2009

After suffering with a virus for most of November and December, I have been resting for the last couple of weeks, and am planning my return to the weights for Saturday 3 January with a series of break-in workouts.

I am going to continue with my classic full-body workout, every four days, but with the addition of a set of pull-ups.

I am also going to persevere with the double progression method, whereby weight is only increased once a set rep range is satisfactorily completed. For instance, if an exercise calls for 50kg to be used across a range of 5 to 10 reps, the first workout will be 50 x 5, increasing by a rep each time until 50 x 10 is achieved. The next workout will then be 52.5 x 5.

Two training goals for 2009:

1. Consistently maintain an element of cardiovascular exercise in my routine to improve conditioning and fitness, control fat buildup and assist general recovery. Run every four days.
2. Continue to prioritise the overhead press as the main upper body exercise in my routine.

A change

Following a period of mild illness and a short holiday, I have had some time to re-think my training.

I feel that going 'full-bore' all the time is too much for my recuperative abilities, no matter how careful I am with rest and recovery.

Whilst I was on holiday, I took the time to re-read some of Stuart McRobert's excellent writings and have come to the conclusion that now is the time to begin cycling training intensity.

Watch this space...