odysseia’s BodyBlog

I can officially start counting it all down by the days!

My progress pics are not of the best quality (low lighting? bad, old 3MP camera?) but there is a great overall change in my physique after 8 weeks. I want to keep seeing changes, beyond my birthday, beyond my trip. Getting my bf% down to 14% is a longer term goal. I really want to see a six pack this summer and I’m confident that I will.

I posted a back shot in my profile pics because I’m finally seeing what I’d hoped to despite my lack of equipment. Working my chest, shoulders and using various rowing movements are helping to get the job done with my back. Jacknife crunches are still working wonders for my abs.

At the start of the week, I had the bright idea to potentially get a membership to a local gym (part of a fairly popular national chain). $100 for 3 months sounded fantastic, but then I started thinking deeper. For less than $150, I can get a decent bench and weight set. The weather is starting to get better here in Chicago so I can run for nearly free (better shoes, perhaps). I’ve been able to get great results just training at home so I don’t necessarily have to go reinventing the wheel.
I’ve just started BSN No-Xplode and I must admit that I love it. One scoop is all I need and I’m good to go. Despite the mixed reviews I’ve read on it, I know it gives me an extra kick to push through those tough, final sets. It’s really helping me continue to train smart.

I had to switch things up and add an ab profile pic. The progress pics serve to show my overall body transformation. However, I think my ab and side bicep/chest pics show off my hard work a little better. I spent two weeks training my abs with weight. Since I’d like to lose another inch or so off my waist and not run the risk of thickening the area, I’ll train abs without weight for a couple of weeks.

I’m bouncing off the walls with less than two months to go! I’m literally bouncing. I’ve got so much energy and I try to make the most of it every day. I have stepped up the intensity of my cardio which tends to be very kickboxing based. Yesterday, I did several punching combos while either standing or walking on my toes…in plie position. I still can’t wait until Chicago gets warm enough to run (I just need a few days of 40s, that’s all).

I’m starting a couple of new products, thanks to bodybuilding.com, in a day or so. I’m hoping that they’ll give me that push to reach my weight goal, get tight and boost my muscle endurance.