Workout rant

[Phaedrus]

"Injuries" in this context would consist of muscle sprains and strains. That's not what Cybone was describing. What his trainer was doing was indoctrinating him in what a properly performed set consists of: exhausting both Type 1 and Type 2 muscle fibers. Everyone's fine when chugging along and working the Type 1 fibers. But as soon that those are exhausted and Type 2 comes into play, everyone's first urge is to stop. The voices in your head change from "this is easy," to "I want to stop now," and DOWN GO THE WEIGHTS. That's why lifters must "clean the slate" after exhausting the Type 1s, regroup mentally and set a new goal to exhaust the Type 2 fibers as they finish each set.
This trainer is no "idiot," as you cavalierly describe him. He's working on his client's willpower and work ethic. Most attendees to gyms don't have it, and their "quit switch" to end a set is flipped on at the first moment of stress. That's why 85-90% of gym members look the same year after year.

So what you are describing is an attempt to enact psychological change through physical action? While I disagree with your concept of injury... (anything that last more than a day is an injury, in my book) I tend to agree with the concept that physical action precedes feeling.

The great majority of people I have met who fail, tend to "gut out" a program that overworks them, and then quit only after they cannot recover in time and get worse and worse in succeeding workouts.

Unfortunately, I've never met someone who uses trainers who later became a long-term physically fit person. Most people who have long-term success, that I've met, motivated themselves.

I remain open to new ideas, but I'm like Missouri; you have to "Show Me". I think what you speak of is highly rationalized, categorized and verbalized nonsense.

[alaskaguy]

Unfortunately, I've never met someone who uses trainers who later became a long-term physically fit person. Most people who have long-term success, that I've met, motivated themselves.

I fully agree that that long term success is based on self motivation.

This thread apprears to focus on strength and weight training. In the way of running and swimming (sports I spend a lot of time with) long-term success is also tied to self motivation. However, I found that to reach a "higher level" that the services of a coach were invaluable.

[Bobber]

Great post Phaedrus. I never want to compete against you as you most certainly give 110% effort to what you're working on and I'm a 99% kind of guy.

I think the orgional post is amusing. It's kind of like my observation of some lenders. A lot of times their own financial house is lousy and they're giving investment advice out to people?

[cyfreddy]

I've never had a personal trainer, but my sister-in-law uses one now and then. You can definetly tell when she's with a trainer.

I recently hit the 300lb barrier, back down to 280, but want to get to 240. Back when I was 26 I went from 264 to 220 in two months, just simply running and eating less, 10 years later it seems like just the will-power isn't there often enough. I've thought about a personal trainer, but I know how to lose it....we'll see I guess.

I can relate to you Landshark ! About 10 years ago I lost 30 lbs, I since have put back on, but lately I have lost 15 lbs. I seem to stabelized, and cannot seem to take anymore off. I would like to lose another 15 lbs.

[Tornado man]

So what you are describing is an attempt to enact psychological change through physical action? While I disagree with your concept of injury... (anything that last more than a day is an injury, in my book) I tend to agree with the concept that physical action precedes feeling.

The great majority of people I have met who fail, tend to "gut out" a program that overworks them, and then quit only after they cannot recover in time and get worse and worse in succeeding workouts.

Unfortunately, I've never met someone who uses trainers who later became a long-term physically fit person. Most people who have long-term success, that I've met, motivated themselves.

I remain open to new ideas, but I'm like Missouri; you have to "Show Me". I think what you speak of is highly rationalized, categorized and verbalized nonsense.

On the contrary, "the majority of people who fail" are those who have no support or coaching (personal trainer or workout partner). "The majority of people who fail" are those who become frustrated when they see little or no results. "The majority of people who fail" are those who rationalize a fear of injury or "being sore the next day" (like you have done) for an excuse to avoid real work. Personal trainers give the trainee that one-two punch - exercise instruction, plus intensity expectations, to make all the gym time worthwhile. After the the workout sessions become habits, the habits hopefully become lifestyle changes.
In addition, the obese or out-of-shape are reluctant to even "show up" to the gym because they feel embarrassed, that "all eyes are on them," judging their personal appearance. However, if they come with a workout partner, or use a personal trainer at the gym, their self-consciousness is somewhat reduced. They are not alone.
In the real gym atmosphere (not just diatribes on message boards), the people who quit are the ones who are by themselves, and go through the motions. They see no results. The people who continue on are the ones who discover intensity, demanding more from their body, and summoning willpower. Personal trainers are invaluable in instilling mind-set.

[Bobber]

I'm fortunate that I've never been able to pack on pounds fast like some people do. I've gained about 25 pounds in 20 years, but still am only about 205 on a 6' 1" frame. For me gaining or loosing 10 pounds is a big deal. It just seems some people can change 30 pounds for every 5 I do.

[Phaedrus]

On the contrary, "the majority of people who fail" are those who have no support or coaching (personal trainer or workout partner). "The majority of people who fail" are those who become frustrated when they see little or no results. "The majority of people who fail" are those who rationalize a fear of injury or "being sore the next day" (like you have done) for an excuse to avoid real work. Personal trainers give the trainee that one-two punch - exercise instruction, plus intensity expectations, to make all the gym time worthwhile. After the the workout sessions become habits, the habits hopefully become lifestyle changes.
In addition, the obese or out-of-shape are reluctant to even "show up" to the gym because they feel embarrassed, that "all eyes are on them," judging their personal appearance. However, if they come with a workout partner, or use a personal trainer at the gym, their self-consciousness is somewhat reduced. They are not alone.
In the real gym atmosphere (not just diatribes on message boards), the people who quit are the ones who are by themselves, and go through the motions. They see no results. The people who continue on are the ones who discover intensity, demanding more from their body, and summoning willpower. Personal trainers are invaluable in instilling mind-set.

I think all you say there is true; and I believe I'm beginning to "get" what you're saying. And I agree with it. People are, by and large, social animals, who respond to social pressures, etc. Coaches/trainers can be helpful (But I'd say bad trainers outnumber good trainers by 10:1, easy)

Personally, though, in 30+ years of working out, I've learned that I get better results, and better long-term results through a "slow and steady" pace.

But then, as Bobber correctly pointed out, I am always running a race, against myself, and the "coward within myself" to beat my weakness into a submission. I would be willing to bet that we are arguing past each other on this.

However, I will remain steadfast on not "thrashing" the grossly obese, or wasting really out of shape people's time with "targeted small group exercises." It is my core belief that everyone should build a fitness "base" prior to exiting their comfort zone.

In my own experience, once I've built my "base" (usually 3-6 months of incrementally adding intensity) I can work up to some in-freaking-credibly intense workouts, with great (for me) results. (And with no lasting muscle soreness. Lactic acid burn, yes, runner's high for hours afterwords, yes, but I never get so sore that it affects my basic functions.

You gotta admit, though, the amount of people who really go on to have superior fitness throughout their life is so shockingly small that we are really arguing molehills and mountains, here....

[isuno1fan]

I'm very self motivated when it comes to working out. Been doing strength training for 20 years and have never once used a trainer. My cousin has a PhD in exercise science and human performance and our training/diet ideas generally conflict. After 20yrs., I know what works for me.

Weighed 170lbs when I graduated from ISU in '93 and weigh 170lbs to this day.

It's been discussed in the thread, but the single biggest thing you can do for your body is fuel it properly. In other words, work on the diet 1st and then throw in some resistance/cardio training. You won't be disappointed in the results!

[Cybone]

As an Update:

I am down 20 pounds in a little over a month. My upper body strength has increased significantly, I can now bench 200 pounds. (started out at 135). My body has adapted to the training as I am NOT in much pain the next day after training.

I have never been an athlete or trained to be one, so I am proud of where this trainer has taken me and what results I will get from my work.

Thanks for the encouragement CF'ers!!

[RyCy04]

As an Update:

I am down 20 pounds in a little over a month. My upper body strength has increased significantly, I can now bench 200 pounds. (started out at 135). My body has adapted to the training as I am in much pain the next day after training.

I have never been an athlete or trained to be one, so I am proud of where this trainer has taken me and what results I will get from my work.

Thanks for the encouragement CF'ers!!

That is very impressive turnaround. Good for you and keep it up.

[Phaedrus]

As an Update:

I am down 20 pounds in a little over a month. My upper body strength has increased significantly, I can now bench 200 pounds. (started out at 135). My body has adapted to the training as I am NOT in much pain the next day after training.

I have never been an athlete or trained to be one, so I am proud of where this trainer has taken me and what results I will get from my work.

Thanks for the encouragement CF'ers!!

Woo Hoo!!!

Now, comes the tough part. Finding that thing within your self that will fuel the engine of long-term lifestyle change.

You know you've won when a trainer can no longer do anything for you, because you're the one kicking your own butt to keep moving forward.

It's great to hear your success story.

[Tornado man]

As an Update:

I am down 20 pounds in a little over a month. My upper body strength has increased significantly, I can now bench 200 pounds. (started out at 135). My body has adapted to the training as I am NOT in much pain the next day after training.

I have never been an athlete or trained to be one, so I am proud of where this trainer has taken me and what results I will get from my work.

Thanks for the encouragement CF'ers!!

Great job! You mentioned that your have never been an athlete or trained like one - I'll bet you consider yourself one now! And that is the key - for us to think of our bodies as having the potential (and obligation) to operate on an "athletic level." It will govern your eating behaviors as well as your workouts.

[Cybone]

Thank you all again!

I started watching what I am eating and working out more. Down one pants size as a result. Probably the biggest difference is my attitude shift about the workouts. Every time I feel any pain or weakness, I tell myself "Pain is just weakness leaving the body" it gets me to push harder and focus.