You may call me Fiend

[shaneinga]

Lots of lulz and good work going on in here.

I affectionately call the stair climber the stairs of doom. Seems fitting.

Did he take you up on the spot?

[Vytis]

Dude, don't knock your successes. You put in solid work and rocked it on stage, be proud! Now that you're healthy the sky's the limit when you're ready to shred again.

[ArchAngel'73]

Lots of lulz and good work going on in here.

I affectionately call the stair climber the stairs of doom. Seems fitting.

Did he take you up on the spot?

Glad to know my sense of humour comes across. Thank-you.

I dunno man, "doom" sounds to tame for the pain they inflict. Imo, they need to have the word "hell"...like stairs to hell.

Sadly, he was in too much pain from his efforts and that was his last set.

Dude, don't knock your successes. You put in solid work and rocked it on stage, be proud! Now that you're healthy the sky's the limit when you're ready to shred again.

I'm honest man...it may have been a success for me, but the last 2 shows for me I felt I sucked as a "bodybuilder". That's ok too, there's room for improvements.

and truth be told R...I no longer want to compete according to the judges standards. My goal way back at 15 was to be as big as Arnold and natty. Natty comps aren't a bodybuilding show to me anymore, its a diet competition.
I now have my own vision of what I want to look like for my next show and it sure isn't the federation's. Arnold in his prime, he was art...and a freak. I want both.

[ArchAngel'73]

Back Width

Narrow grip Pulldowns
10x120x3
8x150x3
3x180x1---unexpected right elbow pain, set stopped
6x180x3

fake Pull ups
6x-205x3

fake Chin ups
6x-205x3

reverse pec dek
10x90x3

30 minutes Elliptical


To my embarrassment I discovered that the elliptical machine that behaved like a GOTDAMN STAIR CLIMBER is in fact adjustable, and all of the ellipticals are adjustable.
I really don't have anything reasonable to retort in my defence.
Windowlickers gonna windowlick

and today the losing fat, eating vegetables bodybuilder ran out of toilet paper and was unable to find any.

[ArchAngel'73]

March 14, 2020

30 minutes Elliptical

My weight has been up and down this week so much I didn't know if I was going to hit my -2 lb. mark but I did.
Down -9 lbs. total since starting this journal. 2 weeks.
and yes I did do extra cardio to make weight.

[ArchAngel'73]

I listened to my body and natural propensity to be lazy and did not exercise at all today.

[ArchAngel'73]

March 16, 2020

Joints and tendons still stiff I decided to mix it up.


Chest, side Delts, Arms

HS Incline machine, PWO
20x90x3

flat BB Bench Press
20x45
10x135x3

"chicken wings"
20x80x3

behind the back side DB Raise
20x15x3

Tricep "Rolldowns"- like a reverse push down
20x60
20x90x3

Tricep cable Push Down
12x120

DB Curl
20x15x3

30 minutes Treadmill because every freakin' elliptical was "under maintenance".
It had nothing to do with my inability to detect that the height was adjustable.
Honest.


I was getting excited after this. I just bought new wrist straps, I was on a roll with the weight loss, and had planned the next 2 days worth of training out to be legs and back.
I love moving heavy sh*t, and those 2 days are the heaviest.

[ArchAngel'73]

Legs

*****

It was going to be a real slobber knocker. I was gonna squat and leg press and willing to hobble for 4 days after.
The parking lot sure was nice and empty for me, even thought they were trying to save money by turning off the lights...

Gym closed due to risks of COVID 19.

With nothing left to do, and with the proverbial sh*t hitting the fan, I went to work early to see if I could help them.

[ArchAngel'73]

March 18-20, 2020

I have NEVER not been able to go to the gym.
I named myself "Fiend" once upon a time for this forum because after 3 days of no lifting I get edgy like a "dope fiend" needing a hit.
This mass social hysteria over something that is only beginning has now crossed the line...
I can deal with the lack of sh*t paper
I can deal with my bags of chicken breast being in limited supply
I can even deal with the old f*cks who go to the gym to socialize
BUT

Closing my gym is too far.

I will adapt.
I have "acquired" (as in stolen) two 10 lb. dumbbells., I have a recumbant bike at home, and an empty downtown Edmonton Alberta to walk through.
And stairs to be climbed in the nearby river valley.

In 2 weeks time I will seek underground resources. I will find someone with a stocked gym and bribe, threaten, and/or extort them into letting me train.
I am of Russian ancestry, do not under estimate me, nor my kind's ability to accomplish such things.



and so... like I have this really neat career with my province's health care system -srs
and uhhh, I have to still like go to work every day
and work with people who's mental and physical health is fragile
I get solid info, not tainted by media fear
and I'm gonna protect my patients for as long as I can
the odds are not in my favour of not getting it, but they are of going through it relatively unscathed.

I'm no hero, I'm just a dude with a duty, ability, and desire to help others less fortunate than myself.

My bodybuilding goals have been put on hold, there is no more bodybuilding competitions as we know it, yet.
My weight loss goals remain regardless of COVID 19.

I'm also thinking the psychological adjustment going from lifting big boy weights to 10 lb. dumbbells is going to be difficult.

But, the sh*t is about the hit the fan
infection rates won't stabilize to at least August 2020
and we must improvise and adapt.

Tomorrow,
I "exercise".

[Mark1T]

So, Archiolio, your gym is open apparently? I don't see how you Canadians even get out of bed it's so cold

Otherwise, you are progressing. My opinion, you look check your weight too often.

Edit: Just saw that your gym closed. Sorry, buddy.

See the home workout thread in O35 Misc.

[induced_drag]

March 18-20, 2020

=

Closing my gym is too far.

.....
I "exercise".

You pick a damn good time to get back to the gym!

I am sure you will find a way. Lots of great resources for bodyweight stuff. There is a good thread going in the >35..

Good luck!

[shaneinga]

How is the exercise going? You find any big rocks to fashion into weights yet?

[HoosierHardGain]

Well, damn! Just when I think I’m totally done with the forums, Fiend comes back. Good hearing from you old friend.

[ArchAngel'73]

So, Archiolio, your gym is open apparently? I don't see how you Canadians even get out of bed it's so cold

Otherwise, you are progressing. My opinion, you look check your weight too often.

Edit: Just saw that your gym closed. Sorry, buddy.

See the home workout thread in O35 Misc.

Hello!

I misread your take on my username and read it "Arlecchino", a former member from the over 35. It had me confused for a second before I realized I was dumb.

I was checking my weight often, but the official check in was once per week. I just wanted to know if I was going to hit my -2 lb. mark.

Yes, my gym closed. Took some time to adapt but I started training 31 years ago at home and know it can be done.

Thanks brother, I'm determined to improve. Not get 500 squat or weigh 195, for now its about consistent improvement.

You pick a damn good time to get back to the gym!

I am sure you will find a way. Lots of great resources for bodyweight stuff. There is a good thread going in the >35..

Good luck!

I never left the gym though, just bb.com.
but I did laugh ID.
and the way things are now, it appears to gym left me, not vice versa.

I'm on it man. Its time for something different after 3 decades after gym life. My joints are appreciating not lifting heavy but my mind is not.

How is the exercise going? You find any big rocks to fashion into weights yet?

Rough start but I now have momentum on my side.

I did ask one of my wheelchair bound patients with no legs if I could attach a rope to the back of his chair, he could put the brakes on, and I could drag him across the back alley.
He did laugh but was unsympathetic to my plight.


Thank-you.

Well, damn! Just when I think I’m totally done with the forums, Fiend comes back. Good hearing from you old friend.

OMFG
Look what the cat dragged in!
Likewise Hoosier! Been forever.
Yes the forum has changed, there sure is a lot less of it, and many of our former friends on here are gone.
Great to see you, reminds me when the over 35 journal section was 3+ new pages every day. We had good times back then.
There's still room to make some more.
You're welcome any time!

[ArchAngel'73]

For absolutely no good reason I did not "exercise" these 2 days.



this would be a wasted post if I didn't share the youtube video that got me off my azz;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9w5ttNQVlM

@ the 1:06-1:12 mark

(sorry, I have forgotten how to embed on bb.com)

[ArchAngel'73]

I have one recumbant bike, two 10 lb. DB's and an empty downtown Edmonton Alberta to walk in at my exercise disposal.

"Whatever" workout, 1st post gym close workout

Push Ups
3x6

"fake" Push Ups (on the knees)
3x10

standing DB Flye
10x10x3

behind the back side DB Raise
40x10
30x10x2

seated DB Press
20x10x3

front DB Raise
25x10x4

straight arm DB Curl
25x10x4

DB Hammer Curl
3x10x4

DB Kickbacks
25x10x4

behind the neck 1 arm DB Extension
20x10x3

[ArchAngel'73]

March 24, 2020

41 minutes Recumbant bike




March 25, 2020

32 minutes Recumbant bike



March 26, 2020

Stair climbing at work. Multiple times and frequently.
The elevator went out.
I sweat and my hips and quads were sore the day after, that satisfies my requirements for a "workout".

[ArchAngel'73]

Part 1
40 minutes walking downtown, dodging puddles, poodles, and people.




Part 2
Whatever workout #2, now known as "Upper Body"

Push Ups
3x8

"fake" Push Ups
3x12

standing DB Flye
15x10x3

behind the back side DB Raise
30x10x4

seated DB Shoulder Press
25x10x3

front DB Raise
25x10x3

straight arm DB Curl
30x10x3

DB Hammers
20x10x3

behind the neck 1 arm DB Extension
20x10x3



I needed some time to swallow my pride and adjust to this home workout sh*t.

So the new plan is fat loss and muscle retention until the gym opens up. But I just cancelled my gym payments because the fukkers were ripping me off and I hadn't noticed. So when the gyms open, I will need a new gym, or the old one will have to really kiss my azz to come back.
I have a 1 bed room apartment with no room for a gym and I have no intention of buying anything because I'm a cheap bastid. I have looked online and they can go fukk themselves.

I will gradually add things, like suit case rows and couch presses as I get more creative.

Adapting to the new realities of the world we live in and caring for my patients has been draining. I find the mental energy I normally have for training is being eaten up by concerns for my patients, a close friend in Europe, and my aging mother 2 provinces away.
Struggling we are all going through right now, but it is the ability to adapt and recover is what is most important.

Weight training has been a staple in maintaining my mental health
the strength, size, and health aspect of it I've always considered a nice side effect.

In order to keep my sh*t together, I gotta do something good for me.

I have not been able to check my weight reliably as my scale doesn't work. I was using the one at the gym. I'm pretty sure I'm hitting my 2 lbs. this week judging by mirror assessment, diet consistency, and all that f'in cardio.

I have a baseline with some exercises and am looking to improve reps, sets, or intensity every workout since improving weight is not an option.
My push ups are embarrassing, but they will come.

I am soon hoping to provide videos in this journal soon.
Stay tuned!

and more importantly
Stay Safe!

[Vytis]

Dropping in to say hi. Stay safe Bri

[Samraiwise]

It's really you, Brian (!?).......my main man!! It's been a long time, really missed you and glad to see one of our original gangs still alive and kicking.

I see even Mr. Hoos lurking here again. (you are busted, m'old friend hear me!? )

Lift strong but stay safe brother. My rehab is almost over and we'll have a few drinks together.

Love ya,
Kaz

[shaneinga]

Nothing wrong with dropping some lbs while you wait until gyms open up. Good thing that the old youtube is full of body weight ideas. Problem is finding someone you can stand watching for long enough to learn them.

This guy isn't so bad.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRaZLdBb3W8

BTW, I forgot how to post vids to bb.com as well.

[ArchAngel'73]

bb.com fawked up my replies and deleted them. Forgive me if these are brief.

Dropping in to say hi. Stay safe Bri

Hello Rob. How are you and the family coping?

It's really you, Brian (!?).......my main man!! It's been a long time, really missed you and glad to see one of our original gangs still alive and kicking.

I see even Mr. Hoos lurking here again. (you are busted, m'old friend hear me!? )

Lift strong but stay safe brother. My rehab is almost over and we'll have a few drinks together.

Love ya,
Kaz

Hi Kaz!
I am still alive and kicking and never stopped training.

What are you rehabbing?
Did the ******* get the best of ya again?
I told ya Kaz, don't use it as a pre-workout!
Hope you heal fully.

and yes, Hoosier just popped out of no where. Hopefully some others from before will do the same, a few have already.

Nothing wrong with dropping some lbs while you wait until gyms open up. Good thing that the old youtube is full of body weight ideas. Problem is finding someone you can stand watching for long enough to learn them.

This guy isn't so bad.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRaZLdBb3W8

BTW, I forgot how to post vids to bb.com as well.

Here is a link to bb.com forum VB codes;
https://forum.bodybuilding.com/misc....bbcode#imgcode
Now we're both out of excuses and links are no longer permitted in this journal, even by me.

That vid was good for getting ideas, which is what I'm really after as I can make my own workouts. Just need to get the creative juices flowing again. Thank-you.

and I need to clarify, I am NOT waiting for the gym to open.
The gym is waiting for ME to go back.
It calls to me at night, it tells me that without me it is nothing for I am the only one there who can actually lift heavy and I treat the iron with the respect and dignity it rightly deserves.
Without me the other members would not know what hard work is, nor would they ever be able to witness my uncanny ability to rep stacks and leg press 1000+ pounds.
or
I might be off my rocker.

You pick?

[ArchAngel'73]

March 28, 2020
35 min Recumbant bike






March 29, 2020

31 min Recumbant bike

100 body weight squats x3

Stiff Leg Deadlifts (no weight) 20x3

standing calf raise superset elevated/flat
10/20x3

[ArchAngel'73]

March 30, 2020

30 min Recumbant bike

March 31, 2020

34 min Recumbant bike

[ArchAngel'73]

This day I introduced 2 full Culligan 18.5 litre water jugs to my exercise "equipment". I think that's 5 gallons per jug for you Amurikanz.
40.6 lbs. per jug, and the water moves making the lift more difficult.




"Whatever Workout" #3

Push Ups
10x3

fake Push Ups
12x3

standing DB Flye
15x10x3

behind the back side DB Raise
20x10x3

Jug Shrugs
15x3

side Jug Raises
4 reps x 3 sets

seated Jug Press (awkward AF)
10 x 3

front DB Raise
20x10x3

front Jug Raise
4 x 3

1 arm Jug Curl-- this is what I call a "tracer exercise", if my biceps are sore the next day it is solely from this exercise, and then I can determine its efficacy or not.
3 x 3

[ArchAngel'73]

my arms were sore, Jug Curls are effective!

April 2, 2020

Part 1
A.M
32 min Recumbant bike

Part 2
P.M-post work

DB Deadlifts
20x10x3

1 arm DB Row - using kitchen chair to brace knee
20x10x3

Jug Deadlifts
15x3

1 arm Jug Row
15x3

OMFG...I can barely type this with a straight face...the inappropriate comments keep going round 'n round in ma grey matterz .
If I keep these workouts going with Culligan I'm going to be unstoppable...like a....
wait for it...





JUG GERNAUT!

I'm really enjoying jug lifting. They feel so different, not at all what I'm used to. I mean, they're so big and firm, you can hear them "swoosh" when you move them up and down. I've lifted many jugs in my life time and these particular jugs I can get attached to. They are the 1st jugs I've used that have so many varied purposes other than to just supply nourishment.
Some times I think the jugs are too big, that maybe I should downsize them before I hurt my back from carrying all that weight with me. Then I come to my senses and realize there is no such thing as jugs that are too big, one just needs to get stronger to appreciate the heavier ones. With time and plenty of practice I'm sure I will get to know the nuances of using these jugs properly so I can milk...I mean get the best out of my "workouts".


and I am so sorry
I simply cannot resist, after all I am a Fiend;

[shaneinga]

Haha. This journal delivers the goods. I like the introduction of the juggs. The fact you are pressing those juggs over your head is amazing. Awkward, and amazing. We have a water service here at work so I am very aware of how heavy/awkward those are. When the gym opens you can kick down the door and show off to everyone your new set of juggs.

Thank you for the link. I now know how to do all the good stuff on bb.com

[ArchAngel'73]

Haha. This journal delivers the goods. I like the introduction of the juggs. The fact you are pressing those juggs over your head is amazing. Awkward, and amazing. We have a water service here at work so I am very aware of how heavy/awkward those are. When the gym opens you can kick down the door and show off to everyone your new set of juggs.

Thank you for the link. I now know how to do all the good stuff on bb.com

I can appreciate how time consuming and thoughtful that response is/was. Thank-you and lol!
I'm only pressing 1 jug over my head, using 1 in each hand is way to risky right now.
Its also nice to know I'm amusing to others and not just in my own imagination!

And that link provides the info I need to spice things up in here.

[ArchAngel'73]

April 3, 2020

35 minutes Recumbant bike


In addition to going to work I had to get groceries this day. They have everything I need but my regular vegetables. Even found 4 rolls of horrible TP.
Regardless of the sun coming out and the weather warming up, the overall atmosphere is pretty f'in gloomy.

I can literally smell the fear. That itself is a contagion.



April 4, 2020

My weekend spent not working and sitting at home. Got so caught up in killing time I didn't even do cardio.
Shame on me.

[ArchAngel'73]

April 5, 2020

Today...
We're Cancelling the Apocalypse!




I am sick of this sh*t.
My passion ripped from me by some unseen plague, people dying, people living in fear over the unknown, and people gradually losing hope because of the long lasting impact this is going to have on the world and billions of people's lives.

We have a choice, we can give up
or
we can fight for who we are and make sure our spirit is intact to face the new world when this is done with.

Its not just a "workout", its a test to see what you have left in you...a spirit check.


for some its one of the few things you can do to resist the foe we are facing together. Keep yourself healthy, do not let the virus nor the quarantines defeat your spirit. You will need your spirit and will for the trying days yet to come. For now do what you can to keep you intact.




31 Recumbant bike-increasing difficulty level to keep my legs from losing muscle

100 body weight squats

Jug Squats
10 sets x5

1 leg Squat
6x3---I went deep, held onto my leg with my other hand and felt I contracted what needed to be contracted (no COVID)

flat body weight calf raise
20
-these were just not working for me, too easy. Then I remembered there are stairs right outside my door way...

body weight calf raises from stairs
20x3
-that felt better, I had to wear gloves to protect myself from cooties that might be on the hand rail though

Jug Walks
2x up and down my hallway carrying them water jugs
-this was surprisingly difficult


And some stupid git (me) decided to try calf raises on the kitchen chair, we all know how that was going to turn out...except me.
Fell off the chair, back pedalled into the water jugs on the floor...still managing to maintain an upright position at this point and then I hit the recumbant bike and bounced onto the couch (sofa for Americans).

I was unhurt.
Even my pride has healed by now.

A few lessons learned today, including to keep my ass on the ground and not try stupid sh*t.


Stay safe folks.
We're barely 1/3 of the way through this.