Howdy All

[vanthyr]

Hey all,

 

I'm Stephen, as my profile states.  I'm a full time engineering student, full-time Network Technician, and a member of the Arizona Army Guard.  My schedule has made things increasingly difficult to stay in shape after coming off active duty.  I've seen my once slender body slowly fade away and my strength deteriorate.  I still run 1-3 times a week, between 2-6 miles usually.   I'm 5'9" 194lbs.  My fitness goals typically revolve around my Army Physical Fitness Test.  I'd like to score over 220 points out of 300, but ultimately the goal is to get a 300.  I have a super horrible sweet tooth, so today is day 1 of limiting my simple carbs and sugars and giving up Sodas (again).

 

My plan  3 Runs a week

2 strength training days

1 day of recreational activity such as hiking etc.

 

I found this site and found the NF Challenege game to be intriguing, I'm looking forward to the extra motivation.  That said if anyone in the Phoenix Metro area is looking for a run/workout buddy, let me know.

Looking forward to future interactions.

[alienjenn]

welcome!!

 

there are a lot of nerds in az (former az resident myself.... now I live in va)

 

what do you plan to do on your strength training days?

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

Welcome and thank you for your service.  Since you are wanting to focus on strength, may I suggest three days/week of strength training and run 2x/week?  The Rebel Strength Guide may be worth your while.  Good luck!

[vanthyr]

I'm still working to develop a routine for Strength training.  It'll probably be some form of cross functional activities like CrossFit, if I can afford a membership, or basic weight training at my apartments fitness room.  

 

I might look into changing my run/str days.  I was sticking with the rotation the Army had me programmed for because it seemed most effective for burning fat.  By Army standards I'm over weight by 15 pounds, so I wanted to look into melting some fat before trying to build muscle.

 

I've been debating on picking up the fitness and strength guides.  I have a general idea of how to eat healthy and how to run, but strength training is something I've always had issues with.  I'm on a bit of a budget though, so I was debating on if there was enough available on the website to carry me successfully through my goals.  I'll probably cave and buy it soon though, just because I've loved everything else i've found on this site.  Besides I also want an awesome NF shirt :-) 

 

Thank you for the warm welcomes and thank you for your support. It's my honor to serve!

[vanthyr]

So I went ahead and picked up both the Fitness Guide and the Strength Training guide.  I already read the Fitness guide...gonna start the basic work outs in it soon and see how I do.

[alienjenn]

awesome... I am sure you will do wonderfully!!

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

Good job so far.  If you build muscle with strength training, you will use more calories when you run and therefore burn more fat.  It's a happy cycle of awesome our bodies get into when we treat them well. Good luck!

[vanthyr]

First week with my routine switched up, doing the fitness guide exercises 3 days a week and running 2 times a week.  I'm feeling really good so far.  Thanks for the encouragement. 

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

No problem.  Keep up the good work.