Conditioning question

shakazulu12 · 02-27-2008, 09:22 PM

Ok, when I was younger, I used to be able to play basketball for hours on end, its practically all I did for seven or eight years.

Now I know I'll probably never be able to get in that shape again, barring winning the lotto and having a lot more free time. However, I'm only 27, can still dunk and am pretty fast.

Unfortunately, one good sprint is enough to put me on the sidelines now. What is the best way for me to build up my conditioning for basketball if I have an hour a day to fit the workout in? Lifting isn't a problem, I understand that very well, just never really had to work on my actual areobic strength before. Its really sad, I ran a suicide the other day just to see what would happen and actually puked at the end of it.

As a side note, I also notice I can't ride my motorcycle all day anymore either without getting exhausted,so this will benefit me in a lot other ways as well.

XB12R · 02-27-2008, 09:46 PM

If you have an hour a day and you aren't worried about lifting it is time to go back to all the drills from playing ball in high school. Run sprints, suicides, and laps at intervals for as long as you can until you can do it for the full hour. If you can do these drills for a full hour you'll have no problem playing ball or riding your bike.

Goin Ape Nutz · 02-28-2008, 12:20 AM

^^ that's how I would do it.

When I was coming back from my... well, let's just call it a lazy spurt full of things bad for my health, I couldn't run a game to 7. I did basic stuff, riding bike, treadmill jogging, lifting weights (you could always quicken your workouts, meaning less rest between sets and exercises), and doing 10 50 yard sprints a week (yes, a week.. I started back slow so I didn't burn out).

About 2 months later I'm running around like a school boy with little notice to my respiratory endurance... granted, before my lazy ass syndrome attack I was in pretty good shape, but there is ways to get back into a place where it doesn't become a concern anymore. Take your time, continue to play ball (functional training is the BEST), and add a bit more cardio into your workout... slowly if you like, so you don't burn out.

06six00 · 02-28-2008, 02:22 AM

Have you thought about taking a test booster. Not saying you are old or anything but your test levels have dropped a little bit since you were younger. I know this wont help your endurance a ton but it will help give you more energy. Especially if you decide to start training to get your endurance back, youll see results much quicker.

binx_19 · 02-28-2008, 04:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XB12R

If you have an hour a day and you aren't worried about lifting it is time to go back to all the drills from playing ball in high school. Run sprints, suicides, and laps at intervals for as long as you can until you can do it for the full hour. If you can do these drills for a full hour you'll have no problem playing ball or riding your bike.

ditto, no better way then training the way you did growing up, there is really no difference then when you were 17, except for your attitude. you went to school for 8-9 hours a day went to practice for about 2-3 hours, then you get home to do homework for 1-2 hours. that is about 11-14 hours a day. just change school to work, maybe cut "practice" down to 60-90 minute at the gym, so now you have 2.5-3.5 hours of "homework"

silvr6 · 02-28-2008, 08:05 AM

sprints and cardio

shakazulu12 · 03-05-2008, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 06six00

Have you thought about taking a test booster. Not saying you are old or anything but your test levels have dropped a little bit since you were younger. I know this wont help your endurance a ton but it will help give you more energy. Especially if you decide to start training to get your endurance back, youll see results much quicker.

I'm not at the point where I'm taking anything other than multi-vitamins and creatine. I don't really believe much in supplements until you have reached a peak, and I'm not there yet.

Hitting the track and the stairs today guys!! Thanks a bunch.

binx_19 · 03-05-2008, 12:12 PM

if you have access, swimming pools offer the best cardio.

Deznuts05 · 03-06-2008, 01:17 PM

might sound fruity but spin class wasn't too bad depending on the teacher and their taste of music it could actually be fun

Goin Ape Nutz · 03-06-2008, 02:51 PM

^^ i like group classes for an aerobic workout. They are a set amount of time, you have the motivation of other people and a teacher around, and if they match your intensity level, they can be really good and fun.

I don't like creatine however... just a personal opinion thrown in I guess :p

shakazulu12 · 03-07-2008, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goin Ape Nutz

^^ i like group classes for an aerobic workout. They are a set amount of time, you have the motivation of other people and a teacher around, and if they match your intensity level, they can be really good and fun.

I don't like creatine however... just a personal opinion thrown in I guess :p

Forgot about spin classes!!! I took one several years ago and it kicked my butt, and thats when I ran the mile under 5 minutes!! I'm pulling up my gym's schedule right now. That will be a bonus for strengthening my knee's as well too.

As far as creatine, everyone has their preference. I have knee issues. Retaining a bit of water has always helped out with that. Whether its placebo or not, I get less knee pain so I go with it.