Blogging Iron

OK, so after 2.5 weeks on the bb.com plan, I’ve decided to switch over to the similar Body for Life plan. BFL is recommended by several people I’ve met and it has a proven track record. So for the next 15 weeks I’ll follow it and hope the results reflect those of the people on the book jacket. (This is usually where the fine print disclaimer pops up and says "results not typical.")

I’ve done a dry run of the exercises–no problem. For me, as always, it’s the limited food choices that make me nervous.  Orange roughy? What the hell is orange roughy?

Of course, I’m sure once I get used to it, it will become routine. I’ve been retraining my brain for the last month to understand first that food needs to be something nutritious that will advance my progress–not just something fast and tasty–damn you Wendy’s spicy chicken sandwich!

But I digress…

Anyway, I thought the BFL menu was limited until I saw this video, Dave Pulcinella’s "Six Foods that Work." Now I’m sure he’s leaving a few things out and this must be his last-minute pre-contest diet (no greens? no red meat? no fish oil? etc.),  but compared to that, BFL looks like a feast.

I do admire this bodybuilder’s steely resistance of Mom’s cake and rice pudding…

Very happy to report I’m down 11 pounds after two weeks and the incredible soreness that comes with a return to the gym after way too long of a layoff has subsided. I think yesterday was the first time I really looked forward to my workout. Back at it later today.

So my first workout went well, though I must admit, for a guy in my shape who hasn’t worked out in about a year, dips can be really difficult. I did get through it, though I’m sure my form wasn’t exactly perfect. But who cares? I’m back at the gym and feeling great about it.

Looking forward to workout #2 (see this workout series):

Day 2 - Sets x Reps

Back:
Lateral Pull Down, 3 x 12-15
Cable Rows, 3 x 12-15
Hyperextensions, 3 x 12-15

Biceps:
Cable Curls, 2 x 12-15
Alternate Dumbell Curls, 2 x 12-15

Calves:
Standing Calf Raises, 3 x 12-15

I set up this site a while back, but this is my first post. Waited for a bout of tendinitis to pass before I started my 12-week transformation using the series here on bodybuilding.com.

OK, I’ll admit it. I’m a mess. Pushing nearly 350 on the scale is not impressive. How did I get to this place at 41 years old (soon to be 42)? Well, it’s a long story that, put in a nutshell, goes like this: I was a fat baby who was a fat kid who was a fat teenager who was a fat adult who, at age 37 lost 65 pounds, who at age 39 put the weight right back on.

I know that I can lose weight. I need to keep it off this time. Any diets I’ve been on have been of my own undertaking, with little support apart from an occasional compliment. I’m using this blog for both motivation and accountability. If you see me level off or backslide, let me have it in the comments section.

I used to think I was doomed after turning 40 to live as a fat guy forever. But I see all these amazing bodies–some transformed, some built with years of training–on guys in their 40s, 50s, and 60s.

I know I can do this. The 12 week transformation workout doesn’t seem that brutal. I’m sure I can handle it. In fact I can exceed it, but I’ll just stick with the program to avoid burnout. The tricky part will be the diet. 5-6 meals and oceans of water. I’m lucky in that I don’t mind drinking water with meals.

Here’s the suggested Week 1 Workout, Day 1:

Day 1 - Sets×Reps

Chest:
Barbell Bench Press, 3×12-15
Incline Bench Press, 2×12-15
Cable Crossover, 2×12-15 Triceps:
Cable Pushdowns, 3×12-15
Bench Dips, 3×12-15

Upper Abdominals:
Crunches, 3×12-15