My Strength Journey
It’s been a long journey since I picked up my first barbell at 14 years old in 1988. Since then I have gained almost 100 pounds of lean muscle, played college football, semi pro football in Europe, got certified as a strength/ fitness coach and am now a competitive amateur bodybuilder.
During these last 21 years my training philosophies have changed from being on a one dimensional bodybuilding style program to now being a multi-dimensional mix between bodybuilding, power lifting, strong man, and functional training. I only used to use Barbells, Dumbbells and some machines in my program, and now along with them, I use kettlebells, sandbags, tires, sleds, sledge hammers, and tow straps. And my body is thanking me for the change.
You have to think in the long term when it comes to your health and fitness, and that’s what my programs of today do. I have suffered through my share of injuries and most of them caused from overuse and imbalances in my body. Training through the pain instead of around it and fixing the root of theproblem.
Check out this video below and see my new style of training!
Your body is like your car, it needs tune-ups, and to be fed the right fuel to operate at maximal efficiency. You need to give it proper rest and use recovery methods such as massage, and do your flexibility and mobility work. Instead of working through the pain and hoping it goes away, find the source and fix it and stay away form movements that aggravate it until fixed!
I have also changed my nutritional habits to eating a more clean and healthy diet instead of eating anything I could get my hands on. I focus on the quality of calories and not the amount of calories. I drink more water. Take quality supplements like, multivitamins, and Essential Fatty acids daily.
How has your training changed through the years? Or if your new to the game what style do you use?
Whatever the style, just remember that to be consistent and have patience when it comes to your gains and reaching your goals.
Do it the right way the first time and reap the benefits for a lifetime!
Leave your comments below please. Thanks!
Think. Look and Be Strong!
This post has 3 comments
August 31st, 2009
I have noticed since getting older nutritional habits are tha hardest to change.I just recently decided to change my work outs. I started to run again and Im going for a leaner look. My end goal is to be the weight I was when I left the Corps, but with the strength I have now. I liked the video it gave me some great ideas.
September 1st, 2009
Love the video, it gave me some great ideas. I recently changed my workout and Im finding that my nutritional habits are hard to change. I’m going for a more leaner look, but I do not want to lose strength. Seems to be a catch 22 in a way. I guess only time will tell.
September 4th, 2009
Yo! Tommy T!! I am at the end of week 2 of Crossfit. An affiliate opened up down the street from me so I can even run/bike there when i am feeling extra saucy… Renewed my passion for mountain biking this summer so I my weekly splits look like this. M/W/F Crossfit & Tue/Thur bike rides. You wont recognize me at the reunion!!! Semper Fi.