So*, Mama and I have been going to the gym pretty regularly (aside from sickness and out-of-town-ness, it's pretty much 6 times a week). And it's been good to increase strength and burn fat and lose weight and all that.
After working out earlier this week, I was showering, and as I was washing my chest I noticed something. I've got some cleavage. Ain't much (probably a good thing), but there are actually two distinct muscle groups on my chest, rather than one big wide one -- like suddenly having separate eyebrows instead of a unibrow. This says much more about the pathetic condition I was in before I started working out than it does about the great shape I'm in now (I've got a ways to go to achieve "great," even by my own reckoning), but it was still kinda cool.
I wouldn't have thought three months ago that the gym-cleavage I'd find most exciting would be my own. *Goes to admire self in mirror*
--Pop
Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
We come back to the age-old question. Is the important thing how good you look or how much you can lift?
So* how much are you bench pressing?
Posted by sarcasticmuppet (Member # 5035) on :
*is relieved* Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
*is worried* Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
Well, that thread title will bring in a lot of, uh, attention. Posted by IanO (Member # 186) on :
Aside from the joking, how much you max is, to me, a pointless question. Frankly, it is only good for milestones (and not always that), but I'm much more interested in the (bi)weekly increases in my rep weights. That is, if I am doing cable crossovers and initially did 4 sets of 12-10 at 20, 20, 30, 30 lbs on each arm and am now, two months later, using 50, 60, 60, 70 lbs, then I am happy. Or with tricep push downs, going from 80 lbs to 160 lbs as a weight I do reps with, then good. I mean, I could try to max out, but what's that going to do, you know? I'm trying to involve the entire muscle in sustained and strenuous work. Maxes, IMHO, don't tax the muscle for long enough time in comparison.
FWIW
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Time to get a bro, Papa Moose. Then you can start a thread about bro shopping.
Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
Sorry -- I was still admiring myself in the mirror. *smile*
I maxed at 245 thus far (200 pounds of weight on 45-pound bar). If I had a spotter, I could probably try 275 and be able to press it once with a minor chance of injury. But the 3x10 weight I've been doing is 205. When I do 225, it's more like 9-7-4. Those are all with bringing my arms to 90 degrees, though -- max bringing the bar all the way to my chest my max is 195, and my shoulder pops. I really really don't want to cause damage to my shoulder. Again.
--Pop
[Edit -- typo]
[ May 06, 2005, 12:12 PM: Message edited by: Papa Moose ]
Posted by IanO (Member # 186) on :
sheesh! Doesn't everyone know it's Manzier, not BRO?
[ May 06, 2005, 12:07 PM: Message edited by: IanO ]
Posted by Eruve Nandiriel (Member # 5677) on :
quote: I maxed at 245 thus far (200 pounds or weight on 45-pound bar). If I had a spotter, I could probably try 275 and be able to press it once with a minor chance of injury.
I can bench-press 50 pounds. About 5 times...
*flexes muscles* Posted by no. 6 (Member # 7753) on :
*feels ripped off about lack of female cleavage being discussed in this thread* Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
Female cleavage at the gym can be far too hypnotic, and makes me lose count. I think I did like 300 leg curls once....
Posted by imenimok (Member # 7679) on :
I'm going to not address the subject of female cleavage, but as far as the gym goes, I feel like a supreme wuss only being able to do 30lbs. on the reverse pec thing, but then I go to the back machine where I put the peg about two-thirds down the stack, and I feel better. Same with the leg sled.
And I agree about the upping weight vs. max thing.
Posted by Altáriël of Dorthonion (Member # 6473) on :
Wow. Thats cool Pop.
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
I can lift an insane amount of weight with my legs due to fencing. But it isn't max what I'm after--it's the muscle definition. It's so cool being able to see muscle rippling underneath the skin.
Posted by Altáriël of Dorthonion (Member # 6473) on :
I can hardly carry 20 pounds, let alone bench press...I'm not much of an exersize person.
Posted by no. 6 (Member # 7753) on :
I use no gym. I do pushups (currently 70 per day) and situps (only about 30 per day). I ride bikes and walk constantly.
I'm only interested in maintaining stamina and providing myself with aerobic excercise. Keeping up with a seven-year-old can be challenging!
Good point about the hypnotic qualities, however.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Pop, congratulations. It's great to start seeing the results of a workout regimen.
if you want to see some dramatic changes in definition, switch to dumbell exercises for a while. You'll have to go down in weight - probably to 70 or 80 pound dumbells at the top - but you shoud use slightly different parts of the muscles, which will define them better. You'd want to start at lower weight for a workout or to to practice form.
Your body is remarkably good at optimizing itself - you need to keep switching things up on it. Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
I read that no matter how out of shape you get, you can achieve 100% of your aerobic capacity at any age. That was encouraging.
Posted by IanO (Member # 186) on :
Hypnotic indeed. Like the very attractive girl on the treadmill in a sports bra wearing headphones. And I notice she has no MP3 armband nor anything on her waist. So where do her headphone wires disappear to? Where is that MP3 player being held, I wonder? People want to know! And lo and behold...!
Also hypnotic are the women doing Lying Leg Curls. Posted by TheHumanTarget (Member # 7129) on :
I actually think that cleavage at the gym should be mandated. It really helps get through those tedious cardio exercises...
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
And people wonder why I won't do those type of leg curls. EXACTLY THAT!
Posted by no. 6 (Member # 7753) on :
Maybe I should rethink this gym thing....
Posted by IanO (Member # 186) on :
Yeah, I do believe a woman has to know she is displaying herself doing that exercise. You can do the same thing with the seated leg curl
I will have to think about a new mandated rule...
Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
The fire has been officially lit below my butt now. I'm going to start back working out next week. Of course, it's in my garage and I have no mirrors, so it will be cleavageless.
Can you send me a picture, Pop?
Ian, I agree that a max doesn't really mean much except for competition. I use to be on the HS weightlifting team and did fairly well. But it occurred to me one day that there wasn't much point in benching 285 lbs if girls didn't think you could. It's much better to look like you can lift a lot than actually be able to do it.
Posted by IanO (Member # 186) on :
quote:Can you send me a picture, Pop?
*Imagines huge posters of Papa Moose's cleavage all over your garage to simulate the gym atmosphere*
Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
I wonder if he'll start another thread when he learns how to flex them separately and make them dance.
Posted by ludosti (Member # 1772) on :
I do that occasionally when I get bored, though it looks interesting, being a female and all...
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
I'm excited that the sinus infection is finally brought under enough control that I can exercise again. I got to fence a full practice last night (and then some), FINALLY. It was great. Of course, I'm tired and sore (yeay!), but whatever.
I have a tournament tomorrow. I was supposed to enter two events, but I figure it'll be safer to enter one because I'm still on antibiotics (21 days of Augmentin XR starting today after being on Levaquin for the previous ten days. The bacteria wil be DEAD DEAD DEAD!) and just barely got well enough for exercise.
I just hate losing the time at fencing and the gym. Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
Good for you, Pop!!
Of course, now you will have to stay in shape the rest of your life or you will need a manzier.
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
mac, are you taking a probiotic to go with all those antibiotics? (nag, nag)
Posted by TMedina (Member # 6649) on :
Relative standards on upper body strength, Alt.
Men tend to be stronger, which means we talk about much higher weight, relatively.
I don't feel (well, I try not to feel) like a wuss next to guys benching 300+ pounds and doing 60+ pound bicep curls.
Gym Cleavage
Ladies, if you're going to wear tight outfits, we're gonna notice. Fortunately, I was going to the YMCA which catered to mostly older members and families - I only had two cases of whiplash for the six months I was going.
The drawback - as Moose observed, it can be amazingly difficult to focus on your form when something in a sports bra and tights is panting, sweating and exerting next to you.
-Trevor
Posted by no. 6 (Member # 7753) on :
So, how much do all of you pay to excercise? Is it worth it?
I mean, I can watch joggers for free, but this sounds like a much better opportunity.
Posted by IanO (Member # 186) on :
The local community college has a state-of-the-art gym (and will do free evaluations, including body-fat analysis- using some kind of pod chamber) and the cost is $70 for 5 months. That's cheaper than you could ever get at Bally's or Gold's, which are around $70-$90/month, IIRC.
Posted by TMedina (Member # 6649) on :
Heh. I realize you're joking, but oggle too much and you'll get your membership revoked.
I forget what I was paying at the Y, but it was reasonable for me.
By going to the gym, I had access to a wide selection of weights, weight equipment and the cardio room.
Staying home, you have to be more motivated to do your routines and not get caught watching tv or napping or any of a dozen things you won't be able to do in the gym.
Additionally, for me it was a way of compartmentalizing and focusing - at the gym, I'm focused on the gym and not other stuff I have to do.
Tip While I've found attractive eye-candy to be too distracting when I'm trying to focus on my form and rep count, you can visit a gym during the hours you would normally attend and get an idea of the kind of membership it has.
This also applies to things like kiddie programs - during the summer, I was always in danger of being trampled by the hundred-odd children in the Y's summer programs as they stampeded down the hallway.
Free tip - gyms near colleges can be a lot of fun.
-Trevor
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
I pay so that I can use all the freeweights and nautilus machines, and the elliptical when it's crappy out and I don't want to run in it. It's just $19/month, and when I'm not sick, I go 4 times a week.
I also do not wear tight fitting clothing. *twitch* Talk about being embarassed!
...probiotics?
Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
This is why there are such things as "women only" gyms. I guess some women enjoy being oogled, but others just want to exercise.
And while some guys are vocalizing their wish for gym-going-ladies to wear tight clothing, I take it these same guys aren't wearing spandex bottoms themselves. Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
No, but I do generally swim in a Speedo.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
In a very, very quiet corner of my mind I usually try to shush, I admit that one of the perks of going to gym is the gorgeous male scenery.
Posted by DavidR (Member # 7473) on :
I just checked my paycheck deductions and they are still deducting my fitness center membership contribution, which I haven't used in well over a year. Now I'm motivated to start using it again. In fact, I think I will bug out a little early today, grab some workout clothes from my apartment and go work out before the motivation leaves me.
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
That reminds me, a gym membership subsidy is part of my benefits package. I should see if that applies to my tennis club membership.
Edit: katie, even if I believed you I think it's more important to be honest about it than to stifle those sorts of thoughts.
[ May 06, 2005, 04:08 PM: Message edited by: twinky ]
Posted by TMedina (Member # 6649) on :
Mixed bag Bev - some guys do wear tight outfits and strike a pose every time a woman walks by.
The YMCA I used wasn't a meat market, but there are a number of gyms that are the "new singles scene" and not just a place to exercise.
Which is another reason to check out the crowd first before signing up.
-Trevor
Edit: And really, I have to admit I'd rather gorgeous women in tight outfits not try to use the weight room while I'm in there.
With the best of intentions, I can't help sneaking a look and if I'm not screwing up my own form, the yutz next to me is dropping a 45 pound plate on my foot.
-Trevor
[ May 06, 2005, 04:10 PM: Message edited by: TMedina ]
Posted by IanO (Member # 186) on :
quote:And while some guys are vocalizing their wish for gym-going-ladies to wear tight clothing
Hmmm. Not sure I'd go that far...And I'll leave it at that. I certainly am not wearing spandex. Why inflict that on others? Posted by punwit (Member # 6388) on :
ludosti,
quote: I do that occasionally when I get bored, though it looks interesting, being a female and all...
Thanks for that mental image.
[ May 06, 2005, 05:29 PM: Message edited by: punwit ]
Posted by TMedina (Member # 6649) on :
While a lovely image, it doesn't compare to being the straight guy at a table while two rather well-endowed women and a gay man started discussing the physics pertaining to the difference of real versus augmented boobs in moving in opposition.
While I was cheerfully intoxicated, the gist of the argument was - apparently augments move in perfect harmony while real have subtle imperfections that prevent them from obtaining the same synchronization.
Worse - I watched one girl peer down and do a little shake while heading to the lady's room.
It was an interesting night.
-Trevor
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
"This is why there are such things as "women only" gyms. I guess some women enjoy being oogled, but others just want to exercise."
Yup. It is fun to be ogled, perhaps after fitness has been achieved, but not while it is being worked toward.
And for whatever reason, I think a bit of a belly on a man is sexy.
Posted by punwit (Member # 6388) on :
Ooohhh, oohhh, Elizabeth thinks I'm sexy! Yayyyy!!!!
Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
Dude, I think you're sexy, and I'm entirely hetero. Just sayin'.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
And I think the fact that you think Punwit is sexy is sexy.
Posted by punwit (Member # 6388) on :
Umm... wow, thanks Pop. You ain't too shabby yourself Papa and you have some new cleavage to spice things up a bit.
Posted by TMedina (Member # 6649) on :
Guys, you really need to stop.
The visuals won't stop screaming.
-Trevor
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
And nobody's even commented on twinky and his speedo yet! How's that being missed? Posted by punwit (Member # 6388) on :
As long as you keep it brief.
Posted by TMedina (Member # 6649) on :
Because, Eljay, the water was cold.
-Trevor
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
Posted by IanO (Member # 186) on :
Today's trip to the gym reminded me of one other distraction.
Low rise sweats or shorts (on women, of course. Yikes! The thought of men in those is enough to induce vomitting in my nutrient depleted body.) Especially with tatoos on the lower back. As much as I hate tatoos, they act like magnets on an already attractive aspect of the female form.
Please, for the love of all that is holy. Stop.
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
Hips are a naturally attractive part of the female form?
Posted by IanO (Member # 186) on :
Uh, yeah?!
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
I'm telling you, I'm clueless.
Posted by punwit (Member # 6388) on :
Mack, all parts are naturally attractive parts of a female.
Edit to remove an incomplete list. Women are beautiful in their entirety.
[ May 06, 2005, 07:11 PM: Message edited by: punwit ]
Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
Well, I didn't shoot for a new max today -- nobody I knew to spot for me. And I probably won't try tomorrow, because I upped my weight on inclined bench today, and my shoulders, while not injured, are decently sore (good worked-out sore, not painful I overdid it sore).
As to cost -- we pay $35 for Mama and $30 for me (or vice-versa, depending on whose name was written down first), plus $30 for childcare for both kids. This is one of the best parts of working out -- someone else watches my two kids for two hours (though I get called in for diaper changes -- liability issue the gym isn't willing to take on). Even if Mama never went, and I sat there doing nothing for two hours, we're essentially paying $1/hr/kid for babysitting. And if I really wanted to, I could go for another two hours in the evening, cutting that price in half.
So, yeah -- joining the gym was a good choice for us.
--Pop
Posted by IanO (Member # 186) on :
Join the club. I once was trying to make small talk with a girl (this was about 10 or 12 years ago, I guess) and somehow asked her if she liked to cook! Where that came from I have no idea.
clueless.
Posted by IanO (Member # 186) on :
Ah, you're right. (Ha!)
[ May 06, 2005, 07:19 PM: Message edited by: IanO ]
Posted by punwit (Member # 6388) on :
Sorry about that. I just wasn't comfortable with that list, it felt too objectifying. Anyway I've seen attractive feet and ankles and attractive upper backs.
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
punwit, I didn't see it as objectifying, certainly when it's a list of all the things that can catch an eye, and it went way beyond the obvious.
Posted by punwit (Member # 6388) on :
And Ian0 returns the favor.
Posted by IanO (Member # 186) on :
booyah! j/k
I know. I am sorry. But I thought you were right and I didn't want to leave it up.
[ May 06, 2005, 07:32 PM: Message edited by: IanO ]
Posted by punwit (Member # 6388) on :
Mack, not everyone would see it the way that you did. It's possible that no one would have called me on my list, but experience has shown me that, more often than not, someone will take offense. Perhaps your emersion in photography makes you more amenable to images and their power, be they parts of a whole or whole parts.
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
bet you're right.
(WOO! Ortiz just hit a homerun!)
Posted by TMedina (Member # 6649) on :
To be fair, just about every aspect of a woman can be eye-catching and attractive, depending on the context and situation.
You name it, odds are its caught my eye and I appreciated the visual at some point.
-Trevor
Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
300 pounds, baby! 300 pounds!!!!!
(Um.... bench press, not weight.)
This was one of my goals, and I reached it today, so I am pleased.
--Pop
Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
Dude. That's, like, twice my weight.
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
That's MORE than twice my weight.
And I feel insanely weak now. I just added 5lbs to my bar curl (at 75lbs now) and that was making me feel good, now I feel like I have so...far..to..goo.....
I just recently started working out again, been at it for a month with minor results, but I've never been to the gym, I work out at home on free weights. Most of the gym talk on here is going right over my head.
Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
That is great, Pop! The next big one is 315 with 3 plates on each end.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Wow. That's impressive.
I've got to get off my tail and hit the gym. I'd be scared to try 200 right now. Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Congratulations on the milestone, Papa.
I am having gym envy because of this thread - no exercise for me until after the baby is born. The JCC in Richmond has babysitting (and a brand-new gym and pools), and I know and trust them, so I think I'll be able to go. Of course, I'll probably burst into the nursery dripping and hysterical the first few times, but I'm sure they'll understand.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
quote:Of course, I'll probably burst into the nursery dripping and hysterical the first few times, but I'm sure they'll understand.
You know, this sentence makes me really happy. Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Angst]](graemlins/angst.gif)
![[ROFL]](graemlins/rofl.gif)
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Grumble]](graemlins/grumble.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Mad]](mad.gif)
![[Taunt]](graemlins/taunt.gif)
![[Blushing]](graemlins/blushing.gif)
Umm... wow, thanks Pop. You ain't too shabby yourself Papa and you have some new cleavage to spice things up a bit.
![[Frown]](frown.gif)