A couple of years ago, I could do more than 35 consecutive pull-ups with proper form and without pausing.
My push-up game was on point too.
I was well over 40 years old, and I felt more than strong—I truly felt physically powerful.
Actually, I was.
Currently–not so much.
Earlier this week, I only managed to do 5 pull ups.
F-I-V-E.
That’s pathetic!
I should note that pull-ups are a good barometer of overall strength. Needless to say, I’ve gotten very weak.
Dude, What the Hell Happened?
I took a break from working out, and I gained weight. When I started working out again, I had lost quite a bit of strength and endurance. Side note: always warm up before working out.
Then, about a year ago, I sustained an exercise-related injury and I had to stop working out entirely. I also gained a lot more weight.
While I’ve dropped quite a bit of weight over the last few months, I still need to shed several pounds.
The good news is that my injury has healed—I think—and I’m eager to start my calisthenics routine.
Tomorrow, I am starting a self-directed program of calisthenic exercises.
Here’s What I’d Like to Accomplish
I would like to lose 10 pounds and reduce my waist size. I plan to significantly increase my pull-up reps. I also want to be able to do multiple high-repetition sets of push ups. In addition, I will focus on strengthening my core.
I need to get “diesel” again.
It goes without saying that being fit is important. I’m not getting any younger, obviously. My wedding anniversary is coming up soon, and I need to get back into shape for my beautiful wife and myself.
Plus, I look better in a suit when I am fit.
After all, “Suavington” has to be able to rock the living hell out of a suit, right?
Of course that’s right.
Let’s get to the details.
Baseline and Tracking
Here are my baseline stats:
Weight: 171 pounds (I was 20 pounds heavier)
Waist: 39 inches (ridiculous, right?)
I like to take copious notes to track my weight and calisthenics (routine, sets, reps, etc.). I plan to share my progress on Suavington.com.
After all, this is a lifestyle blog.
Follow My Calisthenics Progress
This post will be the first of a series of posts that focus on my efforts to get fit again through calisthenics. My periodic updates will include pictures and/or videos.
Be sure to come back to this blog to check on my progress.
You can also follow me on Twitter.
