jcorbett’s BodyBlog

I’ve been weight training to lose fat and build muscle for the past 6 months, but since my goal now is to strengthen and build muscle my trainer is working with me differently. The weight is increasing, new exercises are being added, and the reps are lower. Today I did 270#’s on the leg press machine for the first time and did 10 reps on my own with 2 additional assisted. It felt great and when my training session concluded I told my trainer that my upper body was a little tired, but I feel okay. He teased me and said that I was a muscle head:)

In order to actually be a serious competetor in this MuscleTech Contest, I am going to have to train 4 days as opposed to my usual 2 days. I have another week of work, but will try to squeeze in a couple of days next week and begin the 4 day regiment the week following. Additionally, I’d like to try implement interval training strategies in my cardio. While it is highly improbably that I will win the contest, I feel compelled to act like a winner. In some ways I am, I have lost 34 lbs, I’m in great shape and I continue to carve out new fitness goals for myself–so in that sense I AM ALREADY A WINNER. Anything else is a bonus, but a $25,000 prize sure would be nice.

Today one of my neighbors commented on my weight loss, then asked how I did it so I gave her my abbreviated version about diet change and exercise. I also said that I feel great and she replied, "You look totally different".  What a compliment. A number of parents at my kids’ school have also noticed the weight loss. Two in particular asked specifically how I "did it". When I talked about the reduction of refined sugar,  saturated fats, and simple carbs, one said, "I could never give up my sugar".

Just think, that was me about 6 months ago wanting a physical change, but unwilling to give up bad eating habits. It wasn’t until I made a sacrifice that I began shedding the weight along with the ’stinking thinkin’ that justified poor eating habits. This physical change didn’t come in a bottle; it took a lot of hard work. I’m not perfect, but I value my health and have reclaimed my body.  My quality of life had improved; no more shortness of breath–what a difference losing 30 pounds has made.

I am encouraged to continue developing my fitness goals. I also look & feel totally different!

I started taking Hydrocut caffeine free on 4/8/08 and finished the bottle on 5/3/08. During the month I was able to lose a total of 1 inch and drop my bodyfat by 4%. I was surprised that the caffeine free worked, but my trainer said that fat burners work if you exercise and eat clean. The product didn’t curb my appetite, I felt like I was hungry every 2 hours and wanted to eat everything in sight, but I didn’t.  I don’t want to continue using the fat burner b/c I am pleased with my current weight. I hope to lower the fat percentage by doing more cardio. In order to be eligible for the contest I have to use MuscleTech products for at least 30 days so I started the Creatine 6000 last Tues. and am hoping that it will aid in building lean muscle and expedite recovery.

It seems like this contest is geared towards males. However, I’m going to give it my best shot at continuing this transformation and stay positive.