Health Bodybuilding question

[Jaimie Richards]

Hey guys,

I didn't want to spam Mischief's topic with unrelated stuff - BTW, great thanks for your really helpful insights there! - so I've made a thread to ask about the course called "Calisthenics & Weight Training". Has anybody here tried it? If so, what are your opinions? (If not, it can be found on YT - what do you think after seeing a random video?)

The question came to my mind because I wanted to combine the easiest and most enjoyable parts from different courses which would fit my current level of physical aptitude/skill. Later, I'd like to focus on more advanced stuff, but everyone has to start somewhere - and something easy seems to be a good start. This course sounds kind of promising due to having tutorials for many kinds of push-ups - even for beginners.

So, what else could I throw into the mix besides Mike Chang (and maybe this course)?

Take care,
J.

 

[Lotus]

Hey Jamie,

You may want to look into p90x(version 1). It's mostly pull up, push up and squat based so you don't need much. Tony goes into great detail on how to do each exercise and puts a big emphasis on form > weight/reps. The program includes 3 days of lifting combined with yoga, plyometrics, stretching, core exercises. Allmost every move in the series can be customized to make it harder or easier.

Even if you don't want to invest in the program itself, the videos can be great ideas for formulating your own program.

I don't personally use the program anymore but i pull exercises and general knowldge from it all the time.

Might be worth a peek for you.

 

[Jaimie Richards]

Thanks Brum for your answer. I'll take this piece of advice into consideration - the stuff that you've posted is definitely going to be thrown into the mix! I hope I''lll be able to post good results of my own mixture of work-out influences in the future

 

[Big Daddy]

I wanted to combine the easiest and most enjoyable parts from different courses which would fit my current level of physical aptitude/skill

You wouldn't want to do this. Every program is designed to with a progression scheme of some kind. If you're a newbie and want to build muscle, the easier way is StrongLifts 5x5.

 

[Jaimie Richards]

Hey guys,

Thanks for advice!

My idea of mixing a couple of different things came from my first goal (let's call it newbie assignment in working out): getting used to physical workouts and enjoying it. In the past I've struggled to do it regularly - partly because of health issues, partly because of my laziness, but mostly because I couldn't get to enjoy it and/or not get bored with the same repetitions.

So, taking my previous experiences into consideration, I've thought that mixing different stuff and keeping it for a while in the most enjoyable way possible will be a good start - let's say, for more or less a month. Just long enough to get used to it and make it a fun, enjoyable habit - so I stick to exercising in the future. Also, for at least a couple of weeks I'm in a huge rush (therefore I'm less present on the boards that I'd like to), so with ever-changing schedule I've deduced that it's the best what I can do for now.

What do you think about this idea, guys? Can it be helpful or am I wasting my time with exercising somewhat randomly? Should I stop it or continue it for a while and switch to one course after a month / ASAP?

Also: I'm going to focus on the stuff mentioned here and in Mischief's thread and - as you say - choose one course to stick with in the upcoming future.

Last question: what workout equipment would you recommend to have at home?

Thanks again,
Jaimie

 

[Big Daddy]

With SL 5x5 you'll be crushing your preview personal record (PR) almost every time you step in the gym. I can assure you that there's no better feeling than that. You'll become addicted to the gym in no time.

You only need a barbell to do SL (and a squat rack).

 

[Lotus]

Last question: what workout equipment would you recommend to have at home?

It depends what you are thinking about investing. Just looking at a squat rack from dick's.

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/famil ... d=12646142

Something that includes squat, bench, pull up looks like it will cost at least $400. Maybe you can find it cheaper but that was just a quick peek. If you commit to something like that I'm sure it will be a worthwhile investment.

I personally don't have the space for a set like that.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EJ ... _i=3408471

http://www.amazon.com/GoFit-GF-PUB-Push ... B0007W2FLS

This is what I have at home for when I'm tight on time, but I also have a gym membership because it's an excuse to get out of the house and talk to people. There are like a billion different types of push up and pull ups to keep some variety in your life.

And again it all depends on what you want out of it, but your monetary investment should match the time your willing to invest.

 

[RDawg]

- Jaime Richards

Jaime, what are your fitness goals? I'm assuming you want to build a ripped lean physique? Keep this in mind that roughly.....

1-3 reps of your 1 rep max will specifically build strength
4-8 reps of maximal of your 1 rep max will specifically increase muscle size, while also building strength too
8 reps or above you looking more at building muscular endurance

So, look at it this way. Do you want to get stronger? If your answer is no then avoid 1-3 reps.
If you want to build muscle, then I would focus on that 4-8 rep range

Another thing to keep in mind is that if you do decide to go for strength, make sure you already have some experience with lifting and your form is near perfect. The reason being is because you can fuck something easy!

Also, some pieces of equipment that are great to have to work out with are rubber resistance bands, resistance bands with handles, stability balls, and some light dumbbells if you have money. There are many other things you can get but these are just some basics that will get a great quick workout at home with minimal money spent.

Lastly, a guy on youtube you may want to check out is Jeff Cavilere. He's pretty solid and I think you might like him. He is way better then Tony Horton and Mike Chang.

Rdawg