Day 1 Of Week 4 - My Beginning

So today is day 1 of week 4 of a 12 week training program I started almost a month ago. It started out as following the Muscle And Fitness Magazine 12 week contest they are running. But it has taken on a mind of its own. My biggest problem with it, the program is too limited and doesn't allow for variations. As a personal trainer I know that variation is required because every person does not respond to the same exercises in the same manner. Just as supplements and diets can't be cookie cutter and be expected to fit all people and lifestyles. I had never thought of blogging about my experience through this, but was inspired but another blog that I found purely by accident. It's written, daily, by a woman at my gym, who I found purely by accident because I check in on facebook every time I am at the gym, and so does she. Following the female perspective of diet and exercise has inspired me to add more aerobic exercise to my program, although I can't quite get started on that part yet. I really don't ever expect anyone to read this, but oh well, I get a chance to write down what I feel as well as what the program does to and for me.

I guess a little about me. I am 36 years old, 6'6" tall, and started my program at 244 pounds. That was January 31st, 2011. Weighed in this morning at 232 pounds. That's a 12 pound loss in 3 weeks! My goal has not been to lose weight right away, but to build muscle and then shed the extra fat the last 2 weeks. I guess they just tend to go hand in hand. I won't write about the exercises or my diet in this blog, this is more of an intro into my inner workings and goals. I am absolutely addicted to working out! Would do it all day if time and money would allow it. Currently I get from 7am to about 9 or 9:30am Monday through Friday at Planet Fitness. I currently have a workout partner who helps push me, although I think he spends more time eyeballing the chicks in the gym than concentrating on working out. Does make it fun though! I have been seriously working out for the past 4 years. I guess that's when I became a gym rat. Have known my way around a gym for about 15 years. Before moving to California 6 months ago from Arizona, I had been a Certified Personal Trainer, and I actually like it so much I would do it for free! I love watching people see results that can change their lives! Now I work from home as an Accountant. Also kind of a jack of all trades as well, there isn't anything I can't fix. And those who know me are not afraid to ask if they need something fixed! Started building custom cars when I started driving. And have flipped many homes without ever hiring any one else. Have learned everything I know from being hands-on.

Ok, so now for my goals. Really, it's just to be the strongest I have ever been in my life, without that bulky, almost fat look some guys get from being a heavy lifter. To get that beach body I guess is my ultimate goal. I am already aware of how much healthier I am anytime I exercise, but I like when it shows too! Working hard on that 6 pack! My greatest nemesis in that battle is Bud Light! We are like best friends! I have never measured success in actual weight, although it's very cool to push a 300 pound bench, it doesn't make you he-man. I know plenty of smaller guys who can do that to, they were blessed with shorter tendons that allow them to push heavier weights with less resistance. The good Lord blesses me with height, something those shorties will never know. But it also makes bulking up and extreme weights much more difficult. Not too mention that my knees really don't do well when I do legs!

I guess that's all for now. I will start listing my exercises and diet starting tomorrow. Also will list where I started with certain weights and where I am now. Also posting pictures taken 4 weeks ago. Was feeling pretty bloated, and had to hold the M&F Magazine for the contest. Don't have a lot of shame in showing what I look like because I am on my way to changing that. I have already shed a lot of that body fat, and will post new pics by the end of the week!

My Will Is Stronger Than My Quit!