TiberiusNightrise Levels Up Many Exercises (The Year of Running Light, Part 4)

[TiberiusNightrise]

And we're back with another challenge from our fine sponsors.

 

During this challenge, looking at my workout records, I will level up a lot of the exercises I am currently doing. A few months ago, I set up a level hierarchy for the body weight exercises I've been doing. So far, for most of them, I'm still on level one, except for leg exercises, where I'm at level 2. But for most of my level 1 exercises, I'm very close to my "magic numbers" of reps and sets (12 reps per set).

 

And that's just one part of my challenge. Here's what I hope to accomplish this go-round.

 

Goal 1: Fitness: Level up many exercises +3 STR, +1 DEX, +2 STA

Here I'll list my current exercises and the ones I'll graduate to. I plan on keeping this updated throughout the challenge so people will know where I'm at. If I'm able to level up 4 exercises, I will give myself full marks. If not, I will scale attribute points accordingly. There are some in this list that I know I won't advance in (both types of planks), but I'll list them here anyways as added motivation. Also, you'll notice that I still have assisted pull ups on the list, even though I got my pull up in last challenge. This is because I want to be consistent and graduate my way fully off of these, continuing to build strength. For this reason, I'll also continue to rock the negative pull ups.

LEVEL UP PROGRESS: 50%

• Pushups (Level 1) --> Decline Pushups (Level 2)
• Diamond Pushups (Level 1) --> Pike/Jackknife Pushups (Level 2)
• Assisted Pull ups (Level 1) --> Chin ups/Pull ups (Level 2)
• Assisted Pistol Squats (Level 2) --> Pistol Squats (Level 3)
• Squat/Lunge Combo (Level 2) --> Bulgarian Split Squats (Level 3)
• Side Planks (Level 1) --> Knees to Elbows (Level 2)
• Planks (Level 1) --> One and one planks (Level 2)
  *My threshold for leveling up an exercise is 4 sets of 12 for rep exercises, and 120 seconds for timed exercises.
  *For assisted pull ups, I move on from a weight offset once I hit 12 at that weight, and add a lesser weight to the bottom.

Goal 2: Body Fat % Down to 25% or less +1 CON, +2 WIS

This has been an overarching goal of mine since the end of last year. I have had this goal in mind for every challenge I've participated in, but up until now, I've set myself mini-goals to make this one more achievable. Well, it's finally within reach. When I started tracking body fat the day after Christmas last year, I was just over 32%, so reaching this goal will be a huge victory. And, of course, if I can go further down during the challenge, I certainly will.

• Starting BF%: 26.06%
• Will reduce by at least 1.06% to get to 25% or less

 

Goal 3: Lose 1" from around my waist +2 CHA

Getting to 38" around the largest part of my belly has also been an overarching goal for awhile. And this one is also now within reach.

• Starting measurement: 39"
• Goal measurement: 38"

 

Life Quest: Play guitar for at least 5 minutes, 5 times a week Research and purchase a car +2 DEX, +1 STA, +1 CHA

Last challenge, I think I was a little overzealous trying to play for up to 2 hours a week, especially considering my workload. 5 minutes a day is a lot more easily doable and is much easier to scale up if i'm really enjoying what I'm doing.

My car has been starting up very rough, sometimes taking a good few minutes to actually get it up and running. This has been exacerbated by the fact that the weather has become much colder (thanks, almost-winter!). It is also very old (21 years), so it's probably time. My goal is to get a car that is model year 2005 or newer, that gets good gas mileage, is very reliable and not expensive to fix/run, and is going to last me for a good long time (read: I will drive it into the ground).

COMPLETED 9th December!

 

So there you have it. Check back tomorrow for my initial weigh-in numbers.

[vengefulpear]

Hey Tiberius! Great to see you back!  

 

Sounds like you've got an awesome challenge planned out And who knows if you do 5 minutes of guitar practice that might blossom into ten minutes or an hour  

 

I definitely think you can do all of these! You're so close to being under 25% already So I'll be rooting for you (but secretly plotting your demise! ) 

 

And I'll keep you up on the name for the PVP  

Look forward to competeing/spurring you on and best of luck!  

[TiberiusNightrise]

Plot away, my friend. Plot away.

 

And thanks for the encouragement!

[TiberiusNightrise]

Initial Weigh-in and other metrics

Weight: 196.8 lbs

BMI: 26.69

Waist: 39"

Body Fat: 26.06%

 

I had a very unhealthy meal last night (read: Chinese food) which I think is throwing the weight/bf% off a bit. So I expect by my next weigh in this Friday, the weight will have gone down a bit and the bf% perhaps up a bit. But this is all part of the game. I have a very good feeling about this challenge.

 

How it relates to goals

Waist size will be down to 38" by the end of the challenge.

I will have shaved off at least 1.06% body fat by the end of the challenge.

 

[TiberiusNightrise]

Played guitar for probably about 10-15 minutes tonight. Started working on Volume 1: Lesson 2 of the Center Stage Guitar Academy, which introduces tabliture and simple songs ("Wild Thing" and "Amazing Grace"). Should probably still work on finger dexterity exercises, but having this lesson to work on helps stave off boredom, certainly!

[Sea Level]

Hey TN!

 

Good goals. I'll bet you can level up a bunch of exercises. I like the way you plan to level them all up!

 

And guitar practice is awesome. 

[fiOWNya]

I love how you are leveling up individual exercises, that is a great idea! I may need to start doing that to keep track of progress.

 

Loving your goals, looking forward to seeing how you do!

[Baralien]

+1 to loving the individual exercise level ups. Great motivation tool. I'm picturing a shower of sparks and a mariokart style level up tune

[TiberiusNightrise]

Hey TN!

 

Good goals. I'll bet you can level up a bunch of exercises. I like the way you plan to level them all up!

 

And guitar practice is awesome. 

 

 

Thanks! Seeing that first post change as I level up exercises is going to be both gratifying and motivational.

 

I love how you are leveling up individual exercises, that is a great idea! I may need to start doing that to keep track of progress.

 

Loving your goals, looking forward to seeing how you do!

 

 

Thanks! I have a good feeling that it will help spur me on to go further with other exercises.

 

+1 to loving the individual exercise level ups. Great motivation tool. I'm picturing a shower of sparks and a mariokart style level up tune

 

Thanks! The encouragement definitely helps. Now I'm going to picture that shower of sparks, too, when I level up an exercise.

-------

Slept past my alarm today, so my workout may have to be a slightly modified/shortened since I'm going after work now instead of before. But we shall see. Workout report coming soon!

[TiberiusNightrise]

Oh man, I feel so good about my workout tonight! I had to cut it a little short, as I was getting together with friends for a belated birthday celebration at a local restaurant. But it was so good, and I feel like I've made good strides since even last week! This is a great way to start a challenge! So, without further ado...

 

The Workout Report

 

Assisted Pull ups

1. 9 @ 50 lbs offset (+4 since last workout)

2. 4 @ 40 lbs (+1.5)

3. 2 @ 30 lbs (+0.5)

4. 1 @ 20 lbs (new)

 

Assisted Pistol Squats

1. 6 (+1)

2. 6 (+1)

3. 5

4. 5

 

Pushups

1. 12

2. 12

3. 12

4. 11 (+1)

 

Side Planks

1. 48 seconds (+2)

2. 48 sec (+2)

3. 38 sec (+2)

4. 38 sec (+2)

[Elastigirl]

Beast of a workout!

[vengefulpear]

That's awesome! Well done

 

I'm sure you'll be levelling up your exercises in no time! I know you were cutting the workout short this time but I think even this early you'd be able to manage some decline press ups! You're already on 47 push ups

[TiberiusNightrise]

Beast of a workout!

 

 

Thanks!

 

That's awesome! Well done

 

I'm sure you'll be levelling up your exercises in no time! I know you were cutting the workout short this time but I think even this early you'd be able to manage some decline press ups! You're already on 47 push ups

 

Yeah yeah! My next A Day, I fully expect to get that 48th pushup in, allowing me to "graduate" to decline pushups.

 

That's something I forgot to mention. My threshold for leveling up an exercise is 4 sets of 12 for rep exercises (unless it's assisted pull ups, in which case I move on from a weight offset once I hit 12 at that weight, and add a lesser weight to the bottom), and 120 seconds for timed exercises. I should probably add that to my initial post.

[vengefulpear]

That sounds pretty good to me! I should think you'll have no trouble moving up to the next exercise if that's the case

 

How do you find the assisted pistol squats? I'm looking to move up from just bodyweight squats on my home workouts so that might be a good move!

[TiberiusNightrise]

Thanks! I'm pretty pumped about the prospects of leveling them up!

 

For awhile, I hated assisted pistol squats, because I was probably going too low and they really messed with my knees. This was when I was doing them on the floor. I was inspired a few weeks ago by seeing someone do them on top of a box. Since moving to doing them on a box whilst holding a pole for support, they have been much more doable, and I haven't had any knee problems with them yet. And during my last workout, I started working on getting my inactive leg out in front of me again, rather than just letting it dangle, in the event that I don't have the luxury of the box in the future.

[TiberiusNightrise]

The Workout Report (from yesterday)

 

Assisted Pull ups

1. 10 @ 50 lbs offset (+1)

2. 5 @ 40 lbs (+1)

3. 2 @ 30 lbs

4. 1 @ 20 lbs

 

Squat Lunge Combo

1. 12

2. 12

3. 12

4. 10 (+1)

 

Diamond Pushups

1. 12

2. 12

3. 10 (+1)

4. 7

 

Planks

1. 82 seconds (+1)

2. 57 sec (+1)

3. 42 sec (+1)

 

Bonus: Negatives

1. 10 (+1)

2. 8 (+1)

Had to cut this short as I was running late for a meeting. But 2 sets is better than none!

[Baralien]

Nice! Getting pretty close on those pull ups. I reckon you have a chance of getting it by the end of the challenge

[vengefulpear]

Definitely better than none, especially as they're bonus exercises

 

And that's interesting, I might try some on a raise then holding on to something. Thanks

[TiberiusNightrise]

Thanks guys!

 

Progress Report (from Saturday)

Weight: 195.2 lbs (down 1.6 lbs)

BMI: 26.47 (down 0.22)

Waist: 39"

Body Fat: 26.34% (up 0.28%)

 

This is pretty much what I expected for the first week, and even predicted in an earlier post. I'm not too worried, and look forward to getting all my numbers going in the right direction from here on out.

[vengefulpear]

That's a great stat change for the first week Already down almost 2lbs! Keep it up It was a close on in the PVP this week! (I think there was only a couple of hundred calories in it! although I am terrible at maths so please feel free to double check and change any results )

[vengefulpear]

Gah! I just noticed your (very well deserved) kill streak in your signature! We'll see about that!

[Baralien]

First week stats looking good, keep up the hard work

[TiberiusNightrise]

vengefulpear, on 19 Nov 2013 - 08:29 AM, said:

That's a great stat change for the first week   Already down almost 2lbs! Keep it up   It was a close on in the PVP this week! (I think there was only a couple of hundred calories in it! although I am terrible at maths so please feel free to double check and change any results   )

 

Gah! I just noticed your (very well deserved) kill streak in your signature! We'll see about that!

 

Thanks, man! I was very encouraged by the numbers. And you definitely took the PVP this week, as I was over for the week.  You were right in the sweet spot!

Good luck trying to take the kill streak out of my signature, though.

 

 

First week stats looking good, keep up the hard work

 

Thank you, good sir!

[TiberiusNightrise]

I was unfortunately not able to get a work out in yesterday, and I've been seriously lagging in my guitar playing. But tonight, I plan to restart the music, and tomorrow get back into the gym.

[TiberiusNightrise]

Finally was able to get into the gym, and good progress made, despite it having been a week!

 

The Workout Report

Assisted Pull ups

1. 11 @ 50 lbs offset (+1)

2. 5 @ 40 lbs

3. 2 @ 30 lbs

4. 1 @ 20 lbs

 

Assisted Pistol Squats

1. 7 (+1)

2. 6

3. 5

4. 5

 

Pushups

1. 12

2. 12

3. 12

4. 12

Ch-CHING! Level up!

 

Side Planks

1. 49 sec (+1)

2. 49 sec (+1)

3. 39 sec (+1)

4. 39 sec (+1)

 

Bonus: Negatives

1. 11 (+1)

2. 9 (+1)

3. 7 (+2

4. 5 (+1)