Size what?

Ok, motivational moment.... last Friday I was wearing size 36" waist shorts and a medium button up shirt at work, both fit comfortably!! The shorts where even a bit loose!!!! Woo Hoo! So I decided to got out shopping after the working out, as it was payday. The plan was to buy a pair of 34" shorts and say "I will fit into these," however when I got there I changed my mind... I decided to get 32" shorts which I would hang in my hallway until I could wear them. So when I got home, just for kicks, I decided to try them on... They fit me like size 36" use to, meaning quiet snug, but I could actually put them on. I couldn't believe it. Fuck Ya! I NEVER thought I would wear size 32". So instead of "I will fit into these," it's now "I will look GOOD in these."

Free ballin...

Ok, so today is the 2nd time I've recently forgotten to put underwear in my gym bag... so I'm free ballin today. It actually doesn't feel half bad ;-)

Bodybuilding - A Lifestyle, Not A Pastime

So in my spare time at work (meaning, when I take a break to stay sane), I've started to read a bunch fo articles from bodybuilding.com, including one title "Bodybuilding - A Lifestyle, Not A Pastime." And as reflected by my last entry, I totally agreee.

One thing the article says is that "Lifting weights is the easy part," meaning its what you do outside of the gym that can transform your body. That's when it hit me just how much I have put into "getting in shape" and how much I've gotten out of it time compare to all my failed attempts in the past. Currently I have six meals a day and each meal (for the most part) has exact pre-measured ratios of protein, carbs, and fat. I've never had a problem with working out, it was the eating that always failed me in the past. I would say "I just need to get active and then work on eating better" and never really got the second part under control. The difference in my results is incredible.

Along the same lines, I started to notice other people's habits. Like a co-worker of mine who I see down in the gym several times a week, the other day she was walking back to her desk with some sugar waffers from the vending machine. I thought to myself, that use to be me with my daily trip to the vending machines for a Pepsi and a Twix...

All I have to say... That AIN'T me any more.

Obsessed?

So I posted my 10 week update in the Vizual X-cellence forums (SwoleCat's site) and got a lot of compliments and encouragement. I also showed my progress photos to a few co-workers who have also been working out and/or dieting to same effect. I have to say, it definitely made me feel good.

So, the other day I was thinking about a quote I once read...

"Obsessed is just a word the lazy use to describe the dedicated."

...the fact that I'm in the gym 4-5 days a week which equates to hitting the gym 8-9 times a week because I usually go twice, cardio in the morning and weights after work (4 out of the 5 days). I have read most of the articles in the past three months editions of Men's Health, Men's Fitness, and Men's Journal. I pre-cook most of my meals, measure them, my protein shakes, and supplements into little baggies....

Ya, I'd say I'm bordering on obsessed. And you know what?

I Like It!

Week #10 on SGX

So last week was #10 of SGX and despite a lot of bumps, I did manage to make some progress. I only dropped 1lbs according to the scale, however, looking at my photos between week #9 and #10 there is quite a difference. Also since it's a nice even number I decided to do a composite progess photos showing week #1, #5, and #10. It great to see that I'm actually making progress. I still have quite a ways to go before I'd call myself a muscle bear, but I'm definatly on the way!

I've got another 5 weeks to go before I finish up what I'm calling Round #1 of SGX. As, the beginning of Sept I will be heading back east to visit friends and family. I can't wait to see their reaction. The last time the family saw me was back on Oct 2005 and I was probably around 215 then. When I first moved to CA I was 220.

I would love to get to the point were my stomach dosn't stick out any more. I mean I know I'm not gonna get a 6 pack in a month, but if I can get rid of most of the love handles I would LOVE IT. We shall see...

Drum Corps Drum Corps Drum Corps...

[Testing Email Bloger] This past week marked the start of my 3rd month on SGX and the start of drum corps hell month...

Last Friday, this Friday, and next Friday are drum corps shows which prevent me from hitting the gym. Thus I've been doing a M-Th workout with no rest day (typically Wed). I also skipped morning cardio Fri, Sat, Sun, and Tue. I've been a little sleep deprived, so Tues was sleeping in until 8AM.

Also because it's show weekend my schedule is whacked so trying to follow a meal plan is rough. I ended up eating out, Saturday (at a show), Sunday evening (after rehearsal, this was my planned cheat meal), and Tues afternoon (lunch after performing in a 4th of July parade). Now Saturday was the only REALLY BAD day, as I had hot dogs at the show and Wendy's after the show. Sunday and Tues where both at Red Robin, Burger & Greens on Sun and Chicken & Salad on Tues... so not that bad. Kept it low-carb, but I'm sure the fat was higher than it should  have been.

But with all that said... I managed not to really screwing up my progress.

As for this weekend... we will see. It's my corps trip to LA and while I do have an actual pre-planned schedule... Chaos is quickly becoming the theme for this year in the Renegades. The plan is to hit the grocery store after work to pick-up some steak for breakfast, go home... grill the steak and some chicken up and prepare all the food that I need for Fri, Sat, and Sun. Then pack. Then clean. Then bed. The get on a bus at 6AM Fri morning...

Party Ben

So last Thursday I went out to dinner for a friend's birthday, then we all went over to the bar for some karaoke and drinking. Well, in my case... drinking water. And I'll tell you what, I was bouncing around and talking more than I think I've ever done (even when drunk). Even introducing myself to people... It was great! One of my friends even commented on it as I'm usually really reserved when I go out and mainly just hangout/talk with folks a I already know.

I'm really diggin' this whole more energy and confidence thing.