The Best Shape of My Life!

I started a new "program" of training/diet. Not really a full, scripted program like some bodybuilders do, but rather just a renewing of what I had been neglecting. I used to log everything in a nice little BodyMinder book, which was great. It kept me on task. But then I quit doing it, thought I could keep up with myself and what I was doing. YEAH RIGHT!

So a little while back I bought a new book, and now I’m getting back into it. Today was the end of Week 1 of 13 (the book gives you 13 weeks worth of logs). So far I’ve been doing pretty well with it. I’ve counted calories most of the days, but not all. Like last time when I did it, I have noticed just how bad my diet really is (hence the reason I have gained so much bodyfat lately)! So that’s a key priority. A huge thing with me is water intake. I have to fight myself to get me to drink water…it’s that bad. So I’m working on that. But all around, I need to lessen the amount of fat I eat. It’s much easier said than done, especially with everything going on in my life.

Training picked up, which was expected. When I’m logging, I hate to leave a day blank, so it’s easier for me to plan a workout, even if it’s just a short one. I’m going to a split routine for weights and an intense routine of cardo/flexibility. I used to take a pilates class on Wednesday nights, and it looks like my schedule this semester will again allow me to do that. I love pilates! It’s a great core workout for sure, plus some legs, and even some upper body. Flexibility, power, and strength, and the coolest thing about it is: you don’t use heavy weights!

Week 1 measurements weren’t that impressive. I think I made a little bit of gains in some areas (chest size increased, along with shoulders). I’m not quite for sure if that’s because I didn’t meausre correctly the week before or what (each area only changed by a max of 0.5 inches), but I’ll watch it more closely in the next few weeks. Obviously, I’m not expecting a whole lot of change in one week, but over the next few weeks, I should start to notice some things………presuming I get my diet in order and stay consistent with my training.

Well, that’s pretty much it. I probably won’t blog on here as often now that school has started. Being a full-time teacher, and a full-time grad students, plus having a family, etc., makes it really difficult to do anything extra, so this will probably be one thing that I give up. I’ll try to keep everyone posted on my weekly status, but I can’t promise much more than that.

LET THE FUN BEGIN!………again.

Well, now that the fair is over with, I’ve sort of been able to get back into a routine of things. I’ve had my younger bro-in-law visiting us this week, so I haven’t been able to get to a great diet plan yet. But that’s coming next week. My wife and I are going to sit down today and start planning it all out. Hopefully it works. I’ll say that it’s a good idea for everyone to just sit down sometimes, read some stuff about diet and proper nutrition (even if it’s just basic stuff you think you already know), and then start over from scratch. If nothing else, it provides a good refresher and clears your mind.

Now…about this last free weekend. I know most people don’t have "free" and "unfree" weekends. But being a teacher, I do. So this is my last free weekend before I go back to work. I’m actually getting excited, as I usually do in August. After having a hectic summer with grad classes and trips, I’m ready to buckle down and get into my routine of work. And, I’m ready to see some new, bright faces, as well as some of the older ones I already know. One of the reasons I love teaching is because I get a fresh start every August. New year, new schedule, new kids (and some old ones), new experience.

One of the best things about getting into my work routine is that it helps me focus on my exercise routine. So kudos to those who work year round and have a consistent schedule. Exercising during the summer is difficult when you don’t have a fixed routine and there are a lot of other things that like to distract you (such as spending all day in the mall because you don’t want to pay for your air conditioning).

So…..here’s to consistency….and to the fun that’s about to begin!

Growing up in a rural area has a lot of cool things….one of them being the annual county fair. It’s a great time and place to catch up with people you haven’t seen in a while, come back to see what’s been going on now that you’re gone, and just to enjoy some good home-style cooking (personal trainers everywhere are screaming right now).

This week was fair week in my hometown, so my wife, daughter, and I packed up last weekend and came down for the fun and games. I’m not that much of a fair "fan," but it’s nice to get out, see people, see the animals, and ride some of the carnival rides. Well, ok, my daughter rides the rides…I take pictures.

It’s also nice to come to a place where no one really cares what you look like, how much you can bench press, or what protein powder is supposedly the best for you. Every once in a while, I just get to a point where I need a break from all the vanity, and this is great way to achieve that!

So, just in case you’re wondering….

I haven’t done a major workout in a week or so, I have been eating a lot of greasy foods and sodas, and don’t forget the ice cream. And you know what? I FEEL GREAT! I have left my psychological baggage in the city, and it’s been good to just a "farm boy" again.

I know a lot of people, especially on this board, will disagree, but every once in a while, I suggest we take a vacation from the harsh vanity of finding perfection and just learn to enjoy life for what it is. Of course, there’s a difference between vanity and health, so I don’t recommend eating junk and grease every day, all year long. But when a nice, relazing opportunity comes up like a fair, and you have a chance to visit old friends and family, plus have some fun and eat some cool food (like funnel cakes and homemade ice cream), why not indulge?

That’s all for now.