What I've learned as I've gotten older/wiser - JP Fitness Forums

Terry Monk · 04-04-2008, 10:03 PM

I haven't worked out in over a year. There... I said it.

I'm an all or nothing type of guy and I simply got burned out. Eating all healthy and NEVER skipping a workout, my whole life revolved around working out. After years of doing this, my gas tank simply ran dry.

I knew that I had obviously gained weight (uh, I mean fat) but my workplace recently had a health screen and I took part. When we received our results they did a comparison from the last year to this year. I couldn't believe the difference. While not as bad as most, I'm still not happy with what I saw. I was at 23% bf and had a 38" waist.

I have balloned up to close to 200 lbs. which for me is bad. Now mind you, I don't look fat (relative to the rest of the world) but for me, I'm waaaay out of shape. I can't have this.

With the way my body has changed as I've gotten older I'm going to have to take a different approach to the way I get back into shape. My shoulders can't handle the stress of heavy lifting like they used to; I've got carpal tunnel in my right hand fairly bad (to the point where I'm losing grip strength) and starting in my left hand. More importantly I don't want to fall back into the "all or nothing" mentality. I know that if I do, I'll simply burn out again and send myself down the same path that I've just been on. I need to find moderation.

I still need to eat better (obviously) but not to the point where I'm weighing my food. That will not work for me. I simply need to watch what I eat, how much I eat and get back to more veggies and fruits. I've put Adam's TNT Diet on hold at the library so when it gets returned I'll brush up on the diet. I think it will fit fairly well for me. No more creatine and oddball supplements, only good whole food.

I need to start working out again, but not frantically. I think about 4 days a week will do to start. Couple cardio sessions and couple weight sessions a week. And no more feeling guilty about missing a session. I will not become obsessive about this again. I will be dedicated but not obsessive.

Lastly I need to make up my mind to work out for the right reasons. No more working out for vanity purposes. My goal in the past has always been looking for that "model body". I have to be truthful with myself and realize that I'm simply not going to have that kind of body. Very, very few actually do. I need to workout now for my health, to be around for my wife and kids and to feel better about myself. I understand now that after all my trial and error years of lifting that I'm simply not meant to have a "six pack" of abs. It isn't going to happen, but if I have a flat belly that will suffice nicely.

Who knows, when I take all the pressure off of myself to look like models you see in magazines perhaps I'll make better gains in my health and overall fitness.

This has been very liberating typing this all out for all of you, my friends, to see. I'll await my results from the stress test before I start hitting it again. I'm excited to say, finally, after a year that I'm anxious to pick up the weights again.

Thanks for reading this and any support and/or suggestions is always welcome.

Lost Dog · 04-04-2008, 11:09 PM

Welcome back to the gym, Terry.

TNT's a good place to start. Didn't you do well on Adam's Diet, before? Start with that.

What's your workout plan?

JoshDunn · 04-05-2008, 12:09 AM

You've taken the first step. Your determination has always impressed me and i have no doubt you'll succeed on this too.

Irishdazza · 04-05-2008, 02:48 AM

It's just those first three weeks that are tough getting back in - after that it's harder to not train than to do it! Good luck mate!

gobbla · 04-05-2008, 04:25 AM

Good post. No advice to give. You're a stud. Be studly.

Chris Correia · 04-05-2008, 09:08 AM

Terry:

I'm going to PM you after I think a while.

Really good to hear from you!

Chris

austintwo · 04-05-2008, 10:34 AM

Classy post, Terry. Please keep us posted.

RacerBill · 04-05-2008, 02:51 PM

Terry, it's great to hear you're back into it. Sounds like you've given this a lot of thought and you're planning it well, and for all the right reasons. Those little ones of yours will grow up knowing that healthy eating and exercise are a part of life, and that's a great gift -- in addition to a dad who loves to push them on the swing!

Terry Monk · 04-05-2008, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lost Dog

What's your workout plan?

Actually, that's what I'm working on this weekend Roland. I'm not exactly sure yet. I was thinking that to get back into it I'd look at the old standby of Body-for-Life. An oldie but still not a bad way to ease myself back in.
If you or anyone reading this has another suggestion I'm open to it.

Lost Dog · 04-05-2008, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry Monk

Actually, that's what I'm working on this weekend Roland. I'm not exactly sure yet. I was thinking that to get back into it I'd look at the old standby of Body-for-Life. An oldie but still not a bad way to ease myself back in.
If you or anyone reading this has another suggestion I'm open to it.

You'll have to ease back in, but I'll bet you're still really strong. That strength will come back quickly.

I'm not familiar with the BFL workout. I heard it was so-so.

Since you want to go with two lifting days a week (if I read you correctly), I'd come up with two full body workouts to ease back in.

A - 3x8
Squat
Alternating DB Military Press (if you can handle vertical, otherwise something horizontal)
Chinups
Single Leg RDL
Abs something (cable crunch, etc.)
Accessory crap to address your "issues"

B - 2x12
RDL
Pushups
Two Point Row
Reverse Lunge
Abs something (woodchops, etc)
Accessory crap to address your "issues"

screw around with the order so it works with your setup. Then switch things up in a few weeks.

Lost Dog · 04-05-2008, 08:21 PM

Oh yeah? You coming down to LR for my birthday? er, I mean the Summit?

Terry Monk · 04-05-2008, 09:13 PM

Thanks for the ideas Roland. I was thinking about something like that too. Couple full body routines might just be what the doctor ordered.

As for the Summit..... Once again I won't be in attendance. Never seems to work out. I will make it one year so I can meet you all in person.

RedLefty · 04-06-2008, 03:30 PM

Today you actually sound much, much healthier overall than you did when your body was ripped to shreds.

The body will now catch up to the rest of you, I have no doubt. Roland's break-in idea is much better than BFL, in my opinion. If your goals are truly to prioritize health over vanity, then you don't need all the isolations movements of BFL.

liftintexas · 04-07-2008, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedLefty

Today you actually sound much, much healthier overall than you did when your body was ripped to shreds.

Echo was RL said. Words that I need to try to take to heart. Thanks for sharing that with us, Terry.

Mahler · 04-07-2008, 07:29 AM

Terry, you were one of my inspirations early on. I am glad to hear you are back on the wagon and working at it for all the right reasons. Thanks for your own version of the motivator, right here in this thread.

Terry Monk · 04-07-2008, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mahler

Terry, you were one of my inspirations early on. I am glad to hear you are back on the wagon and working at it for all the right reasons. Thanks for your own version of the motivator, right here in this thread.

I'm at a loss for words John. That is very high praise indeed, I was a motivator for the master motivator early on? I am indeed humbled and appreciate the words greatly.

K-Court · 04-07-2008, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedLefty

Today you actually sound much, much healthier overall than you did when your body was ripped to shreds.

I agree with RL on this. You sure seem to have your head in the right space, Terry. Great attitude. Good luck with the plan going forward. (Sorry you can't make it to LR ... like you said, one day .... )