shugyo journals
Here I will post my training journals. Actual activities will be posted in 3-month chunks for now, and statistics such as body weight, % fat, and circumference measurements will appear on this page below each link. In my opinion, my best physical condition was about 4-5 years ago, with a body weight of 190 lb at 6' 3.5", and 11% body fat. That is skinnier than I plan to be this time, but I had speed, power, and balance for martial arts, so it was 'OK.' I will beat it by a long shot this time.
- Beginning stats, as of early June.
- Body weight 225 lb.
- Body fat 26% as measured by two bioelectric impedance devices (hand held and scale). Note: the inventor of cubicles is on my hit list for this.
- Circumference measurements unknown. Roughly 42' chest and 38' waist, based on shirt and pant size.
- Midpoint stats, as of July 17, 2007.
- Body weight 227 lb.
- Body fat 23%, measured by 2 devices. They seem to agree, at least. I have always distrusted these things. If anything, my daily 'hydration status' is greater now than at the beginning, because I am drinking much more liquid.
- Circumference measurements still unknown. I will get around to this, but I am more interested in strength, speed, and endurance at this point.
- Flexibility and balance improving 'much' due to incorporation of yoga into my regimen. Yes I said yoga, now stop laughing or I'll tie you in knots.
- Update - August 2, 2007.
- Body weight 223 lb.
- Body fat 22%, measured by my electricy scale only. This is probably within the margin of error, so I will try to confirm when I am at the gym.
- I have all the measurements on the white board in my house… I need to transfer them here. Where are my blog secretaries!
- Ok, I flew to Atlanta for my sisters' birthdays (Flo and Meg). It was much fun, and I happened to also miss 3 yoga classes (stop laughing!). On Tuesday, I suddenly gained 1.5" in my hamstring stretch - after sitting on a plane and then in a car for 8 hours! Maybe I needed a break from stretching?
- Update - September 2007.
- This date in history, let it be known that I defeated The Goodly Mr. Plotkin at left-handed arm wrestling. Why left handed? Because I am and he is not - that means the man-gorilla is still quite a bit stronger than my lanky self, but I closed the gap some. To his credit, he beat me at a contest of pushups on the same day… if I recall, he beat me by about 50 close-grip pushups. This is, after all, the fellow who I have seen bench press 550 lbs.