Back in the saddle

[arpeejay]

In many ways 2011 was a great year for me (among other things, Naoyuki and I got legally married in October!) but in terms of gym it totally sucked. I probably averaged two trips to the gym -- per month! -- and in addition to the usual sagging here and bulging there I experienced a really significant erosion in upper body strength!

Why? I wish I had a legitimate excuse but it really all came down to "distractions," my lifelong stumbling block:

-- Commuting back and both between East Amherst and Oneonta / Cooperstown from January to May.

-- Major trips (dog show in Oklahoma, daughter's college graduation, Alaska cruise, a week helping Naoyuki's parents sort out their house before moving back to Japan after 28 years in the States...)

-- Two skin cancer removals (one minor, one somewhat involved...)

-- Six months of home improvements!

And, last but not least, coming down with the flu -- which lasted five weeks! -- on our visit (early December) to San Antonio.

As of this week I'm back in the gym and I've had great workouts four days in a row. The plan is to keep it up through the end of this coming week and start up again just as soon as we're back from the next cruise (our 10th together!)

Right now I'm alternating a full-body workout (back, chest, legs) one day with 35 minutes of cardio plus arms and traps (my perennial weak points) the next.

Will I get it back? You betcha!

When I started working out with Josh, our personal trainer in Buffalo, it had been SIX years (since Jeremy, my first husband, passed away) since I'd been in the gym on a regular basis. I was 49 and told him I wanted to be in the best shape of my life by age 50. I wasn't by age 50 but I think it's fair to say I was by the end of 2010 (a few months shy of 53.)

I learned an amazing amount from him. I plan to put it to good use in the coming year!

I'll try to post some "where I'm starting" pix in the next week or so. Here's where I was at the end of 2010:

http://www.bigmuscle.com/~arpeejay

I don't think it's random that my mini-breakthrough with respect to writer's block has coincided with my return to the gym. For the love of God, PLEASE don't ever let me take off another year!

xoxo

Richard

[bulkybud]

I have no doubt you will get it back. With your experience, know-how, and resources? Let the others in the gym watch out!

bulkybud

[arpeejay]

Many thanks, o studly Bulkybud! I appreciate the vote of confidence!

xoxo

Richard

[raven79]

Richard, you will come back stronger than you were before, I guarantee it!

Life can get in the way of everything, but you can still succeed in the gym!

Are you still associated with Josh? It sounds like his was your biggest inspiration.

[arpeejay]

We moved to Oneonta, NY (250 east of Buffalo) in May 2011 so I no longer have a personal trainer. Maybe someday I'll find another Josh but it probably won't be here!

xoxo

Richard

[inm]

Muscle Memory is real, Richard! train and eat smart (Leucine is great for us older folks), and you'll return to said shape!

[arpeejay]

Here are the before pix, taken with the past hour (Saturday morning, January 28, 2012...)

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...3&l=344cd3a193

It's a public link so it ought to be accessible to anyone.

xoxo

Richard

[hulkoutlvr]

As I predicted, you look as thick, handsome, and hot as ever! Woof!

Originally Posted by arpeejay

Here are the before pix, taken with the past hour (Saturday morning, January 28, 2012...)

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...3&l=344cd3a193

It's a public link so it ought to be accessible to anyone.

xoxo

Richard

[Ragetiger]

Originally Posted by arpeejay

Here are the before pix, taken with the past hour (Saturday morning, January 28, 2012...)

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...3&l=344cd3a193

It's a public link so it ought to be accessible to anyone.

xoxo

Richard

I'm already drooling at what the after shots might look like.

[1bigwoof]

Good luck, Richard....I know how difficult it can be to manage lifting, work, family, and financial pressures. You've always been such a good influence on the forum. I hope you will take it slow and steady in the upcoming year and begin recreating that bod you've always wanted.

[raven79]

Really Richard? This is the way you look right now? In six months, you will be surprised by the way people look at you. You actually look thinner to me than you did a couple of years ago. I can't wait to see your progress this year.

[arpeejay]

Quick update:

This afternoon I did my 10th workout in 11 days. Basically I've been doing 30 minutes of cardio plus arms and back (2 days per week) and 5 minutes of cardio plus two body parts (chest and legs, chest and back, back and legs) three days a week.

So far so good. I feel stronger and harder than I did 10 days. Also, I wasn't sure whether I was gaining weight, losing weight, or staying the same (which at this point I think would be a good thing since I'm trying to regain strength.) A week ago Tuesday I was 217 lbs.; this afternoon I was 217.5 lbs.! Cool beans!

Tomorrow Naoyuki and I are headed to Miami for two nights, then a 5-night cruise to Roatan (Honduras), Cozumel, and then back to Miami. I always find working out while traveling to be a challenge (shore days are too busy, sea days the gym is too crowded) but I'm going to try to get in three workouts while I'm gone. I'll let you know when we get back!

xoxo

Richard

[raven79]

I think cruise ships have gyms don't they? Considering all the stops your making, finding time to work out won't be easy because you will be checking out all the places. Don't worry too much about though!

[Jim USA]

A cruise is a great way to go. Yes, the gym is crowded, so you just take your time or go at off times. You are, after all, on vacation. The best part is the food. The healthy food is just as plentiful as the crap. I actually lost a few pounds on a seven day cruise with daily workouts and plenty of good food. Good luck. Enjoy.