Do you add a few seconds to your timer?

Hi guys,

Since I started GST I've been adding a few seconds to my timer to make up for setup time.

For example in HS/PE7, it takes me about 4 seconds to get vertical. So the my prescribed time is 24 seconds, I set my timer to 28 seconds to make up for the setup time.

Do the prescribed times take setup time into consideration or should we add them like I've been doing?

Thanks!

-Nash

What you've been doing is correct. The prescribed time is time in the actual hold. 

Start counting when you are comfortably in the static position.

I think pre-setting everything is unnecessarily difficult. It will force you to rush into position when you should take all the time you need to get into good form.

I just have a metronome that beeps every second indefinitely. I count the seconds as I go.

if you have a programable timer, you can add a setup time. (5-10 secs depending on the hold)

i used a metronome for the first time today and it was pretty cool

Yeah, use a metronome. Set it to 60bpm with no accent on 1.

If you start counting from 1, you have to add 1 more count to your hold.

Metronome is a great idea, but counting to 60 while concentrating on form might prove difficult for me.

Thanks for the feedback!

I use a metronome as well, it's perfect. Your timer starts whenever you're ready and in position. It also helps you keep a constant tempo on non-timed exercises.

+1 metronome. There are loads of free metronome phone apps so you can always try it and see. 

Generally I add a few seconds, depending.  3 seconds is usually enough to get into position, but if I need more time I just hold the position for a little bit after the timer goes off.  It's not an exact science, but I figure doing too much is better than not enough.  Also, for SL/PE1 and sPL/PE3 I can set the timer after I'm already in position.  Actually, sPL/PE3 takes me at least 8 seconds to really set up everything, but I can see the timer so it's not a problem.

i have in my phone boxer timer.. so you can set prepare time or pause time..  thats my solution..

I add seconds for most. For eg. timer for 20 seconds doing an 18 seconds hold. I probably usually end up doing 19, but it's better than 17

Anything in support I use a clock, as obviously that's much easier to see.

FL pe5 I held a clock at arms length

My timer app has a countdown function, so I usually set 10 seconds countdown --> Workset in seconds.

I have an app I like that lets you set 12 different timers on the same screen.  I use them for all my different hold times.  And I set a few seconds more for setup, etc.

I use this http://www.beach-fitness.com/tabata/

pagio said:

I use this http://www.beach-fitness.com/tabata/

Me too!

Edit: I've stopped using this.  They've changed the page so that it's much more javascript intensive, which is more hassle than I need.

Now I just use the 'interval timer' app on my phone. I got it for free.

So far I've just been using a stopwatch function and adding the seconds it took to set-up to the total. i.e. if it took two seconds to set-up for an 18 second hold, I hold it until the stopwatch reads 20 seconds.

I know I'm going to run into problems with this method when I get to exercises where I can't have to stopwatch running in front of me (eg RC/PE6), but it works for now.

http://www.gymboss.com

This timer is ridiculous. You can program things like "Wait 10 seconds, then beep (for 1 or 5 seconds), then start x number of rounds of work y seconds and rest z seconds". I found it perfect for F1, especially if we were getting into hollow body or arch body holds. The "lead-in" time made it so we could get good form and not rush into the movement. You can save multiple of those programs so I just set up all of the holds and/or times movements. You can set the volume (or vibrate) and duration of beeps, etc.