Natural Healing... 1 year on

I've written a few times about my suffering from atopic eczema i.e. allergy-induced eczema.

My condition was severe enough to warrant a course of antibiotics every few months and taking allergy jabs as well.

Around Ramadhan last year I started juicing.  The funny thing was I started juicing because it was recommended by ex schoolmate who sold me collagen drinks (don't ask).

She said before I start drinking the collagen drinks I should detox my body first.  Or else it doesn't matter how many supplements I consume because my body won't be able to absorb it.  I realized she was spot on about this when I did some research on my own.

So I detoxed by juicing apple and celery.  Pretty tame stuff compared to what I juice now. Even back then I was impressed that I could feel some positive changes to how I was feeling and how my body reacts to juicing.

And one year on...

1. I have yet to take any antibiotics (for eczema or any other kind of illness)
2. I still get skin inflammation but it's definitely controllable without having to resort to medication and steroid creams
3. I recover quickly from the flu

Just like training, juicing has become a lifestyle for me.  I've a feeling I'll be sticking to my juicing regiment throughout my lifetime.

1st week of the 30-day thrusting challenge

I've completed 6 days of the 30-day thrusting challenge last night.

Last night was also legs session.

Positive development:  I can definitely feel my glutes firing when performing zercher squats and sumo deads. Those lifts also felt more solid.

Weird observation:  Also did glute bridges last night... but didn't feel my glutes firing quite as much.

Glute size-wise (which is the whole reason I'm embarking on this challenge - yeah I'm shallow sue me), it's too early to tell whether I've made any progress.

Pants do feel a bit more snug... but it could just be my head playing tricks on me.

And the quest continues...

...for a rounder butt.

I found this at the Glute Guy's blog.  30 Days of Thrusting Challenge.  Did day 1 yesterday. 29 more days to go.

Source:  "30 Days of Thrusting Challenge", Bret Contreras
You can view the original post here

Comments on my training programme

I just started on the second phase of the current training programme and it does look promising.  Personal favourites like iso holds (e.g. front lever, planche progressions and L-sits) and power movements (e.g. hang clean and press) have been re-introduced.

They're personal favourites because I've always great progress in terms of size and strength with these kinds of exercises despite the fact I'm not really good at them.

To be honest I was starting to feel a little jaded with the programmes I've been following since it has not resulted in the kind of size and strength gains I've been expecting.

I reviewed the programmes that gave me the best results and what I've discovered is that:

1.  It always includes iso-holds
2.  Always includes power movements
3.  Includes various kinds of jumps (e.g. vertical, hurdle)
4.  Knee-friendly exercises (read: little or no back squats)

I was actually planning to use a couple of the older programmes but then Phase 2 was introduced and since does have the characteristics of my past favourites I've decided to give it a chance.  Hopefully I'll be able to see some much needed gains.

Raya Observations

Back from Raya hols at last an back to my routine of juicing greens, training and eating.  Ironically I didn't get to eat that much during Raya celebrations despite being stationed at the kitchen most of the time.  Was too busy manning the fort to be thinking of food.

Anyway, I didn't do any structured training at all throughout the holidays.  But I guess I did plenty of lifting e.g. nephews, cartons of soft drinks, bags of beras, and a plethora of meat and vegetables from the local wet market.

These are the movements I often used throughout the hectic holiday season:

1.  The deadlift
2.  Farmer's walk
3.  Zercher's squat/Front squat