Week 9 day 2
My computer is doing some very strange things so please bear with me and I am hoping to be back on line tomorrow.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
My twenty week journey back to perfect health - ' THE SUPER CHALLENGE'
Week 8 Day 7
For those of you that think I've done a runner....I've had computer problems and cannot get my Blog to work. I'm hoping I'll have it sorted in a day or two so bare with me.
Am doing this from a different machine just to let you know. Everything is cool and I start training again tomorrow...Can't wait.
For those of you that think I've done a runner....I've had computer problems and cannot get my Blog to work. I'm hoping I'll have it sorted in a day or two so bare with me.
Am doing this from a different machine just to let you know. Everything is cool and I start training again tomorrow...Can't wait.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
My twenty week journey back to Perfect Health "THE SUPER CHALLENGE"
Week 8 Day 3
What's going on in my head?
What do you want? What do you really want. Is your health and fitness the way it would be if you were dreaming it.
What's going on in my head?
What do you want? What do you really want. Is your health and fitness the way it would be if you were dreaming it.
If it isn't here is what you do. Proceed with haste to http://www.carlosdejesustotalfitness.com/html/experiment_of_one.html
All the answers you need are right there...you don't have to go anywhere else
DO IT NOW
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
My twenty week journey back to perfect health - ' THE SUPER CHALLENGE'
Week 8 Day 2
What's going on in my head?
Ever heard of a democracy in Africa where the head of state resigned voluntarily. Well now you have. Our president Thabo Mbeki resigned on sunday and a new president will be sworn in on Thursday. Talk about swift action WOW. Normally in Africa it's either 'ignore the results of a general election if they don't go your way' or a military coup d'etat.
Can you imagine George Bush, stepping down 9 months before his term of office is complete. No neither can I.
Anyway the point of this is knowing when to quit or change the plan. You have to stick with something long enough to know it's not working before you shoot off in a different direction.
Health and fitness is pretty much like that too. Plans, routines, whatever you choose to call them need structure and a way of evaluating wether they are working.
Particularly...when working with a trainer be sure to agree goals and understand how the training plan will help you get there. Same goes for eating plans. Understand WHY you are doing what you're doing. Do Not blindly accept that something is going to work.
Do your own research and always be comfortable that you are on the right track. I'm definately not saying chop and change but DO be sure you agree with whoever you are working with that what you are doing will work, based on his or her experience and training and then stick with it.
Then watch your life change day by day in a positive direction.
What's going on in my head?
Ever heard of a democracy in Africa where the head of state resigned voluntarily. Well now you have. Our president Thabo Mbeki resigned on sunday and a new president will be sworn in on Thursday. Talk about swift action WOW. Normally in Africa it's either 'ignore the results of a general election if they don't go your way' or a military coup d'etat.
Can you imagine George Bush, stepping down 9 months before his term of office is complete. No neither can I.
Anyway the point of this is knowing when to quit or change the plan. You have to stick with something long enough to know it's not working before you shoot off in a different direction.
Health and fitness is pretty much like that too. Plans, routines, whatever you choose to call them need structure and a way of evaluating wether they are working.
Particularly...when working with a trainer be sure to agree goals and understand how the training plan will help you get there. Same goes for eating plans. Understand WHY you are doing what you're doing. Do Not blindly accept that something is going to work.
Do your own research and always be comfortable that you are on the right track. I'm definately not saying chop and change but DO be sure you agree with whoever you are working with that what you are doing will work, based on his or her experience and training and then stick with it.
Then watch your life change day by day in a positive direction.
Monday, September 22, 2008
My twenty week journey back to Perfect Health "THE SUPER CHALLENGE"
Week 8 Day 1
What's going on in my head?
Well quite a lot as it turns out. Last monday at 8am I was at the rooms of my plastic surgeon...sounds really pretentious doesn't it, but actually it turned out to be quite serious.
I had discovered a soft pouch below my head scar which seemed to contain some sort of fluid and wanted to get it checked out. I'll pop along to his rooms get it checked out, take some sort of 'back of the head fluid reduction' miracle fix pill and head on to the gym to train, I thought.
Not quite. "What are you doing right now" he asked...I mumbled something incoherent whilst my feeling my skin grow clammy..."Oh dear" I thought, and since he took whatever I mumbled to mean 'nothing much', he followed his delivery up with " walk across to the hospital, check yourself in, I'm opening your head up in an hour and a half."
BANG - it felt like a 12 guage right between the eyes.
I did what I was told after moving cars, re scheduling clients, cancelling apointments, making necessary arrangements all in the space of half an hour and found myself being gentled into one of those very pretty hospital gowns with no back.
Interminable forms had to be filled in and it was deja vu.
Right on time I found myself lying in a bed outside one of the nine operating rooms at the Sandton medi clinic - my second home.
"Ahhh, hello Mr Macdonald", voiced a couple of the theatre staff soothingly as they scurried past to cut into some other poor soul, "welcome back".
I was wheeled into the theatre where I had a chat with the anaesthetist about what to expect. I knew it so well I actually told him how this was going to go.
Couple of hours later I woke up in the ward feeling awful. Turns out, after cutting my head open they scrubbed out quite a lot of infection had a look around and closed me up.
My neurosurgeon and plastic surgeon then appeared and started to discuss taking the hardware out of my neck or not, whether the infection was in my spine, the possibility of opening up my spine again, sending me to "nuclear medicine" to have all sorts of tests and the fact that I would be extending my stay in hospital for a week or so.
WOW. My girl arrived after they had gone and I'm not ashamed to say I had a mini melt down.
"I can't do this again" I said to her with tears rolling down my cheeks. I was really struggling with the concept of a major cut and scrub AGAIN. My very recent memory of this was NOT pleasant and although if I had to I would obviously go through with it but the overflow of emotion 'thinking' about it was instantaneous and uncontrollable.
My girl brought some balance to the situation and we started talking about the reality of the situation.
Neither I nor the medical team knew what we were dealing with until we had seen comprehensive scans of my spine and cranium.
No point in getting wound up about something in the future so focus on the present.
What's going on in my head?
Well quite a lot as it turns out. Last monday at 8am I was at the rooms of my plastic surgeon...sounds really pretentious doesn't it, but actually it turned out to be quite serious.
I had discovered a soft pouch below my head scar which seemed to contain some sort of fluid and wanted to get it checked out. I'll pop along to his rooms get it checked out, take some sort of 'back of the head fluid reduction' miracle fix pill and head on to the gym to train, I thought.
Not quite. "What are you doing right now" he asked...I mumbled something incoherent whilst my feeling my skin grow clammy..."Oh dear" I thought, and since he took whatever I mumbled to mean 'nothing much', he followed his delivery up with " walk across to the hospital, check yourself in, I'm opening your head up in an hour and a half."
BANG - it felt like a 12 guage right between the eyes.
I did what I was told after moving cars, re scheduling clients, cancelling apointments, making necessary arrangements all in the space of half an hour and found myself being gentled into one of those very pretty hospital gowns with no back.
Interminable forms had to be filled in and it was deja vu.
Right on time I found myself lying in a bed outside one of the nine operating rooms at the Sandton medi clinic - my second home.
"Ahhh, hello Mr Macdonald", voiced a couple of the theatre staff soothingly as they scurried past to cut into some other poor soul, "welcome back".
I was wheeled into the theatre where I had a chat with the anaesthetist about what to expect. I knew it so well I actually told him how this was going to go.
Couple of hours later I woke up in the ward feeling awful. Turns out, after cutting my head open they scrubbed out quite a lot of infection had a look around and closed me up.
My neurosurgeon and plastic surgeon then appeared and started to discuss taking the hardware out of my neck or not, whether the infection was in my spine, the possibility of opening up my spine again, sending me to "nuclear medicine" to have all sorts of tests and the fact that I would be extending my stay in hospital for a week or so.
WOW. My girl arrived after they had gone and I'm not ashamed to say I had a mini melt down.
"I can't do this again" I said to her with tears rolling down my cheeks. I was really struggling with the concept of a major cut and scrub AGAIN. My very recent memory of this was NOT pleasant and although if I had to I would obviously go through with it but the overflow of emotion 'thinking' about it was instantaneous and uncontrollable.
My girl brought some balance to the situation and we started talking about the reality of the situation.
Neither I nor the medical team knew what we were dealing with until we had seen comprehensive scans of my spine and cranium.
No point in getting wound up about something in the future so focus on the present.
- Look for something positive out of this. The immediate danger of infection has been largely eliminated
- Focus on enjoying the rest.
- Make some new friends in hospital. I met a bald lady with a bad fresh scar on the top of your head at the admissions desk. As I walked past I said flippantly "I've got one of those, what happened to you." She replied " Had a brain tumour removed, my second." Gulp...I asked her what she was doing at admissions. "Admitting my daughter, she just had a stroke."
And I think I've got it bad. There is ALWAYS someone worse off than you are.
So, after all the tests and prodding and probing, it seems there is no infection in my spine and minimal infection in my head which is being treated with fairly strong antibiotics. I have to return every 3rd day to head my head dressed and I am hoping to return to training next week.
I feel like I have gone backwards and for that brief 'melt down' moment I allowed myself to wallow in self pity.
Upon reflection however, I got to have a good rest in hospital, found out I have no spinal infection (BIG WHOOP) made some new friends and became fully aware that I have the greatest motivation ever to get into and stay in perfect shape.
THE BEST WAY TO KEEP THE OPPORTUNISTIC ENEMY - INFECTION - AWAY FROM ME, IS TO TRAIN HARD, THINK RIGHT AND EAT HEALTHY FOOD.
I blinked and lost a week but I'm back with a vengeance and by the end of this week will be back on the horse and training as hard as ever.
It's great to be back ....I've missed you.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
My twenty week journey back to perfect health - ' THE SUPER CHALLENGE'
Week 6 Day 6
What's going on in Carlos' head?
Following on from my comment about reducing weights and being more deliberate with the movement I received this from my coach Carlos DeJesus.
"Concentration"
During any specific exercise, you form a direct link between the muscle being worked and your brain. The greater your concentration, the greater the result its that simple. Get negative thoughts out of your head, in and out of the gym.
As you perform each exercise concentrate on the muscle being worked. Form a mental picture of the muscle being worked. Imagine seeing them getting bigger and better. Feel the muscle grow and shape.
Train with a relentless drive and determination as though your very life depended upon completing each exercise, and watch your muscles bulge with shape and size. Nothing is impossible for you to achieve. Flawless symmetry, contouring lines of shape, dense muscularity.
"Think"
Think the ideal physique into being, think nourishment to the muscles when eating, see the muscles transform as a result of the nutrition and exercise. Set in motion the chemical reaction that will cause CHANGE to take place in your body, through the mind by the power of thought. Positive thought (faith) has the power to change even the body chemistry, to affect the total outcome of the evolution of your physique.
"Intensity"
Concentration intensifies the workout. intensity makes the exercise harder if the exercise is harder, it doesn't always have to be heavier!
I for one 'think' I will take this advice to heart and prove Carlos right.
Take heed, if there any 'secrets' to attaining the body you desire..these are they.
What's going on in Carlos' head?
Following on from my comment about reducing weights and being more deliberate with the movement I received this from my coach Carlos DeJesus.
"Concentration"
During any specific exercise, you form a direct link between the muscle being worked and your brain. The greater your concentration, the greater the result its that simple. Get negative thoughts out of your head, in and out of the gym.
As you perform each exercise concentrate on the muscle being worked. Form a mental picture of the muscle being worked. Imagine seeing them getting bigger and better. Feel the muscle grow and shape.
Train with a relentless drive and determination as though your very life depended upon completing each exercise, and watch your muscles bulge with shape and size. Nothing is impossible for you to achieve. Flawless symmetry, contouring lines of shape, dense muscularity.
"Think"
Think the ideal physique into being, think nourishment to the muscles when eating, see the muscles transform as a result of the nutrition and exercise. Set in motion the chemical reaction that will cause CHANGE to take place in your body, through the mind by the power of thought. Positive thought (faith) has the power to change even the body chemistry, to affect the total outcome of the evolution of your physique.
"Intensity"
Concentration intensifies the workout. intensity makes the exercise harder if the exercise is harder, it doesn't always have to be heavier!
I for one 'think' I will take this advice to heart and prove Carlos right.
Take heed, if there any 'secrets' to attaining the body you desire..these are they.
Friday, September 12, 2008
My twenty week journey back to perfect health - ' THE SUPER CHALLENGE'
Week 6 Day 5
What's going on in my head?
I'm thinking, from next week I've got 14 weeks to go. Am I on Target? How would I know? Well I wouldn't.
All I know is that if I train with intensity and according to plan with heightened focus, get enough rest and sleep and eat what I'm supposed to eat, and have enormous belief, I will get there, but I need to maintain my focus, and keep doing daily what I need to do. That's all.
I WILL GET THERE.
TRAINING
Again, training with more deliberation and less weight felt more productive so..I'm pretty happy.
NUTRITION
Eating well, and LOTS of it.
SUMMARY
All is good with 14 weeks to go. I start fat burning in 6 weeks.
What's going on in my head?
I'm thinking, from next week I've got 14 weeks to go. Am I on Target? How would I know? Well I wouldn't.
All I know is that if I train with intensity and according to plan with heightened focus, get enough rest and sleep and eat what I'm supposed to eat, and have enormous belief, I will get there, but I need to maintain my focus, and keep doing daily what I need to do. That's all.
I WILL GET THERE.
TRAINING
Again, training with more deliberation and less weight felt more productive so..I'm pretty happy.
NUTRITION
Eating well, and LOTS of it.
SUMMARY
All is good with 14 weeks to go. I start fat burning in 6 weeks.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
My twenty week journey back to Perfect Health "THE SUPER CHALLENGE"
Week 6 Day 4
What's going on in my head?
Today I stand...literally...in my living room, hand on heart, head bowed in memory of and out of respect for those touched by 9/11.
For all of you I pray that you have peace in your lives and love in your heart when you remember lost loved ones, this day.
RESPECT
What's going on in my head?
Today I stand...literally...in my living room, hand on heart, head bowed in memory of and out of respect for those touched by 9/11.
For all of you I pray that you have peace in your lives and love in your heart when you remember lost loved ones, this day.
RESPECT
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
My twenty week journey back to Perfect Health "THE SUPER CHALLENGE"
Week 6 Day 2
What's going on in my head?
Isn't it wonderful that we have a thing called choice. We can choose what car to drive, where to live, what to wear, what kind of mood we are in, where to spend our holidays.
Why then do we sometimes make bad choices? Why do we not listen to our intuition (or our wives or girlfriends who have infallible intuition) Why do we start a business that fails, why do we buy that vehicle that we know we shouldn't why do we spend money on something we know is not right and why do we make bad choices with food and health and fitness.
I DON'T KNOW....what I do know however is that we CAN re focus and correct those poor choices immediately.
Make a better choice today...don't wait till monday to get your poor lifestyle choices back on track. Find a good fitness program and eating plan...set some goals and get going.
YOU CAN DO IT.
TRAINING
Decided to go slightly lighter today but be more deliberate, focus on the 3 x 3 ..it worked and I felt I had achieved more.
NUTRITION
Up to 2500 calories per day with no real increase in weight...maybe 1-2 lbs so I'm real happy with that.
SUMMARY
Make a decision today to get your life back on track with your health and fitness. Your life and family depend on it.
What's going on in my head?
Isn't it wonderful that we have a thing called choice. We can choose what car to drive, where to live, what to wear, what kind of mood we are in, where to spend our holidays.
Why then do we sometimes make bad choices? Why do we not listen to our intuition (or our wives or girlfriends who have infallible intuition) Why do we start a business that fails, why do we buy that vehicle that we know we shouldn't why do we spend money on something we know is not right and why do we make bad choices with food and health and fitness.
I DON'T KNOW....what I do know however is that we CAN re focus and correct those poor choices immediately.
Make a better choice today...don't wait till monday to get your poor lifestyle choices back on track. Find a good fitness program and eating plan...set some goals and get going.
YOU CAN DO IT.
TRAINING
Decided to go slightly lighter today but be more deliberate, focus on the 3 x 3 ..it worked and I felt I had achieved more.
NUTRITION
Up to 2500 calories per day with no real increase in weight...maybe 1-2 lbs so I'm real happy with that.
SUMMARY
Make a decision today to get your life back on track with your health and fitness. Your life and family depend on it.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
My twenty week journey back to Perfect Health "THE SUPER CHALLENGE"
Week 6 Day 2
What's going on in my head?
Got back from the plastic surgeon yesterday and he says it could be an undisolved suture trying to get out or...a low grade infection. Got some antiseptic cream and I'll go back next monday. Either way...no worries. There's no point.
Interesting scenario. South Africa had a disastrous Olympic games in terms of the medal tables, however we are more than making up for it in the Para Olympics (which by BTW means parallel olympics and not paraplegic olympics and the reason is to create parity between the two and not make the latter look like the poor cousin.) by standing number 5 in the medals.
This got me thinking about the athletes. Why would we think that the para olympians are any less worthy than the able bodied. Why would the able bodied get way more viewership and TV ratings than the wheelchair warriors.
Is it because the able bodied athletes look more graceful and athletic or is it because it's too hard facing up to our own mortality.
Obviously I have more than a passing interest in this topic because of my own near death experience, but I sincerely believe that the wheelchair warriers are far more courageous, dedicated and committed than the able bodied.
Before you shoot me think about this.
Michael Phelps wakes up in the morning very early. Leaps out of bed, maybe chugs down a protein shake made by mom, grabs his tog bag and heads for the pool in his sponsored Lexus SUV. (give a little licence here) Gets to the pool, and starts training.
Oscar Pistorius wakes up in the morning very early. Leaps out of bed....and takes 10 minutes to afix his double prosthetic legs. Makes his own protein shake and grabs his tog bag after making sure that his racing prosthetics are in the bag and heads for the track, driven by a friend. (well maybe not) Gets to the track, laboriously removes his street legs and puts on his race legs. Starts training. Spends the rest of the day fighting the authorities as to whether he is legally allowed to race in the Olympics. Gets the all clear....eventually but doesn't make the qualifying times. Natalie Du Toit one of our swimmers, raced in the able bodies games AND is now churning out gold medals in the OTHER version.
How much more stressful are these peoples lives than an able bodied person. A lot but it doesn't bother them. They get on with it with good grace a great attitude and a big smile. WOW.
Don't get me wrong..I'm not saying they are better athletes, I'm saying that they have a harder time training, racing and living but their commitment to living a full life is unquestioned and they have got like that BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN GIVEN A SECOND CHANCE.
Natalie Du Toit was a world class swimmer before she was knocked over by a car and lost her leg. Did she lose her will to live. NOT A CHANCE, she determined to STILL swim in the Olympic games...and this year she did. WHAT A CHAMPION.
What's your excuse for moaning about how unfair life is. Don't wait to see if you get a second chance. Get out there now and get as fit and healthy as you can, so that you CAN survive if you are ever unlucky enough to get cut down in the prime of your life.
What's going on in my head?
Got back from the plastic surgeon yesterday and he says it could be an undisolved suture trying to get out or...a low grade infection. Got some antiseptic cream and I'll go back next monday. Either way...no worries. There's no point.
Interesting scenario. South Africa had a disastrous Olympic games in terms of the medal tables, however we are more than making up for it in the Para Olympics (which by BTW means parallel olympics and not paraplegic olympics and the reason is to create parity between the two and not make the latter look like the poor cousin.) by standing number 5 in the medals.
This got me thinking about the athletes. Why would we think that the para olympians are any less worthy than the able bodied. Why would the able bodied get way more viewership and TV ratings than the wheelchair warriors.
Is it because the able bodied athletes look more graceful and athletic or is it because it's too hard facing up to our own mortality.
Obviously I have more than a passing interest in this topic because of my own near death experience, but I sincerely believe that the wheelchair warriers are far more courageous, dedicated and committed than the able bodied.
Before you shoot me think about this.
Michael Phelps wakes up in the morning very early. Leaps out of bed, maybe chugs down a protein shake made by mom, grabs his tog bag and heads for the pool in his sponsored Lexus SUV. (give a little licence here) Gets to the pool, and starts training.
Oscar Pistorius wakes up in the morning very early. Leaps out of bed....and takes 10 minutes to afix his double prosthetic legs. Makes his own protein shake and grabs his tog bag after making sure that his racing prosthetics are in the bag and heads for the track, driven by a friend. (well maybe not) Gets to the track, laboriously removes his street legs and puts on his race legs. Starts training. Spends the rest of the day fighting the authorities as to whether he is legally allowed to race in the Olympics. Gets the all clear....eventually but doesn't make the qualifying times. Natalie Du Toit one of our swimmers, raced in the able bodies games AND is now churning out gold medals in the OTHER version.
How much more stressful are these peoples lives than an able bodied person. A lot but it doesn't bother them. They get on with it with good grace a great attitude and a big smile. WOW.
Don't get me wrong..I'm not saying they are better athletes, I'm saying that they have a harder time training, racing and living but their commitment to living a full life is unquestioned and they have got like that BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN GIVEN A SECOND CHANCE.
Natalie Du Toit was a world class swimmer before she was knocked over by a car and lost her leg. Did she lose her will to live. NOT A CHANCE, she determined to STILL swim in the Olympic games...and this year she did. WHAT A CHAMPION.
What's your excuse for moaning about how unfair life is. Don't wait to see if you get a second chance. Get out there now and get as fit and healthy as you can, so that you CAN survive if you are ever unlucky enough to get cut down in the prime of your life.
Monday, September 8, 2008
My twenty week journey back to Perfect Health "THE SUPER CHALLENGE"
Week 6 Day 1
What's going on in my head?
WHY?.....did I choose the above as the title to kick off my blog every day. Was it a random rhetorical question. Was it just a throw away line or was is carefully thought out to illustrate the way I think?
The latter is the correct answer. What I think about or more to the point the way I think about things is 'the secret' to my state of wellbeing. The way you think is actually the 'secret' to everybody's wellbeing.
I personally guarantee that if I were able to be with one person 24 hours a day for...say three weeks and have them talk out loud about everything they were thinking I would be able to change their lives forever.
Bad thinking is the cause of EVERYTHING that happens in your life. Are you aware that your thoughts good or bad alter the cellular structure of your body. Can you imagine how you can talk yourself into a very big hole if every little irritation is blown out of all proportion by the way you think.
90% of your worries NEVER MATERIALISE. Does it HONESTLY make sense to STRESS out about something that has not happened yet.
" I just KNOW that I'm going to get a parking ticket"
" I absolutely know that my team is going to get whacked AGAIN"
"I KNOW that the taxman is coming after me."
You are attracting that kind of stuff if that is the way you think.
If you happen to get change of season flu....by thinking negatively about it you could conceivably talk yourself into a nice bout of pneumonia.
All of the above is minor stuff....Can you imagine the stress in your life if your mind is full of negative thoughs about money, family and health.
Talking about health issues. Most of you know that I've had three genereal anaesthetics in as many months..do think I want another one. That's rhetorical of COURSE I DON'T. Well I might have to because the pressure wound at the back of my head is opening up again. NOT GOOD.
What is my exact thought process with this 'irritation' Firstly I am NOT thinking about it because I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE PLASTIC SURGEON IS GOING TO SAY and I am certainly not going to make it up. I am seeing him this afternoon and we'll see what the verdict is. Until then I have other wonderful things to think about.
WE NEED TO RENEW OUR MINDS. WE NEED TO ,,BE AWARE on a minute by minute basis of what we are thinking. Once this becomes habitual it is realistic to be able to stop a bad thought in it's tracks and supplant it with a different thought....and after a long time of doing that, it IS possible to only think pragmatic, happy positive thoughts. Thoughts that enhance your life and don't detract from it.
I'm not saying that this process is easy. In fact it's way harder than getting fit but I PROMISE you that if you accept this challenge and stick with it and make it a habit....your life will be irrevocably changed...for the better.
GUARD WHAT GOES INTO YOUR HEAD...IT'S THE ONLY THING WE CAN CONTROL.MAKE NO EXCUSES, TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE AND TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT.
TRAINING
Another good training today, but that's because that's what I wanted it to be.
Weights slowly increasing and I'll post again on that next week.
NUTRITION
Another few weeks of metablism conditiong and then onto fat burning. I'll be a machine by the end of my 20 week UBER CHALLENGE.
SUMMARY
You CAN control your life by CHOOSING what to think. What you choose becomes what you do and who you are. Try it for a couple of weeks..WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO LOSE? nothing, but you have EVERYTHING to gain.
What's going on in my head?
WHY?.....did I choose the above as the title to kick off my blog every day. Was it a random rhetorical question. Was it just a throw away line or was is carefully thought out to illustrate the way I think?
The latter is the correct answer. What I think about or more to the point the way I think about things is 'the secret' to my state of wellbeing. The way you think is actually the 'secret' to everybody's wellbeing.
I personally guarantee that if I were able to be with one person 24 hours a day for...say three weeks and have them talk out loud about everything they were thinking I would be able to change their lives forever.
Bad thinking is the cause of EVERYTHING that happens in your life. Are you aware that your thoughts good or bad alter the cellular structure of your body. Can you imagine how you can talk yourself into a very big hole if every little irritation is blown out of all proportion by the way you think.
90% of your worries NEVER MATERIALISE. Does it HONESTLY make sense to STRESS out about something that has not happened yet.
" I just KNOW that I'm going to get a parking ticket"
" I absolutely know that my team is going to get whacked AGAIN"
"I KNOW that the taxman is coming after me."
You are attracting that kind of stuff if that is the way you think.
If you happen to get change of season flu....by thinking negatively about it you could conceivably talk yourself into a nice bout of pneumonia.
All of the above is minor stuff....Can you imagine the stress in your life if your mind is full of negative thoughs about money, family and health.
Talking about health issues. Most of you know that I've had three genereal anaesthetics in as many months..do think I want another one. That's rhetorical of COURSE I DON'T. Well I might have to because the pressure wound at the back of my head is opening up again. NOT GOOD.
What is my exact thought process with this 'irritation' Firstly I am NOT thinking about it because I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE PLASTIC SURGEON IS GOING TO SAY and I am certainly not going to make it up. I am seeing him this afternoon and we'll see what the verdict is. Until then I have other wonderful things to think about.
WE NEED TO RENEW OUR MINDS. WE NEED TO ,,BE AWARE on a minute by minute basis of what we are thinking. Once this becomes habitual it is realistic to be able to stop a bad thought in it's tracks and supplant it with a different thought....and after a long time of doing that, it IS possible to only think pragmatic, happy positive thoughts. Thoughts that enhance your life and don't detract from it.
I'm not saying that this process is easy. In fact it's way harder than getting fit but I PROMISE you that if you accept this challenge and stick with it and make it a habit....your life will be irrevocably changed...for the better.
GUARD WHAT GOES INTO YOUR HEAD...IT'S THE ONLY THING WE CAN CONTROL.MAKE NO EXCUSES, TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE AND TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT.
TRAINING
Another good training today, but that's because that's what I wanted it to be.
Weights slowly increasing and I'll post again on that next week.
NUTRITION
Another few weeks of metablism conditiong and then onto fat burning. I'll be a machine by the end of my 20 week UBER CHALLENGE.
SUMMARY
You CAN control your life by CHOOSING what to think. What you choose becomes what you do and who you are. Try it for a couple of weeks..WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO LOSE? nothing, but you have EVERYTHING to gain.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
My twenty week journey back to Perfect Health "THE SUPER CHALLENGE"
Week 5 Day 5
What's going on in my head?
Fortunately I have a perfect opportunity to show in REAL LIFE how I deal with negative situations.
I spent the night at my Lady's home last night with the intention of training some clients early Sat morning (today) and then myself and then back to her home for the weekend. It's out in the country and it's like going on holiday, wonderful.
Up early, headed to the gym did what I had to, trained myself and then my intuition told me to go home.
Opened the front door of my townhouse and........THE PLACE WAS FLOODED, and I mean flooded. The whole place was an inch deep in water. The Kelim carpet was drenched, the curtain bottoms were drenched, under the kitchen cupboards were flooded. I mean, GUSTAV had just taken a tour through my home.
So.....do I lose my temper, get angry with everyone, shout and scream , and on top of it now I'm late to meet my girl.......
First of all I didn't flush the Loo properly when I left yesterday and the valved remained open allowing the water to overun the tank and onto the floor....it obviously did this the whole night.
How do I deal with this kind of situation which IS highly frustrating, no question.
What's going on in my head?
Fortunately I have a perfect opportunity to show in REAL LIFE how I deal with negative situations.
I spent the night at my Lady's home last night with the intention of training some clients early Sat morning (today) and then myself and then back to her home for the weekend. It's out in the country and it's like going on holiday, wonderful.
Up early, headed to the gym did what I had to, trained myself and then my intuition told me to go home.
Opened the front door of my townhouse and........THE PLACE WAS FLOODED, and I mean flooded. The whole place was an inch deep in water. The Kelim carpet was drenched, the curtain bottoms were drenched, under the kitchen cupboards were flooded. I mean, GUSTAV had just taken a tour through my home.
So.....do I lose my temper, get angry with everyone, shout and scream , and on top of it now I'm late to meet my girl.......
First of all I didn't flush the Loo properly when I left yesterday and the valved remained open allowing the water to overun the tank and onto the floor....it obviously did this the whole night.
How do I deal with this kind of situation which IS highly frustrating, no question.
So, time to clean up. Whilst I'm doing this I'm thinking.
- I get an opportunity to practice taking 100% reponsibility for what happened. It's not "the stupid valve, or the idiots who fitted the toilet, it's THIS IDIOT who didn't check it when I left.
- I'm thrilled that my intuition is intact and I had a chance to test it 'real world'
- I get a chance to do an unexpected 'cardio' workout because believe me this was PT.
- My tiled floors got the best cleaning they have ever had.
- Got a chance to wash out my 'Kelim' and another carpet
- Saw that the tiled floors of my new townhous are properly level
- Affirmed that my attitude is in the right place
You see any situation's solution is about 'FOCUS'. What I mean by that is...If your focus is in how grumpy you are because this thing has to be fixed...because you cannot leave it, you HAVE TO CLEAN UP and you really don't feel like it that's going to be your emotional state.
However if your FOCUS is on "What is the upside of this"...and there is ALWAYS one in any situation then that's what you're going to feel.
Throught this whole thing, start to finish I did not feel any negative emotion...I automatically 'FOCUSSED' on the upside, got the job done and moved on. DONE DEAL.
Why don't you try an experiment. Imagine this was you. Visualise how you would feel with this situation and whether you would be reactive or proactive. If the answer is negative, try and role play how you could turn it into a positive and see how you would feel.
This is a simple technique that becomes habit if you practice it often enough and can be used in any situation....
TRY IT, IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE.
TOMORROW - no blog....I'm out of action because my girl's ADSL line is down and I have no connection. UPSIDE - I get to spend more quality time with my girl out in the beautiful sunshine.
SEE YA MONDAY - BEAUTIFUL WEEKEND, Tell someone close to you that you love them...it'll make BOTH of you feel fantastic.
Friday, September 5, 2008
My twenty week journey back to Perfect Health "THE SUPER CHALLENGE"
Week 5 Day 5
What's going on in my head?
Perspective....I read a great article today that talks about perspective.
Basically, if you are experiencing emotional pain because of something that happened it's because you are not able to see all the good that will come out of it.
In each 'bad' experience we encounter we need to see where our focus is. If it is on the negative side or 'why did this happen' side then perhaps for things to be OK we simply need to refocus and think about all the positive possibilities that may come from this.
Some paraplegics were interviewed some time ago and revealed that one year after their life changing experience they believe that life for them is better now than it ever was...amazing attitudes.
What's happened has happened. Find a way to look forward with some positives, there always are some if you look hard enough.
No training today
nutrition as normal
SUMMARY
Look for the good in every tough situation and you will find your life will be a lot easier to deal with.
What's going on in my head?
Perspective....I read a great article today that talks about perspective.
Basically, if you are experiencing emotional pain because of something that happened it's because you are not able to see all the good that will come out of it.
In each 'bad' experience we encounter we need to see where our focus is. If it is on the negative side or 'why did this happen' side then perhaps for things to be OK we simply need to refocus and think about all the positive possibilities that may come from this.
Some paraplegics were interviewed some time ago and revealed that one year after their life changing experience they believe that life for them is better now than it ever was...amazing attitudes.
What's happened has happened. Find a way to look forward with some positives, there always are some if you look hard enough.
No training today
nutrition as normal
SUMMARY
Look for the good in every tough situation and you will find your life will be a lot easier to deal with.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
My twenty week journey back to Perfect Health "THE SUPER CHALLENGE"
Week 5 Day 4
What's going on in my head?
Today I want to know.... What's going on in your head? What are the issues in your life.... What is it that you struggle to deal with. What stops you from going to train when you don't feel like it? How do you feel when you have a down day and how do you pull yourself out of it? If you are not a success, in your eyes, WHY?
The book that I'm writing is definately not to boost my ego. I have had a tough life and I learned long ago how get joy out of any situation...my motivation is to help people who are struggling with life, find ways to overcome any situation and I reckon I've had em all....
Did I tell you that my mother died of cancer when I was twelve years old. She was my best friend.
Did I tell you that I got on an aeroplane and flew to a different country to live by myself when I was 16.
Did I tell you that I was working on the docks in Durban, South Africa when I was 15.
Did I tell you that I have virtually NO senior school or college education.
Am I telling you this to get you to feel pity for me.... ABSOLUTELY not...I'm telling you because I have had a TON of TOUGH LIFE EXPERIENCE and I learned how to create, with the help of God, the greatest life I could. I am extremely happy...I am fullfilling my goals and dreams at an alarming rate and I am attracting all sorts of exciting opportunities. Life is wonderful
The reason I'm telling you this is because I WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE and you cannot do it on your own.
So if there is ANYTHING you would like me to talk about, offer support with, debate, question, please drop a comment in on this POST or e-mail me at dougal@mindbodysuperfit.co.za and let's get going and offer solutions.
I AM PART OF THE SOLUTION, are you PART OF THE PROBLEM.
TRAINING
Worked hard in the gym today but I am loving it. Feeling my body fill out and begin to regain it's original form, feeling my strength returning. I kind of visualise the strength flowing into every cell in my body when I'm completing a set, and I imagine I am eight foot tall. I imagine all of my energy returning and all of my bones and joints and ligaments healing whilst I'm training.
It's a wonderful feeling, but it's created by me by choice and happens because I want it to happen. Born out of a happy positive attitude.....nothing is impossible, nothing.
NUTRITION
Back to full eating today, after yesterday feeling a bit ill. Back to full strength.
SUMMARY
I have been on this planet a long time and I have seen a lot of things, good and bad, I have a lot of life experience and I know how to create the perfect life....I really want to help you to do the same so let me know how I can help YOU either via comment on the post or privately via e-mail.
PEACE
What's going on in my head?
Today I want to know.... What's going on in your head? What are the issues in your life.... What is it that you struggle to deal with. What stops you from going to train when you don't feel like it? How do you feel when you have a down day and how do you pull yourself out of it? If you are not a success, in your eyes, WHY?
The book that I'm writing is definately not to boost my ego. I have had a tough life and I learned long ago how get joy out of any situation...my motivation is to help people who are struggling with life, find ways to overcome any situation and I reckon I've had em all....
Did I tell you that my mother died of cancer when I was twelve years old. She was my best friend.
Did I tell you that I got on an aeroplane and flew to a different country to live by myself when I was 16.
Did I tell you that I was working on the docks in Durban, South Africa when I was 15.
Did I tell you that I have virtually NO senior school or college education.
Am I telling you this to get you to feel pity for me.... ABSOLUTELY not...I'm telling you because I have had a TON of TOUGH LIFE EXPERIENCE and I learned how to create, with the help of God, the greatest life I could. I am extremely happy...I am fullfilling my goals and dreams at an alarming rate and I am attracting all sorts of exciting opportunities. Life is wonderful
The reason I'm telling you this is because I WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE and you cannot do it on your own.
So if there is ANYTHING you would like me to talk about, offer support with, debate, question, please drop a comment in on this POST or e-mail me at dougal@mindbodysuperfit.co.za and let's get going and offer solutions.
I AM PART OF THE SOLUTION, are you PART OF THE PROBLEM.
TRAINING
Worked hard in the gym today but I am loving it. Feeling my body fill out and begin to regain it's original form, feeling my strength returning. I kind of visualise the strength flowing into every cell in my body when I'm completing a set, and I imagine I am eight foot tall. I imagine all of my energy returning and all of my bones and joints and ligaments healing whilst I'm training.
It's a wonderful feeling, but it's created by me by choice and happens because I want it to happen. Born out of a happy positive attitude.....nothing is impossible, nothing.
NUTRITION
Back to full eating today, after yesterday feeling a bit ill. Back to full strength.
SUMMARY
I have been on this planet a long time and I have seen a lot of things, good and bad, I have a lot of life experience and I know how to create the perfect life....I really want to help you to do the same so let me know how I can help YOU either via comment on the post or privately via e-mail.
PEACE
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
My twenty week journey back to Perfect Health "THE SUPER CHALLENGE"
Week 5 Day 3
What's going on in my head?
The incredible healing power of Forgiveness.
At 10pm on Sunday the 21st November 1993, I learned about the 'absolute' healing power of forgiveness.
2 kms from the church we had just attended on a dark, narrow, busy road my sister, my then wife and an evangalist friend from the UK, were on our way home when I saw a vehicle parked on the side of the road. There was a young woman in the drivers seat and I could see that she was very distressed.
I turned around and parked off the road on the curb opposite her vehicle.
I walked over to her only to see that she was terribly upset and her hands were almost welded to the steering wheel.
I asked her what was wrong and she told me that she had hit a dog fifty or so metres back and was afraid to go back and see if the dog was alright.
I shouted to my family across the road in my vehicle and asked them to come over and support the young woman.
I walked up the road. The dog was lying slightly off the asphalt on the dirt verge. It was already dead. I pulled the him completely off the road and started walking back to my vehicle.
My sister Margot, who was my best friend...you know the kind of person that you can talk nonsense to 5 times a day on the phone and never get tired of it, she was one of those. The most beautiful, charismatic 36 year old woman I have ever met....was standing next to my vehicle waiting to cross the road. She waited for a vehicle to pass so she could cross the road to help the others.
I was walking back to my vehicle when I saw headlights of another, crest the hill and start toward us at speed and in an erratic fashion.
The driver, who I know now to have been drunk, hit my sister head on pushing her into the side of my car and onto his bonnet like a rag doll, his vehicle carrying her to where I was walking. He saw me in his lights and swerved back onto the asphalt dumping my her into the veld at my feet whilst he disapeared up the road in an angry swirl of dust and screeching tyres.
My beloved sister was killed instantly.
I remember putting my hands into the air and shouting out "God help me". At that very moment I felt an instant peace fall over me like a warm comforting blanket and I was able to think clearly enough take charge of the situation.
Within minutes there were 50 people milling around all wanting to know what happened. Most of the men had become very aggresive and were saying things like "Let's chase the animal and kill him"
Now bearing in mind I have a military background and spent many years in the Rhodesian Bush War as a soldier my response was startling, even to me. " Leave him he knows not what he has done"
The absolute peace I felt in my heart defies all understanding.
I was able to control the situation, speak to the police, make arrangements for my sister to be moved.....phone my brother-in-law and their three sons to explain what had happened, all with this sense of calm efficiency.
At daybreak, the following day sitting on the side of my bed, I said "Lord show me who did this." Almost immediately my ex business partner who had arrived at work very early phoned me to extend his sympathies and to tell me that there was a car outside his office, hidden under a tree, that may be the one involved.
It was. The police arrested the young man involved who denied being the driver and said that his car had been stolen the night before. This turned out to be a concocted story to get him off the hook.
He was charged with many counts of violating the roads and roads traffic act which included culpable homicide.
I saw him for the first time when the case went to trial. My peace and sense of forgiveness had stayed with me all this time and as he cowered away from me when he saw me the first thing I said to him was " I forgive you for what you have done"
He was convicted and sentenced to a total fine of around $300. My friends asked me how what I thought about this and again my reply was not what you'd expect.
"I don't think anything of it, He has to deal with this every day of his life, my sister is sitting at the right hand of God right now." Sounds like a win for her.
For us...of course we grieve, but time heals, and her husband and three boys are doing great....but how does this relate to health and fitness. HUGELY SO.
What's going on in my head?
The incredible healing power of Forgiveness.
At 10pm on Sunday the 21st November 1993, I learned about the 'absolute' healing power of forgiveness.
2 kms from the church we had just attended on a dark, narrow, busy road my sister, my then wife and an evangalist friend from the UK, were on our way home when I saw a vehicle parked on the side of the road. There was a young woman in the drivers seat and I could see that she was very distressed.
I turned around and parked off the road on the curb opposite her vehicle.
I walked over to her only to see that she was terribly upset and her hands were almost welded to the steering wheel.
I asked her what was wrong and she told me that she had hit a dog fifty or so metres back and was afraid to go back and see if the dog was alright.
I shouted to my family across the road in my vehicle and asked them to come over and support the young woman.
I walked up the road. The dog was lying slightly off the asphalt on the dirt verge. It was already dead. I pulled the him completely off the road and started walking back to my vehicle.
My sister Margot, who was my best friend...you know the kind of person that you can talk nonsense to 5 times a day on the phone and never get tired of it, she was one of those. The most beautiful, charismatic 36 year old woman I have ever met....was standing next to my vehicle waiting to cross the road. She waited for a vehicle to pass so she could cross the road to help the others.
I was walking back to my vehicle when I saw headlights of another, crest the hill and start toward us at speed and in an erratic fashion.
The driver, who I know now to have been drunk, hit my sister head on pushing her into the side of my car and onto his bonnet like a rag doll, his vehicle carrying her to where I was walking. He saw me in his lights and swerved back onto the asphalt dumping my her into the veld at my feet whilst he disapeared up the road in an angry swirl of dust and screeching tyres.
My beloved sister was killed instantly.
I remember putting my hands into the air and shouting out "God help me". At that very moment I felt an instant peace fall over me like a warm comforting blanket and I was able to think clearly enough take charge of the situation.
Within minutes there were 50 people milling around all wanting to know what happened. Most of the men had become very aggresive and were saying things like "Let's chase the animal and kill him"
Now bearing in mind I have a military background and spent many years in the Rhodesian Bush War as a soldier my response was startling, even to me. " Leave him he knows not what he has done"
The absolute peace I felt in my heart defies all understanding.
I was able to control the situation, speak to the police, make arrangements for my sister to be moved.....phone my brother-in-law and their three sons to explain what had happened, all with this sense of calm efficiency.
At daybreak, the following day sitting on the side of my bed, I said "Lord show me who did this." Almost immediately my ex business partner who had arrived at work very early phoned me to extend his sympathies and to tell me that there was a car outside his office, hidden under a tree, that may be the one involved.
It was. The police arrested the young man involved who denied being the driver and said that his car had been stolen the night before. This turned out to be a concocted story to get him off the hook.
He was charged with many counts of violating the roads and roads traffic act which included culpable homicide.
I saw him for the first time when the case went to trial. My peace and sense of forgiveness had stayed with me all this time and as he cowered away from me when he saw me the first thing I said to him was " I forgive you for what you have done"
He was convicted and sentenced to a total fine of around $300. My friends asked me how what I thought about this and again my reply was not what you'd expect.
"I don't think anything of it, He has to deal with this every day of his life, my sister is sitting at the right hand of God right now." Sounds like a win for her.
For us...of course we grieve, but time heals, and her husband and three boys are doing great....but how does this relate to health and fitness. HUGELY SO.
- We all need someone to lean on in times of turbulence and we all have them
- If the One you lean can perform miracles like that...well it works for me
- BITTERNESS and RESENTMENT has been scientifically proven to be a major cause of cancer and many other conditions. THOSE TWO WILL EAT YOU UP.
- Dragging around a heavy suitcase of UNFORGIVENESS for the rest of my life would have been crippling for me...and I don't believe I could have made it on my own.
People every day, are asking me how on earth I have made such an amazing recovery from my accident, and how I'm able to maintain a GENUINE happy, content nature and a really POSITIVE outlook against all the odds.
The answer to me is what I have learned about FAITH. I have alluded to this in a previous post but I believe it's worth repeating. I am NOT religious but I DO have a fantastic relationship with God. He has already given me everything I need for my life to be perfect. I do not have to ask Him for anything, what I do need to do is THANK him for what he has given me with huge gratitude.
Now, if I BELIEVE that he has given me everything how on earth can anything hurt me. Including a terrible tragedy like I've described and my near fatal accident. On top of that when I asked Him to support me through this tragedy he instantly picked me up and carried me. He also showed me that he had given me the gift of forgiveness and all I had to do was believe it....and so it was.
In my wonderful life...all things come from The Source...even on the most stormy ocean I can be calm, and serene. I honestly can't think of anyone I dislike or have a grudge against. My life is about helping other become whole again through Health and Fitness.
So....that is my answer to those who ask about my state of contentment, but I believe that a most important component of being able to LOVE, which is critically important to anyone's happiness is to be able to forgive.
Don't let another day go by without examining your own unforgiveness. Take charge and do something about it today and watch your own health RADICALLY improve overnight.
Oh...and, if YOU are perfect please share my story with someone who isn't.
PEACE
TRAINING and NUTRITION
I ate some almonds last night with a glass of milk and I ended up with aching nstomach cramps and feeling terrible...which I still have now. So training will move to tomorrow and saturday and my nutrition won't be great today, the last thing I feel like doing is eating.
SUMMARY
An overiding spirit of love and giving is what would make this planet work Soooo much better and part of that is forgiveness as opposed to bitterness and resentment. Please don't let harbouring these imposters effect your health. We all have reasons for holding onto those two....not at the cost of your health.
This is a story of Triumph not tragedy so please don't misunderstand my motives. I am absolutely NOT looking for sympathy.
Make a change for the better ....TODAY
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
My twenty week journey back to Perfect Health "THE SUPER CHALLENGE"
Week 5 Day 2
What's going on in Carlos' head?
I have to tell you Dougal,
I have used this Therapeutic "Return To Full Function" Model before,
But never has it been this impressive.
As I read your blog, there was a serene quietness all around
me. And I just had to stop and read it all over again.
And I'm thinking this is an accelerated program.
Accelerated because of the thought and belief influence.
How powerful is this influence.
This, to me leaves open
(for further discussion)
an area that has had much lip
service but very little tangible, record able
results.
Dougal, people need to know how to believe.
(And someone needs to be able to teach them)
Believe with a sense of peace, and trust, and yes
humor.
These are some of the things you possess.
But not with mere words, here is the living proof of
what you believe.
If anyone can grasp what has already been done
here, they will have to admit that remarkable
is an understatement.
Carlos
As I sit here reading these very profound words from Carlos DeJesus and taking it all in I realise how subtly it spurs me on to greater things.
I also come to the realisation by analysing his words, how great a teacher/coach/therapist/trainer/friend, he is.
Whether or not he realises it, he knows me well enough to know what to say to me to motivate me beyond anything I might imagine.
What a gift.
Thank you Carlos.
What's going on in Carlos' head?
I have to tell you Dougal,
I have used this Therapeutic "Return To Full Function" Model before,
But never has it been this impressive.
As I read your blog, there was a serene quietness all around
me. And I just had to stop and read it all over again.
And I'm thinking this is an accelerated program.
Accelerated because of the thought and belief influence.
How powerful is this influence.
This, to me leaves open
(for further discussion)
an area that has had much lip
service but very little tangible, record able
results.
Dougal, people need to know how to believe.
(And someone needs to be able to teach them)
Believe with a sense of peace, and trust, and yes
humor.
These are some of the things you possess.
But not with mere words, here is the living proof of
what you believe.
If anyone can grasp what has already been done
here, they will have to admit that remarkable
is an understatement.
Carlos
As I sit here reading these very profound words from Carlos DeJesus and taking it all in I realise how subtly it spurs me on to greater things.
I also come to the realisation by analysing his words, how great a teacher/coach/therapist/trainer/friend, he is.
Whether or not he realises it, he knows me well enough to know what to say to me to motivate me beyond anything I might imagine.
What a gift.
Thank you Carlos.
Monday, September 1, 2008
My twenty week journey back to Perfect Health "THE SUPER CHALLENGE"
Week 5 Day1
What's going on in my head?
My own personal Olympic Games and the immense power of ' The right head space'
I had such fun today. Carlos and I were chatting yesterday about my training and my progress.
We wanted to do a comparison for our benefit, which was equitable, to see where I was in relation to where I used to be. In order to do this I had to do a session without the normal cadence 3 x 3 and to do it in a 1 x 3 cadence which is the way I normally train, exploding on the positive and controlling the negative.
Last night I thought about it and when Carlos said there could be up to a 20% positive difference in strength I got really excited about having my own little Olympics.
This morning arrived and I was experiencing a really positive sense of aniticipation and excitement much like an athlete getting ready to race.
I practiced my lifts in my head and rehearsed them as if they were real. Now Carlos warned me to be careful and to get a spotter for things like Bench Press so I knew that I wasn't about to hurt myself or go beyond what was reasonable for me.
Mid morning I headed to the gym, mentally readied myself and ....hit the steel. Well I surprised even myself. In addition I had a wonderful morning and a great session...oh and I didn't need the spotter.
The exercises and the weights and comparitive weights are in the weight section. The results are startling.
The point of this dialogue is to affirm once again the POWER of the mind. That you can use your mind positively to spur yourself on to great things is unarguable. Just takes a little practice a little knowledge a little faith and you can become your own ELITE athlete.
"As a man thinketh in his heart so is he." No matter your limitation or disability, physical or emotional that incredibly powerful statement will remain relevent for the rest of time.
TRAINING
Exercise weight pre accident weight post accident
(pse forgive dodgy formatting)
Leg ext --------------------135 x 10 reps-------121 x 10 reps
Leg curl-------------------110 x 10-------------110 x 10
BB Bench------------------220x 10-------------154 x 8
DB seated row------------165 x 10-------------180x 8
laterals------------------- 25 x 10--------------25 x 10
tricep pushdowns--------187 x 10------------165x10
DB bicep curls------------50 x 10--------------30 x 10
Without wanting to appear dramatic the results in Carlos' words "ARE AMAZING"
Leg ext --------- not far behind pre accident weight
Leg curls ------- the same
Bench ---------- some way to go but still a huge improvement
Seated row ---- already ahead of my best
Laterals ------- the same
Triceps -------- very close
DB biceps ------ some way to go but still reasonable weight
These results are remarkable considering a return to weight training proper, just 5 weeks ago.
I venture to suggest that in another 5 weeks of single set, multiple exercise, full body routine with the 3 x 3 cadence, I will be ahead of my previous best with every lift.
Speaks volumes for Carlos and his therapeutic 'return to full function' model - does it not?
NUTRITION
Ate well today and am now up to 2200 calories a day. When I get up to 3000 per day my metabolism will be properly primed for fat burning, then the fun really begins.
SUMMARY
Without a doubt the mind is the greatest gift God has given us and even better we have the ability to use it in any way we choose. Use it wisely and remember " As a man thinketh in his heart so is he."
What's going on in my head?
My own personal Olympic Games and the immense power of ' The right head space'
I had such fun today. Carlos and I were chatting yesterday about my training and my progress.
We wanted to do a comparison for our benefit, which was equitable, to see where I was in relation to where I used to be. In order to do this I had to do a session without the normal cadence 3 x 3 and to do it in a 1 x 3 cadence which is the way I normally train, exploding on the positive and controlling the negative.
Last night I thought about it and when Carlos said there could be up to a 20% positive difference in strength I got really excited about having my own little Olympics.
This morning arrived and I was experiencing a really positive sense of aniticipation and excitement much like an athlete getting ready to race.
I practiced my lifts in my head and rehearsed them as if they were real. Now Carlos warned me to be careful and to get a spotter for things like Bench Press so I knew that I wasn't about to hurt myself or go beyond what was reasonable for me.
Mid morning I headed to the gym, mentally readied myself and ....hit the steel. Well I surprised even myself. In addition I had a wonderful morning and a great session...oh and I didn't need the spotter.
The exercises and the weights and comparitive weights are in the weight section. The results are startling.
The point of this dialogue is to affirm once again the POWER of the mind. That you can use your mind positively to spur yourself on to great things is unarguable. Just takes a little practice a little knowledge a little faith and you can become your own ELITE athlete.
"As a man thinketh in his heart so is he." No matter your limitation or disability, physical or emotional that incredibly powerful statement will remain relevent for the rest of time.
TRAINING
Exercise weight pre accident weight post accident
(pse forgive dodgy formatting)
Leg ext --------------------135 x 10 reps-------121 x 10 reps
Leg curl-------------------110 x 10-------------110 x 10
BB Bench------------------220x 10-------------154 x 8
DB seated row------------165 x 10-------------180x 8
laterals------------------- 25 x 10--------------25 x 10
tricep pushdowns--------187 x 10------------165x10
DB bicep curls------------50 x 10--------------30 x 10
Without wanting to appear dramatic the results in Carlos' words "ARE AMAZING"
Leg ext --------- not far behind pre accident weight
Leg curls ------- the same
Bench ---------- some way to go but still a huge improvement
Seated row ---- already ahead of my best
Laterals ------- the same
Triceps -------- very close
DB biceps ------ some way to go but still reasonable weight
These results are remarkable considering a return to weight training proper, just 5 weeks ago.
I venture to suggest that in another 5 weeks of single set, multiple exercise, full body routine with the 3 x 3 cadence, I will be ahead of my previous best with every lift.
Speaks volumes for Carlos and his therapeutic 'return to full function' model - does it not?
NUTRITION
Ate well today and am now up to 2200 calories a day. When I get up to 3000 per day my metabolism will be properly primed for fat burning, then the fun really begins.
SUMMARY
Without a doubt the mind is the greatest gift God has given us and even better we have the ability to use it in any way we choose. Use it wisely and remember " As a man thinketh in his heart so is he."
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