Workout Re-Think

I tend to write mostly about venture related stuff but I thought to throw in a bit of what I do with my spare time. (Plus some people have asked about this so I can now direct them to this post!) Those who know me well have figured out that my religion is weightlifting. I originally started working out when I was 14 or 15. Having been a fat kid, I needed something to slim down. I also wanted to get better at other sports. I would say though that in hindsight the main motivation was looking fit. I started out as most people, basically going to the gym, watching what others did and learning by trial & error. I only later picked up some literature to try and optimize some things. Basically, I followed the same approach for 15 years of going hard, going big and every two months or so changing up my routine (3 or 4 times a week, two hour workouts). Recently though I really changed things up. Originally I discovered CrossFit style training about two years ago. In summarý this is a totally different approach to training. It's not about becoming a gym-chiseled meathead or an ultra marathon running treehugger who looks like emaciated death! It's about being strong, agile, coordinated and conditioned. Basically training to take on whatever is thrown at you.I incorporated a bit of this training into my routine, basically to shorten the length of my gym sessions. I didn't totally get into it though. Only recently though two things made me change my training approach completely. One was the movie 300. The other was discovering MMA fighting. The 300 movie wasn't really directly responsible. I simply researched how these actors all managed to get so jacked in such a short time. I found out about the training they did at Gym Jones and was hooked (check out the videos on YouTube). Further, I saw what was happening in the MMA (mixed martial arts) and UFC (ultimate fighting championships) worlds. I find the fights interesting but their training even more so. The best fighters are integrating training methods from CrossFit, Gym Jones and multiple other new-school training styles. It's about going hard (really hard) yet as effectively as possible. You don't do this training in designer gym clothes. As an MMA fighter, if you don't do it right, you're getting your ass handed to you. Bones will break and you will be knocked out.

What's the point? Well, I've been at it for about 6 months now. I've never been stronger in the gym and have never been as injury free. The little nagging pains are gone. I am sore as all hell after hard workouts but my body isn't screaming at me that I am doing something wrong. Most importantly, I am in and out of the gym in 50 minutes....including shower. (I wear headphones, ignoring most everyone....I am there to work and not socialize.....OK, the hotties will now get attention being that I am single again). I usually make it to the gym two, mostly three times a week. I run in between if my schedule allows for it. I don't diet, I enjoy my beers and a wine here and there plus I love steaks! I work out to live and not vice versa. If I eat crap, my training is nauseating hence this keeps me from eating true junk like fast food or microwave junk. Finally, I feel really good after these workouts. You make yourself suffer to some extent but it's worthwhile and the results fairly immediate. If you have any interest in sports and want to train for them or are just looking to get in shape re-think your approach. There are multiple ways of training.....some are just much more effective than others.

Next challenge for me? I want to get into climbing. It always looked like fun and I'm sure it kicks your butt just as hard as a good workout.

Update: if you want to see what it's all about (hard workouts) watch these videos. A friend of mine sent the link after reading this post. Trust me, a half hour of these types of exercises absolutely kills you. I don't unfortunately have access to all of the equipment but I try to mimic a lot of what they do with what I have available.

Comments

[thomas]

Paul,
Interesting. I will follow up on this, because I'm not really a gym fan. The idea of being in and out in 50 minutes is goodness. It will leave more time for the bike.
Thomas

[Paul J.]

It's great for the bike. I had my first long ride today and felt stronger for a first-of-season ride than I have in years. Give it a try and let me know how it goes.

[Mike Butcher]

I'm sorry but I have evidence to the contrary viz. your junk food habits :-)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mbites/2348793155/in/set-72157604186921789/

[Paul J.]

Mike, that's pure protein in my fork my friend and the plate contained otherwise a salad! ;)