When do you all exercise?

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Algophiliac

Algophiliac

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I pretty much haven't done any premeditated exercise since before August...due to the hectic adjustments I've been facing with classes, social life, and living with another person.

When do you all find time to work out?

I used to get up at 6 AM and jog outside for at least 30 minutes during the summer, and then I'd follow that up with an hour of swimming in the early afternoons and an hour of bike riding in the early evenings. Occasionally I'd just wake up later and go for a walk instead of the run, but I'd still be very active. Now...well, not so much...other than walking around a hell of a lot more back and forth from classes, the library, and my dorm room.

I guess my problem is that I hate gyms and treadmills and machines and prefer running outdoors, but I'd feel so self-conscious (and unsafe) running around campus at 6 AM. And I doubt I can wake up that early, since my roommate keeps me up late with intense gaming.

The sad part is that I had been hoping to eventually run a marathon or participate in a triathlon at some point in my life. 😛 Plus I need the stress relief.
 
Go play an intramural sport. You will get plenty of exercise. 🙂
 
Running on campus early in the morning is probably pretty safe since there'll be plenty of people around. Most muggings occur in the evening or at night anyway. Maybe I'm naive, but I don't think anyone judges other people in a gym or out exercising. I know I don't and none of my friends do. Maybe that's a guy thing. In any event, I'm going to say you have nothing to be self-conscious about until someone shouts me down. You've set yourself up for a no-win situation where you basically can't ever work out. For most people, that's just an excuse, but it sounds like you really do want to get going. If that's the case, you're going to have to get over either the fear of being assaulted or the fear of being judged.

Not that you mentioned it, but a lot of people argue that they don't have time to exercise. Yes, yes, you do. Sorry, that excuse doesn't work. You may have to treat it as a required activity like studying or class or whatever, but you have time. Personally, I work out every other day in the afternoon. It's a great stress release. I understand that it's tough to get a routine going, but if you give it a shot, you'll be in the groove in a week or two.
 
Last semester, I'd run during breaks in between classes, like when I'd have an 8:45 and an 11:30 class. It was just enough time to change into gym clothes, go for a run, shower and get to class. Then I'd always lift weights at night, right before the gym closed. It's always easiest when you work it into a set schedule. If you're telling yourself, "I'll try to hit the gym/go for a run when I'm sitting around with nothing to do", that's when you typically see a week/month/year go by without any exercise. I can't tell you when's a good time. I suggest you evaluate your schedule, and make an effort to devote an hour here or there to going out for a run, just like if it was a mandatory discussion section.
 
I go RIGHT after I'm done with class for the day and either lift and run, or lift and play basketball until my legs are numb and I'm so hungry I want to vomit.
 
Algophiliac said:
I pretty much haven't done any premeditated exercise since before August...due to the hectic adjustments I've been facing with classes, social life, and living with another person.

When do you all find time to work out?

I used to get up at 6 AM and jog outside for at least 30 minutes during the summer, and then I'd follow that up with an hour of swimming in the early afternoons and an hour of bike riding in the early evenings. Occasionally I'd just wake up later and go for a walk instead of the run, but I'd still be very active. Now...well, not so much...other than walking around a hell of a lot more back and forth from classes, the library, and my dorm room.

I guess my problem is that I hate gyms and treadmills and machines and prefer running outdoors, but I'd feel so self-conscious (and unsafe) running around campus at 6 AM. And I doubt I can wake up that early, since my roommate keeps me up late with intense gaming.

The sad part is that I had been hoping to eventually run a marathon or participate in a triathlon at some point in my life. 😛 Plus I need the stress relief.
Click to expand...

I will exercise anywhere from 3pm-10pm on campus. There are pull up bars, dip bars, and you can do push ups / sit ups on the grass. This is an outside unit near an ROTC so it is perfect. Travel time is a 5-7 min jog there and back. Workout times can be as short as 30-40 min including travel. On non body weight exercise days just a nice 5-7 min warm up followed by a 30 min jog.

Perfect.

Use it as a study break. Can't study any more because you want to smash your head into the table, go do your 30 min!

I have a good pyramid training from some military website too, you do like 7 sets up and then 7 sets back down. pretty tough.

I think the keys to working out as a pre-med are as follows:


  • can't have long workout times (10 min traveling each way adds to 20 min! This is 66% of my workout time). Plus 60-75 min training session could tie up 2 hrs. WAYYYY to much, you will just talk yourself out of going because you don't have 2 hrs. But everyone has 30 min
  • Use it as a study break. Your brain starts to wear anywhere from 2.5 -5 hrs, so give it a breather and go run or do a training session
  • Training outside instead of the gym. The advantage here is time again. people who go to a gym, park, put their stuff in a locker, warm up, etc. By the time they begin their workout mine is complete.
  • consistency. quicker session = more consistent which gets you into shape and makes training easier and your body recovers faster.
Good luck!
 
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go to a gym and lift weights like a real man!
 
In the morning before classes. Like 8 AM or around there, jog outside for an hour.
 
MilkmanAl said:
Running on campus early in the morning is probably pretty safe since there'll be plenty of people around. Most muggings occur in the evening or at night anyway. Maybe I'm naive, but I don't think anyone judges other people in a gym or out exercising. I know I don't and none of my friends do. Maybe that's a guy thing. In any event, I'm going to say you have nothing to be self-conscious about until someone shouts me down. You've set yourself up for a no-win situation where you basically can't ever work out. For most people, that's just an excuse, but it sounds like you really do want to get going. If that's the case, you're going to have to get over either the fear of being assaulted or the fear of being judged.

Not that you mentioned it, but a lot of people argue that they don't have time to exercise. Yes, yes, you do. Sorry, that excuse doesn't work. You may have to treat it as a required activity like studying or class or whatever, but you have time. Personally, I work out every other day in the afternoon. It's a great stress release. I understand that it's tough to get a routine going, but if you give it a shot, you'll be in the groove in a week or two.
Click to expand...

Agreed. You can find the time if you really want to.
 
I get up at 6am and go to the gym to get it out of the way. Having barely anyone there at that time and not waiting for anything is far worth waking up at that time 👍
 
My problem is usually that I really prefer to work out in the morning at around 9 or 10. As everyone knows, that's a terrible time when in school, because we have classes going on! I need to learn how to work out in the afternoon =(
 
Between class and research. You've just got to make time. You need exercise.
 
Gallix23 said:
I get up at 6am and go to the gym to get it out of the way. Having barely anyone there at that time and not waiting for anything is far worth waking up at that time 👍
Click to expand...

I really love running at 6 AM. Maybe I'll just tell my roommate to stuff it so I can get some sleep...and then hit the streets in the AM. 😎

As far as weights go, I don't do anything other than exercises such as push-ups, dips, and the like. Gym machines and free weights aren't really my thing. Should I rethink that mentality?

MilkmanAl, plenty of students run in the mornings--at 9 AM--but I have classes then and prefer to run earlier anyway, and I'm a little worried running that early may attract judgment and unwanted attention. But why not simply try it once and see, instead of worrying over something that may not even be a problem?

The taking breaks between studying idea is awesome! I keep forgetting how easy it is to just stuff my books into a locker, change into shorts, and head outside. Swimming on the weekends between studying may also be a great idea, now that I think about it. 🙂 There really is time if you make it! 😀
 
I tend to like going in the morning to jumpstart my body, or during a lunch break.

I'm a diabetic, so keeping my circulation strong is very important. I'm also an energetic type, so I need to exercise to avoid losing my sanity and/or commiting hara-kiri. I'm at the gym at least 5 days/week.

yea, that's a lot, i know. and my undergrad institution is anything but easy, both in reputation and in truth. fortunately, I've never slept much... even as a baby. I run off of about 4-6 hours/night, and less when exams demand it.

On the one hand, I get strong grades at a great school. On the other hand, I'll be dead when I'm 50. meh. mayhaps i should choose a short residency...
 
BennieBlanco said:
  • consistency. quicker session = more consistent which gets you into shape and makes training easier and your body recovers faster.
Click to expand...

This is the bad part of body weight exercises, once they start to get easy you just stagnate. When your workouts are easy you don't sufficiently tear down your muscles in order to make them grow back larger. You need to start adding some weight.
 
Algophiliac said:
The sad part is that I had been hoping to eventually run a marathon or participate in a triathlon at some point in my life. 😛 Plus I need the stress relief.
Click to expand...

You could probably do a sprint length triathlon right now and be able to finish it.

I've really got to hunker down and plan out my time better to be able to fit in 7-11 hours of training a week 😱 ... I'm competing in the collegiate championships this spring, and the age group nationals at the end of summer.
 
Algophiliac said:
]and prefer running outdoors, but I'd feel so self-conscious (and unsafe) running around campus at 6 AM.\
Click to expand...

Are you a girl or a dude? If you are a dude, stop being a girl and dont be scared!
 
Just did!! I'm really, really terrible at going to the gym frequently but am working on getting a routine going, so I'm proud that I just went 🙂
 
lul sdn doesn't lift.

set aside a schedule and stick to it. I always choose the gym over social events. the way i see it is you will always have your body but you won't always have the same set of friends. take care of your body, you won't have another one. friends are dispensable and come and go.
I personally study my ass off Monday- Thursdays and lift hard Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Granted I have no social life what so ever but I've been powerlifting for a year now and I compete every few months. you can do it. just prioritize
 
Just read a paper on how patients with better cardiovascular health have physically bigger brains. A significant discrepancy when your 40+.
 
Algophiliac said:
I guess my problem is that I hate gyms and treadmills and machines and prefer running outdoors, but I'd feel so self-conscious (and unsafe) running around campus at 6 AM.
Click to expand...

I don't think muggers, kidnappers, and rapists get up at 6 am either.
 
MilkmanAl said:
Running on campus early in the morning is probably pretty safe since there'll be plenty of people around. Most muggings occur in the evening or at night anyway. Maybe I'm naive, but I don't think anyone judges other people in a gym or out exercising. I know I don't and none of my friends do. Maybe that's a guy thing. In any event, I'm going to say you have nothing to be self-conscious about until someone shouts me down. You've set yourself up for a no-win situation where you basically can't ever work out. For most people, that's just an excuse, but it sounds like you really do want to get going. If that's the case, you're going to have to get over either the fear of being assaulted or the fear of being judged.

Not that you mentioned it, but a lot of people argue that they don't have time to exercise. Yes, yes, you do. Sorry, that excuse doesn't work. You may have to treat it as a required activity like studying or class or whatever, but you have time. Personally, I work out every other day in the afternoon. It's a great stress release. I understand that it's tough to get a routine going, but if you give it a shot, you'll be in the groove in a week or two.
Click to expand...

agreed, so hard.

(this is OT, but i also hate when people say they don't have time to cook.)

FWIW, i take a cardio kickboxing class 2x/week, and work out on my own 2-3x/week. i did this all through college as well-- it can be done. man up.
 
J DUB said:
morning and night...i'm a fat bastard right now...😳
Click to expand...
Lol you reminded me of Austin Powers..Fat bastard is sooooooooooo funny haha.
I've never been the type of person who exercises cuz I've been thin all my life (thanks god!) and didn't need to. But I actually like it..it's just that I don't have the time, plus weather here in SFlorida is so freaking hot, plus I hate gyms too. I was trying to work out everyday and I kept it for a couple of months but that's always the same..keep it a couple of months and stopped. I should start again since I'm spending some weekends all day in my bedroom studying!! 🙄🙁
 
Lately, just in the morning on the weekends. I live off campus and walk about two miles a day as well. I find that I am more productive if I have had a morning run.

Carry a small pepper-spray in your fleece pocket. I think this is a good idea for all females (which I am assuming you are), on college campuses and surrounding areas. At six in the morning you should be fairly safe though. Just stay in well lit areas if it is dark, and the more people around the better.
 
chman said:
Lately, just in the morning on the weekends. I live off campus and walk about two miles a day as well. I find that I am more productive if I have had a morning run.

Carry a small pepper-spray in your fleece pocket. I think this is a good idea for all females (which I am assuming you are), on college campuses and surrounding areas. At six in the morning you should be fairly safe though. Just stay in well lit areas if it is dark, and the more people around the better.
Click to expand...

🙁 Manning up immediately.
 
Algophiliac said:
I really love running at 6 AM. Maybe I'll just tell my roommate to stuff it so I can get some sleep...and then hit the streets in the AM. 😎

As far as weights go, I don't do anything other than exercises such as push-ups, dips, and the like. Gym machines and free weights aren't really my thing. Should I rethink that mentality?


😀
Click to expand...

It's all up to what you're trying to gain really, I personally love lifting weights. I do a little cardio, but weightlifting is my priority. Free weights are the way to go if you do decide to start hitting the iron though, it's been proven that machines aren't as effective.

If you do decide to begin weightlifting, I suggest you read this article, it's the best I've ever read regarding weightlifting/bodybuilding: http://www.weightrainer.net/training/rules.html

Or, you could always just PM me and I'll help you out 😀
 
I took a 1 credit hour gym class. It forces me to go to the gym, and I cant completely slack off since it is letter graded. Not to mention that it helps my gpa 🙂

If you do decide to go this route, make sure you take a class that you will enjoy. You don't want a B in a 1 credit hour class lol...
 
3.25 miles every day.
whenever I can get it in making sure the sessions are 12 hours apart. That way I don't get tired/burntout
easy pizy lemon squeezy
 
I lift three days a week, usually in the morning since my schedule is sort of lax at the moment.
 
Algophiliac said:
As far as weights go, I don't do anything other than exercises such as push-ups, dips, and the like. Gym machines and free weights aren't really my thing. Should I rethink that mentality?
Click to expand...

You've got people assuming you're a girl, scared to run on campus in the morning, and you're asking whether you should add more weights to your routine? Heck yeah. You're a man; add some lean muscle to your frame and act like it. I run almost as much as I lift, but I would never give up lifting altogether if I only had time for one or the other.
 
Training for a half marathon. Waking up at 5 two days a week for short runs and on 6 on Saturdays for long runs. Then lifting two days a week along with 2 days of cross-training and one day of rest. I know that adds up to more than 7 days, but I lift and do cross training on the same day one day.
 
Algophiliac said:
🙁 Manning up immediately.
Click to expand...

Well, sorry for assuming that. But really it is not a question of "manning up." College campuses and surrounding areas are pretty dangerous no matter what gender you are. Even I, a male who has taken marshal arts, carry a pepper spray bottle in my pocket. Then again I take public transportation, and don't live in the best area of town.
 
chman said:
Well, sorry for assuming that. But really it is not a question of "manning up." College campuses and surrounding areas are pretty dangerous no matter what gender you are. Even I, a male who has taken marshal arts, carry a pepper spray bottle in my pocket. Then again I take public transportation, and don't live in the best area of town.
Click to expand...

No worries. I came from a very safe suburb and am now exposed to the oddities of city life...homeless people wandering the streets, random fights breaking out in the back alleys, all one step off campus. Granted, I could run only on campus, which I assume would be much safer, although less exciting for me.

Really, I don't understand why males feel they are that invincible. I don't doubt I could be quite easily mugged.
 
NotSur said:
i don't understand why the people in this thread take fear of assault so lightly. it's really not a rare thing. OP, if u think ur neighborhood is unsafe at 6 a.m., look into getting a running buddy. good luck!
Click to expand...

This is a good idea. Another couple of pointers are 1. If you dress in old jogging clothes most muggers will notice this and move on to a more lucrative victim. 2. I usually keep some diversion cash just in case. So if you get robbed you hand them the diversion cash, they run off, and all you are out is 20$ with your body still in tact.
 
I've always had trouble convincing myself to go to the gym or run by myself, so I've always joined a sports team to help me out with exercise. If your school has any teams you are interested in, why not give it a shot? You may find it much easier to motivate yourself when you have an entire team to socialize with (and a desire not to let them down).

And, to add to the safety theme...you could always take up martial arts, get some awesome exercise, and gain some added security for your runs.
 
Whenever I can. One of my biggest grievances with my undergrad is that they close the gyms at 11pm. They used to be open until 2 or 3 and I regularly utilized those hours.
 
I wonder this also, I haven't been to the gym since I started school in Sept and feel like I cant continue not going. I used to wake up at 4:30am and hit the gym before going to work but now since I am up late studying and doing homework I cant do it on just 4 hours sleep. I guess I should get used to it once I get to Medical School I imagine it will be a similar schedule without the working part? 🙁
 
Standard gym work 3x per week. If busy then twice. I tend to treat exam week as a deload week so it isn't anything too intense. As long as I get some kind of squat, deadlift motion and overhead press I'm happy. Bench is secondary to those.

2x week I try to event train. Once is lighter weights, GPP and active recovery type stuff. The other day I try to pick 3 or 4 events and go full weight till death. It is the difference between the 450 pound tire and the 750 pound tire or 120 pound stones and 220+ stones. Along with sled pulling and what not.

Usually there no more than an hour and a half with ideally being a little over an hour (warmup included)

I'm in medical school by the way. I've put on 10 pounds of mass since I started. It is doable. Little peeved about my decline in box squat but life goes on.
 
bigal40 said:
This is the bad part of body weight exercises, once they start to get easy you just stagnate. When your workouts are easy you don't sufficiently tear down your muscles in order to make them grow back larger. You need to start adding some weight.
Click to expand...

Simple. There are 100 lbs weight vests. I'm looking into one now.

I said short, not easy.
 
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