Morning Workouts

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Because of my schedule over the next few days, I've had to move my workouts to the mornings, which is not the easiest thing in the world. I am not a morning person at all, even though I wake up before 6 every day and having to get up earlier sucks. These are the type of things we have to do to not miss workouts though and so I will soldier on

 

-Jacob 

That Damn Number

in

I felt great all day yesterday, carried a high energy level all through my work day, my abs felt awesome. Then I got on the scale and it was higher than I thought it should be and in took the wind out of my sales. After looking at it more closelier, I realize that my muscle mass has been increasing, which is positive but it's so hard to get past that damn number going up, instead of down. 

At the end of the day, you liking the way you look and feeling good is a lot more important than some number on a scale. 

Stay Strong, Stay Focused

-Jacob

Your Best Workout Yet!

in

I've already written about how it's ok to be tired, but here's a more positive thought. You never know when you'll have the best workout of your life. We all have had those moments, big and small that have stuck with us for years upon years. Some of us can remember specific workouts or the way you felt on certain days and they are wonderful memories. 

The great thing about giving your all every time you workout is that TODAY could be the best workout of your life. TODAY could be the best you've ever felt after a workout. TODAY is ours and TODAY we will thrive.

Stay Strong, Stay Focused

-Jacob

82 Days left to Comic Con

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I figure it's about time I actually talk about Comic Con and one reason it is so special to me. During my first trip to Comic Con, Kirby Krackle performed on an outdoor stage and played the song "One More Episode." It was during this song, with my arms around my girlfriend I knew I would be with her forever, and 5 years later we are married and happy.

Please enjoy the video of that performance

Stay Strong, Stay Focused

-Jacob

Beard Shampoo Review

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Disclaimer: These opinions are mine and are not paid for. Also the amazon link is NOT an affiliate link, there is no financial benefit to me writing this review. 

Part of being fit is looking good, right? So lets talk about beard products. As you can see, I've got quite the beard and I have spent many a year looking for the right combination of beard products. 

Billy Jealousy Beard Wash
When I ordered this product I did not know that it had been named the 2014 Esquire "Best Beard Wash" but I quickly discovered why it had been. Being aloe based, and sulfate free, one would expect that it would not lather overly well, but this shampoo does. The aloe also helps keep things smooth and reduce the dreaded bed face. The scent is very mild, which is something I really like because it does not interfere with the scent of my beard balm or oil. 

The only drawback is that the shampoo is very thin, and that makes it hard to figure out how much you actually have in your hand. 

This is a 5/5 shampoo, can not recommend it enough.

Stay Strong, Stay Positive

-Jacob

Positive Thoughts (86 Days to #SDCC2017) #100DaysToSDCC

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My therapist (yes I go to therapy, and have no shame about it) told me recently that there have been studies about people with depression that by just simply saying out loud "Today is going to be a good day" will have a marked improvement on the person's mood throughout the day. I have decided to take this approach with my workouts as well, at the start of my workout, I verbalize out loud "This is going to be a good workout." and it seems to be having a positive effect on me and my ability to push through workouts. I know that it's just in my head, but the head space is what matters here, right?

Stay Strong, Stay Positive

-Jacob 

My Cardio Abs Aftermath

My Cardio Abs Aftermath

Start of Week 3 (86 days to #SDCC2017) #100DaysToSDCC

in

Now is about the time that most will give up on their goals, almost close enough to form a new habit, but not quite there yet. I won't front at all, or a lot (#pun), I am really tired. I woke up this morning and was way more tired than I should have been, and the workout tonight was brutal. 

I gave it all I could, but my tank ran empty a lot sooner than I expected.

Stay Strong, Stay Focused

-Jacob 

100 days to #SDCC2017!

in

Alright, all you loyal readers out there, you can tell I've been slacking, and it's true, I haven't been the most dedicated person to my health, but that's about to change. 

Over the weekend I was able to get San Diego Comic-Con tickets for me and my wife, and I have decided to use this lead-up time to double down and focus on getting shredded by the time we go out to Cali. 

Here's the plan:

  1. No more booze
    1. Alcohol is so very very tasty, but it is full of calories and is hard on the body. So for the next 100 days, I will be giving up all forms of alcohol
  2. 4 workouts a week
    1. I will dedicate myself to 4 workouts a week, with an additional stretching session on the weekends
  3. Eat Healthier
    1. My diet really isn't all that bad, but there is room for improvement and I will make the changes needed
  4. Blog Daily
    1. This will probably be the hardest part, but I'm going to update this blog daily to track progress
  5. No excuses
    1. The easiest thing about working out is finding excuses to not actually do it. For the next 100 days, there will be no excuses for me.

So here we go

-Jacob

Staying positive is hella hard

in

I've been in a rut the last few weeks, as an be seen by the lack of updates, I've managed only 4 workouts in the last 14 days which is just unacceptable. I'm doing my best to stay positive and not get into that "screw this" mode of "well I've already missed 3 days this week, I'll just wait until next week." 

Even a second day per week is helpful, and if I can manage a third, a third will be helpful too

-JAcob

Start slow, Stay Focused

in

The hardest part about working out, is actually taking the time to work out, so here are a few tips help you easy your way into it.

  1. Start Slow, Start Easy
    1. Problem: a lot of people, me included, have got that big burst of energy to workout, we feel like we can change everything all at once and 9-10 days later we are burnt AF and we stop working out all together. 
    2. Solution: take the first 2-4 weeks as your intro to working out, even if you've spent a lot of time in th gym before. lift low weights, lower than you can easily lift, just to get into the routine of doing these exercises. Also only workout twice a week for the first 2 weeks, and then 3 times a week, and slowly build into your desired number. This will slowly help you remake your schedule over time
  2. Be happy with failing
    1. Problem: We make goals, some unrealistic and some that are actually do able, and then we start missing deadlines. Maybe we aren't losing weight as quickly as we think it should, or our bench press isn't going up fast enough, whatever it might be
    2. Solution: The journey is almost as important as the destination, for example, your goal was to work out 5 times in a week, but you only made it 4 times. You failed, oh well, but if you look back to before you started this process, 4 is a lot more than the 0 you were doing. This same thought process goes along with food as well, don't cut things out right away, slowly move them out of your life
  3. Remember there is no end
    1. Working out never ends, you might hit your goals and the work outs you do might change to reflect that, but if you are committed to this, it is something that will be in your life on some level forever. Allow yourself to embrace this idea and slowly work through until you can look at the mirror and be happy