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Big Show - Dumbing Down


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Hello, and welcome to my second 4WC!

 

My goals for this challenge are following on my previous challenge.  I'm trying to keep it all nice and simple, as I found last year I have a tendency to over-complicate matters and then not follow through with them.

 

1) Lift Weights 3x a week

 

After three months of following the Bodyweight Brigade workouts in the NF Academy (and making good progress), I have just made the switch over to the Dumbbell Division and decided to start with the Level 2 workouts.

 

I simply want to build the habit of consistently going to the gym for strength workouts three times a week, preferably not on consecutive days.

 

2) Daily Yoga

 

I need to re-establish my daily yoga habit, to help with my mobility for when I eventually progress on to the Barbell Battallion workouts.  I did six weeks of daily yoga at the end of last year and notice massive increases in flexibility, but then I got out of the habit again over the holidays.

 

For the next four weeks I will do one of the NF Yoga videos every single day, with the minimum requirement being the 7min Squat Mobility mini-session.  Surely no day is too busy to find a mere seven minutes?

 

3) Track and Correct Nutrition

 

Over my last challenge I logged all my food & drink for most days in MFP along with a daily weigh-inand spotted the trends.  My food choices fall apart at the weekend, and this undoes a lot of the good work I've done during the week.

 

For this next four weeks I will pay very close attention to what I'm consuming.  A weekly cheat meal is still allowed, but the rest will be carefully controlled.  Batch cooking will help with this, and I also need to start limiting my alcohol consumption at the weekends too.  There are a couple of things with events already planned, but no more drinking in the flat for the next four weeks.  That should make a difference.

 

4) Continue Clearing the Backlog

 

I still have a mountain of unread books, half-finished TV shows, and various other projects that I've started and then not completed as I move on to something else.  The embargo on buying new things remains in place for the rest of the month while I continue chipping away at them all.

 

-------------------------------------

 

I'm not giving myself a cardio target this month.  I'm on the way back from another calf injury anyway, and I don't want to pressure myself into trying to run too much before it's safe for me to do so.  And I've noticed that when I have both a Cardio and a Strength goal, I will end up prioritising the Cardio goal every single time, but I really need to focus on strength and flexibility for the time being.

 

These goals should give me a nice onward progression from what I achieved in the last 4WC and the 6WC before that, so I'm looking forward to seeing how much progress I can make this month.  Onwards and upwards!

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Big Show: Human Swift Hunter

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I'm SO HYPE you're lifting weights! YAAARRRR!!!

 

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Day -1

 

I am all set to get going with this challenge tomorrow.  Mixing things up after just four weeks has really re-motivated me again, usually by this point of a 6WC I'd be suffering with apathy and struggling to keep going!

 

1) Lift Weights 3x a week

 

Today was the rest day after doing the last two days in a row, so I just headed to the gym for 45mins on the cross-trainer again.  Pretty certain my calf's fine now, but I'm leaving it another week before testing it out just in case.

 

Bag is all packed and ready by the front door for tomorrow's post-work gym trip.  Looking forward to it!

 

2) Daily Yoga

 

The Yoga mat & bloks are now out in my living room and the videos are all downloaded to my laptop.  No excuses, it's only 7mins FFS!

 

3) Track and Correct Nutrition

 

Tracked everything today to keep in the habit - found that it you eat surprisingly spicy chilli for lunch, you don't feel hungry for quite after that!  Definitely one to remember for future weeks.

 

4) Continue Clearing the Backlog

 

I took an actual physical book from the pile into work to read during my lunch breaks - It's Not Rocket Science by Ben Miller.  Had it for over a year now, never quite got round to it.

 

My current Kindle book is Bedlam by Christopher Brookmyre.  And I've just noticed that apparently there was a computer game based on it?  That'll probably get added to my list... *heavy sigh*

 

Apart from that, I've spent the rest of the evening doing some research into clinical coding qualifications in various countries, as well as doing more work towards my assessment for the Australian qualification.  Head's a bit bleugh now though.

 

 

I'm just here to make sure you are rowing [emoji14]

 

Good news!  I literally just got a phonecall saying it'll be arriving in the country tomorrow, so I'll have my hands on it by the end of the week!

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Big Show: Human Swift Hunter

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I'm SO HYPE you're lifting weights! YAAARRRR!!!

Seconded.  Weight lifting is great.  I love my convenient bodyweight exercises and it feels awesome to finally master a new move, but there's nothing quite like just picking up a really heavy barbell.

 

200.gif

basically how I felt when I started deadlifting again earlier today

 

 

I'm going to be doing pretty much the same Yoga challenge as you this month.  Daily Squat mobility yoga with optional shoulder yoga to go along with it.  Good luck clearing that backlog!

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Woohoo! Weightlifting!!

 

giphy.gif

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Smart move making sure your calf is sufficiently healed. We Rangerly types tend to want to push ourselves before we're ready.

 

I keep finding myself thinking it's probably fine to test it out now, even though I've set myself the ban until the weekend.  But I just keep wanting to go for a run...

 

Seconded.  Weight lifting is great.  I love my convenient bodyweight exercises and it feels awesome to finally master a new move, but there's nothing quite like just picking up a really heavy barbell.

 

200.gif

basically how I felt when I started deadlifting again earlier today

 

 

I'm going to be doing pretty much the same Yoga challenge as you this month.  Daily Squat mobility yoga with optional shoulder yoga to go along with it.  Good luck clearing that backlog!

 

I really should have a go at that Shoulder Mobility video too.  I can tell from my warm-ups that they aren't mobile in the slightest.  Kinda like the rest of me really, I guess!

 

Woohoo! Weightlifting!!

 

giphy.gif

 

Bring it on!

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Big Show: Human Swift Hunter

Respawning. One day at a time.

Battle Log: Operation Wedding Suit - Take 2

Previous challenges: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 

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Week 1, Day 1

 

Let us begin!

 

1) Lift Weights 3x a week

 

Did the Dumbbell Division Level 2A workout for the second time today.  Still starting with low weights and increasing gradually to find the proper biting point:

- w/u

- Goblet Squat 3x8 - 1x35lbs, 1x40lbs 1x50lbs (couldn't find a 45lbs) - start with 55lbs next time

- DB Bench Press - 2x35lbs, 2x40lbs, 2x45lbs - start with 2x50lbs next time

- Press-ups 3x10

- DB Step-ups - 3x20 - 2x35 lbs - start with 2x40lbs next time

- Plank - 3x30s

- c/d

 

Still on baby weights (I think I'm now barely benching the equivalent of an unloaded bar?) and might have got some odd looks from the numerous meatheads in the gym, but I know full well that if I just keep increasing the weights by 5lbs every workout it'll all start adding up within a couple of months.

 

Seriously though.  8 guys on benches working their chests & shoulders, two squat racks standing empty for the whole 45mins I was in there.  This will be the perfect time to go there when I eventually move on to the Barbell Battallion workout!

 

2) Daily Yoga

 

Nearly forgot!  Didn't write it down in my diary, so amongst everything else this evening I nearly didn't do it.  It has now been written in for the rest of the week - Squat Mobility mini-session achieved.

 

3) Track and Correct Nutrition

 

Everything has been tracked today, and my diet as been all nice and clean.  And mainly reheated!  But I stayed under my calorie goal, and everything was cooked from scratch by myself (albeit a few days ago) so I know it was all quality food.  Yay for batch cookery!

 

4) Continue Clearing the Backlog

 

Read more of my book at lunchtime.  We're moving on from Cosmology and on to General Relativity (which I have never really understood).  SCIENCE, BITCHES!

 

Other than that, I have packed a gym bag for some cardio in case my rowing machine doesn't materialise tomorrow.  But working on the assumption that it does, I bribed a mate with a coffee in return for helping me shift the furniture in the spare room to make space for it.  I now appear to have a dedicated rowing room - hope the air con is nice and powerful in there!  May have to buy a big-ass fan to put in there too...

 

Happy Day One to you all!

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Big Show: Human Swift Hunter

Respawning. One day at a time.

Battle Log: Operation Wedding Suit - Take 2

Previous challenges: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 

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Following along again. Both for support and to subtly (who am I kidding, explicitly) influence you to move to Texas one day.

 

I am currently doing my research on qualifications, training, cost of living (your tax system is CONFUSING), etc.  In the process of building up a nerd-tastic spreadsheet to calculate if the move is worth it.  Could be fun living Stateside for a few years.

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Big Show: Human Swift Hunter

Respawning. One day at a time.

Battle Log: Operation Wedding Suit - Take 2

Previous challenges: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 

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I am currently doing my research on qualifications, training, cost of living (your tax system is CONFUSING), etc.  In the process of building up a nerd-tastic spreadsheet to calculate if the move is worth it.  Could be fun living Stateside for a few years.

Protip: Texas is one of the few states that doesn't have a state income tax on top of the federal income tax.

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"By the Most-Righteous-and-Blessed Beard of Sir Tanktimus the Encourager!" - Jarl Rurik Harrgath

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Week 1, Day 1

 

Let us begin!

 

1) Lift Weights 3x a week

 

Did the Dumbbell Division Level 2A workout for the second time today.  Still starting with low weights and increasing gradually to find the proper biting point:

- w/u

- Goblet Squat 3x8 - 1x35lbs, 1x40lbs 1x50lbs (couldn't find a 45lbs) - start with 55lbs next time

- DB Bench Press - 2x35lbs, 2x40lbs, 2x45lbs - start with 2x50lbs next time

- Press-ups 3x10

- DB Step-ups - 3x20 - 2x35 lbs - start with 2x40lbs next time

- Plank - 3x30s

- c/d

 

Still on baby weights (I think I'm now barely benching the equivalent of an unloaded bar?) and might have got some odd looks from the numerous meatheads in the gym, but I know full well that if I just keep increasing the weights by 5lbs every workout it'll all start adding up within a couple of months.

 

Seriously though.  8 guys on benches working their chests & shoulders, two squat racks standing empty for the whole 45mins I was in there.  This will be the perfect time to go there when I eventually move on to the Barbell Battallion workout!

...

Happy Day One to you all!

 

iron-man-youre-doing-it-right_790.gif

 

Since you're starting with very low weights, I would encourage you to progress really, really, really slowly and focus on form. Like, "pretend you're a textbook model" level of focus on form. Get form down at low weights and you'll have far fewer problems keeping to form - and reducing the chance of injury - as you progress.

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TEXAS!!!!

04b88103879deba22fffb84117e969776a6b4ac5

Good stuff my humongous friend. Weight lifting + being 6'4. Get it, son!!

1491581_731044296920391_2047774646_n.jpg

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iron-man-youre-doing-it-right_790.gif

 

Since you're starting with very low weights, I would encourage you to progress really, really, really slowly and focus on form. Like, "pretend you're a textbook model" level of focus on form. Get form down at low weights and you'll have far fewer problems keeping to form - and reducing the chance of injury - as you progress.

 

That's the plan mate - I used to have loads of back problems when I was younger, so I'm really wary of getting my form wrong.  When I do step up to the barbell workouts I'll be getting a few PT sessions to really work on starting with correct form.

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Battle Log: Operation Wedding Suit - Take 2

Previous challenges: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 

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Protip: Texas is one of the few states that doesn't have a state income tax on top of the federal income tax.

 

For the record, Tennessee is also free of state income tax. :D

 

But was not at any point it's own country ;)

 

How about these guys just have a fight to see where I end up?  Sounds easier than building a spreadsheet.

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Big Show: Human Swift Hunter

Respawning. One day at a time.

Battle Log: Operation Wedding Suit - Take 2

Previous challenges: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 

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Ace work on day one. 

 

How about these guys just have a fight to see where I end up?  Sounds easier than building a spreadsheet.

 

Oh no Big_Show, you're going about this all wrong. You should be asking what they are going to give you for moving to their state! 

 

57149524.jpg

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Ace work on day one. 

 

 

Oh no Big_Show, you're going about this all wrong. You should be asking what they are going to give you for moving to their state! 

 

57149524.jpg

What he gets is to live in Texas. Brisket capital of the world and no laws restricting bacon sales. Tex-mex capitol of the world in San Antonio, enchiladas and breakfast tacos as far as the eye can see. To be fair though, if he came to Texas, his name would just become "Show."

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What he gets is to live in Texas. Brisket capital of the world and no laws restricting bacon sales. Tex-mex capitol of the world in San Antonio, enchiladas and breakfast tacos as far as the eye can see. To be fair though, if he came to Texas, his name would just become "Show."

 

Also prepare to sweat your ass off, yes?  (It might be worth it for the giant steaks y'all have.....)

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i am not waiting for a hero.  i saved myself long ago.

Level 58 Bard & Monk of the Furious Heart

STR.55  DEX.43 STA.48 CON.51 WIS.53 CHA.65

"Well...in the end, it boils down to two simple choices. Either you do or you don't.

You'd think with all the problems in this world, there'd be more answers. It's not fair...
...But that's the way things are. The choice is yours."

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