Wednesday, August 21, 2013

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.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

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.



Friday, August 16, 2013

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



Thursday, August 15, 2013

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.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

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