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! 

For 10 years I have worked out on and off and had minimal gains for minimal effort.  Its true that you only get out what you put in.  I had a decent gym in my house that allowed me to work out virtually anytime that I wanted.  I moved from that house last year, however, and had to join a gym in my new location.  Only since July 4 have I really committed to no less than 5 workouts a week. That was a little over a month ago and I’m beginning to see some difference.  I could feel the difference after the first few days, however.  In retrospect, one of the traps that I used to fall into was allowing myself to feel like I’d earned a reward of a day off and, in no time, I was out of my routine again.  This time, no rewards, no days off, no excuses.  Sometimes that means getting up at 5 AM to get my workout in before work.  Most days I go in at 6:30. 

Two things that I’m doing different this time:  Adding Cardio 3 times per week and setting specific goals. Thats where bodybuilding.com comes in.  This site is well-designed and really incredibly helpful for forcing one to think about their goals and what they can realistically achieve in a given amount of time.  It requires more than just sitting and thinking about it, you have to articulate what you want to achieve and when.  I’m really excited about seeing real results this time.  No excuses.