E_Ransom comments on Open Thread March 31 - April 7 2014 - Less Wrong

2 Post author: beoShaffer 01 April 2014 01:41AM

You are viewing a comment permalink. View the original post to see all comments and the full post content.

Comments (234)

You are viewing a single comment's thread. Show more comments above.

Comment author: [deleted] 03 April 2014 04:25:09PM *  0 points [-]

I see. My thought at the time was “Push up for arms, sit ups/crunches for back, leg lifts for abdomen/legs, lunges/squats for the legs themselves.” However, I have been worrying about the pressure on my back, so I’ll definitely consider replacing the sit ups/crunch.

I would like to exercise more pulling muscles to balance things out, but my central problem is a lack of sturdy places to exercise from. I’ve nothing that can support my weight while also being the proper height to pull against. Any suggestions of household ways of getting in more pulling exercises? I’ve considered buying a chin up bar (I would also like to do more hanging stretches to keep my back fit) but lacking that, any other options?

Hmm, got ya. I’ll give planks a try at home and see if I can find a way to implement them at work. If I miss my core at work, it’s not as big a loss as missing it in my actual work out.

Edited: Right after typing my response, I went outside to do my five minute stretches and realized that my work is surrounded by sturdy poles cemented in the parking lot. At the very least, I can work my pulling muscles a little at work on my breaks by doing short sets of pulls against these.

Comment author: ephion 03 April 2014 05:49:23PM 0 points [-]

Without knowing your environment, it's hard to say how I'd improvise pulls. You can set your feet up on a chair and do inverted rows against a table. A chinup bar is a great investment for this, as the chinup is one of the best upper body exercises available.

Comment author: [deleted] 03 April 2014 07:43:21PM 0 points [-]

Actually, I have a pair of ten pound weights in my room I use during my evening routines. I know there is a name for this type of weight lift, but what about letting the weight hang and lifting it towards my chest? Making the pulling effort come from lifting it against gravity rather than lifting myself. Sure, it won't be much of a work out, but I can at least keep the muscles engaged and work them.

Comment author: ephion 04 April 2014 01:35:01AM 1 point [-]

Those are called dumbbell rows, and they're a great exercise. 10lbs is awfully light for that motion, but it is better than nothing.

Comment author: [deleted] 04 April 2014 03:20:56AM 0 points [-]

Hopefully I can upgrade soon. I've had those dumbbells since probably ninth grade! Anyway, thanks for all the info and the link. I've already worked out a list of exercises by body part. Time to put it to work!

Comment author: ephion 04 April 2014 06:15:57AM 1 point [-]

Look into plate loaded dumbbell sets. I've got a pair of 14" screw lock handles that can accommodate up to 125lbs each (using 25lb plates), and it took me a long time to grow out of them.

Comment author: [deleted] 04 April 2014 01:29:48PM 0 points [-]

I think I'll do just that. Thanks again!