Posts Tagged ‘training’

One Year

Sunday, September 26th, 2010

Well it’s been one year now since I’ve gotten out of the hospital where I had stayed for 3 months and had 2 surgeries from a staph infection.Ā  The illness resulted in a loss of 40 pounds of muscle and not being able to do a calf press or calf raise with my right calf.Ā  Before getting released from the hospital I thought in 3 or 4 weeks I would have use of my calf again.Ā  Wow, was I wrong!Ā  Not only has my right hamstring been weaker but I had loss a great deal of muscle in my right glute and also had to teach myself how to walk again.

However, even after facing such a hard challenge I’m now starting to see a great deal of progress and my training is improving each week.Ā  It has taken many small steps, hard work, positive thinking and a good support team for me to be where I’m at today.

In my next blog I will outline some of my training that took me from death’s door back to photo shoot condition in one year.

New Year!

Monday, January 11th, 2010

As I’m sure you have heard before there is no time like the present, and how true that is.Ā  With 2010 here it’s time for the excuses to turn into action in terms of getting in shape.Ā  This is never an easy road for any of us, either a beginner or someone who is an advance athlete.Ā  I find for myself it’s easier to take small steps as I like to let my body gain from the least amount possible, saving the extreme things with diet and training to throw in when my results start to slow down.

For example, I cleaned my diet up cutting all junk food out except one or two items a week and then in a few weeks I will remove those also.Ā  Before, I ate out 3 or 4 meals per day now it’s two per week.Ā  When I stop eating out I then will also get strict in the type of carbs I’m eating.Ā  With training I started cardio 5 nights per week for 20 minutes and then in a few weeks it will go to 30 minutes per session and then later twice per day.

So as you see I just keep raising the intensity when I feel my body is use to what I’m doing.Ā  Another good thing when this is your body adapts and doesn’t over train as easy if you jumped right in 110%.Ā  Remember, you don’t need luck because you will get that look as 2010 is your year to be driven and focused.

Comeback Part IV!

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

Yesterday was a long day for me with 2 different Doctor appointments and my physical therapy session so I decided to take the day off from training.Ā  That is training my body, but I still read daily to keep myself in a positive mood.Ā  Some people give up when things get hard but this is the time to see what you’re really made of.Ā  It’s like if you’re running up a hill you can give up as many times as you want as long as you keep your feet moving.Ā  I think difficulties intimidate people because they doubt the power of their will.

To master this, look at your goals.Ā  If you do something because you want something, you depend on feelings of motivation, interest or excitement to reach your goal.Ā  But if you will something, you act out of duty, commitment, loyalty or because of the consequences of not doing it.

So in regards to your health or getting in shape, it’s ok to feel motivated put make it you will to reach your goals.Ā  For me it’s something I have to reach I believe and I will not accept giving up or failure, keep your feet moving.

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.Ā  My starting point at first was just to roll over in bed, next it was sitting up with a brace.Ā  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.Ā  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.Ā  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.Ā  As the Dali Lamia said ā€œIf you can change something in your life why worry about it, and if you can’t do anything to change it then why worry.ā€Ā  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.Ā  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.Ā  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.Ā  It’s there for you to take just take that first step.

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.Ā  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 infectionĀ  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.Ā  My surgeon said the only reason I made it is because of my training and good diet.Ā  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.Ā  So remember, cherish the things in your life before their gone.Ā  I will be doing blog’s called ā€œ Comebackā€ with updates on my rehab, training, dietĀ  and pictures.

Train hard!

Goals!

Monday, September 28th, 2009

Hello friends!Ā  I hope you’ve had a chance to take a look at some of our training videos and read some of our articles which we’re sure will assist you in getting in shape faster.

I realize some people watching these videos will say to themselves that these models are already in shape or I can’t do that, it’s just too hard.Ā  Let me stand to correct those viewers because I myself at 44 years old I have been thru many negative trials before getting close to reaching the goals I have set for myself.Ā  Ranging from things like, back surgery, to taking a 7 year layoff from training, along with many other occurrences.Ā  Remember these models were once like you and me they had a beginning point they had to start at in order to get into the great shape and condition that we see them in today.

With your exercise or diet program don’t put off tomorrow what you can start today.Ā  Every small change that you do today will show a big change in your body over time.Ā  Many people tend to get discouraged because with their training or diet they look in the mirror but don’t see much change since the day before.Ā  That’s because these changes are occurring on a daily bases but since they are very small changes you won’t see them until a few weeks have passed and then they will appear as major changes.Ā  Just remember, your body didn’t get to the way it is overnight, and will not become what you want it to be overnight.Ā  So keep focused on what your goals are and don’t quit!!!Ā  If you do little things like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or cutting the size of your last meal down, they will all help you to be well on your way of having that hard and fit body you want.

Train Hard!

Joe ā€˜Ino Tong