Ask James Fitness Questions!

[KSig RC]

Originally Posted by CutiePie2000

What magazines that says "It doesn't matter" are these articles published in? If it's Oxygen or Muscle & Fitness, those are pretty good. SELF and Shape can go right into the trash heap, unless a woman aspires for that "fat-skinny look" (i.e. thin'ish, but no tone nor definition whatsoever)

The glycogen thing that I told you is accurate, which is why you want to lift first, do cardio second.

Most places that say "it doesn't matter" are using shorthand for "the glycogen effect is real, but for the majority of casual enthusiasts its impact will pale in comparison to other, less subtle effects like 'not showing up' or 'self-limiting' - so it's more important to do whichever one you're more serious about first." Personally, I always lift first, but I can see their point.

Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but the effect you're referring to is less important for lower-weight "circuit"-style training that most women employ (as it is primarily based on slower/less efficient ATP replenishing) and/or can be somewhat offset with more time in between sets, right? Although since navane is going to the "next level" these may well be completely obviated.

[CutiePie2000]

Originally Posted by KSig RC

Most places that say "it doesn't matter" are using shorthand for "the glycogen effect is real, but for the majority of casual enthusiasts its impact will pale in comparison to other, less subtle effects like 'not showing up' or 'self-limiting' - so it's more important to do whichever one you're more serious about first." Personally, I always lift first, but I can see their point.

Yeah, for the "recreational exerciser", it probably doesn't matter, but I've competed in Figure so I take it a bit seriously and hard-core. That is all.

[KSigkid]

Originally Posted by CutiePie2000

Yeah, for the "recreational exerciser", it probably doesn't matter, but I've competed in Figure so I take it a bit seriously and hard-core. That is all.

Forgive my ignorance, but what's Figure? Figure skating?

[CutiePie2000]

Originally Posted by KSigkid

Forgive my ignorance, but what's Figure? Figure skating?

Google any or all of these names to find out what "Figure" is, and who some famous "Figure Competitors" are:

Monica Brant
Elaine Goodlad
Jenny Lynn
Mary Elizabeth Lado

It's basically "Bodysculpting Lite" (and that's "Lite", not "Light")

Also, how your physique looks is 80% attributable to nutrition (sorry to ruin the party), 10% to training and 10% genetics. There is a lot to be said for "Clean Eating". There's a reason why slow-cooked oatmeal and egg whites is the breakfast of champions.

[KSigkid]

Originally Posted by CutiePie2000

Google any or all of these names to find out what "Figure" is, and who some famous "Figure Competitors" are:

Monica Brant
Elaine Goodlad
Jenny Lynn
Mary Elizabeth Lado

It's basically "Bodysculpting Lite" (and that's "Lite", not "Light")

Also, how your physique looks is 80% attributable to nutrition (sorry to ruin the party), 10% to training and 10% genetics. There is a lot to be said for "Clean Eating". There's a reason why slow-cooked oatmeal and egg whites is the breakfast of champions.

Ah ok, thanks. The figure skating comment wasn't meant as a slight - most of the figure skaters I know are in tremendous shape and know quite a bit about sustaining workout and nutrition schedules.

[Smile_Awhile]

I"m on the path to losing some good weight- 6 pounds as of last week. But it's getting really hard to get to the gym these days. I saw Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred- it looks good for a circuit program (which I've been wanting). Any reviews/opinions?

[KSig RC]

Originally Posted by CutiePie2000

Yeah, for the "recreational exerciser", it probably doesn't matter, but I've competed in Figure so I take it a bit seriously and hard-core. That is all.

Which makes perfect sense. And I'm now frightened of you.

[AGDee]

I also find that if I do cardio first, I'm more tired when I start the weight routine resulting in being able to lift less/do fewer reps which I think, personally, makes me more prone to injury because I lose focus and get lazy, using less safe body mechanics. I've heard some trainers go so far as to say "Core first", meaning abs first, then the rest. If you're tired when you do abs, you tend to use your back instead and risk a back injury.

[Smile_Awhile]

Anyone have any suggestions for a site similar to GC, but for fitness? Also, any idea about healthy eating websites? I need something to help me track what I eat, and since I have a technology addiction, I think a web-based something would be a good thing. Free is preferred!

[AGDee]

Originally Posted by Smile_Awhile

Anyone have any suggestions for a site similar to GC, but for fitness? Also, any idea about healthy eating websites? I need something to help me track what I eat, and since I have a technology addiction, I think a web-based something would be a good thing. Free is preferred!

sparkpeople.com is awesome. There are food trackers, different interest groups, like forums, based on your age, particular challenges, etc. You put in your goal weight and when you want to reach it and it tells you a calorie range to shoot for each day. You can track how much water you're drinking. It's a great site! And, totally free!

ETA: The food trackers have foods built in already so if you eat a McDonald's cheeseburger or something like that, brand name frozen foods, whatever, it has the calorie counts and nutrition info already in there. You can add things that aren't in there already if there's something you eat regularly. Different groups have different challenges, where you earn points for staying in your calorie range, drinking your water, exercising, etc., so there is some fun built in. The only downfall to the site is that you'll get several emails every day from them.

[navane]

Originally Posted by Smile_Awhile

Anyone have any suggestions for a site similar to GC, but for fitness? Also, any idea about healthy eating websites? I need something to help me track what I eat, and since I have a technology addiction, I think a web-based something would be a good thing. Free is preferred!

You can try http://caloriecount.about.com/ to track what you eat, what you earn and to ask questions.

.....Kelly