This is a copy/paste from my topic at the MH board, which seems to be jacked all to crap right now. I know a lot of the regulars from over there that I really respect also post here, so maybe I'll get a bit better response...
Okay, so next May, I am probably going to be one of the adults that goes on my church's youth retreat to Colorado. There's going to be hiking, whitewater rafting, ropes, and I'm sure tons of other physical activities. I'll need to be able to keep up with a bunch of hyper-active 16 year olds.
So my fitness goal over the next 10 months is to get in as great a physical condition as I can so I can survive the kids and the mountains. Looks are secondary, but of course, ript abz would be nice.
Current stats:
age: 25
height: 5'7"
weight: ~150, give or take, down from 165 in Jan.
bf%: mybodycomp says 22%, Down from 27% in Jan. I think it trends high, though.
I'm doing HGM phase I right now with HIIT on off days during the week to cut down on bf% a few more points by the end of august. I have a few thoughts about what I'd like to do starting in september, but I'd love some input from y'all.
I was flipping through core performance at the bookstore the other day. From what I know of the program, it focuses more on athletic performance than building aesthetically pleasing muscles. It sounds like it's right up my alley for my goals, but I'd like some of y'alls input on how the program has worked for you.
My roommate has the book of muscle, so I'm also considering doing that workout. I know there are tons of guys here that love it, so it's near the top of my list.
Some time, I really want to try Limping/SuperStrength. I know people have gotten great results with it, as well.
So, from September 1, I'll have 9 months to reach my goal. I can fit in a couple complete programs, or do multiple rounds of the same program, in that time period. So, any suggestions on how I should attack? Should I start with Core Performance then move into a muscle-building workout like BoM, or should I build up the muscle first with BoM or SS/L, and hit Core Performance closer to when I'll be leaving for the mountains? Sandwich a program between two rounds of Core? Are there any great programs I'm overlooking?
I also plan on doing HIIT quite a bit as well, and doing outdoorsy stuff like hiking and swimming and water skiing for cardio health. And eating clean, of course.
Any help y'all could give would be extremely... helpful.
Jim, I'd pick up Core Performance just for the information about warming up and developing athletic power. I'm biased--I edited the book--but I'm still a big fan of it, and still use the information in my own programs.
As for the Core strength workout, that's only 12 weeks anyway, so it's not going to get you to May '05.
Doing the Book of Muscle workouts in conjunction with the rest of the Core Performance program should work well for you.
Ian's programs will get you to May, at least, and Mark Verstegen's flexibility and core-training routines will make sure your body is ready for all the activities that don't involve brute strength and muscle mass.
One question, though: You're 25, and worried about keeping up with 16-year-olds? Dude, they should be worried about keeping up with you!
Lou, thanks for the advice! (sweet! a personal response from 'da man!) As far as the age thing goes, I've got a medical issue (collagen deficiency) that has kept me from being very active for most of my life. When I was younger, I was at a pretty big risk for broken bones, so I couldn't play basketball or football, no tennis, nothing that put a lot of stress on bones and joints (but I wasn't bedridden or anything that bad. I'm blessed that I have a very minor case that has improved greatly since I stopped growing). Only in the last few years has my body been healthy enough that I can finally get some real physical activity. So the base I'm starting from is pretty weak and out of shape (although already much better than I was a year ago).
btw, when do we get a blog update? You're closing in on a month, there, buddy! It's not like you have a magazine coming out shortly and another book after that or anything! [img]smile.gif[/img]
Jim, one thing I would add to what Lou said is that as a fellow Texan who has done some hiking and climbing in Colorado, I found that at the higher altitude just breathing can sometimes be a challenge.
While I am not usually a huge fan of lots of steady state cardio, you might want to consider it to increase your aerobic capacity.
Originally posted by jwrives:
While I am not usually a huge fan of lots of steady state cardio, you might want to consider it to increase your aerobic capacity.
I was planning on that, too. And I live in Austin, so there are plenty of big hills around to hike, even if the altitude isn't near colorado. Should be halfway decent practice, though.
Originally posted by jimb213: ...And I'd rather have ZeigenBock, anyways. Or Shiner Hefeweitzen. Or Celis Pale Bock (even though it's not made in austin, anymore )
BLASPHEMY! ... although I've never had Shiner Hefeweitzen. I really don't drink beer that much anymore for the reason you stated but I do enjoy it on occasion. I just got back from Galveston and I had to have a couple with my shrimp.
)
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