Bishop556 Posted January 16, 2014 Share Posted January 16, 2014 After only working out everday for a week, 30 minutes of cardio and 4 days of muscle building, I feel much happier and more confident. How has exercise improved your life? 7 Link to post Share on other sites
potsticker Posted January 16, 2014 Share Posted January 16, 2014 I can look down and see my penis As much as I hated the "getting into the routine", working out regularly just increases my quality of living all across the board. I wasn't a huge fan of the lifting regiments though... it always felt precarious, like I'd drop something and injure myself. Even with partners and practicing the good forms, it's scary as hell 5 Link to post Share on other sites
Emilia Posted January 16, 2014 Share Posted January 16, 2014 I've tried different things over the years from boxing to powerlifting and I have an agile and strong body. At the age of 41 I can beat people at various challenges, including some men The aging process isn't catching up with me as fast because I don't have to worry about atrophy and losing tissue just yet. I eat well, I lift heavy, I do calisthenics, enjoy variety. I can go hiking for hours and hours in the mountain with backpacks and doesn't wear me out the slightest. I have lots of energy for life and sex. I look good and feel good. Rigorous exercise and a good diet are the best things you can focus on in your life. They are the foundation for everything, including mood stability and keeping your hormones under control. I beat anxiety by getting down to deadlifts. 6 Link to post Share on other sites
John83 Posted January 16, 2014 Share Posted January 16, 2014 Got into weights and excercise at 14 after being left extremely skinny from illness. It has played a great role in my life since then, weights have helped me through my darkest days by giving me something to apply focus too. Have to join a gym as recent break up involved me moving out and dont have use of my home gym at minute. Its been a week and a half and feel like cracking up not getting the outlet of weight training. 3 Link to post Share on other sites
dichotomy Posted January 16, 2014 Share Posted January 16, 2014 About 3-4 years ago, I got back into working out after decade or more of inactivity. I was really really out of shape, also entering my early 40's with a new baby (late in life dad)... I had begun to develop mobility issues - bad knees, back, out of breath, I was wearing huge pants. I had pain just squatting down with a 20lb dumbbell held with both hands. AT the time my youngest daughter was 2 and I was worried about my ability to be an active dad. My primary focus was on strength, then flexibility, and then lastly cardio. It took a long while to get in shape. Walking and little dumbells was all I could do for many months at first. While its nice to look better, and I have gotten compliments about it my change in appearance, I would say being middle aged - the biggest improvement is just really good functionality and being active with my daughter at my age. I still have some flab around my waist, but my body is strong and my heart and lungs too. Biggest improvement ? About 6 months ago, we went to a movie theater, with two levels. Facing me was an elevator and a double level of stairs (zig zag). I turned to my 5 year old - and said "want to have some fun?" She said "yes" - I then proceeded to pretend I was a fire fighter, threw her over my shoulders and ran up the two flights of stairs making siren sounds. I am 48 - she weighs 43 lbs. I felt no discomfort, nor was I really out of breath at the top of the two flights. . Thats all the reason I need for working out - thats the biggest improvement - fun with my daughter - memories for both of us. 5 Link to post Share on other sites
thefooloftheyear Posted January 16, 2014 Share Posted January 16, 2014 About 3-4 years ago, I got back into working out after decade or more of inactivity. I was really really out of shape, also entering my early 40's with a new baby (late in life dad)... I had begun to develop mobility issues - bad knees, back, out of breath, I was wearing huge pants. I had pain just squatting down with a 20lb dumbbell held with both hands. AT the time my youngest daughter was 2 and I was worried about my ability to be an active dad. My primary focus was on strength, then flexibility, and then lastly cardio. It took a long while to get in shape. Walking and little dumbells was all I could do for many months at first. While its nice to look better, and I have gotten compliments about it my change in appearance, I would say being middle aged - the biggest improvement is just really good functionality and being active with my daughter at my age. I still have some flab around my waist, but my body is strong and my heart and lungs too. Biggest improvement ? About 6 months ago, we went to a movie theater, with two levels. Facing me was an elevator and a double level of stairs (zig zag). I turned to my 5 year old - and said "want to have some fun?" She said "yes" - I then proceeded to pretend I was a fire fighter, threw her over my shoulders and ran up the two flights of stairs making siren sounds. I am 48 - she weighs 43 lbs. I felt no discomfort, nor was I really out of breath at the top of the two flights. . Thats all the reason I need for working out - thats the biggest improvement - fun with my daughter - memories for both of us. I could have wrote the same exact post...even the part about the daughter.. For me its more about just having the ability to have some degree of control over that part of my life....We cant control all kinds of things in our daily lives so its nice to have something that-if you follow a proper regimen of training and diet, you will see results. Im thrilled that at this age I look and feel better than ever. passed a recent intense physical and cardiac stress test with flying colors. Im big and strong and train with guys that are almost half my age with no problems..Im even going to do a few powerlifting competitions this year! Looking forward to it.. You dont need to live in the gym or be a gym rat either..I spend rarely over an hour a day in there, but I train hard and heavy with minmal rest. IAs others have stated in the other thread, being fit wont make you immediately happy if you are miserable, and if you do it just solely for the sake of attracting the opposite sex-you are going about it wrong, but its just another thing that you can do to enhance the quality of your life.. TFY 2 Link to post Share on other sites
gaius Posted January 16, 2014 Share Posted January 16, 2014 I know I get a lot crabbier and less friendly when I don't get some exercise at least every other day. Every guy has two poisons he needs to get out on a regular basis to be sound of mind, one being physical energy and the other ejaculate. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
tman666 Posted January 16, 2014 Share Posted January 16, 2014 It has shaped almost every aspect of my life and world-view. Physical strength, feeling good about one's body, being healthy, etc. are all great things. However, the mental strength and lessons in fortitude that I've learned from my own journey is something that will benefit me well past when I'm no longer able to lift. 3 Link to post Share on other sites
Emilia Posted January 16, 2014 Share Posted January 16, 2014 However, the mental strength and lessons in fortitude that I've learned from my own journey is something that will benefit me well past when I'm no longer able to lift. Agree. If you persist with anything that's a great mental and physical challenge over a period of time, that will give you a certain kind of confidence and fortitude that will benefit you for the rest of your life. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Madman81 Posted January 16, 2014 Share Posted January 16, 2014 (edited) I've been back into healthy eating and exercise since Christmas Day. I've only lost a few pounds so far (that's a bit frustrating, would like to have lost more) but I have more energy than usual. I cut out Diet Coke a few days ago (I used to drink it at any time of the day, even right before bed because it didn't prevent me from sleeping) and have found my sleep much more restful and reinvigorating. Two days ago I was at work, at my desk, unable to concentrate... because I was jonesing to go for a workout. That's a weird sensation, but damn does it feel good. I credit a lot of that to a Christmas present from my father-in-law. It's a device called a FitBit, which I wear on my wrist all the time and which tracks my steps and my sleep. It syncs to an app on my phone where I record my exercise and food intake, which it converts into caloric intake and output and tells me where I am relative to my weight loss goal. The device itself leaves something to be desired; for instance, it doesn't track heart rate, which seems like a no-brainer for something that's on my wrist. But its greatest value is as a constant reminder to log my food and exercise; I've tried doing that on phone apps before without the wrist reminder, and never lasted more than about two days. It's been three weeks and I'm still going strong. Plus you can set silent alarms which vibrate, which my wife really appreciates since my morning alarm no longer wakes her up. I'm 6'1 and currently 234 lbs. That's obese by most measurements I've seen, though when I look in the mirror I don't see a "fat guy", I see a "big guy". That's probably just my own perception. Anyway, my goal is to get down to 200 lbs, and along the way, start swapping some fat for muscle. Part of the motivation for the new fitness regimen is that in November I got my brown belt in karate. Which feels good, but I'm not a very flexible person and my jump kicks are awful. I'll be testing for my black belt in about two years, and I can only imagine how much easier and more fulfilling karate will be without 40 extra pounds to heft around. 2014 is off to a fine start! Edited January 16, 2014 by Madman81 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Robert Z Posted January 17, 2014 Share Posted January 17, 2014 (edited) How has exercise improved your life? I am faster than a speeding bullet and can leap tall buildings in a single bound. Honestly, sometimes I feel like I'm 25 again [i am 55]. I am very fit and working hard on buff. By this time next year I plan to be ripped... without the use of steroids. It [and lots of sex] has meant the difference between being old and waiting to die, and being young, in spite of my chronological age. Edited January 17, 2014 by Robert Z 3 Link to post Share on other sites
Robert Z Posted January 17, 2014 Share Posted January 17, 2014 I can look down and see my penis Ain't it the truth! I used to joke that after going so long without sex [bad marriage] and then gaining a bunch of weight, I forgot I was a man. more truth than fiction in that statement! Link to post Share on other sites
Grumpybutfun Posted January 17, 2014 Share Posted January 17, 2014 I also think it builds camaraderie as I compete in the Iron Man Triathlon. I am competing in March in New Zealand. I also do local MMA fighting tournaments and training and it keeps me on edge and competitive. I run everyday at least seven to nine miles and I work out at gym or in my home gym free weights and machines every other day. I mountain climb, hike, rappel, and free BASE jump. I think it is fun and gives me and my friends something productive to do beside fishing, horseback riding, hunting and boating. I feel better than when I was in the service, and I have the endurance of a twenty year old me. Since I have a ranch I work very hard on it and am glad I can do everything by myself. G 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Robert Z Posted January 17, 2014 Share Posted January 17, 2014 I also think it builds camaraderie as I compete in the Iron Man Triathlon. I am competing in March in New Zealand. I also do local MMA fighting tournaments and training and it keeps me on edge and competitive. I run everyday at least seven to nine miles and I work out at gym or in my home gym free weights and machines every other day. I mountain climb, hike, rappel, and free BASE jump. I think it is fun and gives me and my friends something productive to do beside fishing, horseback riding, hunting and boating. I feel better than when I was in the service, and I have the endurance of a twenty year old me. Since I have a ranch I work very hard on it and am glad I can do everything by myself. G Wow! That is most impressive!!! Approximately how old are you? 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Grumpybutfun Posted January 17, 2014 Share Posted January 17, 2014 Wow! That is most impressive!!! Approximately how old are you? 40s. Why does everyone think I am elderly on here? 2 Link to post Share on other sites
radiodarcy Posted January 17, 2014 Share Posted January 17, 2014 40s. Why does everyone think I am elderly on here? LOL - - probably because of your screen name - - it conjures up the stereotype of the "grumpy old man" - - at least for me it does 4 Link to post Share on other sites
Emilia Posted January 17, 2014 Share Posted January 17, 2014 LOL - - probably because of your screen name - - it conjures up the stereotype of the "grumpy old man" - - at least for me it does yes! I keep thinking you are in your 50s 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Madman81 Posted January 17, 2014 Share Posted January 17, 2014 Glad to hear there are guys older than me (I'm nearly 42) who are getting or keeping fit. Inspiring. Will keep on it. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Softie Posted January 17, 2014 Share Posted January 17, 2014 (edited) It's made me feel that I've accomplished so much. Go back 4yrs I didn't exercise much would try the odd 5km and collapse at the end. I've now done a half marathon, two 10km, few 5km, two charity treks abroad one trekking 87km another up a mountain. I'm so proud of myself for all the training, focus, hard work & just doing it. I'm not fast, I have many injuries but still I do it & have done so much, so I guess it's just boosted my self esteem in answer to your question. And I'm a lot more toned now. I also have done yoga for two years & the mental clarity plus the strength & flexibility that has given has done wonders for my calmness. I also met some new local friends and some very nice people along the way too. Edited January 17, 2014 by Softie Add 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Haydn Posted January 17, 2014 Share Posted January 17, 2014 Boxed from 12 to 25. Alas nothing since. Was pretty handy, could have been a contender if a string of cracking ladies and a beautiful daughter hadn`t.....`women weaken legs`. But i have been blessed with some wonderful genetics so still awaiting the man breast in the post......... But i am going to play football again for the local team...... Link to post Share on other sites
Haydn Posted January 17, 2014 Share Posted January 17, 2014 I reckon i could take grumpy! LOL - - probably because of your screen name - - it conjures up the stereotype of the "grumpy old man" - - at least for me it does 2 Link to post Share on other sites
radiodarcy Posted January 17, 2014 Share Posted January 17, 2014 Speaking of grumpy - - I would say that exercise has been a good mood reliever for me as well. I don't do anything too strenuous - - I usually go to classes at the gym because I'm too lazy to come up with a routine of my own. I do spin twice a week and then another two days I do classes that are combination cardio/plyometrics exercises and we also use weights and bands. Those I prefer to spin since I get bored easily and we're always moving onto new things. I also enjoy the exercise "high" and the sense of accomplishment I feel afterwards. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Haydn Posted January 17, 2014 Share Posted January 17, 2014 Radio, Grumpy, getting hammered on another thread, you couldn`t bring your fitness to bear could you? Speaking of grumpy - - I would say that exercise has been a good mood reliever for me as well. I don't do anything too strenuous - - I usually go to classes at the gym because I'm too lazy to come up with a routine of my own. I do spin twice a week and then another two days I do classes that are combination cardio/plyometrics exercises and we also use weights and bands. Those I prefer to spin since I get bored easily and we're always moving onto new things. I also enjoy the exercise "high" and the sense of accomplishment I feel afterwards. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Robert Z Posted January 17, 2014 Share Posted January 17, 2014 40s. Why does everyone think I am elderly on here? The bad news: For some people here, 40 is elderly! I was only asking. I never suggested that you are old. But yes, "grumpy" does suggest to me something more in your 60s than your 40s. And to do what you're doing AT YOUR AGE is still impressive, old man. Seriously, that is great. When I was in my 40s I was going downhill fast. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
radiodarcy Posted January 17, 2014 Share Posted January 17, 2014 Radio, Grumpy, getting hammered on another thread, you couldn`t bring your fitness to bear could you? Heheh - - don't let my sunny disposition fool you, Haydn - - I'm a not-so-closeted grump myself. I guess you could say online forums such as this give me the opportunity to reveal my sunny side 2 Link to post Share on other sites
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