Ouch.

Powerlifted for the first time today. It's a completely different type of training than I've ever done, but I like that the focus is on challenging yourself and getting stronger (as opposed to looking a certain way.) I'm not very good. Especially not compared to the other guys in the class. But in this case, it doesn't matter, since it's all about challenging yourself and lifting heavier than you did the previous set.

They told us to think about someone we wanted to punch, and to keep that in mind when we did the lifts -- have that be our motivating factor. 

And I'll tell you: I am a fairly drama-free person (really,) but there are quite a few people I wouldn't mind punching out if I had superhuman strength. What a great way to vent aggression.

...They said I should experience the worst of the soreness when I wake up tomorrow, so walking up five flights of stairs to get to work tomorrow should be interesting. If I disappear in the meantime, know that I'm around... it just probably hurts for me to sit up and use the computer.

(Above: Brandon Lilly,  Professional Powerlifter.  Before/After.)

Motivation

This is great. My favorite part is the guy sitting in the back. Just look at his face. "Did he just...really?" #NoExcuses #LiftHeavy.

A Gift

One of my friends (a rugby player,) gave me this workout in case any of you want to try it. It's deceptively intense. You have to pick a weight that's heavy enough that you can only lift it 8 times. When my friend does it, he does one exercise, goes all out, and then waits 60 seconds in between each set. But I don't have three hours to spend in the gym, so I usually just do two movements (i.e. one back movement and one bicep movement) and take 90 seconds between each group of movements. You could finish the workout in a little over an hour.

I just started it this week and I'm really, really sore -- which is good. I think I'll try it for a week or two (maybe not the whole ten weeks,) and then reevaluate. Let's do this. 

Charles Atlas, Where Are You?

When I tell people that I was overweight as a child/teen, and that it's difficult for me to build muscle because of my poor body image, what I really mean is --

My reality looks something like this:

So in response, I work out, eat well, and enjoy the pump. I am consistent for several weeks. In my head, I feel like this:

But I probably actually look like this:

Eventually, my clothes stop fitting and I start to worry that I'm getting "too big." I second-guess myself. So I diet before my body has a proper chance to grow. It's not a conscious decision, usually. I'm not much of an eater - and unlike most of the gainers I know, I actually enjoy feeling "light." Eating too much just makes me feel bloated and brings up unpleasant memories from high school.

So it starts out slowly - I miss a meal here and there. Miss gym sessions. Before I know it, I've lost a lot of the size I have gained. 

Consequently, the cycle continues. I oscillate back and forth, never quite achieving my goal. (Maybe this time will do the trick? I'm getting serious with the lifting again, so who knows? I'm certainly going to do my best to stay consistent.)

What is holding you back from achieving your goals?