Discouraging but can’t quit
Well, I just took body measurements after first entering stats two weeks ago. Everything is stagnant with the exception of my arms which have gained 3/4 of an inch in two weeks and I’ve lost 3 pounds. I have a strong propensity to get really discouraged here. I’ve been hitting the gym religiously every morning at 6:30 and working out solidly for 45 minutes, 5 days a week. This actually ended my 5th week but I only started recording stats two weeks ago.
I guess its gut-check time.
When I look at old workout logs, this is the point where I usually start skipping workouts and paying less attention to nutrition. Obviously, I can’t do things the old way and expect new results. I’m not giving up.
So what has to change???
Maybe my goals are conflicting. I’m trying to lose weight while gaining muscle and strength. At 43, however, I can’t afford to just eat everything in site and I have a family and a full-time job so I can’t afford to workout 4 hours a day either. I have to focus on those things that I have control over.
Nutrition: I haven’t eaten as clean as I could have. I can work on improvements here.
Training: While my weight training has been tight and consistent, I haven’t done any cardio in a couple of weeks. I read that it defeats the goals of strength training. Maybe I should work in a couple of days of cardio a week.
Rest: Whats that? I’ve already mentioned I have a full-time job and a family.
Ok. That’s my vent for the evening. I’m re-committing, re-focusing, and staying positive regardless of what the numbers say!
August 25, 2007 at 6:22 pm
I hear you John. I am kind of in a rut right now but I have been back at training for 11 months now. I’m not happy with the fat loss around my waist and chest. I was hoping for much more at my 1 year point. But I am going to keep at it and see where my training and diet will take me.
For you John, keep the focus but make sure to get a clean diet going. At our age, this is key to obtaining the look because we can still pack on the muscle with the younger folk, just can’t display it as easy
-Jeff
August 26, 2007 at 12:03 pm
It is easy to get discouraged as i well know. Standing at 5′5" and weighing in at 120 lbs. it was hard as all to gain muscle for me. The truth is i was having a hard time keeping my interest in BBing because of it. But i hit the gym hard. I didn’t focus on time or intinsity, i just listened to my muscles and focused on the actual "movement" of the exercises i was doing. Many people say it is good to do between 10-15 reps for lean muscle gains, but i have found that 6-8 reps with heavy weights seems to trim fat and boost muscle mass at the same time. Also every once in a while you need to throw in some crazy intensity exercise. It’s like the effect of someone drifting to sleep while your talking to them so you slap them in the face.
Well good luck with your goals. Remember, you get what you put in nothing more nothing less. No pain no gain