Physical Fitness Stack Exchange
Physical Fitness Stack Exchange

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1500 questions
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1 answer

Why are pyramid sets often advised for bodyweight exercises?

A pyramid set is one following a scheme like 1 rep, 2 reps, 3 reps, 2 reps. I've seen this advised to train pull ups if you manage only very few. I looked at the hundred push ups program, here and in the similar programs there's a kind of pyramid…
mart
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4 answers

Why is my body shaking during certain exercises?

During some exercises (push-ups, crunshes) my whole body shakes, I feel a tremor that I cannot control. This happens even during first push-up, when I'm not tired at at all. So, my questions are: What could be a reason for this? Does this tremor…
haimg
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3 answers

Hot or cold shower after a workout

The title pretty much sums up my question: is it more beneficial to take a hot (warm) shower after a workout or a cold one? I've noticed that I tend to feel more relaxed while taking a warmer shower and my muscles loosen up, but when you see…
Dan W
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Is body fat monitor worth buying?

I would prefer to measure my body fat, rather than weigh myself. Is monitor like this: worth its money or should I look for something else?
gruszczy
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7 answers

What are the ways to reach the optimal running cadence (180 steps per minute)?

I have recently learned that the optimal stride rate is 180 steps per minute. Other than listening to a metronome while running, does anybody have any tips on what can I do to monitor my stride rate so that I know I am around 180 spm? One way would…
RonE
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11
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3 answers

How should I breathe when lifting?

I've heard many different things about how to breathe when lifting? What are some clear, simple, common sense, generally accepted ways to breathe when lifting? (Squatting or pressing.) I'm following Starting Strength, but am hesitant to follow his…
S. Robert James
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Does heavy lifting affect steadiness and precision?

I do a fair amount of weightlifting; in particular heavy compound lifts power-lifting style. I also compete on a target pistol team. Over the years, I've heard a number of coaches and marksmen recommend that serious shooters stay away from heavy…
G__
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1 answer

What is changing in my body as I become more fit (i.e., raising my HR @ VT)

I'm getting into a better routine of training regularly and I know I'm getting more fit. I can go for longer at the same rate of exertion that used to blow me out after a couple of minutes. I haven't tested myself recently, but I know that my HR at…
D Mac
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4 answers

The value of strength training vs. the time/effort it takes

I've been working out with a mixture of strength training and cardiovascular exercise (and some stretching), and wanted to better assess to what degree the strength training is worth the time and effort. My exercise goals goals, in order of…
Chelonian
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2 answers

Experience and references about intermittent fasting

I have read about and tried intermittent fasting in the past few months with some great results. The only hiccup was getting sick for about 3 weeks and losing that will to continue with it, until I restarted it recently. I was wondering what others…
Richard Fantozzi
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My knee is clicking when I do squats - should I worry?

I remember that I have always, even back in primary school, avoided anything similar to squats as my knees would do an audible 'click' every time I got low enough. It's not painful, or even unpleasant, it's just - annoying, and a bit scary. I've…
skolima
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Is this heart rate too high for a beginner runner?

I am a 38 year-old male beginner runner with a history of sport in my earlier years (but hated running by itself), I started the C25K program in mid-december to try to get some fitness back in after having 2 kids. Back story: I got to Week 7 with…
tallpsmith
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2 answers

Power while swimming?

Here is a scatterplot matrix of elapsed times for the overall, swim, bike, and run legs of the 2009 Ironman Championship in Kona. Obviously, while the correlation is imperfect, it is still relatively strong (r(swim, bike) and r(bike, run) are both…
R. Chung
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3 answers

What are the dangers of doing push-ups incorrectly?

Newbie here. I work long hours behind my computer and I do my best to keep an eye on ergonomics: paying attention to my posture, taking short breaks at regular intervals, that kinda thing. Recently I started experiencing occasional strain on my…
Pieter
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4 answers

What is the correct plan to transition from normal to handstand push-ups?

I'm looking to become fit in my upper body without having to go to the gyms. Right now I'm working on my pushups. I can do 30 normal pushups in one go, if pumping as fast as I can. I'm 6ft and 160lbs. I've switched to wide pushups and now do a combo…
mugetsu
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