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Exercise for Geeks?

Posted by Cliff on from the we're-going-to-pump-*clap*-you-up dept.

An anonymous reader asks: "A bunch of friends and I have been wondering for a while how to stay fit (and additionally, how to bulk up). While common suggestions include team sports, few of us are able to get together and play something outdoors since the weather here is abysmal. We would like to know how you geeks stay fit individually in your homes, and are there any ways to do so (while building up muscle) that don't involve expensive equipment? Thanks."

3 of 160 comments (clear)

  1. Swimming, hiking, biking, weight-lifting by Ivan+Raikov · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Well, you can lift weights for strength training (because all that sitting in front of a computer really affects your upper body posture); swim for flexibility training; on weekends you can go hiking and/or biking with your buddies -- that helps improve general endurance, and is a lot of fun, especially if there are beautiful mountains near where you are.

    None of these are particularly expensive, but they do require you to get out of your home -- I think exercising is a lot more effective when you do it with a friend, because you tend to slack off more when you are on your own ("Oh, I feel tired today, I'll just go tomorrow" versus your buddy dragging you to the gym).

    I especially enjoy group outings, because then you get to have fun while getting a good exercise. So do try to be more social in your exercise activities, and you'll benefit greatly.

    --
    Bush Lies Watch
  2. Bulking Up by MrIcee · · Score: 3, Interesting
    Exercise boils down to one thing... ya gotta keep doing it and doing it. That brings in motivation - and I've found that having someone to work out with is the #1 BEST motivator on the planet - because if one of you feels not like working out, the other usually convinces you to do it.

    Most people buy equipment and let it rot in the closet. I had done this a number of times in the past myself. However, a year ago I decided I was sick and tired of the situation - and I had been watching Bowflex ads. I did some research on the Bowflex and most magazines and reviews spoke well... so I broke down and bought their least expensive model.

    Does it work? YES! When my partner and I started to use the Bowflex... at the most I could press and curl was 15 pounds (per arm) - pretty pathetic. Now I'm up to curling 80 lbs per arm (160 lbs total weight) and rowing 90 lbs per arm. This after about 9 months of use where we use it every other day for about 20 minutes.

    My arms have muscles now... and I feel much better and want to keep going. (my partner actually has abs showing now... but I need to lose more weight before mine start to pop out)

    The other important thing is to try to get outside and hike/swim etc... as well. Being in Hawaii, this is easy year round, but for those of you in other climates you will have to substitute other activities during the nasty months.

    As per bulking up... avoid all the mixes/drinks/drugs that aid you in doing this. Build your muscles the natural way.

    Bottom line? The equipment doesn't matter... what DOES matter is that you STICK WITH IT. To do that... get a partner who has the same goals in mind (it doesn't hurt either, if your partner is in better physical condition than you... since it gives you more motiviation to reach their body).

    Oh yeah... and put a picture of a big fat man on your fridge :)

  3. Best for geeks by ehiris · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Dyna-Flex PowerlBall Gyro. It makes cool lights and it is also meant to eliminate the main physical problem we are all exposed to: carpal-tunnel.
    I can't even describe how quick my fingers fly on the keyboard and mouse after using it.
    It also provides a very cool way of tracking your progress with data that looks almost like process utilization metrics.

    Sorry if I sound like a comercial but I love it.