Previously on Graham’s Blog: “I’m on holiday next week, but staying home, so plenty of opportunity to hit the weights and do cardio”. And now the continuation:
Well despite the well laid plans, I got all my jobs done during my week off work…except exercising. It’s not that I was busy doing other things, it’s just that I had a week’s rest from all things. I know I should have my hand slapped but you need a break every so often. Anyway the kids are back at school from tomorrow so I will be back swimming which I am looking forward to.
In fact I was talking to a mate about the fact that since I stopped swimming for the school holiday, my motivation and exercise has faltered. We came to the conclusion that swimming motivates me. Who would have thought? I think because I feel so relaxed and de-stressed afterwards that I am in a better frame of mind to weight train.
Whilst I was on my week off I started thinking about something else that most guys who want to improve their fitness have fallen foul to…health magazine for men. The shelves in newsagents, shops and supermarkets are full of them advertising a 6 pack in 6 weeks, bigger biceps for your t-shirts and pecs of granite if you follow a 12 week plan. But the question is do they actually work?
The honest answer is I have no idea. I think that some men who are committed to fitness and the muscular body will get some use from them. But for the average Joe like me, I have yet to be persuaded by them. Do I want a 6 pack or bigger biceps or a chest of granite…uh YES. Am I going to get it in 6 weeks by killing myself with bodybuilding and eating 4 chicken breasts a day? NO. The other factor is that they are addictive! Parts 1 to 6 of a muscle building plan pretty much guarantee you will buy all 6 parts. More addictive than chocolate? Maybe.
These magazines have their place. I’m just not sure it’s in my shopping basket.
Graham
If you just do the basics,
If you just do the basics, you will have enough exercise to satisfy anyone. I'm not saying that someone who is totally committed to looking a certain way is being wrong. But you sometimes wander why people want to put themselves through all of that. If you are fit and able to do what you want to do without killing yourself, I think that is sufficient. No magazines for me. I am able to hike, swim, camp and do other physical activities I wish to do without problems so I'm a NO on the magazines too.
I think every now and again,
I think every now and again, you really need a break from everything so I don't think it's terrible of you to have that time off. As far as the swimming-I love to do water aerobics. It's tiring but it's so easy for me because of arthritis. I don't think I would try for the 6 pack in 6 weeks. There are those of us out there that like ordinary guys and not the muscle bound.