Miscellany

I came across this link today about a recent study. So...kids get less active as they get older, huh?

It always amazes me when people do studies about things they already know the answers to. I mean really...anyone that either has kids or was a kid could have projected this one. Who funds these things? I often wonder whether I could actually make a living out of doing unnecessary studies like this. Why not put the money spent towards something more useful?

Okay...another rant. I'd mentioned that I had done the BFL program for some time. There is a website out there that a lot of Body for lifers frequent to discuss the program and obtain information and encouragement. For a variety of reasons, I withdrew from the site. I do occasionally go out there to read a few posts.

One of my pet peeves out there has always been how many of these people willingly buy and use a truckload of supplements. I understand that BFL is more of a bodybuilding program than a performance based fitness program. In order to enter the contest, you must use some of the EAS supps. When I did the challenge, I used the whey protein, and I still do. I use it in recipes and as a meal replacement. The rest of it? Why does anybody waste their money on it? So many people start BFL in order to lose fat and get back into shape. The diet is similar to The Zone in many ways. I really believe a lot of people fail on BFL because of unrealistic expectations. The supplements are looked at as a way to gain an edge and to make progress much more quickly than could otherwise be expected. It is exactly the type of thinking that has always made people fail at fitness and diet programs. It takes time. Your expectations should be realistic. Very few people are going to build a bodybuilders body, and yet they load up on all sorts of crap and expect to do just that. They cite research that everything they are taking and doing is safe, and really will enhance their performance. Eventually, they realize they don't look like Ahnold, and never will. They get discouraged and quit. Honestly, I just got tired of reading that crap time and time again. I was always very vocal against using supps, in the hopes that newbies would see an opposing point of view about them. After a while, you realize that people aren't going to listen to reason. They want the magic pill that will transform them overnight, followed by disappointment. Oh well. At least I can say that I tried.

It's just another thing I love about Crossfit. It's about performance and proper nutrition. There may be some people taking supps, but I would venture to say not a ton of them. It just isn't necessary. I'm where I belong now!

Reflection

It was two years ago today when I began my first BFL challenge. I have made significant progress, and I've altered my workouts a bit to skew more towards Crossfit than BFL. I presently enjoy much improved health and fitness over when I started this journey.

All that being said, it is important to note that I need to remain vigilant. I looked at my stats from a year ago, and realized that I'm almost 16 pounds heavier and my BP is a bit worse than it was this time last year. Those sixteen pounds include some additional muscle for sure. Most of the damage in terms of bodyfat has really occured during the week I was on vacation....at least 5.5 pounds to be more exact. I've known that I was adding a bit of fat while trying to add some muscle. I do need to be more careful with my eating. It is critical not only in terms of avoiding foods, but more so in providing the nutrition I need to build and run my body.

I did the Crossfit Workout Michael today, thanks to a suggestion I received from a BFL friend. It is:

Three rounds for time of:
Run 800 meters
50 Back Extensions
50 Sit-ups

I made the mistake of not looking at my total time, speed, and splits from my last Michael beforehand. I should have known I was going too slow when I felt fine during and after my first 800m. My speed should have been 1 mph faster than I ran for each of the runs. I finished with a mediocre 25:39, which is a couple minutes slower than my last Michael. I tacked on a half mile run to the end just because. Yes, I was wiped, but yes...I could have done better.