Archive for October, 2009

Target Heart Rate

Sunday, October 18th, 2009

I have been at the gym and lost count of the times I see people just doing cardio but not aware of their heart rate.  Even I’m guilty of this, but why don’t we bother to check out H R ( heart rate )?  Most of us don’t bother to check because were either lazy or were not sure what it means.

First thing, try while sitting to check your heart rate on your neck using your first two fingers it’s to the side of the Adam’s apple or you can check on your neck under where your jaw ends before meeting your ear.  If you’re still having trouble, check on the inside of your wrist on the thumb side.  When you have found it, then count the beats for 10 seconds and multiply that by 6 as it equals 1 minute.  ( EXAMPLE. 10 Beats in 10 seconds x by 6 will equal 60 beats a minute )

Now we’ll look at your target heart rate which is 220 minus your age. ( Example 220 – 40 yr old equals 180 beats per minutes.  This is an important number you don’t want to try to reach.  So your now thinking what should your heart rate be?  This depends upon your goals.  If your doing cardiovascular training you want about 85% of your THR but if your trying to lose fat then you should be around 65 or 70 % THR, which is good for cardio in the morning before eating.  Since you would have just awoken and not eaten your body will burn fat faster.  However, if doing cardio after eating in the day you should cycle your cardio with doing intervals like 1-3 minutes at 85% then 1-3 minutes at 65% for 20 to 30 minutes.  This way your body will use your different energy systems.

THR for 40 year-old

85% THR for 40 yr old             220- 40 = 180 x.85 = 153 Beats per minute

75 % THR                                       220- 40 = 180 x .75 = 135 Beats per minute

65% THR                                       220- 40 = 180 X .65 =117 Beats per minute

Comeback Part III!

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

It’s now been about three weeks since I’ve gotten out of the hospital and instead of talking about my physical workout let’s focus on the mental part of training.

After any surgery each person starts off again on their own beginning level and that doesn’t matter if you were an athlete or not.  My starting point at first was just to roll over in bed, next it was sitting up with a brace.  When I first stood up it was an accomplishment to stand for 5 minutes and then to be able to walk with a walker.

Now two weeks out I’m driving myself around along with going to PT 3 times per week.  Weight training using a circuit routine is done 3 times per week and the other 3 days I focus on core training. Cardio is also done 6 or 7 days per week for 30 minutes followed by stretching.

What I’m trying to say that getting great fitness results are NOT easy but they can be achieved.  Were all human and at times we get down but remember you can only hold 1 thought in your head at a time so it’s up to you to make that a positive or negative thought.  As the Dali Lamia said “If you can change something in your life why worry about it, and if you can’t do anything to change it then why worry.”  So don’t let those negative thoughts stay in because each day is your new start and you can endure anything for those 24 hours.

If you’re having trouble staying focused or have doubts read books or articles where people have overcame great challenges.  For example, Lance Armstrong 7 time winner of Tour De France, Bruce Lee was also told he might never walk again but everyone knows what he went on to achieve.  Many WWE wrestlers like Steve Austin and Shawn Michael’s came back from near paralyzing neck and back injuries, and The Rock’s little cousin, Tanoai Reed, beat cancer last year.

You get the body you want if you want to do the work to get there! So instead of just sitting there and not being happy make the decision that you DO have control of your life.  It’s there for you to take just take that first step.

Comeback Part II!

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

I remember what a challenge it was the first week I was released from the hospital.  The 2nd day I was out I had someone pick me up to drive me to the gym since I’m having nerve problems with my right calf.  It felt like it took me forever to just get into the car and before getting out at the gym I had to take spasm medication and wait about 30 minutes.

With my cane I made my way in the gym somewhat embarrassed for my friends to see me on a cane, but upon seeing everyone that went away quickly.  The first day was hell as I could only ride the bike for about 5 minutes, because of back spasms and couldn’t even do 30 pounds with my right leg doing a calf press.  I kept going back each day and yesterday I rode the bike for 21 minutes but it wasn’t easy.  I’m also still haven’t gotten any stronger with my calf but I know in time it will come.  For my upper body I’m doing 1 machine for each body part of 3 sets 15 reps with very light weight.  I still can’t do any ab work yet.

I want to thank you the viewers for all your wonderful support and great comments.  I live alone and some days it can be a struggle to get started but when I see your comments I know anything is possible.

God  Bless…

Comeback!

Saturday, October 3rd, 2009

Well, I have been out of the hospital now for a little while now and while I can’t say enjoyed my 10 weeks there, what a big adjustment it is back into life.  While in the hospital I had my fixed routine and everything was set with no outside influence.

Since the doctors told me I could have died from the infection  I’m now learning not to take anything for granted like things from feeling the heat from the sun to just enjoying riding in a car again.  My surgeon said the only reason I made it is because of my training and good diet.  I was lucky to also have the support of my business partner and good friend Peter along with my fans and some close friends.

Before I went into the hospital working out and doing contest at times had felt like more of a job than fun but now I’m very excited when I will be back training again.  So remember, cherish the things in your life before their gone.  I will be doing blog’s called “ Comeback” with updates on my rehab, training, diet  and pictures.

Train hard!