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Fat loss strategies (Read 10554 times)

psychomansam

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#25 Re: Fat loss strategies
August 01, 2014, 08:19:22 am
As far as gaining muscle bulk on legs alex, it strikes me that it depends on your body type. If you're an Ondra-esque ectomorph then you won't gain bulk at all hardly. If youre a larger build, as we both are, then you will.
But you train for sport climbing where legs are largely pointless. In bouldering, the strong legs and arse from running can be useful.
Either way, if you're overweight, the net result is very likely to be positive. Perhaps not if you want to go from a 6 to an 8-pack

I'm actually more motivated by running goals at the minute, just enjoying some climbing around it while getting into shape gradually. So I don't mind my thunder-thighs! Quite proud of them.

T_B

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#26 Re: Fat loss strategies
August 01, 2014, 08:44:36 am
I am a big build and cycle 50 miles to/from work per wk. I tend to try and 'spin', as some leg shaver types told me that I'd be less likely to put on muscle mass that way. Overall, I reckon I'm less chubby, though my thighs are probably a tad more developed than they used to be (and they've always been tree trunks  :'()

Nibile

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#27 Re: Fat loss strategies
August 01, 2014, 08:51:00 am
I think it's important to distinguish between fat loss and weight management, especially dealing with climbing.
For the latter, almost anything could go. Dropping weight in order to climb a project has been done for ages, but it's a very short term strategy. Dehydration, a little fat loss and a lot of lean muscle loss often do the trick... And it works exactly because of the lean muscle loss: muscles weigh a lot more than fat. Then you gain back the lost weight and some more.
It goes along with (metabolic and health issues and) a loss of power which is more than compensated by the reduced weight. I used to run and cycle when I started climbing, and had massive thighs from years of basketball and squats. Running made me lose weight ALSO in my legs, but mostly in my arms and torso. Plus, I was always tired and couldn't progress in climbing according to the volume of (over)training that I was putting in.
Losing fat is another thing. It's a lot more difficult than losing weight.
Hence the completely different approach that's required, to keep power and muscles up.
I know for sure that since when I stopped running I haven't put on weight, I am stronger and I've had massive improvements in my climbing.
Sport climbing isn't a cardio activity, strictly speaking (Dave Mac's book), so anyone could enjoy a good run, but without getting fooled that it's good for the project route (unless it's just to drop weight, whatever weight it could be).
Having seen both sides, I would never, never, never go back to running and cardio.

lagerstarfish

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#28 Re: Fat loss strategies
August 01, 2014, 09:30:34 am
Having seen both sides, I would never, never, never go back to running and cardio except for those essential times where jogging up and down the beach front with the guns on show will enhance the quality of my life via a significant increase in female attention

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#29 Re: Fat loss strategies
August 01, 2014, 09:53:06 am
Having seen both sides, I would never, never, never go back to running and cardio except for those essential times where jogging up and down the beach front with the guns on show will enhance the quality of my life via a significant increase in female attention
Fuggedaboutit.
 ;D

Stubbs

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#30 Re: Fat loss strategies
August 01, 2014, 10:07:56 am

But you train for sport climbing where legs are largely pointless. In bouldering, the strong legs and arse from running can be useful

This is entirely bollocks. Why would which muscles are useful for climbing change because you put a harness on?

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#31 Re: Fat loss strategies
August 01, 2014, 12:18:32 pm
I am not sure that running makes for strong legs, unless specifically aimed at that.
Anyway, strong hamstrings and quick quads are useful for heelhooks, big dynos and jumps, but I think that just being able to do a single leg bodyweight squat is more than enough with no need for more.

SA Chris

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#32 Re: Fat loss strategies
August 01, 2014, 12:41:07 pm
I am not sure that running makes for strong legs, unless specifically aimed at that.

Stronger yes, heavier not always. As psychosamn says, I think body type has a lot to do with it.


Stubbs

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#33 Re: Fat loss strategies
August 01, 2014, 12:45:59 pm
I'm not even sure running makes your legs stronger, especially outside of the range of motion of the specific activity; fit and strong are not the same. I agree with Nibs that single leg squats are a better measure of more climbing specific leg strength.

BobbyBear

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#34 Re: Fat loss strategies
August 01, 2014, 01:12:21 pm
I've followed T nation for a long time. He know's his shit for sure. I believe that diet is as important if not more so than actual exercise for low body fat %, recovery etc. The days of cardio and low calories for fat loss are long gone. At 40 having just started climbing I am interested to see (Once finger strength is reasonable) which avenue allows the quicker progression, increased muscle strength or lowering body fat (Good luck with that balance). My guess is technique and flexibility. I suppose once you reach a peak technically all you have left is to improve raw power??? With every problem unique doesn't technique continue to evolve??? Every days a school day n all that?

SA Chris

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#35 Re: Fat loss strategies
August 01, 2014, 01:43:06 pm
I think control of body fat is all down to how much you realistically have to lose?

As you say, I don't think anyone ever reaches "peak technique". As you progress through the grades and get onto steeper and harder stuff there are always new techniques to learn. The curve defintely flattens as you progress though.

tomtom

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#36 Re: Fat loss strategies
August 01, 2014, 01:43:19 pm
Flexibility is over-rated :) I'm really inflexible.. But do alright.... I've always thought other things (mainly strength related) hold me back more!

rodma

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#37 Re: Fat loss strategies
August 01, 2014, 09:02:08 pm
Flexibility throughout the range of motion you are likely to encounter whilst pulling at our near your limit is really important unless you're actively trying to tear or snap something. Flexibility beyond any useful range of motion is a bit of a waste of time.

 

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