Set Backs

I was all ready to start going through my routine again. My physio had told me to not load any plates onto the bar but still to start going through the motions. I was pretty excited at the prospect, seeing as how I'd been out of action for 4 or 5 months. Then I was having a kick about with some mates when the ball went overhead and I instinctively shot my right arm out to catch it...

Well I can forget about working out anytime soon.

So now in an effort to do something physical I've started cycling to work. It's 8 miles each way and takes no longer than a car or public transport. Plus when I get better i'll get quicker! The only downside was when my handlebars came loose and I nearly fell to my death underneath some cars on a busy road. Luckily I managed to limp along until I found a couple working on their car. They had the right alan key to sort my bike out and it turned out they were the parents of a child I teach!

I bought my bike with the intention of leisure use so it's not an ideal road bike. If you want to cycle to work I suggest buying a road bike, they're quicker and less tiring.

My Home Gym...

I hate gyms. They're invariably filled with mirrors, treadmills and other equipment of dubious merit. Except for one small corner. There the shiny wooden floor gives way to worn rubber. In place of the leotard wearing posers there are gruff men with ripped shorts. Instead of anodised steppers there are proper weights...

I can't be clearer than this; weights are the best route forward. Want to lose fat? Weights. Want to tone up? Weights. Want to beef up? Weights. There is simply no substitute a gut burstingly hard workout with barbell and some plates. None. Then why do I hate the gym?

Despite their genuine advantage over machines, gyms seem to be abandoning free weights with wanton abandon. You queue for ages to use the bench press and then you power through your reps feeling guilty for the queue that's forming. So I kitted out my spare room.

The best combination (that I could afford) was a door mounted pull up bar, an adjustable bench, a squat rack and a barbell. I also bought the bowflex selectech dumbells because they're small. This way I can squat, rack pull and press by moving the pegs and positioning the bech where I need it. I've also bought a rowing machine for cardio and warm ups. I've also got a swiss ball and stretch bands. If I could afford the money and space I'd like a pull down machine, but life's a bitch.

The End

The end? The end of what? 

Lethargy. Aches and pains. The endless pursuit of 'Prestige' on Call of Duty 4. And certainly not least the layer of insulation around my waist. Hi, I'm Asob and this is my workout blog.

So then, let's get started. I'm 24 years old and a teacher. I've been suffering from a lax rotator cuff for several months now and frankly I'm fed up. I can't be bothered doing anything apart from playing XBox and getting drunk. I desperately miss exercise. The glorious endorphin rush that only barbell squats can induce. The elation when I first deadlifted 100kg (no laughing, I was proud of that!). The satisfying exhaustion that follows any decent workout. And if I'm honest I liked the way I looked.

The plan then. I'm gonna publish my workouts, my diets and my progress. I'll track the hoped for reversal of my muscle wastage and the accompanying reduction in necessary belt loops. Join me!