Another fitness question - I need some serious advice...
16 October 2004, 11:35 PM
#61
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jan 1999
Posts: 5,786
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Rowing, (and in particular the Concept2 - www.concept2.co.uk) is one of the best all-round exercises you can do. However, for weight loss, you'd be looking at a 10km row every day (about 35-45 mins) miniumum to eat into fat.
Not cheap though at around £900. Obviously all decent gyms have them.
Got one in the garage. Fab machine.
Not cheap though at around £900. Obviously all decent gyms have them.
Got one in the garage. Fab machine.
Last edited by imlach; 16 October 2004 at 11:37 PM.
16 October 2004, 11:39 PM
#62
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Nottingham
Posts: 5,285
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Nordic track units are great..http://www.premiersportsandfitness.c..._skier_P.4.htm
(skier type device- the original) I got mine for £50 from some old dear nearby who put it in the paper....
had a look on the net, they are 300+ new!!!!
It only needed some tightening and regreasing and its superb (and can be bloody hard work- BUT you can do it in front of the TV
(skier type device- the original) I got mine for £50 from some old dear nearby who put it in the paper....
had a look on the net, they are 300+ new!!!!
It only needed some tightening and regreasing and its superb (and can be bloody hard work- BUT you can do it in front of the TV
16 October 2004, 11:40 PM
#63
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Nottingham
Posts: 5,285
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
you need motivating mate.
got any friends/relatives who are health 'nuts' ?
get them to kick your *** into shape
I try- but all my mates/relatives think im way too keen as it is
got any friends/relatives who are health 'nuts' ?
get them to kick your *** into shape
I try- but all my mates/relatives think im way too keen as it is
16 October 2004, 11:42 PM
#64
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jan 1999
Posts: 5,786
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by chrome
I think its more of a battle in your mind than with your body..
you need to want to do it.. for whatever your reasons are ..
you need to want to do it.. for whatever your reasons are ..
It sounds like you don't have a lot of time in your life for exercise. Or rather, you're not making any time. Do you have a lunch hour? Can you go out & walk for 30 minutes at lunchtime? Is your journey to work ONLY able to be done by car (ie, use public transport some of the way, walk the rest).
Given your long working days, the quickest way to fit in exercise is to fit it in during your commuting time, or at lunchtime.
Catch22 really - once you're into some exercise, your energy level will increase, and you WILL find yourself more motivated to get up 30 minutes earlier to exercise/get to work/make time.
16 October 2004, 11:46 PM
#65
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Nottingham
Posts: 5,285
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
might sound daft B2Z, but take it from someone who six weeks ago was overweight, depressed and anxious that it IS worth it
just losing the 'love handles' cheered me up no end..
now I look forward to the gym and attack the workouts like each might be my last.
also my diet has radically changed, and has made the biggest difference!
BIG UP TO MILO !
we can help motivate you as far as mental backup.. you need to do the graft
think of it this way-
hopefully you want to be around when your kid hits 18/21
cheer up fella.
just losing the 'love handles' cheered me up no end..
now I look forward to the gym and attack the workouts like each might be my last.
also my diet has radically changed, and has made the biggest difference!
BIG UP TO MILO !
we can help motivate you as far as mental backup.. you need to do the graft
think of it this way-
hopefully you want to be around when your kid hits 18/21
cheer up fella.
16 October 2004, 11:56 PM
#66
Guest
Posts: n/a
I was walking 20 miles + a week when commuting by train from the station to the office but since moving house I commute by motorbike through the like of not being held to ransom by public transport and the fact I no longer live near a train station. I have been working out a route I could go out and walk at lunch times to try and replace the 20 miles a week I am no longer doing, at least it would be a start.
Those rowing machines are huge £'s
What are the ones around the £200 mark like?
https://secure.podiumsolutions.co.uk...?idProduct=386
Those rowing machines are huge £'s
What are the ones around the £200 mark like?https://secure.podiumsolutions.co.uk...?idProduct=386
17 October 2004, 12:07 AM
#67
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jan 1999
Posts: 5,786
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Perhaps this is going to sound controversial, but if I were you, given your motivation issues, I'd be looking to AVOID spending any money on fitness equipment AT THIS STAGE.
Remember, it is not the fancy piece of exercise equipment which loses the fat. It is YOU who is the one who loses the fat.
It may be encouraging to get a fancy new piece of equipment to exercise on, but how long will it be before you get bored of it?
I'd use 'free' methods of losing weight as your method for now, and see how you get on. Set a goal. If you can lose some weight over the next month, use that as a goal to "allowing" yourself to purchase a new bit of equipment.
So...get walking/cycling/running. If you can't do them, what chance has a rowing machine got? As I said, the rowing machine doesn't do the work - YOU DO!
Once the baby arrives, you'll have every excuse to get out walking with the pram anyway. Use every opportunity.....and once the baby is a few months old, get to the pool at the weekend. Perhaps W69 can paddle about with the baby while you do 10-20 lengths.
It's all about combining quality time, exercise time, and family time.
Remember, it is not the fancy piece of exercise equipment which loses the fat. It is YOU who is the one who loses the fat.
It may be encouraging to get a fancy new piece of equipment to exercise on, but how long will it be before you get bored of it?
I'd use 'free' methods of losing weight as your method for now, and see how you get on. Set a goal. If you can lose some weight over the next month, use that as a goal to "allowing" yourself to purchase a new bit of equipment.
So...get walking/cycling/running. If you can't do them, what chance has a rowing machine got? As I said, the rowing machine doesn't do the work - YOU DO!
Once the baby arrives, you'll have every excuse to get out walking with the pram anyway. Use every opportunity.....and once the baby is a few months old, get to the pool at the weekend. Perhaps W69 can paddle about with the baby while you do 10-20 lengths.
It's all about combining quality time, exercise time, and family time.
17 October 2004, 12:18 AM
#68
Guest
Posts: n/a
Yeah the walking thing I want to do at weekends anyway as soon as baby is here, I like walking when its getting out with the Mrs, live by a river that has paths along it. The only reason we don't go out walking at weekends now is because W69 can't manage very far without being in pain/discomfort. As soon as baby is here we will be walking at weekends. Before the pregnancy we used to go over Ashdown Forest and walk at weekends because it was nice scenary and fresh air and felt so much better for it when we got home!
Just need to do stuff during the week as well. However walking late at night, in the middle of winter along roads lined with concrete buildings after being out 12 hours at work and travelling to and from doesn't give me the same enthusiasm as walking in the countryside at weekends! Am gonna try the route at work i have already planned Monday lunch time and see how long it takes. Aldgate down Fenchurch St, across London Bridge, then up to Tower Bridge and across it and back to Aldgate. Should take about 40 minutes if walked briskly.
Just need to do stuff during the week as well. However walking late at night, in the middle of winter along roads lined with concrete buildings after being out 12 hours at work and travelling to and from doesn't give me the same enthusiasm as walking in the countryside at weekends! Am gonna try the route at work i have already planned Monday lunch time and see how long it takes. Aldgate down Fenchurch St, across London Bridge, then up to Tower Bridge and across it and back to Aldgate. Should take about 40 minutes if walked briskly.
17 October 2004, 12:20 AM
#69
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,082
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
B2Z
Some of the cheaper rowing machines are very good. You don't need to have a Concept 2 to get a good exercise routine going. Not sure of the one you've listed, but I have until very recently been using a Delta Airmaster. It's basically a cheap version of the Concept (which let's remember is designed for serious industrial gym and rowing club use, rather than the occasional hour or two by a slob every couple of days).
Delta machines now come under the name VFit, and the one I had sells in Argos for £199 (currently on offer for £149 Argos link. I just sold mine on ebay for <£100 but there are loads more on ebay - just wait til one comes up near you. If you have a spare TV/VHS/DVD I'd seriously recommend watching films while on the machine. I find that this is an extra motivation (only watching an hour of a film and then having to get back on to the treadmill to watch the end/see the start of the next film).
FYI I sold my rower as I prefer the power treadmill I also have in my garage (attached to the TV, VHS and DVD), though treadmills are more £££. Alternatively if you have big internet connection, a laptop stuffed with movies may be your new best friend while working out on the rower in your comfy garage/spare room...
Hope this helps
Joolz
Some of the cheaper rowing machines are very good. You don't need to have a Concept 2 to get a good exercise routine going. Not sure of the one you've listed, but I have until very recently been using a Delta Airmaster. It's basically a cheap version of the Concept (which let's remember is designed for serious industrial gym and rowing club use, rather than the occasional hour or two by a slob every couple of days
). Delta machines now come under the name VFit, and the one I had sells in Argos for £199 (currently on offer for £149 Argos link. I just sold mine on ebay for <£100 but there are loads more on ebay - just wait til one comes up near you. If you have a spare TV/VHS/DVD I'd seriously recommend watching films while on the machine. I find that this is an extra motivation (only watching an hour of a film and then having to get back on to the treadmill to watch the end/see the start of the next film).
FYI I sold my rower as I prefer the power treadmill I also have in my garage (attached to the TV, VHS and DVD), though treadmills are more £££. Alternatively if you have big internet connection, a laptop stuffed with movies may be your new best friend while working out on the rower in your comfy garage/spare room...
Hope this helps
Joolz
17 October 2004, 12:30 AM
#70
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,043
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by chrome
also my diet has radically changed, and has made the biggest difference!
BIG UP TO MILO !
BIG UP TO MILO !
17 October 2004, 12:31 AM
#71
Guest
Posts: n/a
Joolz thats great info cheers I know what imlach is saying about not buying equipment as its an artificial/short term incentive but I really do enjoy rowing machines from the times i've used them before. Plus I can sit in doors and do it and watch telly/films like you say and have the little monitor thing tell me how far i've gone. Much easier to do when you get in from work compared to going out in the rain/ice/snow at night in winter. Plus at £149 thats more like it price wise. Also going check ebay.
I know what imlach is saying about not buying equipment as its an artificial/short term incentive but I really do enjoy rowing machines from the times i've used them before. Plus I can sit in doors and do it and watch telly/films like you say and have the little monitor thing tell me how far i've gone. Much easier to do when you get in from work compared to going out in the rain/ice/snow at night in winter. Plus at £149 thats more like it price wise. Also going check ebay.
17 October 2004, 12:32 AM
#72
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,043
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by **************
I know its no excuse Yoza but working 6 days a week lately and just feel too knackered when I get home at 8 or later in the evenings, mentally and physically.
exercise first thing in the morning then. get up earlier if necessary.
17 October 2004, 12:36 AM
#73
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,043
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by **************
Its one form of exercise I actually enjoy but didn't think they would be much good for sorting out beer/food guts and general weight loss?
17 October 2004, 12:45 AM
#74
Guest
Posts: n/a
Does it also make it easier to keep at a constant/high enough work rate having the monitor on a rowing machine telling you distance/time and heart rate? You can then measure what you are doing each day and work out how much exercise you are having each week?
Oh and that price of £149 looks very good as done a search on the web and no where seems to beat that price
Milo how far would you recomend starting off with on a rowing machine over how much time and how quickly should that be increased? Bearing in mind I am one very unfit bloke and my heart rate goes through the roof just running up the stairs at work!
Oh and that price of £149 looks very good as done a search on the web and no where seems to beat that price
Milo how far would you recomend starting off with on a rowing machine over how much time and how quickly should that be increased? Bearing in mind I am one very unfit bloke and my heart rate goes through the roof just running up the stairs at work!
Last edited by Bravo2zero_sps; 17 October 2004 at 12:52 AM.
17 October 2004, 01:00 AM
#75
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Nov 2000
Posts: 26,619
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
don't buy a machine - it gets boring after 2 days. I have a garage packed full of stuff - concept2, free weights, punch bag, weights machine, excersise bike. I actually manage to use more energy on a dance mat I bought for the girls last christmas.
btw - if you are going to get the £149.00 thing give me a shout and get some decent heart attack insurance sorted first
btw - if you are going to get the £149.00 thing give me a shout and get some decent heart attack insurance sorted first
17 October 2004, 01:07 AM
#76
Guest
Posts: n/a
LOL cheers mate! If that one in Argos for £149 is no good then sell me that unused Concept2 one in your garage for £149!
Honestly though i'd use the rowing machine, i'd never use a step machine or walking machine, weights etc that would bore me senseless but there is something about rowing that I actually enjoy! The Mrs has a dance mat but I won't go near it!
If that one in Argos for £149 is no good then sell me that unused Concept2 one in your garage for £149! Honestly though i'd use the rowing machine, i'd never use a step machine or walking machine, weights etc that would bore me senseless but there is something about rowing that I actually enjoy! The Mrs has a dance mat but I won't go near it!
17 October 2004, 01:12 AM
#77
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Nov 2000
Posts: 26,619
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
get a few beers in you and suddenly the dancemat is 
I'll give you the rowing machine, but it would proably take about a grand to get it shipped to you. ( I gave an elliptical excerciser to my sister in law in Surrey - she spent about 500 quid driving up, coming over on the boat, picking it up and driving home. You can buy the same model for 400 quid
)
I'll give you the rowing machine, but it would proably take about a grand to get it shipped to you. ( I gave an elliptical excerciser to my sister in law in Surrey - she spent about 500 quid driving up, coming over on the boat, picking it up and driving home. You can buy the same model for 400 quid
)
17 October 2004, 01:19 AM
#78
Guest
Posts: n/a
lol yeah but thats the female mind for you in their minds it still counts as getting it for free
I couldn't have an expensive rowing machine mate, i'd break it or some thieving tosser would break into the garage and nick it! At least a cheapish one (in comparison to others that is!) means its not going to lose much in value and not be that desirable to the nosy kids that walk past my place having a good look in my garage when its open
in their minds it still counts as getting it for free I couldn't have an expensive rowing machine mate, i'd break it or some thieving tosser would break into the garage and nick it! At least a cheapish one (in comparison to others that is!) means its not going to lose much in value and not be that desirable to the nosy kids that walk past my place having a good look in my garage when its open
17 October 2004, 01:29 AM
#79
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Nov 2000
Posts: 26,619
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
stairs are the most effective form of excersise I know. Our office is on 12th floor. I used to wait on the lift every day. Now I run up the stairs - everyone things I am mad and smelly
17 October 2004, 02:42 PM
#80
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Having a completely knackered back, my exercise choices are limted. Rowing machines, eliptical cross-trainers, running and even swimming cause problems. The solution? - just bought myself a nordic-track cross country skier off e-bay for £50. Takes some bloody getting used to, however my back feels fine and I get to exercise just about every muscle group simultaneously!
17 October 2004, 07:01 PM
#81
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: same time, different place
Posts: 11,313
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
2 Posts
Glad I asked. You do need a kick up the butt, don't you?
Can we rope W69 in here, and say she's under instructions not to let you into bed at night until you've done (something) exercise? I dunno, 20 minute bike ride, walk twice round the block, 10/20/30 press-ups and sit-ups, whatever? Come in from work, have your dindin, relax, then just before bed you MUST do 10 press-ups and sit ups. Next week, 15. Next week, 20. Simple as that.
Sheesh, you're going to spend £150 on a rowing machine when you don't think of spending £20 on a more comfy saddle
And STOP THAT SMOKING!
Gonna ask again in a month, you'd better report some progress then boy....
Can we rope W69 in here, and say she's under instructions not to let you into bed at night until you've done (something) exercise? I dunno, 20 minute bike ride, walk twice round the block, 10/20/30 press-ups and sit-ups, whatever? Come in from work, have your dindin, relax, then just before bed you MUST do 10 press-ups and sit ups. Next week, 15. Next week, 20. Simple as that.
Sheesh, you're going to spend £150 on a rowing machine when you don't think of spending £20 on a more comfy saddle
And STOP THAT SMOKING!
Gonna ask again in a month, you'd better report some progress then boy....
17 October 2004, 08:00 PM
#82
Guest
Posts: n/a
lol Brendan yes I did need a kick up the butt but I think thats come in embarrassing myself on here by admitting I haven't done anything since I first asked for advice. I have improved my diet from what it was but I can still do a hell of a lot more to make it better. I am gonna go out walking every lunch time at work instead of sitting reading SN for an hour.
As for evening exercise thats the difficult one for me. I still like Telboys suggestion of the skipping rope as its intensive and can be done without having to go anywhere - just wasn't keen on jumping up and down and rattling my brain about so much, its dumb enough as it is now
I haven't got the money for the rowing machine, thats why if there was a cheap one I could get it for Christmas. Not gonna rush out and buy one, i'm not that daft
A 20/30 minute bike ride doesn't sound that difficult and would do that but its when people were saying how much you need to do before its starts being beneficial it put me off as I couldn't see myself going out and doing 10 miles a night on the bike so thought a 30 minute ride was gonna be a waste of time in comparison.
Like I say the smoking will stop at a pre determined time i've got in mind, until then its the one vice I have to keep my head straight with certain matters. I can give up easily, I did before, its just I want to be giving up which at the moment I don't.
If you ask in a month then I guarantee my answer will be different mate
As for evening exercise thats the difficult one for me. I still like Telboys suggestion of the skipping rope as its intensive and can be done without having to go anywhere - just wasn't keen on jumping up and down and rattling my brain about so much, its dumb enough as it is now
I haven't got the money for the rowing machine, thats why if there was a cheap one I could get it for Christmas. Not gonna rush out and buy one, i'm not that daft
A 20/30 minute bike ride doesn't sound that difficult and would do that but its when people were saying how much you need to do before its starts being beneficial it put me off as I couldn't see myself going out and doing 10 miles a night on the bike so thought a 30 minute ride was gonna be a waste of time in comparison.
Like I say the smoking will stop at a pre determined time i've got in mind, until then its the one vice I have to keep my head straight with certain matters. I can give up easily, I did before, its just I want to be giving up which at the moment I don't.
If you ask in a month then I guarantee my answer will be different mate
17 October 2004, 08:31 PM
#83
Scooby Regular
kick up the butt? more like a rocket up his @rse
Stop making excuses and just do something. Skipping is good, but that wouldn't motivate me to start exercising.
Biking is great fun and yes, you have to do a lot compared to somthing like running but only if you're already fit. Stick someone unfit on a bike and tell them to cycle up a hill and you soon see if it's easy.
If something makes you sweat buckets and has you blowin out your sphyincter, it's doin you some good
Stefan
Stop making excuses and just do something. Skipping is good, but that wouldn't motivate me to start exercising.
Biking is great fun and yes, you have to do a lot compared to somthing like running but only if you're already fit. Stick someone unfit on a bike and tell them to cycle up a hill and you soon see if it's easy.
If something makes you sweat buckets and has you blowin out your sphyincter, it's doin you some good
Stefan
17 October 2004, 10:40 PM
#84
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: same time, different place
Posts: 11,313
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
2 Posts
Originally Posted by **************
If you ask in a month then I guarantee my answer will be different mate
<Jerry Springer mode> Go Bravo, Go Bravo... :barf:
OK, gotta go home to bed now - long day for me tomorrow.
17 October 2004, 11:55 PM
#85
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Nov 2000
Posts: 26,619
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
you could get fitter cycling for 10 minutes every night. Anything excersise that you wouldn't normally do is beneficial. Even a 5 minute walk to the shop for beer and **** instead of driving. Do that every day and at the end of the year you have probably done two marathons (and 6 mars bars, 4 packets of skittles.......)
18 October 2004, 12:01 AM
#86
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 425
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you ask in a month then I guarantee my answer will be different mate
(Feeling sanctimonious having gone to gym and run 10k on treadmill today, didn't fancy it but feel great for doing it
)
18 October 2004, 10:59 AM
#88
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: 0-60 in half an hour
Posts: 1,756
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Can we rope W69 in here
err NO! I've already been told off enough for being too critical If B2Z just ate less he'd start losing weight! He doesn't actually need to lose that much weight, it wouldn't take him long at all if he put his mind to it, i think he just needs to exercise to tone up really. Don't want you all thinking he's a big fat huffer
He's just a medium
18 October 2004, 01:25 PM
#90
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: God's promised land
Posts: 80,907
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by **************
I still like Telboys suggestion of the skipping rope as its intensive and can be done without having to go anywhere - just wasn't keen on jumping up and down and rattling my brain about so much, its dumb enough as it is now
LOL, this ain't school playground skipping we're talking about!!
If you'd started skipping when we first discussed it, you'd be up to about 15 minutes by now, and feeling immeasurably fitter. But procrastination is easier, eh?
