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NEWS 174 - 64 Comments
From: The Bone Entered on: February 26, 2004 9:40 PM
By the way, Creeko, I bet with the baby you haven't had time for shit of a workout. What are you weighing in at now? I bet you still have the capacity to bring out AB Man though.
From: Creeko Entered on: February 27, 2004 7:04 AM
Fuck that, I like eating and relaxing far too much to be sweatin my ass off.
From: Creeko Entered on: February 27, 2004 7:26 AM
Seriously though, I weigh about 185lbs and lack any and all motivation to workout. In order for me to become ab-man again God would have to miracle my ass off the sofa and put me on the AB Blaster.     In the meantime, I think I'll go eat some Paella.
From: Ross Entered on: February 27, 2004 9:32 AM
Bone - I need you to motivate me, man. I've been slacking. I eat relatively well during the work week, but I'm falling apart on the weekends. Last weekend I ate pizza twice! (once at Pequod's - Maxim voted it best pizza in Chicago in the latest issue) Anyway, I didn't work out at all this week, and for the past month or two, I'm lucky to get in 2 workouts a week. I can definitely tell the difference. My jeans (which by the way I get to wear to work every day with my new job) don't fit as well as they used to, which is my barometer for fatness. My barometer for musclulature, however, is even more disheartening. Back in the summer, when I took the superhero pictures, I could do somewhere on the order of 12-15 pullups. Now? I don't actually know, but I'd guess it's around 3. Even on dips, I often use assistance of up to 50lbs! That's what my girlfriend was using in the summer! It's pathetic. I am pasty, flaky shell of my former self.     It was around this time last year that I began the Zone in earnest, along with regular workouts. Now that I have a totally regular work schedule, I really have no excuse not to go that route again. The only cramp in my style is that it's cold outside and driving to the gym becomes more of a chore than I thought it would be when I moved, plus the gym is packed after work.     What the hell happened to Roche, anyway? Last couple times we talked, he was talking about eating right... and he intellectually knows that fat-style powerlifting isn't healthy and that he should opt for more of the Bill Phillips brand (which, by the way, when I could do those workouts I was probably in even better shape than last summer) but at the same time, he just won't make the change.
From: The Bone Entered on: February 27, 2004 12:38 PM
Motivation is the problem with all this shit. I'm motivated by the desire to live a long and healthy life so I don't have to suffer in middle age like my dad with his fucked up heart which after open heart surgery is still fucking with him. The problem with this concept is that there is virtually no immediate gratification which is why it's not the best motivator for people like me who need instant gratification. On the other hand, I am motivated by personal pride in my appearance. I don't need to impress any girls, however I lose respect for myself when I get sloppy. So that is in reality the best motivator.     My theory for Roche, is that his lack of motivation is precisely due to his need for instant gratification. He lifts weight because it provides instant feedback and there isn't the discomfort associate with cardio. Apparently his sense of personal pride isn't sufficient to overcome his desire to avoid the character building discomfort associated with cardio and eating right for that matter. Of course I'm goading Roche with this statement but we'll se what he has to say.     Creeko on the other hand has the character traits required to have a sweet physique - or at least used to. More than anything, I'd like to see Creeko return to Ab Man. The spaniards in general are not very overweight although they eat well. Creeko justs need to eat in moderation and go for a jog a couple times a week and do some sit-ups and pushups.     Ross - You are the most consitant guy around for fitness so we have to motivate each other with goals. My goal is to drop down to 200lbs and be able to run 5 miles in 45 minutes and bench 225lbs 10 times. I'm also looking to max at 300lbs since I'm close to it right now. Once that's achieved I'll probably go back to benching once every 6 months. What are your goals?
From: BigFatty Entered on: February 27, 2004 10:23 AM
Fatty's Fitness Report     One of my motivations for coming to France was to kick my couch potato ass into gear. While I have lost some weight, I'm somewhat disapointed I'm not slimmer. I am guessing I've lost 10-15 pounds. I'm noticably slimmer, but my belly is still huge and I am subject to heavy bloating for whatever reason.     I eat OK. Mostly sandwiches, and I have to admit french fries (they are so much better here). My total calories are lower. My main concern is the quality of my nutrition. I have no fridge and rarely cook. I am seriously lacking in fruits and veggies. I am looking into buying a fridge and that should improve things.     I walk a ton. My gimp leg that was giving me problems for many years has improved to where it rarely bothers me. I think I just needed to stregthen the muscle and ligaments after years of driving and office sitting. I'm getting rid of my bus pass and will soon walk even more. At least an hour of walking a day (with backback - it makes a difference!) each night its a 20 minute climb up the hill and 6 flights of stairs to reach my room. I go to the doctor next month so I will try and weigh myself there, if not sooner.     I want to figure out why my gut gets so bloated sometimes. One theory is I am not taking in enough water.     The other night we had a huge costume party where I wore an embarassing costume. Remember Scary Movie 2 - Does this make me look gay? About now? - when he ties his teeshirt to the front? Well that was me - and my belly was huge that day. People were slapping beer labels on it. The ladies were oddly attracted to it. They kept rubbing on it and putting their bare bellys on it. Call me crazy, but there is something macho about a gut. I was a man amist skinny boys. I'm not saying it is sexy, just manly. Maybe there are paternal issues these girls are dealing with. Yes, I know, you want to see the pics. They are coming.
From: Ross Entered on: February 27, 2004 2:48 PM
My fitness goals right now simply consist of doing 10 pullups again. I need a cardio-based goal, though if my calculations are correct, your goal is too lofty for me: 45 minutes at 6.67 mph. In my peak running form 6 months ago, I could probably do a half hour at that speed, and it would just about kill me. In any case, I don't see that I couldn't work up to that eventually, but in the shorter term, I'd say I need to hit 30 min at 6mph. I'm going to start hitting the treadmill again and see what I can do.     As for benching, I hate to say that I have all but forgone the old standby barbell bench press. I use dumbells like it's going out of style, though (when I manage to get into the gym, that is).
From: The Bone Entered on: February 27, 2004 3:15 PM
Me too Ross. I've benched with the barbell maybe 3 or 4 times in the last 2 years. I'm more about the bumbels as they bring in support muscle to balance me out. I just want to say I did 300lbs merely for the hell of it even though in general endeavers of pure strength mean very little.     There's no way I could run 5 miles in 45 minutes right now, although in the past I was able.     Pullups are the pentultimate display of manly strength in my opinion because they are hard as hell and require an determine effort and resolve to endure the shittiness of them. Afetr 6 months on deployment of dedication to it, I knocked out 23 in a row. Right now I got 10 or 12 in me. Maybe I shall set that as a nother goal. I'm toying with the idea of following this 12 weeek Navy Seal workout I have. It consists of running, swimming, and all manners of shitty bodyweight oriented excersizes.
From: Ross Entered on: February 27, 2004 5:43 PM
Well then since I feel motivated from this conversation, I want to go on record now with my goals:     By May 1, I want to take The Bone Challenge and run 5 miles in 45 minutes. I know I said that it was beyond me, but I was giving it some serious thought and I think I have a serious shot at working up to it within 8 weeks.     Also by May 1, I want to do 10 pullups. This could very well be too easy a challenge, even though I'm nowhere near that now. My muscles are just very out of shape, but tend to bounce back quickly, so I may have to institute a loftier goal in the future.
From: Swerb Entered on: February 27, 2004 5:50 PM
Well, after being sick the entire month of December, it took me about six weeks to get back into my three workouts/week, two including a mile running on the track, a half-mile cool-down walk, and then moderate weights (mostly on the machines), and then racquetball once a week (which is serious cardio). I'm also back on the vegetable bandwagon, and will embark on about two indulgent meals weekly. I just want to have well-balanced workouts and eating habits so I have energy when I get up in the morning, etc. When I'm off this routine, I tend to feel like taking naps all the time, and my energy level (and shitting schedule!) fluctuates like crazy. So I'm starting to feel well the last couple of weeks, been shitting like clockwork every morning, and I even bump the weights up a notch every 3-4 workouts. I don't have any specific goals per se, just to redistribute the weight of my minor, but noticable pooch-gut into other areas.
From: BigFatty Entered on: February 28, 2004 7:40 AM
I'm in too bitches! My room has a door frame that will allow me to do some pull ups. I started doing chin ups and push ups, but I think I hurt my back on the chin ups. The high amounts of air pollution have kept me sick for an extented time, but now I feel heathy enough to get back into it.     I will up the current walking plan by not renewing my bus pass and try to do an extended mountain hike on the weekends. Plus, fruits and veggies will be increased (had an apple and an orange so far today)and the glorious french fries will be cut down. Water will be increased as well.     I will set a goal of 10 pull ups and 50 push ups by April 1 (I was at 6 chins and 35 push ups before) and will start a nightly sit up routine. I am hoping that this will help pull my gut in. I got more weights now, so I got to set up the weight room. It will be somewhat chincy, but enough to do some light weight routines. I will do this by next week and work out with weights 2 times a week.     Johnny! You are up! It is healthy goal writing time. Time to get back on track and get to the sweet style of living! One of these times it is bound to stick for us! Lets keep going back to it.
From: The Bone Entered on: February 28, 2004 12:01 PM
Is April 1st the deadline? If so then:     Current wieght = 214lbs - Goal = 200lbs   Current bench = 225lbs 10X - Goal = 12X   Current max = unknown - Goal 300lbs   Current pullups = 12 - Goal = 20   Current running ability = bullshit - Goal 5miles in 45 min     On April 1st I'll have to revisit this and see if my goals were realistic and I if I had the determination to meet them.
From: Ross Entered on: February 28, 2004 3:02 PM
That's only 1 month away. I feel that's too short a time for me, so I'm sticking with May 1st for now. But similarly, I may have to adjust midway through.
From: Ross Entered on: February 28, 2004 6:42 PM
Workout update #1 (I won't do this every time, I promise): I did my first serious cardio workout today. I hit the treadmill for 30 mins, 24 of which was running at 6mph, interspersed with 6 mins of walking at about 4mph. It was rough, but even still I am able to run far more than when I started running for the first time last summer. If I maintain any kind of regimen, I figure that I shouldn't have too much trouble hitting my goal. Strength is a different story: I know why I'm so weak: my gut is huge (35", and my arms are small 13.75" - last April, my gut was 32.5"). It's not a good sign. Tomorrow (or Monday, depending on how my legs feel) I'm hitting the weights.     By the way, if you guys want, remember that you can always use the Diet Tracker to keep track of goals, meals, and workouts:     http://rossjohnson.org/diet
From: BigFatty Entered on: March 1, 2004 8:53 AM
Good Lord! I made some serious miscalculations on pull-ups. I know they are hard as hell - but shit! I could only do two!! I was doing 5-6 chins a month ago...... My pull up station sucks - the 'bar' is a superfat board that I can't really grip well. So I am adjusting my goal to do 5 pull ups by the end of the month and 50 push ups. Dude! I'm fat!!!!! Cut me some slack!
From: Ross Entered on: March 1, 2004 9:04 AM
I told you. As Bone said, pullups are a test of manly strength. How manly does that gut feel now? :)     Legs... sore... can barely... walk...
From: Jackzilla Entered on: March 1, 2004 10:12 AM
You want sore? Try laying 300+ sq. ft. of ceramic tile. I feel like an old man and I just started!
From: Ross Entered on: March 1, 2004 11:01 AM
Ah.. so Jack actually is FORCED to get some exercise! :) Looks like it's going around... Heather just painted our bedroom this weekend, I think she's probably sore from that as well.     I'm hittin' the weights tonight! I'm looking to do a Fatty-beating 3 pullups! :)
From: BigFatty Entered on: March 1, 2004 11:57 AM
But remember it takes a man of herculean strength to pull this bulk of belly anywhere! Two pull ups for me is like moving the universe - twice! Atlas carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders - KIDDIE-SHIT! Try carrying the weight of my belly around your waist. There should be frickin Fatty Methology stories. I'm reaching GODLIKE proportions!
From: Ross Entered on: March 1, 2004 12:44 PM
While it is true that it is a true test of strength to haul your bulk up to a chinup bar, the bottom line is that pullups are a test of your weight/strength ratio. Oh, how I long for the days when I could swing around those gym machines like a monkey... now I'm Mr. Burns, wheezing from getting out of the car.
From: The Bone Entered on: March 1, 2004 7:55 PM
I had my first workout today. I did a pretty decent bench routine followed by a 30 minute run. The run was supremely shitty. I had a 1 degree incline on the treadmill since I've read somewhere that this approximates running outside. I ran three 5 minute segments at 6mph, 6.5mph, and 7mph. Then started the cycle over from 6mph on. It farked me up. On retrospect, I probably should have introduce the incline next week. Oh well.
From: Jackzilla Entered on: March 2, 2004 12:46 AM
I tiled today. I'm sore as hell. NEXT!
From: BigFatty Entered on: March 2, 2004 9:24 AM
This is not going to be a daily workout log for me either, but my pull ups jumped up to 4. I think they'll stay steadily there for a while. The board I use is crappy. It has sharp corners that cut into my hand. I'm looking to a way to rig up a real bar somehow.....
From: Ross Entered on: March 2, 2004 10:08 AM
And where... is the Roche-Man? He's at home... washing his tights! Err... anyway, what's the story, Johnny? Are you going to become a machine, once and for all?
From: John Entered on: March 2, 2004 11:50 AM
I just started a program called the Matrix by Ken Lain. This was my favorite routine of all time for weightlifting. I've been less than motivated of late and decided to at least hit the weights hard and heavy. I'm a bulky 220 and strong as hell. This will be a last ditch effort to max at 400 on the bench. I feel good with few aches and pains and I know the Matrix works like a motherfucker. It's a very intense weightlifting program that has me cycle between light and heavy days. Right now I'm bigger than ever with 17 and a half inch arms of shear power. My gut of course is a little bigger than I want but not as bad as it's been at similar weights. It's 39" but I've seen it as big 44" in the past. I'm more heavily muscled than at any time, even when Fatty and I were hitting it. In fact several dudes in the gym have remarked that my arms and shoulders look bigger than ever. So fuck it, I'm going to enjoy myself in the gym and do the kind of working out that is my brand of justice.     I've been taking lots of creatine and protien to help facilitate further muscle growth. I have to say it feels great to hit the weights with serious intensity and my pumps have been out of this world. Pull ups are a part of this routine and I can do 8 which sucks. My goal is 15 by May 1st. and I think I can do it. I plan on having the strength to move my bulk. I also have been hitting the squats hard and my legs are quite strong. At any rate my muscles are in great shape and in ten weeks (the Matrix program last that long) I plan on cycling down as advised by Ken Lain and at that point I will add cardio to my routine. Until then it's power baby!     One other thing I feel the need to mention is for quite some time now the biggest my arms would tape out at is 17 and one quarter inches. Suddenly after one week on the Matrix it taped out at 17 and one half inches cold. I measured and remeasured to make sure it was true. This is huge for me since my arms were stuck for some time. Even before I measured it I thought it might be bigger because it felt and looked bigger to me. I'd like to add another half inch for a solid 18 inches but I know this will be very difficult and I will give it my best. I feel more motivated in the weight room than I have in a long time.
From: Ross Entered on: March 2, 2004 12:20 PM
That's it! I'm upping my goal to 15 by May 1st! I will not be beaten like a red-headed Roche-child.
From: John Entered on: March 2, 2004 3:32 PM
Why Bert? I'm already beating you like a red-headed Roche-child in every other measurable strength contest. Why should this one be any different?     Bone, "an imbalanced musculature". I work all my muscle groups including my legs hard so I don't know what that's suppose to mean.
From: Ross Entered on: March 2, 2004 4:22 PM
That's true, but it doesn't have to remain so. Bring it on, old man.     By the way, insofar as willpower is a measurable strength, I can't say you'll often beat me at that. Let the pullup contest commence!
From: Ross Entered on: March 2, 2004 5:24 PM
Fatty - try putting a towel on the board. That's what most workout guides suggest for people without bars.
From: The Bone Entered on: March 2, 2004 7:25 PM
Imbalanced musculature - I guess I mean all the functional muscles, the small ones that get no credit for visual appeal, that stabilize the body in various sports. Oh that's right, all your sports activity comes from XBOX. How about the heart? That's a muscle that requires strength of character and willpower to work as opposed to laying down on your back, knocking out a few reps, then resting a while before you do it again.     Think of all the injuries you have sustained over the years. Bad shoulder, old man hips, shinsplints, etc. You don't get that shit from being balanced.     This may sound harsh but it's because we love you man.
From: Swerb Entered on: March 2, 2004 10:28 PM
Hey Jack: I bet I can piss farther than you can.
From: Jackzilla Entered on: March 2, 2004 10:50 PM
Swerb: Maybe. But I can power vomit like a son of a bitch! Especially after eating at Subway when the mayo has gotten a little spicy. True story. Back to tiling...
From: John Entered on: March 3, 2004 9:13 AM
True Bert, My will power when it comes to food is not too great. When it comes to pumping iron in the gym though I'd have to say mine is greater than yours is. I've worked my legs to the point of wanting to vomit where you obstain because of the discomfort it may cause. I've been blasting all my muscle groups and made real gains in the past couple of months when you've been admitedly sitting on your ass. So please don't belittle the efforts I've made in the gym just because they are different from your goals. I respect the fact that you have lost weight and kept it off, resepct the fact that I do work hard in the gym.     As far as eating goes lately, I've been taking lots of supplements like meal shakes and have cut way back on the junk. Mostly I'm doing this to facilitate muscle and strength gains but it may help me get a little leaner. In fact I'm drinking a shake right now as I write this. I blasted my legs in the gym and need the protien. A hard leg workout feels every bit as shitty as cardio, maybe even worse since I never hobble around after cardio. In fact Bert, why don't we have a squat contest as well since we all know this is as manly an exercise as pull-ups any day of the week. No, I didn't think so.
From: Ross Entered on: March 3, 2004 9:52 AM
Well Roche, I do give you some credit for your powerlifting style (a 400lb bench would be impressive no matter what), but not as much as you would like, simply because it's something you actually LIKE to do. That's like giving Fatty props for winning a hamburger-eating contest. That's not willpower, my friend. Willpower is doing something you fundamentally don't want to do, over and over. Plus, you and I both know that this style of working out isn't really making you much healthier, especially compared to the kinds of workouts Bone and I are extolling.     Actually I'm glad that you have challenged my willpower in the weight room - it's true that I have been lacking in this respect for quite some time. But now it's time to "show these men of will... what will really is."     Before my run last night, I decided to do a quick baseline of my pullup power, so I could chart my plan of attack. I was surprised to see that I knocked out 8 of them. So it's ON now. We start from an even footing, with a test that shows RELATIVE strength.     Most pullups by May 1. May the best man win.
From: John Entered on: March 3, 2004 10:02 AM
Sounds good, Bert. I'm glad to see you're back in business.     While it's true that I love the bench press I do not in fact love to squat or work my legs. I've worked hard anyway despite the discomfort over and over again. I believe this qualifies as a sign of willpower. I've been determined to add muscle to every part of my body, not just my chest, shoulder, and triceps which are paramount to the bench. This is why I want to blast pull-ups for a stronger back. This will give me better balance. So bring it on indeed, Bert, this is all the motivation I need.
From: John Entered on: March 3, 2004 12:53 PM
Fatty - I'm writing this mostly to you because you were there for my absurd strength gains on the leg press. I just recently switched back to squats to find my legs stronger than ever. Today I did a full 10 reps with good form at a lofty 315lbs. What's even crazier is this was done with relative ease. In other words I believe I could have handled even more weight for ten. I kept it there though so I would avoid injury and plan on moving up slow and steady. My legs feel great and I want to keep it that way. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that since I feel our workouts together were instrumental to my continued success. With that said I will cease all talk of squats as I'm sure everyone is tired of hearing about it, especially Zilla who believes squating is for sissies.
From: John Entered on: March 3, 2004 1:12 PM
The Bone prepossessed an interesting question. We both know Bert could beat me in a 3 mile race, but could he beat me in a 100 yard dash? I'm quite a bit heavier but was naturally quicker in our youth. I've even found myself to be surprisingly quick at my current weight. It's true though that at 165lbs Bert would have a distinct atvantage but I'm game for this little contest as well. Bone also pointed out that perhaps we should have a push-up contest as well as a pull-up contest. I feel confident that I could belt out 100 push-ups right now, how about you Bert?
From: The Bone Entered on: March 3, 2004 2:31 PM
Roche vs Bert 2004     Max pullups = 1 point per pullup   Max situps = 1 point per situp   Max pushups = 1 point per pushup   3 mile run = 1 point for every 15 sec difference   100 yard dash = 2 points for winner     How's this for a fitness challenge? Should be fair based on strength to weight ratio.
From: Ross Entered on: March 3, 2004 3:27 PM
Now you're talking about a lot of extra factors to train for. Right now, I'm solely focused on pullups (of course training my front side as well so as gain strength symmetrically) and running 5 miles in 45 minutes - which is a distance race, not a sprint like the 100 yard dash. But Roche is right - I never was very quick off the line. And with Roche's strong quads, I don't think I'd win that one without some (different) training, truth be told.     Pushups I would probably get killed on with only 2 months to train (it would take a long ass time and a lot of dedication to beat Roche's pushing power, I figure). I will test my pushup max next time I train my chest - in a couple days - and report back, just for kicks. I am sure it won't be anywhere near 100. Then again, maybe I don't know shit about shit, but I have a hard time believing you could whip off 100 in a row right now, Roche.     In any case, I like the idea of the pullup contest mostly because we're both starting from the same baseline. It's not a test of "what you can do" - which is what you've always loved to measure your whole life, but of "how much you can improve" - which is what I've always preferred to measure.
From: The Bone Entered on: March 3, 2004 5:58 PM
That's a very good point Ross. Improvement is probably a healthier way to approach this competition. Good luck.
From: BigFatty Entered on: March 4, 2004 2:04 AM
Sounds sweet Johnny - looks like you have made real progress in my absence. I worry about your 400# goal - that is a lot of weight for your little bones. Keep safety your first priority and listen to your body. Adding cardio after your Lane stint sounds good. It allows you to do your thing now and give your muscles a break later. I am curious to see your bulk now - it sounds crazy! Plus doing all those pull ups..... I would love to see you sprint against someone too - afterwards you'll have to do a cartwheel. To see a man of your size being so gracefull and quick is hilarious. Keep up the good work!     I am out of your guys pull up league - I am up to 5 and I think that will be my stabilizing point. I had the same idea on the towel the other night Ross, and it makes a big difference. My pushups jumped to 40 last night, so I think I am making good progress.
From: The Bone Entered on: March 4, 2004 5:46 PM
Hey check this out, I've read a few things about the benefits of milk of late. I've been drinking more milk lately as well.     http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/2004030 4/ap_on_he_me/fit_overweight_children_3     By the way, I fucking dread running!
From: Ross Entered on: March 4, 2004 8:56 PM
I'm of two minds about this. On the one hand, I love skim milk. I could drink it all day. I rarely drink it, though, because I prefer to get my calories from food, rather than drink, where I pretty much stick to water. It's easy to rack up the calories even drinking skim milk. I do tend to still get dairy by eating cottage cheese, low fat or fat free cheese in my omelets, and the occasional yogurt.     But at the same time, I really tend to think that these studies must be commissioned by the American Dairy Council or some such place. Because most people in the world are lactose intolerant - humans are the only mammals (or maybe one of the few, I'm not sure) that continue to drink milk after their nursing years. Other animals can't even digest it (hence the term lactose intolerance). It's something that has relatively recently developed in some humans. My point is that I seriously doubt that dairy products are in any way a truly necessary component to a healthy lifestyle. Sure, they can help, I'll be the first to admit, but necessary? Hardly.     On another note, have any of you guys ever heard of cramping up as a result of creatine? A guy at work was asking me if I cramp up while running since I'm taking creatine. I told him I'd never heard of such a thing. Then tonight while on the treadmill, my right calf nearly cramped up on me - I had to slow down to a walk (inclined) for 5 minutes to shake it off. Could be a coincidence but I wonder...     And Bone, I can't say I'm hating running (yet). I'm steadily improving so it's still in the fun phase. Plus I have plenty of tunes on my MP3 player. I have no doubt that I will be able to complete the 5mi/45min challenge by May 1, barring injury.     What is a much sweeter goal, and would probably take me a year of training, though, is getting a perfect score on the USMC Personal Fitness Test. You have to do 20 pullups (quite impressive), 100 crunches in under 2 minutes (impressive), and run 3 miles in under 18 minutes. Whoa, back up! That's running at 10+ MPH for 18 minutes!!! That's amazingly fast. Makes me realize what pussies we really are, if there are people out there doing this - and there surely are.
From: The Bone Entered on: March 4, 2004 9:34 PM
I agree wholeheartedly about not drinking your caloric intake, however, bulking up to 225lbs, I was eating approximately 3500-3800 calories daily. Now I've dropped that down to about 2500-2800 by laying of the supersized combo at McDonalds, ice cream, candy bars, pizza, and various other shit I would eat almost every day. Instead I've substituted those things with skim milk in moderation. My bodyfat is down to around 12 percent and I'm pretty strong. I'm not saying it's the milk but studies have shown some interesting promise:     "Results of a new clinical trial, published in the American Journal for Clinical Nutrition, indicate that increasing dietary calcium significantly accelerates weight and fat loss. This effect is greater when the calcium source is lower fat milk products compared to an equivalent amount of supplemental calcium.     The study was conducted over 24 weeks and divided study participants into three groups; low calcium (the control group), high calcium (primarily supplements) and high dairy (3-4 servings of low-fat milk products). All groups were given 500 calories less than they needed. The control group lost 6.4 per cent of their body weight. By comparison, the high calcium group lost 8.1 per cent of body weight, and the high dairy group lost 10.9 per cent of body weight. Relatively speaking, this means the high dairy group lost 70 per cent more weight than the control group.     "The average participant weighing 180 pounds, lost 11 pounds on the low calcium control diet, 15 pounds on the high calcium diet and 20 pounds on the high dairy diet," says Dr. Michael Zemel, one of the authors of the study. "We also found the weight loss was reflective of fat loss around the torso" says Zemel.     The results support a growing body of research linking a high calcium diet with weight loss. The theory is that a high calcium diet suppresses the hormone, calcitriol. This causes fat cells to make less fat and turn on their fat burning mechanism. The amount of milk products needed to make an effect (3 to 4 servings) is within the range recommended by Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating. "     Other sources say the Conjugated Linoleic Acid in whole milk has an effect on weight loss also. Who knows?     The American Dairy Council probably does fund some of this research but shit, studies have been conducted in Britain as well.     At any rate, I'll let you know how the milk thing is working out. As for the Marine PFT. Don't let the hype fool you. I see them do this all the time and very few can score a perfect 100 in all catagories. Virtually none that I've seen here on base. It's the run and the pullups that farg them up.
From: John Entered on: March 5, 2004 9:02 AM
Bert - Fatty can verify that one night at the Zilla household I belted out 60 push-ups easily. This in no way pushed the envelope for me. I find pushing my body weight a very easy task when compared to the 300 + pounds I push in the gym. So believe it, beyotch!
From: Ross Entered on: March 5, 2004 9:20 AM
I know that pushing your bodyweight is a simple task for you. I just have a hard time believing that your endurance is that high. Like I said, I could be wrong, I'm just incredulous.
From: Ross Entered on: March 5, 2004 9:25 AM
I was just talking to a co-worker about Arby's... he was saying that he had one of their "Fresh" sandwiches the other night, thinking he was eating something somewhat healthy... not so! We pulled up the nutritional information - Arby's doesn't have a single healthy item on the menu! These guys are worse than McD's or BK!     http://www.arbys.com/arb06.html
From: Ross Entered on: March 5, 2004 9:35 AM
Bone - that is an interesting article you pasted in. Perhaps I'll substitute a glass of milk for my usual Zone Bar before-bed snack, and see if I like that better. As it is, I'm a little concerned about getting too much saturated fat in my diet, with all the bars I eat.     I wish I could eat anywhere near what you eat (or ate) - if I ever ate 3500 calories a day or any extended period of time, I'd give a new meaning to the word obese.
From: John Entered on: March 5, 2004 10:36 AM
You have every right to be incredulous, Bert. I'm only guessing I can do a 100 push-ups. Sixty seemed pretty easy but perhaps forty more would not. It is hard to say since I'm sore as fuck right now and would not even want to try 100 push-ups. I do kind of want to try but fear it could compromise my next bench routine. The next time I see you I'll be sure to be rested and ready to go all out on push-ups and pull-ups. I think you'll be surprised at the muscular endurance I possess.     And don't forget, Bert, I'm very agile for a 220lbs man. You have not seen my speed or the fact that I can still do a perfect cartweel. As Fatty pointed out, I'm very graceful.
From: Ross Entered on: March 5, 2004 10:46 AM
I don't doubt it, my friend. I don't believe I signed up for a sprinting, cartwheel, or pushup contest with you, though. Just pullups. :)
From: John Entered on: March 5, 2004 10:49 AM
LOL - That is very true, Bert. We all know I'd whup you in a cartwheel contest.
From: The Bone Entered on: March 6, 2004 7:07 PM
The lbs are clicking down. 3 weeks ago I was 225lbs. 2 weeks ago 214 lbs. I'm now 210lbs. Closing in on the goal of 220lbs by Apr 1.
From: Ross Entered on: March 7, 2004 9:32 AM
Then you're going in the wrong direction, my friend! I assume you meant 200.     I haven't been paying attention to my weight too closely. I've just been focusing on the fitness goals. Though I haven't seen any change in my appearance, I've only been working out for a week, and I usually start slowly and end up making lots of quick progress after about 6-8 weeks (which sucks as far as instant gratification goes). I haven't worked out the past 2 days as my parents were in town, but I'm back in the style now.
From: The Bone Entered on: March 7, 2004 10:23 AM
Oh yeah! 200 is right. I fornicated myself.
From: Ross Entered on: March 8, 2004 11:00 AM
Screw working out. I'm getting one of these for my runs:     http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns9999 4750
From: Creeko Entered on: March 8, 2004 11:13 AM
Looks practical especially the conveniently sized backpack - should fold up nicely to store out back in your pole-barn!
From: BigFatty Entered on: March 9, 2004 9:35 AM
I went to the French Doctor today. I weighed in at 82.6 Kilos or about 182 lbs. The French Fatty weight loss program is in full swing! My pre-fatkins weight was 201 lbs. I am still far from sweet. I carry a lot of belly weight still, but that will go away over time. I might reconsider the french fry thing. I've been eating plenty and I still lose weight! ;) Its all that damn walking I've been doing. Pushups are up to 45 and pullups are to 7 surprisingly.
From: Ross Entered on: March 9, 2004 9:51 AM
Nice work, Fats! I had a bad weekend for exercise and eating but I'm back on the wagon now, going in for my next pullup routine tonight. I think this creatine is bloating me, though.     Johnny, if you're on the site: I got your message but my parents were in town so I didn't get a chance to call you back. I'll call you sometime this week.
From: The Bone Entered on: March 9, 2004 3:13 PM
Hell yeah Fatty. See what a little activity in your life can do. Keep it up. You should be able do do more pullups as you practice and get lighter. The french fries are good so I don't blame you. Just go easy on em.
From: The Bone Entered on: April 5, 2004 1:21 AM
I don't know if anyone has noticed but April 1st has come and gone. Time for a progress check. My goal of getting down to 200lbs wasn't accomplished. I made great progress until I hit 210 and I've been stuck there for weeks. I came close to benching 300lbs but no cigar. I can knock out 17 pullups - 3 short of goal. However I can run 5 miles in 45 minutes.     New goal for May 1st. Weigh 205lbs, bench 300lbs, 20 pullups.     I just started a new running style. I got it from The Rock's workout featured in this month's Men's Health. Basically he does a light 5 minute warmup jog. Runs like hell for 12 minutes, followed by a 5 minute cooldown. With his eating style and weight lifting he's dropped from 15% bodyfat (about where I am) down to 7%.
From: Ross Entered on: April 5, 2004 8:41 AM
I have been rather disappointing. As usual, my diet is pretty much perfect during the week but weekends have seen me indulging in Thai food and pizza, as well as drinking more than I should on a couple occasions. Workouts were strong for a while, and my runs were showing big improvement with each workout. But for the past 2 weeks, I've fallen off the wagon. However, after my birthday debauchery, I'm renewing my convictions and I'm hitting the weights harshly tonight. I've been reading a book called Power to the People by some Russian strength training dude who used to train the Spetznaz in the Soviet Union. I'm going to try to get some strength using this techniques (long rest, low reps, tightening all supporting muscles during lifts) and see what happens. Some of his writings seem like quackery, but then again, what doesn't? I'll let you know what I find.
From: The Bone Entered on: April 5, 2004 10:24 AM
I just started do standing dumbell shoulder presses. Of the seated variet I could do 75lbs 10 times. Standing, I was challenged by 45 lbs. Despite the fact that I work on abs and back, my core was weak and unstable.
From: Ross Entered on: April 5, 2004 10:36 AM
Intriguing. I've been hip to the notion of strengthening my core for some time, but I've always been leery of injuring my back. Abs are a bit easier to work without fear of injury. I definitely feel the pressure when I'm standing and lifting weights over my head. So for now I'm going to have to stick to the seated shoulder exercises.
From: Ross Entered on: April 5, 2004 3:41 PM
It's rehashery time. I was looking at our Zone discussion from a year ago, when Jackassery was brand new. I suggest reading it to see where we were, and what we have become since (this means you, Roche):     http://www.jackassery.com//viewcomments.jsp?type=ne ws&id=6