Hello, I am a long time lurker, but this is my first post on the board. I want to say that I am very impressed with the knowledge, and decorum of this board. I am a 51 year old guy, previous smoker, then fat guy, but have been relatively healthy for the last 2 1/2 years. I am working towards simple , and I am also a runner, mainly using Maffetone's methods. I also work as a carpenter, so I am generally active. I tell everyone that I want to be healthy enough @ 80 to walk in to the wilderness, and get ate by a wolf. That is my long term goal, along with eventually running at least one ultra. My question is; things are going well, should I screw it up? Should I be doing some high intensity work? Or is the "explosivness " of swings good enough? The ability to jump, or do explosive type moves seems to be the first to go, and I want to be young for as long as possible. Opinions, please
@Coyote Welcome... My perspective is that doing what you are doing (S&S and MAF style running) will go a long way to help you meet your stated goals. The temptation always exists to do more, but I think you have it mostly covered. You didn't mention diet and nutrition... they play a role too. Again, welcome
If you really feel like you need to include some high intensity work I think a short sprint session no more than once a week would fill that need quite nicely. (Short here meaning 4 minute tabata workout) But I wouldn't sacrifice any other part of your routine for more intense work. The Maffetone Method isn't sexy but it works! That's just my two cents. But I'm biased towards lots of recovery and minimal effort for maximum reward.
I agree with diet, and do a pretty good job of staying on a low carb type diet. I have played around with fasting, but not on a consistent basis. I usually workout early, and enjoy something before work. I also do a lot better when I get 8 hours sleep, and turn off the TV. In otherwords, liw stress!
Hello, @Coyote Welcome here ! S&S and MAF running are a very good combination. Plus, you have a pretty physically demanding job so these two activities are supposed to let you fresh and stronger. I would not add HIT training on a systematic base because it require longer recovery. A few hill sprints here and there may be interesting though, for instance 1 a week or so. As a carpenter, you may have already often overhead position when you carry weight. Some pull ups are also a good supplement to S&S if you recover well. To quote Pavel Macek: High fat / Medium protein / low carb. It seems to work well on most people. The most important thing regarding a diet is to find a balanced one, a diet you can follow "for a lifetime". Plus it has to meet your goals: mass gain, fat loss, medical treatment, allergy, etc... For instance, I ran a low carb for a while with very good results. However, I find a better balance with a "Japanese diet" (more carb oriented (but low starch) and low fat, medium protein). Kind regards, Pet'
Hello, @Steve Freides Japanese rice is very well rinsed. Usually, you "have to" rinse it until the water is totally clear. As long as the water is "white" after you take it off from the rice, it means it has starch. Since I do this, I digest rice far better, meaning I do not feel "heavy". Plus, it lowers insulin response. Indeed, my bodyfat did not increase at all since I run this kind of diet. Otherwise, I eat a lot red beans, quinoa, buckwheat, etc... which are "high carbs" but little to no starch. It works well on me Kind regards, Pet'
I mainly eat unproccesed foods. Lots of veggies, and good meat. I only avoid excess sugars and stuff like white bred etc. I seldom eat grains, but I do eat fruit and legumes. My weight is ok. I do still have slight love handles that are slow to disapeer. With my age and genetics, it goes slow. I have lost over 50lbs , in the last two plus years. I have read so much on diets, and it can be conflicting and confusing. This diet seems to work for me. I forgot to mention that I have considered adding the fpp, maybe three days a week. The pull-up is one thing I would like to improve. I can do about 7 max now. I currently work on them sporadically.
@Coyote For some time I did almost exactly that. S&S, fpp (weighted) and running. It was a great combination, that served me exceptionally well. If you are careful the fpp can be a worthwhile addition. Regarding food. It may just be semantics but almost all food is 'processed' some just more so than others. You are right in saying that there is a lot of confusing and conflicting information on the subject out there. It sounds like you are mindful about what you eat, so that's good.
@Coyote : Welcome to the forum I would stick to S&S until you reach Simple. From there, you have different options. There is however a very nice progression plan laid out here: Things Are Going So Well, Help Me Screw It Up, Part 2 | StrongFirst Key is to have fun and enjoy the journey
