Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by shin_lao 5125 days ago
These lists always miss the point.

For example, the list is most likely right about sleep. However, if you're not sleeping enough you'll most likely say "It's ok man, it's under control".

Only when experiencing personally the damages of sleep deprivation you'll say "I should sleep more". Not because you read it on a list or your friend tells you.

As for six packs, yes, it's important, because it will insulate you from 95% of back pain. But who's going to do stomach crunches after reading such list?

Céline said it better than me: Experience is a lantern that lights only the carrier (L'expérience est une lanterne qui n'éclaire que celui qui la porte).
2 comments
davidtanner 5125 days ago
Back pain can often be prevented/improved by having a strong back and abs, true. However a "6-pack" is a function of low body fat for the most part. Crunches(especially unweighted) are a terrible way to make your abs stronger.

Good ways to make your back and abs stronger include squats, deadlifts and progressively loaded ab work.

link
nazgulnarsil 5125 days ago
crunches have nothing to do with a six pack. follow the link he provided.
link
shin_lao 5125 days ago
It's a bit OOT, but, allow me to retort.

I'm not a big fan of intermittent fasting or any 'program' for that matter.

What I'd like to say, from personal experience, is that nothing beats a balanced diet and regular exercise. No program, no "method". Just an old fashioned healthy life.

And sorry, but if you want a six packs, at some point, you'll have to sweat for it.

link
StavrosK 5125 days ago
Nobody said you don't have to sweat for it. I'm currently in the process of getting one, and I do no crunches (although I'm sure they help). Also, a sixpack has nothing to do with fitness (other than that you incidentally get fit). It's purely for aesthetic reasons.

Me, I was working out anyway, so I figured I'd lose the fat to look lean as well.

link
nazgulnarsil 5124 days ago
programs help people transition to healthier habits. I don't "follow" leangains in the sense that I don't check calories and workouts against some set in stone plan, but my lifestyle looks pretty similar to a leangains program.
link