God help me. Or Y'all at the forum,,,

[hideouse]

Today is Christmas. Happy Christmas to Marty and all here at the forum! I have done nothing today, unfortunately, except daughter squats at church. You know, your four year old looks up at you with an anguished face and starts to wail if you don't pick here up? Now the presents are all opened and the kids are playing, the wife and I are drinking the last of the wine I made three years ago while the roast is in the oven. A fairly happy christmas, despite the blow to my new found desire to remake myself. Luckily I volunteered to work tomorrow, a regular day off for me, and I'll be able to do some light dubmbell work for high reps tomorrow, in addition to some hindu squats and pushups. If I get up early enough I can get the kids bicycles away from my bench and do some bar work.
This is not a great start for a training log; talking about plans instead of accomplishments. Maybe tomorrow will be different?
Martin

[ms_irreverent]

Hey, you have to plan in order to accomplish. Figure out a concrete long-term goal--for argument's sake, say, lose 10 percent of whatever you weigh--and then break it into short-term increments. And then you can create a plan.

[hideouse]

So, at one in the morning our two year old toddled out of her room screaming at us to let her sleep in our room. Then she got up again at four in time to catch me getting out of the shower before I left for work, resulting in me holding her on the couch for a half hour until my wife got up to take her.
On the plus side, I got six sets of twenty hindu squats in at work.

[hideouse]

At work, got in two sets of fifty dumbbell swings using a twenty-five pound dumbell in each hand.
Managed to avoid the evil vending machine again.
That's all for today.

[hideouse]

No formal weights but some informal light deadlifts: Transferred my cider and bottled some of it,,,drank the spillage. Each carboy of cider was about forty five pounds. Eight carboys, lifted and carried about forty feet makes sixteen lifts.
Some interesting things about this; the carboys are easy to lift if I do it right. Squat at the bottle, cradle it and rock back to clear it off the floor, look up to keep my back arched the right way, contract my belly and up we go.

[onecoolmama]

Avoiding the vending machine is great! I completely understand the getting up and squatting for your kids. Mine are 5,3 and 1. So, squatting is a given.

Hang in there. The weight is so easy to put on, and so hard to get off. Believe me, last Christmas, I was in your shoes.

You can do it!

[Bobcat]

the carboys are easy to lift if I do it right. Squat at the bottle, cradle it and rock back to clear it off the floor, look up to keep my back arched the right way, contract my belly and up we go.

That sounds like good stone lifting technique. Odd objects--stones, sandbags, fireplugs, carboys--can be front-squatted. (Sandbags can also be back squatted. I've done it.) Here's some carryover from your introduction thread: have you considered working your squats that way until you acquire a rack?

[hideouse]

Got up about quarter to five and instead of heading for the shower right off as is my wont I went to my garage where my bar and plates sit, waiting for me, forlorn but patient. Being way out of shape and never having had much practice, I put on two ten kilo plates. With the bar that makes about 89 pounds. I got the bar over my head and onto my back for ten reps but didn't feel comfortable pushing it up from that position so I had to do a good morning over my bench to get the bar onto the bench rack. Next I tried to clean the bar up and did ten front squats.
Yes, Bobcat, I'll do front squats until I either get sawhorses or a squat rack.
At work, had a slow day so was able to do some work there.
My totals for today:
2 sets of ten reps 89 lbs squats.
five sets of fifty two 25 lb dumbbell swings.
six sets of twenty pushups.

I'll try to get up a bit earlier tommorow and get more barbell in. I'lll keep the weights light for the first week or so. I think that after a week I'll see what my one rep max is and use that as a guide.
thanks for the kind words you guys.

[hideouse]

Bad day for me. Overslept, got in two sets of fifty swings, using two 25lbs dumbbells, and two sets of twenty pushups.
Ate too many dried apricots and spent the rest of the day on the toilet.
Bah.

[onecoolmama]

Bad day for me. Overslept, got in two sets of fifty swings, using two 25lbs dumbbells, and two sets of twenty pushups.
Ate too many dried apricots and spent the rest of the day on the toilet.
Bah.

Im sorry you spent the day that way, but it does infact tip the scales in your favor.

We all have bad days, the important thing is to move past them and learn from them.

[ms_irreverent]

Indeed. Forget it and move on!

[hideouse]

Did nothing Saturday at work.

Sunday evening I started working the grave shift. Before I left for work I tried to use the barbells. Tried clean and squat and found I have trouble getting my upper arms horizontal as my forearms seem too long. I think I just need practice. So after two sets of ten I tried a set of overhead snatch squats and had a hard time with that too. Next, three sets of ten bench press and three sets of ten dead lifts. All of these with only ten kilo plates on the bar. I'll increase the weight as I get more comfortable with manipulating the barbell.
Before I left I noticed that my uprights on the bench are adjustable up to nearly five feet tall. And the bench will fold up past verticle, leaving me with enough room to use the uprights as a squat rack. So either tomorrow or Wednesday I'll be able to start doing things properly.
Did two sets of fifty two handed dumbbell swings before I left work this morning.
Grave shift is tiring.

Ms_irreverent, onecoolmama, thanks for your support. I've been looking at your training logs too. Banzai!

[hideouse]

Last night at work:
six sets of twenty pushups followed by fifty swings(two twentyfive lb dumbbells)
This afternoon, upon waking:
3x squat/133 lbs
3x bench press/89 lbs
3x dead lift/199lbs
My kids have seen me and are bugging me to show them dumbbell swings. The oldest is eight. They have a hard time getting the motion of the swing down; they keep trying to muscle the dumbbell instead of swinging it. It's a five pound dumbell.

[onecoolmama]

Oh my 5yo right now is all about the muscles. Growing them and showing them off. It's hilarious to listen to him flex and brag about it.

I think its great that your kids are taking such great interest in what you are doing. And you are teaching them healthy habits as well.

[hideouse]

This has been a lucky day for me. I did this:
Squat 3x10/145 lbs.
Bench 3x10/133 lbs.
Dead lift 3x10/199 lbs.
Since my Last session I have been tired all the time and hungry like I haven't been in years. Today for dinner I had two pieces of ham steak the size of my hand- and my hands are pretty good size- about three cups of broccoli and greenbeans mixed. For dessert I finished off the leftover popcorn my wife couldn't finish.
And I still want some more meat.

[ms_irreverent]

Good lifting there.

You need more protein. Get yourself whey protein powder and ingest it as soon as you finish your workout. And you need to eat more in general, albeit the right foods--lean meat, poultry, fish, fibrous carbs (salad--buy the bagged mixed greens, which makes life so much easier!). No need to limit yourself to broccoli. ;)

[hideouse]

Saturday I got in a two hour Aikido class. Fall down, get back up again. Lots of fun.
Today I got into my garage.
Squats 3x10/(50 kilo barbell = 155 lbs)
Bench press 3x10/(45 kilo barbell = 144 lbs)
Dead lift 3x10/(70 kilo barbell = 199 lbs)

I think I'll be able to increase the squat and dead lift weight but my bench is close to the most I want to handle without a spotter for now.

[Bobcat]

Looks good.

[hideouse]

So two mondays ago I , instead of working out, watch my two youngest while Momma takes the boys out for a trip to the doctor. Tuesday, same again for educational reasons. At this point I'm fairly sleep deprived and allow myself to lapse into sloth for the week.
Last Saturday I made it to an aikido class, two hours of fall down, stand up.
Today I realized I'm gaining weight again and I come to a decision: I've got to forgo some sleep for exercise. So I went to the garage and did:
3 sets 10reps fifty kilos barbell squats
3 sets 10 reps fifty kilos barbell bench press
3 sets 10 reps seventy kilo dead lift

After that I took the girls to their gymnastics class in a jogging stroller. Approx. two and three quarter miles, both ways.
I feel great.
I think I'll do this again.

[hideouse]

Wednesday I took the dog for a walk about a half hour.
Today I got into the garage, did:
3x10 squats 60kilo bb
3x10 bench press 52 1/2 kilo bb
3x10 dead lift 70 kilo bb
The dead lift are getting easier but by the end of the third set my grip is gone. I have to pump the reps out fast so I don't drop the bar or have to stop and reset.

[Tom]

The dead lift are getting easier but by the end of the third set my grip is gone. I have to pump the reps out fast so I don't drop the bar or have to stop and reset.

Switch to an over/under grip for deadlifts. (That is, one hand is pronated and one is supinated. ) This makes it easier to hang on.

[hideouse]

took all four kids to the local middle school and pushed the girls around the track in a jogging stroller for 2 and a half miles. The boys chased me around for part of the time.

[ms_irreverent]

That's some great cardio there!

[hideouse]

Finally got back into the garage and boy do I feel WEAK!
Did
squats 3sets 10reps fortykilos (133lbs)
bench press 3sets10reps forty kilos(133lbs)
dead lift 3sets10reps eighty kilos(238 lbs)

Used the over/under grip on the dead lifts and it worked great. Thanks Tom!
Due to the continuing chaos in my life This is my first real session back since I had a week of training at work last week.

[hideouse]

Got off of work at 0600, in the garage at 0730.
Squats 3sets of ten, fifty kilos(155lbs)
Bench press 3sets of ten, forty kilos(133lbs)
Dead lift 3 sets of ten, eighty kilos(221lbs)

This weight lifting business is very interesting in terms of how I am gaining awareness of my body. Today I have a new ache in my right forearm. On my bench I can feel the assymmetry in my usual posture. Neat.

[CinnamonGirl]

Finally got back into the garage and boy do I feel WEAK!
Due to the continuing chaos in my life This is my first real session back since I had a week of training at work last week.
Chaos is one of the things you can count on in life! :wink: (I'm an empty nester, and Chaos is still a major player in my life!) Glad to see you back on the boards and taking steps toward your goals, Martin!

This weight lifting business is very interesting in terms of how I am gaining awareness of my body. Today I have a new ache in my right forearm. On my bench I can feel the assymmetry in my usual posture. Neat.
Body awareness and muscle soreness . . . nice reminders of your efforts, especially when the vending machine is calling! Keep on working at it . . .

[hideouse]

did one set of 20 pushups and one set of thirty dumbbell swings, 25 lbs in each hand.
Meant to do more, o well.

[CinnamonGirl]

I think most folks here would say that even though you'd planned on doing more, 20 push-ups is a respectable effort. Don't be discouraged . . . every little bit of effort you're putting in will pay off if you choose to keep on keepin on.

[childresspta]

Yes pushing yourself on days your down, can be a quick road to burn-out. Just do have too many in a row.

[hideouse]

did one set of fifty Hindu squats at work. pushed the girls to gymnastics class and back; approx. 5 miles.

[hideouse]

did 20 pushups followed by fifty two-handed dumbbellswings, three times.
Also played with the Intu-flow package I got from Scott Sonnon's RMAX.
CinnamonGirl, childresspta, thanks for your words of encouragement.

[hideouse]

After I got home from work Thursday morning I slept nearly seventeen hours. Grave shift bad for me.

Today I did:
squats 3sets10reps 42 1/2 kilos
bench 3sets10reps 40 kilos
deads 3sets10reps 80 kilos

the squats and bench were easy. The deadlifts not so easy.

[hideouse]

Turned 39 today.
Did same lifting as last post.

[childresspta]

happy birthday, I turn 30 in about 2 weeks.

[ms_irreverent]

Happy birthday!

[CinnamonGirl]

Happy Birthday, and many happy, healthy returns!

Here's to your best year yet!

[Bobcat]

Turned 39 today.

Happy birthday! Doing anything special?

[hideouse]

:oops:
Ya'll are too sweet :D
Getting some lifting in this morning is about as special as I am going to get these days. Maybe I can do some running tomorrow, we'll see.

[hideouse]

did:
squats 3sets10reps 42.5kilos bb
bench press 3sets10reps 40kilos bb
dead lift 3sets10reps 88kilos bb.

[hideouse]

Got home from work at about 0700.
Did:
squats 3sets10reps 133 lbs.
bench press 3x10 133 lbs.
dead lift 3x10 221 lbs.

[hideouse]

Did the usual.
Been on grave shift for 2and1/2 months now, hoping to acclimate soon.

[hideouse]

Played with the kids: front rolls, back rolls, hand bridges, wrestler's lunges, etc.
Got into the garage and did two sets of squats.
Felt tired and retired for the day.

[ironeagle6]

Good to read you Martin!

Hope your acclimation is going well and you are back in full swing from your grave yard shifts.

[hideouse]

Today played with kids on mats, took kids and dogs for about an hours worth of walking.
Found out this morning that I'm going back to day shift starting Sunday morning. I've been up for about 25 hours as of this writing.
Thanks for the kind words IronEagle.
I've figured out (like it wasn't obvious) that I need to do some cardio every day. I walked the kids and dogs today, thats a start. Got plans for tomorrow too.

[hideouse]

Slept from 1800 to 0430. Felt good this morning. Weighed 280- down a few pounds!
PLayed with the kids a little on the mat, did 3sets of 10 each of Squats bench and deads.
Today I did my squats with my feet a little further apart than I have been doing them, with my toes pointed about 45 degrees out and they were easier than they've been in a good long while. Weights used were the same as previous efforts.
Also did Scott Sonnon's Intu-flow and xtensions.
Feeling pretty good.
One sour note: My neighbor, a fellow who keeps to himself, divorced, one adult child, keeps his lot immaculate. Me, four young kids, we look like Sanford and Son. My aussie ran over to his house barking at the guy working on the neighbor's floor and the neighbor called animal controll on me! Didn't say a word to me first. Me, if I've got an issue with you I'll tell you to your face before I call official-dumb. Now I'm a bit peeved. And my wife, ooh, she's hot about it.

P.S. Diet is coming to my notice. I gave up alcohol a few m0onths ago and it doesn't seem to make a difference. I'll start noting what I eat and subjective effects as I go.
Today I had some stale baguette and pesto for breakfast, five shots of espresso with milk sugar and nutmeg, some jasmine tea, a bowl of rice withsesame oil and some steamed corn, greenbeans and spinach.
that's it so far. I'd really like a steak about now.

[childresspta]

Good to hear your lifts are going better.

[ironeagle6]

One sour note: My neighbor, a fellow who keeps to himself, divorced, one adult child, keeps his lot immaculate. Me, four young kids, we look like Sanford and Son. My aussie ran over to his house barking at the guy working on the neighbor's floor and the neighbor called animal controll on me! Didn't say a word to me first. Me, if I've got an issue with you I'll tell you to your face before I call official-dumb. Now I'm a bit peeved. And my wife, ooh, she's hot about it.

That's typical! Did you confront the guy? I'd be messing my pants if I had 280 pounds of iron lifting beef cast a dark and foreboding shadow on my doorstep! Kick his @#*! Just kidding, I'm a peaceful sort! :lol:

David
U.S. Army

[hideouse]

:D I was tempted to go over and have some short polite words with him but restrained myself. I figure the events spoke for themselves; next time_his_ dog wakes us up barking, we'll give him one verbal and subsequent events will involve me calling the cops.
Maybe that makes me a pussy. I'm just not willing to pick a fight over this. It's ,,,pissy. I don't want to get sucked into playing his game.

[CinnamonGirl]

Yeah, don't get sucked into it -- he IS your neighbor, and unless you're leasing or renting, not feeling safe at home is NOT worth it. If he's an intelligent man, he's probably already kicking himself about it. Maintain the high ground . . . your kids will learn an invaluable lesson if you can!

[hideouse]

So this last month has had me out or town to Chicago for a two week class, under my house to reinforce a broken floor joist and attending to various house hold issues, but I finally got out and did some exercise this week. Yesterday I 1. cut grass and manually edged, 2. took the girls to their gymnastics class and back in the jogging stroller, a total distance of five miles, 3. sat in on the high school wrestling club practice session for an hour and a half, 4. did Scott Sonnon's "intu-flow" and "xtentions" with his 5 lb mini clubbells.
I feel better than I've felt in a month.
Now I gotta rearrange the garage to regain access to my bar. While I was out of town it got a lot of stuff piled over and around. Bicycles, various kid's stuff, who knows.

[ms_irreverent]

Wait a minute. If the girls are small enough to be in a stroller, how on earth can they be old enough to be taking gymnastics? What am I missing?

[CinnamonGirl]

Oh, you'd be surprised how early they're starting gymnasts these days.
Of course, the classes the really young ones take are more geared to learning balance, agility and other pre-gymnastic skills. Lots of gyms earn their "lights on" money on classes like kindergym/gymboree.

[hideouse]

Ruthy, at age four can now walk a balance beam un assisted, do front rolls and a rudimentary cartwheel, seat drops on the trampoline. Start 'em young, they get comfortable with the idea of the exercise and when their physique catches up they take off like damned rockets.

[hideouse]

Push mowed about a third of our acre lot, jogged Ruthy to her gymnastics class and back.
Today fo rthe first time, I took my boys with me. One odd event; some women in the passenger seat of a pickup yelled something out her window as they drove by, all I caught was",,,child protective service,,,"
Weird.
like life isn't interesting enough.

[moonlady]

Obviously, you were kidnapping your children. And to make matters worse, you were forcing them to exercise physically. Don't you understand that these things just aren't acceptable anymore? Why haven't you been on Dr. Phil yet? Sheesh. :roll: :wink:

[hideouse]

I am trying to get restarted lifting. Toward that end, I did twenty sets of five two handed dumbbell clean and jerks with two 35 lb dumbbells.
I have continued to push Ruthy to her gymnastics class in the stroller with my boys riding their bikes along with us.
Ever since my business trip to Chicago last month my garage has been in disarray but I'll get it straightened up Monday to start my primitive lifting again.
This dumbbell business is fun too.

[hideouse]

After dinner went jogging, less than two miles as I ate too much at dinner. Took my son on his bike with me.

[hideouse]

I'd like to thank Marty particularly and everyone else here. You are all an inspiration.
I'll be leaving this forum for a while as my lifting is going to take a back seat for the next year in favor of re-learning how to run long distance. You see, I've signed up for the annual Indianapolis 500 festival half marathon which takes place next May. I've got ten months to get ready.
Today I did four miles in 44 1/2 minutes and I felt like I could have gone on. Not a bad start for a feeble fat old fart, eh?
You all have been very kind to a stranger and I intend to come back when I start lifting barbells again.

[moonlady]

Wow! I'm just happy when I can run for 5 minutes without having to stop (look at my log if you don't believe me...). That's totally awesome.

Good luck!

[ms_irreverent]

Instead of leaving, why not check in with us periodically and let us know how you are progressing?

[hideouse]

I'll check in Ms. I, you all are just too nice for me to stay away long.
Moonlady, I have some suggestions on running if you like.

[hideouse]

Today did 5.4 miles in 1:03 hours. woot!

[ms_irreverent]

Niiiiiice!

[hideouse]

Thursday the 20th, 3.4 miles took 48 minutes.
Friday the 21st, 4 miles took 46 miles.
Been reading Posetech.com and remembering how I used to run when I was young. It's coming back very slowly but last night I was able to run without too much pain in my left calf.

[hideouse]

Saturday, 5.4 miles/1:00:10 (every second counts!?)
SUnday, 3.4/58 minutes. (dog tired, made the mistake of taking donuts from the box my coworker brought in this morning.

[hideouse]

Tuesday ran a new course: followed the wife and kids to the comunity pool, them in a car, me on foot.
4.8 miles/ 1:01:15
Thursday ran my 5.4 course/1:08:03.

[hideouse]

Friday did two miles in 22 mins, and had enough. I'll be taking it easy until the weather abates. This humidity is making it hard to breathe.

[hideouse]

Since my last report I have been training erratically. I have found it convenient to run during various scheduled kid's activities and am now running mon-wed-fri, two to three miles a time, and doing judo tues and thurs, which I started as a way to get my boys doing something active what I can do at the same time.
The running is getting easier and really seems to help me the next day. I feel much more energetic and lively.

[ms_irreverent]

Hey, that's great!