You can't change an old picture..but you can do something about it!

Seeing an old group picture with friends and coworkers once again was an eye popping experience for me - they always will be because you can't ever change a picture. They're like permanent memories of what once was.

There was a photo taken back in 1998 and one in 2004...I can't believe I actually looked like that (although I really could).

Looking back it almost puts a tear in my eye again...

I'll say within a span of 10 years from 1997-2007 - I was at my worst weights ever - before this weight issue became uncontrolled, I was hovering around the 145-155 lb weight class since my high school days through college. I was lean (not cut)...but I was into athletics back then so I was always in shape.

But when I got older, finally landed a real job...making my own money...doing my own thing --- Man, I was pretty big and unhealthy!!! My face looked like a hot air balloon ready to burst open...my arms were flab - and obviously was the biggest guy in every picture I have in our albums of friends and family.

Some co workers who have never seen me that overweight can't believe...but I can. And anyone else who believes in themselves that they can make a personal change for the better, will agree. You can't change the past...but you can always change the present - if you really want to.

Nothing ever too late to do something about it.

Pull ups and an Interesting Story

Here's an interesting story to share...

Was at nurse training last week and a female co-worker happened to be seated right behind me started flirtishly poking me like a Pillsbury Dough Boy, rubbing the left side of my back and patting my shoulders. "Hey Andy...you've been working out haven't you. Nice back. Love it." I blushed with a simple "thank you".

Honestly, I think my back isn't as "hot" as I thought it once was.

Reason being: I haven't been really working on 'em as much as I used to.

So now, I've made a 12 week commitment to get my real back BACK! So that's my intention: 15 or more hang dead pull ups by the end of 12 weeks.

Been on a lean out seriously for about a month now. Lost a total of 6 lbs so far. But I realize I need to lose alot more. I was tossing up between a higher jump or a stronger back - either which way - I need to drop a little.

So today, for the fun of it. I cranked out 6 good ones with good form. Should have did more. But I'll keep it at 6 and work from there.

Here's a cool video from a good online friend, Mark from mbodystrength. Check it out, it's crazy...



Here we go!!!!

Essentials for an Effective Home Gym

If you like working out at home, you got to have some pieces of equipment to make your workouts fun, safe and efficient. As I got better and well versed, I came to the conclusion that I must have these essentials to keep my home gym workouts much like a commercial gym without the necessary bullshit that you see in these type of gyms. I've had my best workouts at home.

So overtime I have invested in plenty...here are a few tools and why I use them:



1) Weight vest - Do you like body weight but the exercises get too easy? I do. Get a Weight vest for added intensity. If it's too heavy you can remove weight to your liking and add as you get stronger. They are probably the best investment to make bodyweight exercises even more challenging.



2) Kettlebells - want to save your knees from all that running? Get a kettlebell. they are way more superior towards conditioning than running is (if you hate running alot). Plus tossing weight in limited space and time - kettlebells are perfect for a full body workout.





3) Floor Mats - Unless you like hardsurfaces to do bw exercises, you got to have these. they are excellent tools for yoga and bodyweight circuits. I have the interlock ones and a yoga mat. Must have!



4) A Foam roller - many people overestimate the strength of their legs until they realize that their knees overtime get all bent out of shape. Don't be like me! Get yourself some self therapy and start to foam roll! You'll thank me later...



5) an MP3 player - I have 3 different kinds of ipods. If you want to crank the music up but don't want to wake up the kids or your neighbors - get yourself an mp3 player.



Other essentials would be a storage/rack for your plates, some bands and some medicine balls of various sizes and your set.

~ Andy

New Month...New Workout...New Focus

New month...new workout. New focus.

Time to hit this thing right tomorrow, baby.

What's This?

Something's wrong with this picture.

Sup guys...happy May to everyone. Haven't been blogging much but still committed to a healthy lifestyle nonetheless. Just haven't found much time to keep the blog updated with so many other things to keep myself occupied with.

Again..still committed. Still going strong.

But what the hell is this guy doing???