Workout Transition

January 29th, 2009 kNuke

I started my transition to a new workout a little earlier than planned.  I made the early switch for two main reasons; I was mentally burned out with the old program and I really need to strengthen my hamstrings and quads as I’ve recently noticed how weak they are.  Before I move on to the new workout, I’ll give a brief recap of my former program.

Advantages: A total body workout with a great cardio effect.  Short workout time. 3 sessions a week, which left 2 days for extra cardio.

Disadvantages: Not enough muscle stimulation.

Final Word: This was a good program to help elevate my fitness/cardio level, which was my main goal, but it got redundant pretty quickly.

Now that my fitness level is back to normal or close to it, I’m ready to move back to a muscle building workout.  I’m going to be utilizing a workout based off of the Huge in a Hurry book.  The book is about speed, which means lifting a 4-6 rep weight as quickly as possible till you get to 25 reps.  Here’s how my workouts will look:

Exercise 1: Pull up / Lat Pulldown / Row
Exercise 2: Bench Press / Military Press / Push Press
Exercise 3: Deadlift
Exercise 4: Leg Press

On days where I feel tired, I may do Power Cleans as a substitute for Exercises 3 and 4.

I’m pretty sore today as I haven’t really lifted any weights for the last three weeks. Yesterday I did all 4 exercises but used the conventional 3 x 10 scheme to ease into it. My upper and lower back along with my hamstrings are extremely tight today. I have to admit, this is the feeling I was craving!

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Sore Arm and Knees

January 26th, 2009 kNuke

My workout sucked today and I only completed two circuits.  As my P90X buddy would say, “I DID NOT bring it!”  While doing the lunges both of my knees got a little sore/tight so I decided to drop down to bodyweight, which felt fine, but greatly reduced the effect of the workout.   Combine that with the fact that my right arm was still screaming sore from yesterday’s baseball game and you can see why the workout sucked!  Even though my workout sucked, it was still better than my buddy’s workout as he didn’t even make it to the gym.  Let’s hope for a better Wednesday…

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Good Workouts

January 23rd, 2009 kNuke

My workouts from the past week have been very productive.  Even my buddy is making progress in his workouts even though he uses inferior substitute exercises.  Today I was able to complete all 3 circuits using normal weights.  I’m ready to switch routines, both mentally and physically.  I’m currently researching more weight-training oriented routines.  If any of you have recommendations, please let me know!

On the diet front, things haven’t been that great, but I did find an excellent breakfast option; Muscle Milk Root Beer Float.  Check out my review!

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Feeling my Hamstrings and Quads

January 22nd, 2009 kNuke

Now that I’m starting to play full force I can really feel my hamstrings and quads.  Everytime I try to run full speed they start to tighten up and it almost feels like they’re going to cramp!  I can’t wait to start working out my hamstrings and quads with some weights.

While pitching yesterday I had to cover first base on a squibbler down the first base line.  I have to say that I was pretty afraid of running into the runner!  I know I wanted to try playing in the field and running the bases this season, but that may be a little premature.  We still have about 9 games to play in the regular season, but I’m not sure I’ll be able to get over that mental hump.

Good news is that I pitched 3 innings and I don’t feel that bad this morning.  My left knee is a little more stiff than usual, but nothing that I’d really worry about.  I had a little knot in my trap during the game; I feel that area today more than anything else.

Final line: 3 IP, 1 ER, 1 K, 5 BB

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Tight Hamstrings

January 18th, 2009 kNuke

I had a baseball game today, but I only batted once.  My hamstrings were pretty tight so I elected to sit out for most of the game.  I didn’t perform well as I weakly popped out to first base in my only at-bat, but the good news is that I wasn’t worrying about my left knee.  The next step will be running the bases and fielding.  I’m still a little hesitant to run the bases where contact could be possible.

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