Update Photo 11/14/17

I'm a little "fluffier" than I'd prefer to be at the moment, at 185#, but I feel great and am going to hit the strength work (especially with bench press, squats, and dead lift) during the winter, while still running 8-10mi/wk. My weight probably won't change much, but I'm aiming for 9% body fat. (Currently 11%)

What If You Don't Know Anything About Lifting Weights???

I had a brief conversation with a friend at the gym this week. He's a little older than me and I see him there often. He is usually walking, running, or doing some cardio related training and stretching, but rarely any strength conditioning. My hat's off to him, though, because he is there and still light years ahead of most guys our age.

I was at a weight rack doing some barbell rows when he walked through, and he commented about not knowing how to use weights, or weight machines. Not surprisingly, his (lack of) muscle tone and lean body mass are a reflection of that. After mentioning the benefits of weight-resistance training (bone and joint health, fat-burning benefits of more lean muscle, etc.) I told him that I used YouTube (and still do) to find great tutorials on how to weight train.

I could post all kinds of links here of useful and effective lifting videos that I have found and incorporated into my own workout regimen. But, then you'd lose the value (and there is value!) in finding the ones that you will want to help meet your fitness goals. You will automatically be attracted to the best ones for YOUR needs. The ones I've found work great for me, but we all reach our goals a little differently, and the ones I like and use may not be as effective as the training you find and identify with on your own.

Have a little faith in the guidance of the universe and your attraction to the tools that will be perfect for you.

Zed Press

Okay, so I did this press during my noon weight training workout today just to see what I think about it. My core was noticeably engaged, but what I really noticed was the fronts of my deltoids that were on fire after about 40 reps.

Otherwise, the only other observation I have is that is is a little awkward getting into position with the bar in your lap, then getting up, and the bar set aside when you're done.

This is a nice compound movement, and definitely in line with my preference for weight training lifts that involve several muscle groups. This one works deltoids, arms, chest, core, and hips, among others.

Quantum Body Change Interview With Sandy Stuber!

Check out this interview with my friend and 51-year-old body builder Sandy Stuber. He is a former skinny guy, who was picked on in school. Now he has the body that anyone 51 (or 31 for that matter) would die for!

Sandy is a pro at putting on lean bulk, and has done some remarkable cutting, as well. Watch and learn...

Remember to Like this video, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel.

Here are links to some of the things we discussed:

Whey Protein - http://www.muscletech.com/products/sams-club/premium-100-whey-protein-plus/

BCAA supplimentation - https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/bcaas-the-many-benefits-of-amino-acids.html

C4 Pre-Workout - https://www.amazon.com/Cellucor-Workout-Supplements-Creatine-Servings/dp/B00UIGJ73W

Macros - https://www.popsugar.com/fitness/What-Macros-40526988

Body Building info - https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/ramsey28.htm

Subscribe to my FREE ebook and email list at: http://FitWithMarty.com


OLDER POSTS

Racquetball Tourney!

Sizzling Ace Serve!

You don't have to read too far in my blog to know that racquetball is a passion of mine. Much of what I do fitness-wise is designed to support and promote myself to better condition to make my game on the court better. I train to be strong, less prone to injury, with good flexibility and speed.

I've said it before, but my goal is to still be playing racquetball competitively into my 90s. Seriously. With that in mind, I think it's important to participate in state and regional tournaments like the one I was just at in Des Moines over the weekend. Besides, it is just a ton of fun!

2017 Iowa Open Racquetball Tourney

Last year, my doubles partner and I won in our bracket, and I made it to the semi-finals in singles, only to get beat for the championship slot by my doubles partner. This year I wasn't nearly as competitive, mainly because I only have enough local competitors to play once a week. It used to be I could play three or four times a week, but many of the guys my age are losing the ability to continue due to aches and injuries. Plus, racquetball is diminishing in popularity so the pool of players is shrinking.

Many guys my age are not staying competitive, or healthy, but it doesn't have to be that way. With just a little work in the gym and good nutrition they could have stronger joints, more energy, and less extra "baggage" to lug around the court.

Thankfully, older and wiser can be true. For it takes a little extra discipline to stay in top shape in your 40s and 50s. When young, we can get away with some bad nutrition habits because our higher metabolism makes up for it.

That's where the "wiser" part comes in. By 50, we should have the patience and discipline to realize the benefits of changing over to better habits. I'm glad I have a little of that wisdom. The process of getting and staying in better shape wouldn't have been nearly as easy without it.