Any weightlifters or martial-artists here?

steve-in-kville

steve-in-kville

Joined
Dec 25, 2001
Messages
1,139
I have interest in getting involved in some sort of weightlifting program or possibly one of the martial arts. I've put on a little weight in the last few years and I'm having some issues with high blood pressure. I work a physical job, and have a good muscle tone in my arms, but my gut is more like a keg than a six pack.


I was reading some of the old posts on the subject, and found one started by Ren a few years ago:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=278105&highlight=weight

So I'm kinda spooked on joining a gym for this reason. I'm thinking of one of the better martial arts programs in our area... not so much for self-defense (I own guns and knives for that reason) but for the work-out.

I am slowly making changes to my diet, too.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!!

steve
 
Cut out salt in your diet and start walking. Forget gyms to start with. If you have guns, is there anywhere where you can walk with a rifle for a couple of hours 6 evenings a week? The most wieght I ever lost was when I lived on a farm and went walking with a rifle over my shoulder!
 
Just don't join the YMCA. :p

Seriously just look around for some gyms in your area. Not too big, not too small with a knowledgable staff and good exercise equipment.

A few websites to check out crossfit.com, rosstraining.com, and bodybuilding.com. Once you have all the basics down you can create your own workouts and many things you can do at home with minimal gear.
 
I have an older bike that can still be ridden. I also thought of buying a used cheapo treadmill at a garage sale. I'm working on the diet first, then find an exercise program I can live with.

We have "fitness clubs" in our area. The YMCA has a gym, but was never there (and after Ren's thread, don't think I want to visit, either).

steve
 
Circuit train with weights 4 times a week. Resistance training keeps your body burning calories outside the gym. Drink a gallon of water a day. Talk to someone who knows about nutrition. Don't eat past 7 pm. Find someone or a personal trainer that is older than 30 and fit. Chances are if they are fit they will know how to access you and your specific body type to Taylor a program for you.

Men's Health Magazine is a good source for a getting and staying healthy.

God Bless

JR
 
Buy the book "Body for Life" buy Bill Phillips. Use his exercise methods if you want to, or do something else.
But the book is worth the price solely for the advice on eating.

I went from an obese 48 year old having five bypasses, to my cardiologist saying "You have the stress test of a man who has never had any heart problems at all" when I was 52, eating exactly like that, plus walking and high intensity weight training.

What you do is not nearly as important as doing something, anything, to get it moving. But eating clean is essential.
 
http://www.t-nation.com/
This site will give you everything you will ever need. I have been a member for years. Hands down the VERY best source of free information. READ EVERYTHING YOU CAN (FAQ'S) AND YOU WILL BE SET. Go and join a gym and ignore all of the retards and wierdos. You are there for you, not to impress anyone. Do your business and leave. If not get a power rack and some plates and a good bar and bench and train at home. Best of luck!
 
I started weightlifting at the high school this summer for weightlifting. I think you should go for it!
 
Heh, lots of interesting advice.

So... no one recommends any of the martial arts for fitness?? I thought that was a huge market these days?

Keep the replies coming... they are very much appreciated.

steve
 
I think the reason people are a little shy to recommend martial arts is, A) true martial artists view it as just that an art, and not to be taken lightly B) there are way too many karate, tei kwan do (sp?) and such that are simple scam artistery.

I have started some personal training locally in a small gym owned buy my trainer, and I get a great full body workout with occasional cardio, eventually it will be more about running for endurance but a great way to get in shape is a full body workout at a gym.
 
Neither martial arts nor weight lifting is the best for loosing weight.

Martial arts really aren't about fitness. Yes, it's a physical activity and will, therefore, promote some weightloss and fitness. But, if you're going to any sort of proper martial arts school, that's a side effect.

If you want to loose weight, you need to eat less and hit the cardo exercises. Cross country ski machines (e.g. NordicTrack) and stationary rowing machines are the very best.

Take it from me: I've done serious martial arts for years (including kick boxing) and I've done NordicTrack too. NordicTrack is a much more exhausting physical work out. Of course, you don't really learn anything or develop any skill on a NordicTrack machine, but that's not the point; the point of a NordicTrack is to burn calories. The point of a martial arts class is not to burn calories; that's a side effect.

Treadmills, stationary bikes, stairstep machines, these, coupled with a reduced-calorie diet, will take weight/fat off.
 
Well if you do a few 3 minute rounds each of shadow boxing,heavy bag,double end bag,speed bag then your road work you will develop technique,speed,power,timing and endurence.
You will burn fat and get in shape as well.
2 full body weight lifing workouts a week will build your muscles.
Keep it brief.
2 or 3 sets of squats,bent over rows and some pushups and bench presses to start.

Most people make the mistake of doing too much too soon.
When your out of shape your body responds very quickly to little training.
You have to get your diet right as well.
Salmon and blueberries with almonds are a good habit to get into.
 
Steve, I'm with Grappler on this. Also, try jumping rope. Once you get over the fear of looking...well, dainty, jumping rope burns more calories than running. Mix that in with some heavy bag to keep your heart rate up and you will be pleased with the results. Good luck.
 
Gollnick said:
Martial arts really aren't about fitness. Yes, it's a physical activity and will, therefore, promote some weightloss and fitness. But, if you're going to any sort of proper martial arts school, that's a side effect.

. . . Take it from me: I've done serious martial arts for years (including kick boxing) and I've done NordicTrack too. NordicTrack is a much more exhausting physical work out. Of course, you don't really learn anything or develop any skill on a NordicTrack machine, but that's not the point; the point of a NordicTrack is to burn calories. The point of a martial arts class is not to burn calories; that's a side effect.
Click to expand...

Hell yeah! Gollnick's got it spot on! :thumbup:

I can't count how many "jocks" I've met over the years--driven by their ego's and testosterone--who confuse one for the other. Like the time when I got introduced to a fellow "instructor" one who had this thing of sizing-up a person's ability by proudly comparing his biceps and stating many sit-ups he could do in two minutes! However, proof is in the pudding when we sparred :D It's a hard realization when you get "shanked" despite being built like a rhino! Trying to achieve overall fitness is world's apart from mastering tactics/principles.

That being said, any semblance of a "compromise" between the two would be Krav Maga. From what I've seen, the sessions are intense enough for fitness yet functional enough for self-defense.
 
For a martial arts I would check and see if there are any muay thai schools around your area. I have heard that they can be brutal for the first few weeks until you get in better shape.
 
Have trained in martial arts for 7 years....JSA. We have some chubby bastids in class, including me. There are chubby karateka that have been at it for years

Have been lifting weights since March.....found out a month after starting that I have essential hypertension(high blood pressure) this is being managed by ace inhibitor/beta blocker...I also have acid reflux disease. Make sure that you communicate with your doctor.

Thoughts...

1. You don't say how overweight you are...it matters...I am 41, 5'6", 180 lbs, 23% body fat(average for my age) but I KNOW that I am 20 lbs overweight..it is only in my gut. I quit smoking(23 years) back at the end of March. It is a key component of getting healthy....LOVE smoking....but would rather be alive. If you are a smoker, and have hypertension, you can get healthier just by quitting.

2. Depending on where your weight is (sounds like gut) the advice about boxing exercise and weight training is ON target! I really thought that I was strong, until I started working out. I am stronger now than i ever have been, and have doubled the weight that I push in 4 months.

3. I would add that 1-2 spin(stationary bike) classes at a gym weekly would help greatly...your heart, your weight, and your endurance.

4. I have a workout partner...we have been friends for years, and workout well together....it gives me a reason to go to the gym, and keeps me motivated. I say this because my self-discipline to go to the gym is not there.

Do SOMETHING....inactivity in a middle aged male is the start of heart disease, obesity, and cancer. Take responsibility for your health, and you will feel better. Good luck.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Drink water. A lot of water. You should aim to drink you own body weight in ounces of water. This should help you lose some weight. Remember if your urine isn't clear and copious then you need to drink more water :)
 
Wow... these are helpful replies. The cardio and boxing stuff makes sense.

What should I look for in a gym and/or fitness club?
 
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