My ramblings, the endless journey

Well, I guess it is time to journal here. my training is taking a bit of a shift, so while I record every lift on paper at home, I think I am going to  need a place to vent publicly.

WARNING: I'm am going to piss and moan, probably quite a bit, if you don't want to read my pissing and moaning, then find yourself another thread.

I am on my off week right now, but I have started my Kung Fu class (they spell it with a K rather than a G, where I go, so that is what I am going to do) . Than Vo Dao, is one of the 3 names this style goes by.

This is supposed to be my new cardio...  in addition to flexibility, speed, balance,  power, and general  whoopass  training.

2 classes in and the previously known factor, is painfully evident, I can't dance.

Todays debate is if I should go again tonight or wait and go tomorrow. I guess if my friend (9 years doing this), manages to make it today, I'll go. It is really helpful having him around, although I take away from his training. If he can not make it, than I guess I will probably go tomorrow night by myself. Then I only have 2 days to forget what I have learned before I go back on Monday.

Damn I am supposed to practice on my own, but if I don't remember the forms, I think I would just be reinforcing incorrect movements, that can not be helpful.

I need to figure out a stratagey for remembering the steps and postures. If I unfocus, I can do quite ok, I can follow who is instructing me, but when I really try to concentrate, my brain starts yammering, I'm flopping all over the place.

I really need to plan my routine for Sunday, back to the weights. NROL hypertrophy 2. I need to pick my substitutions, and plan the weight i am going to start off with. I think I actually get to do three day split this time, it's been awhile, I think I am do for that type of change, I am weary from the last 4 NROL routines, and I think just a bout every other routine I have done from there i was a 2 day split, done 3 times a week. I am hoping that the weight work is going to be a no brainer this time around, with no lingering issues, so I can just concentrate for a little while on getting the Kung Fu down.

well, third Kung Fu class down.

I freekin suck! I swear this is the hardest thing I have ever tried to do. I nearly broke a sweat today so that is progress, I guess.  Buddy John wasn't there so it was my first class without him there. It was a good thing to do, so I don''t feel like I am using him as a crutch. It was also good to have someone else teach me. I had 3 trainers today. Master Phan worked with me for a good long while. I really like that little vietnamese guy.

I looked over H2 and it is really basic and static, so I think that will work out fine for me, while i am trying to absorb the Kung Fu. My big concern is the low rep ranges, heavy weight. And when things get real heavy I have trouble in me home gym. but no squats fro the next 8 weeks, so that is a trickey one I don't hae to think about, bench is going to be a problem though.

So, stomach issues Sat night through Sunday. Puked and everything. Hardley ate Sunday a little light on food today as well.

It's Monday, still don't feel great. Sucks, yesterday was suposed to be first day back to weights. Needless to say I skipped. So I'll just push it all back one day, no biggy. Kung Fu tonight. I won't skip, unless  vomit again, but while I am not up to par today, I don't think my lunch is coming back for a visit.

Weights tomorrow, I tried to get 20 Lb plates on Saturday, but odels was out, I picked up 2 more 10's# but that is really not going to do the trip,I should check out the other more exspensive place. I am going to need them.

Ok 4 th class down, I feel better about the whole thing. I stayed in forms almost til the begining of sparing, and someone who had a class or two on me got pulled out wayyy before i did ! I even finally broke a honest to goodness sweat! I am sore and everything today. A different kind of soreness than with weights, it is deeper.

Tonight, weights, I am better, the stomach thing made the rounds through my office at work. My boss, the adm assistant, and myself  all spent Saturday night  vomiting, so it wasn't just me.

I AM SO EXCITED TO BE, JUST A MEATHEAD TONIGHT!

No dancing, just pick up heavy thing put down heavy thing repeat .

AHHHH! Killed it yesterday. The rest did me right. Went a little to heavy on benck, maybe a little light on the rows, Dip (for sure to light on the dip,) and palm in incline bench but there is room to move, and I didn't want to over do first day back, and at the heaviest (sort of ), weight I have done in a while, actualy the rows at revese grip are a best for me, and I think the bench is close if not a best.

I have never been so happy to be back to my weights.

H2 NROL
6 X 3 everything (cept, abs) super sets full rest at 90 secs. Dips and abs straight sets

Barbell reverse Grip Bent over row 87#
Dumbbell bench 45's # (90# total )
1 arm row 55#
Dumbbell incline bench 25's # (50# total - probably too light)
Bench Dip 15 # (too light)
swiss ball crunch 3 X 12 @ 60 sec rest, 25#

felt goooood! meatheadded happiness

Kung Fu tonight, I don't have the feeling of confidance I had on Monday, the forms are all mixed up in my head. I think I am going to work extra hard on foot work today, we shall, see. I don't expect such positive out come today.

Class last night  =

Last night legs. First time I have ever had a leg day with out squats. So for 8 weeks and eight weeks only no squats, kinda of exciting. This is as heavy as I can go.

5 x 6 90 sec rest

snatch grip deadlifts 147 # X 6 (mixed grip last 2 sets)

super set
lunges 35's # X 6 first 2 sets 30's # X 6 last 3, grip failed

step-ups 35's# x6 first 2 sets 30's # x 6 last 3 , grip failed

lying leg raises (full extension), 3 X 12 3# lbs each leg 60 sec rest.

I really hope tonights class goes better. I have a better stragey, and I know where some things went wrong. I hope have a better teacher today, and who ever it is can not ditch me half way though again, like last time. I can not have another class like Wednesdays.

Ok, so Friday's class was much better, ok not much but definate improvement to Wednesday's catastrophies. I was warned for the second time about the guy who was helping me on Wednesday.

I need to write down the postures, fists, movements and stances.

That might be helpful.

I  think I will ask John, for the tapes of his tests, at least then I can reveiw and watch the application and forms. 

I swear I need like the old fasioned foot prints on the floor and diagrams so that I can follow like I'm learning a dance.

Saturday weight H2 work 3


3 X 12 all and 60 seconds rest.
super sets

close grip chin ups assisted 2 leg X 12

Barbell shoulder press 52# X 12

_
wide grip pull up assisted 2 leg X 12

Edit
Arnolds 20's # (40# total) X 12 ( 3 rd set to  only 10, mistake!)
_

Towel bicep curl 2 arms together (very weird, and i did not like them, might switch to a ususal curl) 15# (30# total) X 12
_

Upper body russian Twist 15 # X 12

it was an easy lifting day, except the chins and pull, which I truely suck at. And could not have done more weight if I had tried.

Class is better!  The thai Chi lady was my buddy, she moves Slow when she wants to, good teacher!

I remembered much more and remembered a whole pattern, begining to end when I got home last night. I even remember it this morning . One of the tiger forms, I like the kitty style, monkey and bird forms on the other hand much more trickey. But i ma getting there! In about 7 years I might have a clue.

Haha all the talk of kitties and tigers and monkeys sounds odd to someone who doesn't do kung fu.


Oh and what's this grip failed crap. Get some straps woman!

5'6" 125/ Bench: 115 / Front squat: 90 / Deadlift: 205 / Pullups: 10

Do you know what is funnier, me making the animal noises in my head when i am going through the forms,

meow (step to fight stance, 1 arm tiger claw clear), meow (step upper stance, 1 arm tiger claw clear), MEOW ( 2 arm tiger claw  strike), same patter other leg start; meow, meow, MEOW, walk out to fight stance + straight punch, walk to fight stance + straight punch, tripple fist: punch, back fist, punch; step to fight stance triple fist other hand start: punch, back fist, punch; Ohohoh (monkey low pose,)

ROLF, that is the form I remember!

Since I am not a true body builder, and am more concerned about practical strength, I don't strap, I don't want to encourage my strength to be disproportionate, I'm overly patient, they'll catch up. (and in all honesty I don't think my left leg would have made it to the end of the step ups, either,  with the 35 lb dumbbells, my right would have though. So that is another dispoportion that I would have been encouraging.

Since I am not a true body builder, and am more concerned about practical strength, I don't strap

You would be surprised how much they help, Not only that but you will feel like you got a better work out. Try them before making up your mind

If I didn't have wrist straps I wouldn't be doing anything more then 100lb dumbells on the dumbell rows.. When you stop worrying about grasping onto the bar so much you may also notice an improvement in form.

Hey who am I to talk you into it though

Your forearms are a tiny muscle group, and are not supposed to be as strong as much larger muscle groups like the muscles of the back or legs. You hold your other muscle groups back by forcing them to wait for a much smaller muscle group to "catch up". Only use the straps on your heaviest sets and your forarms will still grow while allowing your larger groups to perform at heavier weights and continue to progress. Straps have a bad reputation among some bodybuilding groups because of some people using them too often but there's no reason not to use straps on your heaviest sets.

5'6" 125/ Bench: 115 / Front squat: 90 / Deadlift: 205 / Pullups: 10

H2 NROL
2 x 25 everything (cept, abs) super sets full rest at 30 secs. Dips and abs straight sets
Big mistakes last night, I figured out all the weight wrong, I hate 25 rep days , over estimated myself, had to change weights, down.

I might need to edit, I think i droped weight after 1st set somewhere, and I forgot to bring my log.

Barbell reverse Grip Bent over row 72# X 23 (had to stop half way throught, take a breather then could squeeze out another 8 or so before i quit) 67 X 24 didn't stop but that first set wiped me!
Dumbbell bench 30's # (60# total )X 25
1 arm row 35# X 25
Dumbbell incline bench15's # (30# total - probably too light) X 25
Bench Dip BW (man, I can't do 25 bench dips in a straight row I got the two sets in but I had to break them up a little to get all the 50 total reps
swiss ball crunch 3 X 12 @ 60 sec rest, 25#


For as quick as it was that was rough , hoaray again NROL made me puke a little in my mouth!

I hear you guys IBB and ripped I will take that into consideration. Tomorrow I have 3 x6 on legs, so I'll get a good idea how my grip fares on the heaviest weights.

It's just that straps don't translate to my real life. When I am moving, things around my building no one is strapping them to my hands, and I do understand where your both coming form and the theories behind the use of straps on your heaviest lifts.... but, it is just counter intuitive to me. We will see how I feel after tomorrow.

On the kung fu front played around on my own a little with the forms, and talked with john, my friend who got me started there. Feel pretty excited about going tonight, and John will actually be there on Friday I believe, so he claims. That is good, he be able to tell me how I have progressed. I sparred for the first time on monday with Thai Chi lady (she beboped and skatted all over my ass, to show me where I was wrong). So hope to make it to sparring to night, and the forms are becoming much more fun. I was screwing around with the boyfreind last night, and I actually had made some good choices, when it came to blockin gleding and binding my oppponant.

Wednesdays seem to be a bad day for me.

You know, I think I have a grasp on something, and then poof it's gone.

Thia Chi lady (wendy) helped me a bit, but i think she needs to leave me alone a bit, great first I don't want to be ababndoned, and then I don't want help.. Nah, it is not lie that, but I am noticing that when someone else counts for me and re calls the call, I don't internalise, I mimick. I am a good visual learner, and I can copy with out understanding , and I ned to understand, otherwise I am never going to advance.

hopefully John will be there, on Friday, because I can talk back to him and he'll know how to take it, rather than thinking it's me just being  difficult or stubborn. Which I have not been. I am just trying to not talk back, and accept all the advice i am given, and try to use it. But, I thin, maybe, i have a grasp on how I am going to learn this.???!~??!@?

Sparred with a red sash, someone I don't know, even that was painfully difficult, I guess I got somewhere in the end.

I still feel bad that I in efffect ruin other peoples class, because I need help, and hold them back. But this is a traditional Chinese form, and it is taught in the traditional Chinese way, begginer anto expert in the same class. The teacher learns from the student the student learns from the teacher.

Hey, we're looking at a Kung Fu class here where I live....  I'm hoping we'll join.  That's be me, the hubby and our 11 yr old daughter.  He's a black belt in Tae Kwon Do from years ago.  I took it briefly.  I'm soo looking forward and I hope our class checks out.  he wants to make sure it's not just physical but educate students on the mental and philisophical aspects as well.
 
Good luck w/ your class!

Sleep, eat, workout....repeat as needed.


Short term goal: 15%
Currently: 14.5%
Starting: 17.8%
Goal met!

hardway you crack me up.

5'6" 125/ Bench: 115 / Front squat: 90 / Deadlift: 205 / Pullups: 10

What the spellings and typos??

Or am I just amusing, or sad in funny way??

Thanks TheWFH

Hey, we're looking at a Kung Fu class here where I live....  I'm hoping we'll join.  That's be me, the hubby and our 11 yr old daughter.  He's a black belt in Tae Kwon Do from years ago.  I took it briefly.  I'm soo looking forward and I hope our class checks out.  he wants to make sure it's not just physical but educate students on the mental and philisophical aspects as well.

I hope it does too. Yeah, I really wanted the mental and philosophical aspect as well, not just the fight skill. Mine is deep with in those traditions, there is another class you have to be invited into after around a year, that is the total internal discipline, we get some in forms, but there is a whole nother side. It's called spirit fist, all of our "red sash" guys have reached mastry in spirit, it takes a mimimum of 7-8 years up to like 14 years, depending on you...

Funny I am philosophical, but an atheist, and our spirit class is decidedly Taoist. While I am at odds with the oogy boogy mysticism interagal to that side of this art, if I'm not invited in , I just won't be able to live with myself (slightly over dramatic, for effect). Isn't that f'ed up?

3 X 6 60 sec rest

snatch grip deadlifts 157 # X 3 (mixed grip last 2 sets)

super set
lunges 35's # X 3

step-ups 35's# x 3

lying leg raises (full extension), 3 X 12 3# lbs each leg 60 sec rest.

Fine and dandy, I love a leg day with out squats and all about deads.

I am falling into a terrible pattern although on that is predictable for me, not even pulling the weights out til after 8 o clock, and then not hittineing them till 9 or later.. I hate when I do that, but it happens way to often.


We shall see what happens at class tonight......

AHHH, I just realised something.

I know a couple month ago I stated somewhere on this site that I want ed to rep in the 150's on deads this year, and while I only did a 3 X 6 I certainly was repping in the 150's, and I checked the scale last night and I am at 155 # sio that is 2 pounds over my body weight. While these are not iimpressive numbers by any strech of the imagination, I don't feel that is too bad.

Good job deadlifting your bodyweight! Now go for 125% then 150% 150% was as far as I got.

5'6" 125/ Bench: 115 / Front squat: 90 / Deadlift: 205 / Pullups: 10

Friday, class. After much embarrasment and help, I have the whole Tiger form down. It all hinges on my not doing things with the rest of the group I need to be pulled out. I am too good of a mimick, but I don't retain. I found several other people in this scholl that I know or remember me. It is weird, Philly is small, but not like this..

Saturday sick, I don't know what is wrong with me 3 times this year I have been very sick, I usually don't get really sick once a year.


So moved Sat to Sunday,  I took it easy still was feeling real bad
5 X 6 all and 90 seconds rest.
super sets

close grip chin ups assisted 5X 6  full negitives 3X6 1 leg assist 

Barbell shoulder press 57# X 6

_
wide grip pull up assisted 5 X 6 1 leg assist (not even a neg happening


Arnolds 25's # (50# total) X 6
_

Towel bicep curl 2 arms together (very weird, and i did not like them, might switch to a ususal curl) Did hammers instead, and I think that will be the sub,

25# X 6
_

Upper body russian Twist 20 # X 12

Monday CALLED OUT OF WORK!!! Skipped class.

I have a lot of days to jig this way and that way to make my work outs back on track. There is going to have to be a doulble, class and lift night. I don't like how this is going.

h and thanks Ripped for the encouragement, deadlift 150% of my B weight is certainly a goal, and it will take a little time, I like projects .

Class yesterday, went ok. No crisis.

 I have noticed soreness in my ligamnets and tendons, I am loosening up at an alarming rate.

It  is a little unnerving, because everything feels almost weak, there is much more play in my joints, That was certainly one of my goals, and when I lift everything locks into position, like storm troopers, so I am not worried about negitive effects in the weight room, I think it is just because I have become aware enough about it to really feel the differance.

I also noticed really specific muscle groups that are sore after my class, ones that I am also not aware of when I lift. Alot of the muscles involved in pulling the shoulders back. the posture muscles if you will. ANd my fingers and one specific forarm muscle, hurt to from the different fist postures.

So I guess stuff is happening.
This Morning
H2 NROL
3 X 12 everything (cept, abs) super sets full rest at 60 secs. Dips and abs straight sets

Barbell reverse Grip Bent over row 77# X 12
Dumbbell bench 35's # (70# total ) x 12
1 arm row 40# x12
Dumbbell incline bench 20's # (40# total )
Bench Dip B weight X12
swiss ball crunch 3 X 12 @ 60 sec rest, 30#

Ok class last night was FUN. I am getting there. I still am an incompetant puddle of uncordinated mess, BUT, I am getting it. It is sticking, and spraring is becoming fun. My last night partner was really theatrical about taking the puches, blocks and kick. It was helpful, because It gave me a better idea why I am doing what I am doing when they react. He told me my blocking was good, and my instincts are good too. The mistakes I made would have been good choices in an actual fight. YEA!

I ALSO GOT TO SEE THE FIGHT NIGHT. I came early because I thought Thursday night class started at 6 but it was 7. 6 o'clock, is open sparring, OMG sooo cool. There were only 6 or 8 guys there some very long standing students, some 3 years in, all f'in faught. I saw 2 guys get hurt, and it wasn't forms sparring where your practice your forms, against an oppunant, but a free for all fight. The really practical application. MAN my form is no joke!

In a couple years I HAVE to do that, It looked way to much like fu, although actually rather dangerous.

Last night kung Fu, I finally began being taught in earnest on tiger form. I'm still slow.

I will say out of the new people I am in the best condition, which makes almost no sense. The newbies all seem generally fit, to rather fit. I am not sure if I am doing things wrong or something, because i can handle the intensity much easier then they can????

This morning
2 x 25 30 sec rest

snatch grip deadlifts 117 # X 25, 1 set  X 20  last  (too heavy, and had to do them breathing, I paused several times and had to breath once or 3 times, in order to continue, totally crapped out on the second set at 20 , nothing else was going to be possible
super set
lunges 15's # X 25
step-ups 15's# x25

lying leg raises (full extension), 3 X 12 3# lbs each leg 60 sec rest. I should have added more weight, I didn't even think about it.

I HURT, BAD. ANd I have a long night of serious labor ahead of me.

It sucks extra hard too,, I have to lift tomorrow, which should be my off day in order to catch up to where i am supposed to be, thanks to my illnesses and meetings, and all around  bad work schedule this week BOOOOOO.

Looking good! couple questions.

What are you weighing these days?
Does your bar weigh 47lbs because your bb numbers look odd?

I remember starting mma and muscles in my hands and wrists being sore just from holding my fist tight for so long. Good to see the kung fu working out for you!

5'6" 125/ Bench: 115 / Front squat: 90 / Deadlift: 205 / Pullups: 10

17 pounds for the barbell, yeah it is weird, but I weighed it and that is what it said, and the package implied. It's a girly bar , I don't have room for a real one.

I am still at a solid 155 at last reading, I only weigh myself once a month, max. Yeah I am weak for my weight, and experiance.

I know my numbers are light for my weight. And I have leaned up some, more muscle less fat, but the scale stays samish. But the pants are loose. ANd above all else I believe my tight jeans the first day out of the laundry, and they ain't tight. So as slowly as I go, at least I go.


On a side line thursday night fights, have not gotten out of my head. In 2 - 3 years I really want to be good enough to free spar with the boyos. It just looked like so much dangerous fun!

hey I didn't say anything about you being weak for your weight. You're doing really well!

5'6" 125/ Bench: 115 / Front squat: 90 / Deadlift: 205 / Pullups: 10

Sorry ripped I was projecting, I feel I should be stronger than I am.

Anyway I figures the moth I decide to publicly journal my workouts, is the monthy I have never been sicker!

It did not help that I worked from 4 pm -6 am on Friday night. Any ideas of lifting 2 days in a row, blew up in my face on Sunday, slept til 3 (kinda short since I went to bed at 8 am), woke up felling like ASS. Had to run erands, and then go back out cause I left something in a store. Felt worse through out the day and started to lose my voice. Chest congestion that wuld not budge, for a second I was starting to worry I had walking pnemonia! I was supposed to testify in court on Monday, I had to go to bed at a reasonable hour.

Monday WORSE!!! ARGHHH! I had to go into work eventhough it was supposed to be my day off because of this lawsuit, I had to wait to be called. Almost totally lost my voice,  and I did not have to testify anyway, a nonsuit was declared, stupid b- and here frivolous trip and fall lawsuit against a church and a daycare center.

Went home though I would go to kung fu, not happening, thought well, at least I'll lift try to get that back on track, yeah right. Finally got good sleep, was in bed at 10:30 asleep by 10:45, first full noghts sleep in a week without coughing, sputtering or other issues waking me from my slumber.

Woke up today feeling much better! No where near 100% but better none the less.

So 2 workouts missed, and some crap food eaten , if my upswing is truely an upswing, I should be back on some sort of track.

 If I crap out again I'll  go to  the Doctor, and see if anti's are actually needed.

Kung Fu tonight, oh let us see what I have forgotten........