The Best Shape of My Life!

I was finally able to complete my strength workout yesterday afternoon. Since I’ve moved my weight rack outside, it’s been pretty interesting doing workouts. I’ve had to wait on rain, lightning, wind, and all sorts of things. But the heat doesn’t bother me so much, especially since there’s a pretty good sized tree next to the patio. So the weather was right, I did my workout.

I’m trying to set a consitent routine. I usually have switched up my exercises and everything almost every time I went to the gym. But now since I’m focusing on training at home and with minimal equipment, I’m narrowing down my routine to just the basic things. This particular routine includes what I call the big 5. I’m putting my program up on my BS profile, so if you want to know what it is, check it out.

It felt great to get back outside and do a workout. I sweat like crazy, but I kept a full container of water with me, and a towel to keep the excess sweat off my face. I love being outside, I love workouts, and I love the sun! By the time I got to the overhead press, I was pretty well worn out. And that’s ok, because a great workout will leave you with just enough energy to get back inside, take a cool shower, and then eat.

The best part about the workout? STRENGTH! I was able to do the same weight that I did two weeks before. I haven’t done any workouts in about two weeks, and I picked up the same weights and did the same amount. In fact, I added a set of Squats and Chest Presses! So I’m feeling pretty good right now! 

Today, as expected, I’m sore. But I’m loving it. Means I’m getting back into it, and that’s a wonderful feeling. We’ll see how I feel tomorrow (or later today) when I do cardio.

I’ve been out of town for the past week and a half, and haven’t done any real workout. I’ve been in the pool, I’ve tanned a bit, and I’ve done a few exercises here and there, but no structured workout. I’m heading back home tomorrow, so hopefully I’ll be able to hit the weights again and get some good cardio in. Surprisingly, I’ve actually lost a bit of weight while out of area. Weird…..probably all muscle. GGGGGRRRRRRR.

I hate not being able to do a workout, or not having time, or not finding time, etc. Can’t say I’m not personally to blame, so I won’t complain. I’ll just hit the weights when I get back. I’ve got a pretty good program going right now that I just started before I left for my trip, so I’m getting excited to get back and keep it going.

I just entered the results from my assessment. I performed Squats, Bench, Rows, and Overhead Presses. Didn’t do Deadlift this time. I’ll get that one later, probably when I remeasure myself (need to go get another tape, though).

All went up except the Bench. Bummer on that one. Last June (07) I somehow did a lot of weight. I’m not for sure why that particular number keeps going down, but I’m going to try to prevent that from degressing any further. I guess I need to practice more chest exercises.

The positive news is that Squat, Row, and Overhead Press numbers went up! I really kicked it on the Squat and Row, so I’m really happy about those. I just put some weight on the bar for the Shoulders and tried it out. I was surprised to find out that I increased from last June. I know the results aren’t stunning, especially considering a year has gone by and only fairly small increases. But, an increase is an increase, and I can still say that every year I have become stronger and in better shape. I’m going to keep that going.

Maybe I can still reach the main goal I have for the end of this calendar year, and that’s to bench press my body weight. It will be a push, but I could probably do it if I focused hard enough.

I also did a cardio test today. Three minutes jumping rope. It’s not a "standardized" trainer test, but one that I could do in a short period time with the equipment I have. As long as I use the same one each time, I’ll be ok. By pre-HR was 84 and post-HR was 136. Jumping rope is not an easy thing to do (no matter how strong you are), so it was a real kicker for me to see what I could do in three minutes. Next time I’ll be looking for a lower post-HR. If it’s a higher HR, then something’s going in reverse.

So, overall, I’m pretty happy. I can feel my muscles tensing up (just about an hour after my workout), so I’m sure I’ll feel really "good" tomorrow. Just what I need for a bike ride!

Just got home from a boot camp intro session. I’ve taught boot camp classes before, and I knew what was involved. But today I decided to go to a free session offered by a local boot camp instructor. Only 30 minutes, so I knew I could survive it. Hmmmmmmmm. Even for someone relatively trained like I am, boot camp is still a killer.

I recommend boot camp style training to anyone looking for a fun time, challenging workout, and a change of pace for your body. Even 30 minutes can wear you out if you have a tough enough instructor.

No, I did not go to the pool. I’ve gotten to the point where I don’t like going to public pools, mostly due to the fact that I would have to take my shirt off, and if I did that, I would blind everyone. Plus, I’m not where I want to be physically yet, so we’ll wait. Hopefully next summer when my daughter is almost 3, we’ll be able to go to the pool and I’ll feel better.

So how did I have fun in the sun today? I worked on the yard! Another landscaping project came up that I’d been wanting to do for a while, so I did it. I landscaped the back side of our house. Planted some bushes, laid some edge boards, and mulched. Took me about two hours. Now, those of you who know what landscaping really is, well, it’s not easy. Especially when it’s hot. It’s on days like this that I’m glad I don’t work in the construction field. But I love being outside, and I love working on yards and gardens. Maybe I should be a professional landscaper. I could probably do a pretty good job. We’ll see.

Anyway, it looks pretty cool. I even put up some solar lights, and the accent is awesome! There were three lights in the pack, so I put one down by the actual place I landscaped, another one that shines down on our patio from the deck, and the third one I put in a corner of the deck that shines there. Pretty neat effect. Yeah, I’m pretty proud of my work. Now, if only I could be proud of my work on my body. Maybe one of these days.

Oh, and I did my first outdoor workout this evening! I worked chest and abs, using my equipment that I had placed outside last week. It was awesome being outside and doing a workout. Sweating, being under the shade of a nearby tree, and having room to move around in and not feel so enclosed. I’m hoping to do back and maybe a bit of legs tomorrow.

Okay, I’m going to put more lotion on to keep my burn from itching and peeling. I hate being so light skinned! Yeah, I know, I should wear a shirt.

As I get ready to turn 27 (EEEEEK!) on 8 days, I’m starting to think about all the things I’d like to achieve this coming year. I don’t like to make resolutions on Jan. 1 because to me, it makes more sense to make them on my birthday. So, now that my 26th year is winding to a close, I have an opportunity to reflect and think about the future.

1. Starting grad school took its toll on my fitness plan. My schedule was messed up, and workouts becme sporadic. Yeah, this summer I’ll have some time for workouts, but I’m taking classes in July, so again I’ll have to work around that. I also have a major trip planned in two weeks, so that will throw me off a bit, too. But, I keep plugging. I’ll be in grad school (evening courses) for the next 5-7 years (if I go all the way to the PhD), so I’ll need to just adjust my schedule, and possibly even my goals.

2. I’ve come to realize what the most important things are in life for me. Having the "perfect" body, for some, is the top of their list. It’s not on mine. Sure, I’d like to have a 6-pack set of abs, a great chest, etc. But there are always things above myself and my workouts. My wife, my daughter, and my obligations are more important to me. If I miss a workout because of a family event, or because of grad classes to better myself, I am learning to just let it go. There are too many things to worry about than having the "perfect body." It’s time to move on with my life.

3. My workouts have become more functional and practical lately. I’m not focusing on pure strength and weights. If I never am able to bench 185 lbs, so what? Sure, I’d like to bench press my body weight, if not more, but what does that really give me? A number to brag about? I want to be in good physical condition, but that is not solely defined by a bench press or squat weight number. The more important question for me is: Am I setting a good example for my daughter? Yeah, I know, there are guys out there that have bigger families than I do, and maybe more social obligations than I do, and they have the perfection that I only dream about. But the fact is that if I spend that much time, energy, and money on me, someone or something else is being cut out. I don’t want to look back in thirty years when my kids are grown and married and realize that I didn’t do all the fatherly things that I could have and should have done. If that means I have 15% bodyfat instead of 8%, I’ll have to live with that.

So this past week, I moved my weight set outside to our back patio. I’d always felt so cramped working out in the basement, and then the garage, and had thought about moving the stuff outside for a while anyway. Some might call that crazy, but I’m actually looking forward to it. I’ve always enjoyed woring out outside more than inside, and besides, I have much more room on the patio and back yard than I do in my garage. So we’ll see how it goes. It will be hot, sticky, sweaty, and I’m hoping a whole lot of fun. Maybe I’ll even tan a little (probably burn). What about winter? Well, as some trainers like to put it, if you want a true workout, you need to train your body to battle the elements. It’s called sweatpants and a sweatshirt…they were invented for a reason.

Besides, on a positive note, I needed to make room in my garage for something else that I’ve always wanted to have…something that not only will be very cool for me, but something that will hopefully save us a lot of money in gas. I’m hoping to get a bike soon, so having the weight equipment out of the garage will make some room. What if I don’t get the bike? Well, the garage is clean.

Here’s to a great 26th year, and hopes for a very positive and rewarding 27th!