Man Cave - Any Guys on MFP?

mkrafick

Don't get me wrong, I think women are great! Matter of fact, I married one and love her dearly - I even have two little girls. (I'm out numbered - send help).

But on MFP - if I read one more post about what bra works best, how to lift my butt, recover from pregnancy, or how to stop weight gain while on your period - I may very well bang my head against the desk.

Even my new friends and accountability people, who I do appreciate, are all female. So I thought I would start a thread for guys only and see how long it floats.

So this is for guys to talk about, well, guy stuff while on MFP - try to keep it fitness and dieting related. So I'll start with few topics, see if any float your boat? Pick one and answer.

1. While Strength Training - Is there a creative or unusual exercise you do for strength training your Chest, Back, or Arms besides the traditional presses, rows, and curls? I've heard about kettleballs and seen some odd exercises at the gym.

2. Beer, Brats, and Football - One advantage I see that guys have is we will occasionally treat ourselves with wings and beer, etc every once in a while. Do you do this, if so - what’s your standing rule? (i.e. got to be good 5 days before I can loosen up on a Saturday for the game). Does it harm you or hurt you?

3. Do you incorporate sports into your regimen (Racquetball, Karate, etc) - do you find it effective?

4. What is a staple in your new diet that works well and keeps you full.


Feel free to answer one above or ask one of your own. Also, feel free to add me as a friend, I am looking for some more guys to link up to for accountability.

grouch201

1. I do a lot of working out at home that doesn't require any equipment. I have been working on Beachbody's Insanity program and it has a lot of good strength training exercises involving various plank moves, vertical pushups, and floor presses. They all target the chest, arms and back. I've only seen kettle balls used on the Biggest Loser, but they look like they'd be a killer tool.

2. Beer, Brats, and Football - One advantage I see that guys have is we will occasionally treat ourselves with wings and beer, etc every once in a while. Do you do this, if so - what’s your standing rule? (i.e. got to be good 5 days before I can loosen up on a Saturday for the game). Does it harm you or hurt you?

2. My approach to nutrition has always been, eat plenty of the good stuff, but don't think you're going to cut out all the foods you love. If you're changing your eating just to lose weight, you're dieting. The approach that should be taken is to eat what you normally eat, but learn what proportions to eat it in. One of my favorite restaurants is the Texas Roadhouse where I love to either get a full or half rack of ribs. So finger licking good. I usually just ask for a to-go box up front and put away what I don't want to eat right there. Leftovers are a bonus! About once a week I allow myself a kind of 'free' day where I'm not as stringent about tracking calories and I've only seen my weight go down.

mgn1

I have own and have used Kettle Bells. They have to be treated with respect but once you start using them they are an mazing tool; they will push your heart rate up in a flash. They can be used for cardiovascular and strength training; they are effective at developing core strength. Apparently it was kettle bells that were used to get all the definition in the film The 300; that and tight trunks of course.

dcaswell10

I just started here a few weeks ago so I don't have too much knowledge on exercises and stuff. I can tell you I have a lot weight to lose so I'm on the slim fast diet. I supplement the stuff with fresh veggies and fruits. I'm constantly eating something but it's health so I'm always full. I'm trying the C25K workout to start out with and then going to try the P90X. I hear the P90X is an insane workout. Glad you started the thread. We guys need a thread of our own.

WhiteStar2351

I know the feeling! I posted a 'hi' on the introduction board and was ended up completely ignored! We are a minority! lol )

In reply!

1) I always stick with the 'spit and sawdust' basics for the simple reason, compound training works! I've seen some really bizarre exercises people perform at the gym but sadly rather then huge muscles they're more likely to get huge medical bills having torn tendons/ligaments, etc repaired! Kettle bells are good all rounders - I guess it all depends on what your goal is really!

2) I'm not a great fan of football and don't drink so not the best to answer! Ha! I do allow one cheat meal a week though - it's still usually clean eating, but I allow my daily carbs to double for it (meaning I can eat homemade pizza / chips/ etc). Unless you're training for a competition or specific sport the 80/20 rule is best - eat 80% of the time and you'll be fine. If you want to be better then average go for 90/10 - but remember, 100% never works!

3) Yep - I'm graded in 3 martial arts and teach 1 so practise those alongside. I don't count it toward my training though as it's traditional fighting and therefore relies on using the least amount of effort as possible! )

4) I don't have a staple per se (though I make sure I eat at least 3 whole eggs every day) but think whats more important is how regularly I eat rather then what I eat. I used to have breakfast around 7am and try to make it to lunch at 12pm without eating. Result was 10am pig out with anything I could find. I now eat every 2-2.5 hours and it helps me keep cravings under control (used to be a formidable choc-a-holic).

mgn1

I have P90X - I did it until I was ill so only managed a week or so but it is hard core, in that time I was already gaining definition. I would suggest something lighter first and then work up to it. The P90X warm-up is more like the average work out.

bikerbiz

Over here, dude. We're still alive. Wings & beer? Yes...Hooter's is a family restaurant...my boys like it. ;-)

For exercise, I've been rowing Concept2 indoor rowing, and doing the team challenges they have. In the current one for January, most of the team bailed out, but I'm rowing double the 22 year-olds.
http://www.concept2.com/sranking03/team/profile.asp?rt_index=4460

I find the cardio goes better and harder after strength training. I got back into the old high school era Bullworker, and find I can do a heck of a lot more than I used to. With 100 reps on each exercise, going for tone and definition, I can really feel it. I also have elastic bands from the VA physical therapist to work very specific angles on my shoulders to strengthen around the joints, which has eliminated my shoulder impingment pain.

Oh, and I have 4 kids (3 boys), but 2 ex wives...but all 4 kids are definitely on my side, so we hold our own. hahaha

mgn1

How come I have a URL and not a ticker???

championnfl

Looks like your doing really well! Congrats.

I play full court basketball twice a week for about hr. Not as quick as I once was but pick my spots to turn it up a notch. Keeps cardio up and still feel like I can play against younger guys, [56 years old]
As far as food, eat the same foods alot! Qiunoa is great,high in protein,low in cals,fills you up for couple hrs[180 cals a cup]. Always have pot made in the frig for easy access. Same with brown rice,fresh veggies!
Weights do every other day for 15-20 mins at home,light weights & more reps. Keeps me toned!
Other then that have access to gym with cardio room, weight room, & basketball, racquetball courts. Use 3 times a week. 5 mins from my house!
Once a week go over my limit of 2000 calories , sometimes 3000-4000 calories for that day.[adds up quick!] Doesn't seem to harm me & heard it keeps body quessing!
Great post!

ahbach2005

Bout time

In regards to Stength training........I don't have alot of time to dedicate to the gym so I do circuit training....keeps me in the heart rate for burning calories while still giving some cardio benefit...keeps things under 45 minutes and I change the excercises up a bit.

Variations.....I am going to try some isometrics/ isokinetics....I have found smoe links on what Bruce Lee used to do as well as the strongman types like Charles Atlas and others used to do....just to have one day of no cardio and no weights.

Skiing, tubing and sledding with the kids (4 and 2....get to carry them once and a while if the snow is too deep) as well as road cycling and mountain biking in the summer.

Kettle bells sound cool but I don't want to dish out the dough for them because like everything that's popular they are expensive

X-box with kinnect- one of the guys here at work just got one and he likes it. The EAS Sports pack that comes with the monitor is good and I hear the biggest loser game is really good once you crank up the levels on it. I may invest in that after the Superbowl.

I will send you a friend request

mort4cy

I agree that while I love women, this site does seem to be a little light in testosterone at times so thanks for starting guy specific thread.

While strength training, I always try to keep things new and interesting and try to work several muscle groups at a time.

Example: Start by placing a medium dumbell or kettleball (I use 15 pounds) between your legs while preparing to do squats. Squat down and pick the weight up with one hand. Press your legs up while pressing the weight up and over your head. By adding this extra motion you are engaging your shoulders, core and quads all at once. I do 12 reps on each side per set and do 3-4 sets at a time.

If you don't have dumbells or kettleballs you can also incorporate exercises that use multiple muscle groups with no equipment at all. When doing push ups, stop at the top of your push up and alternately bring each knee to the opposite elbow. This exercise engages chest, and abs and helps with flexibilty as well.

Again thanks for starting the thread. I look forward to reading more posts.

lsotelo

I try to incorporate sports into my workout regimen as much as I possibly can. From racquetball to softball, to even kickball and golf, playing sports is a very important element to me because it keeps things a bit more interesting. Plus, not only do I get exercise but it also gets my competitive juices flowing, which will get me to push myself that extra bit more than I would on the treadmill or in the weight room.

I couldn't begin to quantify what effect it has on my weight loss goals but the mental health aspect of playing sports is something that is invaluable to me.

zydratethief

Oh THANK GOD, i mean i love ya ladies and all, but if i read or lay eyes on one more post about TOM, i will cave!

MassiveDelta

First I also married a women who I love dearly and actually got me motivated to lose weight. I have 4 daughters so I am way outnumbered the only thing I have to myself is my single drawer in the bathroom that hold my sacred man tools. A black razor with chrome trim ( no pink razor in my drawer), a comb, manly smelling shaving cream that does not smell like peach and doesn't suggest it be used on the pubic area, manly smelling colognes that have manly names like ...Oh crap none of them have manly names.....HELP!!!!

I'm not very creative in the weight room. I just stick to the standards.

If I'm going to cheat on a game day... an normal game day, not a playoff or championship I just watch my calories and bee smart I dont over due it. I have a few beers and light snacking/eating as is available and make mental not not to blow it out of the water. But say on a superbowl day I just no that I'm going OFF the diet completely and that I will gain water weight the next day. You likely wont eat enough to actually gain more than a real pound of fat at the absolute most but either way I just tell myself hey I need this break and I know I'm going to enjoy myself. No hard feelings later. Its a lifestyle change not a diet!

I have not incorporated any sports other than my triathlon training yet. Summer may change that.

Oatmeal in the morning or some heavy grain hot cereal
Fruit, Apples kill my hunger pains
Brown rice!

pyro13g

How come I have a URL and not a ticker???

Go back to tickers and copy the BBCode. You used the HTML one.

mkrafick

@MGN1 - Can you recccomend any Kettle Ball exercises? They look like you could seriously do damage if you don't respect them as you work. But I have been really intrigued by them. I just need to see a few examples. As for your ticket, go back to the signature code and copy the BBCode that uses the brackets instead.

@dcaswell10 - It's you guys who have the big weight I respect. It takes a lot to change your habits that radically. Before you go to the P90x workout, look at the Power 90 and read about the health test they ask you to take. It will tell you which to start with first. However, you may want to just consider doing some basic workout with light weights. Keep up the good work man!

@WhiteStar2351 - I've seens ome crazy stuff at the gym. My trainer even makes fun of it - I do some very traditional workouts because they seem effective. Allthough I have to admit, I have to find something new - I am geting a little bored. Thats why I asked about exercise. I also eat every 2.5-3 hours now, my stomach ios on a clock - really helped my metabolism.

@bikerbiz - Man, you and I both do strength training before Cardio. It makes a HUGE difference. The word is just getting out there now. But it makes you burn fat 100x more efficiently. How long do you row for, or suggest for a newbie?

mkrafick

Speaking of guy stuff - have you all heard of "The Warrior Dash" (http://www.warriordash.com/)?

Viking hats, Mud, and beer - you can't ask for much more. It looks like a ton of fun and motivation for me to get fit. Check it out and read the FAQ. Everyone I talk to who has done it said it was one of the best things they have done ever.

MassiveDelta

Oh THANK GOD, i mean i love ya ladies and all, but if i read or lay eyes on one more post about TOM, i will cave!

I dont know why all these girls are talking about TOM. Isnt he that guy with all those friends on MySpace!

scubastevo

We are here, but if anyone else is like me, we tend to be the silent minority....Actually, it reminds me of how it is at home. I feel your pain though, I too am the sole male in a house dominated by a wife and two young daughters.

Just getting started again, after achieving my best physical shape in my life at 40, I then slid back to where I am now. Another round of trying to lose 30 lb's and this time trying to keep it off...

Last time, I did two rounds of P90X, which, if you can endure the time committment and intensity, will get you to your goals. I had to do extra cardio to lose weight, but I was the strongest and fittest I had been since playing soccer in college.

Now, at almost 42 and two kids active in school activities, the 90 minute committment P90X requires isn't able to fit in my schedule, at least not all at one time. I may try to do partial workouts though.

Right now, I'm concentrating on cleaning up my diet and adding cardio. After the weight starts dropping, I'll add back in resistance and weight training.

I'm really hating this food diary.....

MrX8503

I'm glad you made this thread, there aren't very many guys on here.

1. I don't do anything out of the ordinary, but what I do like using are crossover cables. It gives you a wide range of motion that allows you to create many different kinds of lifts.

2. I love beer and that is kind of my weakness. The rule is beer only every other weekend.

3. I used to do kickboxing, but overall I don't really incorporate sports into my workouts.

4. The staple of my diet is eggs, fish, chicken, and beef. I then use veggies and beans for fiber to curb hunger.

erickirb

Oh THANK GOD, i mean i love ya ladies and all, but if i read or lay eyes on one more post about TOM, i will cave!

I dont know why all these girls are talking about TOM. Isnt he that guy with all those friends on MySpace!

LOL :laugh:

zydratethief

Oh THANK GOD, i mean i love ya ladies and all, but if i read or lay eyes on one more post about TOM, i will cave!

I dont know why all these girls are talking about TOM. Isnt he that guy with all those friends on MySpace!

hahah

bikerbiz

@bikerbiz - Man, you and I both do strength training before Cardio. It makes a HUGE difference. The word is just getting out there now. But it makes you burn fat 100x more efficiently. How long do you row for, or suggest for a newbie?

I started out with a training program set up on RowPro software. It was 15-20 minutes, 5 x week, mostly to train on proper form. After a couple weeks, there were some 30-45 minute sessions. Now, I row every day, at least a 10K, throwing in some sprints along the way for that burst strength. Every couple weeks, I add in a half-marathon (21k and some change). It really made my lower back sore when I started, but I got through it...especially after adding a hundred or so ab crunches to the routine while my feet are strapped in the machine.

Celo24

Thanks for the guy thread!! I think we are definitely in the minority around here but it's nice to have some other guys to help keep us accountable as well. Plus, then my wife won't have to wonder why all my friends - with 1-2 exceptions - on here are female!!

As for your questions:
1. I actually am focusing on cardio right now since I'm training for a triathlon and need to improve my endurance. However, I do have a core routine I do 3X a week and do some resistance work with resistance bands to help with my swimming. I need to incorporate more weight training but right now, it's not my primary focus.

2. My wife and I have a weekly "cheat meal" every Friday night. I weigh in every Friday morning so that I have all week to burn the cheat meal off. That meal can be anything - wings, pizza, burgers, Mexican, whatever. But once that meal is done, so is the cheating. Gives me something to look forward to but know that I need to eat healthy the rest of the week. That has actually helped me a lot because I don't feel deprived and I'm still consistently losing weight and inches.

3. The sports I play - softball and golf mainly with the occasional pickup basketball game - aren't real intense. So, the tri training takes that place. I am in the gym 6X a week either running, spinning or swimming. Finally found a bike, so this weekend, I'm hitting the road on the bike for the first time which I am very excited about.

4. Almonds, walnuts, pecans. I'm a big nut guy (yeah, yeah...I know what I'm setting myself up for in this thread with that comment) and always have some around. Lots of protein and help me stay full. I also am always drinking water, at least 8-10 glasses a day. Dinner, we cook with a lot of avocado which is high in calories but also has good fats and a lot of protein. Plus, it tastes good.

As for the Warrior Dash, I looked it up last week and it sounds like a blast. The problem for me is the one here in North Texas is the weekend after my triathlon and I don't know if it would be smart to run two intense races in back to back weekends, especially since I'm so new to the endurance sports. Definitely going to do it in 2012 though!!

MrX8503

@bikerbiz - Man, you and I both do strength training before Cardio. It makes a HUGE difference. The word is just getting out there now. But it makes you burn fat 100x more efficiently. How long do you row for, or suggest for a newbie?

I don't think there is any real truth to that, or at least it hasn't been proven. I tend to do weights before cardio, but its only because that's what I prefer. I'm less prone to injury that way because I'd probably hurt myself if I'm lifting while out of breath from running earlier.

I think the key is to always do something different. If you've been doing weights then cardio for a while, try doing cardio then weights.

bikerbiz

Re: "The Warrior Dash"
Man, that looks like fun!!! I gotta do that with my boys, one of these days. I have at least one who is trying to follow in my footsteps...he did pretty good with Insanity, and keeps asking me about other things.

taso42_DELETED

Good thread. I was feeling quite outnumbered here!

1. Nothing out of the ordinary...

2. I used to drink anywhere from 1 to, um, 6 beers every night (no wonder i was a fat f&%k). I'm a lover of beer and brewer so this has been one of the hard things for me to keep under control. I still have a beer now and then, but since starting in MFP, I'm very mindful of staying within my calorie limits. In general though, one "free day" aka "cheat day" every week is considered by many to be a good thing. Go ahead and eat whatever on the free day. It boosts your metabolism and keeps your body from going into starvation mode. It's also good psychologically. I try not to overdo it on free days, but I do enjoy the occasional bacon cheeseburger or neapolitan pizza.

3. Not really any sports, other than hiking on occasion, if that counts. I'm vaguely considering starting up some kind of martial arts though.

4. 3 egg whites + 1 egg + 2 strips of turkey bacon and slice of whole wheat toast - that's what I eat ever y single day for breakfast and not sick of it yet! Oatmeal and cottage cheese is one of my standard snacks. Sounds weird, tastes good. For dinners I usually eat real basic - 1 serving of lean protein and 1 serving of carb. Where the protein is usually chicken breast, salmon, or pork, and the carb is a sweet potato of serving of brown rice. I actually enjoy eating simple like this for some reason, and it makes preparation pretty easy and routine.

I sent you a friend request

Anyone else on this thread... feel free to friend me too

CarterGrt

Great Thread!!!

1) I work out at home and have really been lax on my strength training lately. I was doing P90X, but I stopped as I am training for a half marathon and running four times a week.

2) I try to keep the amount down and to compensate with lower calorie meals the rest of the day and a good amount of cardio the day before, the day of, or the day after. Beer also slows your metabolism so this causes your cheat calories to actually hurt you a bit more than they normally would.

3. Not lately. I used to play hockey and it was a nice, but my 40-year-old knees finally gave out on me.

4. On days when I work-out (Mon, Wed, Thur, Sat) I have two shakes. Muscle Milk Light. 25g protein and 195 calories. These shakes (mid-morning and mid-afternoon). These do great for me at keeping me full. I do like the MM light as it has much lower calories and less protein which is good for me. If I was doing a bunch of weight training, I might go for the regular to get more protein.

--Carter

alejan1975

now we're talking - good thread.

- i think my approach is a little different that MFP advocates, i'm trying to bring in some tips/tricks used by bodybuilders. The main difference is doubleing up the protein and trading carbs. Also, i lift weights 3-4 times a week and only do cardio 2 times. The reason for this is cutting weight by cutting calories can cause you to lose muscle you have (even if you weren't "muscular" you probably have more just from carrying around a heavier body) and by upping the protein and reducing carbs, your body will tend to preserve muscle and burn fat for energy rather than burning fat AND muscle. I've just started (jan 11) on MFP, but prior to joining lost about 10 lbs first, so i'm down about 14 total.

My weightlifting consists of the basic compound movements all done with an inexpensive bench and dumbbell freeweights.

Chest - 4 sets incline dumbbell, 3 sets pushups
Back - 4 sets wide grip pullups (i am not light/strong enough yet to do these without assistance, so i use a stool and assist a little bit with my legs), 3 sets bent dumbbell rows
Shoulders - 4 sets seated dumbbell press, 2 sets lateral raises, 3 sets shrugs
Legs - 4 sets dumbell squats, 3 sets dumbbell deadlifts
Arms - 3 sets dumbell curl, 3 sets reverse dips (using the side of the bench)

Adding muscle and dropping the LBs at the same time is rewarding - i've already noticed a huge difference in my arms and shoulders, and the added lean muscle mass helps you burn more calories everyday!

I've tried to really cut out the booze, they are a killer for mainting a caloric deficit. Anyone else trying to work in weights instead of cardio? results and other ideas?

AdamATGATT

Nothing real special as for working out. I completed Power 90 last week, and have started P90X this week. I've gone through two workouts so far, and have burned around 850 calories each workout (and I'm going easy to learn the moves!!!) It'll definitely push you. If you're hesitant, try Power 90 first. I started it the same day I started tracking on MFP and it's done a great job in developing tone. At the end of February or so, I'll start C25K. I opened my big mouth and said I'd do a 5K this summer, and my friends (serious runners) are holding me to it. I hate running.

I have really tried to lay off the alcohol, except for special occasions and holidays. Even then, it's usually only one beer or a glass or two of wine. As Carter mentioned, alcohol isn't helpful for weightloss, but it's doable if you can incorporate it into your diet.

Since I've moved out here to the PNW, football doesn't really seem like that big of a deal. It was back in high school, and even in college we'd do some flag football on the quad, or pickup rugby, but that's about it. I'd really like to get back into it, and miss throwing a football around.

I actually need to vary my calorie intake a bit. I've been pretty good about keeping it low, but I need to work more cheat days in there. I've actually had the greatest weight loss around holidays, when I am not so concerned with watching everything I am eating. After a workout, I enjoy a nice protein shake...not just for the protein, but also for the calories as well.

MikeK51

Great Thread! I was also feeling a little outnumbered!

I volunteered at a warrior dash in Lancaster, PA this summer (didn't participate).
It was the neatest thing I've ever been a part of.
One thing to keep in mind though is it can be very dangerous.
I was manning what they call the Warrior Walls (4 set of 4' high walls). It was extremely muddy.
Within 5 minutes 2 guys got seriously hurt. One broke his collar bone (it was sticking through), and then another guy dislocated his knee cap. There were also a few other injuries.

I started Power 90 24 days ago. The only other exercise I've ever really done in the last 25 years is a treadmill.
At 51, I needed to make a change. So far, I'm liking what it's doing for me. I just had blood work done, and for the first time in 20+ years, my cholesterol numbers are all normal (and I stopped taking Lipitor 3 months ago against my doctor's advice).

The only other health things are a treadmill, and we have a Far Infrared Sauna, which is great for sweating out those toxins, and really helps with the aches of working out.

So far I haven't had many cravings for the cookies, candies, soda, etc. I lived on before.
I've had a couple glasses of wine, but no beer since starting. I only have beer usually when I go out for dinner or at a party of some type. I haven't had to deal with that yet, but I know it will be hard when I'm in that situation. Me personally, it really tires me out the next day, so I'll probably skip it for now. But eventually I'll have one or two. Like you said, this is a lifestyle change, not a temporary diet.