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Leg muscles missed by cycling
I try to bike 3 or 4 times per week for an average of 75-80 miles total. In the gym I'll also do a couple of hours total on the elliptical, treadmill (brisk walk), and Stairmaster. So I'm thinking my lower body is getting a decent workout. Thus almost all of my machine and weight training targets my upper body and core.…
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No Pain ... Any Gain?
If I do weight training plus bodyweight exercises for 30-60 minutes and I somewhat "push it", shouldn't I be a little sore the next day? If I'm not at all sore, does this mean I'm not pushing it enough? For example, I'll do 4 sets of 25 pushups and really struggle to finish the last set, but my arms feel fine the next day…
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Rowing machine distance
I recently purchased an inexpensive rowing machine. The panel displays strokes, time, and estimated calorie burn, but not distance. Can someone give me a ballpark figure on the number of strokes in one mile? A rough estimate would be fine. Thanks!
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Rower or Total Body Workout Machine
Which do you think I would get more use out of ... the Weider Total Body Workout Machine or an inexpensive rowing machine (Stamina Body Trac Glider)? Notes: 1 - I'm on a budget and simply cannot afford a Concept rower 2 - I've already got a bunch of other exercise equipment in my home gym including weights, treadmill,…
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Elliptical resistance level
If I set the resistance level to "1" on my stationary bike it's like peddling downhill - easy peasy. But when I set my elliptical on "1" its like running in mud or sandy ... pretty tough for a beginner. Is this normal? I know there is a real wide range in what a level one would be for different equipment, but in general…
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Elliptical kicking my butt
I never tried using an elliptical until just recently when I confiscated one from a relative who owed me money. This thing is really kicking my butt. Even on the lowest resistance setting of "1" I can only go a couple of minutes. Granted, I'm 62 and out of shape. But I routinely ride a stationary bike 4-5 miles with…
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Power bars?
What's so great about power bars? I'm just trying to lose some weight and get a little more fit ... not training for the Olympics. I'm sure they contain great nutrients but they also have 200+ calories per shot. I'm already having a couple of EAS shakes a day (8 oz) and taking vitamins. So why should I consider power bars?…
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Coffee vs. Water
MFP says I need to drink at least 8 cups of water daily. I'm not much on plain water, but I routinely drink 10-15 cups of black no sugar coffee a day - the kind that is "lite" or half the normal caffeine level. Been doing this for years. So does black coffee count as water intake by the nutrition gurus?
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Strength training basics
I'd like to get started with free weights but really need to start at the beginning such as finding the most effective exercises (5 or so) and learn proper form. This is for getting in shape, not for body building. Really hoping to find some helpful videos but no luck so far searching Youtube. I'm not in a fitness gym but…
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Ab exercises are TOUGH!
I just started watching my weight and exercising last week. So far so good. I figure I can lose a pound a week just by driving past McDonalds instead of stopping at every one I see. And the exercising is not as bad as I thought considering how out of shape I am. But the ab exercises are real killers! I did 5 crunches…
