Bi-Polar when it comes to GOALS?

islandnutshel

It sounds like you have attained a goal and are unsure what to put your focus into next. All that trained energy, and no where to direct it. I look forward to that problem. My suggestion would be to pick one goal and stick to it for a month and see what results come from it. When you come across another goal that interests you then write it down and save it for another month.

Now, as for the comments I have been reading, why do people diss cardio. Isn't it an important part of the whole picture? Explain why it is less important than diet, and muscle building and nutrition........

Why does it have to be all or nothing. Black or White. I am confused as to the passion people have for their program. People are starting at different stages, and have different needs. Or am I wrong about this?

BigMech

This is the exact issue I have now. After losing all my extra weight, I want to concentrate on putting on some more muscle mass, but seeing the number of the scale up is still very hard for me. I am currently up 10lbs from my lowest weight, and my lifts are climbing like mad, but it is still very hard.

BetterCrazyThanLazy

I am for sure. For example. I keep jogging and it is tearing my knee up. I was told to stop for two weeks and let it heal but I keep jogging. I will stop for a few days and just when it starts feeling better, I jog again.

VICIOUS CYCLE.

Same here! People are subborn and confused creatures!

jenluvsushi

I know I certainly have issues with this. I know I look better, my clothes are getting baggier and people have been noticing my weight loss more and more but sometimes I question what I'm doing. I still have a good 40 pounds to goal, which is the high end of normal for my height. Since I started lifting really heavy, my loss has totally stalled. I know I am eating in a deficit but the scale is just not budging. I know that weightlifting has this effect and body fat is all that really matters.....but it still plays with my head. I feel ya girl!

fitblondebaker22

YES! I am definitely a cardio junkie as well because I absolutely love to run. But I have been singing the same ol' tune for months. I wanted to build muscle and stop focusing on my weight and eat at maintenance or above. But every time I would get on the scale and the number went up I had a total mental block and just couldn't fathom eating more to gain muscle because of the increasing number on the scale. I finally ditched the scale (thanks to the OP) and have been listening to my body to reach my goals. I've been lifting more, doing more resistance and strength training, and relying on the mirror to track my progress. So far, so good!

neverstray

I just want to be a badass, and it totally takes all my free time. That's all I know about this topic.

sandylion

I am for sure. For example. I keep jogging and it is tearing my knee up. I was told to stop for two weeks and let it heal but I keep jogging. I will stop for a few days and just when it starts feeling better, I jog again.

VICIOUS CYCLE.

This!! I want to jog so bad, but I have been told so many times not to because I have horrible feet ankles and knees. I decided to do it anyway, and now I hurt so much!! But I'm thinking they don't hurt so bad today, maybe I could go jogging again....

ArroganceInStep

I'm certainly guilty. I'm the type that would rather squat until I literally rip my oblique off of my rib cage (it's fun, trust me I would know \sarcasm) or run until my ankles swell up to about the size of my head (ok this one is an exaggeration but they got JACKED up) than follow a moderate progression plan for a couple years that has me in and out of the gym in 45 minutes a day or running/jogging at moderate intensity consistently. I'd rather go on a hard core diet than eat moderately and consistently. I can cut 30+ pounds in a month without breaking a sweat, as long as I know that after that month I can pig out (and gain it all back and then some)

I'm a person of extremes.

Thing is, I find much more success (and happiness) when I force myself to stfu and do things in moderation. My best strength gains, longest sustained weight loss, and greatest endurance increases all came about during those periods when I wasn't going animal at my training.

I want to lose weight, get stronger, and increase my gas tank. Rather than what I've been doing I need to eat at a moderate deficit with adequate macros. I need to lift heavy but give myself adequate time for recovery and program intelligently, and I need to do cardio consistently.

While you do have to pick one thing at a time, particularly when it comes to bulking and increasing strength vs leaning out, I think taking a step back and sacrificing some speed for the sake of moderation is a good thing. You don't need to hit all your ultimate goals at once. It can, and should, take time. Also between eating right, lifting, and cardio, you should basically always be doing these three things (just depending on your goals you have a higher focus on one than the other two).

(Side note: you probably already know all this and I'm not trying to imply anything about your training habits or discipline, I'm saying this more for myself than anything else)

love4fitnesslove4food_wechange

YES! I am definitely a cardio junkie as well because I absolutely love to run. But I have been singing the same ol' tune for months. I wanted to build muscle and stop focusing on my weight and eat at maintenance or above. But every time I would get on the scale and the number went up I had a total mental block and just couldn't fathom eating more to gain muscle because of the increasing number on the scale. I finally ditched the scale (thanks to the OP) and have been listening to my body to reach my goals. I've been lifting more, doing more resistance and strength training, and relying on the mirror to track my progress. So far, so good!

mustgetmuscles1

Now, as for the comments I have been reading, why do people diss cardio. Isn't it an important part of the whole picture? Explain why it is less important than diet, and muscle building and nutrition........

I think it really comes down to different definitions of cardio. I personally do cardio after lifting. 10-30 minutes of intense cardio. I do it for heart and lung conditioning. I have noticed this has actually helped with lifting weights as I am much less winded and recover faster between sets of heavy lifting. Who wants to look big and strong and then get their butt kick by a couple flights of stairs. Not me. : )

Then there is "cardio" that is long sessions of low to medium intensity exercise. This can have the opposite desired effect on someone wanting to build muscle. A different hormone response is what I think I remember hearing. Where the body think excess muscle consumes to much of the needed energy and oxygen for long endurance session so stops or consumes muscle to adapt. I only have vague understanding of this and might be completely wrong. Still learning this stuff.

hendinerik

why does it have to be one thing or another?

Balancing out cardio with strength training is a good way to go... it doesn't mean you stop cardio, and it doesn't have to mean you just bulk up. I think most people's results are more gradual.

I know for me it started with the doctor telling me I needed to make some changes or I would end up with diabetes. Also I had bad reflux that was causing me sore throats for several years. So it was definitely "worth it" for me.

I was slow to embrace the weights - and regular strength training - I liked to ride my bike, play tennis and do things that were "fun"

But I have to say the mix of the cardio and strength training are showing me profoundly greater results than just cardio.

Also if you set your goal to lose .5 pounds per week your calorie limit is not nearly as restrictive - that is what I am doing and it is working for me.

Other thing you can focus on is what you should be eating rather than what you shouldn't. Example: Men are recommended to get 38grams of fiber per day... drink 8 glasses of water a day and I was told to try to have plenty of protein and fiber. It actually takes some focus to get all that fiber (veggies, fruit, lentils etc..) and that way you are not looking at it as much as about "depriving" yourself.

Good luck - my take is that being human is being of split minds - it's one of the things that makes us interesting, and it doesn't have to be a bad thing. It doesn't mean we can't make forward movement towards our health (I will try to remember I said that!)

Lift_hard_eat_big

Having been scrawny most of my life, it's always been a dream to be big, like Arnold big! But my genetics won't allow me to get that large. At times I'm happy with my size, other times I'm like screw it, I'm gonna juice and get huge! After gaining almost 30 lbs of mostly muscle, I know I should be happy with my gains, but deep down inside, there's a part of me that wants to be bigger and stronger.

magj0y

I'm with you. I am a total cardio junkie. I love my cardio and probably do more than I should. I know I should start lifting, but I just don't want to give up the cardio I enjoy.

Then try cardio exercises with strength training exercises. Planet fitness has a good circuit and if you utelise the stair stepper, it's beneficial.

stuff like burpees are also an example of weight bearing cardio.

love4fitnesslove4food_wechange

Having been scrawny most of my life, it's always been a dream to be big, like Arnold big! But my genetics won't allow me to get that large. At times I'm happy with my size, other times I'm like screw it, I'm gonna juice and get huge! After gaining almost 30 lbs of mostly muscle, I know I should be happy with my gains, but deep down inside, there's a part of me that wants to be bigger and stronger.

You're perfect my love and you're always making progress --I think whatever you decide to do in terms of strength and mass you CAN do and no juice is needed.Okay, Arnold size--that's a bit much--but you can be the best YOU and that's what matters. All natural is the way to go babe. That way no one can minimize your accomplishments. You've earned your amazing body! So proud of you.

BluthLover

I don't have that feeling, and it doesn't sound too much like bipolar either.

okay. really nice input.

LOL!
Yes I feel torn a lot with my goals. I also don't have enough patience to stick with anything too long.

BluthLover

YES! I am definitely a cardio junkie as well because I absolutely love to run. But I have been singing the same ol' tune for months. I wanted to build muscle and stop focusing on my weight and eat at maintenance or above. But every time I would get on the scale and the number went up I had a total mental block and just couldn't fathom eating more to gain muscle because of the increasing number on the scale. I finally ditched the scale (thanks to the OP) and have been listening to my body to reach my goals. I've been lifting more, doing more resistance and strength training, and relying on the mirror to track my progress. So far, so good!

You are adorable! Sorry if you don't like that word but it's true!

fitblondebaker22

YES! I am definitely a cardio junkie as well because I absolutely love to run. But I have been singing the same ol' tune for months. I wanted to build muscle and stop focusing on my weight and eat at maintenance or above. But every time I would get on the scale and the number went up I had a total mental block and just couldn't fathom eating more to gain muscle because of the increasing number on the scale. I finally ditched the scale (thanks to the OP) and have been listening to my body to reach my goals. I've been lifting more, doing more resistance and strength training, and relying on the mirror to track my progress. So far, so good!

You are adorable! Sorry if you don't like that word but it's true!

Lol why thank you

jetscreaminagain

Grrrrrrr. You apologized for the stgmatzing and ignorant use of the word bipolar but I really wish people would be 1) accurate and 2) a bit more polite.

You mean "contradictory" which "bipolar" doesn't convey. And you wouldn't refer to post exercise exhaustion as "all cancerish tired" or "exhausted like an AIDS patient"

Please have some compassion for folks affected by debilitating illnesses that are hard enough without the stigma added on top.

But thank you for editing the OP to acknowledge your insensitivity.

Jorra

Grrrrrrr. You apologized for the stgmatzing and ignorant use of the word bipolar but I really wish people would be 1) accurate and 2) a bit more polite.

You mean "contradictory" which "bipolar" doesn't convey. And you wouldn't refer to post exercise exhaustion as "all cancerish tired" or "exhausted like an AIDS patient"

Please have some compassion for folks affected by debilitating illnesses that are hard enough without the stigma added on top.

But thank you for editing the OP to acknowledge your insensitivity.

I actually edited it because I said "some example" ...when it should have said "Examples" ....not to reflect my insensitivity. Get a life. Someone is clearly trying to start drama.

I agree with jets. Bipolar disorder is a debilitating, life long disorder which is not at all characterized by sudden mood changes or changing your mind. It deals with alternating and lengthy periods of depression and mania. It's not something to joke about.

Contrarian

Grrrrrrr. You apologized for the stgmatzing and ignorant use of the word bipolar but I really wish people would be 1) accurate and 2) a bit more polite.

You mean "contradictory" which "bipolar" doesn't convey. And you wouldn't refer to post exercise exhaustion as "all cancerish tired" or "exhausted like an AIDS patient"

Please have some compassion for folks affected by debilitating illnesses that are hard enough without the stigma added on top.

But thank you for editing the OP to acknowledge your insensitivity.

I actually edited it because I said "some example" ...when it should have said "Examples" ....not to reflect my insensitivity. Get a life. Someone is clearly trying to start drama.

Oh and please refrain from telling me what I mean to convey. Here's a little lesson on "bi-polar" for you:

"bipolar |bīˈpōlər|
adjective
having or relating to two poles or extremities : a sharply bipolar division of affluent and underclasses."

Now if you ask me "bipolar" does in fact convey exactly the point I was trying to get across. Please spare us your overly dramatic replies.

If people are offended by your use of a term that is also a mental illness, telling them to "get a life" (I can't believe people still say that, btw) or accusing them of being dramatic is insensitive.

We know what you meant, but please think about what you are saying before you say it, because it could be construed as you having zero respect for unwell people.

love4fitnesslove4food_wechange

Grrrrrrr. You apologized for the stgmatzing and ignorant use of the word bipolar but I really wish people would be 1) accurate and 2) a bit more polite.

You mean "contradictory" which "bipolar" doesn't convey. And you wouldn't refer to post exercise exhaustion as "all cancerish tired" or "exhausted like an AIDS patient"

Please have some compassion for folks affected by debilitating illnesses that are hard enough without the stigma added on top.

But thank you for editing the OP to acknowledge your insensitivity.

I actually edited it because I said "some example" ...when it should have said "Examples" ....not to reflect my insensitivity. Get a life. Someone is clearly trying to start drama.

Oh and please refrain from telling me what I mean to convey. Here's a little lesson on "bi-polar" for you:

"bipolar |bīˈpōlər|
adjective
having or relating to two poles or extremities : a sharply bipolar division of affluent and underclasses."

Now if you ask me "bipolar" does in fact convey exactly the point I was trying to get across. Please spare us your overly dramatic replies.

If people are offended by your use of a term that is also a mental illness, telling them to "get a life" (I can't believe people still say that, btw) or accusing them of being dramatic is insensitive.

We know what you meant, but please think about what you are saying before you say it, because it could be construed as you having zero respect for unwell people.

I did think about it before saying it--hence the disclaimer that i wrote PRIOR TO ANYONE EXPRESSING DISAPPROVAL--so I wan't trying to be insensitive. For someone to read the post and respond in that manner KNOWING I was not trying to undermine the significance of the disorder for those actually suffering is just an attempt to start an argument. I don't see why someone would even take it there. Not a single other poster, until her, had said anything of a similar nature.

love4fitnesslove4food_wechange

She responds twice with emotional hyperbole to the same post. Calls others "dramatic".

op I apologize for giving you credit for apologizing for the ignorance and insensitivity in your op. I clearly overestimated you. I'd use a different clinical word that describes this thread (rhyme with carted) but an OP yesterday got shut down for using it. I guess ignorant use of "bipolar" is totally ok though. Carry on.

Grrrrrrr. You apologized for the stgmatzing and ignorant use of the word bipolar but I really wish people would be 1) accurate and 2) a bit more polite.

You mean "contradictory" which "bipolar" doesn't convey. And you wouldn't refer to post exercise exhaustion as "all cancerish tired" or "exhausted like an AIDS patient"

Please have some compassion for folks affected by debilitating illnesses that are hard enough without the stigma added on top.

But thank you for editing the OP to acknowledge your insensitivity.

I actually edited it because I said "some example" ...when it should have said "Examples" ....not to reflect my insensitivity. Get a life. Someone is clearly trying to start drama.

Oh and please refrain from telling me what I mean to convey. Here's a little lesson on "bi-polar" for you:

"bipolar |bīˈpōlər|
adjective
having or relating to two poles or extremities : a sharply bipolar division of affluent and underclasses."

Now if you ask me "bipolar" does in fact convey exactly the point I was trying to get across. Please spare us your overly dramatic replies.

so you "joking" about mental retardation is now okay--way to go. I guess this thread will soon be locked despite it's relevance for MANY people.

Scott

Hi,

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Regards,
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