Thanks Cameron! Let's see, you've the desire, but you need the guidance. You seem to get a bit too enthusiastic, and then stop. You described your problem, but at the same time, your problem contains its own solution. Are you overdoing it? Well, then chill a little... Seriously! If it's guidance that you seek as to what to follow, I will endorse Cameron's book and the programs in his site. If you follow the routines with focus, and allow your body to recover properly, you CANNOT go wrong. Initial soreness is normal during the adaptation stage, but if you're overly achy every session, then you're not recovering properly.
creamofwheat:
So, my friends, here is a plea for help. Can anyone suggest a good workout routine to get me into it (and no running...it hurts my knees somewhat)? ...
Once again, get Cameron's book and compliment it with sessions from his site. You cannot beat what you get for the buck! If you want something more customized, hire a good trainer or conditioning coach. If your school has a department of exercise science, they can put you in contact with students who'll be more than happy to guide you, even the faculty itself may help.
Nothing wrong with running, IF YOU ARE CONDITIONED for it. The reason your knees bother you when running is because you're running way past your current capacity, unless of course, you've some orthopaedic conditions you have not described.
I would also like to add that there's no such thing as "A routine". There are no "routines" to lose weight, there are no "routines" to get stronger and leaner, and so forth. Thinking so generalizes entire groups of people with different genetic make-ups and social\behavioral factors, and as we know, there's no universal "routine" that will produce results for everyone. THERE ARE guidelines, however and benchmarks that help professionals put programs together, and keep in mind, that when properly done, good, individualized program designing is a complex, lengthy process. The guidelines also serve to put programs together for specific populations that have similar performance goals. Hence, you have general programs for soccer players, wrestlers, football players, and yes that includes divers. Those general programs are an excellent start and can take you VERY far if you do them properly. However, if you're looking for an individual program, keep in mind that assesments need to be made and data gathered. In that case, be prepared to pay the conditioning specialist. True, individualized, periodized programs don't come free (unless your better half is involved in the field
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I should probably add that I am not looking to lose weight, and yes I am ok with potentially gaining a few pounds of muscle weight. I am just looking to get in shape in a healthy, productive manner.
Ahhhh! How refreshing to hear that! :14: I cannot tell you how tiresome the "I don't want to get bulky" BS gets. One of the reasons I love working with athletes is that although they focus 100% in their performance, They look a lot better than any typical "fitness enthuasist" I've ever met. Awesome goal, to be well conditioned and functional! The aesthetics will come along as long as you watch your nutrition and recovery.
It was also mentioned to do little things here and there. That's all and good and productive but only during the beginning stages, which should not last anymore than 5 months (in your age group) if you're consistent. Crunches during commercial breaks? Why? Any good reason in particular? Why not jumping jacks instead? Or Split squats? Or Jumping Split Squats? Or Russian twists? You've a lot more productive options than crunches. Keep in mind that I mentioned that this "Doing a little here, and there" will be good for only a few months. The younger you're, the faster you recover, the shorter this period. After that, you will really need to push to new tresholds to keep improving. You can either waste 3 hours of mediocre, or below mediocre work in one day, or you can have half hour of productive, challenging work. Besides, I don't think that obsessing over miniscule activities to burn calories is a healthy way to live. Again, this applies only once you're past the initial stages.
I would like to conclude by saying and emphasizing to be "PATIENT". You can only provide the best environment for your body to develop, but you cannot force it to develop faster than nature intended for your particular physiology. When will you see results? Only experimenting will reveal that, but what's for sure, is that your results will not happen overnight, or in a week, or even a month. So work hard when you have to, but also keep a cool head. Best of luck and Back to you Cameron!