An update and the Minimalist Workout

Colonel · 08-06-2006, 06:40 PM

As most of you know, I've had a pretty uphill battle healthwise for the past two years. The disease is still there, and active as evidenced by the fact I get these damn bout of nauseua every now and then out of nowhere. I'm able to maintain the weight I gain and I'm quite proud of the fact I haven't had to miss a workout in over 4 months. I can't move the pounds I used to 3 years ago, but my butt's in the gym 3 times a week! The nerve damage in my right hand is still there. Fine motor skills still suck (you never think about picking up a pen and writing a check, until you can't do it!!! Or tying your shoe!) I can hang with an overhand grip for 15-20 seconds now before the grip goes. Most days I feel pretty good, some days great, unfortuneatly the great days make me think I can do anything and they're followed by 1-2 days of paying for my great day.

But you know what, it could be worse! The doc has told me I am forever out of work due to the illness, and even on my bad days I can sit outside in the shade and enjoy my grandkids playing, which I couldn't do if I was killing myself at work (which is how my doc put it!).

I've been on medication for years with this illness, and I accept it, but for some reason the meds I'm on for the nerve damage bother me that I can't reduce them. I've tried, and the pain increases which ups the anxiety.
Maybe its cause its new medication and the others Ive been on for a while. Don't know!

A few weeks back I asked about Alwyns Minimalist Workout. I just finished week 3 and I really like it. I'm doing it in with a pullup routine from March's MH. Alwyns workout is great! I'm seeing some decent definition in my upper body, and I'm actually gaining about a pound a week and it seems to be muscle. My diets not as good as I'd like as I can't eat a lot and I seem to going for calories vs clean cals just for cals sake. The only change I've done to the workout is on the 4x5 days I shortened the rest from 90 to 60 seconds. 90 was way too much even with the heavier weights. (Sorry Alwyn) I've been pretty lucky without many conflicts for the equipment at the gym. Even with the pullup routine I'm out in less than 45 minutes.

If you're thinking about doing Alwyns workout, go for it!

Take care Guys. I am lurking!
Alan

Mahler · 08-07-2006, 08:54 AM

Alan,
It is damned great ot have you lurking. The workout sounds like a real winner for you. I think Alwyn has tracked every client he ever had, literally, and has broad based knowledge of human performance, so his routines are a good fit.

JOHN

fayman · 08-07-2006, 11:27 AM

Nice avitar, old man!!

You look like a bad-a$$ with the goatee!!

Nice job on the workouts....I was completely unaware that you haven't missed a workout in 4 months!!

Damn, I need to get my butt in gear!

Jimbo · 08-07-2006, 02:05 PM

A LOT of people can't drag their butts to do any exercise and THEY are healthy!

You should be very proud of yourself. Keep up the good work!

drs · 08-07-2006, 06:15 PM

I did it the minimalist workout for 4 weeks, took a week break, and restarted again, so now I've been back at it for the last 2 weeks. It doesn't really hit the legs much but I'm happy with how it's gone for me also. I added step-ups and straight-bar bicep curls. I don't know how many calories these workout are taking but I'm eating more and no weight is accumulating. I thought I might try to do it 4 days a week but two consecutive days isn't really feasible.