Diet and Exercise Overrated (pushups, reduce, bike, gain)

[DennyCrane]

Originally Posted by CosmicWizard

You nailed it Denny. This is the key to success!

Actually, when it comes to changing your body composition, what I found to be the REAL key to success is consistency. So many people come up with a plan, try it for a short time, and then give up because they don't see immediate results. While it's bad to keep doing something that isn't working, IMO too many people don't give any plan enough of a chance before declaring it a failure. Fat loss isn't complicated, but it does take patience.

[TheCaliforniaBear]

Whatever you do, do it as hard as you can.

Lots of people in the gym are not going all out. For results, your face should be cringing in pain and you should be punishing yourself.

If you do this, almost any routine will bring results. Some better than others though of course.

[Coolhand68]

Originally Posted by lola8822

True, although, genetics can make it tougher on some. For instance; I work out religiously, i'm in good shape and have been my entire life but no matter what I do I can't change my butt....it's not big, not small and i'm totally good with it but it's annoying to know that I couldn't change it if i wanted to. It's true though that there are many who want a quick answer to their weight/body issues....sometimes it's just not that easy but the point being missed here is the health aspect of it all......if you work out and eat healthy you will see changes....do it for the health of it and the rest will follow

I agree, genetics does play a role. There are three basic body types out there (mesomorphic, ectomorphic and endomorphic) and all combinations of the three in between. Knowing your body type will help you choose a more effective workout and diet plan.

[lola8822]

Originally Posted by Coolhand68

I agree, genetics does play a role. There are three basic body types out there (mesomorphic, ectomorphic and endomorphic) and all combinations of the three in between. Knowing your body type will help you choose a more effective workout and diet plan.

This is where a PT comes in handy....don't say diet, the word makes me cringe.

[Coolhand68]

I don't mean diet as in a weight loss regiment, I use the term diet in place of "what you eat on a daily basis". I don't like the term diet either when used as a method of losing weight. It's usually means a fad diet that someone will stick with on a temporary basis, and then put on weight once they get off that "diet". Personal trainers are good, but your mileage varies with them. Many years ago I hired one that came highly recommended at a pro body-building gym. He was great! Taught me a lot, and I eventually became a trainer myself. I worked for a guy named Harry Hanson in Manhattan. He and his brother ran a studio where they trained celebs, models, and random clients from all walks of life. Harry was a good trainer, but his brother was clueless, and it was frustrating watching him give out faulty instruction for which clients were paying good money. I eventually left and went on my own for awhile. I've heard some very odd stuff come out of people's mouths in gyms. Everyone thinks they're an expert, you have to be careful and do your research on someone before committing to their services.

[cubssoxfan]

Originally Posted by TheCaliforniaBear

Whatever you do, do it as hard as you can.

Lots of people in the gym are not going all out. For results, your face should be cringing in pain and you should be punishing yourself.

If you do this, almost any routine will bring results. Some better than others though of course.

I don't know about that! I follow the "soreness is good", "pain is bad" as far as how my body feels after a workout.

[CosmicWizard]

TheCaliforniaBEar wrote:

Whatever you do, do it as hard as you can.

Lots of people in the gym are not going all out. For results, your face should be cringing in pain and you should be punishing yourself.

If you do this, almost any routine will bring results. Some better than others though of course.

The parts in bold are a recipe for a quick burnout, injury, and a short lived workout career if you do this every workout. With my current routine, I always workout hard, and I push the punishment envelope from time to time, but certainly not every workout. When I was following Bears strategy 35 years ago, I did indeed burnout, and didn't touch a weight again for more than 10 years. If anyone does follow Bears strategy, take a week off every month. The frequent breaks will help to prevent the burnout, and give your body a chance to recuperate from the punishment. Additionally if you do turn your workout into a punishment be sure to warm up and ease into it to prevent injury. But, I still don't recommend working out to the point of punishment.

[DennyCrane]

Originally Posted by TheCaliforniaBear

Whatever you do, do it as hard as you can.

Lots of people in the gym are not going all out. For results, your face should be cringing in pain and you should be punishing yourself.

If you do this, almost any routine will bring results. Some better than others though of course.

This is bad advice. While a workout should be challenging, pushing yourself too hard will just result in injury and burnout and will also require a longer recovery time. The goal should be to push yourself a little harder with each workout. For example, if did 30 minutes on the treadmill one day, the next day increase the time, the intensity, or the incline. Something that makes the workout just a little bit harder than the last time you performed it. But pushing yourself til you're cringing in pain, that's just dumb. How long do you think you'll stay motivated if every workout is painful?

[ChessieMom]

Originally Posted by Coolhand68

Fitness and exercise is not rocket science. Weight loss and fitness are simple concepts, but so many people want it to come easy, hence the infomercials and fad diets. You have to put in the time at the gym and eat better. No need for fancy supplements, eat only "this-or-that" diets, and gimmicks that require expensive gadgets. Well rounded exercise program and a well rounded diet will keep you alive and kicking for many years to come. If you have specific goals like competitive body-building or power lifting, it requires some degree of varying intensity and altering ones diet, but for the average person who wants to lose a few pounds and tone up, it's not all that complicated. Folks just don't want to work hard for it, they want the answer in a pill or twenty minute walk in the park.

Perfectly stated. Good job.

[ChessieMom]

Originally Posted by Coolhand68

I don't mean diet as in a weight loss regiment, I use the term diet in place of "what you eat on a daily basis". I don't like the term diet either when used as a method of losing weight.

I do the same thing. I never use "diet" as a term for a temporary behavior, and I always fuss at those that do.