The Curb

Due to Marios persistent encouragement, I have decided that I have no choice but to restrict my diet if I actually want to notice any marked improvement in my bodybuilding goals. I started yesterday, and it was more challenging than I had anticipated. My goal was 1500 calories for the day, yet I had already consumed over 1200 just by the early afternoon. By the end of the day I was hovering around 2000. When your calories are restricted you realize that you must make them count, empty calories become the enemy. My usual pre-breakfast snack of soda and 4 slices of toast was already 435 calories, which I would then add cinnamon rolls, Little Debbie snacks, pie or Gummy Bears to. This morning I was diligent and managed to have a full breakfast of 500 calories, which was a turkey and chicken sandwich along with some yogurt. I can tell this diet will be no small effort.

Well, it seems I've become side tracked by important yet menial tasks again. However, I just might be able to make it to the gym early tomorrow morning.

The Bowflex and I parted ways late last year due to personality conflicts. After a brief fling with the local gym I think I have found a new home at the facilities located at the University of Houston Downtown. A co-worker of mine, Mario, inspired me to put forth a decent effort to get into shape. I met the idea with a lukewarm reception, but now fifteen pounds lighter, I may be in for this a little while longer. Of course not being able to eat for almost a week due to dental surgery may have sped up the weight loss progress. Nevertheless, now I'm somewhat committed to the idea of attaining the slender physique of my youth. I have been slowly substituting all the junk I used to eat for protein shakes. One of the hardest things is not drinking my usual 2 liters of soda each day.

I recently acquired a Bowflex Pro for free. This should mean more progress towards my weightloss goals but so far, I just have less space in my house. Even though it has a small footprint, its not good decor for the living room. I'll have to see how useful this proves to be.

After a long absence from the fitness scene I sense the need to return to lose some much un-needed weight. I used to study body building quite a bit and was inspired at an early age to gain muscle. For any one interested in the field I think a great book to get you started is Arnold Schwarzenegger's Encyclopedia of Modern Body Building. I first read it back in 1991 and has been a treasured part of my book collection. I find it inspiring that Arnold Schwarzenegger still takes time out of his busy governers schedule to address fitness issues. Here is a link to one of his recent Podcasts on the subject.

Well, I haven't been able to allocate as much time as I'd like for working out. Although I have begun a regular jogging schedule at the local park. Unfortunately though a weeklong series of torrential downpours has been an obstacle to my program. One of the main purposes of this section is to hopefully provide a source of inspiration to others who hope to attain a great fitness. I will be keeping a list of my muscle measurents and jogging times on the website in order to track my progress.