Annoyingly, crunches irritate a bulging disc in my back.
Since I'm not keen on having surgery just so I can do this one thing (the disc doesn't otherwise bother me, as long as I keep my core strong), what alternatives to crunches can I try?
If it matters: I do already do push-ups, planks and side planks.
posted by elizeh
on May 22, 2013 -
12 answers
Recommend the apps, websites, technological gadgets for exercise that you can't live without.
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posted by annabellee
on May 3, 2013 -
22 answers
Any downside to a combination cardio and strength workout? I have started doing combination cardio-strength workouts at my gym. A typical workout goes like this: 10-15 minutes on the treadmill, then I immediately do strength exercises, with no downtime between sets. For example, I’ll do a set of pull-ups, then straight to a set of chest fly on a machine, then a set of dips, then a set of ab crunches, then a set of shoulder presses on a machine, then back to the pull-ups, and the cycle repeats (though I often mix up the order depending on the availability of machines, and my mood).
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posted by Mechitar
on Apr 25, 2013 -
7 answers
I'm gaining weight for basically the first time. I'm happy about it- I've always wanted to be less of a stick- but I'm not happy about how the weight is sitting. Can I do anything about it?
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posted by windykites
on Apr 4, 2013 -
30 answers
I've been working out, lifting weights, on and off for five years, but I've never paid any attention to mobility/stretching. This is dumb. Please help me come up with a defensible plan.
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posted by downing street memo
on Mar 26, 2013 -
6 answers
I need some fitness goals beyond the vague "get in shape" and the too-common "run a marathon". Can you help me come up with small, concrete, achievable goals?
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posted by yawper
on Mar 26, 2013 -
25 answers
"Abel" by The National, which is essentially "Born to Run" filtered through indie rock, is the perfect workout song for me, combining the key elements of (1) simple chord progression and song structure, (2) layered instrumentation, (3) lots of energy/intensity (including vocal energy/intensity). Recommendation engines' recommendations have been lacking in (1) and (3), so I'm turning to you guys: can you suggest songs with those elements?
posted by John Raskolnikov Gilson
on Mar 24, 2013 -
15 answers
Everything I am reading about ice skating raves about what a wonderful workout it is and how you will develop a core-o'steel and burn no end of calories! How true is that, really, for the beginner?
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posted by tel3path
on Mar 20, 2013 -
17 answers
Salt n' Pepa's Push It always does it for me, but it's getting old. What song gets your blood pumping every time?
posted by cherrybounce
on Mar 16, 2013 -
60 answers
About five years ago, I had an incredible, full-service gym that provided for every need I had. Now I'm in the NYC area - where can I find a gym that offers all the services I need? (Or at least, most of them.)
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posted by corb
on Mar 11, 2013 -
5 answers
I've been working out for about two months with a personal trainer. She started off having me do full body workouts that I quite enjoyed - they were sort of boot camp style, in that it was a combination of strength and cardio (ie. lots of burpees and mountain climbers and planks, mixed in with compound strength bearing exercises.) Much to my surprise i have gotten much fitter than I've ever been before, pretty quickly. Now my trainer is transitioning me to workouts that alternate upper body and lower body each day, with more of a focus on strength vs cardio. Is this better?
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posted by Kololo
on Mar 9, 2013 -
6 answers
Before the holidays I started a new strength training regimen and I've been really consistent so far. I really, really want to keep it up during an upcoming trip to NYC in February. I haven't had much luck searching for gyms with single-visit fees or similar. Can anyone offer advice / help?
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posted by sixswitch
on Jan 27, 2013 -
13 answers
I do not like working out for the sake of working out. But I do love working hard and vigorously if it means I am being productive and getting something done. Can you help me come up with ideas of working hard and having a tangible result at the end?
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posted by Sassyfras
on Jan 15, 2013 -
18 answers
I'm adding dumbells to my elliptical and I'm looking for a reasonable home workout routine that I can use as a guideline.
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posted by WinnipegDragon
on Jan 8, 2013 -
14 answers
Is an under-desk pedal exerciser a worthwhile supplement to an existing weight-loss / exercise regimen?
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posted by Alabaster
on Dec 29, 2012 -
7 answers
iPhone workout logging question
I'm looking for a fairly precise logging app for workouts – particularly weight training for the iPhone. Let me log with
minimal taps and enter my own workouts.
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posted by filmgeek
on Nov 8, 2012 -
7 answers
My husband has recently started using the weight machines at the Y. He wants to build strength and muscle mass as quickly as possible, while hopefully also losing some fat. What is the best strategy if we assume that for the time being, he is not going to switch to free weights?
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posted by drlith
on Oct 8, 2012 -
12 answers
Tips on focusing during workouts, and how to push myself through the hard parts?
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posted by carmel
on Sep 11, 2012 -
21 answers
Exercise n00b here. For strength training, is it better to A) work the muscle to exhaustion, or B) work the muscle for a long time? (I have asked my physical therapists and received conflicting answers, hence this question.)
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posted by ook
on Sep 9, 2012 -
11 answers
I am about to start using the
"Greyskull LP" workout programme. What size weights should I begin with? I am a 24 y/o, 5'5", 60kgs male.
posted by FuckingAwesome
on Jul 25, 2012 -
6 answers
Crossfitters: I'm pretty new to the world of Crossfit, and I've ripped the calluses on my palms. What sorts of treatments and supplies can I use to keep working out despite my tender mitts?
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posted by grrarrgh00
on Jul 24, 2012 -
15 answers
I'm looking for a simple iPhone app: I want to start exercising for 30 mins./day most days of the week, but I may not always get in the 30 mins. at once. (Apparently, it
doesn't matter.) I want an app that tracks my daily minutes of exercise (e.g., 10 mins. here, 10 mins. there) and tells me how much more I have at that moment till I get to my 30-minute daily target. It'd also be nice if it told me my weekly minutes up to that point. I track my food in another app, so I don't need it to track calories.
posted by trillian
on Jul 21, 2012 -
4 answers
What headphones should I buy for running and the gym? Wish list: Sounds better, and doesn't fall out as easily as the Apple earbuds; lets more ambient sound through than those in-ear headphones with silicone tips; includes an inline microphone and controls that actually work with an Android phone.
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posted by schmod
on Jul 16, 2012 -
10 answers
Need a suggestion on a protein supplement that tastes good, has the right ingredients, and doesn't cost more than a new car. Complication: I need it to be in packets.
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posted by Thistledown
on Jul 5, 2012 -
3 answers
As a former smoker I find that a good, vigorous workout makes me absolutely crave a cigarette. What
is that?!
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posted by heyho
on May 8, 2012 -
10 answers
What's a simple workout that can help me get into the habit of regular gym visits?
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posted by ejfox
on May 5, 2012 -
11 answers
So I'm getting old and finally joined a gym. Now I need suggestions for some workouts and maybe an android ap for tracking said workouts.
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posted by Uncle
on Apr 18, 2012 -
7 answers
What lifts should I do to increase the width (from front and rear) or general diameter of my biceps/arms?
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posted by Senor Cardgage
on Mar 24, 2012 -
7 answers
Can you recommend a way to make my wrist not whine at chest presses? Are there any women's fitness gloves that stabilize and support the wrists, without a lot of padding? Or a different solution?
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posted by vegartanipla
on Mar 13, 2012 -
14 answers
Anyone else have a history of numb feet while working out (mainly elliptical or stationary bike--not running or walking) and figure out what it was?
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posted by lovingkindness
on Mar 2, 2012 -
17 answers
Looking for gym advice when it comes to lower reps/heavier weight vs high reps/lighter weight.
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posted by gpoint
on Mar 1, 2012 -
7 answers
WorkoutFilter: More Bruce Lee, less Schwarzenegger. More Pacquiao, less Tyson. How can I get strong without getting big?
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posted by damo
on Feb 26, 2012 -
17 answers
My familiarity with exercise footwear is limited to my running shoes. What should I be looking for in a gym shoe?
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posted by sillymama
on Feb 18, 2012 -
11 answers
