Happy New Year

Heya folks,
And a very merry New Year to those who read this half-assed blog.

Of course, a few people have made it a resolution to get into shape this week, so I'm guessing gyms will be packed by the end of the weekend. Since New Years landed smack dab mid-week, I assume people will want to extend their holiday break for that last hurrah. Me...I hit the ground running. Maybe since I'm not married or have any real obligations, I get bored in the morning. It's great to hit the stair climber and put on an episode of "30 Rock" on my iPod and zone out. Whilst I was showering this morning at the gym, it occurred to me a type of workout that has been overlooked. Prison work out.

If you ever have an inkling to get chiseled and rock hard with shrink wrapped abs. Nothing beats going to prison. Why does it work? Motivation. What motivation? How about the motivation to NOT get raped? I think most of us don't seem to realize the concept of this. Most would, perhaps, consider that we are being raped constantly. By a terrible diet. I'm absolutely guilty of it. And the abuse has now become the norm. Like some prison-bitch, I've rolled over and taken it repeatedly. Well, why not be the rapist? This will require that you become disciplined, focused, and above all...hardened by the walls that envelope you.

When I see prisoners (at least in movies or television, because it's an accurate depiction), the workouts seem to be body weight type. This is great for a few reasons. Proportion and stamina.

Proportion since your weight dictates your symmetrical sizing. I've ballooned up too much by benching past my body weight. And it just looks weird. Broad shoulders, skinny arms. Fat face.

Stamina. Since the more you adjust to your body weight, the longer you can sustain your workouts.

These are the two factors that will have off fat. Too often, people carry too much weight (I am guilty of this). I was, essentially, doing the workout of a 200 pound man, when my target was more of a 150 pound man. AND...this creates the need to eat like a 200 pound man. Younger with no joint issues, this was preferred. Now, as I age, the added weight tugs at the joints. Soreness lingers longer. Endurance drops.

So, now my exercises consists of stair-climbing, dips and push-ups. Yes, I can no longer bench over 200 lbs. But I feel less soreness in my chest to shoulders. And recover much faster. And look more cut.

I hope everyone hits their target goals this year. Keep moving forward. And don't get sidetracked by your past. You can will yourself to better living.