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Mission 1, Day 45: Reflections on a focused plan

December 10, 2007 By Michael Mahony Leave a Comment



(Something is wrong with the camera–can't get anything but fuzzy pics today.  I will fix that for tomorrow.)

Today was a pretty amazing day.  I had a major breakthrough on weightloss and fat loss.  I had an incredible workout as well.  I managed to observe some interesting things during the day as well.

The workout was a 5 x 5 strength builder.

 Exercise  Weight/Reps
Squat 205 x 5
205 x 5
205 x 5
205 x 5
205 x 5
Deadlift Shrug 205 x 5
205 x 5
205 x 5
205 x 5
205 x 5
   
 Bulgarian Split Squats 30 x 5
30 x 5
30 x 5
30 x 5
30 x 5
 Step Ups 25 x 5
25 x 5
25 x 5
25 x 5
25 x 5
   
 Reverse Crunches 15
15
10

It was interesting in that I could have lifted more on both squats and deadlifts, yet I had originally thought it would be difficult to hit the numbers I was aiming for.  I am starting to question whether The New Rules of Lifting does enough core exercises.  I may have to add a little myself to help flatten this stomach of mine.

Today I read through alot of the Shredder Council blogs.  The topic seems to be on accountability.  I couldn't understand why I didn't immediately feel compelled to join in with that topic.  I thought it through and came to several conclusions.

If you read Mission 1, Day 43: Fruit day is coming soon! you'd know I was not happy with the effort I put forth in that day's workout.  I posted publically that I was unhappy with that effort and stated that I would fix it the next trip to the gym.  If you look at today's workout log you will note that I definitely worked harder than the last time at the gym.  The weights felt light, yet challenging.  To me, this is part of accountability–posting my workout logs for everyone to see pushes me to higher levels of intensity.

In addition, I've been posting daily pictures since the start of the first Group Shred.  I've been one of the people who has been stating that the daily pictures are essential to our accountability factor.  I truly believe that when Adam wrote his article about accountability, the article where he mentions blogging and posting daily photos, he truly believed that the daily ritual of blogging and taking photos would make us more accountable to our goals.  I, for one, believe this to be the case and plan to blog daily into the foreseeable future and beyond.  I will continue to post pictures on a daily basis.  Does it matter to me whether we are in the middle of a 100 day cycle of shredding or an 84 day cycle of shedding?  Most certainly not!  The fact is that I am making a lifestyle change here.  I am planning to live this way for the rest of my life.  The timeline I'm currently involved in is less than important.

Now, with that said, if these things motivate you, by all means, jump in and have some fun.  For me, the motivation I gleen from knowing I have to take a photo every day is enough.  I am very focused on being held accountable.  I have even started to re-read a book about trust that I read several months ago and it has given me some new insights.

With that said, I am not going to be joining in any special 100 day missions, 84 day missions or any special missions of any length.  Will I participate and encourage others on a daily basis?  Yes, I will.  However, I need to be sure that my goals are my goals.  I have set a goal for a 100 day mission and I'm in Day 45 now.  To change that at this point would be changing my focus and to me, that is a dangerous thing. I am easily distracted.  I can't afford to let myself get distracted while crafting a new lifestyle.

Until tomorrow…

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Podcast: My Favorite Exercises Part 1

December 9, 2007 By Michael Mahony Leave a Comment

Today's podcast is the first in a series about my favorite exercises.  I hope you enjoy the content.

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Mission 1, Day 45: Metabolic Surge Week 1–the results are in

December 9, 2007 By Michael Mahony Leave a Comment

So the results are in from my first week of Metabolic Surge and they are astounding to me.  I will contrast the results this week to both my goals and my previous numbers from last week:

 Item  Measurement
 Current Weight (lbs)  227
 Previous Weight (lbs)     232
 Goal Weight (lbs)  231
 Variance to previous (lbs)     -5
 Variance to goal (lbs)  -4
 Current Body Fat %      16.0%
 Previous Body Fat %  17.0%
 Goal Body Fat %  17.0%
 Variance to previous  -1.0%
 Variance to goal  -1.0%
 Current LBM (lbs)  190.68
 Previous LBM (lbs)  192.56
 Goal LBM (lbs)  191.73
 Variance to previous (lbs)  -1.88
 Variance to goal (lbs)  -1.05

I did lose some lean body mass, but I'm not extremely concerned.  This first week of Metabolic Surge was all about burning fat and that clearly worked.  I dropped 5 pounds overall and 1% body fat.  This week begins more of the muscle building phase and I am sure I am going to pack on some muscle the next few weeks.  Today begins the protein, glutamine and creatine loading phase of the Metabolic Surge program and it talks specifically about packing on muscle.  I am well on my way to all my goals except lean body mass and I knew that would be a stretch while shredding fat.

Stay tuned for next week's measurements.

I am off to lift!

Until later…

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Mission 1, Day 44: Looking back

December 9, 2007 By Michael Mahony Leave a Comment

Today I was browsing through some photos as I was organizing them and I came across a photo I took exactly 3 months ago.  At that point (3 months ago) I was completely unhappy with my progress.  I entered into the Group Shred about 6 weeks later and since then I've been extremely focused and very happy with my results. Take a look at the photo I found below:

I am amazed at the difference in these pictures.  I decided to take today's picture and compare the one from 3 months ago to show that while I was very unhappy with my previous progress, a few adjustments have made it possible for me to head on the right path.  Yes, the accountability factor of daily pictures has done wonders for my inspiration and focus.  Those of you reading this blog and wondering when you are finally going to get some positive results had better start blogging and posting daily pictures.  It was the impetus I needed to push me towards my goals.

Today while doing my cardio I was listening to a Jeff Anderson podcast. I  got about halfway through it, but something sticks in my mind.  His guest states that the #1 mistake people make when embarking on a fitness plan is not remaining committed to their goal!  That's right!  The biggest mistake people make is not doing everything they can to achieve their goal.  They don't make the daily decisions necessary for getting to the goal.  They continually think that tomorrow is another day.  They believe they have time to catch up.  That is the wrong way.  It is a huge mistake.

If you want to make progress with your fitness plan I encourage you to start a blog and post daily accoutability pictures.  Get others to link to your blog to increase the accountability pressure.  You won't regret it.  It will help you get past that #1 mistake most people make.

Stay tuned because the podcast is coming tomorrow!

Until tomorrow…

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Mission 1, Day 43: Fruit day is coming soon!

December 8, 2007 By Michael Mahony Leave a Comment

Today was a good day for me.  I was on the higher protein day and I mostly ate chicken breast for the entire day.  I was very focused on keeping the fat at a minimum today because of Metabolic Surge and what was on the agenda for today.

I had a pretty good workout, but after the fact, I was disappointed at myself for not pushing as hard as I know I could.

 Exercise  Weight/Reps
 Incline DB Bench Press 40 x 15
40 x 15
40 x 12
 Seated Cable Rows 90 x 15
90 x 15
90 x 15
   
 DB Shoulder Press 35 x 15
35 x 15
35 x 12
35 x 10
 Wide Grip Lat Pulldown 100 x 15
100 x 12
80 x 15
80 x 15
   
Close grip BB bench press 85 x 15
85 x 15
85 x 15
85 x 12
 High pull     65 x 15
65 x 15
65 x 15
65 x 15
   
 Swiss Ball Crunches 15
15
15

I was pretty focused on feeling the mind to muscle connection today and noticed some interesting things.  When you focus on that connection you really feel the movement of the muscles.  You are able to correct your form more readily because of that connection. It is an interesting scenario and one I will explore in future workouts.

I have a feeling that Metabolic Surge has done a good job for me this week.  I will see on Sunday when I weigh and measure.  I am expecting decent, if not awesome, results.

I wanted to encourage you, dear reader, to visit the blogs in my sidebar, especially those under the RTP Group Shred area.  These are like-minded people who are busting their butts to lose the fat.  They can use the inspiration from your comments, so please visit their blogs and make comments.

A new podcast is coming on Sunday and the topic is…well, you will just have to wait and see.

Until tomorrow…

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