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[Debinmi]

h

 

[SRP]

This was very interesting. Thank you for sharing it. It gives me lots to think about.

 

[Kellyro77]

I always appreciate hearing everyone's experience. Anymore, I have to take such "advice" from influencers as anecdotal evidence. Yes, it worked for THEM, and that's great. Does not mean it's going to work for everyone, however. (That's in regards to her experience with cardio)

I agree, though, that it seems strength training is universally beneficial for a large chunk of the population - and there's plenty of studies that support that, and it's good to have yet another voice out there encouraging people to pick up some weights.

I may also be in her club where intense cardio isn't necessary. I saw plenty proof of that doing the 12-week STS 2 rotation. Going to be doing an XTrain rotation with a major increase in cardio the next 12 weeks, and it'll be interesting to see if I'm just spinning my wheels or if it's as helpful to me as it was when I first did a 12-week XTrain rotation a couple years ago (I will say all the HiiT definitely improved my cardiovascular endurance, and my clothing was fitting pretty nicely, too.)

 

[SRP]

I read "Next Level" by Stacy Sims. She's a very strong advocate of SIT and heavy lifting. I see her point regarding the menopausal woman, but there's no way this body can handle what she recommends. Many years ago, there was a thread somewhere on Cathe's forums that documented a member's experiments with lower intensity work. If I remember correctly, she was working out hard, always hungry, and not getting the results she wanted. She backed off and got great results. I don't want to max myself out like Dr. Sims recommends. Right now I still consider myself advanced, but I do have some limitations because of arthritis - including not being able to lift truly heavy weights. So even though Chalene's podcast, plus other info about Level 2 cardio, gives me hope, I wonder if I would get the same benefits since I can't lift heavy.

 

[FitSaxe]

Thank you for sharing this reminder.

 

[SRP]

Debinmi - I just googled Sisson's book. I LOVE the title - "Born to Walk." That's me! I feel the same way as you do about walking, etc. It's always been more for mental health, etc.

 

[snowlover]

I found this interesting to watch I was already familiar with a lot of what she talked about. I am glad she mentioned how the industry really pushed her to be smaller. I've always said that just because you are skinny, doesn't mean you are fit and healthy. People must get this out of their brains!
I know HRT is making a "comeback" and I could probably benefit from it but I have an extreme distrust of medical professionals and doctor visits and prescriptions are too expensive. Which leads to another thought: how about work?
I've been on my own my entire adult life and have to make a living. I've had jobs that are quite active and I'm always on my feet. The energy expended at work, be it mental or physical has to be considered. My coworkers often find it unbelievable that I go home and work out but I hate that I can't put as much time and energy into my workouts. It just seems this is a factor not discussed.

 

[FitSaxe]

My coworkers often find it unbelievable that I go home and work out but I hate that I can't put as much time and energy into my workouts. It just seems this is a factor not discussed.

Could not agree more with your post. especially the quote above.

 

[FitSaxe]

This thread has been incredibly insightful—thank you all for sharing your stories and experiences.

I wasn’t born with what people might consider a “genetically gifted” athletic body. As an ectomorph, I’ve always found it difficult to build muscle mass, and my frame lacks the curves that many around me seemed to prize. In my late 20s, I pursued fitness for all the wrong reasons—not from a place of self-love, but to silence the unkind comments from others, particularly from some college women who, frankly, could be quite harsh.

As someone in STEM, I naturally take a methodical and research-driven approach to health and fitness. After diving into books, watching countless testimonials, and examining scientific studies, I eventually simplified my focus to one core metric: strength-to-weight ratio. That became my personal gauge of success.

Just my two cents, from where I stand today.

@Cathewofan

Thank you so much. Your two cents has proven, to me, to be one of the most enjoyable post to read.

The wrong reason you refered to, up above was a good one for me. Health.

Behind the health reason the self hatred was there.
When I got to discover how to get my body to run as an engine, as a machine the self hatred went away.
Yes training saved me! Truly

Would you mind elaborating on core metric: Strength-to-weight ratio? I like your perspective.

Take care strong Cathlete

 

[FitSaxe]

Below is my two cents. Apologies if I sound too formal or sciency. It's how my brain thinks.

Please do not be apologetic about being formal lol.

I love it. I am naturally formal too. I like the science behind too.
Great stuff buddy

 

[Gobias]

Those who incorporate ZONE 2 CARDIO, what is it that you do? I can't really get my HR up while walking. I don't have hills by me, so am thinking of getting a walking pad with incline. But what other ZONE 2 CARDIO workouts do you do?