Last Visit: Jul 2, 2009 4:07pm Last Forum Post: Jul 2, 2009 4:05pm Last Photo Upload: Apr 15, 2009 10:44am Last Profile Update: Jul 1, 2009 12:02pm Last Blog Post: May 14, 2009 11:51am
I was a competitive soccer player throughout highschool and never had a problem staying in shape. As a kid I was very stout and built from years of gymnastics.
College brought a lot of sitting around to my daily routine. I got into gaming and combined with studying didn't lend itself well to staying in shape.
Once I got out and into the real world I began making working out a regular deal in my life to get back into shape, look better and primarily gain more self-confidence in myself.
After roughly 6 months in the gym I developed a degenerative disc injury in my lower back. There wasn't any particular moment that I knew I had screwed it up, it just seemed to get worse and worse. I think the stress of working out, combined with sitting all day and having bad posture at work, as well as poor diet all combined to give me the disc problem. I took roughly a year off from any exercise while I got surgery and healed up. During that time I lost 10 lbs of muscle.
About 3 months after surgery I starting hitting the gym again, modifying my workout and exercises to accomidate my poor back as well as working my best to learn and maintain perfect technique and form throughout.
Why I Love It:
I love working out because it gives me strength, energy, self esteem and a sense of accomplishment. It empowers me to chase after other goals in life because I personally feel like I've come so far already with my training.
In addition, I notice that if I'm not active or at least in the gym doing something, that my lower back will begin to stiffen, feel pain and I fear fall apart again.
To be honest though, there really aren't any reasons why you shouldn't workout regularly...at least that I can see.
How I Stay Motivated:
Like everyone I have my ups and downs. My girlfriend helps a lot to get me in the gym when I really don't want to. I also try and mix up routines, try new schedules and try new activities. Cardio doesn't always have to be joggin, and lifting doesn't always be the classical based weight training.
BB Accomplishments:
Just getting to where I am now is accomplishment enough for me. Looking forward to getting bigger, and ripped!
Forum Signature:
Current Journal: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread .php?t=112995891
I've done 10x10 squat sessions and they are killer. I've also done heavy, heavy sets and those are killer too. I think 10x10 is more effective if the appropriate depth and rest is hit every set.
- Updated Mar 31, 2009 8:08am
What tricep workout has worked best for you?
Weighted dips. Love em, do em.
- Updated Mar 31, 2009 8:07am
What type of nutrition plan are you currently following? Give full details.
I keep my carbs low, and protein high 200-250grams. I supplement caloric intake with more fats.
I've been doing 10 sets of squats for leg day, followed by leg extensions, leg curls and then 5 sets of BB Lunges.
On Saturday, after upping carbs for 2 days, I managed 275lbs, 10 sets, 10 reps per set. I was sharing the rack, so I wasn't able to maintain my normal 75 second rest...
I'm currently in the intensity phase (phase 2) of the tri-phase program by scivation. Right now I'm focusing on increasing the weight I lift every single workout. In addition, I'm working body parts twice a week.
This phase has produced many PR's and I may hit my goal...
Awesome transformation Trav!! Incredible! You give me some more hope of having the physique I want. You worked hard and it is has really paid off. Awesome bis/tris, chest, and midsection. Back and legs are coming along very well too. Keep pushing it man, you are getting huge and some incredible definition.
GawdDam it, you are freakin huge. Looking lean too. I've been cutting for a few months (or so I thought). Gained five pounds when I got on the scale yesterday. 186 and still waiting for those lower abs to show up.
Hey Travis, Hitting 'em 5 days a week. Change up everyday, using the Muscle & Fitness Video series as a guide. Pushing to fatigue at the end of every workout with very little rest time.
Thanks a lot. I am in my last 6.5 weeks so I am trying to cut every last bit of fat that I can while holding onto every last bit of muscle I can. Tricky balancing act.
