I have tried every diet and training plan out there. I've done keto diets. I've done low carb diets. I've done low fat AND low carb diets. I've tried vegetarianism, veganism and raw foodism. I've done the typical 6-meal-a-day body builder style diets. I've tried cycling my macronutrients. There's just so much out there to experiment with until you find what works for you.
Most recently, I was introduced to the world and philosophy of IF-ing, or, "intermittent fasting". Popular diets such as the warrior diet, eat-stop-eat diet are all forms of IF. Specifically however, I have been delving into the research and writings of well-known Martin Berkhan and his "leangains" approach. You can check out his blog at http://www.leangains.com/.
The premise is to fast for a 14-16 hour period, and feed for an 8-10 hour period. You typically skip breakfast (a lot of interesting research has been done on the benefits of skipping this meal), eat your largest meal post-workout with a higher amount of carbs, typically at night. You also cycle your macronutrients, eating a higher percentage of carbs on training days, and a lower percentage of carbs and higher fats on non-training days.
Along with this eating methodology, your weight training is high weight, low rep, low volume, with little to no cardio (as cardio destroys too much muscle tissue).
It has only been a short period of time that I've been following this protocol, but I can confidently say that I've definitely noticed some benefits and changes already. And as a person who normally couldn't go an hour upon waking without eating something...the idea of skipping breakfast was a difficult one to fathom, but I have been successful at it and feel great.
Check out his info, and get back to me when you're done. It's truly eye-opening and thought-provoking.
My favourite article of his is this one: http://www.leangains.com/2011/09/fuckarounditis.html. It's a hoot to read and very, very true.
Until next time, stay fit and fierce!
Friday 16 March 2012
Tuesday 13 March 2012
My Progress Thus Far...
I started hard core into the world of lifting in August of 2011.
At that time, I could barely deadlift 35 lbs/side, I couldn't jog to save my life, I didn't even know what a bench press was (well, I did, but never did one), and I could barely squat with 25lbs/side on the smith machine.
Now, my personal record is 260 lbs deadlift, I can just about bench press 135 lbs 1RM, I can jog until the day is done, and I can squat my body weight with relative ease.
I have lost 35 lbs, and reduced my BF by 10%, all in 8 months.
I look forward to this continued journey! Thanks everyone for your support!
At that time, I could barely deadlift 35 lbs/side, I couldn't jog to save my life, I didn't even know what a bench press was (well, I did, but never did one), and I could barely squat with 25lbs/side on the smith machine.
Now, my personal record is 260 lbs deadlift, I can just about bench press 135 lbs 1RM, I can jog until the day is done, and I can squat my body weight with relative ease.
I have lost 35 lbs, and reduced my BF by 10%, all in 8 months.
I look forward to this continued journey! Thanks everyone for your support!
My 260lb Deadlift
On my birthday, I decided to engage in one of my favourite activities: deadlifting! My goal was to go for a new personal record of 260 lbs. My form isn't amazing, but, I was able to lift it for certain! I will try for a new record in the next few weeks. Until then, enjoy, and stay tuned for a personal record bench press coming soon!
The First REAL Power Beauty
I am the first REAL power beauty. At least, according to "l'artiste"!
As a result of my forays on various fitness-related facebook groups and pages, I discovered this amazing fantasy artist in France whose muses are various strong, powerful fantasy-type women! Of course, I was impressed by his artwork, and wanted to join in the fun!
Below are a few of the renderings that Oliver has created in my likeness, with (from what I'm told) many more on the way, and as different characters! I find them beautiful, flattering, and above all, inspiring!!!
Please check out his Deviant Art page at: http://tarrass20020.deviantart.com/
In these portraits, I am know as the She-Hulk, or Super She-Hulk!
Enjoy!
As a result of my forays on various fitness-related facebook groups and pages, I discovered this amazing fantasy artist in France whose muses are various strong, powerful fantasy-type women! Of course, I was impressed by his artwork, and wanted to join in the fun!
Below are a few of the renderings that Oliver has created in my likeness, with (from what I'm told) many more on the way, and as different characters! I find them beautiful, flattering, and above all, inspiring!!!
Please check out his Deviant Art page at: http://tarrass20020.deviantart.com/
In these portraits, I am know as the She-Hulk, or Super She-Hulk!
Enjoy!
Welcome
As many of you are aware, I have jumped hook, line and sinker into the wonderful but incredibly 'grey' world of body building and powerlifting. At this point, I am venturing into the territory more so for personal gratification, as opposed to competition, however I haven't completely shut out the idea.
I have been doing this since July of 2011, and have experimented, learned, made mistakes, made great gains, and all in all, learned a lot of stuff.
And so, on this meandering journey, I have decided to start documenting my experiences in hopes that it serves as a benchmark for future progress, and perhaps a bit of inspiration.
Thank you for joining me on my 'iron rose' journey.
I have been doing this since July of 2011, and have experimented, learned, made mistakes, made great gains, and all in all, learned a lot of stuff.
And so, on this meandering journey, I have decided to start documenting my experiences in hopes that it serves as a benchmark for future progress, and perhaps a bit of inspiration.
Thank you for joining me on my 'iron rose' journey.
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