Monthly Strength Training Check In (with pictures), Join Me
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andreascjonsson wrote: »andreascjonsson wrote: »im pretty happy with this month progress pictures actually ^^ they got abit small though
Must be all that blood pudding helping!
How do you know i eat lots of blood pudding? o_O And ye, i do love my blood pudding!
Umm, it's in your diary?
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Well done - here's a tip for you....
Don't do push ups from your knees, go to the bottom of your stairs and place your hands on the step where you can manage 8 - 10 push ups. Engages your core better and nice easy progression as you get stronger - simply go down one step at a time.
Oh, thank you for that tip!! I have been doing pushups from my knees for years and never been able to progress to full pushups. I'm going to try this!2 -
Month 7 check in, From good to nightmare.
First two weeks of the month I did fairly well started to do sit-ups on a fairly regular basis.
Unfortunately I came off my bicycle, though not a particularly spectacular crash, but one of those accidents where I hit a vulnerable place at the right angle to cause maximum damage.
I broke something near my right ear, this effects my balance and if I move too fast I get dizzy and the urge to vomit.
After four days the hospital, I was discharged, assured I should self heal in about two to three months.
Another side effect of the accident is my legs are very weak and I get sharp 'nerve' pain if I stretch them.
So that's my excuse for not exercising for over two weeks.
Got a doctor's appointment tomorrow hopefully I will get some kind of remedy or more information about my constant pain.
So for the Photos comparison, taken after breakfast and not much activity for the last two weeks am feeling bloated and not very motivational. WT is closer to 68Kg rather than the 66.
Definitely no photo enhancements used, tried to flex my muscles but not getting great results, will have to put this down as a 'recovery month'
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@andreascjonsson Looking at the comparison images, your ribs are more prominent, a couple more months and you will be looking like Bruce Lee
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@andreascjonsson Looking at the comparison images, your ribs are more prominent, a couple more months and you will be looking like Bruce Lee
Thanks for the help i forgot to say that i wanted the 3 relaxed stance pics togheter and the 3 flexes pics togheter but this works 2 
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Month 8 check in, slow recovery phase
First two weeks of the month, I was in quite some pain, the best position that caused the least amount of distress was sitting down.
Initially I just watched random youtube videos, but the process of 'thinking' seemed painful, so I installed a old computer game and played it on 'autopilot'.
After about two weeks I started to go for 'wobbly' morning walks. Also have managed to become addicted to the old computer game. Something I will sort out later.
Now I can walk the pre-accident distance in my usual time. However some days am a bit 'wobbly' but I seem to feel stronger, it's noticeable on hills as am not struggling.
Not really focused on my diet, the accident caused the loss of my sense of smell and has diminished my sense of taste.
I have been trying to eat protein, for some reason am staying away from hot meals. Thursdays is my shopping day and I seem to buy some sugary stuff biscuits/chocolate and indulge.
My WT this morning was 69Kg, looking at the photos, the extra weight can be seen around my stomach.
The aim this month is to put in a regular second after lunch walk.
So for the Photos comparison, my official WT was 69Kg which is the result of a very sedimentary month and a relaxed diet regime.
Again definitely no photo enhancements used, flexing my flabby muscles, in the right angle and light condition they look bulkier than my previous efforts.
Obviously I selected the most flattering images for the comparison, Is this cheating ?
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@Styggian I'm so glad I found this. I've lost over 180 pounds and not quite ready for photos. I'm really happy looking in the mirror when I'm fully clothed and wearing compression garments. But when I'm "all out there" looking at myself before and after my showers, it's not pretty. I was recently diagnosed with liver failure and when in a decompensated state can blow up by 40 pounds of fluid in a week, which does nothing for skin elasticity. I've started some basic strength training (using a band) and plan on working up. I'll keep up on your progress and use it for motivation to keep increasing my own goals. Thanks! Great work!2
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@Styggian Good on you for sticking to your guns (goal/commitment) and posting the progress even though you've had a bad time since the accident. Don't be too hard on yourself though -- I can barely notice the difference even though the scales don't lie (I guess they don't... maybe they do!) -- and circumstances were beyond your control. Such is life 1
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@Styggian I think most of us choose the most flattering picks.
. I know i am guilty of that the times i care about taking several picks. Even though you migh have gained a little fat you can also see that you clearly have more muscle now so you shouldnt sweat it to much.
What computer game are you playing? Its good that you keep on going even though you have set-backs like this. Shows a sign of mental fortitude.
I Will be adding my pics soon1 -
@darla499 Thanks, your feedback motivates me, so glad you created this 'motivation / feedback loop'. Don't worry about posting pictures, your comments are welcome. Keep well
@kpsyche thanks, your comments always make me smile.
@andreascjonsson Thanks will be interesting to see how this extra muscle effects my training. The game is called Runes of Magic, it's about 9 years old and its moved on a lot since I played it, but I stuck to the old content, it acted as an anethestic, be warned if you play it, the end game content is very much 'pay to play' it is possible to get to the and game as a free player but you need to put a lot of time in.
Must admit I am slightly addicted as now am playing just to level up my character rather than avoid real life pain. Am pretty sure once I can step up my activity I will get back on the fitness wagon
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I had some problems uploading the joint picture so here they are seperate instead. My bulk is now finnished and im in maintenance/slow weightloss.
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Looking good
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Month 9 check in, recovery in progress
Seems like ages, that I have I have finally reached a stage that I can walk without focusing on keeping my balance, so my cardio activity level went up this month.
Strength training was not so good tried press-ups did 6 before feeling 'pressure' in my head, sit-ups made me dizzy managed 5 and the dizziness overwhelmed me, really hoping his is not a permanent thing.
During my recovery period, my focus was in staying upright and pain management, so my diet was not a priority. Fortunately the habit of logging my intake 'stuck'
A few days ago I calculated that I had eaten 48,380 Calories above my allowance and I was 5Kg above my target weight. So started to pre plan my meals in MFP, as of last night I have reduced the Calorie excess by 3,932 to 44,448 and am 1Kg lighter.
Going forward I will increase my activity, and include some strength training as soon as possible.
So for the Photos comparison, my official WT is a flabby looking 69Kg but I feel a lot stronger.
As ever, I declare in the 2018 photos, I am flexing, sucking my stomach in but no Photo enhancements used.
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Your arms are starting to look more defined. Like a woodchopper's arms0
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Okay, I'm going to humiliate myself. I wasn't going to do it, but I'm going to post pictures. First, let me say that I'm 185 pounds down and battling stage 3 liver failure. I had excess skin just from the weight loss. But the liver failure causes major asceites and edema build up around the gut and below. I once gained and lost 48 pounds (triplets) in one and a half weeks due to the fluid build up! I've been in a compensated stage for about a month now and started with just exercising, period. Daily stretching, some band resistance training and walking. I've now added water aerobics 3 - 4 x weekly, swimming and dancing 1 - 3 times weekly. I'm not quite ready for weight lifting yet. I'm already seeing a difference in my abdomen and thighs. You won't see it, but I'm going to try and remember to come back monthly and post and maybe you will. Here goes nothing. Currently 155 pounds. Need to lose 20 to be where I'm happy with the scale. I HAVE to lose 7 more just to move from "overweight" to "normal" on the BMI scale.
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Oh wow! Those came out really nasty looking! They're very clear on my phone?0
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Wow great, thought I had been 'through the wars' but you are a real fighter. Am impressed that you have not given up. When I became ill must admit for a few years I kind of gave up on looking after myself. Not sure how to correct the quality of the photos, but no real need. I have re-sized and collated them so it will be easier for you to compare against the nest photo, keep fighting
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Thank you!0
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Month 10 check in, slow progress
This is a day late, as I wanted to tie it in with my weekly weigh in.
Today's weigh in was just under 65Kg which is my target WT
Must admit am surprised I got to the WT a three weeks earlier than expected.
During my recovery period I ate 48,380 Calories above my allowance, but
during my diet period I had to go 23,315 Calories in deficit to reach my target
WT.
Did my strength test on Monday and found myself to be slightly stronger than
my pre-accident results
Next, I am going to raise my Calorie intake by 100 and see what happens on
next Thursday's weigh in. Want to make sure this 65Kg in not a glitch.
Also want to make a more focused effort in my strength training for muscle
tone & strength
So for the Photos comparison, my official WT is 65Kg.
As ever, I declare in the 2018 photos, I am flexing, sucking my stomach in
but no Photo enhancements used.
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In previous before/afters the change was a lot more subtle than it seems to be in these shots. Maybe the short period of increased calories did some good1
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Month 11 check in, improved strength and stamina
This mornings unofficial weigh in was 65Kg which is my target WT.
Got some good cycling times, and good results on my strength test. But been lazy to start resistance training with weights.
Also I read the article below:
https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/5-meal-timing-tips-for-max-weight-loss-results/
Decided to adjust my diet slightly, by ensuring I have 45 grams protein at breakfast and eat high-fiber, high protein (45 grams) dinner for better sleep.
See what happens to my energy levels and muscle growth.
This is my first attempt at being more scientific in my food intake and training. Need to sort out a activity / rest plan
Been busy in daily life, so lost a bit of control over my maintenance routine.
Today is my 'feast' day, as of writing this post, I have had breakfast and for the first time in months I put peanut butter in my oats.
If you are trying to cut weight don't read beyond the breakfast entries in my food diary, it will be evil and just by reading it you will gain weight ;-)
So for the Photos comparison. The photos were taken after this mornings bike ride and before breakfast.
As ever, I declare in the 2018 photos, I am flexing, sucking my stomach in but no Photo enhancements used.
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Month 12 check in, One Year On Maintenance, Stronger, Bolder and Heavier
My official weight on Thursday was was 66Kg, however this morning's WT (Sunday 4th Nov) was 67 and a bit Kg, the extra Kilos seemed to have rested in my stomach area.
Looking at this months check in photos, a more apt title would have been "Stronger, Balder and Flabbier"
Since I don't have a good excuse for the extra WT, I won't bore you by writing about my new social life. Just to say I have made a 'cut off' date, of December 4th (2018). Then will be back on a more controlled diet.
This Month's Good Points:
- Strength has been improving, despite my random strength training program.
- Cycling has been a joy, by far my favourite activity, (wood chopping a close second).
- Finally started the C25k program. Am actually enjoying it, and found that I can run in the rain, something I don't like when cycling.
- Hopefully I will get enough stamina to run for 30 mins, this will then be my winter exercise, when I can't use the cycle.
This Month's Bad Points:
- Failed to get strength training into my weekly routine, used to chop logs at the Green Space but the axe became un-usable, so the substitute for weights was gone.
- New social situations, mean am exposed to 'nice food' and my 'resistance' has been low.
For the next 12 months, going to make a more scientific effort on my training programme with 'enforced. rest days.
Hope to achieve my long term goal of joining the local indoor climbing wall.
A new goal has manifested, to be able to run 5k and eventually do a 5k race, will practice by doing 5k organised park runs first, hoping to be ready by the summer months
So for the Photos comparison. The photos were taken on Sunday the 4th. Just been too busy to upload
As ever, I declare in the 2018 photos, I am super flexing and sucking all my stomachs in but no Photo enhancements used.
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Im joining back in. Missed a couple of weeks and havent progressed as well as when i posted here every month 1
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Month 12 check in, One Year On Maintenance, Stronger, Bolder and Heavier
My official weight on Thursday was was 66Kg, however this morning's WT (Sunday 4th Nov) was 67 and a bit Kg, the extra Kilos seemed to have rested in my stomach area.
Looking at this months check in photos, a more apt title would have been "Stronger, Balder and Flabbier"
Since I don't have a good excuse for the extra WT, I won't bore you by writing about my new social life. Just to say I have made a 'cut off' date, of December 4th (2018). Then will be back on a more controlled diet.
This Month's Good Points:
- Strength has been improving, despite my random strength training program.
- Cycling has been a joy, by far my favourite activity, (wood chopping a close second).
- Finally started the C25k program. Am actually enjoying it, and found that I can run in the rain, something I don't like when cycling.
- Hopefully I will get enough stamina to run for 30 mins, this will then be my winter exercise, when I can't use the cycle.
This Month's Bad Points:
- Failed to get strength training into my weekly routine, used to chop logs at the Green Space but the axe became un-usable, so the substitute for weights was gone.
- New social situations, mean am exposed to 'nice food' and my 'resistance' has been low.
For the next 12 months, going to make a more scientific effort on my training programme with 'enforced. rest days.
Hope to achieve my long term goal of joining the local indoor climbing wall.
A new goal has manifested, to be able to run 5k and eventually do a 5k race, will practice by doing 5k organised park runs first, hoping to be ready by the summer months
So for the Photos comparison. The photos were taken on Sunday the 4th. Just been too busy to upload
As ever, I declare in the 2018 photos, I am super flexing and sucking all my stomachs in but no Photo enhancements used.
Looking real good btw, im looking forward to see how the C25k will go!1 -
Thanks wb I want to be able to run for 30 mins another method of training
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Month 13 check in, C25k Progressing well, New job
Done the comparison photos a bit early, my usual routine has been disrupted by my new job, so thought best get photos up else might not happen.
A good month for cardio work, progressed to week 7 of C25k I have now run 25 minutes for two session. 30 minutes looks very achievable.
Cycling 8 miles to and from the new job.
Have lapsed on my strength training, it's something I will have to sort out when I have more energy.
At the moment am trying to recover from my new routine. I now believe in rest days
So for the Photos comparison. The photos were taken on Sunday the 4th. Just been too busy to upload
As ever, I declare in the 2018 photos, I am flexing (too tired to 'super flex')
and sucking all my stomachs in but no Photo enhancements used.
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===================== 2019 =====================
Month 1: Routine disruption
The Christmas celebrations and a impending operation has disrupted my routine, hence the lateness of these 'check in' photos.
Last year one of my proudest fitness achievements was completing the C25k running program.
This year my priorities have changed, I am due to go into hospital for a hernia operation next week. The operation has a 8 week healing period.
During this time I will study for my Maths & English exams.
Once am fully fit, my fitness goals are:
- Running; enter a organised parkrun on a weekly basis, with the aim to enter a 5k race
- Cycling; cycle 60 miles in 1 session
- Develop a basic strength routine
- Get to the local indoor climbing wall
I will use this photo as my 'base' WT, so after the operation I will get back to 65Kg and then continue to find a best 'strength to WT ratio'.
Another aim is to streamline my food preparation, which seems to be taking way too long.
Now for the photos, as ever no photo enhancements have been used, admittedly I chose the most flattering from the batch available ;-)
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