Off Topic · p90x equipment (page 1)

My question is what type of equipment do I need? How many of each? I've heard dumbbells are best, but I'm more concerned with transport and portability. What should I get that would be light and easy to bring?

Pull ups, push ups, squats, some running, that's all you need. Lift some heavy stuff once in a while.

Then add as Blob says - push-ups running,etc.

Also try some yoga asanas. Do it separate from an exercise routine as it works in a different way. There is also a yogic exercise called Sun Salute (Surya Namaskar). If you do this slowly and breathe correctly (when to inhale, hold, and exhale) it really enhances your mind body coordination and flexibility. This isn't done as an aerobic, but is done slowly and holding the positions.

Markji wrote:I like the Thera-Band elastics (or a strong surgical tubing). Lightweight, portable and effective. Great for upper body and arms. I can do that while watching TV or reading on the computer.

Then add as Blob says - push-ups running,etc.

Also try some yoga asanas. Do it separate from an exercise routine as it works in a different way. There is also a yogic exercise called Sun Salute (Surya Namaskar). If you do this slowly and breathe correctly (when to inhale, hold, and exhale) it really enhances your mind body coordination and flexibility. This isn't done as an aerobic, but is done slowly and holding the positions.

From everything I heard from people who try it, P90x seems to work.

As I have learned over the years, every exercise is beneficial, as long as you're not actually hurting yourself too or burning too many calories. Just keep it challenging.

Allanfan20 wrote:

Markji wrote:I like the Thera-Band elastics (or a strong surgical tubing). Lightweight, portable and effective. Great for upper body and arms. I can do that while watching TV or reading on the computer.

Then add as Blob says - push-ups running,etc.

Also try some yoga asanas. Do it separate from an exercise routine as it works in a different way. There is also a yogic exercise called Sun Salute (Surya Namaskar). If you do this slowly and breathe correctly (when to inhale, hold, and exhale) it really enhances your mind body coordination and flexibility. This isn't done as an aerobic, but is done slowly and holding the positions.

From everything I heard from people who try it, P90x seems to work.

As I have learned over the years, every exercise is beneficial, as long as you're not actually hurting yourself too or burning too many calories. Just keep it challenging.

I'm not putting my faith in the program. It require work and effort and blah blah blah. I just need to be shown how to get a full work out with resistance bands. That's why I have it to use

Markji wrote:I like the Thera-Band elastics (or a strong surgical tubing).

thanks

I'm assuming I need two tubes and four handles per resistance load?

SupremeCommander wrote:

Allanfan20 wrote:

Markji wrote:I like the Thera-Band elastics (or a strong surgical tubing). Lightweight, portable and effective. Great for upper body and arms. I can do that while watching TV or reading on the computer.

Then add as Blob says - push-ups running,etc.

Also try some yoga asanas. Do it separate from an exercise routine as it works in a different way. There is also a yogic exercise called Sun Salute (Surya Namaskar). If you do this slowly and breathe correctly (when to inhale, hold, and exhale) it really enhances your mind body coordination and flexibility. This isn't done as an aerobic, but is done slowly and holding the positions.

From everything I heard from people who try it, P90x seems to work.

As I have learned over the years, every exercise is beneficial, as long as you're not actually hurting yourself too or burning too many calories. Just keep it challenging.

I'm not putting my faith in the program. It require work and effort and blah blah blah. I just need to be shown how to get a full work out with resistance bands. That's why I have it to use

haha, if you can't put faith in the program, you don't have faith in yourself. It works, just got to put in the effort.

SupremeCommander wrote:

Markji wrote:I like the Thera-Band elastics (or a strong surgical tubing).

thanks

I'm assuming I need two tubes and four handles per resistance load?

I don't use handles - I just grab the tubing, sometimes wrap it around my hand for greater grip. I like this because I can work different parts of my arm... meaning a close grip has a shorter arm extension and works the muscle different than a longer length where I can extend my arm all the way out. I hear that handles or door jams can cause the Thera-Band to rip more easily as it causes a point of stress.

My friend uses the 5" wide Thera-Band elastic and he ties a knot at the end so it is easier to grip. I double upinto a loop the black and use that for a lot of exercises. Provides more tension and I am not constrained by handles and specific lengths. Just so many different ways to use it and it is inexpensive so give it a try and see what you think. You are not going to be able to travel with 100lbs of dumbells and equipment.

What resistance or force is produced by the bands and tubing?

Thera-Band® bands and tubing produce similar forces between similar colors. The force produced by bands and tubing is directly related to elongation. Each color will provide a specific amount of resistance at the same percent elongation, regardless of initial resting length. For example a 1-foot piece stretched to 2-feet (100% elongation) will have the same force as a 2-foot piece of the same color stretched to 4-feet. The force slowly increases as the band or tube is stretched.

http://www.thera-band.com/faqs_consumer....

nychamp wrote:Um, off-topic forum?

oh yeah, I moved this over from OT for a few hits. I'll move it back shortly. Thanks.

orangeblobman wrote:I'm not a fan of programs either. If a guy follows a program it is inevitable that he will become the program, the program will become the focus instead of his true goal, which is to be fit.

Pull ups, push ups, squats, some running, that's all you need. Lift some heavy stuff once in a while.

That is all you need right there.

I'd check out the Men's Health: The Belly Off! Workout - The Body Weight Routine. No weights or equipment needed.

martin wrote:

SupremeCommander wrote:

Allanfan20 wrote:

Markji wrote:I like the Thera-Band elastics (or a strong surgical tubing). Lightweight, portable and effective. Great for upper body and arms. I can do that while watching TV or reading on the computer.

Then add as Blob says - push-ups running,etc.

Also try some yoga asanas. Do it separate from an exercise routine as it works in a different way. There is also a yogic exercise called Sun Salute (Surya Namaskar). If you do this slowly and breathe correctly (when to inhale, hold, and exhale) it really enhances your mind body coordination and flexibility. This isn't done as an aerobic, but is done slowly and holding the positions.

From everything I heard from people who try it, P90x seems to work.

As I have learned over the years, every exercise is beneficial, as long as you're not actually hurting yourself too or burning too many calories. Just keep it challenging.

I'm not putting my faith in the program. It require work and effort and blah blah blah. I just need to be shown how to get a full work out with resistance bands. That's why I have it to use

haha, if you can't put faith in the program, you don't have faith in yourself. It works, just got to put in the effort.

say p90x and everyone assumes you're out of shape. If the program works, great, if not, whatever. I am just trying to build a portable, home gym. Going back to work in the sand dunes and need to have a workout space, and if the stuff I buy doesn't work i don't want to deal with paying $200 in shipping

I brought p90x into the mix because I know you use the bands/tubing and dj had a p90x thread a while ago

Markji wrote:

SupremeCommander wrote:

Markji wrote:I like the Thera-Band elastics (or a strong surgical tubing).

thanks

I'm assuming I need two tubes and four handles per resistance load?

I use the strong surgical tubing because when I started using it, the Thera-Band elastics weren't so available/popular and I travel and live overseas a lot. So it was easy to carry.

I don't use handles - I just grab the tubing, sometimes wrap it around my hand for greater grip. I like this because I can work different parts of my arm... meaning a close grip has a shorter arm extension and works the muscle different than a longer length where I can extend my arm all the way out. I hear that handles or door jams can cause the Thera-Band to rip more easily as it causes a point of stress.

My friend uses the 5" wide Thera-Band elastic and he ties a knot at the end so it is easier to grip. I double upinto a loop the black and use that for a lot of exercises. Provides more tension and I am not constrained by handles and specific lengths. Just so many different ways to use it and it is inexpensive so give it a try and see what you think. You are not going to be able to travel with 100lbs of dumbells and equipment.

What resistance or force is produced by the bands and tubing?

Thera-Band® bands and tubing produce similar forces between similar colors. The force produced by bands and tubing is directly related to elongation. Each color will provide a specific amount of resistance at the same percent elongation, regardless of initial resting length. For example a 1-foot piece stretched to 2-feet (100% elongation) will have the same force as a 2-foot piece of the same color stretched to 4-feet. The force slowly increases as the band or tube is stretched.

I can't get the table to show up correctly so see the URL below.The silver and gold are quite strong.

http://www.thera-band.com/faqs_consumer....

Good stuff. Sounds like you excercise at home quite a bit. What else is in your home gym?

Also, I'm not entirely sure how you are supposed to use either the bands or the tubes. Yout anchor it to something, correct? Or do you step on it? Any good tutorial/FAQs on the web (saw there were instructions on the company's website)?

martin wrote:

nychamp wrote:Um, off-topic forum?

oh yeah, I moved this over from OT for a few hits. I'll move it back shortly. Thanks.

thanks martin--now everyone hates me even more than they already did

GustavBahler wrote:The core exercises are really good, going to start trying the other workouts.

How much space do you need to do the workouts effectively? like a 10 x 10 room?

AnubisADL wrote:

orangeblobman wrote:I'm not a fan of programs either. If a guy follows a program it is inevitable that he will become the program, the program will become the focus instead of his true goal, which is to be fit.

Pull ups, push ups, squats, some running, that's all you need. Lift some heavy stuff once in a while.

That is all you need right there.

I'd check out the Men's Health: The Belly Off! Workout - The Body Weight Routine. No weights or equipment needed.

I did P90x got great results. And for the record p90x is basically pull-ups, pushups, squats and some cardio with a systematic approach.

Bippity10 wrote:

AnubisADL wrote:

orangeblobman wrote:I'm not a fan of programs either. If a guy follows a program it is inevitable that he will become the program, the program will become the focus instead of his true goal, which is to be fit.

Pull ups, push ups, squats, some running, that's all you need. Lift some heavy stuff once in a while.

That is all you need right there.

I'd check out the Men's Health: The Belly Off! Workout - The Body Weight Routine. No weights or equipment needed.

I did P90x got great results. And for the record p90x is basically pull-ups, pushups, squats and some cardio with a systematic approach.

yes, it's a home gym program.

what equipment did you use? what should I get to so I can transport it accross the Atlantic? How much space do you need (like, do I need to rent a separate room just for excercise equipment)?

SupremeCommander wrote:

Markji wrote:

SupremeCommander wrote:

Markji wrote:I like the Thera-Band elastics (or a strong surgical tubing).

thanks

I'm assuming I need two tubes and four handles per resistance load?

I use the strong surgical tubing because when I started using it, the Thera-Band elastics weren't so available/popular and I travel and live overseas a lot. So it was easy to carry.

I don't use handles - I just grab the tubing, sometimes wrap it around my hand for greater grip. I like this because I can work different parts of my arm... meaning a close grip has a shorter arm extension and works the muscle different than a longer length where I can extend my arm all the way out. I hear that handles or door jams can cause the Thera-Band to rip more easily as it causes a point of stress.

My friend uses the 5" wide Thera-Band elastic and he ties a knot at the end so it is easier to grip. I double upinto a loop the black and use that for a lot of exercises. Provides more tension and I am not constrained by handles and specific lengths. Just so many different ways to use it and it is inexpensive so give it a try and see what you think. You are not going to be able to travel with 100lbs of dumbells and equipment.

What resistance or force is produced by the bands and tubing?

Thera-Band® bands and tubing produce similar forces between similar colors. The force produced by bands and tubing is directly related to elongation. Each color will provide a specific amount of resistance at the same percent elongation, regardless of initial resting length. For example a 1-foot piece stretched to 2-feet (100% elongation) will have the same force as a 2-foot piece of the same color stretched to 4-feet. The force slowly increases as the band or tube is stretched.

I can't get the table to show up correctly so see the URL below.The silver and gold are quite strong.

http://www.thera-band.com/faqs_consumer....

Good stuff. Sounds like you excercise at home quite a bit. What else is in your home gym?

Also, I'm not entirely sure how you are supposed to use either the bands or the tubes. Yout anchor it to something, correct? Or do you step on it? Any good tutorial/FAQs on the web?

I don't exercise that much these days but do something everyday. I am in my 60's so strong competitive sports is behind me. I got tennis elbow in the spring - nothing helped - and in the fall I started researching more and realized the tubing would help if I used it a certain way. So I got back into using the tubing and have really liked it. I always feel toned up now. It also has actually helped out my back when I pull having the tubing across my back instead of in front. Stretches out the back.

Mainly, everyday I do yoga asanas and breathing exercises, Transcendental Meditation and every other day pushups, crunches, situps and some other light bending. Most of the time I walk/ride a bike instead of driving. I love running up stairs. Will do some other things when my arm is fully better.

Re: specific programs - As you probably can tell, I like to experiment and find what is best for me. Not into rigid programs these days but I am sure they available.

Bippity10 wrote:

AnubisADL wrote:

orangeblobman wrote:I'm not a fan of programs either. If a guy follows a program it is inevitable that he will become the program, the program will become the focus instead of his true goal, which is to be fit.

Pull ups, push ups, squats, some running, that's all you need. Lift some heavy stuff once in a while.

That is all you need right there.

I'd check out the Men's Health: The Belly Off! Workout - The Body Weight Routine. No weights or equipment needed.

I did P90x got great results. And for the record p90x is basically pull-ups, pushups, squats and some cardio with a systematic approach.

I did the P90x program and it was cool. Workouts are way too long though for me.

Markji wrote:

SupremeCommander wrote:

Markji wrote:

SupremeCommander wrote:

Markji wrote:I like the Thera-Band elastics (or a strong surgical tubing).

thanks

I'm assuming I need two tubes and four handles per resistance load?

I use the strong surgical tubing because when I started using it, the Thera-Band elastics weren't so available/popular and I travel and live overseas a lot. So it was easy to carry.

I don't use handles - I just grab the tubing, sometimes wrap it around my hand for greater grip. I like this because I can work different parts of my arm... meaning a close grip has a shorter arm extension and works the muscle different than a longer length where I can extend my arm all the way out. I hear that handles or door jams can cause the Thera-Band to rip more easily as it causes a point of stress.

My friend uses the 5" wide Thera-Band elastic and he ties a knot at the end so it is easier to grip. I double upinto a loop the black and use that for a lot of exercises. Provides more tension and I am not constrained by handles and specific lengths. Just so many different ways to use it and it is inexpensive so give it a try and see what you think. You are not going to be able to travel with 100lbs of dumbells and equipment.

What resistance or force is produced by the bands and tubing?

Thera-Band® bands and tubing produce similar forces between similar colors. The force produced by bands and tubing is directly related to elongation. Each color will provide a specific amount of resistance at the same percent elongation, regardless of initial resting length. For example a 1-foot piece stretched to 2-feet (100% elongation) will have the same force as a 2-foot piece of the same color stretched to 4-feet. The force slowly increases as the band or tube is stretched.

I can't get the table to show up correctly so see the URL below.The silver and gold are quite strong.

http://www.thera-band.com/faqs_consumer....

Good stuff. Sounds like you excercise at home quite a bit. What else is in your home gym?

Also, I'm not entirely sure how you are supposed to use either the bands or the tubes. Yout anchor it to something, correct? Or do you step on it? Any good tutorial/FAQs on the web?

Tubes or bands - grab and pull sort of like springs but without handles. There are youtube videos of different exercises using arms or legs.

I don't exercise that much these days but do something everyday. I am in my 60's so strong competitive sports is behind me. I got tennis elbow in the spring - nothing helped - and in the fall I started researching more and realized the tubing would help if I used it a certain way. So I got back into using the tubing and have really liked it. I always feel toned up now. It also has actually helped out my back when I pull having the tubing across my back instead of in front. Stretches out the back.

Mainly, everyday I do yoga asanas and breathing exercises, Transcendental Meditation and every other day pushups, crunches, situps and some other light bending. Most of the time I walk/ride a bike instead of driving. I love running up stairs. Will do some other things when my arm is fully better.

Re: specific programs - As you probably can tell, I like to experiment and find what is best for me. Not into rigid programs these days but I am sure they available.

thanks for all your input. Good luck with the elbow. I played tennis everyday last year and stopped once I got back home... I really miss it.