Getting back to the gym...

It's been a few days since I posted, mostly because I have been trying to get back into work and the daily grind. It is now officially dark when I go to work and will soon be dark when I get home. Bummer! But on the plus side, I am no longer infected! I do still have a hacking cough that doesn't seem to want to go away but, all in all, I am well again! Get in!

Getting back to the gym has helped give me more energy. I managed a half hour of weights today working my chest and triceps. Pretty good. Back and Biceps tomorrow maybe with a 30 minute swimming session, legs on Thursday, shoulders and a swim on Saturday. Week done.

I am having a slight dilemma with my gym programme. I found a fab one on BodyBuilding.com and got to week 5 before I got sick but the final few weeks are a 6-day split, something I just can't do with my schedule. So I have decided to adapt it slightly, stick to a muscle-building 5-day split starting next week and change to a cutting routine after around 8 weeks. I can do that for a few months and see how I get on.

I really need to focus on lifting heavier to build muscle right now. I really like lifting but tend to get complacent and I end up not feeling the effects. Also it can be off putting when the gym is busy and the blokes are gathered around the mirrors and free weights. I have been putting off taking protein powder as I have heard it does horrible things to your bowls movements and it's not cheap. I may have to give in soon though as there is no way I take in enough protein in my diet alone.

I don't want the body-builders physique but I have to admit the bikini models look pretty good.

More

Less (just slightly wrong!)

The second one is not something I aspire to! Weird if you ask me! I just don't see this as being feminine. To be honest the bikini models don't look much better in competition. They train hard for weeks before hand to pump up the muscles and then smother themselves with what I can only describe as wood varnish! No thanks, I'd be happy with the first picture minus the fake tan.

A few programme idea for later once I have done my current plan for 2 months:

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/jen-rankin-fitness-360.html - specifically the cutting programme for when I have built up some muscle.

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/kathleen-tesori-fitness-360.html - really like the cutting programme for this one.

Most programmes seems to suggest the muscle-building/cutting workouts, changing every few months. Yes, the above workouts are spokes model competitive body-building workouts but I might as well give them a go, work hard and see what I can do. My issue is with the food and supplements. I eat fairly healthy so have a good basis but I am not strict enough with myself to eat 6 meals a day and pre-pack all my meal. I need a plan to change one thing at a time....goal one, eat a good breakfast every day. I will re-visit this next Tuesday and see how I get on this week. Tuesday on my blog is now officially Gym Day! Wish me luck! xo