I would like to know if there are members here who, while working full-time (or more), have been able to fit in 3 full hours of exercise each week? If so, what type(s) of exercise, and how long have you maintained this?

Thanks.

Easy to do. And I've been doing it for the past two years. I'm extremely lazy though, so in my case it requires a personal trainer. Three hours a week is enough I think. Leaves 165 hours free to do whatever else you want...

Yep I manage more than that each week. Usually involves getting up a 6am though and it helps having a gym located very close by and also that I can walk to work.

Humac wrote:Easy to do. And I've been doing it for the past two years. I'm extremely lazy though, so in my case it requires a personal trainer. Three hours a week is enough I think. Leaves 165 hours free to do whatever else you want...

What is your routine? Gym only? Or gym plus other forms of exercise? Average/ week? Are you below or above 40? At or above 50?

hammerforlife wrote:Yep I manage more than that each week. Usually involves getting up a 6am though and it helps having a gym located very close by and also that I can walk to work.

How much more do you do? Average/ week? Just the gym? No other form/s of exercise? Are you below or above 40? At or above 50?

I work a normal 8 to 4:30 day M-F. I go to the gym for a 45 minute run 3 times a week and do yoga/pilates 2 times a week in the morning. I'm usually done by 6 PM. I've kept this routine for about 8 months. I found just paying the gym fee to be a big help with motivation to go. (I'm mid-twenties)

I have been doing P90x and then Insanity for the past 4 months. I wake up at 5 am. These programs are DVD based. The workouts are usually 40 to 60 minutes for 6 days a week.

For me, I have found that I must workout in the morning because I am married with kids and I spend time with the family in the evening. I am 39.

I did this same routine in the states for over 10 years, just mixed it up with running or bicycle or weights.

My advice would be to find a workout partner for at least twice per week. This will help you workout on the other days too.

texas_ex wrote:I have been doing P90x and then Insanity for the past 4 months.

How's your shape changed? Both condition and body shape.

ATP wrote:

hammerforlife wrote:Yep I manage more than that each week. Usually involves getting up a 6am though and it helps having a gym located very close by and also that I can walk to work.

How much more do you do? Average/ week? Just the gym? No other form/s of exercise? Are you below or above 40? At or above 50?

In an average week I manage to run 3-4 times (30-45 minutes), either on a treadmill or around my compound which has a 600m path around the outside which is useful. I then manage a couple of times a week using lights weights. I also climb 100+ flights of stairs a week with a rucksack on my back full of books as I am a climber and have a couple of trips planned for the next few months! Age 40+ sadly.

Marakanis wrote:I'll be getting a gym membership next month, for now my apartment happened to have a treadmill in it. I run for 30 minutes every other day, and do various exercises everyday.
Pushups, squats, lunges, etc. =P

I should point out I'm very lazy and wouldn't do anything if my wife weren't whipping at me. =P

She's in much better shape than I. She uses workout videos that are free on youtube.

So...30 mns/day? I would hazard a guess that you're below 40 then?

Marakanis wrote:

ATP wrote:

Marakanis wrote:I'll be getting a gym membership next month, for now my apartment happened to have a treadmill in it. I run for 30 minutes every other day, and do various exercises everyday.
Pushups, squats, lunges, etc. =P

I should point out I'm very lazy and wouldn't do anything if my wife weren't whipping at me. =P

She's in much better shape than I. She uses workout videos that are free on youtube.

So...30 mns/day? I would hazard a guess that you're below 40 then?

30 minutes of running every other day...

But yeah... Why, what happens when I hit 40?

When you hit 40? Nothing spectacular--you're just not in your 30s any more.

Yes it is possible, I have been doing it for the past 14 months.
3 times a week @ 6:00 AM (and lately an extra session Saturdays at 9:00).
2/3 days - outdoor bootcamp (in a park), combination of cardio & strength excercises.
1 day - indoor bootcamp (in a gym), circuit training w/ weights.
I have a trainer and we are a team of around 10 people doing this.

The only way it really works (if you want to put yourself in shape) is if you take it as a job. I go to work EVEN if I'm not 'in the mood' same with excercise (trust me is hard to get your butt out of bed at 5-5:30 in the morning) still I ROLL and I sit and is TIME TO GO !!!!.
Also having a team of people to work with you is more fun and you share the pain. Having a trainer helps you to get motivated, helps you to be focused and saves you time because you do what you need to do properly versus wasting time doing stuff the wrong way. Works for me.

It is possible, everybody in my team works full time.

20 minute cardio, 1 hour weight lifting, 5 days a week.
5 minute love making, 20 times a week.

condesa wrote:Yes it is possible, I have been doing it for the past 14 months.
3 times a week @ 6:00 AM (and lately an extra session Saturdays at 9:00).
2/3 days - outdoor bootcamp (in a park), combination of cardio & strength excercises.
1 day - indoor bootcamp (in a gym), circuit training w/ weights.
I have a trainer and we are a team of around 10 people doing this.

The only way it really works (if you want to put yourself in shape) is if you take it as a job. I go to work EVEN if I'm not 'in the mood' same with excercise (trust me is hard to get your butt out of bed at 5-5:30 in the morning) still I ROLL and I sit and is TIME TO GO !!!!.
Also having a team of people to work with you is more fun and you share the pain. Having a trainer helps you to get motivated, helps you to be focused and saves you time because you do what you need to do properly versus wasting time doing stuff the wrong way. Works for me.

It is possible, everybody in my team works full time.

What age are you-under 40? over 40? At or above 50? Ages of your exercise 'team' members?

Why the obsession with age?

No "obsession" as you see it. But, there is a difference in what is capable for a man in his 30s, 40s or 50s.Correct?

Not in my experience. Age is just one, fairly minor I would suggest, factor. At least for me.

ATP wrote:No "obsession" as you see it. But, there is a difference in what is capable for a man in his 30s, 40s or 50s.Correct?

I'm in my 30's. My team 20's & 30's (all females).The 2 ladies that are in SERIOUS scary good shape are in their mid/ late thirties.
I agree that age is a factor specially if you are planning to make it to the Gymnastics Olympic Team .

If you are planning to get in better shape or in the best shape of your life that is feasible despite the age you got if you put tons of sweat and effort. If you are 'competing' with yourself, there is always room for improvement.
Having a trainer helps because a good trainer knows when you are been 'lazy' (for example I hate to run so...) or when you simply can't.

Interval training treadmill and eliptical machine. 30 minute sessions 3 times a week, at lunch times. 10 mins on 10 mins rest inbetween so total 60 mins each time I guess. Plus 2 1+ hour sessions of squash. I'm Just shy of 40. Been doing this for a round 5 months now.

Marakanis wrote:Just look at Jack Lalane and other fitness gurus. Spry and chipper well into their twilight. Lalane was running around doing commercials showing how fit he was up until he died in January of this year.

Here he is at the ripe old age of 71, around the time most men are preparing to shuffle off the mortal coil.


95 years old...

And all he had was that juicer machine...

ATP wrote:No "obsession" as you see it. But, there is a difference in what is capable for a man in his 30s, 40s or 50s.Correct?

Not at all. My father wasn't physically active most his life. But, began running when he was in his 50's and had finished more than 15 marathons by the time he was 57. I can't even run close to a marathon and I'm more than half his age. He ran 6 days a week while working long hours. Motivation and drive do wonders. My 65 year old karate instructor from home? Pretty sure he can kick almost anyone's rear.

I mean, yeah, sports like gymnastics? ballet? Definitely have age issues. But, being physically fit and awesome? Age is nothing.

We all know about Lalane. In terms of distribution curve, we also know that he was in the tail end--what's this, 2.5%? Also, he had been doing this since his late teens--so, for something like 80 years?
Not a good example. Or an example of what very long term conditioning can achieve.

Most of the population will NEVER achieve any where near the same result, most especially any man who begins on this path in his 40s, let alone 50s. Not with all the will in the world. ...Well, it might be possible, if he had loads of money, and endless time to devote to the goal. If not, then it is only wishful thinking at best, or fantasy at worst. If this kind of ostentatious muscularity is the goal. Again, not for every man.

ATP wrote:We all know about Lalane. In terms of distribution curve, we also know that he was in the tail end--what's this, 2.5%? Also, he had been doing this since his late teens--so, for something like 80 years?
Not a good example. Or an example of what very long term conditioning can achieve.

Most of the population will NEVER achieve any where near the same result, most especially any man who begins on this path in his 40s, let alone 50s. Not with all the will in the world. ...Well, it might be possible, if he had loads of money, and endless time to devote to the goal. If not, then it is only wishful thinking at best, or fantasy at worst. If this kind of ostentatious muscularity is the goal. Again, not for every man.

I think you're looking for an excuse not to exercise. Understandable. Me too. It's hard work. But you don't need money...ok, a little, but no more than I used to spend in the pub. And finding the time is easy once you examine your lifestyle.

Humac wrote:

ATP wrote:We all know about Lalane. In terms of distribution curve, we also know that he was in the tail end--what's this, 2.5%? Also, he had been doing this since his late teens--so, for something like 80 years?
Not a good example. Or an example of what very long term conditioning can achieve.

Most of the population will NEVER achieve any where near the same result, most especially any man who begins on this path in his 40s, let alone 50s. Not with all the will in the world. ...Well, it might be possible, if he had loads of money, and endless time to devote to the goal. If not, then it is only wishful thinking at best, or fantasy at worst. If this kind of ostentatious muscularity is the goal. Again, not for every man.

I think you're looking for an excuse not to exercise. Understandable. Me too. It's hard work. But you don't need money...ok, a little, but no more than I used to spend in the pub. And finding the time is easy once you examine your lifestyle.

I wouldn't be too quick to draw conclusions that could be wrong. I discontinued exercising fast walking
1 hr/day (or more) 3x/wk last summer-did this for 6 months, including the summer, where in the morning start would be around 6-6.30AM.

I have resumed exercise, and again with a home-based bicycle exercise machine. Now almost have my routine to around 30 mins/day 3x/wk.Did this initially for 6 months. Still quite far from the suggested
3 hrs/week of vigorous exercise.

Humac wrote: But you don't need money...ok, a little, but no more than I used to spend in the pub.

What is your frame of reference here? By my understanding, a gym membership costs money, and more than one would spend in the pub. Depends on how much you spend.

Some here have their own personal trainer. This just costs a little? I think that you have to be pulling in serious coin to be able to afford this.

Running? Ostensibly not expensive, but for the correct shoes, if you can find them here. Walking? The same applies. Swimming? pool membership costs, but is not exorbitant at some places Certainly cheaper than a personal trainer.Things like tennis? Costs a pretty penny. Yoga? Yep, it costs a pretty penny too, in this town.

While to a certain extent age is a limiting factor, certainly income is, depending on the nature of the exercise chosen to be undertaken in a serious manner.

Last time I looked it cost nothing to do press-ups, jumping jacks, squats, lunges etc etc. As for weights, there's plenty of stuff you can use just lying about. I use a couple of these large water containers (not the big drums!) when I'm not at the gym. My two sessions with the personal trainer cost me the equivalent of around 8 pints of beer. You probably don't need to continue to pay for a personal trainer after you know to do things properly, but it keeps me motivated.

Gym membership, a colleague tells me, is around 200rmb a month or less.

As I mentioned earlier one of the ways I get in shape for my climbing trips is to climb lots of stairs with a heavy rucksack. That doesn't even need expensive shoes. One thing that Shanghai does have is plenty of stairs.

Running is the other thing that I prefer. A gym membership is nice but no way is it essential to getting fit.

ATP wrote:

Humac wrote: But you don't need money...ok, a little, but no more than I used to spend in the pub.

What is your frame of reference here? By my understanding, a gym membership costs money, and more than one would spend in the pub. Depends on how much you spend.
.

Here are some numbers:
My (new) gym membership is 1800RMB/6 months (could be less or more)
or 300/month
or 75/week
I can easily spend this in a pub in one week. Or, in one sitting at a western restaurant. Paying this much up front is a gigantic motivation for me. (I by no means make a decent salary here)

Oh, and the P90X work outs are great.

Marakanis wrote:Where's Ramsey??? Come talk some sense into this fool.

I've been busy working all day, then I went to bed, slept for a couple of hours, woke up to let the dog out, and checked this forum for kicks and giggles.

To answer the OP's question, no I don't get much exercise outside of work. It's because my full time work is exercise. If I'm not training other people, I'm training myself. I've got two more fights coming up soon and I can't afford not to work out all the frickin' time. My life & livelihood depend on it.

When I'm not working, I generally try to do stuff that involves not exercising- like siting down, eating, sleeping, and such. It's not that I don't enjoy my work, I do, a lot- but the human body can only take so much abuse in one day. Good rest is just as important as good exercise.

Here's me "talking some sense into this fool"
2 points I'd like to address:

1. You can get fit at any age. Senior citizen fitness gurus like Jack Lalane and John Peterson aren't super mutants, they're just guys who take care of themselves.

2. $$$ should never be a factor in getting fit. You need three things: consistency, intensity, and a well thought out plan. Those things take desire, personal initiative, effort, and knowledge of correct principles. No amount of money thrown at a personal trainer can give you the first three items in that list. The third is out there for the taking if you do your homework- all that costs is time and effort.

The richest man in the world only has 24 hours in a day to get his business done, same as you. No sense blaming a poor state of fitness on a lack of funds.

Getting fat on the other hand, now that costs $$$ to pull off.

You want an awesome workout that you can do anywhere without any equipment? I'll give you a dozen of them. PM me if you're serious. I won't even charge you a nickel.

I'm 32, by the way. I'm in substantially better shape now than I was in my 20's, and that's after 3 major surgeries and a half dozen debilitating injuries. Am I saying if I can do it so can you? Hell no. Chances are you lack the intestinal fortitude to keep training every day even though you're walking with the assistance of a cane because you're patellar tendons have turned to jello and scream at you every time you take a step. Chances are you lack the perseverance to spar one more round even though you're completely spent because you know the guy you're going to fight in two weeks is younger, faster, and stronger and you don't stand a chance if you don't cowboy up and get back on the bull. Chances are, you have no motivation to work out the way I do because your life simply doesn't require it.

Sorry if any of that sounds harsh or judgmental. I'm not in the business of making people feel good about themselves just the way they are. My work is to elicit change.