5 ms·

In two weeks I'll need help with 80 bags of cement. Loading them, unloading them, humping a barrow to the back of my property. There will be mixing and pouring

In two weeks I'll need help with 80 bags of cement. Loading them, unloading them, humping a barrow to the back of my property. There will be mixing and pouring and beer. I've already cleared the roots, shoveled Nd rolled the path, etc. So don't worry, the hard work is already done.

happytiger 5y ago
As someone who has done both weight lifting and foundation work (for fun, not profit!), the beat down of concrete work is real.
- swader999 5y ago
  Digging a big hole by hand makes you very ripped if you do it a few hours everyday. I built a cistern and redid my footer drains by hand.
frompdx 5y ago
It is difficult to offer a reply to this comment because it is hard to tell what the intent is. It reads tongue in cheek to me. I apologize if that is not the case. The work you are describing is difficult, but that doesn't mean that it will translate to absolute strength or that it is the same as strength training. Moving 80 bags of cement won't translate to deadlifting 405 pounds a few days later unless the person doing that is already very strong. If the person doing that work does not overexert themselves they'll certainly be adapted to doing more of that type of work though. Strength training is about making deliberate progression through repeated cycles of overloading and adaptation, and not about making equivalencies from one type of work to another. A bag of cement in the United States weighs 94 pounds. If you move 80 of them, you'll adapt to moving 80 bags of cement that weigh 94 pounds. That will not translate to the ability to lift four or five bags of cement at a time without deliberate effort. Will you empty the cement into a container adding a little more each time with appropriate recovery periods between until you can lift four bags worth of cement? Or will you move them one at a time, or maybe two at a time if you are able, to get the job done?
- Apotheos 5y ago
  I know you touched on it but the importance of consistent overload is paramount as well for strength and hypertrophy. 80 bags of cement won't cause adaptation unless it's a regular occurance.
  - splitstud 5y ago
    Responding to both at once. Yes, lighthearted comment. You're right about adaptation. The point I'm trying to make is simple: building physical exertion into your daily life is the best way to retain strength, flexibility, health and mood as you age. The habits are easier to keep. Combine that with physical recreation and reasonable habits regarding food, drink, chemicals and rest.

happytiger 5y ago

As someone who has done both weight lifting and foundation work (for fun, not profit!), the beat down of concrete work is real.

swader999 5y ago
Digging a big hole by hand makes you very ripped if you do it a few hours everyday. I built a cistern and redid my footer drains by hand.

frompdx 5y ago

It is difficult to offer a reply to this comment because it is hard to tell what the intent is. It reads tongue in cheek to me. I apologize if that is not the case. The work you are describing is difficult, but that doesn't mean that it will translate to absolute strength or that it is the same as strength training. Moving 80 bags of cement won't translate to deadlifting 405 pounds a few days later unless the person doing that is already very strong. If the person doing that work does not overexert themselves they'll certainly be adapted to doing more of that type of work though. Strength training is about making deliberate progression through repeated cycles of overloading and adaptation, and not about making equivalencies from one type of work to another. A bag of cement in the United States weighs 94 pounds. If you move 80 of them, you'll adapt to moving 80 bags of cement that weigh 94 pounds. That will not translate to the ability to lift four or five bags of cement at a time without deliberate effort. Will you empty the cement into a container adding a little more each time with appropriate recovery periods between until you can lift four bags worth of cement? Or will you move them one at a time, or maybe two at a time if you are able, to get the job done?

Apotheos 5y ago
I know you touched on it but the importance of consistent overload is paramount as well for strength and hypertrophy. 80 bags of cement won't cause adaptation unless it's a regular occurance.
- splitstud 5y ago
  Responding to both at once. Yes, lighthearted comment. You're right about adaptation. The point I'm trying to make is simple: building physical exertion into your daily life is the best way to retain strength, flexibility, health and mood as you age. The habits are easier to keep. Combine that with physical recreation and reasonable habits regarding food, drink, chemicals and rest.