puretorture’s BodyBlog

Made it through my first 5 days of consecutive training.  I can already see a nice response from my muscle memory, and am excited to get back to lifting.  The diet has been challenging.  I have become quite fond of egg whites, avocado, spinach, and blueberries.  I have completely opted out of protein shakes, and am trying to use as much "real" food as possible.  Today I am going to hit my triceps KILLER. 

Well it’s been over a year since I’ve posted anything on this site.  After 6 months of so so training and eating poorly, I’ve come back.  There have been blessings in the time off.  Before January 2009, training had become a chore.  Going to the gym wasn’t fun anymore.  I was on "auto" pilot, and lifted methodically.  I had lost my passion, and then just lost interest.  This past month, I have come back with a new attitude about nutrition, fitness, and life.  I used to live to lift, now I live, and lifting is a bonus.  Stay posted…more to come in days ahead. 

it’s been a long month of training.  In bodybuilding, they always say to train your least favorite parts first, so I’ve put my legs to the test over the past 2 weeks. I have been doing cardio intervals on the treadmill & stairclimber, 20-25 miles per week.  I’ve invented some crazy leg circuits that include barbell squats, deadlifts, reverse lunge with biceps curls, pop squats, burpees, sprints, and all sorts of plyometric jumps, 2 days a week.  I am keeping at least 1 serious leg day per week.  I’ve trained on average 12-14 hours a week and i feel good.  I am really starting to see incredible definition in my glutes, hams, and quad seperations.  The diet has been hard to stay on this past month, but nothing in this business comes easy:). 

Week 2 on my quest to be shredded.  I have trained 7 1/2 hours in the past three days…feeling pretty good.  I am hitting my weak points as much as possible.  I am also training my back for strength & quite enjoying it.  My cardio regimen consists of sprint intervals & stairmaster intervals.  I am completely out of my comfort zone, and am quite pleased at the changes it is bringing about.  I hope to post some progress pics next week. 

4 days of doing cardio and I’m finally starting to like it.  I’m really trying to work things differently with regards to my training.  I am a meat head and love to lift weights.  It’s hard for me to hit the gym at night and go straight to the treadmill.  I’d much rather do a giant set for almost any body part.  But, nothing changes if nothing changes.  I know that the end result will be an incredible physique. 

I’m finally back in the saddle.  Determined now more than ever to stay in the best shape of my life.  I had to take some necessary time off.  It was relaxing, but I sure missed lifting.  I am planning on doing a all natural figure competition in August.  Stay posted for some new pics.

After consistently training since 10/07, I have decided to enter my first figure competition.  I anticipate being on stage either May 23rd or September in AC.  I will begin posting my insane training sessions next week.  Thanks to everyone on this site who has encouraged me.  Stay posted, the transformation is about to begin….Skys the limit.

Here’s my current Power shake concoction. 

1 scoop whey (vanilla nitrotech) (110 cal) - 1 tbsp. flaxseed meal (30 cal.) - 2 tbsp. of danon light & fit vanilla yogurt (only 80 cal for 1 cup!), 1/2 cup of blueberries (35-40 cal) or 1/2 banana (50 cal), cinnamon (at least 1 tsp.)  - 6 oz water - 2 small cups ice

23 + grams of protein & 170 - 185 calories

the flax keeps you feeling fuller longer - make it a banana boo berry & add 1/4 cup blueberries  & 1/2 banana

 After assessing my overall fitness status, I am implementing a program to strengthen areas which have been Lax over the past few month.  Mainly cardio & flexibility.  I have increased my cardio to a minimum of 3 days a week, (last month,  all I did was a mile warm up & maybe 1 long run per week).  Currently I quite enjoy 5 mile interval training with sprints, endurance runs, hill training, (whatever I feel up to, but I stick to a set time).  I find that no matter how tired I am, I can still muster a 1 minute sprint.  It’s only a minute!  You’d be surprised how fast you can get through a mile with this 1:1 system.  I also have added an increased focus on flexibility. I do yoga & include intense stretches at the end of  my training.

I find that no matter how fit we think we are, there is always room for improvement.  Hopefully I’ll be practicing my warrior 3 with ease by the next post.

I’ve brought about gains in strength, muscle mass, and endurance through applying my bring the pain principle.  I lift to failure every set, incorporating drops, rest pause and various other lifting practices to completely bring my muscles to failure.  I also have revisited an old favorite for my workouts, Giant sets.  Beyond ripping my muscles to shreds, I have added 1 day of training per week that focuses on core stabilization.  Bring the pain, the rewards are endless.