Getting in shape for summer... who's in?

[mgonza]

I use to compete in some amateur bodybuilding about 10 years ago. Kinda messed me up when it comes to dieting. I work in a gym so getting in a workout is easier for me than most. However, I'm not one of those guys that shaves his legs and arms and poses in front of the mirror. I lift 5 days a week, eat protein with every meal, eat healthy fats and carbs, sometimes I eat junk food (because it's good) and do some mild cardio. I'm what you would call "thick" or "built" but not necessarily lean. I just don't have the desire to keep track of my intake to keep my body fat down around 10% because I'm naturally not lean to begin with. But, I'm more fit than you would think. My point is, exercise and make it something you like to do. Don't get caught up in the minor stuff and start off simple. I'm a huge advocate of working out in the gym because it's a destination. The energy is better than at home and you make friends who you look forward to seeing. There is so much equipment (at least here at my gym) that you can't really get bored. Eat every 3-4 hours (protein, healthy carbs, and healthy fats), drink a gallon of water per day and have lots of sex and you'll be good as new in a few months. "You can't go anywhere if you don't get on the train."

You are on point my friend. Staying lean is a pain in the ass lol.
Meal frequency does not matter though. At the end of the day it is calories in calories out. What gym do you go to?

 

[albatros43]

I've been doing the evil Crossfit for a little over 2 years. We work on a lot of Olympic lifts and strength in general. That keeps is much more interesting for me than just doing the WODs.

 

[Hasselhoss]

If time is an issue, mix in some hill repeats. It's awful, not fun at all, but gives you a great workout in a short time for no $$.

I've been hitting the ballistic ropes this week. They flat out kick your butt with a quickness.

 

[sinac84]

The closer you get to your goal weight, the longer it takes to shed the excess fat. The human body was designed to retain fat for survival proposes. Unfortunately it hates burning fat. Try adding 5 extra minutes to your cardio vascular training each day. You can also look into lowering your carbohydrate intake and replacing it with more protien. Simple sugers have a tendency to want to stay as stored energy with in the body.
Make sure you are getting your multi in. People on caloric deficits usually do not absorb enough micro nutrients.
If your sex drive starts to falter, add more fats to your diet. It is essential to our hormone production.

Or, you can do the opposite and have what they call a "cheat meal". This will shock the body and actually help you lose weight. You get a mental break from all the clean eating as well. Think of it as a reward or a "controlled mess up". It really does work!

 

[ATLEMT]

I've been hitting the ballistic ropes this week. They flat out kick your butt with a quickness.

What do you need to do to make those?

 

[Hasselhoss]

What do you need to do to make those?

I made mine for about $50.

I went to Home Depot and bought a 50' Goodyear garden hose/ it's the black rubber one that's like an industrial hose. I cut the connectors off then filled it with water. I put 5/8" bolts in the end and used hose clamps to seal. Then I wrapped the ends in Gorilla Tape. It's a beast.

You should come to the house to shoot one day and I'll let you try it.

 

[mgonza]

Or, you can do the opposite and have what they call a "cheat meal". This will shock the body and actually help you lose weight. You get a mental break from all the clean eating as well. Think of it as a reward or a "controlled mess up". It really does work!

Yep, just be carful with these. They can easily turn into "cheat days" and can quickly erase a weeks worth of work.

 

[sinac84]

You are on point my friend. Staying lean is a pain in the ass lol.
Meal frequency does not matter though. At the end of the day it is calories in calories out. What gym do you go to?

I work for Gold's Gym. The best damn gym in the world.

I would have to disagree with meal frequency not mattering. (Without getting to technical) Smaller meals more often increase more metabolism. Bigger meals less after decrease your metabolism. Of course what you eat in those frequent meals does play a part but the rule of thumb is meal smaller meals (healthy) more often to increase your metabolism.

 

[Realstudent368]

Or, you can do the opposite and have what they call a "cheat meal". This will shock the body and actually help you lose weight. You get a mental break from all the clean eating as well. Think of it as a reward or a "controlled mess up". It really does work!

I have noticed this before.... I eat cake and icecream and lose 2 pounds... I don't know why... it just does...

 

[ATLEMT]

I made mine for about $50.

I went to Home Depot and bought a 50' Goodyear garden hose/ it's the black rubber one that's like an industrial hose. I cut the connectors off then filled it with water. I put 5/8" bolts in the end and used hose clamps to seal. Then I wrapped the ends in Gorilla Tape. It's a beast.

You should come to the house to shoot one day and I'll let you try it.

I may take you up on that sometime. Sounds like a good workout.