Continued Progress

Last night, on my day off from the gym, I went there anyway to soak in the hot tub and take measurements. Right now, I weigh 199 1/2 Ibs and have 16% body fat (down from 204 Ibs and 16.5% body fat). I expected the decline to slow after roughly 18 months of working out. In order to keep progressing, I think I am going to alter some of my routine.

I like the two days on, one day off regimen but I think I am advancing into the heavy weights category. When I last worked my chest muscles (two days or so ago), I was able to press 90 Ibs (plus whatever the bar apparatus weighs) without flinching. I think to cut the rest of the body fat, I am going to deload for one week and multiply the reps. I did this before and had amazing success. The only downside is that there is a greater potential for injury because I will be lifting for twice the length--even if it is only half or 3/4 of the weight.

The plus side is that performing 20, 25 or even 30 reps per set gives me the opportunity to perfect my form. I still catch myself occasionally arching my back or kipping my body in some other way to help lift the weight on the latter reps of a set. This will hopefully remedy the bad habits that I am still trying to lose.

I will begin the new regimen next week.

Until then..