Fitness Forum Feedback - we want yore opinionz

cardio,shoot me

man bossarky, seriously big kudos on the records forum. You obviously put alot of effort into it.

brianthebard

I think that sounds excellent boss, great job done, very thorough. I can't see fault with any of it, and I was surprised and interested in one or two challenges I hadn't expected to see. This was a really great idea!

cardio,shoot me

now to see if i can get a friend to record my 100 metre time, i might get a record slot by being the quickest to post

Malteaser!

I think I'm officially becoming a pain in the ass but I have another query.

With the seated rows - aren't we going to have a bit of a problem with people using different machines. I know that each machine has the weight it's meant to represent on each plate but in reality I think there's a big difference between machines in relation to what they say they weigh and what they actually weigh. For example, I think it was you BossArky (could have been Brian) who was saying in your log that they were using half the weight that I was for pulldown abs, I doubt that was really the case, I think the more likely explanation is that there was a difference in the weight stacks we were using.

In TF Blanch I know there's a difference in the weight stack depending on what machine you use even tho they're supposed to be the same.

brianthebard

Yeah that's true, wonder if bb rows would be a better alternative? I guess it could be hard to scale stuff down and also regulate it.

Malteaser!

I'd say inverted rows or something like these: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vM-b4qOOWsE would be good substitutes. (without the weight on your stomach obviously!! )

Hanley

BA, absolutely outstanding job on those records. Seriously, I cannot believe how well put together it is. SERIOUS kudos.

One small change RE: Squat rules - I think we should take out the part about the knee wraps, no one really went for it, and i just stuck it in incase anyone had some they wanted to use. Again, I don't really care either way so anyone who wants to weigh in on it do so!

brianthebard

*slaps head* absolutely, great choice Malt, makes sense.

bigstar

well done bossarky, seriously good job. bossarky for president.

Hanley

I swear I'm not trying to be a pain in the arse.... but it would appear sinclair points don't actually compare men to women.

Using this calc; http://www.qwa.org/Liftstats/calculate.asp

Men: 150kg @ 80kg = 184 points
Women: 150kg @ 80kg = 164 points

Seems weird a woman can lift the same as a man and score lower.

dioltas

Great work.

One small thing, in the cindy crossfit challenge, should it be number of rounds completed instead of time?

Also, Hanley, what do wrist wraps do for you in the bench press? Where could I pick some up? Just wondering cause I broke my arm a few years back and it sometimes gives me trouble..

BossArky

Thanks for the feedback all. Good stuff.

Based on PM feedback I have added an a second table in the womens push ups section. Women can now do full push ups, as well as push ups on knees.

---

brianthebard wrote: »

Yeah that's true, wonder if bb rows would be a better alternative?

+1 ... see my comments below.

Malteaser! wrote: »

With the seated rows - aren't we going to have a bit of a problem with people using different machines. I know that each machine has the weight it's meant to represent on each plate but in reality I think there's a big difference between machines in relation to what they say they weigh and what they actually weigh. For example, I think it was you BossArky (could have been Brian) who was saying in your log that they were using half the weight that I was for pulldown abs, I doubt that was really the case, I think the more likely explanation is that there was a difference in the weight stacks we were using.

Good point Malteaser. I didn't think of that (& yes it was me who mentioned that cable stuff in my log previously).

This morning I did CrossFit - Fran... and found it pretty hard to protect my barbell from being snapped up by other gym users when I was doing the pull ups.

How about we sub in barbell rows instead of inverted rows / pull ups for those who cannot manage them? This means that you can use the same barbell for the thrusters, change the weight in 15 seconds and then do your bent over rows. It may now be ideal, but at least it stops people stealing your equipment... and stops others thinking you are hogging two pieces of equipment.

Inverted rows would probably be the better option... but barbell rows are more "accessible" i.e. there are usually more bars free than squat rack / smith machine frames.

Thoughts?

Hanley wrote: »

One small change RE: Squat rules - I think we should take out the part about the knee wraps, no one really went for it, and i just stuck it in incase anyone had some they wanted to use. Again, I don't really care either way so anyone who wants to weigh in on it do so!

Knee wraps removed from the squat rules.

BossArky

Hanley wrote: »

I swear I'm not trying to be a pain in the arse.... but it would appear sinclair points don't actually compare men to women.

Using this calc; http://www.qwa.org/Liftstats/calculate.asp

Men: 150kg @ 80kg = 184 points
Women: 150kg @ 80kg = 164 points

Seems weird a woman can lift the same as a man and score lower.

Do you mean that particular calculator is wonky?, ... or that sinclair in general doesn't compare men and women?

It was the only link I could find last night.

Suggestions on what we should do?

Hanley

BossArky wrote: »

Do you mean that particular calculator is wonky?, ... or that sinclair in general doesn't compare men and women?

It was the only link I could find last night.

Suggestions on what we should do?

I don't know to be honest...... I just ran a couple of quick calcs on that one so I don't know if it's a problem with the calculator, or whether the forumla doesn't allow cross-sex comparisons!

BossArky

dioltas wrote: »

One small thing, in the cindy crossfit challenge, should it be number of rounds completed instead of time?

No, it is max rounds in 20 minutes. Just checked. Correct me if I'm wrong.

dioltas

BossArky wrote: »

No, it is max rounds in 20 minutes. Just checked. Correct me if I'm wrong.

In the table I mean.

Great work though man, looks really well. Gonna be a while before I submit anything I'd say though! :pac:

Hanley

From the records thread;

BossArky wrote: »

The problem with all these lifts is that they were done in 2008. This thread is supposed to be for 2009.

We can either open this thread up so that everyone can post their lifetime bests up to and including 2009 and then reset at the end of the year, or we can just take lifts from 2009.

They were all done in December 2008 in fairness, and they're only the ones I had vids of anyway, so they're not even lifetime bests. I just assumed it would be in the last 12 months so you don't have people posting lifts from 4 years ago, but whatever like I don't mind.

BossArky

I'll give you the benefit of the doubt as I know you are still good for them

Will add them later.

BossArky

dioltas wrote: »

In the table I mean.

Great work though man, looks really well. Gonna be a while before I submit anything I'd say though! :pac:

Ah, I see what you mean now. Another good spot!

I've changed it from "time" to "rounds" in the Cindy table. Thanks.

Hanley, your PL stuff is updated.

Malteaser!

BossArky wrote: »

Good point Malteaser. I didn't think of that (& yes it was me who mentioned that cable stuff in my log previously).

This morning I did CrossFit - Fran... and found it pretty hard to protect my barbell from being snapped up by other gym users when I was doing the pull ups.

How about we sub in barbell rows instead of inverted rows / pull ups for those who cannot manage them? This means that you can use the same barbell for the thrusters, change the weight in 15 seconds and then do your bent over rows. It may now be ideal, but at least it stops people stealing your equipment... and stops others thinking you are hogging two pieces of equipment.

Inverted rows would probably be the better option... but barbell rows are more "accessible" i.e. there are usually more bars free than squat rack / smith machine frames.

I'm pretty sure that somewhere out there is a Crossfitter reading this thread, cringing with disbelief at what we've done to their beloved Fran!!

(Colm, I'm looking at you!! )

BossArky

Hanley wrote: »

it would appear sinclair points don't actually compare men to women.

Using this calc; http://www.qwa.org/Liftstats/calculate.asp

Men: 150kg @ 80kg = 184 points
Women: 150kg @ 80kg = 164 points

Seems weird a woman can lift the same as a man and score lower.

Hanley wrote: »

I don't know to be honest...... I just ran a couple of quick calcs on that one so I don't know if it's a problem with the calculator, or whether the forumla doesn't allow cross-sex comparisons!

I've updated the oly lifts section. There is now a table for each sex, as opposed to a combined one per lift / total.

I guess this means we never will see what happens when the unstoppable force meets the immovable object :mad: :pac:

Malteaser! wrote: »

I'm pretty sure that somewhere out there is a Crossfitter reading this thread, cringing with disbelief at what we've done to their beloved Fran!!

Lol - yeah.

I've updated Fran and Cindy so that there are two versions:
- "hard" --> the full version
- "easy" --> where pull ups are replaced with 1/2 bodyweight bent over rows for men, 1/3 bodyweight rows for women. Thruster weights reduced by 15kg for both men and women too.

Think that is the best I can do for the moment.

g'em

Wow... just... wow. BossArky thank you SO much for all the hard work, it's going to take me a while to catch up on this but I just wanted to say a big thank you for all of it

Hail 2 Da Chimp

Fair play BossArky for all the hard work - now for a little hard work myself and get a record!

Colm_OReilly

If anyone wants to attempt the CrossFit workouts they're more than welcome to come out to CF Ireland and have their times signed off by CF Coaches.

I'd also submit "Amy" to the list of CrossFit workouts. This is the first workout we did at the Invitational.

5 Rounds for time of:
5 60Kg Push Jerks
10 Pull Ups
15 Double Unders

Khannie

g'em wrote: »

Wow... just... wow. BossArky thank you SO much for all the hard work, it's going to take me a while to catch up on this but I just wanted to say a big thank you for all of it

Yeah, +1. I only saw the thread late last night.

BossArky

Colm_OReilly wrote: »

If anyone wants to attempt the CrossFit workouts they're more than welcome to come out to CF Ireland and have their times signed off by CF Coaches.

I'd also submit "Amy" to the list of CrossFit workouts. This is the first workout we did at the Invitational.

5 Rounds for time of:
5 60Kg Push Jerks
10 Pull Ups
15 Double Unders

Colm, can you provide more info on "Amy". I had a quick look and couldn't find much info.

- need a video example of push jerks.

- got this for the double unders: http://media.crossfit.com/cf-video/CrossFit_DoubleUnders2.mov

- are they kipping pull ups or dead hang?

Also, please suggest how to scale it down for those who cannot complete the full workout.

I'll then add it in. Cheers.

Colm_OReilly

BossArky wrote: »

Colm, can you provide more info on "Amy". I had a quick look and couldn't find much info.

- need a video example of push jerks.

- got this for the double unders: http://media.crossfit.com/cf-video/CrossFit_DoubleUnders2.mov

- are they kipping pull ups or dead hang?

Also, please suggest how to scale it down for those who cannot complete the full workout.

I'll then add it in. Cheers.

This was the workout we threw out at the Invitational. It was decided after that we'd call it Amy in recognition of her hard work organising the heats.

As for scaling.

"Easy" - 20Kg Push Jerks, Jumping Pull Ups, 45 Single Unders (this was what we gave the girls at the Invitational.

"Medium" - 40Kg Push Jerks, Band Assisted Pull Ups, 45 Single Unders.

Push Jerk video here: http://media.crossfit.com/cf-video/cfj-nov-05/push-jerk.wmv

All the pull ups can be performed as kipping pull ups.

If you need anything else, let me know.

Oh, and Lucy, there is nothing beloved about Fran!

brutusthebarber

Just had a question about the lifts..

Does it matter which kind of bar you use for each lift?

The bar in my gym is pretty poor, I'm nearly sure its a power lifting bar (just a bad one). Wheres at home I've an Olympic bar which I will prob have to use when I'm filming the deadlift, squat, bench.

Will it count against your total that you've used an olympic bar for the powerlifting movements??

itsallaboutheL

brutusthebarber wrote: »

Just had a question about the lifts..

Does it matter which kind of bar you use for each lift?

The bar in my gym is pretty poor, I'm nearly sure its a power lifting bar (just a bad one). Wheres at home I've an Olympic bar which I will prob have to use when I'm filming the deadlift, squat, bench.

Will it count against your total that you've used an olympic bar for the powerlifting movements??

there isnt a difference, unless its a speciality power bar? like an 8 footer or something, which i doubt....or a womans OLy bar

brutusthebarber

itsallaboutheL wrote: »

there isnt a difference, unless its a speciality power bar? like an 8 footer or something, which i doubt....or a womans OLy bar

No its just a normal bar, just the bar in the gym feels alot tougher to use and I can't figure out why..

I know there is no difference in the weight its just something that is annoying me, but if its game ball then grand. Thanks!

Hanley

brutusthebarber wrote: »

Just had a question about the lifts..

Does it matter which kind of bar you use for each lift?

The bar in my gym is pretty poor, I'm nearly sure its a power lifting bar (just a bad one). Wheres at home I've an Olympic bar which I will prob have to use when I'm filming the deadlift, squat, bench.

Will it count against your total that you've used an olympic bar for the powerlifting movements??

Powerlifting bar is esentially a olympic bar really....

Could be thicker, might be why it feels harder to use.

Hanley

Can we include a hang power clean as a power clean?

g'em

Hanley wrote: »

Can we include a hang power clean as a power clean?

I would think so (although if you're getting bigger numbers with the hang there's probably something awry, the full PC is much more explosive and should be stronger!)

BossArky

Colm_OReilly wrote: »

This was the workout we threw out at the Invitational. It was decided after that we'd call it Amy in recognition of her hard work organising the heats.

As for scaling.

"Easy" - 20Kg Push Jerks, Jumping Pull Ups, 45 Single Unders (this was what we gave the girls at the Invitational.

"Medium" - 40Kg Push Jerks, Band Assisted Pull Ups, 45 Single Unders.

Push Jerk video here: http://media.crossfit.com/cf-video/cfj-nov-05/push-jerk.wmv

All the pull ups can be performed as kipping pull ups.

If you need anything else, let me know.

Nice one, thanks Colm. I've added it in.

By the way can you give us target times for Fran and Cindy (for both men and women).

e.g.
Good = sub x minutes or x rounds in 20 minutes
Ok = sub x minutes or x rounds in 20 minutes

Probably good to give people something to aim at.

Got to say I'm looking forward to trying Fran when I get the hang of kipping.

Hanley wrote: »

Can we include a hang power clean as a power clean?

Do you want to add a second category for hang clean, or just submit hang clean in power clean? Probably best to keep them separate?

I don't know really. One of you make the call.

Hanley

I don't really see the point in adding in another category tbh... if it's a harder lift then the only person losing out if the one too lazy to pick it up off the floor (ie me!! )

FWIW, I don't think we should just add records for the sake of having them. I know you're gonna reevaluate down the road as to what stays and what goes so maybe a test run of EVERYTHING you can think of would work so?

BossArky

Hanley wrote: »

I don't really see the point in adding in another category tbh... if it's a harder lift then the only person losing out if the one too lazy to pick it up off the floor (ie me!! )

FWIW, I don't think we should just add records for the sake of having them.

Yeah, I think we have enough already!

brianthebard

I was going to suggest adding snatch grip deadlifts....

floggg

Don't want to but in on Eileen G's "Well Thread", but seeing as how there is a distinct nutrition emphasis in her thred (and the fact that i shm studying, so my mind is wandering a lot) it got me thinking that maybe once we have given most of the "well thread"-worthy regulars in here a shot, we could maybe think about "inviting in" relevant people from other forums to give us a different side of things than we may be used to seeing in here, although obviously with a fitness angle.

E.g. someobdy from diet and nutrition forum for dietary advice, someobdy from running/athletics forum for an in sight into marathon training, which there would be a lot of interest in here, somebody from GAA/rugby forum etc for advice on how to make weights relevant to their sportor even get Mickk in to give a business themed thread for all of you involved professionally in the industy (although i know he had one similar in the business forum).

Hanley

floggg wrote: »

Don't want to but in on Eileen G's "Well Thread", but seeing as how there is a distinct nutrition emphasis in her thred (and the fact that i shm studying, so my mind is wandering a lot) it got me thinking that maybe once we have given most of the "well thread"-worthy regulars in here a shot, we could maybe think about "inviting in" relevant people from other forums to give us a different side of things than we may be used to seeing in here, although obviously with a fitness angle.

E.g. someobdy from diet and nutrition forum for dietary advice, someobdy from running/athletics forum for an in sight into marathon training, which there would be a lot of interest in here, somebody from GAA/rugby forum etc for advice on how to make weights relevant to their sportor even get Mickk in to give a business themed thread for all of you involved professionally in the industy (although i know he had one similar in the business forum).

I think guest spots are a great idea.

Mickk's thread is DEFINITELY worth a read. Lots of really good info there.

I'm not sure how well a guest nutrition forum Q&A would work, purely because most lay people, and even those with qualifications don't seem to acknowledge the need for higher amounts of protein for those who train with weights, and even if they do, probably not in sufficient quantities. It could work tho!

I'd LOVE to see a thread on triathlon training tho. It's no secret that I really want to do one at some stage in the next 3 years!!

rubadub

floggg wrote: »

we could maybe think about "inviting in" relevant people from other forums to give us a different side of things than we may be used to seeing in here, although obviously with a fitness angle.

Yes, I don't think many people even know this forum exists. e.g. I was looking for some info on weights so went to the sports dropdown menu and expected a weightlifting or BBing forum. There is a parkour forum there which is not that active and parkour people would probably be better off in this forum.

I see topics on protein the odd time in the cycling forum, which would have got far more detailed responses here.

floggg

Hanley wrote: »

I'd LOVE to see a thread on triathlon training tho. It's no secret that I really want to do one at some stage in the next 3 years!!

You think this would require an about face in your training? powerlifting is hardly compatible with that level of cardio fitness is it?

I hear you though.

I want to do a marathon by 30,
a triathalon and/or ironman by 35
something in the himalayas by 45

--amadeus--

floggg wrote: »

E.g. someobdy from diet and nutrition forum for dietary advice, someobdy from running/athletics forum for an in sight into marathon training, which there would be a lot of interest in here, somebody from GAA/rugby forum etc for advice on how to make weights relevant to their sportor even get Mickk in to give a business themed thread for all of you involved professionally in the industy (although i know he had one similar in the business forum).

That is an excellent idea. If the mods want we have a former international sprinter, a multiple irish record holding ultra-marathoner and one of irelands leading female triathletes (who also has won a couple of marathon / ultra-marathons). Obviously I'd need to ask them but I'm sure they'd be more than happy to come in and give an "alternate reality" view and Q&A.

Could work well the other way as well - nutritional and S&C guests in A/R/T would probably be quite popular. Anyone want to volunteer to be a target person for strength training questions from runner / tri types?

Hanley wrote: »

I'd LOVE to see a thread on triathlon training tho. It's no secret that I really want to do one at some stage in the next 3 years!!

*ahem*

itsallaboutheL

BUMP :P

corkcomp

nearly a year later? G'em, ban him :pac::D

back on topic, it may be a good idea to provide a sub category for lifting or newbies vs others but TBH it could get very messy, and the fitness logs section is already beneficial for people to discussing and PB's etc.

the drifter

i think we should just create a sub form for L and leave him there by himself....

Hanley

corkcomp wrote: »

nearly a year later? G'em, ban him :pac::D

back on topic, it may be a good idea to provide a sub category for lifting or newbies vs others but TBH it could get very messy, and the fitness logs section is already beneficial for people to discussing and PB's etc.

I can only speak for myself, bt I think it's a bad idea. Reason being; if there was a more advanced dicussion section I'd spend most of my time there. I assume a lot of the other experienced posters would be the same. In all likelihood the only people you'd see in the newbie section would be newbies aasking questions, and guys who were newbies last week answering them.

I don't think it would really benefit anyone.

smashey

Jeez, I'm still subscribed to this thread.

/clicks unsubscribe

g'em, Khannie and BossArky, enjoy.

itsallaboutheL

TBH.. i probably should just bump off to MD or T-nation instead of bumping this thread.

I have thoughts. I'm just too tired to articulate them.:o

cc87

Even im new enough to the forum....i think its a bad idea.

I mean i dont think its coincidence that the thread was started almost exactly a year ago. People are always looking to get fit, lose weight, get ripped, beach body etc. at this time of year and then im guessing it quiets down after another month or 2.

Only thing i would like, would be a sticky where videos or articles (stuff like the Bill Starr one that was posted recently) people consider especially useful are posted, but this would have to have some kind of limit to who could post them up i suppose. Just from the few months ive been lurking here i know ive watched a video once and then a week or 2 later tried to find it and couldnt find a trace of it

itsallaboutheL

cc87 wrote: »

I mean i dont think its coincidence that the thread was started almost exactly a year ago. People are always looking to get fit, lose weight, get ripped, beach body etc. at this time of year and then im guessing it quiets down after another month or 2.

This illustrates my point exactly...

What about the people that don't want to lose weight, get a beach body etc..

or the ones that have a fair idea how to do it already??

This place is entirely centred on answering newb questions, which is fair enough but what about everybody else.