Unlike many of you, I’m not a beast. I’m 6’4 and 185, and I’m fairly certain I’m not near 200 for any of my maxes. Yet. I’m fairly fit, but with my current situation, I’ve largely been using cardio and exercises that only required my bodyweight (push-ups, pull-ups, etc.) to stay in shape. I did, however, recently complete the 6-week Performance Training program from coreperformance.com, using the limited equipment a friend of mine had.
I should probably first explain my situation, which is this: I’m living in a fairly remote South Korean town (three more months to go). I’ve tried the gyms here, but it’s impossible to get any work done because I’m constantly being bothered by people–some want to practice their English, others want to be workout buddies, and the real knuckleheads tell me I’m handsome and want to take a picture. Fuck that. I’d inevitably snap at some point and, since there’s no consideration for who instigated the fight in South Korean law, likely end up in prison (and I’ve heard some real horror stories about foreigners being stuck in Korean prisons).
Fortunately, I was saved by a foreigner in a nearby town who was about to head home recently, and needed to unload some equipment. I was able to get a bench, squat tower, barbell, dumbbells, and 50 kg. of weight for $100. (I’ve since picked up another 40 kg. of weight.) Not too bad.
I wouldn’t consider myself a beginner, but just someone who’s never before been interested in bulking up. Until recently, I was quite serious with baseball and played in college (pitcher). I’ve used (and completed) multiple programs with Mark Verstegen’s Core Performance, and I worked out using various other programs throughout my years in undergrad (graduated a year ago). I’ve always relied on cardio as a stress reliever, however, and I think it’s always hindered my progress (though the incessant booze-drinking may have also played a role).
As is the way I approach most everything in my life (not always a positive thing), I figure if I’m going to do this, I’m going to do it 100%. The program I’ve decided to use is a fairly intense one, but I assure you I can get it done–it’s the new “Beast Building” program by CT, which you can find here: http://www.T-Nation.com/article/bodybuilding/beast_building_part_1&cr=bodybuilding.
I just began it this past week, and feel pretty good about it (though I had to use what weight I had available, so I suspect the amount of progress I’ll be making from this week to next week will be slightly misleading). I’m also in the middle of completing Chad Waterbury’s, “Muscle Revolution,” which will likely play a significant role in creating my next program, and has already begun to change the way I eat.
I think that’s about it for an introduction. In this log, I’ll keep track of both my workouts and my eating, and would love to hear what input you guys may have (preferably constructive, of course). I’ll try to add some pictures by the end of the weekend as well, to give you an idea of where I’m at.