Jump to content

The Midlife Crisis Log of JW


Recommended Posts

43 yrs old

one thing I've never been able to do (well, other than a triple lutz sowkow)

is put on the muscle. Most sports I've played have been endurance oriented so I have always been a bit of a beanpole

 

3 years ago, I had to give up long distance running due to injuries. After stopping, my weight started to skyrocket!

I've remained active but I have this layer of fat obsuring my once perpetual 6 pack. I've gotten bigger (relative to my previous stickman figure) but without definition.

 

My goal is to use the contest as motivation to finally achieve that life long dream to have both muscle mass and definition.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 68
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Quick review of April thus far...

 

Apr 1

Upper body

3x8 bench

3x8 bent over rows

3x8 curls

3x8 dumbell flyes

3x8 shoulder press

 

Apr 2

 

30 minutes Nordic Track

 

Apr 3

Lower body

10 minutes stretching

3x10 lunges

3x8 squats

3x12 calf raises

 

30 minute walk in pm

 

Apr 4

rest day

 

Apr 5

upper body

3x6 bench

3x8 shoulder press

3x8 bent over row

3x12 shrugs

 

Apr 6

lower body

3x10 lunges

3x12 calf raises

3x8 kickbacks

3x8 squats

10 minute stretch

10 minutes abs (crunches, stretch)

 

and so far I'm still alive

Biggest problem for me so far is resisting the urge to overtrain.

I've lost a few pounds already... probably diet related as I have cut out the junk

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Middle age, huh? No planning to live long are we.

 

Well, in order to live as long as I'd like to, I'd have to become a vampire and I just don't think the lifestyle agrees with me

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Was thinking about taking a rest day today, but woke up feeling energetic so I did 30 minutes on the Nordic Track.

 

I've really grown to love that workout. Good cardio, works all major muscle groups, low impact....good calorie burner

 

Look out Topher!!!!!

noticed today I have a well defined 2-pack in upper abs.

2-pack hmmmm sounds like a cool nickname but don't expect me to be able to rap.

 

gearing up for a big upperbody workout tomorrow. strange how you actually start looking forward to them.

 

later

Link to comment
Share on other sites

whoaaa!

 

tough workout today

 

upperbody

3x6 bench

3x8 shoulder press

3x8 shrugs

3x6 curls

3x6 bent over rows

3x12 incline pushups

 

now don't get me wrong here.....but at the end of my 3rd set on the bench

I just couldn't get it up think it's an old age thing?

 

also walked to the playground this afternnon and shot hoops with the kids.

I'm still sweating!

 

definitely gonna take a rest day tomorrow to rest these old weary muscles!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Nice routine JW

 

Any chance of writing the weights down too?

 

Thanks Jonathan

(of course it should be a good routine since you helped me out with it)

 

Re: writing the weights down......... I guess I could do that

remember I'm just starting out here though

(and I reeeaaally suck at the bench press)

It might take me a week or two to catch up to you

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Still a bit sore from last upperbody workout but I'm itching to go

 

decided to do a half hour on the Nordic Track this morning.

I just HAVE to get those lower abs in shape!!!! (actually, I might have to find them first)

 

I've noticed some gains in the shoulders and delts

chest is still weak and lower abs need work

The ab thing can be a bit depressing but it's obviously not going to transform in a week.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Everyone starts somewhere JW! When I started lifting about 2 3/4 years ago I could only bench about 70lbs, but I have recently pressed 292lb. No need to worry though - I don't bench any more, so you will overtake me in no time

 

Jonathan

 

Thanks Jonathan

 

Let the record show.... JW can outbench Jonathan!!!!

(well in my dreams anyway)

 

but thanks for the encouragement. I should post the amounts anyway to ensure I'm progressing

Link to comment
Share on other sites

oh man! fatigue has set in. not because of the workouts though. My 15 year old dog has woken me up at 4:30 a.m. for the past three nights!

Today it caught up to me. I just couldn't get out of bed to do my workout.

did some light stretching this morning.

I think I'll do the lowerbody workout this evening.

(don't really want to miss a day)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Jw is on Rubberleg street!!!!!

ouch

 

3x6 squats 80lb

3x12 calf raises 130lb

3x12 lunges w/ 30lb dumbells

3x6 deadlifts 150lb

5 min. abs - crunches & stetches

 

strange, but I like that rubber legged feeling

looking forward to the next upperbody workout but I think I need another cardio session "the fat must go!!!!!"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Put in 30 minutes on the nordic track this morning.

Legs still a bit weak from yesterday, so I backed off the intensity a bit.

 

I have always heard that it is very hard (or impossible) to build muscle mass AND lose body fat

In my situation, the only place I have excess bodyfat is in the midsection (lower ab region and handles)

Any thoughts on this?

If I keep up with the lifting and 2 cardio sessions a week wouldn't both goals be possible?

btw... my weight has remained pretty stable after 2 weeks. put on some muscle especially in shoulders. Also have moved another belt notch!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

upperbody

3x6 bench 125 lbs

3x8 shoulder press 75lbs

3x8 shrugs 125 lbs

3x6 curls 30lb dumbells

3x6 bent over rows 125 lbs

3x15 incline pushups

 

wierd! I seem to be gaining strength in every exercise except bench.

Of course, I have NEVER been good at bench.

 

It's all good though! Feeling good .......those rest days seem to be doing the trick

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey JW,

 

You must be so proud knowing that you are guuiding your whole family towards a healthier lifestyle. Good healthy (and compassionate) food, great workouts from what I have read in this thread, positive attitude, etc.

 

Keep up the great work!

 

Also, i hope you realize that you are instilling future healthy exercise habits for your kids as well. You are a great role model for them, and they will follow in your footsteps of healthy living. That's gotta be an awesome feeling.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey JW,

 

You must be so proud knowing that you are guuiding your whole family towards a healthier lifestyle. Good healthy (and compassionate) food, great workouts from what I have read in this thread, positive attitude, etc.

 

Keep up the great work!

 

Also, i hope you realize that you are instilling future healthy exercise habits for your kids as well. You are a great role model for them, and they will follow in your footsteps of healthy living. That's gotta be an awesome feeling.

 

thanks cg

 

I keep telling my family I'm perfect but they don't believe me

Link to comment
Share on other sites

3x6 squats 95lb

3x12 calf raises 170lb

3x12 lunges w/ 45lb dumbells

3x6 deadlifts 170lb

5 min. abs - crunches & stretches

 

well today turned into the "Midlife Triathalon"!

 

started with my lower body workout

followed by the 2nd leg .... 2 hours of raking & cleaning the back yard

and finishing with the 3rd leg... a 2 hour bike excursion with the family

 

the 3rd leg was grueling ...especially trying to keep up with my son on the trails. Got some serious air and no wipeouts!!!! It's all good!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

upperbody

3x6 bench 125 lbs

3x8 shoulder press 75lbs

3x12 shrugs 125 lbs

3x6 curls 30lb dumbells

3x6 bent over rows 125 lbs

3x15 incline pushups

 

felt a bit sluggish waking up this morning.

like maybe a cold coming on....... but I sucked it up and did the workout anyway.

The weights are becoming manageable now (finally!!!)

almost ready for an increase in weight

Finally got through that 3rd set on the bench today

Link to comment
Share on other sites

30 minutes cardio this morning

Nordic Track

 

A little sore in the upperbody this morning. Funny how the discomfort sometimes shows up the day following a workout.

 

The weather is getting much nicer now and it's both good and bad.

 

On the positive, I get much more sunlight, fresh air and exercise

 

On the negative, warmer weather is SLURPEE SEASON!!!!

If you don't know what these are... they are a frozen drink sold at 7-11 stores (also other convenience stores under different names)

basically they are frozen soft drinks with a smooth icy texture.

For some reason, Winnipeg consistently wins awards for the highest slurpee consumption in North America.

 

I have to admit, even when I'm watching my diet I still crave these things on a hot day.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share




×
×
  • Create New...