Keep in mind that you're a novice lifter for a longer period of time than you think you are. Novice lifting can last anywhere from a few months to a year or two, depending on how hard you hit the weights and where you started.
Once you've reached the point where you don't make regular progress on the SS program, you are ready to move on to the intermediate stage, which can last you for a good number of years. Find it HERE:
If you're a very advanced lifter (many, many years of CONSISTENT weight training), then there are lot of programs out there, and which one you pick is simply a matter of preference. If you're really that advanced, you should know what works for you and what doesn't by this point. [Reply]
I've been meditating for 10 minutes a day on most days for the past couple of years. The one, two punch of working out and meditation is pretty crazy as far as what it's done for my mood as well as mental and emotional health.
I used Headspace for a year to get started and did mainly guided meditations, but I've switched to just a free bell timer app now that tracks streaks and minutes for unguided meditations.
I'm about to try to up my sessions to 20 minutes a day for a week to see if I noticed any differences by increasing the "dose." [Reply]
Originally Posted by NewChief:
Curious if any of you workout nuts also meditate?
I've been meditating for 10 minutes a day on most days for the past couple of years. The one, two punch of working out and meditation is pretty crazy as far as what it's done for my mood as well as mental and emotional health.
I used Headspace for a year to get started and did mainly guided meditations, but I've switched to just a free bell timer app now that tracks streaks and minutes for unguided meditations.
I'm about to try to up my sessions to 20 minutes a day for a week to see if I noticed any differences by increasing the "dose."
I've wanted to meditate for some time now (as well as stretch more) but just never get around to it and honestly don't know how. Do you "clear your mind", focus on something in particular, find a happy place, chant a mantra? [Reply]
Originally Posted by ThaVirus:
I've wanted to meditate for some time now (as well as stretch more) but just never get around to it and honestly don't know how. Do you "clear your mind", focus on something in particular, find a happy place, chant a mantra?
Great question! It's really not that complicated. I highly recommend grabbing the Headspace app for your phone. They have a 10 for 10 introduction series that's free. 10 days for 10 minutes a day with instructional videos and explanations as well as guided meditations.
Don't be scared away thinking that you're going to end up spending money or anything, as there are tons of free apps and such out there as well (Calm is another one. I use Insight Timer now). The Headspace app is just a great starting point, as their 10 for 10 is intended as an introduction and instruction for total newbies.
The type of meditation I do is called mindfulness meditation (or vipassana if you want to get complicated and "eastern.). It's basically just focusing on your breath for a set amount of time and then returning your focus to your breath as your mind wanders off of it (which happens constantly). The Headspace app has some great little animations and such that show how this very simple act (focusing on your breathing) has huge implications for your ability to create "headspace" and distance between stimulus/thought and (re)action as well as to see beyond temporary emotions, stresses and such. [Reply]
I've been working on building muscle over the last three months. I usually run 2-3 days a week, usually around 1.5 miles as quick as possible.
The last week I've focused on muscle building but I've extended my runs up to a 5k three times (Tuesday, Friday, and today). I recorded my fastest time today at 25:35. Are these longer runs killing any possible muscle gains? Should I stick to what I was doing, the shorter runs? [Reply]
I've been working on building muscle over the last three months. I usually run 2-3 days a week, usually around 1.5 miles as quick as possible.
The last week I've focused on muscle building but I've extended my runs up to a 5k three times (Tuesday, Friday, and today). I recorded my fastest time today at 25:35. Are these longer runs killing any possible muscle gains? Should I stick to what I was doing, the shorter runs?
Originally Posted by Dunit35:
I'm 32 and weigh 175. Use to weigh 235.
I'm guessing the shorter runs are better for strength training. I don't want to skip running altogether. As I do like to run.
I wouldn't make wholesale changes. I don't think anyone can say your fitness is lacking. And health is what's important here.
If you want to get bigger, you can lower the number of reps and increase the weight. Just make sure your form is good and you are doing the necessary things to avoid injury.
If you want, switching one of those days to sprinting might not hurt. Again, just watch for injuries. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Pestilence:
Just started back in the gym this morning. ****.....you don't realize how weak you are until you start lifting again after many years.
Just start light my friend and make sure you stretch your ass is gonna be sore. [Reply]
Does anyone watch athleanx videos on YouTube? I tried his "sore in six minutes" series on biceps yesterday. First time my biceps have been this sore in a long time. [Reply]