Last Visit: Sep 8, 2009 3:35am Last Forum Post: Apr 9, 2009 4:57pm Last Photo Upload:Never Last Profile Update: Sep 8, 2009 3:35am Last Blog Post: Apr 23, 2009 11:14pm
Exercises involving weights were the only sport/exercise-related thing at school that I did not absolutely hate. I have had weights at home now for some two decades, but use only became frequent in 2007 when I started lifting for therapeutic purposes, having been incapacitated by some fairly major health issues.
Why I Love It:
Due to my health issues, I spend most of my time feeling like absolute crap; working out is just about the only time that I really feel great - good old endorphins!
How I Stay Motivated:
I just look back to the time of my greatest incapacity and tell myself "it could happen again - don't stop!"
Motivation is also about looking forward to the next workout and having something to look forward to means not getting bored. If I start feeling "oh no, not again" about a particular exercise or pattern of exercises, I'll change things around for the next workout.
BB Accomplishments:
I do not consider myself to be a bodybuilder - just someone who lifts weights for health and for pleasure. My major achievement - in my mind - is simply the fact that I am lifting regularly and making strength gains despite a battle with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and other health issues. See: http://www.smiffysplace.com/weighty-matters
Forum Signature:
Not a bodybuilder, just lifting for health & enjoyment.
Fight chronic illness through exercise and - one day - perform major compound exercises with 1.5 times bodyweight.
Goal (Long):
Having hit the age of 40 in chronic ill-health, I (and my doctor) want to change my body composition to cut down all that nasty insulin-resistant fat and build nice, high-metabolic muscle, hopefully improving my condition.
I don't have any body-images issues whereby I feel that I need to build muscle for visual/aesthetic purposes. However, as one who has spent most of his life slim, I DO have a body-image issue with visceral fat and knowing that I am clinically obese (even if I don't look it that much).
Unrelated to the health aspect, from the "fun" side of things, I want to get my workout weights (rather than 1RM) for squat, deadlift and bench press to 1.5 times my bodyweight. Squat is nearly there, deadlift is on its way but bench press is just a long-term ambition as that one hasn't even got to 1 bodyweight (unless I use LEAN bodyweight!)
Weight Goal:
Bodyfat Goal:
20%
Upcoming Contest:
Last Updated: Jun 20, 2008 12:43am
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As far as I can see from my rather sparse notes, in a few days it will be 2 years since I started lifting weights. Whilst I had lifted before, it was always irregular and infrequent. Back in February 2007, I was so incapacitated that I could hardly get out of a chair - I started lifting to try...
