On an inclined bench. Holding a rope which led to a weight.
Okay, my trainer took the weight off after seventy, but still…
This going-to-the-gym thing is starting to pay off. 
I have a lot more energy, and I’ve been going at Warp Seven through conflicting priorities at work and even enjoying it. I’m feeling thinner and less bloated as well. And I actually have visible muscles in assorted arm, shoulder, and leg places as well!
I may not have a girlfriend, but I’m getting in shape for it. 
Pretty cool. Congratulations and good job!
Good job, fella. You’ll love the new you. Now go slay them wimmins.
Thats not a particularly good way to build stomach muscle, neither a particularly good way to lose weight.
It might not be perfect, but for us starting sporty types such comments are not very helpful. When I enrolled in a gym a year ago, I was bloody fanatic, and very pleased with the progress I saw. Then I asked a guy working at the gym for a taylored training program. He provided one, but paradoxically all his program did was put me off excercising. Apparently what I had done so far was child-play, and ineffective to boot. That took most of the fun out or it for me. Which was stupid, because the most important reasons I excersized, were the ones Sunspace mentions: more energy and more self-respect. And I got that while I trained, untill my motivation trailed off.
Damn, I want that motivation back. I’m restarting my original program tomorrow and my trainer guy can shove his perfect taylored program up his firm and muscled butt.
“Not particularly good” is a lot better than “none at all”, mr. jp. I am starting from a very low fitness base (i. e. 20 years at a desk), and as I learn more, I will change.
Besides, I said nothing at all about the assorted other exercises I am doing.
But he doesn’t have a girlfirend at this time, so the most effective means of building stomach muscle and losing weight will have to wait for the time being.
Good job, Sunspace. Have fun and keep up the good work.
Thanks, everyone!
Yes, it has actually gotten to the point where it is becoming fun. And for the first time in my life, I’m actually at times starting to feel relaxed and at home in the gym. Considering that gym class was a hell of shame and humiliation for me when I was in public and high school, this is a major thing.
A hundred sit-ups? Gym? Muscles? Knowing your job, Sunspace, I’m sure the gym is welcome (and fun) time away from your workplace. You’re gonna be a hit with the ladies for sure. Well done!
Warn the women in Calgary/Edmonton that I’m coming for a visit. (Though out of concern for greenhouse gas emissions, I may be taking the train. Also, I really like trains.)
It’s a damn sight better than sitting on the sofa. I’m not directing this at you personally mr. jp, but when I hear remarks like this in passing when I’m at the gym, I can’t help but wonder if the remarker can do 100 situps?
I also get annoyed when I hear personal trainers make snarky (and loud) remarks like that to their clients. E.g. “Only an idiot would do that [cardio on an elliptical]. It’s a waste of time”. Of course, this is followed by a technical sounding explanation of why their method is better.
Congratulations and keep up the good work, Sunspace
I’ve done the train trip–it’s great, and you’ll have a good time. Just let me know when, and I’ll warn the local ladies.
(The heck I will. 
)
Just looked at the fare: $871 return in lowest fare class, and about a two-day journey. Am I right in assuming that that’s a tiltable seat rather than a bed? (I did two overnight train trips in Europe, but that was on a Eurailpass and in a compartment with a bed.)
Heck, I know people who went all the way to Vancouver on the bus, so it can’t be that bad. On the other hand, they said that they’d never do it again…
(on the train in Europe:
:: wakes up, checks new text message on cellphone… Hey! I’m in Belguim! …goes back to sleep :: )
If cost is a factor, condsider flying WestJet – about $300 round trip.
Unfortuately, VIA Rail no longer runs along the shores of Superior.
Herschel Walker was actually excused from weight training at Georgia because of his sit-up and push-up routine, so you’re in excellent company. 3000 and 1500 respectively… but you’re well on your way!
It’s more the greenhouse gas thing.
Admittedly, $871 was a lot less than I expected. I thought that the Transcontinental was basically at ‘rail cruise’ prices. And yes, I’m mad that the train no longer goes along the north shore of Superior, connecting (among other places) Thunder Bay. How could they make such a silly decision as to avoid the largest city in Northwestern Ontario? I mean, that takes work.
I resemble that remark!
I did 100 situps one night without stopping…on a bet…I felt like I was going to die the next day though…come to think of it, I thought I was going to die before I finished them, but 50 bucks is quite a bit of money for me.
I need to go back to the gym. I think that when I get the shed in my backyard finished, I’m going to set my weights back up and start lifting again. It’s more than I’m doing now and I really enjoy it. God knows I could do the exercise.
And by the way, CONGRATS to you Sunspace, I’m glad you’re feeling better and have more energy. I’m currently trying to loose some weight through dieting and don’t think it’s gonna come off without a fair amout of exercise as well. I hope I can get to your level at some point. 100 situps without ill effects is awesome man, keep up the good work.
Thanks!
No ill effects, except some heavy breathing, though some of that may have been caused by some of the women at the gym.
But I have had to work up over quite a long time. In this current cycle of exercising (I’ve tried before), I’ve been going for about six months. But this is the first time I’ve gotten past that “ugh, it’s still work” barrier.
Oddly, I haven’t lost very much weight… I’m still at 195 pounds (yes, we still use pounds at the gym, probably because so much equipment and literature comes from the States) as when I started. It’s just… transmogrifying itself, so to speak.
(I keep telling myself, I need to make a shirt that says, “Recovering Office Worker”.)
It’s a pity, for the Canadian north shore of Superior is wonderously beautiful.
They make more money on freight. Only the runs between close major cities (e.g. Toronto – Montreal) are cost effective.
If you ever have the time, try to catch a lake freighter from TO to TBay – it really puts the geography into perspective.