Saturday, July 31, 2010
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Sunday, July 18th
Weight - 276
Body Fat - 30%
Lean Mass - 193
Fat Mass - 83
Neck - 18.5
Chest - 48
Waist (naval) - 45.5
Bicep - 18.5
Forearm - 14
Thigh - 26
Calf - 18.75
Body Fat - 30%
Lean Mass - 193
Fat Mass - 83
Neck - 18.5
Chest - 48
Waist (naval) - 45.5
Bicep - 18.5
Forearm - 14
Thigh - 26
Calf - 18.75
Saturday, July 17, 2010
So, need some help
One of my goals after I lose weight, and am capable of looking like I know what I am talking about, is to be a personal trainer. Not at like a gym, but to work for myself, going to clients houses, meeting them in the park; wherever works for the client, my schedule, and my clients goals.
However, while I actually do have a good amount of exercise and diet knowledge, it doesn't show. I lack good motivation and routinely fail at my attempts to lose weight, or keep it off. I fail to apply all that knowledge. I'm hoping that this blog will help to correct that problem.
In the meantime, I know to become a personal trainer, I need three things:
1. I need to lose the weight and look the part since a stranger more than likely wont believe that I know what I am talking about.
2. I need to get certified as a personal trainer. Not sure if this is required by CA state law to work as a personal trainer in the state, but regardless, not to many people are going to trust me to train them unless A, I look the part and B, am certified.
3. I need experience in training people. That's where you come in.
I'm turning to my friends, if any of you actually read this. I will offer anyone free training. Whether your goals be fat loss or muscle gain, such as body building, general health, etc. Laying out a plan for you to follow on your own. Meeting say once a week or less to walk you through exercises etc and then leaving you to your own devices the rest of the time. Or meeting multiple times a week to give you more hands on training and motivation.
What have you got to lose? Give me a try. Already have on person interested in training, starting Monday. Let me help you towards your goals. Give me a few weeks. If you don't like it or think I'm the equivalent to a quack, then 'fire' me and go out and shell out tons of money at a gym or personal trainer, but why not try the free option first :)
Note. I have a few pieces of equipment that are easily transferable and can be taken to sessions, but for when you are training alone, you have to have your own equipment or a membership. Those aren't required though. I will design your program based on the equipment you readily have available; whether it be your own body weight to the biggest, most advanced gym in the world.
So come on, what have you got to lose? It's free, that will never change. If your not doing anything, what your doing isn't working, or are already thinking of shelling out for an expensive trainer, why not give your friend a chance to gain experience and get yourself some free training?
So shoot me an e-mail, text, or call (first two preferred since I hate being on the phone more than necessary haha) and lets see what we can workout (no pun intended).
However, while I actually do have a good amount of exercise and diet knowledge, it doesn't show. I lack good motivation and routinely fail at my attempts to lose weight, or keep it off. I fail to apply all that knowledge. I'm hoping that this blog will help to correct that problem.
In the meantime, I know to become a personal trainer, I need three things:
1. I need to lose the weight and look the part since a stranger more than likely wont believe that I know what I am talking about.
2. I need to get certified as a personal trainer. Not sure if this is required by CA state law to work as a personal trainer in the state, but regardless, not to many people are going to trust me to train them unless A, I look the part and B, am certified.
3. I need experience in training people. That's where you come in.
I'm turning to my friends, if any of you actually read this. I will offer anyone free training. Whether your goals be fat loss or muscle gain, such as body building, general health, etc. Laying out a plan for you to follow on your own. Meeting say once a week or less to walk you through exercises etc and then leaving you to your own devices the rest of the time. Or meeting multiple times a week to give you more hands on training and motivation.
What have you got to lose? Give me a try. Already have on person interested in training, starting Monday. Let me help you towards your goals. Give me a few weeks. If you don't like it or think I'm the equivalent to a quack, then 'fire' me and go out and shell out tons of money at a gym or personal trainer, but why not try the free option first :)
Note. I have a few pieces of equipment that are easily transferable and can be taken to sessions, but for when you are training alone, you have to have your own equipment or a membership. Those aren't required though. I will design your program based on the equipment you readily have available; whether it be your own body weight to the biggest, most advanced gym in the world.
So come on, what have you got to lose? It's free, that will never change. If your not doing anything, what your doing isn't working, or are already thinking of shelling out for an expensive trainer, why not give your friend a chance to gain experience and get yourself some free training?
So shoot me an e-mail, text, or call (first two preferred since I hate being on the phone more than necessary haha) and lets see what we can workout (no pun intended).
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Alrighty then
So, haven't posted in a while. Been a shitty week, don't feel like going into details. But yeah, didn't do full workouts, but used the week to get starting weights (for the lifting) and band strengths.
Also, got this weeks weigh in and pictures. Took all the picture angles that the P90X program says to take at the beginning (had to take them myself in the mirror though, so not 100% correct, but eh). Also, decided to make another rule, I will only cut my hair every ten pounds lost until I reach my goal of 220 or less.
Weight - 274
Body Fat - 32%
Fat Mass - 88
Lean Mass - 186
Neck - 18"
Chest - 48"
Waist (naval) - 46.5"
Bicep - 18.5"
Forearm - 14"
Thigh - 28.5"
Calf - 18"
Also, got this weeks weigh in and pictures. Took all the picture angles that the P90X program says to take at the beginning (had to take them myself in the mirror though, so not 100% correct, but eh). Also, decided to make another rule, I will only cut my hair every ten pounds lost until I reach my goal of 220 or less.
Weight - 274
Body Fat - 32%
Fat Mass - 88
Lean Mass - 186
Neck - 18"
Chest - 48"
Waist (naval) - 46.5"
Bicep - 18.5"
Forearm - 14"
Thigh - 28.5"
Calf - 18"
Monday, July 5, 2010
First P90X Day
Let me just say, I definitely understand why so many people are swearing by this program and seeing results. Def an intense program. Will it pan out in the long run? Who knows. But def see potential.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Late Night
So, posting long after I should be in bed. Another depressing, sleepless night. So, going to post tonight what I was going to post tomorrow. Maybe it will take my mind off of things and help me sleep some tonight.
So recap of what is going to happen Monday. I am going to start a modified P90X program with the the Chest and Back DVD. I am going to follow the original program, minus the Ab Ripper X, with the strength workouts, modifying the 'cardios' though. I am going to cycle through sprinting, Plyometrics (or Cardio X if pylo proves to hard), Kenpo X, and maybe a kettlebell snatch, clean, and swing workout or a weight carry workout, explained tomorrow (not 100% sure yet).
P90X goes against some of my fundemental beliefs with training. Body part workouts versus intense, full body lifting sessions. Use of the term 'cardio'....but I have modified it to fit my beliefs where I could. I know people who have seen amazing results with P90X, so I can at least try it. It's 90 days. Its a crash course. Than I can go back to what I like when I am at a new and improved level of fitness. And I feel like, right now, at this starting point, I need the extra motivation and help to get going.
I will also start retaking my supplements. A tablespoon of cod liver oil a day. ProBiotics. Maybe digestive enzymes. And a high quality protein shake. And I feel like Im missing something...but my mind is jambled.
My diet will be the same as previously listed.
I will also start a gratitude journal on Monday. And retakeup (is that a word?) meditation. My life feels like its in the shits right now. I really hate parts of my life right now, feel very lost and alone. And I really miss someone who means a lot to me. While there isnt much I can really do to fix some of the situations, and while part of me deeply fears that I may have lost the most important person in my life, I need to do something to settle my mind and spirit, otherwise this whole thing will never work. It cant work if Im not getting sleep, depressed, and unmotivated.
So yeah, time to attempt to sleep now. Probably post some more tomorrow when more lucid. Or...later today technically.
So recap of what is going to happen Monday. I am going to start a modified P90X program with the the Chest and Back DVD. I am going to follow the original program, minus the Ab Ripper X, with the strength workouts, modifying the 'cardios' though. I am going to cycle through sprinting, Plyometrics (or Cardio X if pylo proves to hard), Kenpo X, and maybe a kettlebell snatch, clean, and swing workout or a weight carry workout, explained tomorrow (not 100% sure yet).
P90X goes against some of my fundemental beliefs with training. Body part workouts versus intense, full body lifting sessions. Use of the term 'cardio'....but I have modified it to fit my beliefs where I could. I know people who have seen amazing results with P90X, so I can at least try it. It's 90 days. Its a crash course. Than I can go back to what I like when I am at a new and improved level of fitness. And I feel like, right now, at this starting point, I need the extra motivation and help to get going.
I will also start retaking my supplements. A tablespoon of cod liver oil a day. ProBiotics. Maybe digestive enzymes. And a high quality protein shake. And I feel like Im missing something...but my mind is jambled.
My diet will be the same as previously listed.
I will also start a gratitude journal on Monday. And retakeup (is that a word?) meditation. My life feels like its in the shits right now. I really hate parts of my life right now, feel very lost and alone. And I really miss someone who means a lot to me. While there isnt much I can really do to fix some of the situations, and while part of me deeply fears that I may have lost the most important person in my life, I need to do something to settle my mind and spirit, otherwise this whole thing will never work. It cant work if Im not getting sleep, depressed, and unmotivated.
So yeah, time to attempt to sleep now. Probably post some more tomorrow when more lucid. Or...later today technically.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Bad News and an Idea
So...first, the bad news. Freckles died today. Well, four days...longest I've had a fish before it perished...luckily, my unnamed Betta still lives, so I have now officially kept a fish alive longer than ever before..and going strong...I think.
And, now, idea time. I had been toying with the idea of trying P90X for a little while, but don't have or want to shell out the money for it. Well, recently (yesterday) was given the DVDs for free. So now, I'm thinking that I should use the primal fitness laws and apply them to the P90X DVDs and use those for my workouts. What would this look like?
Well, first of all, the Ab Ripper X workout is thrown out the window. I'm sorry, but I believe that direct ab work is useless and pointless. Six packs come from diet, not crunches (and yes, I know there's more to Ab Ripper than crunches). And I am already doing something I don't believe 100% in by trading in my full body, compound lifts for isolated movements.
Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays would be strength training days. Just like the P90X program. Tuesdays and Saturdays will be 'cardio' days. Alternating between sprint sessions, the programs plyometrics and Kenpo X. Thursdays, in the program, are the day for the Yoga X. This is supposed to be harder than doing a regular yoga session. For this reason, I am going to do that DVD tonight or tomorrow and see how intense it is. If is that hard, I will drop it for a regular yoga session or just a plain rest day. I want two rest/easy/low level aerobic activity days a week versus the programs prescribed one. And of course, Sunday will be a rest/easy day. This will result in the X Stretch, Core Synergistics, and the Cardio X DVDs being dropped too, maybe.
What other changes will I make? Well, for starters, the DVDs are way to long. The strength training days are almost an hour long, including warmup. I dont want intense workouts to go past 30 minutes. Easy fix though. With the exception of the Shoulders and Arms DVD, all workouts are repeated. So, you do an entire workout, then you repeat the same workout. So, edit time, drop the second workout and turn up the intensity of the first.
I also wont be following their eating or supplement plans. Already going to be eating primally, and already got good, quality supplements. So yeah.
Only other thing to figure out is whether to follow their week by week plan or make a custom one. Any ideas out there?
And before any one gives me gripe about modifying a program, as Tony Horton says, 'Modify, modify, modify.'
And, now, idea time. I had been toying with the idea of trying P90X for a little while, but don't have or want to shell out the money for it. Well, recently (yesterday) was given the DVDs for free. So now, I'm thinking that I should use the primal fitness laws and apply them to the P90X DVDs and use those for my workouts. What would this look like?
Well, first of all, the Ab Ripper X workout is thrown out the window. I'm sorry, but I believe that direct ab work is useless and pointless. Six packs come from diet, not crunches (and yes, I know there's more to Ab Ripper than crunches). And I am already doing something I don't believe 100% in by trading in my full body, compound lifts for isolated movements.
Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays would be strength training days. Just like the P90X program. Tuesdays and Saturdays will be 'cardio' days. Alternating between sprint sessions, the programs plyometrics and Kenpo X. Thursdays, in the program, are the day for the Yoga X. This is supposed to be harder than doing a regular yoga session. For this reason, I am going to do that DVD tonight or tomorrow and see how intense it is. If is that hard, I will drop it for a regular yoga session or just a plain rest day. I want two rest/easy/low level aerobic activity days a week versus the programs prescribed one. And of course, Sunday will be a rest/easy day. This will result in the X Stretch, Core Synergistics, and the Cardio X DVDs being dropped too, maybe.
What other changes will I make? Well, for starters, the DVDs are way to long. The strength training days are almost an hour long, including warmup. I dont want intense workouts to go past 30 minutes. Easy fix though. With the exception of the Shoulders and Arms DVD, all workouts are repeated. So, you do an entire workout, then you repeat the same workout. So, edit time, drop the second workout and turn up the intensity of the first.
I also wont be following their eating or supplement plans. Already going to be eating primally, and already got good, quality supplements. So yeah.
Only other thing to figure out is whether to follow their week by week plan or make a custom one. Any ideas out there?
And before any one gives me gripe about modifying a program, as Tony Horton says, 'Modify, modify, modify.'
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Going Barefoot
So, if you will ignore my hairy man legs in these pictures, you will see one of my favorite pieces of exercise 'equipment' ever.
Vibram FiveFingers. These things are amazing. They are the closest thing to being barefoot without actually being barefoot.
I love being barefoot. I hate shoes! lol I find them to be very uncomfortable. For this reason, I try to go barefoot as much as possible. If I have to wear footwear, I always pick either flip flops or Sanuks.
The problem with both of those above? Not good workout shoes..not at all. That is where my FiveFingers come in. As much as I love to be barefoot, I don't want to go running around in areas with possible broken glass or other hazards completely barefoot. And, for some reason, I lack the courage to hike barefoot. Vibrams offer good protection while still allowing my feet to be flexible, free, and build strength in the bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments that inhabbit your feet.
Why go barefoot? Aren't these cushioned shoes with tons of support supposed to be good for us? I'm afraid not. These modern shoes are like putting our feet in a cast. Wearing shoes with cushion and support all the time; to work, exercising, around the house, around the town, etc; contributes to weakend feet, fallen arches, shortened tendons and calf muscles, causes your hamstrings and quadriceps to develop imbalances, effects posture, and can create chronic pain.
After a lifetime of wearing protective shoes, your body will need some time to adjust, to strengthen your feet. So start small, and work your way up. In time, your feet will feel amazing without shoes.
Tuesday, strength day
Did my first workout of this 'adventure' today. And mt first real workout in a while. It was only a simple 5x5 (five sets of five) with military press, bent-over row, front squat, and swing; using kettlebells. I need to work on planning things out a little better, not figuring out what I'm doing that morning lol
Monday, June 28, 2010
Ugh
So, today was kind of a failure for launch. Woke up feeling queasy and nauseated. By the time I felt better for my sprints, it was 90 degrees out. I did take the dog for a walk and went for a little swim. Glad I didn't sprint though. I think I hurt my foot/ankle a little sparring with my buddy last night. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. Going to bed now, a little later than originally planned, but eh.
I did get a couple of fishes today. A dalmation molly and a male betta. The Molly is named Freckles. The betta is still unnamed..any ideas anyone?
They now reside on top of my bookself along with Miss Noel.
Well, until tomorrow friends I like to believe are reading these lol.
I did get a couple of fishes today. A dalmation molly and a male betta. The Molly is named Freckles. The betta is still unnamed..any ideas anyone?
They now reside on top of my bookself along with Miss Noel.
Well, until tomorrow friends I like to believe are reading these lol.
Nutrition
This is just a basic run down. For more detailed info, go to marksdailyapple.com or read Mark Sisson's book, The Primal Blueprint.
It is a high-fat, moderate-high protein, and low-carbohydrate 'diet'.
Foods Allowed
- Meats, fowl, seafood, eggs, and organ meats. All day, everyday.
- Vegetables, cover your plate. Non-starchy veggies (potatoes). Sweet potatoes are allowed in moderation.
- Fruits/berries, eat til your hearts content.
- Oils (olive, coconut, palm) and saturated fats, ie butter.
- Nuts/seeds. Minus peanuts and cashews (which are technically a legume [bean])
- Dairy (minus butter) in moderation.
- In moderation, wild rice, chocolate, and alcohol.
Foods Not Allowed
- Grains, including corn.
- Legumes or beans.
- All processed foods.
- Soy.
- Trans fats and high-fructose corn syrup.
Some of this may not make any sense to those who haven't read the above listed blog or book. I will eventually, over the course of time, through multiple, single-subject posts, cover all this. But I highly recommend everyone reads Mark Sisson's work.
All I will drink is water. And alcohol on occasion (I drink on very rare occasions anyways).
I also believe in intermittent fasting. Most days, I wont eat til noonish. I don't like eating in the AM as it is. Some days I will fast most the day. Or all day. At the end of the week, I will make my calorie needs for that week (which studies have shown is the important thing, and that six meals a day does not have a significant effect on metabolism, overall calories matters more).
It is a high-fat, moderate-high protein, and low-carbohydrate 'diet'.
Foods Allowed
- Meats, fowl, seafood, eggs, and organ meats. All day, everyday.
- Vegetables, cover your plate. Non-starchy veggies (potatoes). Sweet potatoes are allowed in moderation.
- Fruits/berries, eat til your hearts content.
- Oils (olive, coconut, palm) and saturated fats, ie butter.
- Nuts/seeds. Minus peanuts and cashews (which are technically a legume [bean])
- Dairy (minus butter) in moderation.
- In moderation, wild rice, chocolate, and alcohol.
Foods Not Allowed
- Grains, including corn.
- Legumes or beans.
- All processed foods.
- Soy.
- Trans fats and high-fructose corn syrup.
Some of this may not make any sense to those who haven't read the above listed blog or book. I will eventually, over the course of time, through multiple, single-subject posts, cover all this. But I highly recommend everyone reads Mark Sisson's work.
All I will drink is water. And alcohol on occasion (I drink on very rare occasions anyways).
I also believe in intermittent fasting. Most days, I wont eat til noonish. I don't like eating in the AM as it is. Some days I will fast most the day. Or all day. At the end of the week, I will make my calorie needs for that week (which studies have shown is the important thing, and that six meals a day does not have a significant effect on metabolism, overall calories matters more).
Exercise Regiment
The exercise regiment to be followed is quite simple in my opinion.
Monday - Sprinting. Swimming, running, or biking.
Tuesday - Strength training. Body weight, sandbags, kettlebells, and barbells.
Wednesday - 'Off'. If needed, a rest day. But take advantage of the day to play, practice sports, hiking, etc.
Thursday - High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). Various forms of interval training or complexes will be used here to kick my ass.
Friday - See Wednesday.
Saturday - See Tuesday.
Sunday - See Friday.
Some general points:
- No workout will last longer than 45 minutes, most will be under 30, including rest time. This doesn't mean I can sit on the couch in front of the tv the rest of the day. Take the dog for a walk, go swimming, play tennis, dance, do anything to remain active, even if it seems small.
- Nothing is carved in stone. If I get the offer to go on a hike with someone or something, my workouts can be pushed til later, or just not done that day. Fun and community are more important than lifting weights. As long as the offer keeps me active, my workouts can take a back seat for the day. If they get done, they get done. If not, not.
- Do workouts outside! Do them early in the morning, before it's hot, but when the sun is out and I can bask in the sunlight.
- Workouts are short, and there are only four actual workouts a week...work hard. Go intense. Make myself want to cry at the end haha. It'll be over in just a few minutes, with long lasting benefits.
Monday - Sprinting. Swimming, running, or biking.
Tuesday - Strength training. Body weight, sandbags, kettlebells, and barbells.
Wednesday - 'Off'. If needed, a rest day. But take advantage of the day to play, practice sports, hiking, etc.
Thursday - High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). Various forms of interval training or complexes will be used here to kick my ass.
Friday - See Wednesday.
Saturday - See Tuesday.
Sunday - See Friday.
Some general points:
- No workout will last longer than 45 minutes, most will be under 30, including rest time. This doesn't mean I can sit on the couch in front of the tv the rest of the day. Take the dog for a walk, go swimming, play tennis, dance, do anything to remain active, even if it seems small.
- Nothing is carved in stone. If I get the offer to go on a hike with someone or something, my workouts can be pushed til later, or just not done that day. Fun and community are more important than lifting weights. As long as the offer keeps me active, my workouts can take a back seat for the day. If they get done, they get done. If not, not.
- Do workouts outside! Do them early in the morning, before it's hot, but when the sun is out and I can bask in the sunlight.
- Workouts are short, and there are only four actual workouts a week...work hard. Go intense. Make myself want to cry at the end haha. It'll be over in just a few minutes, with long lasting benefits.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
The First Pictures
These are the first set of pictures of me shirtless. This is embarrassing haha but it's my fault for letting myself get this way. I do not know how often update pictures will be taken, but there will be updates.
I really need to take these with better posture...I look way worse than normal in these.
My Stats
These are my stats as of Sunday, June 27th, 2010.
Weight - 270 pounds
Body Fat - 32.5% according to online calculator with sloppy measuring
Neck - 18"
Chest - 47"
Bicep - 17.75"
Forearm - 13.75"
Waist - 47"
Thigh - 28.5"
Calf - 19"
Weight - 270 pounds
Body Fat - 32.5% according to online calculator with sloppy measuring
Neck - 18"
Chest - 47"
Bicep - 17.75"
Forearm - 13.75"
Waist - 47"
Thigh - 28.5"
Calf - 19"
What's the Point?
Who the Hell am I?
My name is Brandon. But that’s just a name. That’s not important, not in this situation. What is important is my current situation and where I want to be.
So, what is this situation? Well, I’m overweight. Fuck that, I’m fat. I weigh 270 pounds. I’m not as strong or fast as I would like to be. My endurance is horrible. I have let my body go to hell.
That’s the physical level. I feel like I’m suffering on my mental, spiritual, emotional, and social levels as well. I’m not leading the life that I want to have. I’m not really sure how else to say it. I’m not happy. I need to make serious improvements in my life.
What is the Purpose of this Blog?
The purpose of this blog is to document my life in the realm of my self-improvements.
How Will this be Done?
I will post mostly daily on this blog. I will post opinions, summarizations of articles, links to other blogs with relevant information, recipes and daily menus, pictures, videos, routines, book reviews, mental exercises (gratitude journals, etc), and whatever else strikes my fancy.
When Will this Start?
Today!
I’ll be posting current measurements and pictures of me today. Than either today or tomorrow, I will post a short blog on what I am going to be doing as far as exercise and nutrition. Than on Monday, I will post details of my first workout in this adventure.
My name is Brandon. But that’s just a name. That’s not important, not in this situation. What is important is my current situation and where I want to be.
So, what is this situation? Well, I’m overweight. Fuck that, I’m fat. I weigh 270 pounds. I’m not as strong or fast as I would like to be. My endurance is horrible. I have let my body go to hell.
That’s the physical level. I feel like I’m suffering on my mental, spiritual, emotional, and social levels as well. I’m not leading the life that I want to have. I’m not really sure how else to say it. I’m not happy. I need to make serious improvements in my life.
What is the Purpose of this Blog?
The purpose of this blog is to document my life in the realm of my self-improvements.
How Will this be Done?
I will post mostly daily on this blog. I will post opinions, summarizations of articles, links to other blogs with relevant information, recipes and daily menus, pictures, videos, routines, book reviews, mental exercises (gratitude journals, etc), and whatever else strikes my fancy.
When Will this Start?
Today!
I’ll be posting current measurements and pictures of me today. Than either today or tomorrow, I will post a short blog on what I am going to be doing as far as exercise and nutrition. Than on Monday, I will post details of my first workout in this adventure.
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