Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Demonicat]

As the thread on bodybuilding supplements (www.mass119.com) quickly became a discussion on all things workout related, but only somewhat about the OP, I have opened this thead for all discussions of all workout related information.

[zappadelta]

OK, is it better to eat before of after you work out?

[Demonicat]

Wasn't really expecting questions, but what the hell.

It is better to eat after a workout as the carbohydrates, fats, and protiens will be immediatley used for reccuperation, rather than storage. This is of course assuming that your blood sugar is at a steady level (i.e. you ate with in the last 4 hours). If not, it would be wise to have a coke (non-diet) or other small calorie dense item so as to have the energy to really push yourslef while there.

[Newbie]

New question:

Off the top of my head I can come up with 10-12 chest exercises. What is best: to pick 4-5 to do for a month or so, and then switch next month. Or to cycle through as many as possible from day to day (chest day to chest day)?

[spliff]

[itaewonguy]

[maddog]

[Demonicat]

No carbs!?!? Yikes man, how do you work out hard? I could never do a no carb or even lowcarb diet. I am big into gaining muscle and strength and I find that carbs play as crucial a role (if not more crucial at times) than protein. Carbs are entirely what give me the strength to push that iron up and the mental focus to bring it back down for one more.
A lot of people go on about the value of whey shakes, but I've never really bothered too much with them. To me they were always at the same level as weight-lifting belts, gloves, and all the other "required equipments" of this sport. Things that I could understand, but I just didn't feel the need myself.
My best tip to anyone curious is to try it out for 6 weeks. See how it affects you, then try without for 6 weeks. Compare. Go with what worked best for you.

[maddog]

On the issue of heavy DBs, the DBs in my gym go up to 45kg. Shame it doesn't have a squat rack. And, it has those flimsy laminated floorboards so deadlifting is out also. I guess I shouldn't be so surprised as most Koreans seem to prefer machines any old day of the week. In fact, most of the guys in my gym don't train their legs at all. The pec-dec and preacher curl machine get loads of attention.

[animalbirdfish]

There was an extensive thread on this very subject some time ago (probably years ago), which ran to almost 20 pages as I recall. Some very good discussions, suggestions and tips came out on that one. Perhaps someone with better search skills than this poster could hunt 'er down. The title was something like ESL Fitness Challenge. I remember Mr. Pink and maybe an old poster named Jugertha posting quite a bit.

[jessiaka]

[animalbirdfish]

Found one of 'em:


EXERCISE IN KOREA: Buying protein, gym stories, etc
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?p=198552&highlight=#198552

Looks like the original thread is gone. Shame.

[chotaerang]

[Demonicat]

Is it any surprise that many Koreans tend to lift for arms and chest primarily, and that they tend to use machines over free weights? Its the same in every country for every people. Perople work chest and arms becasue those are the muscles that they see in the mirror, and they use machines because they are easier. The lack of dumbells can be a problem, but if you are friendly with your gym, why not mention it to them. Hell, the lotte mart at Seoul station sells dumbbells, and I'm sure your gym wouldn't mind if you just bought them, and kept them at the gym.

[poet13]

Free weights. Lots of free weights. In my apartment. Hate gyms. Too many mirros with poser flowers. Disgusting. Currently bulking. Been bulking for 3 years. Its a beer thing, not a weight thing. Bicycle for aerobic. Too old. Too fat.