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So I have been wargaming for about a year and a half now, and have visited a few different stores. I know wargaming is not an activity that entails physical exercise, but I wonder why the majority of war gamers (that I have seen) do not seem to be in shape (this doesn't mean just overweight, skinny people can be out of shape too.) Personally, I am 17, and have been gymming for about half a year now. I consider myself pretty in shape, and I also try to follow the paleo diet. Of course I have relapses and stuff my face with chocolate occasionally, but overall I exercise probably four times a week. I am not intentionally trying to build my self confidence by posting this and try to feel better than other people, I just wish war gamers were not stereotypically classified as being un-fit. Why does wargaming seem to relate to being out of shape? Of course there is time management, balancing a job, family (maybe kids) and school, but I have a part time job, put a lot of time into schoolwork, paint 5-6 hours a week and game 4-5 hours a week, and still have time to go to the gym 4-5 times a week. What proportion of people on this forum workout/weight train/run/try to be fit regularly? I have met some (two or three) war gamers that I know use the gym regularly but I wonder why most don't.

Its not just wargaming; its people with a range of careers, hobbies, and other life obligations.

Simply put, for many people when they're older and have a job, a married life, potentially kids, and other secondary obligations, fitness is often the first thing to be cut in favour of just time to relax and unwind.

You're 17, give it a few years and see how your life changes.

I was very active in high school and maintained a reasonable level of fitness in university. Since then, its dropped off noticeably being on a stressful course with a lot of other things going on in my life.

But yes, everyone should try to find even 30mins of activity, even walking is better than nothing.

Usually because it is overweight guys playing it?

I do not work out at all, except for work. Carrying 200 pounds of rebar on your shoulder all day is a bit of a workout. I recently had to go to the doctor due to a sinus infection and they took all my vitals. The Doc walks in and asks me how much I work out. I just kinda look at him like ... are you serious? He was. I explained that I do not work out at all and in fact I am a pretty heavy smoker (pack a day for 27 years). His jaw drops a little bit and he tells me that my heart rate is 45. I guess the standard is something like 60 or so and he took it that I worked out and never smoked a day in my life.

My average work + commute time is 12 hours a day. Take care of the animals/plants on my farm, that's another 3-4 hours. Take care of myself in terms of showering, eating, sleeping and all that, another 8ish hours total. Out of my 24 hour day, I have 2 ish hours left. I could spend 30 minutes each way driving to a gym and working out for an hour, or I could veg a little and maybe play some video games that I've stockpiled on steam.

Shouldn't be hard to figure out which I do.

 streamdragon wrote:
My average work + commute time is 12 hours a day. Take care of the animals/plants on my farm, that's another 3-4 hours. Take care of myself in terms of showering, eating, sleeping and all that, another 8ish hours total. Out of my 24 hour day, I have 2 ish hours left. I could spend 30 minutes each way driving to a gym and working out for an hour, or I could veg a little and maybe play some video games that I've stockpiled on steam.

Shouldn't be hard to figure out which I do.

Workout right?

I wouldn't think the average level of fitness in a gamer store is much worse than the average level of fitness in society.

Why wouldn't you war game in your spare time and then 1-2 days a week replace it with body weight exercises or something? Like being active doesn't really require a gym. I know I don't know what it's like to be an adult yet, but I think if you make all your tasks more efficient, it's not that hard to find some time to exercise. I guess it depends on motivation, but if you focus on exercising and not losing weight, the fun is in the workout and the goal is kind of a side bonus. Even like 5 minutes a day of push-ups or sit ups adds a lot. A gym isn't even necessary, I mean there weren't overweight cave men right?

Joining ROTC for a year before they decided my lungs were too small (and whipping myself into shape for a summer before joining ROTC) kind of settled the "whether to work out" decision.

I have actually been quite overweight (like severely) for most of my life then turned it around Sophomore year of college. I usually work out ~4-5 days a week between lifting and running, but I'm afraid my schoolwork has been horrible for the last couple months so I've gotten pretty lazy. So as a general overview I'd say I'm somewhere between the average person and the athletic person on my fitness level.

feeder wrote:
I wouldn't think the average level of fitness in a gamer store is much worse than the average level of fitness in society.

From what I've seen, on public transit daily and just walking around, it seems to be lower. Not by a huge margin, but there must be some reason for the stereo type if gamers right?

Its quite funny, I actually Gave up wargaming in favor of exercise. I like exercising and running and hiking. But maybe that is the eagle scout within.

Im usually one of the more fit ones at my gaming store. But I take three different martial arts so that helps. Along with circuit training three time a week. I only game on Saturdays. And I pay people to paint my armies as I don't have the time. Like you said it depends on personal priorities. Anyone can get in decent shape if they want to.

MaxZ wrote:
Why wouldn't you war game in your spare time and then 1-2 days a week replace it with body weight exercises or something? Like being active doesn't really require a gym. I know I don't know what it's like to be an adult yet, but I think if you make all your tasks more efficient, it's not that hard to find some time to exercise. I guess it depends on motivation, but if you focus on exercising and not losing weight, the fun is in the workout and the goal is kind of a side bonus. Even like 5 minutes a day of push-ups or sit ups adds a lot. A gym isn't even necessary, I mean there weren't overweight cave men right?

Its one of those 'easier said than done' things that pile up when you're older.

Priorities change. But you're right that people should manage time better and make the effort. As I said though, easier said than done.

Granted, the best way to exercise is to join a sports league. You get to play something you enjoy, be social with people you like, and get the fitness benefit. That's my plan when I finally find out where I get to live and settle down for a few years.

 dementedwombat wrote:
Joining ROTC for a year before they decided my lungs were too small (and whipping myself into shape for a summer before joining ROTC) kind of settled the "whether to work out" decision.

I have actually been quite overweight (like severely) for most of my life then turned it around Sophomore year of college. I usually work out ~4-5 days a week between lifting and running, but I'm afraid my schoolwork has been horrible for the last couple months so I've gotten pretty lazy. So as a general overview I'd say I'm somewhere between the average person and the athletic person on my fitness level.

Thats impressive you made the shift that summer.

Im usually one of the more fit ones at my gaming store. But I take three different martial arts so that helps. Along with circuit training three time a week. I only game on Saturdays. And I pay people to paint my armies as I don't have the time. Like you said it depends on personal priorities. Anyone can get in decent shape if they want to.

Yeah I agree with this. Thats impressive too.

The sports thing is also true. Having fun is the best (and only real way in my opinion) to do physical activity. I have fun at the gym, and its also a place to relieve stress and even anger sometimes. I am still wondering why the "unfit and uncool" stereotype gets smacked on wargamers though.

I forgot to mention that I'm also 38.

Walk.

I work out every single day for several hours, no matter what. Either it's 5am when the gym opens, or 2pm after work, or late at night when a busy day ends.

Nothing's better than a great cardio program, and then an hour or two of strength training. It pays off in every aspect of daily life. The stares women give you, females who are complete strangers coming up to you at bars/clubs and rubbing your abs/arms, constant energy, strength to do anything you face - there's no end to how much the effort works for you. You get to wear the latest and greatest fashion, since you fit the clothing like the models do, you feel great about yourself and have confidence untold. Once you make the gains and get a taste of the POWER, you'll never stop.

It might sound kind of homosexual, but when men stare it's the best feeling of all. The jealousy is almost palpable, they want to be fit and strong like you so badly, but . . . just aren't disciplined enough. You have absolute dominion over everybody except those bigger than you in the gym - and they keep you motivated to keep training, because when you aren't, they ARE.

God gave me feet not to walk ... but to operate the pedals of my Jeeps and Harleys.

Being fit or somewhat close to it is understanding that your body only needs so much fuel. Cut back on certain foods and get a little bit of stretching and walking in your life. I am often perplexed by people who overeat ( and there are some in my own family ) that complain that if they do not eat that they get hunger pains. I have never had these. I can go for 3 days without eating as long s I have Mt. Dew and Camel Wides I am good.

Not to say that I am superbly fit but I can do almost any job that my work entails and I very rarely get winded. Try staying bent over all day tying rebar on a bridge for 8 hours and you will know the meaning of sore. It really does bother me that the majority of Americans are overweight and just kinda ... let themselves go.

Judging by the folks at my FLGS, I think the notion that wargamers aren't much worse off than your average person off the street is a fallacy - wargamers typically represent some of the most out of shape people around. Sad but true.

 PrehistoricUFO wrote:
I work out every single day for several hours, no matter what. Either it's 5am when the gym opens, or 2pm after work, or late at night when a busy day ends.

Nothing's better than a great cardio program, and then an hour or two of strength training. It pays off in every aspect of daily life. The stares women give you, females who are complete strangers coming up to you at bars/clubs and rubbing your abs/arms, constant energy, strength to do anything you face - there's no end to how much the effort works for you. You get to wear the latest and greatest fashion, since you fit the clothing like the models do, you feel great about yourself and have confidence untold. Once you make the gains and get a taste of the POWER, you'll never stop.

It might sound kind of homosexual, but when men stare it's the best feeling of all. The jealousy is almost palpable, they want to be fit and strong like you so badly, but . . . just aren't disciplined enough. Y[b]ou have absolute dominion over everybody [/b]except those bigger than you in the gym - and they keep you motivated to keep training, because when you aren't, they ARE.

You sound like a guy that we fired recently. He didn't know his job, but he blamed getting fired on "People being jelous of his body"

haha.

On topic:

The person has to want it bad enough. It takes a lot of discipline and dedication to get into excellent shape.

I'm really not sure why everyone is saying that gym workouts are fun

I cannot think of exercise worse than going to the gym. It just feels like I'm on a hamster wheel. I spend 8 hours a day in the same seat staring at a computer screen, why would I then go out of my way to run/cycle/jog/etc in place for an hour, might as well just install one of those water bottles you get for rodent cages.

Except if I actually was on a hamster wheel, I wouldn't be sharing the godforsaken place with a bunch of douchebags in vests sitting on the machines without actually exercising, downing the latest gimmicky sports drink(tm)* while playing with their wangs through their grey sweat-pants, while simultaneously trying to drown out god-awful music.

The only positive thing that comes to mind with the gym is yoga pants and occasionally being able to use the rowing machine located directly behind the cross-trainers


*proven to dramatically improve douchebaggyness while standing around in a gym, study paid for, performed by, and audited by gimmicky sports drink Inc.

I enjoy the gym. I usually hit the treadmill for 30 minutes (because that's the time limit set by the gym), then use weight and machines. I try to add more weight to each exercise every time I go back. I put on some weight and I wasn't happy with it. I try to go at least 4 times a week, schedule permitting.

My only complaints with going to the gym are;
- Gym bunnies who are there taking up space and looking to pick up
- Guys who commandeer 4-5 different pieces of equipment (either taking them or marking their territory with water bottles and sweat rags), who then proceed not to use them
- People who occupy machines solely so they can play with their phones

Hate going to the gym, so we made our own fitness room as soon as we could and have never looked back since. Doing cardio 3-4 times a week, HIIT mixed in between plus the normal weight lifting. You will feel better when being fit. Guaranteed. This entire "Like you body as it is!" attitude is utter bullcrap. If you're fit, you're healthier and you will feel better.

Wargaming is hardly unique in 'un-fit" people. Just look around you on the street any given day.

MaxZ wrote:
So I have been wargaming for about a year and a half now, and have visited a few different stores. I know wargaming is not an activity that entails physical exercise, but I wonder why the majority of war gamers (that I have seen) do not seem to be in shape (this doesn't mean just overweight, skinny people can be out of shape too.) Personally, I am 17, and have been gymming for about half a year now. I consider myself pretty in shape, and I also try to follow the paleo diet. Of course I have relapses and stuff my face with chocolate occasionally, but overall I exercise probably four times a week. I am not intentionally trying to build my self confidence by posting this and try to feel better than other people, I just wish war gamers were not stereotypically classified as being un-fit. Why does wargaming seem to relate to being out of shape? Of course there is time management, balancing a job, family (maybe kids) and school, but I have a part time job, put a lot of time into schoolwork, paint 5-6 hours a week and game 4-5 hours a week, and still have time to go to the gym 4-5 times a week. What proportion of people on this forum workout/weight train/run/try to be fit regularly? I have met some (two or three) war gamers that I know use the gym regularly but I wonder why most don't.

To be 17 again, when the world was young (literally) and the savannah was full of mammoths, miles and miles of them. Mmmm mammoth burgers....

Wargamers are gaming, not working out. Hence why they tend to be less in shape. If they liked kickboxing or had to do yard work for a living, they'd be more fit.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 OIIIIIIO wrote:
God gave me feet not to walk ... but to operate the pedals of my Jeeps and Harleys.

 Frazzled wrote:

MaxZ wrote:
So I have been wargaming for about a year and a half now, and have visited a few different stores. I know wargaming is not an activity that entails physical exercise, but I wonder why the majority of war gamers (that I have seen) do not seem to be in shape (this doesn't mean just overweight, skinny people can be out of shape too.) Personally, I am 17, and have been gymming for about half a year now. I consider myself pretty in shape, and I also try to follow the paleo diet. Of course I have relapses and stuff my face with chocolate occasionally, but overall I exercise probably four times a week. I am not intentionally trying to build my self confidence by posting this and try to feel better than other people, I just wish war gamers were not stereotypically classified as being un-fit. Why does wargaming seem to relate to being out of shape? Of course there is time management, balancing a job, family (maybe kids) and school, but I have a part time job, put a lot of time into schoolwork, paint 5-6 hours a week and game 4-5 hours a week, and still have time to go to the gym 4-5 times a week. What proportion of people on this forum workout/weight train/run/try to be fit regularly? I have met some (two or three) war gamers that I know use the gym regularly but I wonder why most don't.

To be 17 again, when the world was young (literally) and the savannah was full of mammoths, miles and miles of them. Mmmm mammoth burgers....

Wargamers are gaming, not working out. Hence why they tend to be less in shape. If they liked kickboxing or had to do yard work for a living, they'd be more fit.

It's not a life consuming hobby. I still find time to work out, hunt, fish, play video games, etc...

But not lambada? pfft. slacker.

With my life, I can't even find the time to go to the bathroom. Or the gym.

Hell, I ain't got time to bleed.

"Fit" means suitable for purpose.
My purpose is sitting on a couch eating cheetos.
I'm in perfect shape.


Round is a shape...

The key to any exercise program is motivation- how much do you need to look good vs how much do you need that time?
The older you get, the higher percentage of folks are married, and at that point the drive to be sexy to attract a mate is diminished. Toss kids in, which are the angriest, most demanding and adorable time sinks in existence, and most parents do not have the motivation to work out.

I find I need direct feedback. When I'm able to engage in SCA armored combat, I work out almost everyday. Otherwise it is a rarity for me to do any dedicated exercise time. Bruises and ringing ears inspire me!

Currently 2-3 1 hour sessions a week with my buddy is all i'm managing. Try to gain some more upper body strength and lose the fat I've put on.Also at the moment juggling wedding planning ( yes I'm quite involved - by choice) and a big model making project sucking up all the rest of the time. Due to various injuries and age I have no way near as much stamina as I'd like or I'd still be doing all nighters like I did when I was a student 8 years ago.