Okay so I bit the bullet and I'm back from the gym. As mentioned earlier, I'd decided I'd use the Stronglifts 5x5 program and start from the bottom and work my way up.
Ironically, just as I decided to put more effort into the gym I've been feeling 'under the weather'. I slept through most of yesterday (Sunday) due to feeling feverish and still felt a bit woosy and achy today.
Two things struck me immediatedely upon entering the gym:
1. The number of people present (gave myself the 11am-12noon slot)
2. The equipment I'd intended using was all occupied
3. I suddenly felt the itch to start off where I'd left off and dump the 5x5 program
So I loitered around for a few minutes deciding what to do and finally decided I'd just have to work my way around the fact that the equipment I needed was in use. My first workout plan involved squats (squat rack taken by one monster of a guy, geez the man must have been close on 7 foot tall), bench presses (all benches taken), incline rows, press ups and reverse crunches. As, I was starting light I figured there's be no need for the squat rack as the weight would be big enough to cause any problems, so I just loaded up an 'E' bar, found an empty space and got on with it! By the time I'd completed the bench was free, and from there on it was plain sailing.
On a different note, I'd forgotten how intimidating it can be returning to the gym. There were some real 'monsters' in there and I must admit I felt rather silly concentrating on form with light weights. Had actually chosen the 11am-12 slot with the opinion it would have the fewest attendance.
So how do I feel now? Really good! Am about to log my session into a spreadsheet followed by a light snack then hit the sack!
Monday 8 March 2010
Saturday 6 March 2010
Bodyfat
Okay, was hoping I would get Ethan to sleep, so I could start on my masterplan to an improved life, but as fate would have it, just after he'd dosed off and I thought I could get on with planning a better life the lil' bugger decided he wasn't having any of it and he's now wide awake again. The story of my life!
Anyway, one facet of my life I've decided to start working on is my general physical fitness. My wife (Kinga) has continuosly been on my case as to why I keep paying my gym subscriptions when I never attend. My response as always is that I will be going and am just resting ;-). It has become obvious that if I don't make the effort, all those subs will simply be going on waste, so I've decided enough is enough. I'll not cancel the membership as she requests but instead I will start making use of it.
One of the first things I've done is first of all log my current stats so as to effectively trend my progress. The first thing I've done is attempt to get my bodyfat levels. I'm not sure of it's accuracy, but the first site I found for measuring bodyfat was http://www.healthcentral.com/cholesterol/home-body-fat-test-2774-143.html?ic=4004 which claims it's method is accurate and calculated my bodyfat percentage as 19.5%.
If the data on the site is anything to go by, my bodyfat level isn't too bad, considering the fattest person tested was at 55% and the average American was at 22%. Their table however puts 'African-Americans' at 12% bodyfat and considering I am of African descent, this means I fail in comparison. As you may then imagine, my target bodyfat percentage is 12%. I have no clue at present as to what rate I can comfortably reduce bodyfat, but I figure I should be able to accomplish my goal within 1/2 a year. (My cousin is getting married in October, so hopefully my goal should have been achieved by then).
Well, that's it for now, Ethan has decided it's time I refocus my attention on him, so till next time ta ta!
Anyway, one facet of my life I've decided to start working on is my general physical fitness. My wife (Kinga) has continuosly been on my case as to why I keep paying my gym subscriptions when I never attend. My response as always is that I will be going and am just resting ;-). It has become obvious that if I don't make the effort, all those subs will simply be going on waste, so I've decided enough is enough. I'll not cancel the membership as she requests but instead I will start making use of it.
One of the first things I've done is first of all log my current stats so as to effectively trend my progress. The first thing I've done is attempt to get my bodyfat levels. I'm not sure of it's accuracy, but the first site I found for measuring bodyfat was http://www.healthcentral.com/cholesterol/home-body-fat-test-2774-143.html?ic=4004 which claims it's method is accurate and calculated my bodyfat percentage as 19.5%.
If the data on the site is anything to go by, my bodyfat level isn't too bad, considering the fattest person tested was at 55% and the average American was at 22%. Their table however puts 'African-Americans' at 12% bodyfat and considering I am of African descent, this means I fail in comparison. As you may then imagine, my target bodyfat percentage is 12%. I have no clue at present as to what rate I can comfortably reduce bodyfat, but I figure I should be able to accomplish my goal within 1/2 a year. (My cousin is getting married in October, so hopefully my goal should have been achieved by then).
Well, that's it for now, Ethan has decided it's time I refocus my attention on him, so till next time ta ta!
Hiya!
A big hello to all out there. I've been meaning to set up an online presence for a long time, but just never got round to doing it!
I was always waiting for inspiration, with the view that to start blogging I'd need something big to write about.
I've since come to the realisation that if I don't just 'bite the bullet' and get on with it this project will never take off. So here I am with my 10 month old son (Ethan) and with his help (he taps a few letters into the keyboard every few seconds, which I have to correct) have written my first post.
Things are a bit hectic at the moment, but rest assured, I will soon be posting a few more details on what direction this blog will take. in the meantime, thanks for visiting.
I was always waiting for inspiration, with the view that to start blogging I'd need something big to write about.
I've since come to the realisation that if I don't just 'bite the bullet' and get on with it this project will never take off. So here I am with my 10 month old son (Ethan) and with his help (he taps a few letters into the keyboard every few seconds, which I have to correct) have written my first post.
Things are a bit hectic at the moment, but rest assured, I will soon be posting a few more details on what direction this blog will take. in the meantime, thanks for visiting.
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