Andrew’s (Spring85sigma) BodyBlog

I had a wonderful Holy Day on Monday September 29th (Day of Atonement). Fasted 24 hours (total fast). It helped me to get spiritually renewed and focused. Tuesday and Wednesday have been days totally devoted to family members. I took my aunt out shopping and to dinner on yesterday in the Tidewater, Virginia area (Chesapeake, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Portsmouth). We were gone the entire day. Today, being Wednesday, meant that it is Grandma’s day out. She went to the doctor for her weekly shot, blood work, and to have her vitals checked. She continues to do well for 92! I also ran some errands and did some shopping for her. Tomorrow I have a few more things to do. Hopefully, Friday will be mine.

Nevertheless, I am proud that I have not missed any scheduled workouts this week. I modified my workout on Tuesday because of time constraints, but was able to have a very effective workout (I continue to use the slow and low reps to get a burn). I did planche training on yesterday and today. The strength is still slowly increasing. My workout on yesterday was arms and shoulders. Today’s workout was legs. I did a new workout today. Once again, I concentrated on slow and low reps. The legs were really burning and I could tell I had worked them when it came time to do cardio.

I have definitely decided to pursue the ISSA Physical Training Certificate. I have been given a flexible payment plan and understand I have a year to finish. I’m working on the first payment. I would appreciate any input, feedback, and experiences from those holding this certification.

Finally, I have been curious about what my body "looks like" in "real time." I did one of the most frightening things I’ve done in a while as far as BodySpace (Initially, the fear came from just posting shirtless pics of myself!). I made a really rough video that I will edit and post. LOL! Don’t laugh, just give a brother some feedback. Not a bodybuilder and not used to being videotaped for anything. Just wanted to see how the body looks and what I need to work on.

As we go toward the weekend, I hope everyone is well and in good spirits.

Here is what I did Tuesday:

 Here is what I did Today (Wednesday):

Today I did my planche push-up training and my chest workout for Tuesday. I won’t be working out tomorrow because of a religious holiday. It actually felt good to push myself by combining the two workouts. The planche training has been going well and I’m pleased with the continued gains in strength. Hopefully, this week won’t be as taxing as were the past two weeks and I can pay better attention to my diet and getting some rest. I took some "progress pics" and wasn’t pleased with the vast majority of them. I selected a few to use as profile pics. I will try again on tomorrow for some better pics. I guess I need some inspiration now that the corn is gone. LOL!

Anyway, here is what I did today:

Some weeks you are just glad to get through. This has been one such week for me. I’ve shuttled relatives between doctors and lawyers and other errands the entire week. I have, however, managed to get in all of my workouts and feel that I am better for it. I also believe that the lower and slower reps have made an impact and will continue this strategy throughout the remainder of the cycle. I completed my back training and planche push-up training today and, overall, had a great workout! Right now I am getting ready to rest and recover. I’m wishing everyone a great weekend!

Here is what I did today:

Once again, I had a great workout. Hit the abs really hard. Once again, out the remainder of the day with family members. LOL! Been in and out of doctor’s and lawyer’s offices. Thankfully, things appear to be improving.

Tomorrow is Friday and I will concentrate on rest and recovery.

Here is what I did today:

This has turned out to be one busy week! I have done work for family EVERYDAY for the past six days and tomorrow will make seven. The thing I am most proud of, however, is that I’ve made my workouts. !This weekend I will get some rest and won’t workout on Monday because I have a religious Holiday. I’m modifying next week’s workout to include the missed elements of Monday’s workout. I am feeling like I’m making progress and that is what is most important. I’ve been getting great feedback from my BodySpace friends and have managed also to make a few new friends. I’m feeling pretty good about things.

Today, I hit the legs and did my planche push-up training. I did my cardio in the rain today and enjoyed it thoroughly. It actually made it a bit tougher to run on the wet ground and grass. Hopefully, my legs will benefit from the effort.

I hope everyone enjoyed their HUMP DAY!

Here is what I did today:

Had two great days of workout! Unfortunately, I have to assist my Mother with a legal matter and have been busy writing, collecting data, etc. Fortunately, it appears that things will be resolved in her favor. I am functioning on 3 hours of sleep and am extremely tired. I know it is only a matter of time before I crash. LOL Yesterday I worked arms and shoulders. Today I worked Chest and did planche training. The planche training is going very well! I’m excited! I’ve been experimenting with LOWER and SLOWER reps. It appears to be working.

Tomorrow I work legs and then spend the remainder of the day with my Grandmother. She’s having her monthly check-up with the kidney doctor. She appears to be in the best shape she’s been in for some time! We are being diligent and hoping to keep her that way.

I hope everybody is having a great beginning to the week!

Here is what I did on MONDAY:

Here is what I did today (Tuesday):

I had a great planche push-up training session today. I was able to, without too much difficulty, hold my three 30 second tuck planche positions. I’m encouraged that I’m still gaining strength. I didn’t realize that the training would take so long to bear fruit (a planche push-up). LOL! I also really have to commit to the diet and get TOTALLY lean for once! I’ve been gradually cleaning it up, but I know how to eat and have been inconsistent. I took a few pics today and didn’t like most of them. I will post a few, but will take more later after I get some more consistency over the diet. I realize at the stage I’m at that the changes come more slowly and know I have to be patient.

I wishe everyone a great week!

Here is what I did today:

I completed a great week of workouts. Feeling very good and motivated by what I accomplished. In some cases I modified workouts (lowering reps, but slowing way down and concentrating on form) and in other cases I pushed myself just a little harder than I have. For example, I did 6 sets of 12 very good pull-ups today which allowed me to maintain form and really concentrate on the back. Today’s planche push-up training really went well. I’m beginning to think that I have to overcome a mental barrier to progress to the next exercise level. Overall, I am very satisfied with how I’m feeling! This includes being SORE! LOL I haven’t been sore after a workout in some time.

I wish everyone a great weekend!

Here is what I did today:

Very strange day! I was anticipating having good workout, eating, taking a few pics and having the rest of the day to myself. Alas, it was not to be so. Had to run emergency errands and go to the grocery store for the folks. LOL! I prefer to get all of my work for others out of the way so I can concentrate on my workout. This meant that I started my workout at around 2:00 pm. It was, however, a very good workout. Turned out to be the best of the new cycle!

I worked abs using the circuit I developed. This really burned them good today! Afterward, I did a surprisingly fast 3-mile run (22:26) considering that I also had a very good leg workout on Wednesday. I believe the workouts are finally coming back together and this makes me feel good. Now if I can only find more time in the day for other things!

I hope everyone is having a good Thursday and that you all have something great planned for the weekend.

Here is what I did today:

Just back from a day out with Grandma. We went to the doctor for her procrit shot and afterward I took her shopping. Ran around a lot of different place and I did a LOT of walking. Wednesdays are tough because this is leg workout day! LOL!  I always get an extra cardio and leg workout when I take Grandma out. It is good to be able to take her out.

I hit the legs hard today. Went back to weighted lunges and realized what I’d been missing in my leg workout. The cardio (3-mile interval) was a little tough after the workout, but it was good to be able to feel the effects of the workout.

Tomorrow is the ab workout! I’m trying to get my intensity and motivation back up where it needs to be.

Here is what I did today: