Is this the place? - JP Fitness Forums

Sinker · 03-20-2008, 11:57 AM

I'm old, but newer than new to caring about fitness. I had a back issue which caused me to want to lose some weight, which got me walking which got me mountain biking, which got me to here. In the last 15 months I've gone from 220-ish down to about 198 (first time below 200 this century), just from moving my prodigious posterior and eating a little better. Over the winter I've been doing a spin class at the Y, but now that spring is here I'm back on the trails with the bike.

Nothing breeds success like success. I'll be 49 in a few weeks, but feel better than I have in years. I like the changes, and Mrs Sinker REALLY likes the changes.

So what's next? Well, I'm still at 24% body fat (measured last night at the Y) with big, soft middle. I'd like to begin weight training, but the amount of information available is staggering (and much of it contradictory). I've got access to lots of equipment at the Y and I've got time to exercise 3 or 4 days a week for 45 minutes before work.

I've bounced around the internet and this forum is the best I've found for what appears to be reasonable advice and good people. I've got access to a full weight room and machines at the Y, and I've got 45 minutes available 3 or 4 days a week before work. Now all I need is a program. Where do I start?

I know this forum isn't aimed at beginners, so if there's someplace else I should ask these types of questions, please let me know.

jvernacchio · 03-20-2008, 12:31 PM

Pick up

Starting Strength by Mark Ripptoe

OR

New Rules of Lifting by Schuler and Cosgrove

OR

Mens Health Power Training by Robert Dos Remedios

OR

Muscle Revolution by Chad Waterbury

Those are some of the best purchases I have made over the last few years they all teach you sound lifting philosophies for a beginner. All of them emphasize "core strength" development by utilizing compound lifts. If you have a weak back you are going to want to strengthen your core to avoid injuries. Having broken my lower back (in 96) I can tell you having a strong core will make the recovery process all that much easier.

Just check your ego at the door take it slow and build up your strength slowly, keeping track of your lifting progress. I am sure others will throw in many more books that are beneficial as well.

Dhocott · 03-20-2008, 12:52 PM

Also check out the TNT Diet by Adam Campbell and Jeff Volek. It will help you get rid of that soft middle and it too has a beginner's workout program.

Welcome to the forum.

Lisa~ · 03-20-2008, 01:11 PM

Great recommendations so far. I'll narrow that list. Get the TNT Diet by Adam Campbell and either Starting Strength or NROL. I think either of those two books are better for the total beginner than Dos' or Waterbury's books (which are also great books).

Welcome to the forum. You've come to the right place.

Tom@foresight · 03-20-2008, 01:44 PM

Welcome,

I would back Lisa up and say go for the NROL book, know a few people who have seen some great results with it. I think it is also easily understandable for a beginner!

Good luck!

TOM

Lisa~ · 03-20-2008, 02:23 PM

Or buy both Starting Strength and NROL. NROL is a great book for basic understanding of movement patterns and lifting in general, and it's an easy, entertaining read. But Starting Strength is so good a teaching the big lifts. There's detail upon detail about how to squat and deadlift. The NROL forum is full of questions from new lifters about how to perform those lifts. It'd be worth it to get both books, IMO.

Sinker · 03-20-2008, 02:36 PM

Thanks for all the info, I'm looking forward to educating myself and getting started! I've heard good things about TnT, so I'll probably order that first.

To be honest, I'm worried about my back with squats, deadlifts, etc. I've got lumbar stenosis. The first time it flared up was Sept 06; I ended up sitting on the floor at work unable to move, and it took several weeks to get back to normal. I've had two subsequent bouts that were much less severe, but still bad enough to curtail all activity for a few days. In between bouts I'm completely symptom-free...I ride a mountain bike, I ride my Harley, whatever I want. I know I need to strengthen my lower back and core, but I know I'll have to be a student of perfect form.

Mahler · 03-20-2008, 04:19 PM

I am kind of pissed that you think 49 is old.
Psst. I'm 59 and don't even consider THAT old.
Great suggestions thus far. I've done NROL and found it to be one of the best programs I have done.

Sinker · 03-20-2008, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mahler

I am kind of pissed that you think 49 is old.
Psst. I'm 59 and don't even consider THAT old.
Great suggestions thus far. I've done NROL and found it to be one of the best programs I have done.

Sorry, no offense intended! I just wish I had started this years ago.