Something new

Things are going much easier this week at the gym. Today I did back training again. I'm still struggling with chin-ups, probably because of the weight that I gained over the festive season. I can only manage to do about 3 sets of 16 reps before I fall on my face!

I like to incorporate exercises like chin-ups, pull-ups and push-ups into my weight training programs, mainly because I have to perform some of them in the fitness tests that I'm obligated to do since I joined the Military. The next test is also just around the corner so I'll have to start getting my fitness levels up.

I thought that it would be nice to put some humor into my boring blog, so I'll try to end each entry with something to think/smile about. Since I went to the doctor last week I'll start with this one:
Why is it that doctors call what they do "practice"?

Little Wonder

I finished this weeks weight training with back exercises. I was supposed to do back yesterday but just didn't get time to go to the gym. Had a good session this morning.

I actually gained a bit of weight in the last month, which is strange because I always lose weight when I'm not active. I now weigh 86.6kg(190lbs). We'll see what happens in the next couple of weeks.

Looking forward to next weeks weight training. It should be much easier and I'll be able to go heavier than this week. The stiffness will also be less.

I should probably mention that my wife Alicia is pregnant!!! We went to the Doctor for our first sonar yesterday. It still feel quite unreal! a Baby will definitely have a huge influence on my daily routine, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there.

It's been awhile!

Hi there!

It's been awhile since I posted something on my blog. I was on vacation for a couple of weeks and when I returned my computer acted up again. But I'm back now and has fully recovered from my surgery.

I've been doing some weight training since Monday. Man, it's an uphill battle when you've been taking it slow at the gym for nearly two months! My muscles are SO stiff, I'm walking around like an old man!

I started with a new weight training program on Monday and will probably stay on it for another 5 or 6 weeks. I can't even bench press half of what I used to a couple of months ago. But I'll get there. After all Rome wasn't built in one day.

I'll keep you posted.

Cheers!

Getting back in the saddle

I started training again today.

Still can't weight train the way I used to before my surgery, but at least I started again today! I'm not following a workout program at the moment so I decided to do a little bit of leg training today.

I also did some abdominal exercises after the leg workout, just to get back on track again. My abdominal workouts are never precisely the same every time. One day I'll focus more on lower abs, other days I put more emphasis on my obliques. I rarely focus on upper abs because they require less attention than the rest of my abdominal muscles.

No weight training for a week!

Hi there!

It's been awhile since my last entry. My Internet connection was off for nearly a week! When you live in Africa you shouldn't expect thing to happen too quickly!

Well, I'm back online now so here is today's entry.

I went to hospital for a small op yesterday and was told that I should take it easy for at least a week. To prevent the stitches from pulling open. I am actually blessed with good health so I shouldn't complain too much, but I get frustrated when I can't work out at the gym. The longer I stay away the more it feels as if my muscles are melting away!

I'll just have to hang on for the week and hopefully I'll be back next week.

Tips for growing bigger guns

Hi there!
My favorite body part to work out is my arms. It's the easiest to get bigger and I always get a huge pump after weight training my arms. It's also the body part that people compliment me on.

Through my years of weight training I've gathered a few tips to achieve better results from arm workouts.

Here are a few:
* I use drop sets and super sets for higher intensity.

* Use your time whilst performing the reps(squeeze your muscle at the top and try to lower
the weight slowly).

* I usually train my arms alone to concentrate all my energy on my arms only.

* I change my weight training routine at least every 6 weeks.

* Hit the muscle from all angles(narrow and wide grip curls for biceps and push downs for tri's)

* I go heavy on barbell curls for 5-8 reps to grow muscle and lighter with concentration curls
for 10-15 reps.

These tips work for me, but it won't necessarily work for other people.
I always listen to what other guys at the gym say work for them and then decide if I'll try it out for myself. This way I've picked up some good advice over the years.

Here is a website that I found very interesting.

Have a good one!

To ensure making progress in the gym.

Do you sometimes feel like you're not making any progress performing weight training in the gym. You feel like you're giving it all but don't see any difference in your physique?

Here are some tips on getting back on track:

* Try using the big compound exercises like squats, leg press, dead lifts, chin ups, rows, etc.

* These exercises promote the release of Growth Hormone.

* When you use these exercises, don't go light if you want to grow muscle.

* Ensure you perform each exercise correctly to prevent injuries.

* Don't pile on the weights to quickly, but increase the weight progressively, workout after
workout.
* Ensure you put as much effort and form into each exercise as possible-if you do weight training
half-heatedly, rather stay home and watch TV.
* It helps to use a training partner. Preferably somebody on the same level as you. He can
motivate you and boost training intensity.