Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with workout and gym

Shorter and More Often or Longer and Less Often?

scrump — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:17:33 -0800

Personal training: three times a week for 30 minutes, or two times a week for an hour? I'm going to be engaging in 10 weeks of personal training at my gym. I basically have the budget to either go twice a week for an hour each time or three times a week for 30 minutes each time. I'll be working with a trainer who's ACSM-certified and has a bachelor's in exercise physiology.

My end goal is to inculcate the habit of working out/exercising, and achieve some or all of the following:

Weight loss
Being able to do 2 or more bodyweight pullups (I can do 0 now)
Being able to do squats with proper technique
Being able to do pushups with proper technique.

What are the pro/con arguments for 3x/week at 30 minutes versus 2x/week at 1 hour?

The first session was free, but are the next ones worth it?

filthy light thief — Mon, 18 May 2009 16:45:39 -0800

FitnessFilter: how should I evaluate options for a personal trainer at a local gym? Lots more discussion inside. I recently joined a local gym with my wife, and I was told we received an evaluation or something of the sort with the membership. We're both gym novices, so I was glad to be shown around the gym and given help figuring out how things worked.

I went to the evaluation-type session today, and it was basically to get me to pay for personal training sessions. The work-out was good, and I'm sure I'd benefit from the sessions. I signed up today, after the initiation fee ($99) was waived, and I was given 5 free sessions ($35 per half-hour session).

It's $280 for 8 sessions per month, which doesn't sound that much right now, but we'd have to be tied into a year of training, or we have to pay a cancellation fee. I'm skeptical of gyms in general, and the sales pitch with fees that weren't disclosed up front today ($49 for processing, and the waived $99 initiation fee) didn't help.

I have a few days to try out the personal training set-up, and figured others would have some insight. Could I refer to training books or websites and come out fine? Or is it a good idea to invest in a trainer for a year while we get into working out at a gym? We're not looking to get bulging muscles, just to get fit and start some good work-out regimes.

Machine Workout Plan

Citizen Premier — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:19:40 -0800

Please provide me with a twice-weekly gym machine workout so I can fill out this form (pdf). I had a great workout schedule last year when I took weight training classes at college, but I don't have the sheet any more, and I'm looking for a replacement.

Don't worry about cardio, I've got that figured out.
Thanks!

My heart muscle is worrying me!

sio42 — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 14:25:24 -0800

ExerciseFilter: I've been doing the gym thing at least 3x per week for about 3 or 4 months now. Strength training and cardio mix. About 6 weeks ago, I started Trileptal as a mood stabilizer (I am not epilectic). I am on no other meds. It's the type of drug where you ramp up your dosage over a period of time. In the last two weeks, my low THR feels like my heart is pounding as if I'd just been in car accident. If I swim a length of a pool, I have to stop for about 30 sec to a min until my heart goes back to feeling normal. I've had to leave the gym the last several times I went because I just couldn't do the cardio machines at the same settings I had been using. My heart feels like it's just racing and pounding.

But when I take my pulse, It's just at the 60% range of my THR. I've noticed my morning pulse is a bit fast, but I've just started taking note of it at the advice of my SO so I could get a better metric.

In the mean time, I'm a little freaked out. I don't have a GP to go to right now (I'm on a waiting list to get a new patient appt!??!!). And I have a few more weeks till I see the psychiatrist again. This hadn't been happening long enough to warrant alarm the last time I saw him.

It's not like I get out of breath, but my heart beating like that scares the bejessus out of me! I have never had any health problems.

Oh right...30 yo, female, 5'6", 170.

Is it the meds? Is this some weird exercise thing? I've tried google searching and mefi but just come up with how to calculate and stuff about "my heart rate is too low". Please direct me if I have overlooked something. Meanwhile, I'll be walking very slowly on the treadmill at 0 incline.

A clean pair of clothes...really?

abdulf — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 13:50:46 -0800

Is gym-provided workout clothing safe to wear? I'm trying out a fancy gym close to work that provides work out clothes in addition to towels and other amenities.

It sounds like a great concept. I would rather not carry a change of clothes and then have to handle wet sweaty clothes until I get home. But what are the risks?

The clothes come from a common pool, like towels, so you don't keep your own. Someone else may have worn the shirt or shorts the previous time.

They also provide jock straps, but that's touching a little too close for comfort.

The clothes look and smell clean but I'm concerned about things like skin diseases spreading to me and possibly some sort of STD.

I mean, people buy and wear used clothes from thrift stores after washing them. Is a wash cycle with hot water and soap enough to eliminate most of the risk?

I have little understanding of how hardy virus, bacteria, fungus, skin flakes really are. Please enlighten me.

Moving from Starting Strength to bodybuilding

ludwig_van — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:24:33 -0800

I think I'm about ready to move on from Starting Strength and I'm looking for bodybuilding routine. I started on the Stronglifts Beginner program in June. In September I switched to the similar Practical Programming Advanced Novice program. Both are based on Rippetoe's Starting Strength. By my estimation I've just about reached the intermediate level and it's time to change programs again.

My current stats: 23 year old male, 6', 160 lbs., ~12% bodyfat. My best lifts in pounds: Deadlift - 280 1x5, back squat - 245 3x5, front squat - 170 3x5, bench - 160 3x5, OH press - 115 3x5.

I've surpassed 1.5 bodyweight on the squat and I think I'll stall on it soon. My deadlift can probably stand a few more increases. Both my bench and OH press have recently stalled hard. I'm not interested in any kind of competitive lifting -- my goals are mainly aesthetic, so I'd like to start a bodybuilding routine.

I realize that an intermediate program must by definition be more complex than a beginner program, but I'd love to find something as simple, clear, effective, and easy to follow as the starting strength variations I've been doing. Can you recommend a program? I feel lost in a sea of options.

Trying to get in the groove

bda1972 — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 07:56:10 -0800

Suggestions for hip hop\rap songs for the gym? I'm getting back into the swing of hitting the gym regularly but my collection of workout songs that get and keep me in the mood is pretty outdated. I don't listen to pop radio and only listen to hip hop/rap at the gym so I know little about what's good.

Here's some examples from my current mix:
Terror Squad - Lean Back
Danger Mouse - Ghetto Pop Life
Bubba Sparxxx - Jimmy Mathis
Eminem - Lose Yourself
Kanye West - Gold Digger
Jay-Z - 99 Problems (Double Black version)

I realize none of these are unearthed gems but it took me a long time to put my current mix together because I'm simply not familiar with the artists. I don't want to invest weeks of my life and hundreds of dollars getting new stuff but having plenty of great workout music is a pretty big deal. I'd prefer specific songs I can preview and then grab on iTunes.

Thanks!

A headcase needs a gym

Anonymous — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:46:12 -0800

I am an overweight 21 year old woman. I want to join a gym but have a lot of reservations. This question is a lot longer than it probably ought to be. I am 21 years old, and pretty overweight. I have embarked on the long journey of changing my eating habits, which are currently abysmal. My weight has always fluctuated as much as 75 lbs up and down, due to periods of starvation and bingeing as a teenager. I have some sort of pride problem that really made it impossible for me to share with anyone that I was (and am) unhappy with myself.

I've been pretty fat for the past three years. I have never joined a gym, exercised regularly, or even lost weight in a healthy way once in my life. Ignoring cravings (and not eating at all) has been very easy for me, leading to incredibly fast weight loss, but that is impossible to maintain, and terrible on your health at that. My last period of starvation was 4-5 years ago. I went to college after that, maintained a normal weight for about a year and a half or so, then started to expand. I should add that I did not maintain that weight through any effort of my own; beyond not eating whatsoever, I have never made any efforts to lose weight, because some part of me that has easily-hurt pride couldn't admit I thought there was something wrong with myself.

I share this backstory to give you an idea of my state of mind. Changing my diet has been easy, and in fact, kind of fun. I get a perverse satisfaction in denying myself when I get cravings, and feel proud of myself when I eat healthy amounts at normal times -- something I've never done before.

I want to add exercise to my life, and I want to do it at a gym. I am almost embarrassed of this desire. No, I'm full-blown embarrassed of it. I feel extremely anxious when I think of going to a gym and being so overweight compared to everyone else there working out. I have never been in a gym outside of high school, so I don't know anything -- I don't even know what's appropriate to wear to a gym. I feel most at ease when I consider joining Curves, because I know all of the customers are women, and the majority of those women are as sedentary as I am, and less likely to judge me. However, I have read that their workouts and machines are not really all they are cracked up to be.

What other gyms can you guys recommend that have an accepting, non-judgmental atmosphere? I am in the Tidewater area of Virginia, south of the tunnels. Obviously, this is the most important thing. I'm absolutely terrified of the idea of going to work out (something I've always been too ashamed to do) and being made fun of or judged.

Also, at the gym, can I basically do what I want, or do you have to do those group workout things? Do you recommend the group workouts?

What are the benefits of a personal trainer? Would it be worth it to me to get one? How much do they run? I'm sure this varies wildly, but some sort of a clue would be helpful.

I've read about gyms being high pressure sales situations -- they try to get you to sign up for long contracts, or are vague about the prices, or offer more services than you really need, those kinds of things. Is this true or just a stereotype?

Finally, and in all seriousness, what DOES one wear to the gym? I know lycra can't still be in. (CAN IT?)

I want to pump ME up...

odi.et.amo — Wed, 28 May 2008 07:35:56 -0800

I'm going to start working out... But what should I do? My friend and I decided to finally start using the gyms at our apartments. We live about 3/4 of a mile from each other, so we'll alternate biking to the other's complex and work out there.

We both do a bit of biking on the weekend, but typically not more than 20 miles at this point.

I've never worked out before, except for starting to ride a bike again late last year. I'm 25, 5'2", and between 130-140 pounds. I want to get and stay somewhat lean and have the same routine each week just getting progressively more difficult (e.g., Mondays are always abs, Tuesdays arms, etc). I'm not overly concerned with losing weight - I just want to be healthier overall and get the typical benefits that a regular workout routine provides.

The gyms have the "usual" gym equipment as far as I can tell, but I'm at a loss as to 1.)what and 2.)how many times to do things.
My semi-cardio warm-up and cool-down will be walking or biking to/from our respective gyms, but what should I do in the middle?

Fighting Blubber—The Gym Reassurance Questions.

wildrain2008 — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 08:06:36 -0800

Fighting Blubber—The Gym Reassurance Questions. INFORMATION:
=================

Background: So here's the deal, during late high school and early college I hit the gym on and off for a month or so, always breaking my routine and never getting the the exact point that I wanted to reach—which was getting cut like B. Lee but with a bit more mass.
After college work left me drained so even though I had time to hit the gym after.. I rarely did.

Negative Result: The result of not hitting the gym was not so much as getting overweight (I have a relatively fast metabolism) but rather the addition of blubber... that fat over the 6 pack and the love handles and especially Gluteus Maximus.

Resolution: After a year I switched jobs (on my new job 5 months now) and I've forced myself to get back into shape—watching my diet and resurrecting my gym routine. My current weight is 190lbs, I guess that's not so bad for a guy who's 5'11. But there's definitely has room for improvement from what I've read.

The Stalling: So I've been hitting the gym 3 days a week for almost 2 months now. My routine involves 30 mins of jogging or stationary bike, followed by 45 mins to an hour of weight lifting.

Weightlifting Routine breakdown:

Bench Press: 3 sets/ min 127lbs max 157lbs
Lat Pull Down: 3 sets/ min 90lbs max 100lbs
Sitting Bicep Curl: 3 sets/ 22.5lbs
Tricep Pull Down: 3 sets/ 40lbs
Dumbell Shoulder Press: 3 sets/ 30lbs
Butterfly: 3 sets/ 110lbs
Shoulder Machine: 3 sets/ 70lbs
Glutes Leg Press: 3 sets/ 260lbs
Abb Death Circuit: 3 sets of: hard medicine Ball leg lift, large medicin ball crunches (lying on top), standing oblique lifts (45lbs each side)

Positive Results: I've noticed definition on my body in general and the showing of the 3pack lol upper abbs.

Again my goal still remains to: to get cut up but have a bit more mass than just the average kung-fu fighter lol.

QUESTIONS:
=============

I know that 2 months at the gym is a short time for me to expect major results, but I would really love to get rid of the blubber that is still covering the results that I'm trying so hard to improve (aka the muscles and the tone that is slowly appearing.. again very slowly lol).

1. How many moths do I have to wait to see substantial results aka the evaporation of this darn flab?

2. Is there anything I can do to improve the weight loss but not damage my other goal (building mass)?

3. My brother after a year of swimming completely transformed his body, would adding maybe 1 or 2 days of pool to my overall routine damage or improve the results I'm striving towards?

END NOTES:
============
I told myself this time that I'm never quiting gym again.. and it looks like I've caught the gym bug as I get antsy (like an addict) towards the end of my work.. to get back into the gym.. :)

Andy advice is always helpful.

Post workout sleeping disorder

Sharcho — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 13:50:08 -0800

After heading for the gym, I only manage to get a few hours of sleep. After the gym, I don't have any problems falling asleep, but I wake up for seemingly no reason after 4-5 hours of sleep. And I need about 7.5 hours of sleep. After waking up, I'm not tired enough to fall back asleep again for about two hours, but I get really tired later in the day.

I started going to the gym over a month ago. I go there in the evening after work twice a week. I run for 15 minutes and do weight training for 50 minutes. I go to bed 5 hours after returning from the gym.

Anybody experienced something similar, or has ideas how to prevent the post workout sleep disorder?

What's recommended to consume right after a work-out ?

hboogz — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 13:31:10 -0800

What should i consume immediately after a work-out ? If i'm not a fan of powdered protein ? I've heard that consuming a high-glycemic carbohydrate after a workout is idea -- could anyone give me feasible ideas of this ?

I'm squishy

showbiz_liz — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 09:51:07 -0800

I've never set foot in a gym or done any kind of non-phys-ed exercise... so how do I take advantage of my school's free gym? I am horribly, horribly out of shape, and I don't think there's a time in my life when I was ever IN shape. I never played sports as a kid, and the most taxing activity I've done in the last few years has been walking uphill. I'm not overweight at all- I'm 5'6", 130 pounds, female- but I get tired doing even mildly difficult physical activities. I know I need to do something about this, and the most obvious choice seems to be to start going to the gym. I mean, it's free, for god's sake, and next semester I'll have plenty of free time to go work out. I'd really love to start going to the gym regularly, but I have absolutely no idea what to do when I get there.

I know you change in the locker room, warm up, and then go use a machine. That's it. I don't know what warmups to do or how to do them, I don't know what kind of machines to use or how to use them, I don't know how long or how hard I should work to get a health benefit without hurting myself. I am utterly clueless.

I've tried to make plans to go with other people who could show me what to do, but things keep coming up to prevent that, and I think the only way I can really make myself get started is to go by myself... but what do I actually do?

Help me work out, in.

Ambrosia Voyeur — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 18:35:01 -0800

How do you make a home-based workout work for you? When I go to the gym, I pretty much only use the elliptical (an adjustable incline type so I get butt-work) and a mat for crunches or leg lifts. I think when I move out of this teeny apartment, I would like to buy my own elliptical, as it would pay for itself in a few years.

What are some strategies for guaranteeing good home workouts? How do you minimize distractions, stay comfortable (I'm used to a lot of air flow, and I workout sweaty hard) or keep the honeymoon going with in-home fitness routines?

I think one thing I'd like to do is have a small tv in the same area so I can do dance video workouts there some of the time, too.

Help my find a decent gym in the San Fernando Valley

fishmasta — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 13:09:45 -0800

Where can I go for a good workout in the San Fernando Valley? So I'm out of shape (not horribly, but definitely not fit) and I hate my commute. Solution? I want to find a decent gym near work so I can spend my time doing something productive rather than wasting it in traffic. Does anyone know of a good gym somewhere in the San Fernando Valley (somewhere between Woodland Hills and L.A., closer to Woodland Hills is better) where I can do this? I'm young (22) and don't make too much, so I assume that'll narrow my choices a little, but I'm willing to spend some to not work out in a nasty gym. Criteria include someplace pretty relaxed, wouldn't be too crowded between 5-6:30 and caters somewhat to a younger crowd if possible. I'd also rather not be hassled by personal trainers looking for business while I'm in the middle of my workout. It doesn't have to fit all of these, but the closer the better. Any ideas? Thanks!

Criticize my workout

long haired lover from liverpool — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 07:14:40 -0800

Criticize my gym regime! 230lb, 34 years old, 5ft 11in, male. I've recently started going to the gym three/four times a week to get fit and lose weight. I'm reasonably experienced at gym work, having been an on/off member of gyms throughout my adult life.

The machines have built-in heart-rate monitors and I'm aiming to keep to 150-160bpm. I use the HRM as a guide to what settings I use. If my heart rate drops I crank up the resistance of the machine.

My current regime is:

10 mins on cross-country skiing machine
10 mins fast walking on elevated treadmill
10 mins recumbent cycling
10 mins step/thighmaster-style machine
10 more mins on cross-country skiing machine

That's 50 minutes and it's as much time as I can spare.

Is there any room for improvement? The only other aerobic machine in the gym is the rower and I hate it.

What's different about this plan compared to previous plans I've had is that I don't really lose my breath. I sweat a lot. But I don't walk out feeling particularly tired. Previously at the gym I've always pushed myself hard and practically staggered away.

How do you minimize the crap you bring to the gym?

paddingtonb — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 13:44:57 -0800

Gym/Bag Lady filter: How do you minimize the crap you bring to the gym? So I started working out at the gym. Yay for me!

I've been going to the gym in the evening after work. It's right on my way home and I commute by public transit 45 minutes each way. All the stuff I have to bring to the gym mean that I'm basically packing for a weekend trip every time I go to work! Since this is all packed in a backpack, it's kind of a drag. Here is what I'm bringing:

For work:
Breakfast, lunch, (as we all know, this is healthier and cheaper than eating at work, so these stay), book for the train, sweater, sometimes mail or things I need for errands, wallet, phone, sunglasses, keys, chapstick

For the gym:
hand towel for equipment, towel for shower (the 45 minute commute sweating in work clothes is a no go for me.) Workout sneaks, socks, shorts/pants, sports bra, shirt, bandana (new short haircut), i-pod, lock, water bottle, Burt's Bees outdoor shampoo/soap combo (this was my first minimization attempt)

Then there are the things I kind of wish I had, but I'm refraining so far: flip flops, fresh outfit for post gym, lotion

My question is, do you guys bring all this stuff? Do you have any strategies for things I could leave out or combine to minimize the load? Also, if there is no way for me to minimize this stuff, do you have any packing strategies that might help me make this go a little faster when I am packing up so I know I have everything?

Got the weights, NOW what?

unSane — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 06:22:42 -0800

On AskMe's advice I bought a set of adjustable dumbbells and a bench. Now I need the hive mind's help to design a workout plan. I need to design a simple workout plan using only a bench, a stability ball, a step (if necessary), medicine ball (if necessary), and a mat.

I am recovering from a back injury and it is important to me to build up my core strength. I have no interest at all in 'bulking up' or 'sculpting' or anything like that. I am getting cardio elsewhere (biking). I'd like to plan a 30-minute, 5-day a week workout that works my whole body over the course of a week.

Although I worked out with a trainer for a year I am a real beginner at this stuff, so assume I have no knowledge at all.

Most of the stuff on the web seems to be aimed either at Ultimate Fighting Dudes (bench press 900lbs) or Pathetic Grannies ("your exercise for today is to stand in the same spot and breathe gently").

I am 42, 5'10 and a bit, 175lbs. Yes, I'm going to take it very easy at first.

Thanks in advance!

Back to the gym with a bad back

stavrosthewonderchicken — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 20:49:22 -0800

Can anyone offer advice for going back to the gym after a back injury and six months of downtime? I hurt my back at the gym more than six months ago. It turns out I had some long-term damage to three discs in my lower back due to compression, and that contributed to the eventual blowout. There is no rupture, but there is some disc compression.

Unfortunately none of the doctors or therapists I was seeing for a while after I blew my back out speaks any English, and so I have nobody to ask about advice for getting back into shape now that I'm itching to do so. I've gained back a fair bit of weight in the last six months (from my more-or-less optimal weight of about 95kg back up to about 110kg -- I'm not obese, but I am a large lad all 'round), and I want to get back into fighting trim, and strengthen my back and core muscles. I'll be heading back to the gym in a few weeks -- planning for three sessions a week, 90 minutes or so, probably, with some walking/hiking on the weekends.

I had been going to the gym regularly for a couple of years before the injury and had gotten into the best shape of my life, so I'm reasonably familiar with the equipment and gear.

Advice for things to do, and things to avoid, in terms of equipment or exercises, as I get back into it? I'll take all advice with a grain of salt of course, since I know most of you aren't doctors, but will take all advice with thanks.

Where can I work up a sweat in Chicago?

FlamingBore — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 08:31:26 -0800

Next month I'll be ready to take on the gym again. What gym (in Chicago) might be best for me? Years ago (before I had any commitment to being in better shape) I belonged to Cheetah in Andersonville and rarely went. In Albuquerque I found a great little gym (Liberty on Cutler) that I attended consistently 4-6x a week for the duration I was a member. I tried switching to another gym and found that I only went twice. It was right down the block from Liberty, but I hated going there.

So, clearly there's something to the notion that you have to like the place you workout in. So where in Chicago (prefer the Wicker Park/Bucktown area) might I find a gym that:

- isn't overly dedicated to the temple of the pretty
- isn't insanely expensive (prefer under $50 - possible?)
- doesn't require a long term contract
- has basic cardio/circuit training/free weight equipment

Curves and Bally's are both out of the question. Thanks!

Brave New Exercise

devilsbrigade — Sat, 22 Jul 2006 17:32:29 -0800

Today at the gym I saw a couple guys (football players, as it happens) doing an exercise I hadn't seen before. They started with a 50lb dumbbell in one hand, bent over towards that side (that quad ~ 45 degree angle to the floor), the dumbbell fairly close to the floor. They then pushed off with that quad, jumped/transferred weight to their other foot so their body was completely under their arm, & did a military-press-like motion with the weight. They did 3 sets of 10 with each arm. What is this exercise called? Also, what is that general style of exercise called (more active/full body than simply isolating a particular group), & what are some other examples of this style?

Are Precor EFX Machines really as effective as the calorie readout tells me?

mule — Fri, 17 Feb 2006 17:44:26 -0800

Are Precor EFX Machines really as effective as the calorie readout tells me? I regularly use a precor EFX machine at the gym and am constantly amazed at the amount of calories it says I'm burning. (eg. 450 kCal in 30minutes). From what I understand this is equivalent to running at a very decent pace for an hour. The reason I question this is because there's no way I could work of that amount of cals/min on any other machine or method without falling over in about 5 minutes. On the EFX my heart-rate and breathing are increased but not to the equivalent of even running on a treadmill for 5 mins at 5mph (I'm a crap runner btw).

At the begining of my workout I always put in my correct age and weight.

Is the EFX telling me the truth? If not, what would be a more accurate way to measure energy expenditure?

Help me get my booty into shape, without killing my knees!

barnone — Sun, 12 Feb 2006 12:18:37 -0800

What qualifications should I look for in a personal trainer? What do the ACE certifications actually mean? I'd like to hire a trainer for a few sessions, but I really don't want to hurt myself or hire a nut. Please help me sort through the options! I've had some substantial health issues in the past few years. I'm now in a place where my apartment has a gym, I'm healthy enough to exercise on a regular basis, I'd like to lose some (fat) weight and build muscle, lower my BMI, increase cardio capacity and generally not hurt myself doing it. I know that I can do some of this on my own, and I have, but I'd like someone to kick it up a notch and show me some safe ways of working out without aggrevating my problem areas (knees, mostly).

So, I've started looking into local personal trainers - but they have a bewildering amount of acronyms, bogish-looking qualifications and fitness mumbo-jumbo on their sites and ads. I don't know anyone who uses one in the area, so I can't ask for personal recommendations; even then, I'd like to know what *I* should be looking for in a trainer. What kinds of questions should I ask them? What is a good qualifying degree or program, if there is such a thing? I've seen people hire trainers who push them too far too fast, resulting in an injury, and then physical/mental set backs as they recuperate. I'd like to avoid that -- how do I find a well-trained trainer?

More specifically, if I may, I found someone that looks relatively decent with the following qualifications: "Three certifications from the American Council on Exercise (ACE): Personal Trainer, Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant, Clinical Exercise Specialist. Also certified by the American Academy of Health, Fitness & Rehabilitation Professionals (AAHFRP) as a Medical Exercise Specialist." Does that mean anything?

I'm in Durham, NC if anyone wants to recommend a local trainer, but I'd really like to learn how to differentiate among the options for the future, as well. My left knee and my back thanks you in advance, dear MeFites!

What is wrong with my arm?

MasonDixon — Fri, 13 Jan 2006 09:23:19 -0800

What is wrong with my arm? Per my wife's encouragement and the fact my waist has migrated to the last hole in my belt, I recently joined a gym. I did an initiatory couple of sets on the Arm/Chest/Back Nautilus machines on Wednesday. Although I am fairly strong, I only did about 20 reps total. I lifted just two or three of the weight plates to get the feel for the machine, far less than the maximum weight I can actually lift.

When I woke up yesterday, my left arm on the inner side of my elbow and upper inner forearm hurt. It hurts even more today. I can't straighten out my arm completely without it hurting, although if I force myself long enough the pain gradually subsides.

Is this the sign of something torn or screwed up? Or just the result of not exercising in a while?

Pump pump pump rest rest rest pum-- ... damn.

devilsbrigade — Fri, 23 Sep 2005 17:39:22 -0800

GymFilter: I'm going backwards. I have the amazing ability to gain muscle faster than almost anyone I know. I also have the amazing ability to lose muscle faster than almost anyone I know. After one week of not working out at least every other day, I gain 5 lbs or so, and drop 15 lbs on my bench press. It takes me at least two weeks to get back to where I was.

Some weeks, I just don't have the time or energy to work out. What can I do to hold where I am for a short amount of time, and not have to spend 2 weeks getting back to where I was to begin with? At the very least, staying a constant weight might be nice.