About 3 weeks ago I started my fitness journey. In my 31+ years on this planet I had never attempted to visit the gym, because I have always had great physique! (And no, this isn't me bragging). I have been 5.11 feet tall (sometimes 6.00) at around 65kg for the most part of my adult life irrespective of how much I eat. So I have never really had issues with my physique, until recently.
As some of you know, I become a dad about 4 months ago (I have a page dedicated to my journal as a dad. you can check it out), and that altered my perspective on a lot of things, including my physique. As much as I love my lanky frame, I'm not built like a dad, or at least my version of what a dad should like. Most people see me and assume I am in my early 20s, which is a good thing, but that doesn't align with the dad-aesthetics.
As a dad, you need to be big, strong and intimidating. This adds to your aura or presence as a masculine figure and ward off trouble makers. I want a situation where other people (and kids) are scared of messing with my kids because I look like Brock Lesner. That alone will make me sleep well at night. So this is my major motivation.
It would take massive amount of steroid and growth hormones to achieve that Arnold Schwarzenegger physique, and I'm not willing to go down that route. What I am willing to do is push my body to the very limit and see what I can achieve naturally..
My biggest limitation in my body building journey would probably be gaining weigh. I can't seem to put on weigh no matter how much I tried in the past. Irrespective of how much I eat, my body just seems to find a way of burning those calories. However, I am trying new things. most of which I will share in this post.
GETTING STARTED
After endless hours on YouTube trying to figure out the best workout plan, I decided to take the leap of faith by register at a local gym 15minutes away from my apartment. Fortunately, they were offering a six month discount. I only have to pay €1 for the first 6months of my one-year plan, and €30 afterwards.
Once I had figured out where I would be training for the next one year, the next step was deciding my workout routine. After reviewing a few workout out routine, I settle for a full-body routine 3 times a week. Mostly compound exercises and a few isolated exercises to target certain muscles like my deltoids and triceps. I can't afford a trainer, so I am learning through trial and error. Most times I feel like I am doing certain exercises poorly, but I will get around it eventually.
NUTRITON
Working out is just a small part of the building-a-great-physique equation. Rest and nutrition is another part of body building most people don't talk about, but plays an essential part in building muscles.
So currently, I prioritise protein in my meals. It accounts for more than 40% of what I eat. In addition, I supplement my meals with Magnesium, omega, creatin, and vitamin D & K3.
I try to get as much rest as possible, but I work night shifts on the weekends, so it is difficult. I average about 6 hours of sleep daily, but I hope to move that up to 8 hours.
CONCLUSION
This is my body building journey so far. It has been a close but consistent grind. I am far from my actual goal, but I don't expect to get there in a couple of weeks or even months. The goal is to be consistent and work hard and I am committed to the process.
I will post my next update when I hit 70kg.