 
 
 
Up Against The Wall...!Friday, January 27, 2012
Just wondered if folks out there have any suggestions as although I've been really dedicated to my workouts I seem to have hit a wall over the past several months which has been frustrating. 
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2BMYOWN
2/11/2012 2:49PM
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Wow, Don, did you get this worked out, I hope? I also have to go with BOBBYD....that is exactly the same thing my buddy, Derek, told me when he worked me up a weight routine, and he used to bodybuild professionally so seems to know his stuff. I never went beyond 12 reps in any of my workouts, tho. And he said that when I began noticing that it was fairly easy for me to do my routines, it was time to upgrade some. I only reached a certain point with it and never chose to go beyond, tho, so I was happy to just keep doing what I was doing, which I suppose is not a 'good' thing! LOL
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WATERMELLEN
1/30/2012 7:06PM
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Totally agree -- time for a tune up with the trainer. But I'm thinking the trainer is likely to tell you pretty much what BOBBYD thinks: that is, 8-10 reps rather than the 15 . . . and the "rest" weeks too. Are you doing cardio first, then ST? Apparently that does help as well. Report Inappropriate Comment |
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ABURRIS2
1/28/2012 12:37PM
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Another suggestion is to change up your lifting occasionally by lowering the weight significantly and doing each set to muscle failure, perhaps stepping down the weight between sets if you need to. It seems counter-intuitive but perhaps more rest days between workouts would help prepare for a leap forward. You are an inspiration, Don! Report Inappropriate Comment |
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GIANNA345
1/27/2012 9:53PM
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Are you eating enough protein to build muscle? I've read that you need 1.5 grams per pound of ideal body weight. If not, you may be losing the muscle you are trying to build. The book I've been reading is called: "You are your own gym," by Mark Lauren and Joshua Clark.
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BOBBYD31
1/27/2012 8:19PM
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ok i think i can help here don. * keep at 2 sets only per session * you are at 15 rep per set, what you need to do is increase weight but reps drop down to 8-10 for 3-6 weeks then increase reps by 2 (10-12), your last 2 reps should be a struggle to get them up. once you build to 15 increase weight and reduce reps * one week per month cut back ST sessions to max of 2 cardio cut your cardio workout every 3rd week by 30-50% reasons for the cut back is a recovery week for you body allowing the muscles to heal all the micro tears you cause when working out hard. you should notice improvements in both areas in a short time Report Inappropriate Comment |
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PUDLECRAZY
1/27/2012 7:09PM
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Do they have a fitness trainer at the gym? I would check with someone there with this question. I just don't know the answer to that.
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FITLIFE6
1/27/2012 1:19PM
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It sounds like your body has adapted to your routine and might want to switch things up a bit. For myself, using a stability ball or BOSU in my workouts have given me increases in my fitness level. Combining weight training while on ball or BOSU creates instability and forces more muscles to be involved ie bicep curls while seated on stability ball, lift a leg for extra fun - not easy! If you've never used stability balls/BOSU you could see if your gym offers classes or maybe a PT could create a routine for you.. Try not to get frustrated and push for too much from yourself - there's a risk of overtraining there, and that would actually hinder strength gains. Good luck! Report Inappropriate Comment |
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GUITARWOMAN
1/27/2012 12:19PM
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No expert here either..... But, if the last few reps in weightlifting are just about impossible, that is the right amount of weight and repetition, as far as I know. Are you taking days off between lifting sessions? The muscles need the recovery time. I kind of had the thought that you may be doing too much. But, talk to an expert, maybe see your doctor. 
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AZIMAT
1/27/2012 12:04PM
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I would talk to an experienced trainer.
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SHIROIHANA
1/27/2012 10:54AM
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I was thinking the same thing as our fellow Sparkers. Is it because your body is exhausted and isn't going through change to prevent a breakdown? Maybe you can change things to trick your body. Good luck.
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L*I*T*A*
1/27/2012 10:19AM
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i have no real comments as i too have been sitting on a long plateau...... are there any trainers at your gym..... perhaps speak to them for suggestions.... i say keep on keeping on..... stick it out...i can relate your frustration.... all the best and hopefully someone here has your answers blessings and hugs..............lita    Comment edited on: 1/27/2012 10:19:32 AM Report Inappropriate Comment |
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BECKYANNE1
1/27/2012 10:17AM
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I agree that maybe you're just doing too much. I just read an article on the web about this topic. I'm not sure where I found it though. To me, it always seems harder to workout indoors when your used to working out outside. I miss my long outside walks. The treadmill just doesn't do it for me. The advantage though is I've started running and can't wait to do it outside. Just don't beat yourself up. Change things up a bit and I'm sure it will get better.
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JLITT62
1/27/2012 9:49AM
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Having read about some of your workouts, it's actually crossed my mind that maybe you're simply doing too much. Just throwing out food for thought! Muscles get stronger during recovery, when they can repair themselves.
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SKINNYPOWELL1
1/27/2012 9:21AM
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WOW, you are doing a lot to keep busy during the no-biking season. I don't know alot about weighs but I do know from doing P90X that the last two or three reps of an exercise should be hard, and this sounds like your case - so to me...you're doing it right. And mixing up all the different forms of exercise is a good thing, muscle confusion...excellent. I would just keep on doing what you're doing - staying busy, mixing it up, working hard. I'm no expert and I would like to see what others suggest, to see if you are missing something, but I don't really think so. The only thing I can think is maybe you are NOT eating enough for all those calories you're burning - just throwing that out there, something to look at. I'm sure you're probably suffering from a touch of cabin/spring fever amd Vitamin D withdrawls since you are such an outdoorsy kinda guy. Hang in there. Comment edited on: 1/27/2012 9:21:51 AM Report Inappropriate Comment |
Today turned out to be a pretty decent day!
Yesterday I was a bit gnarly and snarly when I was a little late calling in to reserve my spot for today's spinning class and by 11 am I was already shut out of the class and put on the alternate list! Sheesh!
But then Mother Nature came along and helped in more ways than one by dumping a few inches of snow on us and shaking loose enough from the spinning class that I was IN!
So that was the start of my day...nice to run into an old colleague of mine at the spin class too. I had helped her learn the social worker ropes up at the state psychiatric hospital way back when.
As usual I was a pretty soggy, smiling mess by the end of class and went on to take care of my upper body and core strength training.
On my mind throughout the morning was whether or not there was enough snow for me to at long last break in the cross country gear I bought used this past November.
Home for snow shoveling, out for a few errands and FINALLY! Off to the northern end of our local park where there are 3 or 4 soccer fields sprawled out. There are no groomed trails around our neck of the woods so I knew I'd have to bushwhack my own. Had some hassles getting one of my boots properly clicked into the bindings, but after some nuisance work on this I was OFF!
There was just enough to ski...a few scrapes here and there, but otherwise did all right! Only a couple tumbles as the skis wobbled a bit on top the snow knocking my balance off. Never really got to gliding along as well as I remembered doing in the past, but figure that was due to not having enough snow and the un-even skis with my bushwhacking efforts. I discovered re-tracking over my trails helped and could move along a little better then.
I think I'll stick to such venues till I feel a little more confident!
If only Mother Nature could be more helpful...mid-40s and rain showers on Monday will take this all out...sigh...
Between Spinning and XCS it's been one great day breaking out of my same-old, same-old routine! Feeling that good sore and tiredness that oughta spell a mighty fine night's sleep. :-)
Don
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2BMYOWN
2/11/2012 2:26PM
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I gotta go with Giranimal on this one..... Somehow, 'gnarly and snarly' are not words I ever associate in my brain with thoughts of you! LMAO The weather here in Ohio has been ridiculous....sleet/freezing rain one day, then up in the 50's, then snow, then up in the 60's....O.....MY......GOD. I drive past the ski mountain every day going to work, and it's been rather vacant this year, for the first time since I can remember. But at least you can keep on spinnin'!
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DAVEINSEOUL
1/30/2012 11:11PM
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Oh man, XCS???? I'm all kinds of jealous - that's something you have to go three hours to do here :-(
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SHIROIHANA
1/24/2012 10:22PM
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It's great that you didn't let snow stop you. As the year progresses, less and less people will take spinning. My gym (24 Hr Fitness) lets people reserve in advance... I think you can pay $1 no more than 24 hrs away from the class start time. I don't know if all the clubs do this but the Saturday 8AM spinning class is one of their most popular classes (besides Zumba, which is always filled). Keep up the great work, you ball of energy!
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SKINNYPOWELL1
1/24/2012 10:03AM
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Sounds like you had quite the busy day. I can picture you bushwhacking and skiing. Rock on dude, you're my hero. 
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GIRANIMAL
1/23/2012 9:16PM
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I simply cannot imagine you ever being gnarly or snarly!  I'm glad all your workout dreams came true! Report Inappropriate Comment |
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REDSHOES2011
1/23/2012 8:52AM
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Great to hear things turned out ok!
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SASSYCHRIS1952
1/22/2012 12:55PM
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   You have incredible energy, great job!
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BILL60
1/22/2012 7:37AM
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Sounds like fun. No such ventures in South Texas.
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JLITT62
1/22/2012 5:42AM
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Where the heck do you find the energy? After shoveling the driveway & running for 2 hrs - thank God for yaktrax - I was all ticketed out! I'd be more than happy to send all our snow for the rest of the yr your way. If only I could. Report Inappropriate Comment |
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WOLFKITTY
1/21/2012 9:54PM
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I'm sore, too, and ready to go to bed. Is before 7 too early?! LOL! Take care! Sounds like fun, Jocelyn Report Inappropriate Comment |
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GR8CATSBY
1/21/2012 9:53PM
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Glad you got to enjoy the snow!
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L*I*T*A*
1/21/2012 8:28PM
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our winter has just been washed away...... enjoy what you have...... blessings and hugs...........lita Report Inappropriate Comment |
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WATERMELLEN
1/21/2012 7:43PM
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This sounds like a great start!! I had a little tumble today myself on a down hill stretch when I . . . lost my balance!! But no biggy: back up and at it. Re gliding: did you have the right wax? Glide and grip? It's that kick/pull thing . . . planting the pole and pulling forward while kicking with the opposite foot . . . So happy that you got out . . . hope there's lots more this winter. Report Inappropriate Comment |
You are not one of those either.