Re: Shape Up in 2011
 

You only need ONE visit to a gym to understand how people can screw up any exercise. Most people don't even know how to breathe when exercising, and most trainers either don't know or don't teach it. PTs like Patsy are one in a thousand, most I wouldn't trust to pack my kit bag. And if you don't do the exercises correctly, not only won't you get maximal benefit from them, you also run the risk of injury.

Even basic exercises have to be done correctly, and there are more ways of doing them incorrectly than correctly. Plus, there are variations for each exercise--for squats, for example, three different foot positions (plus whether or not to elevate your heels), three different stances, how deep to go, whether to lock your knees at the top or not, whether or not to be explosive on the positive part of the exercise, and so on. And then you've got squat variations: power, front, full, olympic, split, sissy, back, overhead, prisoner, uni, sumo etc.

You don't need a PT, but one way or another you need to know what you're doing.

Re: Shape Up in 2011
 

and spending 5 minutes on 1 press up is really going to drive joe average to the gym.

People do sport and keepfit for a variety of reasons ranging from meeting people, to muscle definition to aerobic and cardiovascular improvement.

doing a 20 minute gym session is of absolutely no use to me. Any run under 1 hour or is a waste of time.

PT's like PS provide motivation, knowledge and understanding to her clients giving them an understanding of 'what' they are actually doing when working out.

How many people on here actually know their resting heart rate, VO2Max and aerobic threshold values. These are critically important for maximising a cardiovascular workout.

most people think trotting along on a treadmill for 30 mins twice a week is actually going to improve their fitness...

Re: Shape Up in 2011
 

Guys calm down you need to relax and breathe :thumbup:

As i said i base things on my experience - others may have different experiences

Have a propserous and phyically fit 2011

Re: Shape Up in 2011
 

what is your HR when calm? :D

Re: Shape Up in 2011
 

How many on here care?

Re: Shape Up in 2011
 

No idea - but im always smiling

Maybe we should do a thread on progress for a run (not my fave activity) - is there a Middle East marathon (or half) - good way to link it with your charity as well ??

Re: Shape Up in 2011
 

you, they should

Re: Shape Up in 2011
 

...but like 99% of the british population I wouldn't know what do with the information.

My point is, I, like the majority, would like to be fit/fitter - but I am not interested in being an athlete. I am therefore quite happy doing the odd bike ride, gym session or game of tennis. I really couldn't care less about oxygen intake levels, resting heart rates or any other measure that wasn't used 60 years ago. I just want to do my bit and get a red face.

Re: Shape Up in 2011
 

Thanks for your support guys xxxx

@ citygent........I don't just work 2 hours a week! I start classes at 6am and finish at 7.30pm, it is my clients that only come to me twice a week!!!! :)
AND I guarantee that you would not be able to complete 1 of my lower body workouts :D

Re: Shape Up in 2011
 

I'm skiing at the end of the month.

Any additional exercises to help a 39 yr old with a knackered right knee (v old footy injury - no ACL) see through the week?

Usually swim and cycle.

Re: Shape Up in 2011
 

Have you checked with your Dr. that it is safe to ski? I wouldn't recommend doing it until you have the all clear. Some people think that all they need to do is wear a knee support BUT in some cases that makes it worse.

With knee injuries it is important to maintain a proper position when exercising, however, without knowing and seeing how the knee reacts to different exercises it is impossible ..and unethical for me to recommend any exercises.

Re: Shape Up in 2011
 

I don't actually have a doctor - does that sound strange?

My exercise regime will comprise an additional 10 mins a day standing on one leg throwing a tennis ball against a wall.

Horace goes skiing! :thumbup:

Re: Shape Up in 2011
 

more fool you then!
I can recommend a very good Sports Therapist if you need 1 Victoria Roper at the Osteopathic Health Centre 04 3487366. You should really get your knee checked before you go.

Re: Shape Up in 2011
 

that is fine and what i used to be like before i started actually looking into the statistics.

Once you learn about your body, you also learn to push it in certain ways with an absolute knowledge of what you are doing.

Its not for everyone, but then again, sitting in pubs drinking and smoking isnt for everyone either.

Re: Shape Up in 2011
 

swimming and cycling are great for dodgy knees. Would take PS advice though about skiing---major impact on the knees there mate!!