farmboycountry’s BodyBlog

First and foremost, colds suck!!! Im starting to get one and the worst thing, Im leaving for vacation in two weeks. GRRRR!!! lol

Today wasn’t really a bad day actually. Overall everything went smoothly and I was able to really blast in my workout. Fridays are arm days for me and probibily one of the most challenging days. I was working at the same workout for a little over three weeks now, so I decided to changes things a little. I did some one rep maxes and impressed myself at what Im able to do now. Every workout was done to failure, obviously. Reps were moderate speed and concentrated. Effort was at 100% tonight. In other words, I felt great. I wasn’t overly satisfied with my bicept workouts as I concentrated more on triceps for some reason. Which did lead to an amazing pump. I left a little of my ego slip tonight when I was lifting. BUT! it did help me learn some form on a few exercises…or at least better my form on a few lifts.

1.) Goal oriented and progress report:  Lifting heavy and getting stronger, that’s the name of the game. Kinda. Definition also needs to be worked on too. Overall, I am seeing some progress that is pretty notable. Which is what it’s all about, right?  My workouts are going well. I am definitely learning a lot more than I thought I would from some pretty serious lifters at the gym. I believe I have matured quite a bit since I started lifting again. Before, all I wanted was to show off. Most of my workouts were “ego-lifts” and were rather sloppy. Ive come to realize that my time in the gym should not be wasted. If that’s what I am there for, I need to get out and let the real lifters do their thing. Ive begun to really concentrate on different excises, such as chest, arms, shoulders, and especially legs.

Ive started taking some new supplements and I am looking forward to seeing what results they’ll bring. Ive begun taking creatine. There has been some guys who have highly recommended taking it and there has been those who have told me that it’s not necessary. There has been some small differences that I have noticed since I started taking the tablets. GNC’s Amp products (Amplified N.O. Loaded and Wheyabolic Extreme 60) have shown shown to be pretty productive as well. More or less, I am trying to find what works for me. At some point, I would like to try Animal Pack and see how that works.
If anyone would like to give me some advice on supplements, I would greatly appreciate it.
2.) Some Thoughts: There are many times that I think "damn, I am way out of my league." I feel very small and pathetic compared to some of the guys on here and at the gym. BUT, a few thing that I always remind myself of when I see bigger guys at the gym and on here is; "that’s them, this is me," "they had to start somewhere too," and "you’re doing an awesome job anyhow, keep doing your best and you’ll make it."

OK, so Ill admit right now, that sounded like a whole lot of complaining, but you know, it’s not far off from what I see a lot of in the gym with new comers. Intimidation is a major factor to a lot of guys in the gym. Perhaps one of the major causes for experations in memberships. One thing that I always believe in when I see someone new at the gym is to introduce myself. Why should I think of myself as any better than them. I was in thier shoes once and felt just the way they do. If they need help, Im more than willing to lend my advice or refer them to some of the "old timers" of the gym.

Anyhow, I just wanted to give an update on a few things and just get some thoughts out. I always appreciate those who read these. My blogs aren’t always the easiest to stick with, but I feel they’re serving a purpose.

Thanks for reading

Brach

Just wanted to post a note on some progress. I am trying to work on everything that I stated in my previous post. Obviously things don’t change over night. Many of which may not happen within a month. But I am trying my hardest.

I have begun to concentrate on my exercises. Actually, it’s a shame that I haven’t done so already. I won’t say that I have wasted a year of lifting, because I haven’t. Ive learned a hell of a lot within a year’s time. Much of which is all new information that has come from some pretty extraordinary men and women at the gym AND on here as well. I use a mixture of light and heavy weight in my workouts. I want to build strength, but I also want to define as well. Using the lighter weights also helps with practicing the exercises as well.

I’ve noticed some decent difinition from the exercises that I am concentrating more on now. One of the largest, most noticable changes shows on my back. I can really see the muscles start to pop. Also, it made me laugh for the most part too, but I have some pretty defined obliques (more so on one side that the other, but still). Now, the only problem is to get my abs to really pop.

So anyhow, this post was short, but I just wanted to give a small note and kind of get some thoughts organized. Hopefully Ill have some bigger, better updates to give in the following weeks. Just stick with me and give me as many pointers as you guys can. Any advice is worth it’s weight in gold.

OK, so Ive decided to establish a semi lofty goal. Ive been contemplating this idea for a few months and have finally gained enough courage to actually state my goal and run with it. By this time next year, I want…hmmm…WILL be in competition shape, even if I don’t actually compete. I feel pretty confident about this and know I can fulfill my goal. I have some pretty awesome guys to work with at the gym. Two of which have already competed and have done very well in their shows. All the support and advice anyone can provide would be worth its weight in gold.

I should really sit down and come up with a game plan for the year. I know I can’t just sit here and say "ok, today is the first day of the rest of my life…" that wouldn’t be enough.

1.) As of now, I know I need to start concentrating on different exercises at the gym. I don’t want to go too broad but I don’t want to be too specific in my training.

2.) My diet needs to change. It should definitly be geared more towards mass gain. I would really enjoy gaining another 10 lbs by next year, but I am not going to hold my breath to that. I live in PA which means a healthier diet is not the highest priority on our list. Meat and potatos are the staple. However, I will eat smart. Not wrong.

3.) I need to focus on what’s important in the gym. The frivolous time spent chit chatting needs to be lessened and a greater time concentrating on tweaking and practicing at new and or already known exercises. I use the word practicing because I know there is not one body builder or lifter who is perfect in the weight room. Show me one and I will admit I am wrong.

4.) I need to change my mind set on a few issues that I have. A tenacious, mature, confident, and  zealous attitude are important and will help to push me in the right direction. I will be one of the first to admit, I can be very jelous in the weight room. I definitly have got to get past that.

5.) The absolute more important thing to achieve this goal is remember to love what I do. If I don’t have passion in what I do and now my accomplishments are all me, then what’s the point in trying to attain my goal.

OK…after all that, and if you’re still with me and not board out of your mind yet (lol), if you could give me any advice on what I need to change or add, any information would be greatly appreciated.

This goal is def. important to me. Within a year’s time, I will be competion ready.

Can anyone give me some advice about 17HD? It has been recommended by a few buddies of mine from the gym. I can see some pretty good results from one of the guys, but I’d just like to hear some stories or advice from other guys.

Thanks for the help.

Brach