ajk_ii’s BodyBlog

First, logged my 100th workout on the site today!  I am amazed at my strength progress over the last 7 months.  The workout tracker is truly motivating to me because not only can I see progress in the mirror, I can see progress on paper.

Speaking of mirror, someone on this site told me to focus more on the mirror than the scale - and he was right.  Thanks Aaron (A-Train).  My weight loss has all but stopped - just hanging around 222 or so.  Still an accomplishment to be down 44-45 pounds from my start - but not seeing the scale move but seeing my waist measurement continue to come down is serious motivation.

Remember that Thomas Pink shirt I bought in June…  the Slim fit one that I was so excited about?  Well, its close to being too small through the shoulders now as are some of my other shirts.  Let me say that it is a GREAT feeling to grow enough that my shirts are now getting tighter through the shoulders and chest.

I have to get new dress pants and belts - everything is too big.  My 36 jeans are actually a little loose now.

I’ve learned so much about nutrition, lifting, and most importantly myself.  I have a TON more confidence than in the past and am really enjoying life. 

Nevertheless, I just had to note this milestone on my fitness journey.  Its a great moment to note, and a good place to keep progressing!

Stay strong! 

Just have to start off by saying how thrilled I am with my progress this week!  Wait, thrilled isn’t the right word…  stoked, giddy, ecstatic, pumped – pick an adjective!

Made progress on all my lifts and feel awesome!  But what really gets me going today is the fact that over the last two weeks I have gained 1 lb WHILE losing 0.5” off of my waist (now OFFICIALLY under 40″) and 0.25” off my hips.  It gets better – I have also ADDED 0.25” to my chest AND 0.25” to my shoulders!  YES!!!!!!!!!!!

I am seeing progress, and others here, at home, and at work are seeing it as well!  I’ve had a TON of people stop me at work and ask how much I’ve lost, how I’ve done it, and how much more I’m going to lose.  None of my clothes fit – all my work pants are too big (yes, the smaller ones I picked up in June).  I have several belts I can’t wear anymore because they are too big.  Most of my shirts fit good through chest and shoulders but are huge around the waist!  The changes I’ve seen in how my clothes fit make me shudder to think of what I looked like before – granted to keep in perspective I still have a long way to go.

The road of life is made up of milestones of achievement, curves, and speed bumps.  I’ve just passed a milestone, navigated diet curves I’ve encountered, gotten past the speed bumps and look forward to more milestones ahead!

Stay strong!

Haven’t updated photos  in about a month - will hopefully do so this Friday.  Been incredibly busy with work and family, so while eating well, I have not been eating as much as I should.  Nevertheless, here it is Week 20, and I am still going strong.

I have been researching DC as a training routine - looks tough and I have already started incorporating some of the elements into my routine.

Started Animal Pump regularly now.  Can see and feel a difference.  The pumps are great and they last just about all day.  Feel big and full of energy.  Which brings me to….

Not sure which element is the culprit, the modified training style or the Pump, but I am hungry ALL the time and the fat (even though the body fat estimator on the scale doesn’t show it) has been melting away.  Waist just keeps getting tighter and I am down to the mid 220’s (Friday’s weigh in was 225.5) - that’s OVER 40 lbs from the start.  I’m getting questions from friends and family about how much more am I going to lose - which is a great question.  To that question I’m torn - on one hand I want to keep making the waist tighter and see if I can get my abs to come out - I know they’re in there.  On the other hand, the amount of strength I have added on is great and there’s this little voice inside that wants to see just how big I can get…  So the struggle goes.

Well, the Pump is kicking in - time to go hit the weights!  Stay strong and lift heavy!

Work has been CRAZY this week!  Have not been able to get in my extra food for the past few days, but its good to be busy.

Have added a ton to my bench press since I started the Chest Hypertrophy workout.  I can feel it too - my chest is SORE today from maxing.  I think I have finally broken through the mental block….  Changing up the routine a little to add a dedicated bicep day - so those will get worked twice a week.  I’m stuck at 15" - and I have to get them to grow.

The other night I walked into the closet and was looking for something to throw on after changing out of work clothes.  On a whim, I tried on my size 36 jeans - and damn if they didn’t fit!  Granted they were a little snug, but breathing, bending, and sitting wasn’t a problem.  Another 3-5 lbs and they should fit well.  Just to recap, at the beginning of 2007 I was wearing 40s, and they were getting tight.  Now I am comfortably wearing 38s and will be in 36s shortly.  34s here  I come!

Started looking into new routines - trying to get ahead of the curve and have something planned before time to change.  Also, looking at additional supplements.  Researching Animal Pak and Animal Pump - anyone with experience with them, comments are welcome!

Stay strong, and hit the weights hard!

The trip to Vegas last week was awesome.  Left weighing 233 lbs, came back weighing 233 lbs - with the great meals there, I was quite pleased to have not gained anything.

Happened into a Thomas Pink clothier store (after trying on a $92K watch) and was talking to the saleswoman there.  Asked what the difference was between regular a slim fit shirts.   She replied that the slim fit is 2" smaller in the waist for "guys with athletic builds, such as yourself."  OK, maybe it was a line, but it worked!  At that point it hit me that maybe, just maybe, people are noticing the results.  So tried one on, figuring I hadn’t quite progressed that far, and it actually fit!  Couldn’t resist, had to get one…  $115 later, I have a new SLIM FIT shirt! 

Got back early on Wednesday and was up for 36 hours by the time Thursday came around.  Couldn’t bring myself to work out and didn’t work out on Friday, so a whole week off.  The funny part was by mid day on Friday I was craving a work out and was actually looking forward to Monday morning at 5:15 A.M. to get back at it…  and from my last posts you know how much of a morning person I am!

Last, but certainly not least, I bought new dress slacks a size SMALLER than the ones I was wearing.  Tried the 38s and those were a little too snug, so went with the 40s - I’m thinking that I am pretty much an exact 39 - which is 3" smaller than the old slacks.

Stay strong - and thanks to all for tips and encouragement!

Started the Chest Hypertrophy program…  I’ve got this mental block when it comes to chest that I HAVE to break through.  I’ve got strong legs and calves, but my upper body has always been weak.  So, we’ll give it a shot.  Started mid week last week, and I like the feeling and besides, its good to mix up the routines.  I have also found that I don’t dread getting up at 5:15 AM (I am NOT a morning person) to work out - actually was going to sleep in last week but wanted to get out of bed to work out.  What a great feeling!

Eating better, albeit not perfect.  But then few do…  Little nervous about going to Vegas next week.  Wife wants to party and I don’t want to lose the benefit of the time and energy I’ve put in to this point.

I have also determined that the clothing companies lie.    I was really pleased when I passed the 30 lbs lost mark and got into my 38 jeans/khakis/shorts that I have not been able to wear for 3 years only to measure and actually show a much larger waist.  SIGH.  At the end of the day my pants are fitting better - I actually have to replace my 42 dress slacks (YES!!!!!!!!) which is awesome.  36’s here I come!

Thanks to all who have expressed their encouragement!  Between those here, my wife, my friends/co-workers, and the changes I’m seeing in my body, I just continue to want to push, grow, and learn!

The good news, I’m down 4.5 lbs from Friday’s weigh in to 235.  The bad news, I couldn’t avoid the stomach flu I mentioned last week.  Checking stats this morning, I’m down 1.5" on my waist and about the same on my hips - lost about 1/4" on my arms, but that doesn’t suprise me much given being sick. 

Given the changes in dimensions, I was pretty suprised when I looked in the mirror this morning.  My arms actually looked a little bigger and defined, as did my shoulders and chest.

Hopefully I’ll be able to get back into the routine tomorrow, worst case Thursday.  Don’t want to push it and keep this bug around longer than it has to be here…  Will be interesting to see how much, if any, strength I’ve lost over the last 24-36 hours.

Really starting to see progress, hoping to avoid the stomach flu that is going around the house.  Eating much cleaner this week really focusing on making better choices.

Sticking to the workout routine, but will have to start mixing up the exercises soon - so looking for some good exercises to increase size of shoulders, back and chest.  Legs are pretty good - they have always been easy for me.

I’m starting to see progress myself - but a great motivator is the fact that my wife and family are noticing and commenting.  What’s a little scary is how I must have looked 1/1/07 at 266…  A little disappointed with my waist measurement compared to others I see out here, but that gives me motivation to hit the weight hard and REALLY watch what I eat.

I also have to thank those that I have met recently through this site for their encouragement and support. 

Regards,

ajk_ii