Quote :

"Speaking of which, have any of you ladies worn Lululemon workout attire? Is it worth the higher pricetag?"

Not a lady, but I have a pair of their men's yoga pants, and they're really nice. I don't have a good basis for comparison because they're the only yoga pants I own (and only exercise pants, really, given that I live in southern CA and wear shorts year-round), but I love them.

For what it's worth though, the reason I spent the extra money in the first place is because I asked my two friends who are yoga instructors (one girl and one guy), and they said they both have pairs of Lululemons that are five years old and still look and act brand new. It was definitely the brand they recommended most.

[Edited on January 7, 2011 at 2:11 AM. Reason : ]

1/7/2011 2:10:23 AM

yesterday:

legs and core with a 20 minute interval run

breakfast 8:00- Cheerios w/ 1% milk
snack 10:30- 3 pretzel sticks
lunch 12:30- Salad w/ no dressing
snack 4:00- cup of chicken tortilla soup
post workout 7:30- glass of chocolate milk
dinner 9:00- half a ny strip w/ peas and boiled carrots w/ glass of milk

1/7/2011 9:14:16 AM

It seems like most of the people who have posted their meals itt don't eat very much.

1/7/2011 9:16:46 AM

Quote :

"It seems like most of the people who have posted their meals itt don't eat very much."

I've been "bulking"

Wednesday I had my usual Powerbar for breakfast, two yogurts, a half pound turkey sandwich for lunch (with olive oil), and then about 1lb of chicken and an entire package of one of those Lipton Rice Sides.

Then some pre-bed chocolate milk.

Tuesday I ate like a pound and a half worth of chicken nuggets along with another thing of rice. I need to start drinking more protein shakes, but I'm saving those for after my girlfriend leaves town so she doesn't have to deal with all the farting.

[Edited on January 7, 2011 at 9:47 AM. Reason : Yo Quinn, steaks are still on sale, I think.]

1/7/2011 9:46:26 AM

^^^^ Thanks for the feedback on Lululemon. Their clothing is soooo cute, but uber expensive ($100 yoga pants). That said, yoga pants that retain their quality for more than 5 years? Awesome.

BTW, here's a beach body not to strive for:



[Edited on January 7, 2011 at 9:49 AM. Reason : e]

1/7/2011 9:47:08 AM

^ LOL

^^Ever since I've starting watching my intake and eating more healty, I've been farting WAY more than normal. Skwinkle loves it.

[Edited on January 7, 2011 at 9:48 AM. Reason : as]

1/7/2011 9:47:56 AM

Oh, fiber ... you are such a bitch.

1/7/2011 9:53:08 AM

My main issue with exercising (running AND lifting) is I'm in no way a morning person so I only workout in the PM, which means I can only do one serious activity a day, which means I pretty much only run. But, I FINALLY made myself get up this morning and get my run in early so today I can lift this afternoon!!!!! I also ran a new area of the greenway and a small trail I'd never done before which was awesome!

That plus the fact that if I do my 10 miler tomorrow I'll be 4.5 miles over my weekly average for the 1000 mile/year club!!!

1/7/2011 9:58:51 AM

so i dint go to the gym last night but played cricket at the batting cages....it was fun

i am sore now

1/7/2011 10:56:31 AM

Stein thinks he can bulk with chicken and turkey

I've taught you nothing

1/7/2011 11:34:08 AM

Just wait for the frozen turkey and beef damage I'm going to do tonight.

1/7/2011 12:28:50 PM

^^dude you are not even bulky.

1/7/2011 12:45:26 PM

Brilliant observation. Thats why I am bulking (as opposed to past tense or BULKED).

If you behave i'll show you what a six pack looks like.

1/7/2011 1:19:23 PM

Tuesday: 5-mile alternating jog/sprint.
Wednesday: Fitness Test: Max push-ups 2 mins, Max sit-ups 2 mins, 2 mile run for time. 80/93/12:23. Time sucks, but legs were stiff.
Thursday: 4 stations, 5 mins each, 2 rotations.

Station 1: Virtual Shovels, X10, descending
Station 2: Push-ups, x20, descending
Station 3: 15ft rope climb
Station 4: Chin-ups, x10, descending

After the rotations, Ab Ripper X

Friday: 12 mile ruck-march, 37.5 lb pack, 8.5 lb rifle, and load bearing equipment. This was the most miserable ruck march ever. two hours of sleep, and my back was killing me since the day before, which made jogging with the pack almost unbearable. Came in at 2:30:10, walked the the last two miles. Got home, took a shower, and was putting on socks when I noticed a HUGH blood blister on my toe; big as in almost to the first knuckle. Had a nice little puddle to clean off the floor when I lanced it.

1/7/2011 1:23:23 PM

I need to "bulk". What are your suggestions/teachings Quinn?

1/7/2011 1:30:14 PM

Yesterday's diet:

breakfast - big bowl (2 cups) of cereal with whole milk; 16 oz coffee with 8 oz milk; 8 oz Greek yogurt
snack - banana
lunch - Chipotle chicken burrito with rice and black beans, pico de gallo, corn salsa and lettuce; 20 oz Mr. Pibb
snack - apple, 1/2 cup trader joe's sesame honey almonds, 50g dark chocolate
dinner - footlong Subway turkey, bacon and avocado sub
after-dinner, post-workout/run snack - 1.5 cup whole milk with scoop of protein powder and chocolate syrup; 2 slices of toast with trader joe's superfruit spread; orange

Yesterday's workout was a 3 mile run to the gym, hour in the weight room, then alternating walk/run home for a cooldown.

1/7/2011 2:47:36 PM

Quote :

"Stein thinks he can bulk with chicken and turkey I've taught you nothing"

That's how I did it. Well, and mass building protein shakes combined with regular protein shakes. Gained about 10 pounds over a summer when working out every day and not becoming too much of a fatty.

1/7/2011 2:55:19 PM

^^^

I am not a good source of info hahah.

Eat what you like, and lots of it. Only sustainable diet as far as I am concerned is one that isn't a PITA. I start off with 1000+ calories for breakfast every day (2 bagels, 1/4 box of creamcheese, yogurt, and 16oz of whole milk). For me a heavy calorie start is crucial. I almost always eat 'dinner' twice (with a 3 hour gap in between). Whole milk, cream cheese, and bagels are my personal favorites (fats obviously dont make you fat). I don't mind chicken but if your goal is to gain weight it is not optimal. Funny I say that yet drink light beer. I guess we all have our hangups.

Good luck



^
1lb a week is a very good rate. I shoot for 0.5-1lb a week when "bulking". Any faster and youre going to start putting on the fat. I just watch my mid section and when the abs begin to blend in I know im eating enough to support my lifting. That is my no more triple whopper threshold!!!

[Edited on January 7, 2011 at 3:31 PM. Reason : .]

1/7/2011 3:27:09 PM

Stein you should try a protein supplement without artificial sweeteners (like Optimum Nutrition Natural). Those can cause excessive gas in a lot of people.

[Edited on January 7, 2011 at 4:26 PM. Reason : unless you enjoy it]

1/7/2011 4:25:13 PM

It's more that I tend to make massive shakes and more than 16oz of milk + whey = rocket farts.

[Edited on January 7, 2011 at 4:42 PM. Reason : .]

1/7/2011 4:42:00 PM

my hang ups are oreos and ice creams

and its real bad

1/7/2011 5:34:06 PM

protein shakes with coconut milk > shakes with milk

just sayin'

1/7/2011 9:49:39 PM

Quote :

"Wait...BigHitSunday is black?!?!?!?!"

So is BanjoMan, for the record

1/7/2011 10:22:41 PM

i cancelled my gym membership

i'd rather spend $65/mo on race registration and a few pieces of home work out equipment like free weights

and since the weather in houston is beautiful in the winter, i can do insanity in my garage. i don't want to do it in my living room anymore because it's a little too aggressive for the carpet...

1/7/2011 11:23:13 PM

Quote :

"protein shakes with coconut milk > shakes with milk just sayin'"

almond milk too...

i like to soak steel cut oatmeal in almond milk

1/8/2011 7:58:17 AM

^^ 65 a month seems steep for Houston! What gym was that? Also, how much do people spend on their gym membership? I understand paying that much or more for a CrossFit gym or for a gym in a city like DC or Miami, which tend to be a bit pricier. Then again, perhaps I'm just a cheapskate.

I had quit the gym for a few months but recently re-joined by gym mainly because it's in downtown Orlando because it offers free parking and it's very convenient for working out before going out with friends.

Membership fees are $20 a month ... no bells and whistles, but it is a 24-hour gym.

Considering switching to 24-Hour Fitness for just $30 a month as part a friend's plan. Does anyone here have experience with 24-Hour Fitness?

We should do a comparison of gyms. (Even though the NC State gym pretty much blows most other gyms out of the water.)

1/8/2011 8:29:43 AM

I'm going to admit that for a few meals last week, I did not eat healthy. This was due to piss poor planning on my part regarding grocery shopping. However, I still am on my workout schedule, and though its kickin my ass at the moment, I do like the feeling of accomplishment when completing the workouts.

1/8/2011 9:56:23 AM

^imho "messing up" for only a few meals (read 3 or so) during a week is not that bad!

thats what i work with usually.

1/8/2011 10:42:13 AM

ahh ok. It could be that I'm being hard on myself because eating healthy is hard for me to do, what with all those great places that offer up them delicious hamburgers and steaks!!

Well, that and portion control.

[Edited on January 8, 2011 at 11:07 AM. Reason : yeah, I like getting my eat on. ]

1/8/2011 10:46:12 AM

another 3 miles down

was doing well diet wise until last night. damn you evan and morgan

new goal, be hot by spring break :/

1/8/2011 12:01:54 PM

Quote :

"Does anyone here have experience with 24-Hour Fitness?"

i've been a 24-hr fitness member (out in california) since 2006 or so, i think i pay $40/month to use any club up to the sport level

i've found that the different locations can vary dramatically -- the clubs that 24-hr fitness actually built are generally pretty nice and spacious, the ones that they just took over from other gyms can be either really nice or really cramped/poorly laid out

i loved the club i went to in downtown la jolla when i lived in san diego, i'm not as crazy about the one i go to here in downtown pasadena but i guess it's not too bad since i haven't cancelled my membership and found a different gym...

1/8/2011 12:54:06 PM

weight this morning.

136

i havent seen that in like 2 years!
but its mostly dehydration im sure

1/8/2011 1:26:18 PM

I ran 7 miles today but I started burning out about half way through. I think some of it has to do with me starting off too quickly in the beginning and not having any food in my system prior.

Any runners came give me some advice? Im a "get up and go run" type girl on the weekends so I don't know if I should eat a later or heavier dinner the night before? Any suggestions would be great

I did the 7 miles in one hour and 21 minutes. Not bad but I was aiming more for 1:10ish.

1/8/2011 3:45:12 PM

I've been sidelined with a cold for the last week and a half, and I'm still feeling the ill effects. I'm hoping to get back into the swing of things later next week, unless there isn't any harm in working out even when you're not sick. All my past experiences with working out while sick didn't end well.

I'm 5'8'', weigh 183. I don't expect to lose too much weight since I expect to gain muscle mass as I shed the fat. Quick list of goals:

1. Drop to a 33'' waist. Currently hovering around 37''.
2. Run a 5K at an 8 min. mile pace. Run a 10K at a 8.5 min. mile pace.
3. Do 20 pullups without stopping.
4. Improve vertical so I can touch a regulation basketball rim.

My biggest challenge is finding time. Seems like the day is too short to get an effective workout. I usually work out after work...if it's before dinner, then I'm usually eating dinner later than I need to. If it's after dinner, I have to wait a while to let my food digest, which pushes my workout even later in the evening.

Healthier year, here I come.

1/8/2011 3:49:05 PM

^^ If you're burning out but don't necessarily want to eat too close to before you go run, pick up some GU's or Sports Beans. Things like that give you a little boost with some calories and a little bit of a placebo effect as well.

1/8/2011 4:03:41 PM

it does not matter when you eat at night, from what i've heard and read

so down a quick shake or bar and hit the gym after work if that's your thing

then eat dinner, you'll be okay, as long as you are working it off

1/8/2011 4:26:04 PM

That's my understanding, as well. Even if you've been sleeping for the last eight hours, you've also been fasting. And you also haven't been drinking any water while you sleep. Make sure to drink a glass of water before you take off at the very least, but I would also recommend something quick and light like a banana. That won't take long, and if you want to take off immediately after that, start out with a half-mile or mile warmup, then take a stretch break before you really get going, so that you're giving your body a little bit of time to process whatever you eat. If I'm running more than an hour, I also take a gel pack of some kind with me to eat around 45 minutes in, to keep me going.

On that note, I just got back in from running 10.5 miles, and I feel great about it because my knee joints didn't bother me at all! My right hip started feeling a bit quirky around mile 8 or 9, but that's still a big improvement over my last double-digit mileage run. I've been working hard in the weight room on all the muscles around those joints, so I think it's actually paying off.

1/8/2011 4:49:56 PM

Cass, for anything longer than 5 miles, I'll bonk if I don't eat a little something about 30 minutes to an hour in advance. And I need coffee before a long morning run. Here are a few good options that I like before a longer run:

Half a banana with a dab of peanut butter
Hummus with pita
Almonds or walnuts

Gels and jelly beans work too, but I find that I perform better when I eat something with a blend of carbs and protein.

Every body is different, so you just have to try a few things before you figure out what works best for you.

1/8/2011 6:19:08 PM

I won't eat anything within 30 minutes of a workout or cardio session. If I do, I can notice a significant drop in power output. I've read that this is caused by food in the stomach causing more blood being directed to the stomach to fuel digestion instead of to the muscles to restore oxygen levels. I prefer to eat something 1-3 hours before my workout if possible though.

For those of you that lift weights, do you pysch yourself up immediately before sets or do you just do the set like a chore without thinking about it? I personally try to not psych myself up before lifting, although I do it occasionally for my last set of squats.

[Edited on January 8, 2011 at 7:39 PM. Reason : .]

1/8/2011 7:38:14 PM

There sure are a lot of fucking excuses in this thread. If you are serious about getting in shape, you can find time. If you want to talk about not time commitments, feel free to pm me, but don't expect a sympathetic ear, because as busy as you think you are, you're not.

If you want training advise, pm me as well.

[Edited on January 8, 2011 at 7:48 PM. Reason : ]

1/8/2011 7:47:31 PM

I haven't pushed myself that hard in a weight lifting workout in about 2? months... I can barely walk around my apartment

1/8/2011 8:43:18 PM

^^ I agree. Everyone has time, you just have to fit it in.

There have been plenty of days in the past where I get home from work and the last thing I want to do is work out (mostly because of my extremely high cortisol levels - I'm dead by 3pm) but those days ended up being some of my best work out days. I always felt better after and am glad I did it.

1/8/2011 10:26:55 PM

I want to participate but I have a HUGE problem with motivation. I'm lazy, especially during the winter. I have a Y membership which I am currently wasting. Have any suggestions for something that will actually get me off my ass and in the gym?? I also don't eat nearly enough vegetables & very picky. I'm lazy when it comes to cooking at home too.

I've set goals in the past but alway missed them...but I'll give it a go here & maybe this time it'll be different.

Current stats (height is 5'5"):
146lbs
Waist 32.5"
Pant size 8-10

Goals:
135lbs
Waist ??
Pant size 6-8

I'm going backpacking in Glacier Nat'l park this summer. I need to be in better shape. Please help get me off my ass!!!

1/9/2011 9:22:16 AM

You don't have to get "in the gym" to get off your ass. The best exercise program is the one you will actually do. And if you pick something that you will (maybe) do until you reach your goal and then quit because you don't enjoy it, you'll end up right back where you are now. The same goes for your diet.

You said you like backpacking so I am guessing you like hiking. Get out and go. If you have time to go to the gym you have time to get to Umstead, or whatever park is closest to you. Walk the trails, jog the trails, whatever you like. Yes, it's cold. Put on some gloves and you'll be fine. It's actually really fun to go hike when it's cold out.

1/9/2011 9:45:10 AM

I like to run. I wouldn't mind running early AM or after work but my neighborhood isn't the best for a female to be running in the dark alone & my husband doesn't want to/isn't home when I want to go. I'm in rocky mount & I have no nearby parks besides the playground type. I like the Y bc they have a track (I hate treadmills) but it's all the way across town. This is what keeps me from going a lot of times. A 45 min workout takes 1.5 hours with driving & showering. I would LOVE to hike more often.

Maybe I'll just suck it up & run in my neighborhood. I think the likelihood of being attacked is probably low but there aren't many people young enough to run out here so I don't know if that increase my chances. Maybe I'll just dress as masculine as I can since I have short hair anyway

1/9/2011 9:56:00 AM

That's why I am canceling my LFF membership and going elsewhere. I love the gym, but after I moved the commute is more than I want to do every day. I recognized that I was using the drive as a reason to not go and didn't want to do that.

How early is early? As long as it's light out you should be pretty OK. If you are that worried carry something with you. I would say pepper spray but I've heard more cops say that's a horrible idea than anything else. At least just a cell phone so if you see anyone suspicious you can call someone and tell them to check with you in a little bit and make sure you got home safe.

1/9/2011 10:08:39 AM

I'd probably need to get up around 615-630 to go running. I get off work at 530. I def would take my phone. I could take a knife or something too.

1/9/2011 10:14:25 AM

about the 500 mile challenge.

can i include miles i logged on the starstepper?
i'm nuts about that thing, i havent run that much lately (although im trying to do it a little more)

1/9/2011 11:08:50 AM

Quote :

"65 a month seems steep for Houston! What gym was that?"

lifetime fitness

its a beautiful gym and less an half a mile from my house but i just wasn't going anymore

in fact, i went to the gym the most when i lived in illinois and the gym was 20min away because work used to reimburse us for our gym membership up to $25/mo if we went at least 24 times per quarter (had to send in gym issued "attendance" sheets)

i will miss the spin classes but riding outside is more fun and i am disappointed they cut way back on their yoga class offerings because i really did enjoy those

1/9/2011 12:36:50 PM

they still send me e-mails.

1/9/2011 1:39:12 PM