Progress so far.

I have been using a program called 'Starting Strength' for almost 9 months now. It is designed for novices and combined with a good diet, gives excellent results. StartingStrengthWiki

Not only has the program helped to make me stronger and look better, but it's provided a great foundation to my future in the gym; it's taught me how to lift correctly, and given me insight into designing my own programs or personalizing others I choose to use later down the line. Well, thats the  blatant advertising over, here is my overall progress: (note: all values, for the sake of simplicity, count as one 'rep' - I'll make a glossary of terms I've come across in a later post)

Deadlift: Initial (when I first started training) = 120lbs
                Current (after 9 months of Starting Strength) = 320lbs

Bench:  Initial = 90lbs
              Current = 185lbs     

Squat: Initial = 120lbs
            Current = 270lbs   


It's also worth noting here that when I first started out I weighed a measly 155lbs, which for someone of my height (6'0) is far too thin. I'm now weighing 188lbs and on my way to the target weight of 200lbs - diet has always been my achilles heel however, so in many ways its my biggest battle. Without proper amounts of food (read: lots) I can't get bigger and stronger. Also worth noting is the very slow progression on my Benchpress; it is by far my weakest lift - I believe this is the case becuase I have naturally long arms, this suits the Deadlift much more (which is my strongest lift)  Although, maybe I just need to train my chest and triceps more!

An Introduction.

This blog is an outlet. It is a way for me to keep my goals, a place that I can return to often to check my progress and share my thoughts. Thoughts about weightlifting, fitness and other important things.

I have been going to the gym now for almost 9 months, and I've seen some amazing progress not only in the way I look, but also the way I feel. I feel stronger physically and mentally, and as it gets harder and harder to continue the progress, I need a place like this to keep me in check. Even if noone else reads my rants; I will.

However! Along with weekly progress updates I will also talk about things I think work, neat info I have discovered, any news I come across ... just to make things a little more interesting of course. That means, I'm here for the long haul ...

"On steroids: There are no shortcuts. The fact that a shortcut is important to you means that you are a *****  "   - Mark Rippetoe