Day 105 - New Gym Round

A few days after my last PT session last weekend and Im a couple of sessions into my new weights mission.

Focusing on my type 2, type A or whatever those type of muscles are called. Ive learned there are three main types. Endurance muscles, which I have been training for the last few months. These are the ones that you should be able to do your 2 or 3 full sets with. Then there are these type a/2 ones. These you whack the weight up and aim to do between 6-10 reps only. These I have noticed really make your heart race and get you puffing and panting like a dog on a hot day!

Then there are the 'nuclear' muscles. The ones you use when you do your single max rep ones. See.....learning.

Knee is holding up well. Running does not cause a problem but am steering clear of the leg weights for the time being to make sure it does not aggrevate it any more. Bicep is starting to take on a shape of its own. Having never had muscles remotly any where near this kind of definition its a great feeling and I just want to build them up as much as I can.

o what the future holds!

Kelv

Day 101 - The Pics are In!

Its good to have milestones along the way. They seem to focus you more on the task at hand and also gives you a chance to see just how much you have achieved. This weekend marked two of those.

The first is, of course, the 100 days mark. Whilst I cannot sit here and say its been a continuous 100 day shred (it hasnt!) its has been 100 days focus on achieving an overall task. Its amazing how long 100 days sound when you say it, but it soon passes and you cannot believe you have actually done 100 days.

The second is the ongoing clothing challenge with the wife, and here we are at the halfway point of the 12 week challenge, here are this pics to prove how far I have come in the last 6 weeks. Secretly, I think the wife is a little miffed as she has conceeded I am in front! Here goes...

First one being the start of the challenge, the second taken today. Bit of a change, eh?

News on the knee front too. While its still sore I have been going down the gym. Not pushing myself too hard as I wasnt too sure how the knee would hold up I went through the motions and was pleased on how it faired. Still sore though, and I have found what I think is aggravating it so will mention at my PT session later this afternoon.

Have decided to go big up top. As im big to begin with, I need to fill the gap with some muscle so will see how it goes.

for now,

Kelvin

Day 98 - Beware : Milestone Approaching

Am still resting the Knee as today it is still sore. I can feel the pain getting less but it is stil quite painful. Am missing the gym round at the moment. Its only been 4 days since my last workout but it feels so much longer.

As well as the 100 day mark fast aproaching, so too is the current clothing challenge. I know the wife must be feeling worried as she is really trying to detox. You must understand that she is not starving herself, she knows thats not the right thing to do, but you can feel the tension starting to eminate from her pending the pics at the weekend.

She has tried to get me on a technicality stating that halfway is Sunday and not Saturday. I think she is begging for another day to detox further to gain that extra fraction of an inch. I have agreed, so pic day is now sunday. Gotta keep the wife happy, eh?!

Will see how the knee goes over the next day or so and get back down the gym.

for now

Kelv

Day 97 - Sports Injury

Not much to report from the last few days really. I twisted my Knee during a gym session at the weekend and its been playing real havoc with my training.

Im hoping it will calm down during the week as I have another PT session booked for Sunday afternoon.

Having never really hurt myself through sports, Im feeling quite proud of this one, in a very strange sort of way.

Clothing challenge must be going well judging by the holes I have gone down on my belt. I fastened it where I used to the other day and could not believe the gap between that and me. Real progress!

Half way pics at the weekend and the challenge with the wife continues to hot up. She sha started some kind of detox food thing for the next 28 days. Think shes feeling threatened eh? Pics will be taken and posted on Sat, Day 101, so watch this space!

Day 92 - Challenge heats up!

First off, I'd like to say a big 'cheers mate!' to Mike Groom. Mike, your comments have always given me the push that I needed, at a time that I needed them most. Your entry on day 213 of your blog really done it. Sit back and watch the transformation. You aint gunna believe it!

Check out Mikes blog for youself at http://aussiebodybuilder.com/ . A great blog and a real motivator, thanks again Mike.

Hit the gym real early this morning and was in just after opening time at 6.30am. Have always done my workout first thing in the morning and before breakfast. Really sets you up for the day.

Am going to start posting every work out I do, to push myself for constant improvements and to share the improvement in my fitness. This mornings went like this...

Treadmill - 3 min walk at 6.5 (Kph I think it is) then run for 7 mins at 9.0
Bike - 1.5 Km as fast as poss on a resistance of 10. Target time 3 mins, this morning was 3.20
Lat Pull (Bicep Grip) 65Kg 1x15
Lat Pull wide grip 55Kg 1x15
Upper back 42.5Kg 1x15
Chest Press 50Kg 2x15
Shoulder Press 22.5Kg 2x15
Stomach crunch with 4Kg medicine ball 1x30 reps.

I will work on some kind of table to upload rather than posting long hand, you will see the change more that way.

The clothing challenge with the wife is hotting up. Next weekend marks the mid point and we will be taking pics as well to show the progress. She has been getting great support from another ShredderSphere shredder Suzette at http://qfs-blog.blogspot.com/ . This is also really motivating her and the second half of this challenge will be something else!

Watch this space and check out the wifes progress at http://www.lisasfattofitjourney.blogspot.com/ and have a go at seeing who will win!

For now

Kelv

Day 89 - A Failure

So much for my last post!

This is the longest I have gone without making a post and I am here to try and redeem myself from the jaws of failure! The results that I got from the first 60 or so days, Im keen to get the same kind of results over the next 60 days.

Hard to believe I started this 89 days ago, thats 3 months! and the sheer difference in my general level of fitness is astounding!

I think I should see the last couple of weeks as a bit of a rest period, and now go hard at it, and blog a damn site more often!

We have the ongoing chlothing challenge with the wife. We are due a half way pic in a couple of weeks and Im determind to show some improvement and more importantly, beat the wife in the challenge!

So, back to the gym first thing in the mornings and lets shred!

Kelv

Day 75 - Must Post More

Posting new entries to my blog is something I really must do more of. This lack-lustre approach is starting to rub off and Im not going to the gym every morning as I used too. I do still go but I feel I should be doing more.

The challenge hasnt really taken off as much as I thought it would, Im still going to achieve it, but have less time to do it on so I must charge up the intensity.

One other reason for not posting everyday is that I run out of something to say. I like a post to be in depth and draw you in and get frustrates at short posts. Have you nothing to say?

There, rant over!

Anyway, weights going well at the gym, and an unusual lump has formed on both upper arms. Its curious as they have never been there before and im not sure whay they are. I'll get a photo up to see if anyone can help with the identification of these strange growths.

Running is really coming on, Ive never run so far and so fast before in my life. Still a long way to go but the last couple of months is starting to pay off.

for now

Kelv

Day 65 - Failure bites - Bite back!

As you can tell, its been a few days since I posted to my blog. So I thought Id kick off with a current pic! We have had fantastic weather here in the UK for that last week with glorious sunshine and tempretaures in the mid to high 20's (oC) which is good for the first part of May.

Needless to say time was spent chilling in the garden. Then things start to go bad. You fancy a BBQ, no biggie in that you say, but then you fancy a nice cold beer! Oh Dear!!!

I had probably too many beers over the week, and my gym visits started to slip. I was falling back into my old habits. Not good. I could start to feel. only slightly, the bloating in my stomach and had a tast of what I used to be like. This I didnt like, at all!

So, after may chats with my wife, we have come up with a challenge to get our teeth into, and so a clothing challenge was borne!

The Challenge

To fit into my next smallest suit within 90 days. A photo below shows how much I have to go. But thats not all. Its a race! My wife has also started the same challenge (not to get into my suit!) but to get into a pair of new jeans that she bought but has never worn!

So I set about it by having my 5th, and final, PT session on this programme. It was more a results 'chat' and a workout review rather that a full blown work out. It compared my results with that of my first PT session some 6 weeks ago.

I know I have been getting fitter, and stronger, as I went along. Just seeing how far I can now run, or how much weight I can lift is a sure enough guide to see how you are getting on. The bit I was more interested in was the measurements!

I have become less flexible. This i was told was my 'hammies' tightening up. Caused by me not stretching at the end of each session. Never before have I worked out so much that stretching had become so important, but there you are. More importantly, my instructure got his tape measure out and.........

• 1cm loss on left bicep
• 1cm loss on right bicep
• 3cm loss on hips
• 6cm loss on waist (yes 6!!)

How cool is that! My thighs had actually gaines 1cm, but Ive always has real solid legs from when I used to play rugby, so im confident that is extra muscle.

So, on with the challenge! Reveal day is Aug 1st with a half way 'fitting' after 6 weeks. Lets see who wins! Why not keep an eye on my competitor, sorry wife, at http://www.lisasfattofitjourney.blogspot.com/ and see how she is getting on.

Here is my startig pic.

Laters

Kelv

Day 54 - ....Still going!

Its been a while since posting onto my blog. Somehow the time, and days, seem to go by so quickly these days. Having the lighter evenings now, and with them getting lighter, spending time outside and doing stuff with the family just takes all my time up. Not that Im complaining.

Nearly 2 months in and my morning routine is so regimented now you could set your watch by it! Alarm off at 6 am, in the gym by 6.30, leave at 7.15, shower, dress for work and breakfast and im out of the house by 8 at the latest!

Gym work is going really well. I had another PT session last weekend, and I have my last one (5 of 5) weekend after next. Programme changes every 2-3 weeks ensure I stay on my toes and keeps my body guessing.

One of the biggest changes is that Im now running on the tradmill! I'll say that again for those who missed it, Im running on the treadmill!!! This is real improvement as I would have never done, nor be able to have done, this before. I know my fitness is getting better. I done get out of breath nearly as much as I used to. Its great.

I have to make more of an effort to update my blog on a more regular basis. Still need to find that elusive 'mission' to really focus on. Any ideas?

Nutrition is pretty much there, even if my wife says what i eat is so bland. Eating alot of fish and brown rice. And loads of fruit! Am considering getting some of the protien shakes to up my intake and help build muscles. Speaking of which, I have biceps! Found myself posing infront of the mirror the other day, how vain!

Laters

Kelv

Day 46 - Weekend Away

Having had a busy week at work last week, followed by a short break away with the family to the North East of England, where the wife is from, Im back home and hitting it hard.

I was surprised whilst I was away, I was able to continue (as best I could) with some of the fundamentals of my new way of life.

For instance, we had met up with family and went to a pub for lunch. Previously I would have for sure had something with chips, maybe a large steak or pie of some descriptions. But instead I shocked everyone by having a five bean chilli. All that protein! And it was pretty tasty too!

I had missed the gym for 4 days, so was glad when I got back to it this morning. I have another personal trainer session on Saturday and Im keen to get as much out of it again, same as I have on previous sessions.

My new toy, body analysis scales, has not had much of use since I had got them. I just hadnt had time to programme in what it needs as see where im at.

Anyway, I though Id leave you with a pic of me in the suit that I referred to in earlier posts. Still cant believe it fits!

I already have the next suit of mine to get into, sure it wont take me too long!

Kelv

Day 39 - A New Toy

Having come home from work today, wearing my suit that I couldn't get into (I have taken a picture and will upload it soon) I arrived to see my new toy had arrived.

Because I hadnt lost as much weight that I though I would, and that the change in my shape would suggest, I have invested in a set of scales that gives you your body fat content as well. Something else to track and monitor!

I had another personal trainer session at the weekend. Im still hurting from it now! They didnt change my programme that much at all, but concentrated more on my technique. Making sure that I get the most out of the excercises that I do, and get the maximum benefit on the weights, using the full range of motion, and ensuring I keep my feet flat on the ground. Something I didnt realise I was doing, nor how much it effects what you do!

It feels as though Im in the hard slog stage. Its not a bad thing but I think I need to re look as some kind of definitive short term goal, but can decide on what.

for now,

Kelv

Day 35 - End of Phase 1

Back on Day 1 I set myself a goal. That was to loose 35Kg in 25 weeks. I broke that down with M1 Phase 1. Weigh 128Kg on day 35 (5 weeks).

Whilst on this journey I have learned so much already on nutrition, training, mental attitude and positive pressure. It is fair to say that I thought this would not really take hold. That this would be another fad and would just drift away into oblivion and get back on the booze.

I thought I had set to bar too high and was prepared for failure without even trying and giving it my best shot.

How wrong I was! Im loving what Im eating, Im loving the gym, and Im loving the change in my body and mind.

So, results are in for Phase 1

Weight today 131.3Kg Weight loss in Phase 1 - 3.6 Kgs

I failed to hit my first target, but I passed on so many more that I thought never possible.

So phase 2. Lets see if we can double that weight loss by day 70, eh?

for now,

Kelv

Day 32 - Mind the Wall

Well, its been a few days since writing my blog. We have had a lot on over the weekend. Spending some quality time with the family and enjoying my 4 week reward on Saturday evening.

A couple of glasses of wine, and a bit to eat. I thought that with all the hard work that I had done, and the positive feedback I was getting from my wife I thought it was about time I had a good time!

Thats not to say that the training went un-done. Quite the opposite in fact. As on Sunday I decided to really ramp it up. I was not time pressured to get to work so I really went for it.

I done all cardio set for me, treadmill, bike and cross trainer. I done an extra set on each of the weights, adding extra weight for sets 2 and 3. I went at it like a man possessed!

I finished off on getting on the bike, i thought right, lets do this last one real hard, then.......bang!

I was a broken man. I had to stop. I could not physically go on any more, not one bit. I was finished. I had 'hit the wall', and to be perfectly honest, I wasn't far off of hitting the floor either!

I left the gym broken, yet elated. I had achieved something I have never done before and it felt great. I am noticing real changes at the gym now. Weights are getting higher and I am concentrating on getting the technique right rather than lift weights badly.

A challenge was to be set for me getting into one of my suits for work, however I tried on the suit to be the subject of the challenge, and it fitted! Much to both mine and my wife's surprise. Better find something smaller eh?

Till later

Kelv

Day 28 - Can eye lids sweat?

Nearly a month, can you believe it. It hardly seems a week ago since I started this and its already approaching a month.

As you can probably see, my blog has hardly changed in appearance. I havnt had the time, nor knowledge, to make it look all 'pimp'd out', but the content sure makes up for it. However my spelling and grammer is awful. I do my blog on a laptop, but I use a full size keyboard at work. Never seem to get my fingers on the right buttons!

I was in the gym this morning, a little later than normal, about 7.30 (instead of 6.30am) and I had the place all to myself! Can you believe it! So I thought to myself, right, lets really DO this! After a couple of cardio bits the sweat was running out if me, I swear! If you could have seen me you would have thought I had just come inside from 1 rain storm! I was drenched in the stuff, yet you know what...all over my face was the biggest smile I have ever had in the gym. This felt great!

Hit the weights hard too, no gear of letting out the odd grunt or two, after all I was not going to embarrass myself, and who would complain, I was on my own.

After I had done, soaking wet and out of breath I felt great.

What a wonderful, (yet hard) journey this is becoming!

Kelv

Day 26 - Positive Pressure Rocks!

Before I start my entry for the last couple of days, I need to get a couple of thank you's out there.

The first is for all the support I am getting from my fellow sheredders. Whilst I am now where near their level of fitness, shredding etc, the comments and support have been absolutely fab! Thanks guys, from the bottom of my heart. Who would have thought that just over three weeks in the support and, not to mention, positive pressure keeps pouring in. The drive this gives me is massive!

The second is to my wife. For putting up with my 'strange' and 'bland' nutrition plan and constant early morning alarms in order to get to the gym, I would like to say a big thank you. The support you have given me has been great!

Gym round is ok. The extra items and intensity is really having an impact. I thought I had already experienced the DOMS I keep hearing so much about on other blogs. That was until now. I think this is real DOMS and what I had before was just a tired muscle! But it does feel great.

Down another hole on my belt again already. I have a suit that I used to wear to work that I will soon be able to get into. Think I will have a mini clothing challenge to see how much work I need to do to get into it.

Nutrition is going great too. I dont crave all the rubbish I used to eat. I am constantly asking 'Is this clean?' Its true what they say. This is real time lifestyle transformation.

Bring it on!!

Kelv

Day 24 - New Gym Workout

Today I had a Personal Trainer appointment at my gym. Its a service thats offered at my gym, well everyones gym i guess, and they had a look at my programme and made a few changes to it to complement my aims, goals and current achievements.

Now, Im not looking forward to tomorrows gym round!

They have clicked that not only am I serious about my aims, but that I also know what I need to do in order to achieve it. So they seemed to talk to me as though I was a 'grown up' and took me seriously. Not just another one off the street who does as they are told!

I have kept my current weight programme, with the addition of one that will work my upper back, so will see how we get on with that.

The biggest change has been made to my cardio, both the amount of time spent on it and the intensity. Working on the HIIT principle.

I have to do;

• 10 mins on the cross trainer at 2min & 1 min intervals on resistance 9 and 14 respectfully. I know someone who cannot even move it on that high a resistance!
• 5 mins treadmill on a 'cross country' programme where the elevation of the treadmill changes up and down quite radically, and
• 1.5Km on the bike on FULL POWER! I had to set the benchmark today and done it in 3mins 15secs. (is that good? I dunno!)

I could hardly talk after the bike bit, and the trainer though it was funny, in a nice (sadistic) way im sure. He was a good guy really!

This is where my gym round really ramps up. As I only have limited time first thing in the morning to do it, Im really going to have to 'HIIT' it hard to make sure that I fit everything in.

I think I also committed to build my stamina up so I can start playing rugby again with a local team next season. Stupid or what!!??

Till tomorrow

Kelv

Day 23 - The Horror!

With the hard work Ive been doing at the gym, and the almost constant aching of my muscles, especially my quads, it seems im about to ache emotionally too.

Its all just got too much, the positive pressure wins out, and Im posting my Day 0 pic.

Ready.........................

What a horror!!! This was taken a couple of weeks prior to me starting out on this journey, and it was me stumbling across Adams blog that got me thinking about starting.

Note the can of cider next to me. Back then it was an almost constant vision, me with a can of something or other by my side. Well all that has changed now thats for sure.

And now for something completely different, my day 23 pics too. (Its really hard getting these pics posted! Im not that technical!)

Well, there you go! Guess the pressure is really on now, best get to the gym!!

Till tomorrow

Kelv

Day 21 Same old same old

Three weeks in and things are going really good. Apart from this morning!

Woke late, must have slept through the first alarm. By the time I was up there was no way I could get to the gym, do anything remote to a decent workout and get back to go to work in time. However, it was really good to spend some time with the family in the mornings. As my journey to work is so long, during the week I done get to see much of them. So this morning was nice.

Still felt guilty not getting a workout in. Just have to be an early rest day!

Yesterdays weight went under the 133Kg mark at 132.9Kg. That felt good. Also down another hole on my belt. Am sure looks are better that weight. Really must get the nerve to do the photo thing.

Till later

Kelv

Day 19 Still Going

Seeing as the gym round is still going well, and there is not that much to add to the statement 'gym round in full', I thought I'd mention my nutrition plan this time.

Easter holidays were difficult, especially with all that chocolate about, but I did well. I still cannot believe how much I am having to eat to keep my calorie intake up over 1500. And to think of the stuff I used to eat, I could probably do the same amount in one meal as opposed to the whole day.

Thats how much I have had to change my outlook on nutrition. Im getting well into it now. I haven't had a proper cup of coffee (a favorite at work) for nearly 3 weeks. I enjoy fruit and often have a large salad with most evening meals covering about half of the plate. Fat free yogurt and rolled oats is a particularly nice snack, even if the wife insists its 'minging' and my menu is so bland!

The weight isnt dropping off as fast as I thought it would, however I am noticing big changes with how im looking. Again, the wife said I didnt look pregnant any more. A compliment, i think!

Im liking the theory that I must be putting on similar amount of muscle than loosing fat as todays weight is 132.9Kg. 2Kg off from the start. Im going to invest in one of those body fat monitors as i think that reducing body fat is key over weight, After all, if you look good, does it really matter what you weigh?

Anyway, enough for today, need my recovery (beauty) sleep. Till tomorrow

Kelv

Day 17 - Easter Hols

Easter upon us and the amount of chocolate going around is unreal. However, as my journey really ramps up I am not tempted to partake what so ever! I have surprise so may people having got this far, including myself, and this just spurn me on even more.

What can I accomplish, how will I look, how will I feel, what will people think of me, how will my body look?? All questions that will be answered over the course of time, but I cannot help but think of what the answers may be already.

Gym work is going really well. I had a rest day over the weekend and went in this morning an put an extra 5Kgs on each of the weights in order to push myself even harder. My current weights at the gym are

• Leg Press - 100Kg - 2 x 15
• Bicep pull down - 50Kg - 2x15
• Chest Press - 40Kg - 2x15
• Shoulder Press - 20Kg - 2x15

This in addition to my HIIT on the cross trainer is really making me sweat!

Getting excited about the results as you can probably tell!

Till next time

Kelv