Day thirty five

Well here it is, the beginning of the sixth and final week. But it really isn't an ending, as I am choosing to continue with my fitness routine and keep setting new goals. The whole experience has given me a new drive for life and I plan to keep going on after this venture into health and blogging.

Today was a good day in the gym. I set a personal best on the bench, upped my weight to 115 lbs. and did thirty total reps. I'm pretty pleased with this, seeing as the other day I could barely do four at the same weight. Overall, I'm feeling great and looking forward to pushing myself and testing and retesting my fitness limits. Also, I lowered the weight on the assisted pull-up machine, which is a good thing, as the more weight you use the less work you have to do. And I'm happy to report that we finally found some leg work that does not kill my knees. Even better, the body aches I used to suffer from are a thing of the past. My body just plain feels better. With beach season just around the corner, there's no telling what I might be able to accomplish..

Day thirty two

Well I have been down and out for a while with either food poisoning or a stomach virus or some type of internal alien invasion. Either way, it was absolutely horrible and I would not wish it on anyone... well, maybe a few people here and there.

That aside, today I stepped back into the gym and it was wonderful. After feeling drained and low for so many days, it felt grand to be up and full of energy. Today's session featured a completely new routine: bench press, knee-ins, step ups, assisted pull ups, and these crazy balancey things Tom calls single leg stiff legged dead lifts. I am happy to report that it was all good and I did excellent. On the bench I got the up to 115 lbs, which may not seem that impressive, but I have led a life of sloth, so for me, it was something special. I got through five full rounds and need to thank Mark for spotting me on my last set on the bench. For now, things are progressing well, and I look forward to one day changing the title of this blog to 'six month josh', or even 'six year josh.' I guess only time will tell...

Day twenty three

Well I did good and not so good today... I did put in twenty minutes on the bike and elliptical, and worked up a huge sweat. I kept my heart rate at around 140-150 bpm for most of that time. However, I phoned it in on the rowing machine and put up a horrible 2:04.7. So, I actually took a step back on it. I think I held back a bit because last time when I went all out, I experienced complete muscle failure the last 50 meters and that kind of scared me. All in all, for a recovering couch potato, not too bad, but I did not meet my target time and I am a little disappointed. Next time for sure I will make it in under two minutes.

Day twenty two

Well I got a late start to my day, but don't blame me, blame my uber-comfy bed. It felt soooo good to just lay there and revel in its soft fluffy goodness. I did get into the studio and really worked it to make up for the laziness. I upped the weight on pretty much every cycle, and it felt good to push myself. I was sweating a ton and my heart was pounding, but I finished the whole workout fifteen minutes earlier than I normally do. So good job to me! Tomorrow after work, I'm heading in again, but this time for some concentrated cardio, and a go at my nemesis, the rowing machine. I will complete 500 meters in under two minutes. I will get close to the men's goal. And one day, I will be a man!

So far, so good...

This is Tom, and since we're officially at our halfway point in our six week project, I figured now was a good time to offer some perspective, insight and kudos to our experiment known as Josh. And the first thing I can say is: wow. Because I never quite expected it to happen.

And that's not because I'm cynical or that I don't know or believe in Josh, but because we all start things with the best of intentions (self included of course) but often lose momentum and find reasons not to follow through completely. And also because most people who come to the gym usually have a little more experience or background to build off and aren't essentially starting from scratch.

So, to see such a dedicated (and I mean dedicated) couch potato and gamer actually change their life, pick up some weights, and continue to do so amidst an ever shifting work schedule and personal obligations is pretty amazing. Heck, I'm still a little surprised every time I see him here working out. And to see the amount of physical progress made with regard to strength and aesthetics is even more impressive.

So kudos to you, Josh for your drive and determination. Can't wait to see your progress over the home stretch. Great job. You're doing awesome. Fist pumps and chest bumps and all that good stuff.

.t

Day twenty

Solo Saturday! After a full day at work I am amazed at how much I look forward to hitting the gym now. I used to come home, and sloth on the couch until dinner, then maybe, maybe, I would go for a walk. Granted I used to bike to and from work then, but it just wasn't enough to up my energy levels. Now after work, I cannot wait to change and head to MBS. It is truly amazing, and if you knew me back then, as they say, you would be amazed as well.

Upped the weight again on the presses, and my short term goal is 50 lbs. next week; and I know I can do it. Feels great to be able to set goals and accomplish them. I used to have sleep problems but now on workout days, even on recovery days, I sleep like a baby. I feel great, and see no end in sight.

On Monday Tom has a new routine for me to try out and then weeks 5 and 6 will be a mix of all the routines so far. The only exercise I am shying away from is the reverse lunge; it's murder on my poor knees. I had a very active childhood, falling out of trees, crashing bikes, and such; and with being on my feet eight to ten hours a day at work, my knees just can't take it. I am hopeful that I can find something to strengthen them and continue my progression. The only way to find out is to keep on trying. Onwards and upwards!

Day seventeen

I officially hate cedar trees! I am congested beyond belief and feel horrible this morning. But I'll go workout anyway; it's my promise to myself...

Got home feeling better, and I even upped the weight again on the dumbbell presses (thanks for the motivation Tom). Having a gym to go to whenever I want, and following this program is really changing my life, not just my body. And I know that sounds cheesy but it's true. I feel more empowered than I have ever before in my life, and my confidence is steadily rising. I love how I feel during and after working out. Plus with suggestions on how to improve my eating habits, I feel a new me is completely possible.