E E-Rocker Thanks man that was inspiring. The constant working and isolation without any tabletop gaming was starting to get to me. I haven't been to the gym since this covid-19 nonsense started and have been putting on weight. Your story motivated me to try and figure out a way to get back in the saddle again.
I prefer calisthenics to weights, isn't that weird? I never got the results I wanted from weights* but with an aggressive military-style calisthenics routine I get stronger really fucking fast. Not benching 300 strong obviously but closer to what I feel is my ideal "fighting weight" if that makes sense. Strong enough to hit hard yet remain light on my feet.
*I am willing to admit I was doing it wrong and in no way am I criticizing lifting or discouraging others from doing it. I just didn't get the results I wanted and was never able to bench the big numbers.
No problem, man, glad I could help!
And yeah, I don't think it's weird that you prefer calisthenics to weights. Everybody has their things they dig, much like we all have different RPG tastes.
Around 2014 or so, I had really good fitness results from working out religiously with a HIIT-workout DVD for a few months. then I fell off that wagon, hard...
More recently, I found myself needing more external motivation, which is why I hired the personal trainer. I never had too much trouble being motivated for cardio stuff, even at my heaviest: I like walking, and running, and bicycle riding, and hiking. But that alone wasn't doing the job, which is why I focus on strength and conditioning with the personal trainer.
For folks who know a lot about exercise & are able to self-motivate, a personal trainer would probably be a frivolous & excessive expense, but for me, it's worth every penny. I'm thinking of it as an investment in my health, and thus far, I'm quite happy with the ROI.