All my life I have wanted to develop a better looking physique. Now I am well on my way.
Last summer, I probably looked like any other pasty computer nerd. Mediocre muscle tone, no particular strengths. Since then, I have regularly worked out at the SMU gym 3 times a week, concentrating on upper body exercises.
In that time, I have made considerable improvements on increasing my lower back strength. I can use all 190 pounds of weights on a torso rotation machine, and I can push 180 pounds of weight by extending my back on another machine.
I have also dramatically increased my arm strength; I can now do a few pull ups unassisted. (These are much harder than chin ups: palms facing away instead of towards your head.) I can also do several dips unassisted. I haven’t been able to do this since my undergraduate years when I held a marching baritone, the most difficult instrument to keep upright!
In the fall semester, I consistently worked out 3 times a week. I haven’t been able to maintain that schedule this spring.
For one, I caught 5 colds and a stomach virus in the 6 weeks following February 1. (Thanks, Alec!)
I also pulled a muscle in my back two weeks ago by allowing myself to go too low on the dip machine. I tried working out on Monday (10 days after pulling the muscle), but I only re-aggravated the muscle. This time I am sitting out for at least two weeks, and when I return, I will start with lower weights and build back up to where I was. Pulling muscles is a major problem because they take weeks to heal.
The only thing missing from my workout regimen is aerobic exercises. I need to get back into jogging. That is how I had planned to exercise my lower body. It’s difficult to make the time to jog with two classes and other commitments, but I look forward to resuming jogging once this semester ends and I gain back at least 12 hours a week.
I am at the best physical shape I have ever been in my life. I am beginning to get improved muscle tone. The only thing holding me back is a little pooge around my waist.
Now don’t misunderstand how I look. I am no He-Man, and I do not look anything like the Governator, and neither is my goal. Regardless, my newfound Adonis complex has propelled me well beyond where I used to be.