Well, its that time of the year again. The new year is upon us and its time to make some (fitness) resolutions. I usually don't go through
them but this year I will strive to give the fitness competition route all I have. Its tough work, but even if the actual competing doesn't
work out, I will still be in the best shape of my life.
Training for a competition sure means that there is no "regular" holiday season. Been working out hard and really looking after my
nutritional intake for the last month or so...and it shows! Short holiday break is over, so now its back to the grind.
I was approached last week at the gym by one of the resident "competitors". She was quite impressed with the progress I had made
over the last year or so and invited me to meet up with a few other amateur competitors in the area. Sounds exciting...I have always
wanted to compete and hope to get that chance soon.
I was watching the evening news yesterday and they had a story about the various "low-carb" diets that are increasingly becoming
popular these days. Though we don't think about it, if people stop eating as many carb rich foods as we currently do, it could
have a huge economic impact on farmers and food/agriculture companies. But I guess people have to adapt (or get more subsidies).
They also interviewed the inventor of the South Beach Diet, a diet that is increasingly becoming very popular and has been described
as an Atkins Diet that your doctor would be ok with. Looks like an interesting concept, except many of us have already been following
it to some extent. Use the basic Atkins Plan, add good (complex and fibreous) carbs, delete some of the saturated fats, maintain the
protein. Overall, it seems pretty common sense - quite different from say the Scarsdale diet.
I am starting a brand new exercise routine this month. After focusing the last couple of months on weight training that used lighter
weights, and more repetitions, I will be upping the pounds and decreasing the reps. I plan is that the increase the intensity will
hopefully add some more muscle. I will also be jumping into the world of squats so bye bye leg extensions. I am going to keep up with
my cardio routines nonetheless since I am hoping to make some real body fat breakthroughs this winter.
I have been following a good exercise and nutrition plan over the last few months, and it has definitely shown positive results. A
combination of high protein, low fat, low carb diet along with moderate cardio-vascular and weight training exercises have led to
good physical results over the last few months. I have been reading up though and am going to look into upping the intensity on my
weight training routines. More muscle is a good thing since it increases your metabolism and is probably the best form of "fat" loss.
The Atkins and other low-carb
diets are getting a lot of play these days. So many people trying to either play up the benefits or potential
drawbacks of these diets. One has to wonder how an average person can tell what's good from bad. I find studying these programs and combining
them with common sense nutrition and exercise regimes to be the best bet. On a more sombre note, condlences to the Atlanta Thrashers
and the Snyder family for their tragic loss.
The knee is feeling much better. I have been giving it some rest and have used the time off to read up on many fitness and nutrition
related issues. I have also been looking into supplements, and trying to answer the common question of "Are nutritional supplements
essential for results?". More to come on this.
Injured my left knee playing softball last night. I was making the turn at first, slipped a little and 'twisted' the knee. Doc says its not
a serious injury though I should avoid physical activity for a couple of weeks to rest and may need to look at treatments. I have been reading on
knee injuries,
and the more I read, the scarier it seems. Hope things turn out ok...in the meantime, its time to catch up on some reading and research.
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