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Well, I would have to say it was martial arts, I have always been into them since I was a kid. When I was 16 I started training in my basement with a torso bob punching bag and reading books and DVD's on different martial arts. I didn't know jack, but I thought I knew a little something.
Then a year later I started taking a real karate class, a good one too, not one of those commercialized mcdojo's you see in the strip mall, but a little hole in the wall gym lead by a real tough son of a gun.
I was hooked, I stayed with them until I joined the military, and I would still be there if I wasnt, made black belt before I left atleast, at 21. Throughout my time there bodyweight training was huge, our conditioning was excellent, well, atleast compared to other schools in our little corner of NY.
I did weight lifting for maybe 3 months once during this time maybe when I was about 19, had a **** program but saw decent results but just decided it took to much time and energy and I would rather work on my kicks.
Now, ive changed my goals a little and decided to put on muscle, even since I changed my mindset ive put on about 10 pounds (not all muscle of course) still doing bodyweight and isometrics with a different focus. But now i've come to the conclusion that if I really want to put on muscle, I need to lift. *sigh*
Im sure ill learn to love it, just like I did with martial arts.
Why I Love It:
Because being strong and fit makes me feel good about myself, and makes everything else easier to deal with. When I dont get to train, im not very pleasant... which happens sometimes when you're in the military, go figure..
Plus seeing your body improve is nice, real nice.
How I Stay Motivated:
I usually am motivated by seeing myself when I was younger, im come quite a ways as far as size since then, but lost some of that awesome conditioning, but both those things motivate me to do better.
Im also motivated by guys like Ross Enamait who are absolute beasts and can do things that seem unhuman, some day ill be like Ross.
Gain muscle, get stronger, leaner, more conditioned, and be healthier.
Goal (Long):
Ok, so I guess im not really a "bodybuilder" in the sense that I want to compete or go pro, but in the sense of the word that I want to build my body, yes, thats what I want to do.
Ive been working out a long time, but I have never lifted weights consistantly, just didnt like them honestly. Now, I think it is necessary to meet my goal of putting on some mass and gaining strength.
Anyway, right now im looking at doing strong lifts 5x5 for beginners, doing basic compound barbell lifts. Im starting super light since I dont have a coach, just myself and articles on the net. Im hoping to build a good foundation of strength and muscle with this program before moving on and doing a more fleshed out program with more detail work type exercises.
I have always been about being "functional" though, and love to do conditioning, even though it is extremely taxing it is very rewarding, but I bet if I had someone to push me, I could go even harder. So I want to keep up my aerobic an anaerobic fitness while bulking so im still doing bodyweight circuits, core work, and eating healthy. Which is kind of a joke since im deployed right now... I guess thats about it, we'll see how it goes.
This girl has made a powerful change to her body and it has obviously taken a lot of hard work and dedication. There are a lot of people who have done that here but you lose sight of just how rare that is in the world in a place where everyone seems to be in shape or trying to get there! This girl inspires me because she has DONE it! Great work girl, keep on doin' what you're doin'. RESPECT.
Thanks bro..I do all kinds of things to shock the body, my workouts rarely stay the same for more than 5 weeks..I do a lot of high rep training and minimal cardio. But I always push heavy weight to the point I struggle for my final 2-3 reps..Steve
Hi Jared :) I have never wanted for myself too big muscles - so, I have trained with little weights...and only at home (I have a horizontal bar and dumb-bells). But I have trained through all my life...and if you look at my progress pictures - you can see - the look just goes better year by year :) It means - the only "secret" is: NEVER GIVE UP! Much SUCCESS, Rene
Thanks for the add and the kudos. You have built a very solid physique already. No doubt you have the determination to do whatever you set your sights on. I happen to be deployed myself. Feel free to hit me up with questions anytime. By the way, if you watch AFN look for the AFN report out of Ramstein. Talks about the new PT test and you will see me doing some cable pull downs.
