No fat chicks
I was sitting on a cold, paper-covered exam table when the doctor told me I was too fat. The sterile, crinkly surface rustled as I shifted awkwardly, trying to conceal my embarrassment and anger. I had gone in to find out why my hip hurt so much. The doctor explained that my extra weight was putting pressure on the joint and was the likely source of the pain. Then he said simply, “Lose weight,” and left the room.
How do you start out if you’re an overfat beginner? Not by taking the usual advice, that’s for damn sure.
How to choose a personal trainer
Often the first question people ask when starting out on a fitness program is, “Should I hire a trainer?” Although you don’t need to hire a trainer, beginners and experienced trainers alike can indeed benefit from skilled coaching and motivation. If you know you’re someone who does better when someone is guiding you, if you would like some skills instruction and don’t feel you can learn yourself, if you would like specialized services like bodyfat assessment or the development of a training program, then you might consider finding a personal trainer. But be warned: There are a lot of sucky ones out there. Here’s how to separate the, uh, weights from the staff.
Use it or lose it!
It’s true — if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it! Keep moving and take care of your body, and you can expect many decades of mileage from it.
A PDF presentation by powerlifter Keith Hobman that explains some basic principles of functional fitness. Easy to understand, with lots of illustrations.
Training for young ‘uns
Folks who have young daughters (or sons) interested in weight training worry about what they have heard about the ill effects of training too young: stunted growth, injury, impaired development, etc. However, an appropriately designed, monitored, and instructed weight training program is safe for kids.
The bone building workout
As the population ages, osteoporosis, or brittle bone disease, is a growing concern. Though osteoporosis is not just a condition that affects older women, they are one of the groups most at risk for it. How to put together a fitness program that will give you bones of titanium!
Punching bag plyometrics
By guest author Big Lee.
This is a personal story of how I created a hybrid training protocol with punching bags to strengthen weak tendons.
Kardio Kween – Do you really need to sweat to the oldies?
Begone Jane Fonda! Pfuah on you, Kenneth Cooper! The truth about “cardio”, “aerobics”, and why you don’t have to hamster on a treadmill for eternity.
Fartlek – Swedish for “asswhuppin”
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Hey, what’s so funny about the word “fartlek”? You kids just quit laughing. I said quit it!! Stop laughing right now or I’ll turn this car right around then you’ll all be sorry!!! Clubbell trainingThe club is one of humanity’s earliest implements. As it so happens, the club can also make you strong like bool, and it’s fun to whip it around your head and pretend to be Red Sonja. The clubbell: not just for Snake Whacking Day any more! Boy butches up girlI am always happy to hear that guys are encouraging their female acquaintances and partners to train with weights. Many women are introduced to weights by male partners and friends, and this introduction creates an ongoing interest. What if you’re a guy that’s interested in women’s training, and want to know how to do a good job? Here are some helpful tips along with dos and don’ts. Author Info
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