- 1,025
- themartlab
For the upperback I like pull-ups and chin-ups.
Self Improvement
- Thread starter Earth
- 213 comments
- 16,199 views
- 863
- oops_sorryy
Usually it was Monster and Kettle One, or when I had the money Monster and coconut Ciroc. Two shots if it was the Kettle One, and three if it was the Ciroc, per can of Monster. Tying in second it is Crown Royal and Cherry Coke, and Bacardi Oakheart and regular Coke. Two shots per can of Coke for the both of them.
I rarely did shots, but I am a fan of shooting Whipped Cream flavored Smirnoff, and then following that up with a swig of root beer. Tastes like a root beer float.
- 17,086
- United Kingdom
No alcohol: Day 47
I accidentally had the tinyest sip of Cobra Lager on Friday night having picked up the wrong bottle... my god was it HORRIBLE, it literally tasted like vinegar. I had someone else drink it for me to confirm that it hadn't in fact gone off. It was only maybe a couple of drops, I really hadn't expected my taste buds to have changed that much over ~7 weeks!
Lack of any social life/loneliness is becoming an issue. I've only seen any of my friends twice in 7 weeks, the rest of the time I'm at work - in my own little out of the way office, or I'm at home, on my own.
Fitness:
On the fitness thing. I've got no real want to bulk up, I'm pretty happy with my over shape (slight beer belly aside) - I'm now only about 12.5 stone (5'9"), It's just that what's there needs to be muscle. My aim is to go rock climbing again, bulk, whether it's muscle or fat, is the enemy.. I've never been better at climbing than when I was 19 and was less than 11 stone. The goal would be more Bruce Lee, than Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Having said that, I've taken on board some of the suggestions. I will push myself harder with the weights, but I'm going to stick to alternate days.. if I leave it any longer between workouts I'll slip out of the habit of doing them. It's only been a couple of weeks and I can feel the muscle developing, it's just not particularly visible. The nights when I don't work out it's a 5 mile walk.
Actually having mentioned Bruce Lee. I might get some nunchucks, give me something else to do.
I accidentally had the tinyest sip of Cobra Lager on Friday night having picked up the wrong bottle... my god was it HORRIBLE, it literally tasted like vinegar. I had someone else drink it for me to confirm that it hadn't in fact gone off. It was only maybe a couple of drops, I really hadn't expected my taste buds to have changed that much over ~7 weeks!
Lack of any social life/loneliness is becoming an issue. I've only seen any of my friends twice in 7 weeks, the rest of the time I'm at work - in my own little out of the way office, or I'm at home, on my own.
Fitness:
On the fitness thing. I've got no real want to bulk up, I'm pretty happy with my over shape (slight beer belly aside) - I'm now only about 12.5 stone (5'9"), It's just that what's there needs to be muscle. My aim is to go rock climbing again, bulk, whether it's muscle or fat, is the enemy.. I've never been better at climbing than when I was 19 and was less than 11 stone. The goal would be more Bruce Lee, than Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Having said that, I've taken on board some of the suggestions. I will push myself harder with the weights, but I'm going to stick to alternate days.. if I leave it any longer between workouts I'll slip out of the habit of doing them. It's only been a couple of weeks and I can feel the muscle developing, it's just not particularly visible. The nights when I don't work out it's a 5 mile walk.
Actually having mentioned Bruce Lee. I might get some nunchucks, give me something else to do.
- 4,115
- United States
I've lost so much weight that none of the clothes that I have fit. I actually have to return some jeans since the size is about three inches too big. Feeling good!
Matski, that's good to hear that your tastebuds has now changed so much that you are starting to find that alcohol isn't pleasurable anymore.
You should find that the workouts will tone you down after three months and you should be able to burn off fat as well, even when you do intense muscle workouts.
Is it possible at your job to change the office to be more central?
You should find that the workouts will tone you down after three months and you should be able to burn off fat as well, even when you do intense muscle workouts.
Is it possible at your job to change the office to be more central?
- 17,086
- United Kingdom
- 2,046
- Wales
- GTP_Tyrrell
Reverting to alternating days now for press ups, I wasn't getting anywhere just doing 20-25 a day. Started to try the plank too.
MatskiMonk - Having suffered from loneliness in the past my only advice would be to try not to worry too much about it. I'l assume your issue is not related to social anxiety but if it is I find worrying about it just makes it much worse. As soon as I "accepted" it, it got much better.
MatskiMonk - Having suffered from loneliness in the past my only advice would be to try not to worry too much about it. I'l assume your issue is not related to social anxiety but if it is I find worrying about it just makes it much worse. As soon as I "accepted" it, it got much better.
- 29,912
- Thailand
Matski - 👍 Keep at it.
I've got to the point now where I no longer have a problem being in a drinking environment and I'm quite happy to tell people I don't drink and why.
On the other hand, my bid to quit smoking went south yesterday after I decided Monday was an OK day for a few cigs. I only had 3 but that means the process starts all over again. Man, I feel so weak and stupid for giving in.
I've got to the point now where I no longer have a problem being in a drinking environment and I'm quite happy to tell people I don't drink and why.
On the other hand, my bid to quit smoking went south yesterday after I decided Monday was an OK day for a few cigs. I only had 3 but that means the process starts all over again. Man, I feel so weak and stupid for giving in.
- 3,082
- Allen, Texas
- crispychicken49
- crispychicken49
I get very angry now for some reason. I never used to get very angry, but now I do. It's risking tearing my relationship apart, so recently I have started to calm down before getting angry.
Still today I got pretty angry, well it was more adrenaline as I was preparing to fight. Some 🤬 was bullying my friend and I tore him up with my words. He looked ready to swing a punch at me so my body responded with a huge adrenaline rush as it always does in situations like this. Thankfully I didn't need it, today.
Still today I got pretty angry, well it was more adrenaline as I was preparing to fight. Some 🤬 was bullying my friend and I tore him up with my words. He looked ready to swing a punch at me so my body responded with a huge adrenaline rush as it always does in situations like this. Thankfully I didn't need it, today.
nick09
(Banned)
- 6,169
- NY
- nlck09
Got some overdue journals done for my class tomorrow. Will be working on a take home quiz tomorrow morning while watching/listening to a let's play of Donkey Kong 64. Procrastination has been a pretty bad factor in my school work. It has not affected me when I'm doing IT work but it's just me getting tired of school work. It's just the feeling of finishing high school(thinking "Yes, I can relax from school work!") and then starting college 3 months later. It's been 2 years in college and I've been holding a 3.21 GPA despite my procrastination that was developed since the starting of high school. I only have to hold it out for about 4-5 months and I'll be finishing my college. I should also work on my resume and start planning future jobs.
Lots of stress for me these days. School work, contract IT work under my business, and currently I'm helping my local church raise funds for the video ministry selling old electrionics equipment.
Lots of stress for me these days. School work, contract IT work under my business, and currently I'm helping my local church raise funds for the video ministry selling old electrionics equipment.
- 17,086
- United Kingdom
Keep at it.. the college work will give you good grades, and the other activities all give you something to talk about on your resume.
Yeah, it wouldn't actually be a problem for me to be around my friends when they are drinking, but they would have a problem with me not drinking! I'd basically have to lie and tell them it was doctors orders - otherwise there would be no possible reason in their eyes for not drinking, even though they've all seen me drunk enough to end up in casualty they don't really grasp my problem with drinking in moderation.
As for the smoking... well I guess it's a good thing that you kept it to three, just remember that it makes you feel bad to have let yourself down next time you feel the urge!
Shem, you say that the ciggies calm you down?
Isn't there anything else that you can find/use/drink/do to take the edge off? At all?
Matski, it sounds like those drinking partners you got, haven't really understood your reasonings for it. Also, if you have to lie to them about why you cannot drink as they would not understand your real reasons for drinking, then they aren't really very supportive, are they? You could just say that you're tired of being hungover/plastered/low motivation/insensible under the influence or other bad stuff when drunk/recovering and want to stop that from happening ever again.
Mind you, not drinking does mean you save a lot of money, however. Tell them you're being cheap.
Isn't there anything else that you can find/use/drink/do to take the edge off? At all?
Matski, it sounds like those drinking partners you got, haven't really understood your reasonings for it. Also, if you have to lie to them about why you cannot drink as they would not understand your real reasons for drinking, then they aren't really very supportive, are they? You could just say that you're tired of being hungover/plastered/low motivation/insensible under the influence or other bad stuff when drunk/recovering and want to stop that from happening ever again.
Mind you, not drinking does mean you save a lot of money, however. Tell them you're being cheap.
- 29,912
- Thailand
During the day it's dealing with kids, not particularly bad kids, but kids in general that raise my pulse a bit and the ciggies help blow off some steam. Not much I can really substitute for them in that situation because I need to be on form and in the right mind to handle teaching a class.
Ah, kids.
I've been particularly annoyed at several kids before in my swimming lessons. I generally just think: "Its only for a short period of time, then they will go after that time and I can not think about them anymore".
Its really hard sometimes, to keep calm when they are acting up though.
One way of possibly de-stressing while teaching, is when things are getting a bit wild, is to do a mini-yell of horror at what is happening. Most of the kids generally look at you like a loony and wonder what the hell happened to provoke it, then they start to behave after that when they realised: "oh, we pissed off the teacher! Better be on our best behaviour from now on!". It sort of works rather well, when used sporadically for attention. It also allows you a little way of expressing some stress that makes them understand that they've kinda crossed the line. Mind you, you have a different culture there, so I don't quite know if that works or not.
It might work for your class, might not. Just depends on the situation and culture.
I've been particularly annoyed at several kids before in my swimming lessons. I generally just think: "Its only for a short period of time, then they will go after that time and I can not think about them anymore".
Its really hard sometimes, to keep calm when they are acting up though.
One way of possibly de-stressing while teaching, is when things are getting a bit wild, is to do a mini-yell of horror at what is happening. Most of the kids generally look at you like a loony and wonder what the hell happened to provoke it, then they start to behave after that when they realised: "oh, we pissed off the teacher! Better be on our best behaviour from now on!". It sort of works rather well, when used sporadically for attention. It also allows you a little way of expressing some stress that makes them understand that they've kinda crossed the line. Mind you, you have a different culture there, so I don't quite know if that works or not.
It might work for your class, might not. Just depends on the situation and culture.
- 5,897
- Pittsburgh, PA
- The_Bman24
My anger bested me once again, as after getting really pissed off, I broke the screen of my flat screen TV that I received for my birthday. The warranty doesn't cover TVs that are damaged by the consumer (which makes sense).
I'm also trying to exercise more, but the fact that I get fatigued almost instantly is killing me. However, that only seems to apply when I'm not using something a workout machine such as a treadmill or elliptical trainer. That's why doing push-ups, sit-ups, and even lifting weights doesn't have much effect on my strength.
I am still having trouble socializing. I just don't like to go outside and talk to people, I prefer the comfort of my own home. Not really much else about it, but it still effects me more than you would think.
I'm also trying to exercise more, but the fact that I get fatigued almost instantly is killing me. However, that only seems to apply when I'm not using something a workout machine such as a treadmill or elliptical trainer. That's why doing push-ups, sit-ups, and even lifting weights doesn't have much effect on my strength.
I am still having trouble socializing. I just don't like to go outside and talk to people, I prefer the comfort of my own home. Not really much else about it, but it still effects me more than you would think.
- 863
- oops_sorryy
While I have not completely stopped drinking, I have cut back in a big way. I have had the same bottle of vodka in my mini fridge for over a month now. A bottle of Ketle One used to last me three days tops. I know it's not super impressive but it's a step in the right direction for me.
- 7,436
- Canada
- photonrider
It's super-impressive. Keep at it till it is routine for you to control alcohol. Then you'll be super-duper impressive. 
👍
👍
- 17,086
- United Kingdom
Well done man, as I've said before, for me it's harder to control what I drink than it is to simply cut down.. I wish I could have cut down, but it's just wouldn't happen with me... so I'm impressed. Keep it up.
I can relate to both of those last points. As far as the exercise goes drink water throughout the day, make sure you have a reasonable diet to give you the energy, get a good playlist on your portable music device and just push yourself. I hate the free weight portion of my routine, but you'd be surprised how your attitude towards it changes once you start to notice the benefits,... it only gets easier.
As for the socialising thing, again, I can see where you coming from. I'm not sure how old you are, but when I was younger (late teens - mid 20's) I hardly socialised at all and it never used to bother me, I could keep myself occupied and it was all fun... now I'm in my early 30's, it still doesn't bother me 'at the time', but when I stop and think about it, it is soul crushingly scary... It's not how I want the rest of my life to be, and I know I missing out on some good times. That's what it's like for me, I don't know if it's the same for you - either way... I've got no advice! Maybe take up heavy drinking... that always made me more sociable!
(JOKE... Don't take up heavy drinking!!!)
Last edited:
- 2,037
- Colorado
I get way too worked up over extraordinarily stupid or inconsiderate people. Not like, oh I can't take a joke or your opinion is maddening. For instance, I was riding the motorcycle the other day, doing 65mph in a 55mph zone and this prick in a truck was tailgating me like no other, with nowhere for me to pull off. He just kep getting closer and closer. Normally when someone tailgates me in the car I just ignore them and figure that if they hit me, then I'll get angry. But on the bike I get instantly angry. Anyway, I bumped it up to 70mph and this guy is still right there so now I'm seeing red. Then he passes me in a no-passing zone, on a hill, putting both of us at risk of a nasty accident. If that wasn't enough, about half a mile after he passes me he makes a right turn without a turn signal. I was steaming, it wasn't enough that I was doing 15 over the speed limit, but he risked both our lives by passing in a dangerous spot because he couldn't wait another 30 seconds to make his turn. Now, I'm completely fine with getting angry in that situation, most people would. But what I need to improve on is letting things like that pass - let the past be past. Shoot, I'm getting worked up typing the story.
nick09
(Banned)
- 6,169
- NY
- nlck09
I did 46 push-ups in a minute. I did notice that I slowed down after doing 20 in 23 seconds. My arms still need work to improve and last longer. I plan on de-registering my business name this week since I need to put the time into other priorities. I am finishing college in a half of a year and I have to find the area in IT where I will be happy in the work I do.
- 24,612
- Anoka, MN
I have decided to drastically reduce the amount of sugar in my diet, mainly by cutting out pop as that is where most of it comes from. I bought a Brita filter bottle a mew months ago but changed it out for a ZeroWater pitcher last week and got a couple water bottles as well(I have well water and live on a major road so my water needs filtration).
I have also been trying to cut out HFCS from my diet.👍
I have also been trying to cut out HFCS from my diet.👍
- 17,086
- United Kingdom
No Alcohol: Day 77
.. well actually, I have a confession to make, I had one small glass of Champagne last Friday. I'd just been promoted to Technical Director of the company, and the MD wasn't taking no for an answer!
The good news is that I wasn't really tempted to have any more, and the following night I drove a round trip of 240 miles to go to my mates wifes birthday, and I wasn't even tempted to have a couple and kip there for the night.. so I've definately kicked the habit, people are now turning to me for advice on such things! I need to get christmas out of the way, I'm basically getting to get battered over christmas, but I'm fine with that. Question is, how long do I want to keep it up for? I'm now missing the enjoyment of kicking back with a SoCo, and putting in a few hours on the PS3... it's not the same sober - it just isn't.
I have realised that anger, bitterness, hatred and jealousy are all a lot sharper without the warming fuzz of alcohol in my blood.
I've not read much more of the bible, and I've not order my nunchucks yet. Progress learning another language is very slow, but it staves off the silence. None of my clothes fit properly anymore either.. which is a good thing because it means that working out is working... and a bad thing since now I could do with buying more.
Anyhow.. that's todays installment of Emo out of my system.
.. well actually, I have a confession to make, I had one small glass of Champagne last Friday. I'd just been promoted to Technical Director of the company, and the MD wasn't taking no for an answer!
The good news is that I wasn't really tempted to have any more, and the following night I drove a round trip of 240 miles to go to my mates wifes birthday, and I wasn't even tempted to have a couple and kip there for the night.. so I've definately kicked the habit, people are now turning to me for advice on such things! I need to get christmas out of the way, I'm basically getting to get battered over christmas, but I'm fine with that. Question is, how long do I want to keep it up for? I'm now missing the enjoyment of kicking back with a SoCo, and putting in a few hours on the PS3... it's not the same sober - it just isn't.
I have realised that anger, bitterness, hatred and jealousy are all a lot sharper without the warming fuzz of alcohol in my blood.
I've not read much more of the bible, and I've not order my nunchucks yet. Progress learning another language is very slow, but it staves off the silence. None of my clothes fit properly anymore either.. which is a good thing because it means that working out is working... and a bad thing since now I could do with buying more.
Anyhow.. that's todays installment of Emo out of my system.
- 2,891
- Scotland
- cphbullet
Thanks for all your advice, I've been doing weights and gradually increasing, i couldn't tell you what I'm lifting at the moment but its considerably more than when i started, i had to pretty much give up for two weeks after a fall down some stairs in a nightclub removed a good bit of tissue from my right forearm
. My biceps started to go soft again so i forced myself to do a really intensive bit of working out last night for about 3 hours, i could barely move this morning so maybe not the best of ideas however my arms oddly are bigger now than they were before i fell?Im thinking about taking up a routine of an hour in the gym in the morning followed by two hours swimming then off to work. Then another two hours of weights and stuff at home before bed. The only problem with this is motivating myself
. I really need to change my sleep pattern as well.That's a bit extreme, to do 5 hours of exercise a day.
I would advise less time in the gym but make it more intense. You'll get more benefit that way.
With the swimming, it depends what you do in the water. If its just a steady cardio swim to burn off fat, so long you're getting around 1 hour, that will be more than enough. 2 hours, that wouldn't really achieve anything unless you're a top level swimmer, or wanting to work toward a top level competition. Additionally, you already had gym work beforehand, that will also do some cardio for you too. With swimming, after a while it can get REALLY boring. So you need to vary it, through sets and reps and also doing different strokes as well.
I would advise less time in the gym but make it more intense. You'll get more benefit that way.
With the swimming, it depends what you do in the water. If its just a steady cardio swim to burn off fat, so long you're getting around 1 hour, that will be more than enough. 2 hours, that wouldn't really achieve anything unless you're a top level swimmer, or wanting to work toward a top level competition. Additionally, you already had gym work beforehand, that will also do some cardio for you too. With swimming, after a while it can get REALLY boring. So you need to vary it, through sets and reps and also doing different strokes as well.
