BlueandBlackYJ’s BodyBlog

A month ago my barbell bench max was 200 lbs. Today during the middle of my back/bi’s workout I decided to max on bench. I did 135 a few times, 185, 205, and 225. I thought I had just a little more so I put a 2.5 on each side - and threw up 230 with the spotter never touching the bar. I was so excited. I haven’t bench pressed that much weight since maybe 2004 or so. The most I ever did was 265 on bench so I am very happy with 230. I am making steady progress, getting much stronger, and happy with how everything is going.

I have struggled with cardio this week though. I got a sinus infection on Friday and haven’t been able to run since then. My plan was supposed to have me running 5 days for 45 minutes this week and I only ran twice. I can’t wait to get back to that because I feel like I am going to be able to burn off a good bit more fat on my abs and back of my hips and then the progress will really show.

Also I’m heading to GNC tomorrow to pick up my 3rd tub of ON 100% Whey, my 2nd bottle of multivitamin, my 1st bottle of omega 3 fish oil softgels, and my 1st tub of NO-Xplode (can’t wait to try this). So here is where I stood a week ago (pic on left is flexed, pic on right is relaxed - both at 173 lbs):

 Where I started nearly 8 weeks ago:

Over the last week or so the coolest thing has happened that has never happened ever that I can remember. During my workout I can see the big vein that goes over the top of the bicep in each arm. It’s not really a big deal, and it doesn’t really pop out that much compared to some people, but it does tell me that I am making great progress and that is really exciting to me. Also there are several that go over the front of my shoulders that are becoming much more noticeable. My body is changing…….slowly but surely…….and that is exciting to me! I can’t wait to see where I’ll be in 6 more weeks at the end of this RHC.

Well, things are going pretty good so far. I am halfway through the ‘08 Rock Hard Challenge and I am very please with my results so far. Yesterday I was up to about 172 and this morning I am down to about 170.5. I’ve been hovering around this weight for several weeks now, but I have gotten much stronger and I am beginning to see more definition and size in some places, so I am not as concerned with the weight. The cardio is much more intense now and in the coming weeks so I am expecting to drop some fat. I still have a lot on the back of my hips and over my lower abs. I have ran approximately 8 miles this week so far and will run another 12 before I finish this week’s cardio. Within the next two weeks I am really expecting my abs to come out a lot and I hope my progress pics show that.
Yesterday was leg day and I was blown away by how much heavier I was able to lift. My first three sets of squats were 50 lbs heavier than last week. I know part of that was I could’ve went a little heavier last week, but I didn’t feel like I could at the time.  My last set on squats was still 10 lbs heavier than last week so that is definitely good as well. I also decided to start using the smith machine for my squats because I can’t push through my heels standing freely, I end up on the balls of my feet. With the smith machine I can force myself to put the pressure in the right place and work my legs better.

I was able to lift 15 lbs heavier on my first two sets of leg press, and my last set was 40 lbs heavier than last week. That is awesome!

On Straight-leg dead lifts I went 50 lbs heavier than last week and my last set was 20 lbs heavier than last week. That is awesome too!

I have still only had 2 or 3 meals in 6 weeks so I feel like I am doing well with my diet.

I guess that is all for now. I’ll post some pics below to show my current progress. The picture on the left is July 17, 2008 @ 165 lbs. The pic on the right is about a month later (6 weeks into program) at 171 lbs.
 

Here is a flex picture comparison at the same weights and dates as above.

More to come……..stay tuned for more progress.

Well month 1 is complete (started the ‘08 RHC on 7/14/08). Since the beginning of July I have went from 160 to 171 lbs - an increase of about 7%. I got much stronger this month. Below are the statistics for the first set of each exercise, comparing the beginning of the program to through the end of the first month.
Incline BB Bench Press - improved 26%

BB Bench Press           - improved 21%

Squat                         - improved 42%

Body Weight               - increased   7%

Overall I am really pleased with my progress for this month. Of course I wish it could’ve been more, but I’m sure that’ll come next month. Hopefully I will continue to build lean muscle, reduce my bodyfat, and get stronger (and healthier). I have only had 1 cheat day since the start of the program, but will incorporate 1 every other week for the remainder of month 2 of the program, which I started today.

Well tonight I went to a get together where there was tons of pizza being served. I ate before I went and planned to eat again when I got home. As the pizza was being served it did cross my mind about how good it would’ve been, but I just thought about the 3 hard weeks I’ve put in and the goal I am trying to achieve at the end of this program. I poured myself a glass of water and watched everyone else gobble it down. Man it felt good to resist and I was so proud of myself afterwards.

I am starting week 4 tomorrow. I expect to be about 171 in the morning when I wake up, which will be 11 pounds up. I am making good progress and can’t wait to see where I end up after week 12. Stay tuned for the results….

By the way, my legs are still sore from last Wednesday’s killer leg workout. Hopefully by this Wednesday (3 more days) they will be ready for another killer leg day.