odysseia's BodyBlog http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia Let's get it! Tue, 10 Jun 2008 05:16:06 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=0.32 en Houston…we’re working that problem out. http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/06/09/houstonwere-working-that-problem-out/ http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/06/09/houstonwere-working-that-problem-out/#comments Tue, 10 Jun 2008 09:16:06 +0000 odysseia Training http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/06/09/houstonwere-working-that-problem-out/ I’ve been eating fairly decent in order to maintain some semblance of muscle tone. However, I have been lacking sorely in the motivation department. Sorely. Yes, I’m back to 140, but I know I can and will do better. No excuses. I have to reprimand myself for falling back on the old excuse that I previously used about life getting in the way. It’s true, things happen. But, it’s up to me to regain my mental focus and make things happen for myself (this needs to apply in every facet of my life right about now).

Today: Lots of lean chicken breasts (about 3) and a ton of veggies, maybe 30% carbs and 15% fat. No workout.

Tomorrow: I need to work out. Period. Repeat with the high protein.

I’m looking forward to getting back on track and salvaging my plan to rock the six pack on North Avenue Beach. :)

]]> http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/06/09/houstonwere-working-that-problem-out/feed/ Uh oh…10-day mini rut? http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/05/19/uh-oh10-day-mini-rut/ http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/05/19/uh-oh10-day-mini-rut/#comments Mon, 19 May 2008 21:44:57 +0000 odysseia Training http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/05/19/uh-oh10-day-mini-rut/ I had a ridiculously good time in Thailand, so much so, I might have only been half joking with friends about retiring there. Ever since I’ve been back, I have had zero energy. I’m not sure if this is true jet lag - the only bad thing about traveling 19,000 miles & 14 time zones in a week - but the fatigue comes and goes (not long enough) in mind-bending waves. On top of that, I’ve been having some GI issues; food tasted like crud when I got back and I could only really deal with soup. My appetite’s gotten better and I haven’t been eating like a total idiot.
I have to hop up, kick myself in the butt and get back to business. I do love working out, I love eating right and taking supps, but I have to consistently find the energy (and tummy stability) to get it going again. Man, I had some super-sweet motivation for my trip! I just have to find something else to power me through the next 8 weeks.

]]> http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/05/19/uh-oh10-day-mini-rut/feed/ Time for the victory lap: 5/10 days to go!!! http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/04/20/time-for-the-victory-lap-510-days-to-go/ http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/04/20/time-for-the-victory-lap-510-days-to-go/#comments Sun, 20 Apr 2008 22:30:48 +0000 odysseia Training http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/04/20/time-for-the-victory-lap-510-days-to-go/ I just want to take the time to thank all of you who’ve supported me from the start. Every blog or profile comment, every PM (yes, even those PMs) have kept me moving forward. This site is not only filled with incredibly informative articles and board posts, but awesome people! Ever since I started my Bodyspace page, I’ve been recommending it and BB.com to other friends regardless of their fitness level! Peace, love and much respect to you all!

I haven’t uploaded progress pics today but I will on the morning of the 25th, my original goal date. However, my new avi is from 4/17 with an alternate view of my abs in my photos. I can’t help it, I’ve always focused on abs in my training, but I don’t remember them EVER looking this good in my "cardio bunny" days! This is only the beginning. I may use my vacation as a slight break, but I’m still committed to keeping my body up and pursuing my personal training cert by the end of the year.
Now, I am going to be pretty hard on myself diet & exercise-wise for the next 5 days. I’m looking at high protein/low carbs with my b-day party on the 26th as cheat day (even then, I probably won’t go overboard on the ‘tinis). I feel like all the work I put in between now and my trip will help me make sure I’m looking quite right in my bikini & pics. :)

]]> http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/04/20/time-for-the-victory-lap-510-days-to-go/feed/ 16/21 days to go! & carb cycling? http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/04/08/1621-days-to-go-carb-cycling/ http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/04/08/1621-days-to-go-carb-cycling/#comments Wed, 09 Apr 2008 04:39:49 +0000 odysseia Training http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/04/08/1621-days-to-go-carb-cycling/ Just got back from the grocery store with the following:
chicken breasts, tilapia, tuna, cottage cheese, broccoli, whole wheat pasta, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, green peppers, collard greens.

I am reading as much as I can about carb cycling and how it could help me look even better in my bikini body and give me new insights on clean eating.

Particularly motivated by bodyblogs, forums, articles and your neverending support, I and going to kick so much tail in these next three weeks! I am really enjoying every facet of this "transformation" and I feel healthier than I’ve been in quite a while. As I mentioned, I am going to pursue a personal training certification within the next few months and it will be great to have, maintain and perfect a body my future clients would want.

]]> http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/04/08/1621-days-to-go-carb-cycling/feed/ 19 days ’til B-day, 24 ’til trip!!! http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/04/05/19-days-til-b-day-24-til-trip/ http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/04/05/19-days-til-b-day-24-til-trip/#comments Sun, 06 Apr 2008 01:09:33 +0000 odysseia Training http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/04/05/19-days-til-b-day-24-til-trip/ This is where I start getting real antsy! I’ve been eating very clean but I just happened to have two "cheat" days in a row. In this case, I wound up staying out a little later and drinking a little more than I anticipated.  Hey, I know it’s my fault and no one told me to order a chocolate raspberry martini after my caramel apple one. I try to hang out with my friends (we’ve been a close knit group for over 10 years now) at least once a week. It feels like half of them are about to move out of state for educational and career opportunities. Considering what I’ve learned and keep learning about mortality in the past year, I try my best to spend as much time with all of them and let them know how much they mean to me. For the most part, I have learned how to go out and enjoy being totally sober or nurse a glass of water (not up to the BYOProtein yet, Clemon :P ). I have to be on my own ass for the next 19 days and try to not overdo it on my birthday.

Nevertheless, I AM stepping the cardio up and seeing some nice definition all over! I’m not so obsessed with dropping down to 135 before the trip. If it happens, great, but I am very happy with my results this far. I promise, I will not stop. When I get back from my trip, I am going to keep up my clean eating and working out. Things look good right now, but I’m looking forward to having a six pack and hitting North Avenue beach with confidence this summer.

]]> http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/04/05/19-days-til-b-day-24-til-trip/feed/ 30 days ’til B-day, 35 ’til trip! http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/03/25/30-days-til-b-day-35-til-trip/ http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/03/25/30-days-til-b-day-35-til-trip/#comments Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:10:50 +0000 odysseia Training http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/03/25/30-days-til-b-day-35-til-trip/ 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.

]]> http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/03/25/30-days-til-b-day-35-til-trip/feed/ Week 7 - 44 days ’til B-day, 49 days ’til trip http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/03/11/week-7-44-days-til-b-day-49-days-til-trip/ http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/03/11/week-7-44-days-til-b-day-49-days-til-trip/#comments Tue, 11 Mar 2008 22:24:58 +0000 odysseia Training http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/03/11/week-7-44-days-til-b-day-49-days-til-trip/ 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.

]]> http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/03/11/week-7-44-days-til-b-day-49-days-til-trip/feed/ Week 6 - 51 days til’ b-day, 56 days til’ trip! http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/03/04/week-6-51-days-til-b-day-56-days-til-trip/ http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/03/04/week-6-51-days-til-b-day-56-days-til-trip/#comments Tue, 04 Mar 2008 21:46:19 +0000 odysseia Training http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/03/04/week-6-51-days-til-b-day-56-days-til-trip/ 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.

]]> http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/03/04/week-6-51-days-til-b-day-56-days-til-trip/feed/ Start of Week 5 - 59 days and counting! http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/02/26/start-of-week-5-59-days-and-counting/ http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/02/26/start-of-week-5-59-days-and-counting/#comments Tue, 26 Feb 2008 23:36:41 +0000 odysseia Training http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/02/26/start-of-week-5-59-days-and-counting/ I am so happy that I’ve already dropped 12.5 of 20 pounds in a little less than a month! I am plotting my next step to keep the challenge going and avoid hitting a plateau far too early. Not only do I love the progress I’ve made from my progress pics over the past few weeks, I’m loving the shape of my body (and the fact that I don’t jiggle during cardio).

I guess I should clear up my timeline. I’m hoping to meet or exceed my weight and measurement goals by my birthday, April 25. I definitely won’t be taking the following 5 days off and I’m hoping to have some really nice vacation pics up in mid-May. Now, thanks to reading some articles from Ava Cowan and Christina Lindley, I’m motivated to train as if my vacation is really a photo shoot.

]]> http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/02/26/start-of-week-5-59-days-and-counting/feed/ Week 4 begins - 66 days to go! http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/02/17/week-4-begins-66-days-to-go/ http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/02/17/week-4-begins-66-days-to-go/#comments Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:32:04 +0000 odysseia Training http://blog.bodybuilding.com/odysseia/2008/02/17/week-4-begins-66-days-to-go/ I feel absolutely fantastic going into this week. I was pleasantly surprised to see that I’m now halfway to my weight loss goal with so much time remaining. Although I post weekly progress pics to keep myself honest and motivated, I think that this is the first week where you can see a marked change.
I gave myself 2 days of rest as opposed to 1 for the previous two weeks. You definitely have to let those muscles recover properly. I also believe that keeping up a clean diet and the benefits of supplementation are working wonders. I was a fool for not paying attention to my protein intake when I was a young gym rat.
Some of the real highlights of the week included two more killer upper body workouts and abs every day of training. More specifically, when I work abs everyday, there’s always variation. For example: day 1 - with weights, day 2 - obliques, day 3 - upper and middle, day 4 - lower. I’m looking forward to really seeing those abs pop out but I know that’s all a matter of eating right, stepping the cardio up and keeping the right supplementation going.

This week, I’m looking forward to going from one hardcore leg day to two moderate days and kicked-up-sweat-within-five-minutes cardio.

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