The Gym/Fitness/Health thread

[Daisuk]

Working out is definitely key to mental well being, IMO. I don't particularly fancy going to the gym, but it's tolerable because it enables me to run more and better, and I do love the feeling afterwards - it's like both my posture and my mind straightens up.

I find both swimming and cycling boring - I have a friend who tries to talk me into trail cycling, but I'm too cowardly for that, lol. Have been trying to get into kayaking, and hope to be able to kayak a bit more come summer (just bought a second hand kayak).

As for the knee replacement; they basically replace the entire joint. It's quite a big operation, and recovery can be hard and long, so avoiding it is preferable. And as far as I've been able to research, it's a bit hit and miss whether you'll be able to run with it - it can also shorten the life span of the prosthetic, and you want to avoid a second replacement in old age.

The way I think about it now is that life is short, and that you never know what will happen - so I run as much as I can when I can, and try to be proactive with strength training. Hopefully it will keep working dine for another ten years or so, and maybe there will also be technological or medical advancements that will work to my advantage.

I think that's a healthy way to look at it! Staying fit is so vital when getting older. My dad has always been working out in every possible way, he's 73 now, is still a speedy cycler and goes skiing for miles in the winter. He seriously looks and moves 15-20 years younger than a lot of his compatriots. So a good decision, I say!

Kayaking is awesome! Especially in a fjord. Seriously good workout for your arms as well obviously. Highly recommend it! I want to join a club and do it more often.

The gym is boring, but it's the only thing that really keeps the devil from the door, so I'm actually quite happy to do it. Got a couple of funny guys from work I do it with as well, so that helps. Laughing and working out - a fantastic combo.

 

[tommysvr]

Running is what keeps me sane, basically.

Had to quit recreational football 6-7 years ago due to an old knee injury (ACL tear in 2005), and it's a big loss. I massively enjoyed playing for 30+ years, and not being able to do it anymore felt like losing a part of myself.

Thankfully I rediscovered running, and now I try to run twice a week - averaging probably around 40-60km a month. It's not really about fitness, speed or appearance, but rather the meditative aspect of it all. I mostly go running in the woods/nature, and it's such a great way to clear the head - plus of course it keeps me reasonably fit and healthy.

What's worrying now is my old knee injury/arthirisis catching up with me for the running as well. Had meniscus surgery almost four years ago, and my surgeon advised me to never run again. I have ignored his advice since then, because of the many other big benefits I get from running, and besides I'm used to knee pain anyways.

I've managed the pain/load well with strength training for my legs, but as I'm getting older (48 now) I will probably need to up my strength game too to be able to keep going.

I'm resigned to get a replacement knee at some point, but hope to postpone it for as long as possible - while still running regularly.

That was a long post about an aging man not being able to train the same way he did in his 20s, LOL.

That’s great — I’m lucky enough to have not suffered from injuries too much, but I’d probably do the same as you and push through. I have had a couple of calf strains in the last 2 years that I just took about 3/4 weeks off running to let them heal…but man those weeks were frustrating. There’s nothing like getting out for 10-20km on a warm sunny day…like literally nothing. Loads of people, probably the majority, hate running because it’s boring, monotonous etc…but I think that’s the beauty. You get over that initial hurdle and you’ll find the spot that makes it so enjoyable.

 

[kb 1984]

That’s great — I’m lucky enough to have not suffered from injuries too much, but I’d probably do the same as you and push through. I have had a couple of calf strains in the last 2 years that I just took about 3/4 weeks off running to let them heal…but man those weeks were frustrating. There’s nothing like getting out for 10-20km on a warm sunny day…like literally nothing. Loads of people, probably the majority, hate running because it’s boring, monotonous etc…but I think that’s the beauty. You get over that initial hurdle and you’ll find the spot that makes it so enjoyable.

GHod I wish I felt like you I can't think of anything worse. After my cardiac arrest I go to the gym at the hospital 3 times a week for an hour it is horrendous hate every minute of it. Mind I have gone from 135kg 21 stones in old money & am know 108kg 17 stones. I am 6ft 4 so I don't look that overweight I am. I wish I could find an exercise I actually liked

 

[tommysvr]

GHod I wish I felt like you I can't think of anything worse. After my cardiac arrest I go to the gym at the hospital 3 times a week for an hour it is horrendous hate every minute of it. Mind I have gone from 135kg 21 stones in old money & am know 108kg 17 stones. I am 6ft 4 so I don't look that overweight I am. I wish I could find an exercise I actually liked

Going through a cardiac arrest would definitely change what you can do! Still a great effort to spend that long in the gym each week.

 

[ricky2tricky4city]

GHod I wish I felt like you I can't think of anything worse. After my cardiac arrest I go to the gym at the hospital 3 times a week for an hour it is horrendous hate every minute of it. Mind I have gone from 135kg 21 stones in old money & am know 108kg 17 stones. I am 6ft 4 so I don't look that overweight I am. I wish I could find an exercise I actually liked

Well that's 'a win' mate...if shedding a few kg's is your aim (or docs instruction).
Is it just the whole vibe of the equipment laden gym that is soul destroying? (As if not, there is the stepper, bikes, rower etc to mix it up)

Otherwise just taking exercise outdoors is a winner imo.

(Headphones in the gym may help?)

 

[kb 1984]

Well that's 'a win' mate...if shedding a few kg's is your aim (or docs instruction).
Is it just the whole vibe of the equipment laden gym that is soul destroying? (As if not, there is the stepper, bikes, rower etc to mix it up)

Otherwise just taking exercise outdoors is a winner imo.

(Headphones in the gym may help?)

Yes my aim & doctors instructions they want me to get to 90kg by Feb when I have to do more medical tests.

It's strange when I was in the military I could run & run & run I loved PT couldn't get enough now can't stand it. Maybe it's my subconscious worrying about another heart attack

Yes I do treadmill & bike with headphones in the gym. I walk 10 kilometres with friends every Sunday that's easy when you are doing costal walks.

 

[ricky2tricky4city]

Yes my aim & doctors instructions they want me to get to 90kg by Feb when I have to do more medical tests.

It's strange when I was in the military I could run & run & run I loved PT couldn't get enough now can't stand it. Maybe it's my subconscious worrying about another heart attack

Yes I do treadmill & bike with headphones in the gym. I walk 10 kilometres with friends every Sunday that's easy when you are doing costal walks.

Is this all about testing out the old ticker and putting less strain on it by losing weight (and I guess generally being healthier?)...
How long has it taken to shift the first 4 stone?

How about mentally?...do you feel under pressure to meet the docs targets? ...and/or think you are risking your health if you don't?

 

[kb 1984]

Is this all about testing out the old ticker and putting less strain on it by losing weight (and I guess generally being healthier?)...
How long has it taken to shift the first 4 stone?

How about mentally?...do you feel under pressure to meet the docs targets? ...and/or think you are risking your health if you don't?

Yep they want me to loose weight for my heart currently works at 47% & I am taking lots of meds. Less weight less stress on heart. As it turns out I have lost fat around other organs according to my GP blood test results. I am sick of blood tests

So I arrested on the 1st of Feb started cardiac rehab 4 weeks later I was in hospital 3 weeks. So 10 months to loose 4 stone & 3 inches of my stomach

No pressure from doctors several times the rehab nurses have stopped me & told me to slow down. They even had to do two ECGs because out of nowhere I got a pain in my chest that was scary.

Yes I do think I am risking my health if I don't achieve the goals but not for me for my kids. I know my life expectancy has shortened but I want to see them grow old they are 30 & 24

I know I am fine but in the back of my mind I am waiting for a heart attack to happen. It's worse at night but I am talking to my cardiologist the rehab nurses & my psychologist so hopefully I will get there.