I should have started this a while back, but I have a hard time sticking to things that are good for me. My entire routine started back in April of 1008. April 1st to be exact. I started off small using resistance bands and timed exercises instead of reps. All those routines were derived from www.iwantsixpackabs.com. His videos were great to get my body back in shape and prepare for actual weight lifting again. I did the workouts on my days off. I work a 3-on-3-off shift and wasn't prepared to be an early morning person. Interval training was for my days on when I got home.
I was doing well until I got sick. For the first time in years I picked up a rather nasty bug that knocked me out for the better part of three weeks. I lost my voice, a lot of strength and I just couldn't bring myself to work out.
During that time I did some more research and found out about the 5x5 routine. It would allow me to use the free weights I purchased and give me a more balanced routine that could be done in a relatively short time.
So once I got better, I started on the 5x5.
Being naive, I thought the free weights I had were in kilograms seeing as I bought them in Canada. Well, I was wrong and for the first while I was wondering why it was so easy to do the workout. I guess in the long run it was actually better that way. It got me used to using proper form with lower weights.
I made a few other changes along with the routine. I changed my diet rather drastically and turned myself into a morning person.
I increased my fiber intake, my protein intake and practically cutout junkfood. While I was sick I developed a taste for water (something I usually hated). Coke started making me stomach sick, so water was the only suitable replacement to keep me hydrated. In general I started eating much healthier...much to the dismay of our pocket book. It really is easy to eat unhealthy.
I put breakfast back into my life. I usually avoided it because it just upset my stomach, but with a morning workout I found my appetite to be rather strong. Now I alternate between protein shakes and a giant three egg omlet.
My mornings start at 6am now and instead of sitting in front of the computer, I hit the eliptical and then the weights. This is done on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Tuesday, Thursday and the weekend is reserved for my interval training if I'm feeling up to it.
I've noticed a great difference in the shape of my body and the size of my muscles. I obviously need to increase my dietary intake, because I'm not gaining much wieght. I'm still around the 150 pound mark and I really should be higher then that.
Anyway, that covers everything from when I started. From here on in, I'll be posting what is done on each day, what problems occured and my thoughts.
I was doing well until I got sick. For the first time in years I picked up a rather nasty bug that knocked me out for the better part of three weeks. I lost my voice, a lot of strength and I just couldn't bring myself to work out.
During that time I did some more research and found out about the 5x5 routine. It would allow me to use the free weights I purchased and give me a more balanced routine that could be done in a relatively short time.
So once I got better, I started on the 5x5.
Being naive, I thought the free weights I had were in kilograms seeing as I bought them in Canada. Well, I was wrong and for the first while I was wondering why it was so easy to do the workout. I guess in the long run it was actually better that way. It got me used to using proper form with lower weights.
I made a few other changes along with the routine. I changed my diet rather drastically and turned myself into a morning person.
I increased my fiber intake, my protein intake and practically cutout junkfood. While I was sick I developed a taste for water (something I usually hated). Coke started making me stomach sick, so water was the only suitable replacement to keep me hydrated. In general I started eating much healthier...much to the dismay of our pocket book. It really is easy to eat unhealthy.
I put breakfast back into my life. I usually avoided it because it just upset my stomach, but with a morning workout I found my appetite to be rather strong. Now I alternate between protein shakes and a giant three egg omlet.
My mornings start at 6am now and instead of sitting in front of the computer, I hit the eliptical and then the weights. This is done on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Tuesday, Thursday and the weekend is reserved for my interval training if I'm feeling up to it.
I've noticed a great difference in the shape of my body and the size of my muscles. I obviously need to increase my dietary intake, because I'm not gaining much wieght. I'm still around the 150 pound mark and I really should be higher then that.
Anyway, that covers everything from when I started. From here on in, I'll be posting what is done on each day, what problems occured and my thoughts.
