A.Wright

Send your fitness questions to awright086@gmail.com.

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Last week I started the stronglift 5×5 program. Over the last few weeks I have been reading tons of articles from Dave Tate and Christian Thibaudeau. These gentlemen are inspirations to me and have steered me towards the direction of powerlifting. No, no I will not be competing but my exercises are focusing on strength. Like I stated in my previous blog, when I first started I didn’t build a strong enough foundation and I know I can be stronger than I am right now.  

The workouts have been killing and I am very sore! I was at the Redskins game and I was very uncomfortable due to my legs be so sore. I have never been this sore in my life and I mean that. I am currently working 3 times a week. Yep, that’s it, more is not always better.

My workout center around:
Squats
Deadlifts
Cleans
Planks
Overhead presses
Bench Presses
Reverse crunches
Inverted pullups

Simple but very effective.

Last week I started the stronglift 5×5 program. Over the last few weeks I have been reading tons of articles from Dave Tate and Christian Thibaudeau. These gentlemen are inspirations to me and have steered me towards the direction of powerlifting. No, no I will not be competing but my exercises are focusing on strength. Like I stated in my previous blog, when I first started I didn’t build a strong enough foundation and I know I can be stronger than I am right now.  

The workouts have been killing and I am very sore! I was at the Redskins game and I was very uncomfortable due to my legs be so sore. I have never been this sore in my life and I mean that. I am currently working 3 times a week. Yep, that’s it, more is not always better.

My workout center around:
Squats
Deadlifts
Cleans
Planks
Overhead presses
Bench Presses
Reverse crunchs
Inverted pullups

Simple but very effective.

build a foundation first, in order to have anything of value. The number one question I am asked is, "where is all the lose skin?" It appears that people are under the impression that you must do cardio in order to lose the weight. Then start a weight training program. Doing that is one of the worst things you can do. There is no point in cutting bodyfat to a low levels when you have no muscle. Muscle burns fat and increases your metabolic rate. That base is needed FIRST and foremost.

I am honored that BodyBuilding.com chose me to be a representation to the site.  I can’t express in words how I feel. The people who should be honored are the ones who constantly keep tabs on me. These are the people I look up to.  When I don’t feel like going to gym or debating if I should eat that cookie. I think of the countless number of people who are on my team.  Inspiration can go both way you.

Like they always say, taking the first step is always the hardest. So, continue to take those steps. If I can do it, anyone can do it. Trust me on that one.

Over the last few days I been asked some questions. I will be making a video answering these questions. If you need something urgent, please e-mail me.

7 Signs Your Body Image Is Bruised (and 5 Solutions)
By Margarita Tartakovsky, MS
November 2, 2009

In this day and age, it seems like a positive body image is a rarity. Whether you fit today’s skinny standards or wish you did, most women have issues with their bodies. Some may argue that bickering with one’s body is as old as time. We frequently hear friends and family lament about their thick thighs or pudgy middle. Personally, whether I’m with family or friends, an hour doesn’t go by without someone saying that they shouldn’t be eating that much, must skip dessert, need to lose weight or can’t fit into a shirt that was recently roomy.

Here’s a list of indicators that your image may be suffering more than usual (and ways to fix it below that):

1. You notice only negative things in the mirror, car windows, storefront windows, etc. Instead of seeing your positive physical traits, you’re more likely to be found bashing your body, and nitpicking at every nook and cranny.
2. You have a tough time taking compliments. It isn’t that you’re too polite to take a compliment; it’s that you truly believe you don’t deserve them.
3. You rarely think you look good. Even wearing a favorite outfit doesn’t help you to feel good in your skin. You rarely feel beautiful or even pretty.
4. You compare yourself to everyone. For many of us, comparisons are as natural as breathing. But, while you’re comparing your appearance to everyone else’s, you rarely have anything good to say about yourself. It’s always, “her thighs are so much slimmer than mine.” “Her waist is much smaller.” “I wish I had her body.”
5. It takes you forever to pick out an outfit — more often than not. Do you have a moment — more like many moments — where you’ve been cooped up in your room, trying on tons of clothes? You can’t see your floor, partially because it’s overflowing with clothing and mainly because your face is filled with tears. There’s nothing wrong with your clothes–it’s just that everything is wrong with your body.
6. You skip events because you don’t think you look good enough. How often have you declined an invite to a dinner date, party or other engagement because you felt too fat to leave the house?
7. You criticize your body regularly. “My stomach is gross.” “My thighs are enormous!” Do these phrases resemble your daily mantras?

5 Solutions to Your Bruised Body Image

1. Think of the awesome things you can do thanks to your body, whether it’s lifting weights, walking several miles, playing with your child, playing an instrument, riding a bike, helping mom carry groceries, dancing with your significant other, achieving a tough yoga pose or simply wrapping your arms around a loved one.

2. What do you like about yourself, beyond your body? Create a list of your positive qualities and achievements, and if you need extra reminding, put the list on a note card and stash it in your purse.

3. Hang out with positive people, who appreciate and support you, who see beyond appearances to who you really are.

4. View exercise as fulfilling, not punishing. Instead of working out to eliminate calories or fit into some bikini (all things that, unfortunately, many magazines and some so-called experts recommend), choose ways to stay active that you enjoy and that make you feel strong and good about your body. There are tons of options for leading an active lifestyle: walking, hiking, biking, workout DVDs, gym membership, yoga, Pilates, dancing, tennis. There’s nothing wrong with you if you don’t like the latest workout craze. Pick something that resonates with you.

5. Worrying about your weight and body is exhausting and strips you of valuable time. Consider all the good things you miss out on because you’re too busy criticizing yourself. You overlook other opportunities, whether it’s the opportunity to self-reflect (instead of nit-picking at your thighs or waist, focus on being kinder to yourself and others), spend time with loved ones or read a good book.

How do you think your body image has been bruised? What things do you do to improve your body image?

http://blogs.psychcentral.com/weightless/2009/11/7-signs-your-body-image-is-bruised-and-5-sol
utions/

I know most of you aren’t interested in what I am doing in my life. OK, OK. I am kidding. I know you all are dying to know what’s up.

*AHEM* I have to let everyone know that I am a University of Phoenix graduate!  I must confess that I am not happy like I thought I would be. I guess it’s the anti-climatic nature in me. Now, that I have graduated I am looking to move into a different career. Since, I live in the real world I know I need a steady income to continue my fitness dreams. So, in order to do this I need to pursue certifications in my current field. Now, I got that out of the way. Let’s talk about my current fitness status.

Since November of 2007 I have been losing weight or "cutting". I never liked that term to much… Anyway, it’s over for now. I need to change things up. While I do believe my body has adapted, I think it’s time to put muscle on. I think most people don’t realize that you need a base to build a house. In other words, you need muscle in order to be defined. While it’s possible to build muscle during a "cutting" cycle, it’s damn hard.

From November 1st up until January 1st, 2010 I will be performing a bulk. It’s going to be nothing serious, because it will my first attempt. I do expect some mishaps along the way. I will admit that I am excited and scared. Oh, well. We shall see and I will keep you all posted.

Over the weekend I was out in Las Vegas. Sin City! You mean more like the city of  walking drunks, snobby Europeans and women wearing clothing they shouldn’t be wearing? How does this relate to fitness? Well here is something regarding fitness. I went lose on my diet. Yeah, that’s right. I ate cookies, drank iced coffee drinks, eat waffles, and pancakes. I basically had a great time. Did I work out? Nope. I was on VACATION remember? Now where should I began?

Walking drunks.   Now, I don’t drink anymore and I don’t have problems with people drinking. However, I do have problems with people stumbling on the streets, on the bus and plane drunk. That’s right, I said on to the PLANE drunk.

Snobby Europeans.   You’re a visitor in this great country. If you don’t like the people, then get back on your plane and leave. I heard one lady say "Stupid Americans". I looked at her, she looked at me. Her Ivan Drago looking man, grabbed her and they walked a way quickly.

Women wearing things they shouldn’t wear.  This actually applies to both men and women. Here is a little secret. Where clothes that are flattering to your body. Granted I had a few shirts that were too tight when I was larger, however for the most part I dressed for my size and I LOOKED smaller.

Now, I got all these things off my chest? Well I go back?  Yeah for the Olympia. In my opinion it’s not worth all the hype. I found the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam much more enjoyable. Yep, I am weird like that. Oh, I did make it rain at the crap tables.

How things come full circle. I remember when I first become a member of Bodyspace, all the way back in November of 2007.  I had some knowledge of working out before, so I wasn’t a complete noob. However, I didn’t have the dedication and drive I posses now. Then again, I wasn’t called fat back then either.  That’s a whole different story and currently not the point.

The point is that I am now being looked up to. I was feeling down, not happy with the way I looked, etc.  All of a sudden I get friends request from people who look up to me. People saying the same stuff that I said to “JoshBme” and others. It’s funny, ironic, humbling, and just great. I can inspire someone else, that’s just amazing.  As always I am here to provide any help I can. All my information is free of charge. I want you all to succeed.

As one newly added member said, “Antonio, you show the real results are produced by real people.” I couldn’t agree more. While I may get frustrated, I know I am in this for the long run. There is no rush to perfection. Rome wasn’t built in one day, Jordan wasn’t a instant hit, and you know the rest….

This is going to make someone mad but I don’t care. As we all know bodybuilding.com is looking for their 2010 spokespeople. Well my fellow bodyspace members, be prepared to be bombarded by people who you have "chatted" with for some time. These are the same people who don’t respond to comments or PM’s. Yet, when it’s time for self promotion, they’re all up in your face. I don’t know who nominates these people but they are NOT what Bodyspace is all about.

I am here to help. I am not here to score some modeling contract or push supplements and or charge for meal plans.  Would a modeling contract be nice? Of course it would. However, receiving emails from people who say they find inspiration in me is better than any contract. I mean that 100%  Regarding this inspiration thing. Someone had the nerve to message me stating "that I should add them to my inspiration list, because he inspires me." I nearly fell out of my chair. Even if that was the case, you sir have lost all respect.  Once again, idiots looking to gain personally and by looking at the top 6. He is doing quite well. Once I found out how to remove people permanently, this clown is gone.

Oh well. It had to be said. Have a nice day.