Transformer in training

But I do like to think that I, at the least, train like one! Well maybe not…anyhow today was another day at the gym. I started this morning with a good back workout this evening I think I will try to start pushing instead of pulling and do a chest workout with some light cardio.

Today was my first day back after a week or so that just flew by…man here comes the winter and here comes dnsigma’s lazieness!!! To be honest, I don’t really think it’s laziness…these are just really stressful times…my teachers act as if 99 percent of my doctoral cohort doesn’t have full-time jobs and families at home.So, often times I have to decide between the gym or school work…and school work wins…as it has for most of the week. So, I am going to be tuning down the motivation factor for a while until I can get some sense of normalcy again.

Maybe I should go and get hypnotized into being confident about all of these things I am trying to do?

Anyhow, happy lifting.

http://www.sandowplus.co.uk/

http://www.trademarksports.com/links.html

So, yesterday while sitting in class and listening and learning about terms like de novo…I, of course, thought about weightlifting. Am I turning into a meathead??? Hopefully not.Anyhow, my professor…an attorney for the university tells me of how things should not be approached as if it was new. Then ‘Ding’ I thought about how I have tried all of these new things and make up stuff to achieve this ‘ideal physique’ when people have been doing this stuff for years….Duuuuuuhgggggghhhhhhhhh!!!!! Time for me to get back to the drawing board…find out what a maverick bodybuilder would do…and do that!

Excuse me mam who just walked in the store with the gentlemen who is about 5′6′’ at around about 400 + lbs. This gentlemen barely made it into Lowes and apparently would like some assistance to get around the store and enjoy his shopping experience; he might need to use the assisted mobility device offered in the store. You however mam are the same height, was well ahead of him in walking from your car and into the store and you ppprrrrrooobbaaabbbblyyyy weigh about 130 lbs….wet. Can you not hop on a device as well? I am sure there may be other people who reeeaaallllyyyy nneeeeddd to use those devices.Maybe you have a hidden disability? But I doubt it, because you sure had perfect posture sitting on that scooter and when you walked in the store you only seem to get on it because you were fascinated by it.

By the way…these people were adults? Seriously?

Seriously…a love triangle…at the gym…ends in death? Man this is so depressing:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/08/04/pennsylvania.gym.shooting/index.html

So as usual I don’t do big weights in the gym for this slight fear of them falling on me. So, while a lot people make the same progress I made in half the amount of time….I just take my time with everything.

Yesterday, I did a chest workout. S here are some of my personal accomplishments…bench press 225 for 10 reps then I did additional 4 sets with 5 reps each. Incline dumbell press(45 degree set) 90lbs for  10 supersetted with 50lbs for dumbell flyes (all done for 10 reps). I also, which really was not hard at all, did 100lb decline dumbell press 10 reps for 4 sets along with 60lb supersets. This was all finished off with 200lb flyes for 8 reps at 4 sets.

Yesterday was great…Ohh I also did 365lb shrug 10 reps for 4 sets.

Personal milestones for me…still trying to get like some of the big dawgs and do something better…I’m sure it will take a while…but I’ll get there.

But here’s my question,I am a little perplexed on.  For some reason, I seam to lift some heavy weight and have pretty good endurance throughout the workouts. I do  a decent amount of cardio (Swimming about 3/4 of a mile three times a week). But, I still seem to lack good definition. What am I doing wrong? I am slowly but surely coming to realize that this ‘definition’ is the elusive stick that I seem to be chasing after in my quest. The reason I say this is because there are people, on bodyspace, and in the gym who are doing the same, some doing more, and some doing less who have wwaaaayyyyyyy more defining moments. So, any commentary would be great…articles to read would be even better!

Happy lifting folks!

CLAP!! CLAP!!!! Maybe I should do this everyday…may I would fill a little bit better about myself. So, today…as I decide to take another sabbatical from the gym. I began to think about the many people who are out there struggling with achieving whatever look or health status they conceived in their minds before actually making a commitment to the gym. So, although looks can be deceiving and I think they are in this case, I really do struggle with this whole concept. Some of you may have read my interesting views on the over usage of supplements, people who are to much of them selves and various other things in relation to bodybuilding. People seem to struggle and cope with those struggles in different ways. Today, I have come to the partial conclusion that all of those things I write about maybe the motivating factors or coping mechanisms for people to succeed and that’s why they, in most but not all cases, are doing so well?!?!?!?!?!? It’s just a thought…

Enough about them…about me. So, sometimes people say what are you taking, what are you eating? The answer is protein and a mult-vitamin every once in a while I will try a new supplement, mostly if it’s free, but besides that…it’s just protein and a multi-vitamin. What am I eating? Not what you think I am!!! I try to eat as healthy as possible…but money and lifestyle doesn’t necessarily permit it. If this was a several years ago and I had less responsibilities than I do know? I probably would be much more ‘jacked’, as people would say than I am now. But, the book of life has prescribed something different for me.

Now, to the point of this blog. If I was to offer a discenting opinion on motivation for bodybuilding I would say something like this: ‘Healthy living is more of a lifestyle formation rather than a fad.It cannot and will not happen in a day or a week and for some even a month. Healthy living, like most things in life is all about keen knowledge and persistence. If you cannot afford all of the ‘hype’ supplements…think about the people who were lifting before these drugs and how well they did. You can do it too. Eat in moderation…try to eat more good foods than bad foods, treat yourself every once in a while. Exercise in moderation until your body and mind yearns for more. When all of the entities are in sync with one another you can increase your workouts and enjoy the results more.Finally, stop trying to be everybody else….they’ve acheived their goal…be yourself and achiev your personal goal….unless you want to continously live vicariously through the lives of others…which is not, necessarily, a good life to live.  So no matter who you are long,short,big or small…I believe that God created us all with the potential to live out our dreams…so, as Nike sorta says…go do it!’

Alright folks…Imma get lost from the gym for a few days….happy lifting and best of luck to everyone who has competitions,photo shoots or other things coming up.

Well, here I go again analyzing the key components that seemed to make people say ‘daaannnggggggg they are tight’. In an earlier blog I talked about tattoos and then then tanning. Today, I am back to the tattoos. If you like, try this out yourself and see what you find:

1. Peruse the site of people who are the same age (maybe) but height and weight.

2.Compare all stats(If available).

I found this…but you may find something different. It seems as if people who have decorated their bodies with a massive amount of tattoos are perceived to be more ‘jacked’ or in shape than those who do not have tattoos but are of the same stature. Additionally, it seems as if the people who have all of these tattooos perceive themselves to be in superior condition. Maybe it comes with the territory and I don’t understand.However, there are some people who do not conform to this observation…several of them are on sites like muscleink.com.

I only write this because I too was at first fooled by the tattoos and was like dang they are ripped. But, then I saw that tattoos convoluted the true picture of the physique. Careful you must be! As Yoda would say.

Happy perusing on the site and happy lifitng folks.

So, a guy who I mentored in college saw me in the gym today and told me this. Man my mind is so weird in that I instantly thought ‘Is this suppose to be a compliment’ and something said ‘Yes, in his mind it is so please respond appropriately’ and I said, outloud ‘Naw man I can’t afford those I only make pennies at work. Ha ha ha’. Is this the first time someone has said something like that? No. But, I know some of you all may have felt a little slighted when people say that and they are serious. It’s a totally different story when you know someone is playing but some are so serious and adoment about it that they almost act is if they are to make you think you do take steroids!!!!

This guy, I know he was kidding.But, I know some of you all have experienced this and probably felt like daaannnggg all this work and people think I cheated or am some stupid freak of nature?!?!? Or at least that’s what I thought.LOL!!!!

Aaaannnnnddddd just in case you want to question me about that on the real…take a look at the blogs and the pictures buddy…If I am using steroids….I must be the saddest example that ever lived because my ups and downs are more countless than the waves in the Atlantic ocean. Alright I’m out.. Have a good day everyone.

So, this particular blog is somewhat about bodybuilding in that it is, for most of us, an intrinsic part of our lives. For the sake of the audience hear, I will try to exercise as much brevity as possible in stating my point.

Over the past year or so, there have been many people within my life that have been ‘called home’ as we say here in the South. Now, there are plenty people out there who do not believe in some sort of higher calling and that percentage is on the rise, according to national statistics.However, statistics will still show that Jesus is always the reason for many seasons. Seasons can be defined as a period of time, such as in the life span of a person. I often times think about my season and I think about them as divided into chapters. For instance, birth is 1, childhood could be another, graduation another, marriage and so on and so forth. For all of us the final chapter will be that of death and that has lead me to wonder…

When that chapter is written what will be said about me? For my uncle who was shot by his girlfriend? Not a whole lot, my great uncle plenty of positive things, for the babies in my family? only words of love and today I find out a good elementary friend had so many hemmorages in her head during the birth of her first child that she is now a vegetable and will be gone soon…for her many good things I am sure will be written. So, what is the point? I often times look at this site and see how many people are so vain in their accomplishments and deeply yearn for the top spot on the main page of this website…and I wonder…is that what this site is all about? Isn’t there more to bodybuilding than seeking personal gratification in everything you do? I surely hope not…I cannot think of what could be said about such a person. Maybe many things….I just can’t seem to get my mind wrapped around them. In many aspects I am dummy and in many I think those people are.

I think I will curtail this blog, because as I write this I can find more and more topics to elaborate on.But, I would like to finish with this opinion: Teachings will tell of the importance of hubris in the lives of the just….the meek are the ones that will inherit the earth. I personally would like to have a ‘bestseller’ not one that will attain me fame and fortune, because it won’t, but one that says ‘this is a good example of just man’.  Bringing that home to bodyspace would be things like being geniunely interested in helping other members and not just trying to get rich or die trying by giving people false hopes in many senses.

Hmmm…there is saying that kind of goes like live as if you were dying, laugh with others like you never laughed before, and love as if you have never loved before. I hope that when my chapter and yours is written it to can reflect such hubris in life through social and personal relationships and accomplishments you have performed.

This weekend my good friend from college got married…and as you guessed it, it was a Catholic wedding. So, for those who know much about Catholics we ugghhh believe in having plenty of beverages available to quench your thirst! So when I get to the reception me and a gang of friends were like bar time!! Yea…by the end of the night I was gooonnnneeee!!! Today, I woke up at about 2:00pm. Man…the more you stop drinking and then go back to it…the longer it takes your body to recover. Whatever…I had a blast!!!

Thank you bodybuilding.com!!!!! Today, I saw a new feature…an inspiration button. For those who know me….I was a little hesitant to hit the button and then comment on why someone inspires me….it sounded a little weird at first and then I was like what the heck…if they inspire me then they inspire so why shouldn’t I let them know. So, today I clicked on a few but I got so many to go!

Finally bodybuilding.com is coming back around to what I believed the site was created for…inspiring others to achieve healthy lives through stories of people with real struggles and real success.

So what are you waiting on folks I am inspired by most of you because you are just like me out here grindin day to day to acheive healthier lifestyles.

Peace out.

Okay okay, if you haven’t look at the previous post…it might help to spark some points of relation to this. Some of the people, but not most, that I mentioned in the last article also have done this too.

So why must people put on all of this tan crap for a show and think that it looks good? My co-worker’s husband is a personal trainer and he sees people who do this stuff all the time. The rationale is that it helps the muscles to look more ‘defined’. Are you kidding me? I have seen several people who muscles are really defined without any tanning. When people put tans on I have seen several problems with it:

1. It makes you seem like you are of a completely different race than you actually are, unless you are already of a very dark complexion.

2. People have it running across their numbers, their undies and then sometimes its even beading up from them sweating. When this happens, their are strands on their body that is lighter than the others because of the beading.

3. It makes people look like the trophies that people win at the end of the show.

So does tanning help to create and ‘equal’ playing field. I know some people have fairer skin than others, but maybe natural tanning can help take care of that. Then, I thought we where judgining muscular development or are we judgining shinyness,beauty and muscle?

I mean I’m just saying. Again questions from the uninformed…because I will admit that I have never competed in a show and really don’t know the logic to the madness.

I mentioned fraternal movement because this could apply to anybody…but more so guys then girls…So, as usual, I am pretty keen at noticing my surroundings at all times. On a couple of occasions, I notice this huge guy about 5′9 250 in the gym with this woman (Assuming she is his wife) and wearing the smallest and tightest short any man who is my size should not be wearing (So they were too small for him). So I think to myself this man is off his yousers. Then while sitting in the sauna yesterday he comes in with the women again. As he walks in I notice a sign that signals he is part of the same fraternity I am in. THen I am like dang!!! The yahoo has to be in the same fraternity as me. Well, after talking with the brother, he is actually cooler than his workout outfit suggest. It just goes to show you again that you can’t judge a book by it’s cover.

Me and my awareness is sometimes not as good as it should be! LOL!!!

I know that different gyms have formal and informal rules. For instance, I know that some gyms allow you to workout shirtless, ours does not. When I go to the gym, I try to wear some clothes that I don’t really care about wearing any where else or that I can throw away if something happens to them. Maybe it’s just me…because I am cheap….unfortunately, I am too aware of my environment at all times.Anyone who has worked in judicial aspects of some sort may be able to identify with this. Anyhow, there is a guy in the gym who is always ‘dressed’ for working out. He really looks like a commercial when you think about it…..Under Armour or nike sweat technology, cool dry skin tight cut off shirts, I guess they maybe like Nike performance shorts, bright white socks and the newest pair of nike workout shoes. Me on the other hand? LOL!!! Tank top, walmart shorts, and some old Nike free tennis shoes with no shoe laces because the shoe conforms to my feet so snugly!!!!

Okay…okay…really I am just making fun of myself and not other people. Just thought it would be fun to post this up.

Maybe it’s just me…but many times, like today, I am looking through the profiles of people and see certain pictures and yell, in my head ‘Why did you put that on this site?’. I know everyone has their own definition of fit and being artistic but the shower, water and super duper baby oil…hmmmmm. Well, let be honest some are absolutely hilarious and the others are well….just interesting. Does anyone else ask this question sometimes? Just curious.

So, sometimes I get on bodyspace and read blogs and I am like wwhhhaatttt???? Yea, I like many others have dum moments all the time. So, what do I do in those cases? Ask questions or go back and try to read the blog again for understanding. Today makes like the 5 or 6th time somebody…call them what you want…has commented on my blog with some obnoxious comment. Sometimes I just want to hit the delete button as if their comment never existed…but then something tells me not to do that.

In the past, I know I have written some controversial opinions about bodybuilding and have some friends that would totally disagree. But, I think they were smart in not commenting at all and just letting me express myself on my blog just as they do.But, I thought about something with this last blog….it was a very sensitive subject for people to understand and comprehend the totality of the situation and so I just deleted the blog.

So now..I press on….happy lifting folks!

So, in other words…just because they look good does not mean that they reproduce well. Then for many…that’s a good thing!

http://bodyodd.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/16/1718831.aspx

So, as most of you know…I am a computer engineer by training and an educator by choice. What does that mean? I love computers and technology! My most recent gadget is the hydracoach. How wonderful is that? A gadget to support this bodybuilding habit!  I do not work for hydracoach and could really care less if you buy one!!! I just want to put that out there. But, I do want to talk about it and my middle of the night experiences.

First, do you know the importance of water? I don’t know everything….but know that it is important….follow this link to learn more http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/jenheath4.htm

Second, how much should you drink each day? For me? Last time I checked it was 91 oz. Now, it is about 113 oz., I usually average a little more than this each day. You can check yours here  http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/weik46.htm

 Anyhow, since I have been on this water frenzy. I have been waking up in the morning extremely thirsty! I mean like sahara dry mouth!!!! Is that weird or what? Anyhow, maybe that’s a good sign. Now, I need to learn to start keeping some water near the bed so that I don’t have to get to uncomfortable…but then….my water won’t be cold……aaarrrgggghhhh so many decisions to make in the life of novice bodybuilder! LOL!!!

Peace out folks!

According to a calculator found here on bodybuilding.com

Recently, I have looked aroung the web at some bodybuilding shows and I still questions what is the fascination with bronzing? I mean you see some people so bronze that they look as if they should be a gold tin man on the wizard of oz. Some of the bronzing is messy and it’s all over the competition numbers and their underwear. Some people change a couple of shades when they bronze.

Several people I have seen…I couldn’t tell if they were black or white….it was like an exotic look?!?!?!?!? Is that what judges are looking for. I’m still learning folks…I though the shows where to recognize outstanding achievement in muscular development….is this also some slick muscle beauty pageant for men. Have you ever seen people who are considered ugly or someone who has not used this bronzing stuff win big time? If so, let me know…because that is the man I will put my vote behind for now.

Leave a comment folks…I really am trying to learn.

People always talk about what has happened during their lifetime. Well, in my short time….PLENTY has happened. Global climate changes, seconds being added to the world clock?, Wars, an African-American president, All-time olympist, scandals of all magnitudes, and off all things an official recession! Man I almost hate to see 2008 for fear of what will happen as we go into a new year?!?!?! But the battle must go on right? Right!

In a few days, we will all welcome new bodyspacers who have made it a resolution to ‘lost weight’ or become fit. So, if we don’t have another major reason to look forward to 2008…maybe it could be purpoting the idea of regenerativity and sharing what we have learned about bodybuilding with the newbies?!?!?!?

Just personal thoughts…happy lifting folks!

People sometimes fail to realize the power of them being able to author their own lives. Some believe that fate has it’s place and that their life can not be scripted by their choices. I, on the other hand, beleive that we all can be the authors of our life…scripting future moments by the things we do today. So, how does all this translate to bodybuilding?

Well, history will tell us ( Which seems to be a major predictor in most things of life) that we will often times inherit the ills and of our families in some form or fashion. This does not exclude health habits and possibly looks. Well, I have seen my family….some look great and others?!?!?!?!? Well, they probably did not make the best choices during their earlier years! 

Some people think that it is insane to have a lifestyle of working out and trying to stay fit. Some people life because they believe we are crazy…and we turn around a laugh at them because we think they are nuts. It’s kind of like that says "You laugh because I’m different, I laugh because you all are the same."

So, as we approach the end of the old and prepare for the new. I just wanted to write a message of hope and encourage everyone to keep on keeping on. From personal experience my journey has not been short lived at all…in many instances

1. I have not made the same progression as many others on this site,
2.  I don’t have as much money to purchase as many supplements as others
3. and my job and sometimes jobs require me to be out of the gym more so than in the gym.
4. Food (I’m really being serious) is a BIG weakness for me….especially soul food.
5. Going to school, working and family is strenous enough.

So, I like many of you have a set of challenges that face me in this journey. But, getting on this site, getting encouragement exchanging ideas… and seeing people’s funny comments keeps me encourage and ultimately keeps me in the positive spirit of authoring my life. So, thanks everybody…I will consider this my Christmas present from all of you….hhmmmmmm not the problem is trying to figure out how I can return the favor?!?!?!?!!?

Happy lifting!!!!

I’m just proud to say that my alma mater will be playing in the Final Four on tommorow!!!

What do you think of when you hear Memphis,TN? BBQ, Beale St., Elvis, BB King, Battle on the bluff or those UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS TIGERS BABY!!!! Well, tomorrow the city will commemorate the life of a man…Dr.King. It’s interesting to see how the city reflects on this pivotal moment in the history of many Americans, of all races. It is even more interesting to have talked with the people who were here in the city during this event that change the history of our nation as we know it.

No, this doesn’t have to deal with bodybuilding….then again it really does. The catalyst which provides me with the opportunity to go to 24 hour fitness and lift weights with people of different races, is, in part, because of his teachings. I could go on…but you know where this is going.

So, tomorrow tune your stations to Good Morning America and others as the world focus on my hometown of Memphis,TN.

Peace out people and happy lifitng!

So, I was thinking today how a nurse,not my wife, told me that "If you ever go to the doctor, make sure you tell them about your blood pressure…because it’s really low". Okay so it freaked me out, am I swimming to much? I am 6 ft 215lbs….I need to take a survey…does anyone else have such a heart rate with comparable statistics? If so, this would make me feel a lot better!

This line, was made famous by Langston Hughes. Today, many people  bring his poetry to life,which is evident by blogs on  this site. The other day, I was reading the blog of a member ace0073, in particular, but also those of members who are  in their 50’s …women who are  on a  quest  to get in shape not only for their spouses or family, but more importantly themselves. I have also  come across the blog of many young men, who are grossly overweight, for their age and  look to this site for innovative knowledge and constant encouragement. For some, their dreams may have been deferred to  later times…you might not have met that particular goal of losing so many lbs by a certain date, or  squat a certain poundage by a contest date or  like me constantly struggling to make it to the gym , on a consistent basis.

For many of us….our dreams, in a sense, may have been deferred. But, thanks to the hundreds of you on this site who provide information, references, simple pictures and sometimes a "Thnx for the add" help our dreams to be not so deferred. Thanks bodyspace members!

What do you think about people who make noises in the gym? Is it really necessary?

I guess it would kind of depend on what you deem as "necessary". My personal opinion?Well, I’ll share that after a few entries from you guys. But today, I found out from this sport science show that grunting is actually a physically and mental mechanism that helps to generate more power in a single instance. Examples would be when you hear tennis players grunt, or martial artist make noises when performing their crafts.

Whatever the case, what do you think about this particular phenomenoa in the gym?

So, over the last few days, I have taken a look at the sites of bodyspace members who are 1.Massive in size and 2. Those that have a very nice physique minus the size. My ultimate goal is to always stay within the 200lb + range with a very nice physique. I don’t really plan on getting to be massive like Ronnie Coleman…but more along a symetrical look like Serge Nubret.

Anyhow, perused the forum,PM’ed and even left message on boards of bodyspace members asking several questions. Here is what I kind of found out:

1. Some people are using a process called "cycling".

- The problem, to me, is that when asked about "cycling" people are pretty vague in giving me information about it. However, "it" has seemed to work for them very well.

- Because I don’t know a lot about "cycling" I am a little hesitant to try it.

2. Pro-Hormones

- Several people on the site have used this in one form or another during their career as a bodybuilder. However, some good people on this site, even ones who may have potentially used this, gave the general consensus of it’s not necessary for good developement or for me to reach my goal.

So, as of today I’ll be sticking with the items that I can buy of this website or GNC for now which is mainly Protein and now Tribulus???? I think that’s what I bought!?!?!?!

Maybe after some more years of keeping up the good fight at the gym, I’ll be able to get to there status. Peace out folks!

So, I took a look on the www.bodybuilding.com website and saw that there was a feature blogger JSCHOTT65 . On the site, she talked about her discomfort with some of the pictures on the website. Man, I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU, to her for finally putting it out there! But wait, I then read the blog comments…and see some of the profiles and I think to myself "HYPOCRITES!!!!" this definetly calls for a flag on the play!!!!!! The calling of names is not necessary because you, like I, have the opportunity to peruse the net and click on profiles and picture galleries of bloggers on the site.

Just for the record, I too do not prefer for the risky business pictures to be on the site. However, I do think that I may be more liberal than some because pictures that are TRULY showing physique and muscular development should be acceptable. For example,

 if you only have one picture on the site and you have nothing on your top but a tie around your neck….that may be questionable….

if you oil up your body,as if you are about to be in a contest, and only take pictures of yourself in the shower….that may be questionable

if your pubic hairs are showing on the picture, that is definetly questionable. Have fun, help people, motivate people…that’s what the site should be for.

Until I write again…peace out!

So, I didn’t go to the gym this morning…but I wanted to share something interesting. Last night, I had this dream that I was at some type of show. The next thing you know people from bodyspace where their and sharing tips and posing!! It was great,yet strange, because it wasn’t a bodybuilding show…it was more like a networking site??? Whatever…I just thought I would share my dream. I guess my mind is getting more in tune with workingout?!?!?!?!? Holla!!!!

So, here’s the deal. I know this is really not the correct venue for such news. But, I would like to get this out and get the opinion of as many people as possible. If the news continues to publicize this in the fashion they are, doesn’t this, inherently, 1. Give this lunatic the fame he wanted and 2. maybe encourage others to do the same because they will "go down in history" with the same sick stardom?

My lord, why must we involve ourselves with social ills that encourage us to perpetuate behavior that we, conciously knowing, is wrong for our educationally diverse spectrum that we call our nation?

*Sorry for the ranting, it just makes me feel better sometimes.*

I know this is dum…but have any noticed how the people on the front alternate clothes every few days? I know its weird.

Over the past weeks I have heard a lot of buzz about something called MRSA. I asked my wife about it, she’s a nurse, and she said in some cases it could possibly be serious. So, for all of those who didn’t know…I just thought you should be informed of something that taking over at the gyms:

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/features/5-mrsa-hot-spots?src=RSS_PUBLIC

(8:35AM) This morning, I was thinking about the many people who have helped me out here on bodyspace and their professions. Why did I think of that? I dunno really…maybe it was the fact that everyone is so different yet the same in this goal of living healthier lives…or at least I assume this is part of the goal.

I, for instance, am a college administrator that works with various aspects of students lives through programming and advising. Many times, it hard to explain what I do…but think about it like this….if there was ever someone who helped you in college, that was not your teacher, or a program you went to that change your thought on something..that’s the role that I play. Most of the time I am researching ideas,theories, and talking with students to think about how we can help them make it through college. For example, here is a video of the kind of researching that I do, although this was created by a professor at another school these are the types of things we examine everyday in my line of work:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGCJ46vyR9o

Many professions…one goal

(5:30) Heeelllloooo bodyspace members!!! Well, my goal a while ago was to become super sexy by my wedding date. Over the past few months, I have tried all kinds of workouts, sought out the suggestions of other bodyspace members, and used comments as motivation to keep pushing through the weekly regime of working out.

 As time progressed, I notice that I began to become stronger and a little more defined. Additionally, my stats began to increase at times and decrease at others.

My overall evaluation, as a whole I think I have done well. To say that I am super sexy????Well, now that I think of it…that’s sounds a little vain to me. So, I will let others be the judge of that…it may not necessarily be sexy but maybe "ripped" or "stronger" which is perfectly okay.

Last, but not least I have to say thanks again to all the bodyspace members who have provided some positive feedback on this small journey I have taken. It has and will continue to be a challenging adventure.

(7:15AM) Coming from engineering class I went to my dorm room to take a nap before my 11 class. When I walked outside, it just seemed a little weird that morning…kinda like the world had stopped for a second. I remember coming to my room, popping on the T.V. and seeing a crash into the World Trade Center. I figured some pilot made a huge error in navigating the plan and I went to sleep. After waking up, I saw that another plan had crashed…classes were cancelled and the school was officially closed. That day I watched as the history unfolded before my eyes….were are being attacked!!!!

I love America, the land of the free…the home of the brave, and one of the most glaring attributes home of the cockiness!!! Who would have ever imagined that in this day and age we would be attack on our on soil?

Today, we still remember those who lost their life in the tragedy that day, and the one’s who have lost their lives over the past few years.

 I truly love America but I sometimes feel as if a more effective practice of hubris could sometimes save us from the focus of peril.

(7:15AM) Coming from engineering class I went to my dorm room to take a nap before my 11 class. When I walked outside, it just seemed a little weird that morning…kinda like the world had stopped for a second. I remember coming to my room, popping on the T.V. and seeing a crash into the World Trade Center. I figured some pilot made a huge error in navigating the plan and I went to sleep. After waking up, I saw that another plan had crashed…classes were cancelled and the school was officially closed. That day I watched as the history unfolded before my eyes….were are being attacked!!!!

I love America, the land of the free…the home of the brave, and one of the most glaring attributes home of the cockiness!!! Who would have ever imagined that in this day and age we would be attack on our on soil?

Today, we still remember those who lost their life in the tragedy that day, and the one’s who have lost their lives over the past few years.

 I truly love America but I sometimes feel as if a more effective practice of hubris could sometimes save us from the focus of peril.

Hmmm….I won’t fill up this blog with my worries…I’ll just let them simmer for a minute. But, as you can see from the title…the day is getting closer and closer.This past weekend I hung out in the hometown of Memphis and ate,drank and chilled aaaalllll weekend long! Tomorrow we will see what kind of effect this will have on my weightlifting.

So, yesterday I was just thinking about my goals and the various weights that I use each time I lift. Then….BING!!!! Something popped in my head and said "Is there any reason the weight of the bar should not be included in your total weight?" and I responded to myself "Got darn it!!!!! Out of my, going on three years, of weightlifting…I have never thought of that!!!!". Truly, a mind is a terrible thing to waste!!!!!

I say all of this to say that…if you see major increases on my charts…that’s because I will now be entering the weight of an olympic bar (45lbs) onto the total weight of plates that I use (Bar weight + Plate weight = Total weight lifted). You would think that  a computer engineer would have thought of something mathematical like this much much before three years have passed!!!!!

Oh well another day, another lesson. Check out some of the update pics if you can…I think I am holding well even though I would like to trim that tire around my waste some.

Ohhh and if there was confusion from my last blog….steroids are bad! I am just trying to find out why current bodybuilders who have nice physique yearn to use it? Maybe it’s like an addiction…(Things that make you go hmmm…..)

Peace people and thanks again for your critques and motivation.

So, it’s amazing to think that I have actually stuck with this bodybuilding or rather "staying fit" concept long enough to create 100 entries. Looking back, I literally see all of my ups and downs throughout the past year or so since I have been on here. I have met a lot of good people who are willing to give some good advice. I’ve also met some who, for some odd reason, sought after my advice and oohhhh there were the weirdos!!!!

All in all it has been a really good experience! A few blogs ago…someone stated that I should set out some goals. My main problem, after thinking about that statement for a while, is that I am shooting for a goal that I, realistically, don’t have enough time to focus on.On the other hand, ironically, while shooting for that goal I have managed to become more physically fit than I was before; which was another one of my goals when I first started this shindig. So, as I move forward I think I will be satisfied with my goal of becoming more fit and add smaller goals here and there like getting up to or lifting a certain weight by the end of year or something of that nature.

Hmmm what else…I also have learned that supplements…although are very helpful are 1) An expensive habit, 2) Makes me have side effects that I really don’t like sometimes, and 3) Don’t work as well as a good diet. The safeset and only supplement that I will continue to use in the future is Whey protein; Others may come…but just like the ones of the past…they will,most likely,also go.

 Last things:

Yesterdays Workout:

Swimming 16 laps

Todays Workout:

Ran to the gym and worked those legs baby!!!! I didn’t run back home because…well ya’ know…the legs were killin me!!!!

Until I write again…live today and dream about tommorow. Thanks everyone who has commented or given me advice!

 This past weekend? I succumbed to the temptaion of having a little drink. Now, I can see why people who stay in the country tend to drink more…..because they are bored!!!! Like I usually am on the weekend. But, with all that being said…a good lesson was learned. In college, I would begin drinking on Thursday…on Friday’s after my one an only engineering class that ended at 9:00 I would start up again and party the rest of the weekend. On Monday, I would be in class at 8:00am bright and early….today I drank one night and was in the bed until 2:00 the next day!!!! In other words, my body said “Excuse me, we have been there, done that, and refuse to go back there…soooo we’re taking a nice long break today.” After I finally got up, I decided to do a chest workout.

(3:00PM) While on my lunch break I walked home…turned on some Simple Plan and slipped in a shoulder workout!!!! I don’t know what it is…maybe I am still, somewhere in my mind, feeling guilty for all of my time off. Anyway, I did some shoulder presses, dumbell presses, lateral and front raises, shrugs with barbell and dumbells, and…..I forgot what the other exercise is called when  you hold the barbell on your legs and raise it up to your chin.

No frills work out in 45 minutes…and Simple Plan took me all the way through the workout….it was great!

Peace out…till I write again.

(5:35AM) This morning I got motivated from reading some blogs yesterday and made a deliberate effort to get my but to the gym. So, in the wee hours I commenced to a grueling leg workout. I must say…it was awesome….I am even seeing some veins in my thighs!!!!! Awwwwww yyyeeeaaaaaa!!!!!!! So that means that I am definetly on the way to get those tree trunks for legs. At about 6:30 or so…this guy, who is pretty huge…as in muscular huge comes into the weight room. Now, I have seen this guy before, like a couple of weeks or so ago, and now he was back again.

So, I think it’s just me but these kind of things just makes me go "hmmmmmmmmmmmmm". While this guy is in the gym, with his black tank top and P.E. class gym shorts he and basball cap pull so far down you can only see his eyes, he constantly looks at hisself in the mirror. Before he even begins to workout he begins to look at his self in the mirror, fanning his shirt up and down, pacing back and forth and then he will go and lift some weights and repeat the "look at myself" routine for another 5 minutes.

 Okay, now the truth out of this. Man, I was kind of jealous at the size he had on him and the minimal workout he was doing!!! I mean he wasn’t even sweating!!!! So, eventually he came over by me and began to workout his shoulders, while I was working out my legs. So what I do??? Even though I was on the last set…..I did a couple of more!!!! It was kind of like what Xtremefitness commented about in his blog…."seeing is beleiving" and seeing him was like "See what hard work will do for you!";even if I wanted to believe that a lot of his build had to do with genetics, especially if he always worked out the way he was this morning.

Well, until I write again…"Motivation can be found anywhere, in anything, and sometimes anyone.

(5:30AM) After a long enough period of recess this past weekend, class was back in session this morning.For those who don’t know, I mean working out class of course. This morning I picked up where I left off last week and worked the shoulders.

It may have been my period of resting, or it could have been that I was working hard…anyhow I sweating like crazy this morning after working the shoulders and calves. So, I’m back in the game for another round…Peace

Until I write again…remember that you can sleep when you die…but you may be sleeping sooner than later if you don’t get your necessary rest now!

(7:35AM) "Ohhh S*#$!!!!!" was the thought of the morning as I realized that there was

1.To much light out side for 5:30 in the morning, 2. I had to be at work in 25 minutes.

Luckily, I am able to walk to work each day so much of my time was used for getting ready. Breakfast for the morning? Tuna to go.

Okay, clear sign for me…I think recess will be in session for a minute.

So, I did not get my workout on this morning because I was feeling like an old man at my second job. I mean back hurting, legs hurting, arms sore….enough already. Some say that pain is weakness leaving the body….I hope that it’s big muscle fibers conquering the small ones I have now!!!!!! I did a shoulder routine during my lunch break…which was pretty intense. Intense enough for me to wish I had arms like the little action figures I had as a child. Ya’ know the kind where you can take the arms off and then put them back on when you felt like it!!!!

I know this is random but, here is an awesome article http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/mohr105.htm.

Now, back to the regularly scheduled blog…..

Anyhow, to explain the nature of the title of this point. While leaving my office, I saw the fire truck and ambulance pull up and go into the gym. First thing I thought of “Somebody has tried to lift some heavyweights and they fell on them!”. Turns out some kid passed out while trying to lift weights, the problem? He didn’t eat or drink any water before or during his workout!!!!!!!

Until I write again….if you don’t take any other advice from this site…remember that eating properly and water are always no brainers!!!!!!!

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Until I write again…let me stay in my comfort zone until I hit the gym.

Not that I didn’t think they were at first….well some more than others…but Don Long???? A very cool guy in my book!!!

Many people here on bodyspace never do realize how fortunate they are. We complain at times about our energy, our failures in weight gain or loss or the complexity of our lives in general.

But, truely we don’t have much to complain about in comparison to kids who are born prematurely. One of the great causes I volunteer for through my fraternity and through personal experiences of loved ones is The March of Dimes.

Many people don’t realize that The March of Dimes was started by President Roosevelt, who was stricken with polio. Our organization sought out to cure the disease the fundraising efforts such as, people sending their dimes to the whitehouse to support research. As a result of people like you, the cure for polio was found!

Today, our focus has broadened to focus on prematurity which affects all races, creeds, religion, and sexes. To make this short, because of the March of Dimes anyone born after 1967 is alive because of research that was funded through the March of Dimes. Through these grants they developed test that are given to all newborns to test for crippling diseases and illness, that if detected early enough,can be fixed.

Many kids who live past the first year still have tremendous battles throughout their life such as blindness, mental retardation and hearing loss.

 Today, I would like to ask all of you to think about the ones you love and their future. Many times people think about giving but never really do it. If not now, when?

If you would like to help me in sponsoring future research to cure illnesses that stricken our future, please go to the following march of dimes website to donate: http://www.walkamerica.org/satapp . The site is secure and you may contact your local March of Dimes for verification of this on-line method.

 For more infomation on The March of Dimes please visit the following website:

http://www.marchofdimes.com or http://www.marchofdimes.com/howtohelp/howtohelp.asp

Thanks in advance heroes for doing the kids a favor and being a life saver!