Last Visit: Today, 12:29am Last Forum Post: Jun 18, 2009 2:52pm Last Photo Upload: Today, 12:00am Last Profile Update: Today, 12:12am Last Blog Post: Yesterday, 10:33pm
Overall Goal: In 2009 I want to continue to build on the progress I've made during the previous year. I will be 45 on September 3rd and want to be able to see a qualitative difference in my body over the next few months. I am a therapist and a doctoral student who
When I was in junior high school I played football, wrestled, and ran track. However, when it was apparent that I wasn't going to grow past 5'7", I started to take my musical instrument and academics seriously. I marched in the band through the remainder of my high school years and did not pursue any more athletic activities. After three degrees (Virginia Tech and Old Dominion University), I found that I had gained weight. I got up to 185 pounds at one point and knew that I needed to get back in shape. While pursuing my doctoral studies at Syracuse, I began to take getting myself back in shape very seriously. I lifted heavy weights, combined different types of cardio, and watched my diet to get into really great shape. Depending on where I have been in my life, I've found it either more or less difficult to maintain my body. This most recent cycle of working out began in March of 2008 after approximately one year lay-off.
Why I Love It:
At my current age, 44 (September 3), the challenge is how much can I push myself and transform my body. Many people seem to think that after a certain age, it is impossible to get into top shape. I've never believed that.
How I Stay Motivated:
Simple, I want to look the best I can. I am also enjoying the challenge of challenging and changing my body by tweaking workouts, using novel exercises, and, having been on here since October 2008, I've enjoyed meeting focused, helpful supportive people who want to live better and get fit. Hopefully, I can motivate and help a few people as well.
BB Accomplishments:
Finances and distance have prohibited my joining a gym and purchasing fitness equipment.
I've been accomplishing my latest fitness goals with two 30 pound dumbells, an exercise ball, a lot of bodyweight exercises, a newly installed pull-up bar, and a mixture of cardio. I work out 5 days per week. My workout rarely exceeds 90 minutes in length.
I am looking for people who have experience in bodyweight exercises and in using alternatives to standard weights. I use a lot of pushups (different positions), squats (with or without dumbbells, one-legged, etc.), Lunges, and other exercises.
LOOKING TO LEARN NEW AND DIFFERENT THINGS ABOUT FITNESS AND BODYBUILDING AND WANT TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS.
IN THE PAST, I MUTUALLY RECIPROCATED ALL FRIEND REQUESTS REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE PROFILE WAS COMPLETE OR NOT (PICTURES, IDENTIFYING INFO, GOALS, ETC). I REGRETFULLY WILL NO LONGER DO THIS.
PEOPLE OF ALL FITNESS LEVELS, WORK HARD, PUT THEIR PICS, PROFILES, WORKOUTS, ETC. OUT THERE FOR OTHERS TO OFFER FEEDBACK. IS IT FAIR THAT SOMEONE WHO DOES NOT DO THE SAME THING BE ABLE TO OFFER CRITICISM? I THINK NOT!
FEEL FREE TO LEAVE A COMMENT OR CONTACT ME! I LOVE TO SEE PEOPLE PROGRESS AND STRIVE TO BECOME BETTER!
I WISH ALL MY BS FRIENDS AND MEMBERS SUCCESS IN ACHIEVING THEIR BODYBUILDING AND FITNESS GOALS! I HAVE A SMALL BODYGROUP THAT IS DEDICATED TO THOSE WHO HAVE LIMITED ACCESS TO THE GYM AND/OR GYM EQUIPMENT. I HAVE POSTED VIDEOS, LINKS, ARTICLES, ETC. THAT SUPPORT THE MISSION OF MY GROUP. STOP BY AND SAY HELLO!
FINALLY, CHECK OUT MY RECENT THREAD IN THE OVER 35 FORUMS, "OVER 35 BODYWEIGHT EXERCISE ENTHUSIASTS."
THE THREAD HAS BEEN REOPENED!
THERE ARE SOME GREAT POSTS AND SUGGESTIONS FOR EXERCISES FROM SOME AMAZING PEOPLE.
CONTINUE TO PURSUE YOUR BODYBUILDING, FITNESS, AND TRANSFORMATION GOALS IN THE WAY THAT WORKS FOR YOU!
TAKE CARE EVERYONE!
Forum Signature:
Andrew W. Harris Jr., MA, MS, NCC
Therapist
Alternative Counseling Group, LLC
Petersburg, Virginia
Doctoral Student
Counseling and Human Services
Syracuse University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
B.S. Ed. & M.A.Ed.
2009 ORANGE BOWL CHAMPIONS!
Old Dominion University-M.S.Ed.
Greetings to my illustrious Brothers and Sorors of the Zeta Phi Beta Sigma Family!
CONGRATULATIONS Pittsburgh Steelers SUPER BOWL CHAMPS!
I've been searching my archives to try and find a picture of me out of shape. I can't find those I took in March of this year when I started my fitness quest. But I felt it important to post this. Until recently, I let how my life was going impact how I took care of myself. I was in Syracuse at...
In 2009 I want to continue to build on the progress I've made during the previous year. I will be 45 on September 3rd and want to be able to see a qualitative difference in my body over the next few months. I am a therapist and a doctoral student who
Goal (Long):
By June 30, 2009, I wish to:
1. Have improved the size and shape of my chest.
2. Have improved the size and shape of my back.
3. Be at approximately 6-8% bodyfat.
4. Be able to display a "clean" six-pack (this is probably a "vanity" goal (See Goal #3).
5. Be able to complete at least 5 planche push-ups (View my progress pictures).
Personification of "Coolness!" Provides great and timely feedback when is least expected. He's a great source of inspiration. Always pushing himself to the next level.
B-Racer---the fighter. Gets knocked down but gets back up. Just to see from whence he has come is amazing! I appreciate his kind comments and wisdom. Keep pushing and you will reach your goals.
How has bodybuilding and fitness helped and/or changed your family life?
My nephews see me as somewhat of a role model. The two oldest are taller than I am and have tried to wrestle their "old uncle" and been soundly defeated. They seem not to be able to reconcile my having gray hairs and being in shape. In fact the youngest nephew and niece, he 3 and she 6 tell uncle to shave at the first sign of gray razor stubble. But they like jumping up on their short uncle and if I wasn't in reasonably good shape they would knock me over! :) My 91 year old grandma told me she wishes she could exercise. I keep telling her that she can! LOL! Overall, my family is very receptive to my being fit and often will ask about diet and exercise. My nephews see me as somewhat of a role model. The two oldest are taller than I am and have tried to wrestle their "old uncle" and been soundly defeated. They seem not to be able to reconcile my havin...more
- Updated Feb 4, 2009 7:21am
What is the most dangerous weightlifting exercise? Why?
For me squats using barbells. I've found the exercise to be very hard on my back and knees. When I'm able to go to the gym, I've always substituted machine based exercises to replace squats.
Description: This is my first attempt at any type of public video. Please excuse the quality. I am attempting to demonstrate some of the leg exercises that I use. Any feedback would be appreciated.
Two variations on Hanging leg Raises.wmv
Played: 49
Description: Just doing some hanging leg raises. Trying out the video capture feature on the new camera and still breaking in my new pull-up bar. Nothing special. LOL! Still any feedback is appreciated.
Stability Ball Push-ups-Two Variations
Played: 42
Description: Once again, playing around with the camera. Doing some push-ups using the stability ball. Plus, I wanted to check my form. I've been concentrating on my chest and want to make sure I'm doing the exercises with as good a form as possible. As always constructive feedback and suggestions are appreciated.
Basic Stretching Exercises : How to Create Daily S
Played: 68
Why I like this video: Although I stretch during my workouts. I don't have a systematic way of doing it. This is the first in series of videos that will assist one in developing a stretching routine.
This video is courtesy of Expert Village.
My Planche Training
Played: 169
Why I like this video: This young brother, a member of this site, got me inspired! Because I don't have much in the way of weights, I had looked all over for bodyweight exercises. For chest, I use a LOT of push-ups (view my workouts and/or bodyblog to see what I do). But when I saw this brother perform the planche push-up I felt had to master it and I will. Here he shows some exercises to do that will assist one in working up to the exercise!Thank you again sir!
Basic Stretching Exercises : How to Stretch Your S
Played: 33
Why I like this video: This video shows how to effectively stretch the shoulders! This video comes from www.expertvillage.com
Bodyweight 500 Played: 103
Basic Stretching Exercises : How to Stretch Your B Played: 44
Basic Stretching Exercises : How to Stretch Your C Played: 19
I did not do my planche training on Sunday. We went to the hospital to visit my Grandmother. She is doing better and her kidney functioning is being monitored for improvement. The doctors are adjusting her medication. Once the the medicine begins to work, we will be able to get her back home....
Monday, July 6,2009 is the start of my 12th Six-Week Workout Cycle. I've changed some of my exercises to create some challenge on my arm, chest, and back days. I have held the reps for the lifts at 35 (still hoping for 50 pound dumbells to reduce reps and build muscle in...
Hey man, glad you stopped through. I just turned 42 Monday and am trying to keep it going. I will update my photos by the end of the month. The one I have up now is from my competition last year.
Awesome news on your Grandmother. Yes Bro you looking tight and ripped. I will watch the knee. I banged the knee doing deadlifts 2 days ago. Doing legs in the afternoon and abs in the evening. I need to up my protein my weight is fluctuating.
Man praying for your Grandmother bro. But she sounds like a strong woman. Yes I was surprise to the size in my chest and arms after my workout. It actually kind of freake me out. LOL
I've had some personal best in squats, delts and biceps. My rest is on point so the only element is diet. Weekends are killer for me. Next week I'm on vacation so I gotta try to not go backwards. I know it's vacation but ...
Big dawg...what's good man. Just working hard and working out just as hard. The progress is coming along nicely. However, at times I think I'm too small, but then sometimes i pleased with what I see. You know how we body builders are...never satisfied. Your frat is making good progress...his confidence level has gone through the roof. I use to have to beg him to post pics...now he's throwing up pics himself....lol
Nah man. Its one thing to be certified and its another to have actually done the work that you have done on your midsection. Ill take any advice you give and put it to use. thanks man. have a good one.
what up man. its going ok. I have actually gotten five before at the end of a workout but it was touch and go. I want to get it with a pause. Did chest yesterday recovering from a shoulder injury. got 405 for 3 on last set. personal best is 5 reps so im gettin back. How about you? How are you goals coming along?
Major thanks brother. You looking razor sharp yourself. ESE is working and paying off. Diet is clean as ESE is helping me stay on track and energize for my clean meals for the week. Lets continue on this track.
