I
imported_deolmstead
Guest
I'm planning on starting HST for the first time after ~6 months on a 2-4x/week workout schedule. But after reading over the FAQs and the main article, I still have some questions, but I'll try and keep it minimal...
First, and most importantly: What exercises should I do? Heretofore I've been working on a machine circuit of 8 exercises. I want to concentrate on upper body for two reasons: I have bad knees and can't put much strain on them, and I feel as though I get good lower body work with my biking and hiking. Also, as far as vanity goes I'm perfectly happy with my legs, but not so much above the belt.
I'm thinking, using the eight-compound exercise guideline, of Chin-ups, Dips, Benchpress, Row, Crunches, Shoulder Press, Bicep curl, Tricep lifts. Sound OK? What's the best order to do these in? I don't have a gym partner, so for many of these I'll need to use a machine of some sort, but I'm guessing I should stick with the ones that don't isolate too much?
Second: Although I AM interested in putting on muscle on my upper body, it's not my only interest and I lead a rather active lifestyle - with a lot of cycling, hiking and rockclimbing on the weekends and when I can fit it in during the week. Is there any conflict or downside to doing all these activities alongside HST? What if I just did HST Monday/Wednesday and went climbing on Friday or Saturday? My hunch is that this is ok, but not optimal, and the gains I'll make won't be as significant - which is fine (I'd rather be happy and active than grudgingly spending my summer in a stuffy gym). But I want to be sure the answer isn't "don't bother with HST if you're going to be doing all this other stuff."
MY BACKGROUND
I'm 30, 6'4", 175lbs. I started my exercise program in September of 2006, when I weighed 217, purely to drop weight. I went on a hypocaloric diet and started light workouts at the gym. As my weight went down, my enjoyment of exercise increased and I added spinning, outdoor road cycling, rock climbing, and endurance hiking to my regimen, as well as bumping my weightlifting from once to twice a week. I still find the gym pretty dull, compared to the sports stuff.
Now, 40 pounds lighter, I'm happy with where my weight is - I've dropped four inches from my waist, and am feeling great. I feel like my upper body is underdeveloped, though, and my current goals are to add muscles to my shoulders and arms, and to increase definition in my chest and abs (I'm attaching a current pic). I'm not interested in being burly, but would like to look a bit more lean & mean - more Brad Pitt than Ahnold, as it were.
This forum/website seems to be pretty much what I've been looking for - intelligent and friendly analysis in a supportive environment. I admit that a LOT of what I'm reading here is overwhelming and over my head at first glance, and it will take some time to absorb it all. If anyone can offer any tips or pointers, I'd greatly appreciate it.
Many thanks,
Daniel
First, and most importantly: What exercises should I do? Heretofore I've been working on a machine circuit of 8 exercises. I want to concentrate on upper body for two reasons: I have bad knees and can't put much strain on them, and I feel as though I get good lower body work with my biking and hiking. Also, as far as vanity goes I'm perfectly happy with my legs, but not so much above the belt.
I'm thinking, using the eight-compound exercise guideline, of Chin-ups, Dips, Benchpress, Row, Crunches, Shoulder Press, Bicep curl, Tricep lifts. Sound OK? What's the best order to do these in? I don't have a gym partner, so for many of these I'll need to use a machine of some sort, but I'm guessing I should stick with the ones that don't isolate too much?
Second: Although I AM interested in putting on muscle on my upper body, it's not my only interest and I lead a rather active lifestyle - with a lot of cycling, hiking and rockclimbing on the weekends and when I can fit it in during the week. Is there any conflict or downside to doing all these activities alongside HST? What if I just did HST Monday/Wednesday and went climbing on Friday or Saturday? My hunch is that this is ok, but not optimal, and the gains I'll make won't be as significant - which is fine (I'd rather be happy and active than grudgingly spending my summer in a stuffy gym). But I want to be sure the answer isn't "don't bother with HST if you're going to be doing all this other stuff."
MY BACKGROUND
I'm 30, 6'4", 175lbs. I started my exercise program in September of 2006, when I weighed 217, purely to drop weight. I went on a hypocaloric diet and started light workouts at the gym. As my weight went down, my enjoyment of exercise increased and I added spinning, outdoor road cycling, rock climbing, and endurance hiking to my regimen, as well as bumping my weightlifting from once to twice a week. I still find the gym pretty dull, compared to the sports stuff.
Now, 40 pounds lighter, I'm happy with where my weight is - I've dropped four inches from my waist, and am feeling great. I feel like my upper body is underdeveloped, though, and my current goals are to add muscles to my shoulders and arms, and to increase definition in my chest and abs (I'm attaching a current pic). I'm not interested in being burly, but would like to look a bit more lean & mean - more Brad Pitt than Ahnold, as it were.
This forum/website seems to be pretty much what I've been looking for - intelligent and friendly analysis in a supportive environment. I admit that a LOT of what I'm reading here is overwhelming and over my head at first glance, and it will take some time to absorb it all. If anyone can offer any tips or pointers, I'd greatly appreciate it.
Many thanks,
Daniel