Health and Fitness Thread

[snubbyfan]

Been a long week but we made it to the gym today.
I was nice to get my regular workout.
I wonder if I'll be sore tomorrow.
Anyway, now that we have a chemo schedule for Lisa, I can go ahead and schedule an assessment to see if my slow, controlled, lighter weight and full range of movement workouts have helped any.

[moosedog]

God bless you and your wife.
Since it's the new year, I noticed new faces showing up at the two gyms I go to with their new years resolution. Unfortunately for 95% of them, they will only last 3 to 4 weeks.

[snubbyfan]

Originally Posted by moosedog

God bless you and your wife.
Since it's the new year, I noticed new faces showing up at the two gyms I go to with their new years resolution. Unfortunately for 95% of them, they will only last 3 to 4 weeks.

Noticed some new faces at our regular gym as well.
Time will tell how long they last.

[snubbyfan]

Now that Lisa has a chemo schedule, I went ahead and planned my next fitness assessment. It'll be on the 19th, the day after Lisa's follow up with her radiation oncologist.
Gonna find out if my "slow and controlled" workout is working. Just gotta make sure to keep doing what I'm doing.
She starts her first round of chemo tomorrow at 9:20 am.

[ladder13]

My gym has been packed with new people huffing and puffing. I don’t think they’ll last until 2/1.

[snubbyfan]

Originally Posted by ladder13

My gym has been packed with new people huffing and puffing. I don’t think they’ll last until 2/1.

Most don't.

[pmosley]

Originally Posted by ladder13

My gym has been packed with new people huffing and puffing. I don’t think they’ll last until 2/1.

Based on my gym trip this am, some new members need to assess their personal hygiene..............my olfactory senses were assaulted a few times....

Sent from my 6165S using Tapatalk

[ladder13]

Originally Posted by pmosley

Based on my gym trip this am, some new members need to assess their personal hygiene..............my olfactory senses were assaulted a few times....

Sent from my 6165S using Tapatalk

They need to learn some hygiene etiquette.

[snubbyfan]

Originally Posted by pmosley

Based on my gym trip this am, some new members need to assess their personal hygiene..............my olfactory senses were assaulted a few times....

Sent from my 6165S using Tapatalk

There was an attractive fit young lady at our gym once (thank goodness it was just once) that stunk the whole place up with her body odor.

[snubbyfan]

We haven't been to the gym in over a week. I did do a coupla home workouts and home cardio.
We do plan to hit the gym tomorrow and I'm looking forward to it.
Gonna get my fitness assessment, it'll be interesting to see how that works out.

[snubbyfan]

After missing the gym for a week, today's workout felt great.
Had my assessment today, kinda what I had expected.
I'm up 3 pounds from 165 to 168 since my last assessment 3 months ago and my bodyfat is up from 12.1 to 14.9%.
Still not bad considering all the time we've been spending sitting at hospitals, sitting in traffic, sitting in waiting rooms and eating hospital food.
When I started at the new gym in 2020 I was 140 pounds and 'bout 14% bodyfat. Now I'm 28 pounds up and at 14.9% bodyfat.
Not too bad and 14.9% still puts me in the lean category for somebody half my age.
I'm planning on increasing my home cardio when I can. At least until it gets warm enough to go outside for hiking and biking.

[snubbyfan]

Good day at the gym today. Lisa felt well enough to get a pretty good workout and even did some rowing.
Since her Oncologist and orthopedist recommended against her getting a cortisone shot for the arthritis in her shoulder, she didn't push it too hard instead using a lighter weight, lotsa reps and full range of movement.
I felt really good. Dunno if it's because I missed a week, the homemade bison tacos we had for supper last night or if it was just a low gravity day. I increased my workout weights on almost all of my exercises and had lotsa energy.
Gonna havta make sure that we both get our protein.

[snubbyfan]

Interesting gym day today. Dunno why and I'm not gonna knock it but I ended up increasing my workout weights again.
Well, all except my standing ez bar curls and parallel grip pull ups.
Those I just made sure to keep a steady controlled cadence and full range of motion.
Dunno why I felt so good. Maybe it was the pizza we had for supper last night?

[snubbyfan]

Pretty good gym day today.
I've changed up my workouts a bit. I was lifting slower with lighter weight for 8 to 12 reps for 3 sets for the past 3 months or so. I've changed that to lifting quicker with heavier weights for 6 to 10 reps. Not too quick, I still want to control the weight through a full range of motion.
I figure I'll try that for a while and see how that goes.
Lisa's gonna go in for a brain mri on Monday and I'm a bit apprehensive about what they'll find in there. I'm hoping that it'll be good news.
We plan to do a home workout on Sunday.

[snubbyfan]

I woke up with sore muscles today. I guess I did yesterdays home workout right.
Next gym visit's on Thursday. I should be healed up by then.
Gotta make sure to get my protein.

[snubbyfan]

I've changed my workouts a bit. Doing heavier weights and faster reps with a rep range of 6-10. 'Cept parallel pullups and ab workouts. Those are a dozen or more.
I'm still starting with the combo exercises and finishing with bicep and triceps isolations.
Since I started this, I've increased most of my workout weights 3 times so far.
Lisa and I had a pretty good gym day today. She worked out at the rowing machine and did some lifting.
I skipped legs today, saving them for tomorrow. We're planning on going for a hike up our favorite mountain ridge.

[snubbyfan]

I Changed my workouts a few weeks ago. I've been lifting heavier with 6 to 10 reps per set for 3 sets per exercise.
That is at least 6 good clean full range proper reps then maybe a couple more and a drop set or two for the last set.
Also, I'm doing only compound exercises and no longer do isolations exercises for biceps and triceps.
It'll be interesting to see how this works out.
I'm not doing anything special with my diet, just making sure to eat clean and get my protein.
Lisa and I both had a pretty good gym day today.

[snubbyfan]

Interesting gym day today. We got there a little later so Lisa was there in time to go to the 4:30 kickboxing class.
I got a pretty good workout and increased my weights on 4 machines and maxed out on 2 of them.
So far decreasing my rep ranges to 6 to 10 and increasing my workout weights seems to be going well. I just don't want to risk injury by trying to lift too much.
I'm still trying to resist the urge to do isolation exercises for biceps and triceps.
Gonna havta make sure to get my protein.

[snubbyfan]

Made a change on my workouts. I'm still staying with the heavier weights, 3 sets and 6 to 10 reps per set but instead of ending my workout with 3 sets of parallel grip pullups, I'm doing 3 sets of preacher curls. I figure with warmer weather coming, it'll be tank top weather and I'll work on some bicep isolations. It's been a while since I've done bicep isolation work so I'm hoping for some newbie gains. I guess we'll see.
Anyway, I recently had my old man checkup and apparently I'm very healthy. My blood work was described as "beautiful."
Gotta make sure to get my protein.

[fiasconva]

Just got back into the upper body routine this week after having hand surgery almost 2 months ago. I am really sore but it's a good sore so I'll keep it up. My old man checkup came out well too. BTW, snubbyfan, I just sent you a PM.

[snubbyfan]

Today's workout kinda surprised me. I didn't get much sleep or much to eat for 'bout a week while I stayed with Lisa in intensive care and lost 'bout 7 pounds.
Still, I had a pretty good workout with the same weights as I was using before.
It took a bit of self convincing to get myself out of the house but I'm glad I did. A good workout and talking to some good people helped.

[Rustyt1953]

I haven't engaged in this thread as I possessed neither health nor fitness.

But. . . things change. Moving into this new lovely and serene neighborhood has made us all flourish. Ruthie, the boys and I have never been happier so I decided that I had been quasi sedentary for far too long and (pain be damned) I wanted to enjoy this with them for as long as I can.

7 weeks ago I forced my self to walk half a mile without aircare standing by.

I have yet to miss any of my daily walks. Thanks for giving me a prod.

As of yesterday I hit 2.7 miles

[Onomea]

Snubby, I have never experienced a loss as severe as yours.

i would like to comment, however, that during the crises I have experienced in my life, I have found physical exercise, especially intense physical exercise, to be helpful in recovering, and maintaining, my mental stability.

I admire and respect that you were able to go the gym today and work out.

Best wishes.

[snubbyfan]

Originally Posted by Rustyt1953

I haven't engaged in this thread as I possessed neither health nor fitness.

But. . . things change. Moving into this new lovely and serene neighborhood has made us all flourish. Ruthie, the boys and I have never been happier so I decided that I had been quasi sedentary for far too long and (pain be damned) I wanted to enjoy this with them for as long as I can.

7 weeks ago I forced my self to walk half a mile without aircare standing by.

I have yet to miss any of my daily walks. Thanks for giving me a prod.

As of yesterday I hit 2.7 miles

That's grrreat!
Glad I prodded you.

[snubbyfan]

Went for a hike today. I took the trail that Lisa and I always liked but went a bit further.
Not sure how far I went but I was out for about 3 hours and kept thinking that I shoulda brought Lisa's hydration pack.
Anyway, after I got home it was still nice out so I had a cigar and a coupla beers in our back yard.

[Peak53]

Originally Posted by snubbyfan

Went for a hike today. I took the trail that Lisa and I always liked but went a bit further.
Not sure how far I went but I was out for about 3 hours and kept thinking that I shoulda brought Lisa's hydration pack.
Anyway, after I got home it was still nice out so I had a cigar and a coupla beers in our back yard.

Hang in there, buddy. You're doing the right thing - taking care of yourself. I lost the love of my life to cancer 23 short years ago. I don't want to deal in platitudes, but time does do a lot of healing. I focus on remembering the good times and, yes, taking those hikes.

[Rustyt1953]

An update and another tip o' the cap.

Yesterday was my annual check up with my cardiologist. After he viewed my test results and listened to my heart be asked me what I had been doing as he said the rapid improvement in my health was remarkable. I told him of my 2.7 miles per day.

He said my levels looked great as did my EKG and he was pleased with the sound of my heart even though it has a governor on it. What floored him is that after only 7 weeks of my now daily regimen my EF has jumped from 16 to 32.

It is quite sobering how a little bit of "get off your butt and do something" can change a person's life, outlook and disposition.

Thanks again.

[snubbyfan]

That's great news Rusty. Are you up to 3 miles yet?

[snubbyfan]

For the last few weeks, I've basically just been going through the motions at the gym.
Just wasn't in me to feel much in the way of enthusiasm.
Today though, I was feeling a bit better, had a pretty good gym day and got a pretty good workout, including doing some drop sets.
Planning on some home cardio on my home spin bike tomorrow. I want to be ready to ride Frankenbike. Next week's looking good for some outdoor bicycle time on the towpath.

[Rustyt1953]

Originally Posted by snubbyfan

That's great news Rusty. Are you up to 3 miles yet?

As of a few minutes ago. 3.6 miles.

[KyleeMarks]

Originally Posted by moosedog

God bless you and your wife.
Since it's the new year, I noticed new faces showing up at the two gyms I go to with their new years resolution. Unfortunately for 95% of them, they will only last 3 to 4 weeks.

Hey, I see the newbie swarm at the gym every January too. It can get crowded! I remember my first gym resolution, way too ambitious (and boring) workout plan. No wonder I fizzled out.

Now I have decided to take care of my body and nutrition, I still want to look decent, although it is really difficult to include training in a busy schedule - 9-5 work and then I have no strength left for anything, but I read that this is an imaginary feeling. In fact, we have a lot of energy, and we just need to start and continue working out in the gym for at least 21 days once, and then it will become a habit.

[snubbyfan]

Pretty good gym today. I was doing extra reps with the same weight as last time.
The only thing I changed was instead of using the chest press machine, I went over to the free weight area and did some incline bench presses. Don't think I'm going to do that again, apparently it irritated my shoulder.
Instead, I'll change that to flat bench presses.
Tomorrow, I'm planning on going for a nice hike for some cardio.

[snubbyfan]

Wasn't sure how gym day would go today after 4 days off.
Once I got started though, it felt pretty good. Not only did I seem to pick up where I left off but actually did a little better.
I was able to do a coupla extra drop sets after my last set on the flat bench press.
Must have been all that beer I drank over the weekend....
We'll see how sore I am tomorrow.
Speaking of tomorrow, it's supposed to rain so I'm planning on getting some stuff done around the house.
Thursday though is looking good for a nice bike ride.

[KalamazooKid]

Way to get after it Wayne!

[Rustyt1953]

An update: I am clocking 4.2 miles per day I have dropped a belt notch and 7 lbs.

Signed; reformed couch potato.

[snubbyfan]

Originally Posted by Rustyt1953

An update: I am clocking 4.2 miles per day I have dropped a belt notch and 7 lbs.

Signed; reformed couch potato.

Sounds like you'll be able to hike up a mountain with me soon.

[snubbyfan]

Got Frankenbike out for the first bike ride of the year.
I didn't plan to be out for as long as I was but it was so nice out, a quick bike ride got a little further then that got a little further. Not sure how far I went but I do know that it was 'bout 2 hours longer than a quick ride.
Heading to the gym tomorrow.

[Rustyt1953]

My bonafides today. 4.45 miles.

[snubbyfan]

Had a very good coupla days.
At the gym yesterday, I felt strong and increased my workout weights on a coupla exercises. I'm still doing the bench presses and feeling like I can control the weight a bit better. Eventually, I'll start increasing that weight but I don't want to rush it.
Went for a hike on our favorite mountain trail today.
An interesting thing happened as I was on my way back to the truck, my right thumb started working. Stress exacerbates my motor nerve condition and my thumb hasn't worked for over a month. Ever since Lisa went into the hospital. Dunno how long it'll last but I take it as a good sign.

[Rustyt1953]

Down from 238 lbs to 226 lbs.

[snubbyfan]

Rusty, do you have a goal in mind or just see where it goes?

[Rustyt1953]

I have no set goal other than to improve my odds at sticking around to enjoy the incredibly happy life I have been blessed with.

[snubbyfan]

Sounds like a worthy goal.

[snubbyfan]

Okay, new goal.
I have a fitness reassessment coming on the 20th of June and my goal is to get down to 10% or less bodyfat.
Towards that, I'm still doing my regular workout plus I've increased my cardio by doing more hiking and biking on non-gym days.
That means 6 to 7 days a week of exercise.
Also, I'm keeping my protein lean and my carbs clean.
If I can hit my goal, I intend to get a crispy chicken sandwich and onion rings from Cheryl's Snack Shack.
We'll see how it goes.

[Farmer17]

Originally Posted by snubbyfan

Okay, new goal.
I have a fitness reassessment coming on the 20th of June and my goal is to get down to 10% or less bodyfat.
Towards that, I'm still doing my regular workout plus I've increased my cardio by doing more hiking and biking on non-gym days.
That means 6 to 7 days a week of exercise.
Also, I'm keeping my protein lean and my carbs clean.
If I can hit my goal, I intend to get a crispy chicken sandwich and onion rings from Cheryl's Snack Shack.
We'll see how it goes.

Try some Pickleball for extra cardio. My wife and I play 2-4 times a week usually for a couple of hours and its a great way to have fun and meet some new friends. I've done a bit running and riding road bikes and mountain bikes but it gets a little boring and I'm never bored with Pickleball!

[The Big D]

Was getting fat in my old age and resolved to get back to my crimefighting weight. That was 193lbs when I retired in 2005.

Started my struggle 😉 in January, 2023, and got below 200 mid-summer.

Still not to 193 but maintaining 196-199 since then.

Primary means to get there was walking and eating better. Averaging 10127 steps/day in 2024. No longer eating bacon and eggs and potatoes for breakfast days/week. Add a few days of golf and vigorous exercise and boom!

Have lost 2” in waist and feeling great.

Yes, I will get to 193! 🤞🤞

Be safe.

[Rustyt1953]

I start with a mug of coffee and a peanut butter sandwich. An hour afterwards I take my first of 4 one mile walks. My pace has risen to 3.3 mph. I drink 12 ounces of water after each walk. Sometimes I feel nibbly by late afternoon so I at times eat half a protein bar.

After my last walk I have dinner with a 16 ounce beer (not reaching for another one takes will power).

I like desserts. I always have. But, a month ago I gave up sweets (and I thought smoking cessation was hard).

At the time of this typing I am down 2 belt notches and down from 238 lbs to 226. Words simply can't convey how energized I feel, my elevation in demeanor (like it was bad before) and the pride my family has expressed to me and the self pride at following through with this.

I have introduced myself to most of my neighbors on four block so if my landing gear goes out they will know who they are doing CPR on.

[snubbyfan]

Originally Posted by The Big D

Was getting fat in my old age and resolved to get back to my crimefighting weight. That was 193lbs when I retired in 2005.

Started my struggle 😉 in January, 2023, and got below 200 mid-summer.

Still not to 193 but maintaining 196-199 since then.

Primary means to get there was walking and eating better. Averaging 10127 steps/day in 2024. No longer eating bacon and eggs and potatoes for breakfast days/week. Add a few days of golf and vigorous exercise and boom!

Have lost 2” in waist and feeling great.

Yes, I will get to 193! 🤞🤞

Be safe.

I know you're a big fellow.
Thanks again for coming to the viewing.

[snubbyfan]

Originally Posted by Rustyt1953

I start with a mug of coffee and a peanut butter sandwich. An hour afterwards I take my first of 4 one mile walks. My pace has risen to 3.3 mph. I drink 12 ounces of water after each walk. Sometimes I feel nibbly by late afternoon so I at times eat half a protein bar.

After my last walk I have dinner with a 16 ounce beer (not reaching for another one takes will power).

I like desserts. I always have. But, a month ago I gave up sweets (and I thought smoking cessation was hard).

At the time of this typing I am down 2 belt notches and down from 238 lbs to 226. Words simply can't convey how energized I feel, my elevation in demeanor (like it was bad before) and the pride my family has expressed to me and the self pride at following through with this.

I have introduced myself to most of my neighbors on four block so if my landing gear goes out they will know who they are doing CPR on.

Lisa liked walking. The people in town nicknamed her "street walker" because she'd walk to run errands around town, there aren't many sidewalks and she'd havta walk along the streets.

[snubbyfan]

Went for a nice bike ride today on the C&O Canal Towpath.
The good news is that more of the Towpath is getting resurfaced and it's a nice and smooth.
The issue was that the Towpath was completely blocked by the equipment they're using to do the resurfacing near Town creek and I didn't get to go as far as I had intended.
That's okay though, it was still a nice day for a bike ride and I was out for a coupla hours.
I'll just havta do a bit of a bonus hike tomorrow.