These past two years have been an extremely frustrating time for me in regards to doing what I love most....Competing onstage. A couple of serious health problems being the culprit. I have come to the realization that there are still challenges and goals I've not responded to. One of which being, winning another Pro card and finally bagging a Master's Natural Pro show after numerous bridesmaid finishes. Next October, 2008 I turn 50. I hear 50 is the new 40, so what better time to embark on a journey towards a worthwhile goal. If I am so fortunate to be able to compete, my next show will be # 83. And if I stay healthy I'd like to eventually do 100 :D Hey why not, lol :lol:

Training has been sporadic to say the least, for these past two years. Sometimes I can train 2x per week, sometimes 5x. And then long stretches where I am away from training for 1-2 weeks. But what's helped tremendously in keeping me in shape has been focusing on compound movements. I was only able to train 2x this past week, but here's what I did:

Sunday:
Power Cleans: 5x185x5
Yates Row: 3x222x6
Dips: 3x115x5
Chinups: 3x45x6

For today I wanted to do a workout I regularly did as a younger man, back when I was a 165 lb mass monster :evil: 10 sets of squats for 20 reps with 225 lbs. Only today, I attempted it at 155 lbs: (and with grayer hair :rolleyes: )
1x225x20
1x225x20
1x225x18
1x225x17
1x225x16
1x225x15
1x225x13
1x225x13
1x225x12
1x225x18
Well it seems I might've been holding back a bit because I got a lot more reps on my last set :lol:

Maybe there are people here who can relate with setbacks. Sometimes it takes a while to understand what is important concerning personal fitness and health achievements/goals. What have you been neglecting, or compromising, or making excuses for, sitting on the fence with? It took me two years of confusion and self doubt to understand what it is I should shoot for. I made my decision today. And I will carry it out. What can you decide upon today, or maybe tomorrow that you've been holding off, which just may turn things around for you on many different levels? Somebody told me recently that the sky seems small if it is looked at from the bottom of the well. Today, I suddenly knew that the sky doesn't seem so small anymore. ;)

:tucool:

For today I wanted to do a workout I regularly did as a younger man, back when I was a 165 lb mass monster :evil: 10 sets of squats for 20 reps with 225 lbs. Only today, I attempted it at 155 lbs: (and with grayer hair :rolleyes: )
1x225x20
1x225x20
1x225x18
1x225x17
1x225x16
1x225x15
1x225x13
1x225x13
1x225x12
1x225x18
Well it seems I might've been holding back a bit because I got a lot more reps on my last set :lol:

You posted this the day before my leg day on purpose, right?

Good luck M. No doubt you'll succeed.

My switch "flipped" 2 years ago on fitness and I haven't looked back. Guys like you, John and others are fine examples and inspirations for many of us when it comes to making choices and changes. Thanks and good luck with the renewed journey.

You are truly an inspiration and I wish you the best with your goals.

Go get 'em, Mastover! :mad:

Don't let your age hold you back, M....

I did a bunch of legpressing yesterday:-

15x45 (warmup
15x115
15x165
15x215
15x265
15x315
15x365

Coulda gone a lot higher but I didn't want to gass out as I murdered the legs squatting on Friday.

When I was 50 I wondered what it would be like to be 60.

Well, turns out it's basically the same except there's a few more grey ones....

....which tends to make me a bit paranoid when I'm around really young people because I know they're thinking " Hey..that old fart's in pretty good shape"

..which could also be a plus if I look at it in a different way...:D

You're a real inspiration, Mastover :tucool::tucool::tucool:

I always learn something from you...keep up the good work!:tucool::tucool:

When I was 50 I wondered what it would be like to be 60.

Well, turns out it's basically the same except there's a few more grey ones....

....which tends to make me a bit paranoid when I'm around really young people because I know they're thinking " Hey..that old fart's in pretty good shape"

A: Dunno where I will put any more grey hair...

B: If you're in better shape than them? Let them eat cake.

Best wishes for achieving your newly set goals. With your knowledge and dedication you have all the ingredients necessary for success.

Good luck, mastover. inspirational isn't a word i use much (i just don't like it, tbh) but i'll make an exception here. keep up the good work, and more importantly, the good attitude!

I wish you the best in health, fitness and anything that comes in-between. Your an inspiration and something to aspire to.

As always, this was another great motivational post.

:tucool::tucool:
Your posts always humble me.

:tucool::tucool:
Your posts always humble me.

I think sometimes people might be taken off guard by how impressive his workouts are and might miss his point. The biggest round of applause for his motivational workout is if you take it into your life - into your workout, your nutrition, your problems.

mastover, what a post.

you're the man.



and also.

what a workout. omg. i'd love to be able to bang that out some day. i'm 157# right now and terribly weak. i'll be happy if i get 1x225x5 , lol.

Good luck Mastover! From what I have observed, if a goal can be accomplished or a obstacle overcome, you will be the one to do it!

Happy birthday Mastover!