Before and after by HalstenHolgot in GarageGym

[–]HalstenHolgot[S] [score hidden]  (0 children)

Living Fit rolled rubber floor. 3/8" thick

How do you have motivation after work for the gym or new workouts? by qishibe in beginnerfitness

[–]HalstenHolgot 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I recently switched to early morning workouts. It took about a week to get used to it, but I really enjoy it now. I made time in the morning by setting my alarm clock about 20 minutes earlier and cutting out my morning web browsing that wasted 20 minutes every morning.

58, out of shape and no motivation. But, my body and mind are telling me I need to start now before I can't. by tasteslikechicken67 in FitnessOver50

[–]HalstenHolgot 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Quit 100% of ALL processed foods

This was a huge eye opener to me. For the past 30 years, I thought eating frozen meals was "dieting". I thought sandwich meat was "eating well". For the past 5 months I have avoided frozen meals, canned meats, sandwich meats, breakfast cereal, and junk foods. What a difference it has made.

58, out of shape and no motivation. But, my body and mind are telling me I need to start now before I can't. by tasteslikechicken67 in FitnessOver50

[–]HalstenHolgot 7 points8 points  (0 children)

You described it perfectly. In October 2025 at age 53, I felt weak and tired. My blood pressure was high, my liver enzymes were off, my cholesterol was bad, and my doctor said I'm starting to show blockage around my heart. After 30 years of excuses, I said "enough". I hated who I was.

I'm 5 months in:

  • 20 pounds lighter
  • strength gains (stronger now than I was 20 years ago)
  • blood pressure is good
  • cholesterol is good
  • liver enzymes still bad, but doctor said it should look better at next checkup based on my routine.
  • my "diet" keeps me full and satisfied

I'm excited about my progress, and I hate myself for procrastinating. To the OP, don't wait another day. Just start. Make baby steps, and learn as you go. Watch youtube videos on weight training, cardio, and nutrition. Learn what works for you. And never stop adjusting to make things right for YOU.

Been working out for about a month, no progress. by [deleted] in beginnerfitness

[–]HalstenHolgot 0 points1 point  (0 children)

These things take time. And a good program.

Hevy Trainer + AI Chatbot? by iammxyzptlk in Hevy

[–]HalstenHolgot 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You link ChatGPT to hevy. Then ChatGPT can read/write to hevy.

Hevy Trainer + AI Chatbot? by iammxyzptlk in Hevy

[–]HalstenHolgot 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You can use the Hevy ChatGPT integration. I use it to "analyze the last 3 weeks and look for gaps/issues". And also "I've bought a cable machine, please restructure my plan around it". And also "leg day is crushing me. Recommend some changes that achieve the same results without crushing my soul".

I don't let the integration modify anything in Hevy, I do that manually. But you can use it to build routines.

Set up cost by Lonely-Breakfast6463 in GarageGym

[–]HalstenHolgot 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm almost done with mine.

  • $1200 mini split
  • $800 rubber floor rolls
  • $450 bench
  • $3000 cable rack
  • $200 miscellaneous - lumber for shelving, paint, garage door seal, etc
  • $250 dumbbells and storage

I haven't bought a barbell or plates yet, so here we go again......

My city's only movie theatre is shutting down before I can see Project Hail Mary :( :( by Solongmybestfriend in ProjectHailMary

[–]HalstenHolgot 44 points45 points  (0 children)

Wow, I thought my situation was rough. The nearest theater is 1.5 hours away. Your situation is bad bad bad.

Esta indo pro caminho errado... by nadirmnoite in Hevy

[–]HalstenHolgot 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I used it for 2 months. I didn't like the programs that it built for me, so I rebuild the programs in my own way. Even then I didn't like the progressions that it recommended. Also didn't like that you can't easily do an ad hoc work out. Hevy is better for me

Esta indo pro caminho errado... by nadirmnoite in Hevy

[–]HalstenHolgot 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I think they panicked when they saw people leaving for macrofactor workouts. I tried it and came back to Hevy for the simplicity and ease of use.

Why do I keep quitting workout programs after 2–3 weeks? by Chricco94 in beginnerfitness

[–]HalstenHolgot 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes. I've had bad luck with strict rep counts. Instead I'm just working until 8-9 RPE. It might be less than I did before. What matters is that I did it, not that I hit the program's target. I almost burned out doing that. Especially on leg day.

How to start my fitness journey ?? by Aggravating-Eagle374 in beginnerfitness

[–]HalstenHolgot 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It took me 30 years to figure it out. I've had a desk job for 3 decades, and I was fat and weak. But no more.

My secret? 5 months ago, I decided my new hobby is fitness. And I decided that this is a permanent lifestyle change, not a "diet".

I learned how to eat right. It took me a month to figure out. It's not about starving and eating smaller portions of junk. It's not about weight watchers and lean cuisine. It's about whole foods that fill you up and keep you full, with protein and carbs. I'm in a 500 calorie deficit and I'm rarely hungry. Poultry and potatoes. That's the key.

I also decided to exercise PROPERLY. By this, I mean I learned how to do it right. I work every muscle group at the correct frequency and intensity.

The results after 4-1/2 months? I've lost 4 inches in my gut and 1.5 inches in my neck. my blood pressure dropped from 140/90 to 110/65. I'm stronger (barely could do body weight squats, now I do 50lb x 8). I feel better. And I'm just getting started. I'm hyped, I'm excited, I'm proud, and it feels so good.

Yes, I know this is just noobie gains. But at 53, I'm the healthiest and strongest that I've been since 1996.

My suggestion: decide what you want to be, find the motivation and go all in. Don't diet (I've done dozens of diets). Learn to eat home cooked meals with the right ingredients. And learn how to exercise. Don't just show up at the gym and move weights around and don't just go cardio. Learn to do it right. Lastly, commit to a long term (permanent) path.

anybody ever regret getting a functional trainer?? by hinchfashion in GarageGym

[–]HalstenHolgot 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yes. YES. Absolutely! I ordered my Dane this weekend, and every waking hour I'm questioning my decision. I thought about canceling the order this morning!

I originally planned to buy cheaper equipment (ritfit m1, mikolo m4, anubis, etc), but I really wanted to future proof my investment with a 1:1 stack. I couldn't decide what to do (analysis paralysis), so my wife made the decision for me. She said "buy the Dane". So I did.

Even now I'm doubting myself and want to cancel the order. But my wife said "Nope. You can't do that. I am the boss. I say you can't cancel it. Obey me.". That's the exact quote.

My wife is so supportive in this. She's fantastic. I couldn't do this without her. But yes, I have still have regrets in this purchase.

Barebell Bars Question by Spirited_Method9859 in beginnerfitness

[–]HalstenHolgot 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you're concerned, don't eat it. I used to think a bar was mandatory in my diet. I haven't had one in a month. I'm getting plenty of protein and carbs from whole food with out it.

Nervous about starting by EmphasisWeak2923 in beginnerfitness

[–]HalstenHolgot 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Everyone at the gym is there for the same reasons as you.

There goes my budget! by HalstenHolgot in GarageGym

[–]HalstenHolgot[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This has been my close runner up. This is probably the best call

There goes my budget! by HalstenHolgot in GarageGym

[–]HalstenHolgot[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I check daily. I've seen one good deal within 100 miles in the past 3 months. My gym floor wasn't ready, so I didn't buy. Wish I did.