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Thread: How do YOU stay active?

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    God/dess Athenathefabulous's Avatar
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    Question How do YOU stay active?

    So now that i have more energy i want to get to living a really active lifestyle. I want to try to work out 2x a day 3x a week, and once a day 3x a week. because honestly, now that i am done with school and do not have a day job, i am not very productive during the day.

    I used to work out twice a day: i had a jogging class in the morning 2 or 3x a week back in college and then at night i would kick my ass at the gym with weights and more cardio. I also was dancing, but im not going to include work in my workouts since come nights i am sitting on my ass drinking champagne. Either way, when i used to do this i had a shitload of energy and i was really fit and my body looked super amazing.

    problem now: i get bored very easily. whenever i try to convince myself i want to go back to doing this i end up even lazier because i spend the whole day procrastinating because i dont feel like doing this. for a while i was biking which i liked doing, but long bike rides dont really do much for my body (other than giving me an ass to die for) since its largely just burning through carbs.

    so how do you guys keep active? I tried yoga once and it didnt do it for me, maybe i need a different instructor? A sport also could work although im very uncordinated with projectiles. I run too although recurring shin splints make this a pain in the ass.

    I need some ideas!
    The best thing i have heard in a strip club to date:
    customer: we should get married right now! we should get a shotgun marriage!
    me: uhh... i think you are misunderstanding what a shotgun marriage means. A shotgun marriage means you knock me up and my daddy shows up at your door with a gun and forces you to marry me and raise the baby. You mean elope.
    customer: hmm... nah actually i will take the shotgun marriage. At least then we would be having sex.


  2. #2
    Veteran Member AngelKing's Avatar
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    Default Re: How do YOU stay active?

    Have you tried martial arts? I harp on this constantly, but it's only because I know the good they do for people once they become involved. Brazilian jiu jitsu or muy thai will put you in phenomenal over-the-top good shape, and you will learn a valuable skill set that is applicable to your general life. You will also gain a second family, with disciplined people around you without ulterior motives in their dealings with you.
    And if you have an ounce of physicality in you, the knowledge and power you gain from combat sports will be mind altering. With Brazilian jiu jitsu in particular, it's like you gain super powers that will just completely change your life, and the peace you find mentally is unexplainable.

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  4. #3
    Featured Member flickad's Avatar
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    Default Re: How do YOU stay active?

    Jogging and Krav Maga (which I'm learning for self-defence purposes, but it helps keep me fit as well). I also go to the gym when the weather doesn't permit an outdoor run or if I just feel like a change. I'll walk or walk-jog on days when I'm not up to anything too heavy. I usually use the treadmill and sometimes the rower on gym days, but if you're into variety, most gyms hold various types of fitness classes, and it's absolutely feasible to do something different each time you go. This also keeps your body from becoming too accustomed to your fitness regime and so prevents stagnation. I used to take boxing classes at a gym several years ago and absolutely loved them. They might be something you'd enjoy, too. Worth a try anyway.

    Twice a day is probably a bit much, I think, unless you're doing short sessions of half an hour or less. It will become a drag and you will lose motivation if you're forcing yourself to exercise that frequently. And it's very hard on your body - elite athletes who work out that much will inevitably be taking measures like physiotherapy, massage, plenty of rest, stretches (which you should do anyway) and a high calorie diet to help their bodies cope with the strain. That said, if you were going to do one cardio and one weights session, I doubt you'd be over-training, at least not at the physiological level, but, again, motivation might be a problem. Once a day really should be plenty for non-athletes (and no more than an hour or so, or perhaps ninety minutes if you're feeling particularly energetic), and if you find you need more rest than that, five days a week is completely adequate in any event.

    If your goal is to get a great body, interval training or HIIT is really the way to go (ie sprint-jog-sprint-jog for 20 seconds to two minutes each for at least twenty minutes all in all). You can spend a much shorter time at it and burn just as many or more calories than your average hour-long steady cardio session, but it will probably involve working harder than you're used to if you normally do cardio at a single, steady pace. However, you'll quickly adjust to that and it becomes really energising. This is what I do on the treadmill when I go to the gym. It's harder to do it when you run outside unless you use a stopwatch. I have read that you can also do this on a bike, but that's not something I've done myself.
    Last edited by flickad; 10-02-2010 at 10:25 AM.

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    Default Re: How do YOU stay active?

    ^^^ All very good suggestions!!!
    Have you thought of Ballet? The New York City ballet has an amazing DVD workout. And, you can do them almost any where. I find it keeps me lean, balanced, and ALL my muscles respond well to it. Esp my ABS!!!! WOW!
    Youtube a new workout everday, and try new things. Belly dance, karate, hula, burlesque, Tae kwan doe, etc. And don't forget strength training combined with a lean diet is a glas BFF. Let us know how it goes for you!

    Good luck Hunny Bunny!

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    God/dess Kisca's Avatar
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    Default Re: How do YOU stay active?

    I get into weird moods about my work-out, one is where I want be to by on my own and be my own teacher; such as in strength and biking...things I prefer to do on my own. Second is where I prefer classesl; yoga, step, cycling. I would try the classes. I love them and if I get sick for them for reason, I can always leave and focus my own. You just need to do there and keep yourself busy. We have tvs on most of our machines and those keep on their for longer. After a week, whetever you do, you'll get out of the laziness and feel more active whatever you decide to chose.

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    God/dess shasta's Avatar
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    Default Re: How do YOU stay active?

    I am a competitive runner and I am really involved in the running community here. I also go to swim practices with a team (but I don't go to meets). I have to train for upcoming races, and there is always an important race coming up!

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    God/dess 4everresolutions's Avatar
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    Default Re: How do YOU stay active?

    I force myself to walk home with my groceries instead of taking the street car. That's a pretty friggin' good workout as it's uphill both ways.

    + I do the normal boring gym routines and stuff, but I get bored easily and so I try and put myself in situations where I HAVE to be active....It's the only way for me. Purposefully not taking change with me to work so I can't get the subway (I have to jog to get where I'm going on time instead), volunteering to babysit 7-year-old triplets (keeps you moving). It sounds silly but I'm not great with motivation....



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    God/dess Casual Observer's Avatar
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    Default Re: How do YOU stay active?

    If your goal is to get a great body, interval training or HIIT is really the way to go
    Agreed. Intensity of training is much more important than frequency of training. I'm on the road half the month, and real gyms aren't available to me, so the hotel room often becomes my gym. Still, doing the basics (push-ups, dips, crunches, squats, et al) in an intensive circuit fashion is productive.

    Also, it's important to remember that real body building happens in the kitchen, not the gym.
    Idealism is fine, but as it approaches reality, the costs become prohibitive.

    William F. Buckley, Jr.

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    Default Re: How do YOU stay active?

    [QUOTE=Casual Observer;1991497Also, it's important to remember that real body building happens in the kitchen, not the gym.[/QUOTE]

    So true...non of it really matters if your diet isnt on point

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    God/dess 4everresolutions's Avatar
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    Default Re: How do YOU stay active?

    ^.....fuck.



  18. #11
    Veteran Member Sia's Avatar
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    Default Re: How do YOU stay active?

    You can't say none of it matters. True, your diet has to be near perfect if you want to be perfectly sculpted and very lean so that all of your muscles show.

    But, you can still build the same muscle, experience the same health benefits, and improve the look of your body even with a small fat layer over those muscles.

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  20. #12
    God/dess Athenathefabulous's Avatar
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    Default Re: How do YOU stay active?

    working out 2x a day can be a good thing. the human body is designed to be active while awake, but we spend a lot of the day sitting down. if you work out 2x a day, then the after work out boost for your metabolism covers more time. an intense workout 2x a day would be excessive, but a morning jog to get your blood flowing and then a more intense afternoon gym session isnt a bad thing. like i said, i was in the best shape when i had my jogging class in the morning (gym requirement for college) which was not especially rigorous, and then i kicked my ass proper in the gym in the evening. diet is definitely important, i have energy again because i have been eating right.

    jui jitsu sounds interesting. one of the reasons why i havent done something like this recently is because i travel so much that anything that is cumulative skill has to wait until i settle down for the winter. also, is it heavy discipline? i did karate for like a yr when i was a preteen... i guess im impatient because i really didnt like the discipline part .

    ballet is a good idea, never thought of it. i was thinking of taking some sort of dance course. belly dancing also sounds fun
    The best thing i have heard in a strip club to date:
    customer: we should get married right now! we should get a shotgun marriage!
    me: uhh... i think you are misunderstanding what a shotgun marriage means. A shotgun marriage means you knock me up and my daddy shows up at your door with a gun and forces you to marry me and raise the baby. You mean elope.
    customer: hmm... nah actually i will take the shotgun marriage. At least then we would be having sex.


  21. #13
    Veteran Member AngelKing's Avatar
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    Default Re: How do YOU stay active?

    Quote Originally Posted by Athenathefabulous View Post

    jui jitsu sounds interesting. one of the reasons why i havent done something like this recently is because i travel so much that anything that is cumulative skill has to wait until i settle down for the winter. also, is it heavy discipline? i did karate for like a yr when i was a preteen... i guess im impatient because i really didnt like the discipline part .

    Brazilian jiu jitsu has its history, but over all it is quite freeform and not big on adhering blindly to tradition. And you wouldn't need to worry about being settled to study it, there are literally amazing schools in every city all over the world. We frequently host visitors from as far as Australia. Great way to avoid partying too much when you're on the road---spend your downtime in the gym learning an amazing art!

    Not to mention that for self-defense for women, it is hands down one of the most effective. When you go to the ground size is secondary to skill. I am 5'10" 220 pounds and I have been choked out (several times) by a 95 pound female who is about 5'2". And I'm not ashamed to admit it!

    Plus you get a body like Kyra Gracie. What else do you want?

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  23. #14
    Veteran Member BeBe's Avatar
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    Default Re: How do YOU stay active?

    Quote Originally Posted by Casual Observer View Post
    Also, it's important to remember that real body building happens in the kitchen, not the gym.
    Amen to that!

    I have put on a few pounds recently and it bothers the hell out of me. My body is not as toned as before and I'm trying to hide my new found cellulite parts at work. Something I'm not used to doing.

    I think it's all will power and determination. I suck at discipline, but truly need to tighten my belt if I'm going to get back to my previous dancer body.

    It can be done, just focus.

  24. #15
    Featured Member kandie_kitten's Avatar
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    Default Re: How do YOU stay active?

    I'm a huge fan of martial arts, but if you don't like the formal approach, kickboxing or grappling may be a good solution. It seriously kicks your ass, can be adapted for all fitness levels, from beginner to hardcore exercise fanatic, and delivers awesome results.

    After a few years away, I'm getting back into it, and it's amazing how quickly I'm seeing results, when rounds of yoga/running/whatever the heck else I tried failed.

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  26. #16
    God/dess papillonluvr's Avatar
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    Default Re: How do YOU stay active?

    I also agree to the martial arts stint, or some sort of dance lessons. I found Jazz is awesome as is Belly Dancing.

    Hiking is something I love to do.
    "You can close your eyes to reality but not to memories -Stainslaw J. Lec

    Confuscius say: "Man who pull bra stap get bust in face"


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    God/dess dlabtot's Avatar
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    Default Re: How do YOU stay active?

    I think it is best to have a passion for an activity, do something that you do for itself, where the fact that it is 'exercise' is just a side-benefit.

    I used to be a ski bum; after a few decades it got old, so now my thing is kayaking. I have some great class 3 whitewater near me and i go at least 3 times a week... I even go in the winter, if you bundle up, you can stay warm. Lol, my main kayaking buddy insists she won't do anything if the point of it is to 'exercise'. The point should be to have fun.

    But she's young. I work out with light weights and do calisthenics every morning just for good measure, but I sure didn't need to do that in my 20's.

    pics
    Last edited by dlabtot; 10-04-2010 at 08:08 PM. Reason: added pics

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  30. #18
    God/dess Athenathefabulous's Avatar
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    Default Re: How do YOU stay active?

    I do like hiking , kayacking, and skiing- the downside to kayacking and skiing though is they are fairly pricey. and in the winter kayacking is a no go for me (im not hardcore enough to attempt water sports unless it is hot outside) and im going to be in NOLA so skiing regularly is a no go. outdoor sports pretty much fail in NOLA actually .

    Quote Originally Posted by AngelKing View Post
    Brazilian jiu jitsu has its history, but over all it is quite freeform and not big on adhering blindly to tradition. And you wouldn't need to worry about being settled to study it, there are literally amazing schools in every city all over the world. We frequently host visitors from as far as Australia. Great way to avoid partying too much when you're on the road---spend your downtime in the gym learning an amazing art!

    Not to mention that for self-defense for women, it is hands down one of the most effective. When you go to the ground size is secondary to skill. I am 5'10" 220 pounds and I have been choked out (several times) by a 95 pound female who is about 5'2". And I'm not ashamed to admit it!

    Plus you get a body like Kyra Gracie. What else do you want?
    i think im gonna try ju jitsu. As someone who has never done it, do you recommend i try to find a private instructor? or a group thing? im not uncoordinated but for some reason my brain is really bad at copying motions so often i will be the slow one in the group . actually the fact that i am bad at this has probably prevented me from trying a lot of this stuff but i need to get over it. what do you think that reasonable rates for private or group would be?
    The best thing i have heard in a strip club to date:
    customer: we should get married right now! we should get a shotgun marriage!
    me: uhh... i think you are misunderstanding what a shotgun marriage means. A shotgun marriage means you knock me up and my daddy shows up at your door with a gun and forces you to marry me and raise the baby. You mean elope.
    customer: hmm... nah actually i will take the shotgun marriage. At least then we would be having sex.


  31. #19
    God/dess dlabtot's Avatar
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    Default Re: How do YOU stay active?

    Quote Originally Posted by Athenathefabulous View Post
    I do like hiking , kayacking, and skiing- the downside to kayacking and skiing though is they are fairly pricey.
    I dunno. Kayaking, once you have all the gear it is just a matter of gas to get to the put-in and running the shuttle. Skiing likewise, if you are skinning up and skiing down it is just the price of gas. Of course that means you better enjoy the hike up. But again you can minimize it... when I lived in Tahoe I used to ski Galena Canyon off Mt. Rose Highway... for a 700 foot vertical hike along the ridge you could drop 4000 feet to the highway and hitch back up to your car.

  32. #20
    Veteran Member AngelKing's Avatar
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    Default Re: How do YOU stay active?

    Quote Originally Posted by Athenathefabulous View Post
    i think im gonna try ju jitsu. As someone who has never done it, do you recommend i try to find a private instructor? or a group thing? im not uncoordinated but for some reason my brain is really bad at copying motions so often i will be the slow one in the group . actually the fact that i am bad at this has probably prevented me from trying a lot of this stuff but i need to get over it. what do you think that reasonable rates for private or group would be?
    Well the thing about Brazilian jiu jitsu is that everybody who does it totally sucks at it in the beginning. We are born knowing how to punch and kick, but nobody is born knowing how to grapple and submit. Grappling is a technical act, and no one will know how to do it until they are shown how. When you take someone to the floor they will always do the opposite of what they should do, because a lot of grappling is actually counter-intuitive. So don't stress about learning curves, you will pick it up gradually just like everyone else. I find women in general actually tend to pick up Brazilian jiu jitsu very quickly for some reason.

    I would definitely recommend you begin in a class setting, and later as your technical understanding starts to take root, take a few private lessons to further your knowledge base. The reason class setting is very important is that you learn jiu jitsu by doing jiu jitsu. You will start rolling (sparring) early on. This is why jiu jitsu is so effective---it's not theoretical. You learn the mechanics and feel of ground combat very early on.

    As a start point, I would suggest you start researching Gracie or Gracie Barra academies in your area. Very good classic jiu jitsu, with a structured teaching method and curriculum. The hardest part is setting foot on the mats the first time. Get over that step and you will be entering a universe that you could never imagine existing.

  33. #21
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    Default Re: How do YOU stay active?

    I know what you mean getting bored with working out. I try and have a bunch of different classes/activities I rotate depending on my interest, and they can't be JUST about working out. Sometimes I'll do one regularly for months, sometimes I'll do something different every day.

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    Default Re: How do YOU stay active?

    i like to just put on some music and dance around. esp salsa and stuff like that. yeah, dancing is our job, but stripper dancing is sooooo fucking different. it's nice to actually move around.

    totally agree with you on 2 workouts being fine. as long as you're getting enough rest time, it's no big deal. i mean, there are people who spend all day doing hard manual labor, and they seem to manage alright. the human body is definitely built to move. some of us are built to move more. i'm lazy, but fuck it, i'm a sturdy german, i'm built to be active and i know it.

    plus, i think it's actually better for you to split your exercise up throughout the day so your muscles can rebuild glycogen. that way, you get a full workout each time. when i do weights right after cardio, i can never lift as much or as intensely as i can if i get to it right after a short warmup. whether i worked out earlier doesn't seem to make a difference though.

    as far as yoga...i LOVE yoga, but i've been in some awful classes. i think you might like shiva rea's style. look her up on amazon...a lot of her dvds have sample clips available. flow yoga looks super pretty, but omg can it be hard physically. it's a tough workout.
    -love everyone but keep them far from your soul-

  35. #23
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    Default Re: How do YOU stay active?

    I run on my treadmill for an hour 4 or 5 days a week. I know you are supposed to do strength training, but I build muscle so easily and it doesn't look good with my body type (5'3 and 110)

  36. #24
    God/dess Jay12's Avatar
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    Default Re: How do YOU stay active?

    My job is my workout! I have never had so much strength, endurance and energy!
    I do my dances mixed with some form of resistance workouts (planks, push ups, pullups, lunges), and I had great results in less than two weeks.





  37. #25
    God/dess Athenathefabulous's Avatar
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    Default Re: How do YOU stay active?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jay12 View Post
    My job is my workout! I have never had so much strength, endurance and energy!
    I do my dances mixed with some form of resistance workouts (planks, push ups, pullups, lunges), and I had great results in less than two weeks.
    thats because you are new. us veterans already have the muscles for dancing. when i first started i also felt like that... i was like OMFG i have forearm muscles like a boy. but after your body is used to it it becomes much less of a work out. plus when you ahve been dancing for a while you also learn how to move your body to do the moves more effeciently... its not intentional but after many nights of doing many dances your body trains itself to be able to spend less energy on a dance that is just as good.
    The best thing i have heard in a strip club to date:
    customer: we should get married right now! we should get a shotgun marriage!
    me: uhh... i think you are misunderstanding what a shotgun marriage means. A shotgun marriage means you knock me up and my daddy shows up at your door with a gun and forces you to marry me and raise the baby. You mean elope.
    customer: hmm... nah actually i will take the shotgun marriage. At least then we would be having sex.


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