Last Visit: Today, 4:11pm Last Forum Post: Aug 31, 2009 10:43am Last Photo Upload: Yesterday, 9:06am Last Profile Update: Jan 4, 2010 9:24pm Last Blog Post: Yesterday, 2:04pm
Overall Goal: I want to continue to make changes to my physique (gain muscle while maintaining low bodyfat). I want to look better at 46 than I do at 45 (Sept 3).
Fit Status:
The internet problems and other issues have caused today to get away from me. Have to skip today and make up a workout on Sunday! :(
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, 45(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. I must thank all of my BodySpace friends who have really encouraged and motivated me during the past year to change my body!
BB Accomplishments:
Finances and distance have prohibited my joining a gym and purchasing fitness equipment. In essence I have had to create the workouts (with a lot of research and study) that have helped me to get to where I am now. I don't have the biggest or best body on here, but I am fit and I know it!
I've accomplished my latest fitness goals with two 20 and two 30 pound dumbells, an exercise ball, a lot of bodyweight exercises, a 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.***
I'M 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. A PERSON WITH NO PROFILE WHATSOEVER RUINED MY BODYWEIGHT EXERCISE THREAD. ALTHOUGH THE THREAD WAS REINSTATED AFTER A TIME, IT NEVER RECAPTURED ITS INITIAL VIBRANCY! IF YOU ADD ME ON ANY MESSENGERS, I ALSO EXPECT A PROFILE TO BE COMPLETED***
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!***
ASIDE FROM THAT LITTLE PET PEEVE OF MINE, FEEL FREE TO LEAVE A COMMENT OR CONTACT ME! I LOVE TO MEET NEW PEOPLE AND, IF POSSIBLE, ENCOURAGE THEM TO STRIVE FOR SUCCESS! I have decided to pursue an ISSA Physical Training Certificate and would be appreciative of any feedback, advice, discussion of the work opportunities, and the certification process from ISSA certified physical trainers!***
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."
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
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Doctoral Student
Counseling and Human Services
Syracuse University
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Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
B.S. Ed. & M.A.Ed.
GO HOKIES!
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Old Dominion University-M.S.Ed.
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Greetings to my illustrious Brothers and Sorors of the Zeta Phi Beta Sigma Family!
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GO STEELERS!
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 the ...
I want to continue to make changes to my physique (gain muscle while maintaining low bodyfat). I want to look better at 46 than I do at 45 (Sept 3).
Goal (Long):
By September 3, 2010, I wish to:
1. Have increased my overall muscularity (starting to feel "skinny") especially in the arms, chest, and back. This means I need to eat more protein! I've never had a big appetite, so I probably lose some of my bodyfat because I don't eat enough! LOL!
2. Find novel ways to add challenge to the bodyweight portions of my workout.
3. Be at approximately 6-8% bodyfat.
4. Display a "cleaner" set of abs!
5. Be able to complete at least 5 of those bleeping planche push-ups! LOL!
6. Increase my stamina and endurance!
7. Obtain a physical training certification (ISSA)
Another great spirit on here! I love her posts on my much neglected over 35 Bodyweight thread. She just seems to me to work very hard and just "gets it done!" All the time she is encouraging other people, including me. Thanks BEBE!
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: 88
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: 78
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.
Give Me 15 Pull ups! Spring85sigma Played: 104
An Honest Appraisal of How I Look at 45 Played: 81
Basic Stretching Exercises : How to Create Daily S
Played: 103
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: 225
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: 63
Why I like this video: This video shows how to effectively stretch the shoulders! This video comes from www.expertvillage.com
Bodyweight 500 Played: 134
Basic Stretching Exercises : How to Stretch Your B Played: 72
Basic Stretching Exercises : How to Stretch Your C Played: 46
Today, I managed to get in a pretty good leg workout! I used a weighted backpack and the remainder of my dumbbells. This provided me with some pretty good resistance. I had a good cardio session as well and managed to work up a good sweat out in the cold weather!
My 15th workout cycle will commence with Planche push-up training on Sunday, December 27, 2009. As always, I continue to try to integrate things that I’ve learned from study and from others during the course of previous cycles. I also have to consider the reality that is my...
Best avi EVER, Andrew! What a coupla awesome lookin' dudes! :) Sorry about the Verizon debacle~have heard a lot of people complaining about them lately! Get rested & get that motivation level back up to 10, please!
start them young and lead the way! Monday is leg day; I got 235 for 8 for the first time and I felt I had more. You really have inspired me to change my routine. It's working :)
thanks bro. as for the loading of pic's. I didn't have any issues. Just try it again. Sometimes the server gets overloaded with people posting stuff. Who is the little one flexing there with you?
Back atcha, sweetie! I haven't forgotten about ya, I've been all over the darn place with the 40+ 16-wk challenge...busy, busy, busy! I'll catch up on your profile ASAP! Thanks for poppin' in! ~Brooke
Thank you the compliment brother you are in great shape yourself. Right now I workout for the purpose of showing that a person doesn't have to sit in a rocking chair after 40 but they can rock the house. The mind plays a major role in controlling the body and with the right plan you can be in shape at any age! And keep your weight in control at any age!
