Body is changing since joining gym
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Body is changing since joining gym
Joined Snap Fitness at end of October 2019 and the guy there said I will see a change in about 3 months. True to his word, the change has taken place. No weight loss, but more like a weight transfer. Moved the power gut upwards defying gravity, and now the chest and arms are larger and more defined. The back feels really good, too. Had to bring in the belt a notch, and need to get larger shirts to accommodate the increase in upper body.
I joined to give me something to do in the snow time and to maintain sanity by fighting off the winter blues. Did not expect to change my physique, but it happened. My wife is noticing as well and says for sure the gut is way smaller than this past fall. The real test will be when I try on the old racing jersey from my 20's. Well, I just may wait a bit longer for that! Was really skinny and light back then.
I joined to give me something to do in the snow time and to maintain sanity by fighting off the winter blues. Did not expect to change my physique, but it happened. My wife is noticing as well and says for sure the gut is way smaller than this past fall. The real test will be when I try on the old racing jersey from my 20's. Well, I just may wait a bit longer for that! Was really skinny and light back then.
Likes For TiHabanero:
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 2,599
Bikes: 06 Lemond Reno, 98 GT Timberline mtn.bike
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 427 Post(s)
Liked 699 Times
in
436 Posts
Just joined a gym myself, since it came free with my Medicare Advantage plan. And I will say that after the first day, my body changed--guess I overdid the first day, thought I was in better shape--you'd think by now I'd have learned not to overexert! Looking forward to being in better shape when good riding season comes around.
#3
feros ferio
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Posts: 21,798
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1393 Post(s)
Liked 1,325 Times
in
837 Posts
I have lifted weights at the local YMCA for about 20 years, but I started to get visible results a few years ago when a more flexible work schedule in my encore career enabled me to go 3 or 4 times per week. It complements my cycling, fast walking, and some jogging nicely.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Lebanon (Liberty Hill), CT
Posts: 8,473
Bikes: CAAD 12, MASI Gran Criterium S, Colnago World Cup CX & Guru steel
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1743 Post(s)
Liked 1,281 Times
in
740 Posts
Same for me. My waist is about the same but my chest, arms and legs are more toned. My chest has gone from 42" to 44" and I don't concentrate on upper body. But, this is what my body has done ever since playing football in college and lifting. Unfortunately, my weight has not changed.
#5
Jazz Aficionado
I joined the 24 Hour Fitness, a mile away from me at Lowry. Silver Sneakers Program. Was introduced to a fantastic spin class instructor there, first time working out indoors. Stephen's class is very well attended and the three classes a week have increased my level of cycling fitness, especially during the colder months. Have met some fine folks, followers of Stephen for years, at the classes. I never thought I'd be indoors working out but the spin classes are very addictive, for me and others there.
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
We hold sufferfests at the shop every weekend. The same people show up every time and they are fanatics about it. I rode trainers and rollers for 20 years when racing and have zero desire to do it anymore. I get on the rollers once in a while as they feel right to me and seriously help my balance and spin, but only in the snow-time. Otherwise it is real riding or now the gym.
One thing for sure is the addiction to lifting is real. Feels good to see the progress in volume or weight. Kind of like a noob racer moving up in the peloton each weekend. Seeing the progress and feeling the change in endurance and strength are just wonderful at this point in life. Naw, no speedo competitions in the future! lol
One thing for sure is the addiction to lifting is real. Feels good to see the progress in volume or weight. Kind of like a noob racer moving up in the peloton each weekend. Seeing the progress and feeling the change in endurance and strength are just wonderful at this point in life. Naw, no speedo competitions in the future! lol
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Land of Enchantment
Posts: 468
Bikes: Domane SLR7 Project One
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 152 Post(s)
Liked 173 Times
in
105 Posts
After reading several articles about resistance training being about the best thing one can do to help offset the inevitable effects of aging I decide to join a gym last Feb. At 64 this is the first time I have ever belonged to a gym and also the first time I have lifted weights since high school. Although somewhat in doubt that at this age I would be able to add any muscle but figured it would be good for me anyway.
Well, almost a year later I'm shocked at the progress I've been able to make. I made notes on all the weights when I started and looking back at those I can hardly believe where I'm at now. Never thought that at 64 my arms and shoulders would be larger and better defined than at any point in my life. Unfortunately, I've also put on some weight and while most of it is good weight it does make climbing the hills more of a challenge. But since I ride for fitness and fun, not speed, I'm OK with that.
So between riding 4 days a week (live in a pretty mild climate) and lifting 3 days I've somehow managed to get myself into the best shape of my life. Wish I wouldn't have waited so long to do it though. And I agree with TiHab. Seeing the progress you can make at this point is life is really rewarding.
Well, almost a year later I'm shocked at the progress I've been able to make. I made notes on all the weights when I started and looking back at those I can hardly believe where I'm at now. Never thought that at 64 my arms and shoulders would be larger and better defined than at any point in my life. Unfortunately, I've also put on some weight and while most of it is good weight it does make climbing the hills more of a challenge. But since I ride for fitness and fun, not speed, I'm OK with that.
So between riding 4 days a week (live in a pretty mild climate) and lifting 3 days I've somehow managed to get myself into the best shape of my life. Wish I wouldn't have waited so long to do it though. And I agree with TiHab. Seeing the progress you can make at this point is life is really rewarding.
Likes For August West:
#8
Full Member
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 249
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 92 Post(s)
Liked 88 Times
in
57 Posts
Love this. Been at it for 4 years and have just tweaked my program here and there so it’s just 3 days, 35-40 minutes.
Tues-bench press 5 sets x 5-12 reps, seated cable rows, 5 sets x 7-12 reps
Wed-goblet squats, 5 sets x 8-12 reps, Romanian deadlifts 4 sets x 8-10 reps.
Friday, incline dumbbell press 5 sets x 6-12 reps, vbar lat pull down, 5 seats 8-12 reps
Then, cycling or cardio on 3 other days, one rest day.
This has been sustainable for me.
Tues-bench press 5 sets x 5-12 reps, seated cable rows, 5 sets x 7-12 reps
Wed-goblet squats, 5 sets x 8-12 reps, Romanian deadlifts 4 sets x 8-10 reps.
Friday, incline dumbbell press 5 sets x 6-12 reps, vbar lat pull down, 5 seats 8-12 reps
Then, cycling or cardio on 3 other days, one rest day.
This has been sustainable for me.
Likes For CyclingBK:
#9
Senior member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Oakville Ontario
Posts: 8,117
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 943 Post(s)
Liked 658 Times
in
371 Posts
I've had a gym membership for over 30 years. I should look like Atlas by now, but I still bear more resemblance to the globe he carries on his shoulders.
For most of that time, I was an over the road truck driver, and adhering to any sort of a regimen ranged from challenging to impossible.
During the fair weather seasons, I was out on my bike at every opportunity, so my gym visits were usually over the winter only, and always sporadic, with no sort of routine possible.
Since retirement, 4 years now, I have gotten into a more disciplined routine. From November to April, I try to get to the gym 3 times a week, but it's surprising how many things can pop up to make that challenging even as a retiree.
For most of that time, I was an over the road truck driver, and adhering to any sort of a regimen ranged from challenging to impossible.
During the fair weather seasons, I was out on my bike at every opportunity, so my gym visits were usually over the winter only, and always sporadic, with no sort of routine possible.
Since retirement, 4 years now, I have gotten into a more disciplined routine. From November to April, I try to get to the gym 3 times a week, but it's surprising how many things can pop up to make that challenging even as a retiree.
#10
Life Feeds On Life
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Hondo,Texas
Posts: 2,143
Bikes: Too many Motobecanes
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4422 Post(s)
Liked 4,527 Times
in
3,029 Posts
I’m lucky I start lifting I bulk up fast. Last venture ended up with triple hernia repair that was the end of power lifting for me Once my hand surgeries are complete I will lift again but not in the same style. I like free weights and compound lifts. So less weight more reps.
Last edited by Hondo Gravel; 01-13-20 at 10:38 AM.
#11
Senior member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Oakville Ontario
Posts: 8,117
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 943 Post(s)
Liked 658 Times
in
371 Posts
I’m lucky I start lifting I bulk up fast. Last venture expended up with triple hernia repair that was the end of power lifting for me Once my hand surgeries are complete I will lift again but not in the same style. I like free weights and compound lifts. So less weight more reps.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,549
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,581 Times
in
2,342 Posts
body transformation is a beautiful thing. but it can mess w/ one's head. careful with the shoulders, cuz if you mess one up, it kinda lingers ...
#13
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 467
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 188 Post(s)
Liked 276 Times
in
161 Posts
I haven't been to a gym in 10 years but I think I'd be a better gym rat than cyclist.
Haven't touched weights in 10 years but I need to so the young punks don't start trying to steal my lunch money.
Maybe if I start lifting now, I'll gain some muscle back.
Haven't touched weights in 10 years but I need to so the young punks don't start trying to steal my lunch money.
Maybe if I start lifting now, I'll gain some muscle back.