 1 stone loss.

Am eating the right stuff - fresh fish (poached), with some chopped toms & peas to give it a bit of bite, tons of fruit, & a few Ryvitas every day, topped with Philly Lite & sliced fresh tomatoes. My progress is being hampered by my Latte addiction.

On the plus side, my Rennie intake is zero, & my left leg, which has been giving me a lot of pain for some months, so much so it was preventing me sleeping properly, is easing now. I suspect the problem was, partly, excess weight. 

[RED-DOG]

Stand aside salad dodgers, let me show you how it's done.

Starting weight, 14st 5lb.

Target weight, 13st.

Smoke me a lettuce....

14-5? Ha!

I started 3 weeks ago @ 13-12, & have shed 9lbs now. Target is 12-12 by May 29th, which would be a 1 stone loss.

Am eating the right stuff - fresh fish (poached), with some chopped toms & peas to give it a bit of bite, tons of fruit, & a few Ryvitas every day, topped with Philly Lite & sliced fresh tomatoes. My progress is being hampered by my Latte addiction.

On the plus side, my Rennie intake is zero, & my left leg, which has been giving me a lot of pain for some months, so much so it was preventing me sleeping properly, is easing now. I suspect the problem was, partly, excess weight. 

I've had a bit of bovver wiv me Mystic Megs too Tone. Piriformis syndrome, trochanteric bursitis & plantar fasciitis. Ah, the joys of geting old...  Still, I'm no ordinary man so it's not slowing me down much.

Which part of your pin is giving you Cynthea?

[tikay]

Stand aside salad dodgers, let me show you how it's done.

Starting weight, 14st 5lb.

Target weight, 13st.

Smoke me a lettuce....

14-5? Ha!

I started 3 weeks ago @ 13-12, & have shed 9lbs now. Target is 12-12 by May 29th, which would be a 1 stone loss.

Am eating the right stuff - fresh fish (poached), with some chopped toms & peas to give it a bit of bite, tons of fruit, & a few Ryvitas every day, topped with Philly Lite & sliced fresh tomatoes. My progress is being hampered by my Latte addiction.

On the plus side, my Rennie intake is zero, & my left leg, which has been giving me a lot of pain for some months, so much so it was preventing me sleeping properly, is easing now. I suspect the problem was, partly, excess weight. 

I've had a bit of bovver wiv me Mystic Megs too Tone. Piriformis syndrome, trochanteric bursitis & plantar fasciitis. Ah, the joys of geting old...  Still, I'm no ordinary man so it's not slowing me down much.

Which part of your pin is giving you Cynthea?

It seems to be anterior knee pain Tom.

It is more a persistent, dull ache, than a pain, but it means I could not sleep properly, or even sit comfortable, I needed to keep shifting position to get comfy. Walking is painful, too, as I tended to try to "save" that leg. Certain other physical activities are painful, too, if practised too energetically.   

In the last 2 weeks, I've been taking Nurofen, which certainly helps considerable, coupled with losing best part of a stone, which, I'm thinking, can only help.

It won't kill me, for sure, nor does it affect my lifestyle, though I am a little worried it will flare up whilst I'm in the USA.

It's just age, par for the course I guess. I've been incredibly blessed with good health all my life, so no complaints here. Physically, I'm in an acceptable state, all things considered. I worry more about my mental state than physical ailments, truth to tell. Losing the plot must be the nut worst thing ever, & I self-examine, such as I can, endlessly, to see if all the mental files are in good order.

[RED-DOG]

Take Naproxen, 500mg twice a day, it's an anti inflammatory. It takes about a week to kick in but it will work miracles for you.

As for your nefarious 'other' physical activities, try to find a position that doesn't involve bending over. 

[vegaslover]

4th May 2015:  15st 3lb

Better than expected after a holiday and zero exercise. Should have a physio appt this week for the knee.
I have/had a hernia in the umbilical. Can potentially be very dangerous as the bowel can become strangulated. When I saw the Dr months ago he basically stated it wasn't out at that point and to go to A + E if it does pop out again.
Will require surgery and several weeks off so avoided most exercises, basically any weights based stuff, prior to my Vegas trip. Now back will step up the training and see what happens.

[Kmac84]

Take Naproxen, 500mg twice a day, it's an anti inflammatory. It takes about a week to kick in but it will work miracles for you.

As for your nefarious 'other' physical activities, try to find a position that doesn't involve bending over. 

Naproxen is good I am on 2 x 500 mg twice a day for my back pain, but have been trying to cut it out as there is a link to strokes after long term use.