Get Ripped~Get Strong~Live Healthy~Be Athletic & Youthful At Any Age!
Just a tad under 45 minutes early this morning, I set up the sequencing as:
Reverse Lunges, Gymnastic Ring Dips, Wide-Grip Pull-ups, Dumbbell Squats & Planks.
Rest periods were dropped further. This session was all about keeping the heart-rate up and the metabolism stoked.
My intention was to also perform some steady-state cardio (which was provided by my day job x 10.) 😀 Mission accomplished!
Tomorrow, will be a power-focused day.
In preparation/continuation of yesterday’s thoughts, I decided to “test-drive” one of the metabolic sessions that I put together for my summer project—-The Impressive Areas Circa 2018.
I had a very early morning start.
I took care of some client programming, paid a couple bills, the usual. I had to be at a client’s home for a 7;30 a.m. session, followed by another.
After a little shopping, I finally returned home, had a quick meal, and prepared for this 1st test session.
I decided on a full-body metabolic day, with the intention on keeping a fairly rapid heart-rate throughout the 45-50 minute workout.
Today I decided on this complex series:
A quad movement (20 reps), 45 seconds rest, a pushing movement (positive failure), 60 seconds rest, a vertical pull( positive failure), 60 seconds rest, a compound low-body movement (15 reps), 60 seconds rest, core-work (60 seconds.)
Then, I would rest 2 minutes before restarting.
My choice of exercises for this day:
Reverse Lunges, Gymnastic Ring Dips, Wide-Grip Pull-ups, Dumbbell Squats, Planks.
This is the exact session:
R. Lunges BWx20,20,20,20,20
Gymnastic Ring Dips BWx20,16,17,16,16
Pull-ups BWx20,13,13,12,12
D. Squats 15’sx15,15,15,15,15
Planks (push-up style) BWx60sec,60sec,60sec,60sec,60sec.
Total time was 46:52. (I have a video, but it is extremely long.) 😀
For next time I will be adding reps and/or/both weight to the lunges and the squats.
After today’s metabolic work, tomorrow will be a dedicated power/strength day.
Just about 20 years ago, I purchased, what eventually turned out to be if not my favorite, easily the top 2-3, and most influential publications I have been fortunate enough to have encountered as a lifetime natural physique enthusiast.
John McCallum’s “Complete Keys To Progress.”
The book was actually a compilation of articles published by “Strength & Health” magazine, and eventually was comprised into a systematic, progressive program by Dr. Randall Strossen PHD.
The articles were extremely well-written, with a unique flair of comedy, era epoch, and outstanding, results-producing information.
Great stuff!
In fact, if you are just getting started in this health and fitness lifestyle, and committed to being the very best you and be as a natural, you could save yourself all sorts of time, energy and cash, by just following the progressive programming that is outlined in this classic book.
At one juncture in the progression, there is programming that is focused on what John calls “The Impressive Areas.”
John deemed these “impressive areas,” The deltoids, pectorals, and abdominals.
What a great book, and these articles are pure gold!
Recently, I was reminiscing about this outstanding gem of a manual.
At the age of 47+ and with still a bit (maybe more than a bit) of a chip on my shoulder, still something to give, something to prove, I decided to go very deep into the rabbit hole.
My intention and focus for the next 30-60, possibly 90 days, is to put my unique spin on the concept of training “The Impressive Areas” circa 2018.
My focus will be slightly different from John’s.
Deltoids. Traps. Arms. Forearms. Abdominals.
This past week, I have methodically constructed what has turned out to be a training system that is certainly unconventional, but yet will hopefully deliver the vision I have.
This will be a very high frequency program, (So far, I have eight different sessions planned, that I will be performing properly scheduled, plus, intelligent interspersing of cardio/conditioning.)
I will be posting each and every session.
Stay tuned, or better yet, join me on this Summer venture!
I work a day job waiting tables. Most days are fairly predictable. If you consistently do anything for an extended time, you kind of know what the day will bring.
You can tell which days will be slow/busy/moderate. I work the same exact section Monday-Friday. You sort of know what you have in front of you based upon the day, the weather, the proximity of the year. Patterns don’t change, at least not very much.
But, every once in a while, you get a surprise. It can be negative, it can be positive. Today was positive.
I have been a huge baseball fan since 1979, in particular a Pittsburgh Pirates fan. I have seen the ’79 World Championship, I have seen 100+ loss seasons and the very dark Pittsburgh drug trial period, where even the team’s mascot was involved.
In 1986, The Pirates hired “Jim Who?” Jim Leyland, a little known minor league catcher and coach. Not much was expected.
But, in short order, he turned the downtrodden Pirates into Perennial contenders, winning the Eastern Division in 1990, 91, & 92.
This man was a huge influence on me in terms of his tenacity, his unwillingness to give up, his philosophy of showing up each and everyday, his compassion and empathy for his team, his family.
About an hour or so into my shift today, upon returning from the kitchen, from about 50 yards away, there he was. I saw him. Jim Leyland at table 62.
Most wouldn’t notice, but I couldn’t mistake him. I have probably watched tens of thousands of hours of baseball in my 47 years, and my heart skipped a beat.
“Holy Shit” that’s Leyland, I thought. For a second, I second-guessed, my eyes are not what they were even 2-3 years ago. I approached the table, with a wine sample in hand, asked if they would like to try an ounce of Moscato, and my impression was confirmed by the deep, gruff, voice. It was Leyland. “Give her one.” LOL
I shook his hand, and without a thought said “You are my favorite manager.” 
We talked about Latrobe, his wife being a native, we talked a little about baseball, I didn’t want to bother them, so I checked on them probably less than I normally would, but we exchanged pleasantries and they went on their way.
Each day we live is a gift. You never know what will happen. Sometimes when life is tough, where you feel like you are struggling, can’t seem to get on track, or possibly worse, simply going through the motions, something profound, something very personalized drops into your direct sphere of attention.
Was this a coincidence?
I’m not so sure.
