The NFL owners and players have reached a deal that will end the for what seems like a forever long NFL lockout.
It was never a question of if, but rather when and today we can all rejoice now that the lockout is over. It would have been hard to go through 2011 without NFL games, but we all knew that it wouldn't come to that. There is too much money to be made and America without football is like the rest of the world without soccer. America's pastime is baseball, but it's current love is football. There is no way that a deal wasn't going to be reached.
The lockout was annoying and it became a nusence to hear about. Now it's over and we can all get on with our lives and be ready for the 2011 NFL season.
Monday, July 25, 2011
My Journey: Two More Weeks
There are two more weeks before my Phase 1 deadline. For those of you that don't remember what my goal is for Phase 1, it's to reach 265 lbs by August 5. Right now I am around 268-269, so with a couple pounds each of the remaining two weeks, I should reach my goal.
With the focus on dropping around four pounds in two weeks, cardio is going to be an important component of my training during the next two weeks. The goal is to do at least 20 minutes of cardio each day for the next two weeks.
Friday, July 22, 2011
My Journey: Proper Deadlift Form
I have been warming up with five sets of 135, then five sets of 225 without any problem. My form has been very good at those weights. Moving up to 315, my form is still decent, but not as good as it is with the lighter weights. Then moving up to 365 has proved to be a disaster with my legs wanting to stand up first, putting unnecessary strain on my lower back. The gameplan next week is to focus on 315 as my third and fourth sets and if I can pull those with good form, I will increase slightly.
Deadlifts are one of the exercises that I want to improve the most in and I know it is not possible without impeccable deadlifting form. To help me out, I added the deadlifting machine into my routine today. I'm hoping that it will help out tremendously just like the squat machine has helped my squats improve.
Today was weigh in day and I tipped the scaled at 269.6 lbs. I have been purposely trying to stay between 267 and 270 in order to help promote strength for my core exercises. But now it's game time and in order to hit my Phase 1 goal of 265 lbs. by my birthday, August 5, I need to bust ass going forward. With two weeks left and a little less than five pounds, I need to make sure my training and diet is spot on.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
My Journey: Training The Wheels
This year is the year of leg training for me. I set out at the beginning of the year to train my legs harder than I ever have before. That meant going heavy on squats and leg press as well as complimenting with a few isolation leg exercises.
Like every one of my workouts, they are brutal. I leave the gym feeling depleted and nauseous. I like that feeling - it is the feeling of victory. It is the feeling of busting your ass and leaving everything you have there. It's the feeling of not wasting any time and working towards goals. I don't have time for nonsense, so that is the way I train.
Today I set PR's on my fourth and fifth sets of barbell squats. When I got 295x3 on my fourth set, I decided to go for 315x1 on my fifth. I got 315 three times so I am proud of that. After squats, I went on to do leg press (I set a goal of 1000 lbs on leg press by next year). I stayed at 720x5 on my fifth set like last week, but it felt easier this time around. I will bump that up next week.
Today's Workout
5 Minute Bike Warmup
Ab Machine 3x10
Squat Machine 5x10
Barbell Squats 5,5,3,3,1
Leg Press 5x5
Seated Calf Raises 3x10
Leg Extensions 3x10
Standing Leg Curls 3x10
Standing Calf Raises 3x20
Stairmaster 20 Minutes
Cardio Training
In addition to working hard in the gym three days a week, I have decided to add some more cardio in. So far this week I have set aside a little time to do some cardio after work in the evenings. Right now, it's just a light jog between 1 and 1.5 miles around my neighborhood to get a good sweat going. Yesterday, my buddy Spencer joined me and we ran for a mile then walked a quarter. I would like to eventually get to the point where I run two miles nearly every day, but I am building up to that.
On Monday, I made the goal to have five 20 minute cardio sessions this week. That goal will be easily met after my jog tonight.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
USC Suspends Running Back Marc Tyler
University of Southern California running back Marc Tyler has been suspended by the team for its season opener against Minnesota on September 3 after comments Tyler made to TMZ.
Tyler was asked by a TMZ reporter if athletes were paid more at USC or in the pros and Tyler had this to say:
"USC," Tyler said. "They breaking bread."Even though USC head football coach Lane Kiffin has had his fare share of quote worthy public comments, he was left with little choice but to suspend Tyler. After all, they can't have their athletes sharing their financial situations with the media.
Monday, July 18, 2011
My Journey: Can't Forget The Cardio
After today's chest/triceps workout, I did 20 minutes on the stairmaster to close out the workout. I made sure that my weight training was efficient and I ended up leaving the gym my normal time after an hour and a half session.
Bringing Running Back
About eight years ago, I was in the top cardio shape of my life. I was a freshman in college and I had some time to spare. I decided to pick up jogging. After my classes, I headed over to lakeshore park and jog/run/walked around the 2.2 mile trail. I eventually started doing this every day and I got to the point where I ran two times around for 4.4 miles. For whatever reason, I stopped doing cardio and I got really out of shape. As I am trying to get back into shape and be the best I can be, I have realized that I need to bring running back.
Last Friday, I went on a light jog around my neighborhood. It was the first time I have jogged/ran outside in a long time. Even though I am nowhere near where I was back then, It felt really good to get out there. I know I will improve, I just needed to get out there and do it again.
This week's goal: Perform at least five 20 minute cardio sessions.
Check out my Workout Tracker
Friday, July 15, 2011
Music Video of the Day: Fitz & The Tantrums - Don't Gotta Work It Out
Fitz & The Tantrums - Don't Gotta Work It Out
My Journey: Pushing Through
Up at 5:00 a.m., I mixed some BCAA, popped some caffeine, got dressed and was out the door for the gym at 5:25 a.m. Was I as pumped up as normal - no. But I don't have a choice, I know what I needed to do.
The Workout
Ab Machine 3x10
Deadlifts 5,5,3,3,1
Barbell Bent Rows 5,5,3,3,1
Upright Rows 5x5
Barbell Shrugs 5x5
Lat Pulldowns 5x5
Dumbbell Curls 5x5
Dumbbell Hammer Curls 5x5
Check out my Workout Tracker
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
James Harrison Is At It Again
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison is no stranger to controversy. In the August issue of Men's Journal, he didn't hold back about his hatred towards NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
"If that man was on fire and I had to piss to put him out, I wouldn't do it," Harrison told the magazine. "I hate him and will never respect him." - James Harrison on Roger GoodellThere is something to be said about somebody that speaks their mind. There is also something to be said about idiots that can't keep their mouth's shut. While Harrison's honestly is one thing, what is the point of bashing somebody like this?
Some things should be said behind closed doors and this is one of them.
Quote via: ESPN
My Journey: All About The PR's
As usual, today's workout was brutal. It had me walking wobbly out of the gym - something I have become accustomed to on leg training days. I busted out 28 sets on seven different exercises. It was one down from my normal eight, but a calf cramp when I started the seated calf raises prevented me from performing that exercise. There was no need to push it, especially after doing squats and setting a PR on leg press.
Each Day Is A New Day To Better Yourself
Check out my Workout Tracker
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Fan Almost Falls At Home Run Derby
In what was almost a scary incident at the Home Run Derby last night, a man was saved from falling by his friends.
In a video via ESPN, you can clearly see this fan about to fall before being saved by friends. This comes only a few days after Shannon Stone, a 39-year-old fan who died last while trying to catch a ball thrown into the stands at a Texas Rangers game last Thursday.
Monday, July 11, 2011
My Journey: Steady Gains
With a new mindset that more sets of fewer reps allow me to push heavier weight, the majority of my lifts are going up. With my chest being my weakest part of my body right now, it is very important to make steady gains with every workout.
Today's Workout
Ab Machine
Barbell Bench Press
Incline Barbell Bench Press
Machine Flyes
Machine Pullovers
Machine Dips
Triceps Rope Pulldowns
Triceps VBar Pulldowns
Check out my Workout Tracker
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Hines Ward Arrested On DUI Charge
Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Hines Ward was arrested this morning on a DUI charge sources say.
According to ESPN, the former Super Bowl MVP and "Dancing With the Stars" champ was arrested early Saturday. He was booked into the DeKalb County jail in suburban Atlanta at 3:41 a.m. and charged with driving under the influence. He was released on $1,300 bond.
You would think that athletes and celebrities would either have designated drivers or be willing to fork over a few bucks for a taxi if they are going to be drinking.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Angels Call Up 19 Year Old Mike Trout
It isn't often that a teenager gets a call up from a big league club, but the Angels decided to make the move with 19 year old outfielder Mike Trout just before the All-Star break.
Regarded as one of the top prospects in baseball, Trout will be in Anaheim wearing No. 27 when the Angels take on the Mariners tonight.
Trout was batting .324 with 32 extra-base hits, a .415 on-base percentage and a Texas League-leading 28 stolen bases for Arkansas. He recently played in the Texas League All-Star Game and was scheduled to play in the All-Star Futures Game in Phoenix on Sunday.
My Journey: Geared and Ready
Today's main focus was back and I brought back the deadlifts. There is not a better exercise on this planet for building a back and overall strength than the deadlift. I took it out of my routine for a bit because of a nagging back, but I am going to really focus on form and hopefully my back woes will disappear. I didn't notice any twinges or anything during the workout, so I am glad I brought them back. However, I will be sore tomorrow - no doubt.
Today's Workout
Ab Machine 3x10
Deadlifts 5,5,3,3,1 (main back)
Bent Rows 5x5
Upright Bar Rows 5x5
Bar Shrugs 5,5,5,5,1
Lat Pulldowns 5x5
Dumbbell Curls 5x5
Dumbbell Hammer Curls 5x5
There will be sweat, there will be blood, there will be gains.
Check out my Workout Tracker
Monday, July 4, 2011
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