4 ms·

In general these things tend to follow a logistic curve. It's a useful meta-skill to know when investing more time has marginal utility. I think your examples

by oskarth 12y ago

In general these things tend to follow a logistic curve. It's a useful meta-skill to know when investing more time has marginal utility. I think your examples are great, if you just change deadlift 400 pounds to maybe ~500-600 pound, (or roughly 2.5-3x bodyweight for adult men) [1]. Most adult men can reach a 400 pound deadlift in less than 2-3 years of lifting (that's <5h/week). I mention this only because a lot of people here on HN are probably lacking physical activity, compared to what human were evolutionary selected for, and it's useful to know what can be expected. It's generally more than most people think. 1: See for example http://chrissalvato.com/2009/12/skill-guidelines-for-building-strong-useful-adaptable-athletes/ http://chrissalvato.com/2009/12/skill-guidelines-for-buildin...

deleted 12y ago
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irishcoffee 12y ago
I agree. I was actually pretty excited he said 400 lb. deadlift. I'm in the high 300's and felt accomplished for a second. But you're correct, the 500-600-700 range is where the big kids play, and it takes years and years to get there.
fapjacks 12y ago
You know, interestingly and according to my own personal anecdote, I feel significantly more efficient and productive in programming after I started weightlifting every day and using a standing desk at work. I'd guess between 15% and 25% more effective as a programmer. What I can figure is that I began to challenge more of the world around me (by lifting every day and running 10k or more on the weekend), and the same determination I use to motivate this activity has "bled over" into my programming. This is all 100% anecdote and purely unscientific, but it's how I feel after at least a couple of on-again-off-again exercise periods in my life, culminating finally in what seems to be a more permanent pattern of physical fitness. I really believe all humans should engage in weightlifting (and not simply a bit of cardio).

by oskarth 12y ago

deleted 12y ago

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irishcoffee 12y ago

I agree. I was actually pretty excited he said 400 lb. deadlift. I'm in the high 300's and felt accomplished for a second. But you're correct, the 500-600-700 range is where the big kids play, and it takes years and years to get there.

fapjacks 12y ago

You know, interestingly and according to my own personal anecdote, I feel significantly more efficient and productive in programming after I started weightlifting every day and using a standing desk at work. I'd guess between 15% and 25% more effective as a programmer. What I can figure is that I began to challenge more of the world around me (by lifting every day and running 10k or more on the weekend), and the same determination I use to motivate this activity has "bled over" into my programming. This is all 100% anecdote and purely unscientific, but it's how I feel after at least a couple of on-again-off-again exercise periods in my life, culminating finally in what seems to be a more permanent pattern of physical fitness. I really believe all humans should engage in weightlifting (and not simply a bit of cardio).