This Week So Far

Hey all,
Haven't been on, but I have still been training. Been doing Down and Up Mass by Jim Stoppani because I wanted to get some more volume in. Here are the logs from the last 3 workouts. I will be hitting the gym tonight to get legs in.

Tuesday - This was a great workout. I don't remember this being as hard the first time I went through it. I was sore that day which is not a norm for me. The volume felt great and each set was a rest-pause drop set. This is why it looks like 2 full sets and 2 partial sets.

 

Wednesday - Killed back this day. Hit it from so many angles that every time I had to pull myself up at work my back cramped up pretty good.

 

 Thursday - Shoulder Day. I was concerned about going to heavy with my one shoulder having some pain when pressing above my head but it went pretty well. Also, I didn't use the smith machine for my Barbell Shoulder Press.

 

I am really enjoying the extra volume so I am going to keep going at this. I have legs tonight and then starting on Sunday I will be using pre-exhaustion techniques instead of the rest-pause drop sets. As always feel free to contact me with questions and to find this program and many more go to www.jimstoppani.com 14 day free trial and free membership to military members who sign up with a .mil email address.

God Bless and Get Big

Travis

Training Logs for June 17-19, 2014

Hey all,

Going to have three of these logs inside this post because I did not take the time to write them down. The past three days of training have been really good. Let us not beat around the bush and get to it.

Tuesday the 17th was heavy dead lift day. It felt really good and boosted my motivation towards the Cube Method that I am following.

Warm up
Stability Routine from my previous log here.

4" Block Pulls
135lbs X 10 Reps
185lbs X 7 Reps
225lbs X 5 Reps
275lbs X 5 Reps

Working Sets
4" Block Pulls (Approximately 90 secs rest)
385lbs X 2 Reps for 5 Sets

Snatch Grip Dead lifts(60 second rest the rest of the workout, These kicked my butt good)
285lbs X 8 Reps for 2 Sets

Dumbbell One Arm Rows
70lbs X 12 Reps
70lbs X 11 Reps
70lbs X 10 Reps

Dumbbell Shrug
70lbs X 20 Reps
70lbs X 20 Reps

Like I said it was a really good workout...short and sweet.

Wednesday the 18th was bench press repetition day. Another good day and on my accessory exercises I was trying to ensure to contract the muscle targeted before moving the weight

Warm up
Internal/External Rotation
20lbs dumbbells 15 reps for 2 sets

Floor Press
Bar only X 40 Reps
135lbs X 8 Reps
185lbs X 5 Reps

Working Sets
Floor Press
205lbs X 3 Reps for 8 sets

Dumbbell Incline Bench Press
50lbs X 18 Reps
60lbs X 15 Reps
60lbx X 12 Reps

Cable Triceps Push-down
50lbs X 100 Reps

Dumbbell Standing Shoulder Press
30lbs X 10 Reps for 3 sets

Machine Fly (Really focused on contracting the muscle here. Did much better on the second set)
13 X 16 Reps
13 X 12 Reps
13 X 15 Reps

I had a pretty good pump at the end of this workout in my chest and my triceps. The focused contractions help a lot with the pump.

Today was a new routine for me and isn't part of the Cube Method. This is a circuit style workout called a barbell complex that is designed to tax the entire body and to increase fat burning capabilities. I got this idea from Vince Del Monte. Try it out if you would like. It is a kick butt routine that will push you if you push yourself.

Warm up
From my stablility workout

Half lunge into a knee to chest stretch with toe raise 5 times each leg

Half lunge into a glute hip stretch optional toe raise 5 times each leg

Half lunge into a standing opposite arm quad stretch 5 times each leg

Half lunge with torso twist (twist both directions each lunge) 5 times each leg

Working Sets

20 Min AMRAP (As Many Rounds as Possible, No Rest) 

Start with 45lbs to 65lbs barbell (I did just the 45lbs barbell)

10 Reps Each in one Giant Set (repeat until time)

Standing Military Press

Front Squats

Bent Over Rows

Romanian Dead Lifts

Back Squats

I made 7 rounds even. After this workout, I was drenched in sweat, completely exhausted, but I felt really good. Next week I am going to try and beat 7 rounds and then the following week I will move the weight up to 55lbs or 65lbs.

Any questions hit me up!

God Bless and Get Big

Travis

Weekend Training Logs

Hey all,

So this weekend was a good weekend. Friday night was the power-lifting team and it was only me and Dustin the guy who organized the team. It was a good time though going over mobility and stability work. I learned a short routine that I can use as a warmup or as a standalone mini workout. This is the stability routine

Half lunge into a knee to chest stretch with toe raise 5 times each leg

Half lunge into a glute hip stretch optional toe raise 5 times each leg

Half lunge into a standing opposite arm quad stretch 5 times each leg

Half lunge with torso twist (twist both directions each lunge) 5 times each leg

Worlds greatest stretch 3 times each leg

High knee walking stretch 20 steps

Frankenstein walking stretch 20 steps

Shuffle step with trailing leg explosion 10 iterations each leg

Cross step shuffle with trailing leg explosion 10 iterations each leg

Stabilization 12inch box jumps (Standing jump onto box with pause and step off the box)

1 leg forward stabilization 12inch box jumps (I couldn't do 12 inches so on level surface) 3 reps/leg

1 leg Side stabilization 12inch box jumps (I couldn't do 12 inches so on level surface) 3 reps/leg

Saturday was a rest day, so on Sunday morning it was repetition/weakness training. It was a really good workout and I added to it at the end to give me a little bit more work.

Warm up

The above Stability Routine

Dumbbell internal/external rotation 

15lbs X 10 reps X 2 sets

Smith Machine Military Press

Bar Weight x 30 Reps
20lbs x 20 reps


Working Sets
Smith Machine Military Press (Still working with shoulder)
70lbs X 12 reps
70lbs X 12 reps
70lbs X 13 reps

EZ Bar Curl
65lbs X 12 reps
70lbs X 10 reps
70lbs X 10 reps
70lbs X 10 reps

Calf Press On Leg Press
290lbs X 20 reps
360lbs X 20 reps
360lbs X 20 reps

Walking Lunges (These kick my butt so I am going to incorporate them more)
8 reps each leg
8 reps each leg
8 reps each leg
8 reps each leg

Dumbbell Lateral Raise
15lbs X 10 reps
20lbs X 10 reps
25lbs X 10 reps
20lbs X 10 reps
20lbs X 10 reps

Pullups (Assisted weight so at 240lbs of resistance)
6 reps
7 reps
6 reps

Farmer's Walk (Weight is per hand)
80lbs X 36 steps
80lbs X 36 steps
80lbs X 36 steps
80lbs X 36 steps

This day felt really good. Had a great relaxing and restful day that followed. Looking forward to seeing more growth and more results. Any questions feel free to ask.

God Bless and Pick Stuff Up

Travis

Training Logs for June 10, 2014

Hey all,

Yesterday was yet again a rest day until evening when I went to Taekwondo practice. It was a really good night and I am seeing great improvement in my mobility and flexibility. Still have a long ways to go though.

Today started week 2 of the Cube Method. Today's workout was explosive work for deadlifts. I enjoyed it immensely while getting my butt kicked. I did notice that while doing the explosive reps I was not focused on my form as well as I should have. I will make sure to correct that for future training sessions. On to today's workout.

Warmup
Deadlifts
135lbs x 10 reps
185lbs x 5 reps
225lbs x 3 reps

Working sets
Deadlifts (explosive 15 second rest periods)
285lbs x 3 reps x 8 sets

4" Block Pulls with Snatch Grip (These Kicked my butt!!)
245lbs x 12 reps
245lbs x 12 reps
245lbs x 12 reps

Safety Bar Squat
225lbs x 8 reps
225lbs x 8 reps
225lbs x 8 reps 

Barbell Shrug (Make sure to squeeze)
225lbs x 12 reps
225lbs x 12 reps
225lbs x 12 reps

Back Hypertensions (I cannot do a straight set so I do 10 second rests before continuing. I will make it through eventually)
1 set of 50 reps

Wide Grip Lat Pull Downs (Nice Slow Reps Under Complete Control)
150lbs x 15 reps
150lbs x 15 reps
150lbs x 15 reps
150lbs x 15 reps

At the end of this workout I was completely exhausted and drenched in sweat. Like I said I really enjoyed this workout because it was a challenge. It will make me stronger. Tomorrow is Rep work on Bench Press.....Exciting

God Bless and Rip It Off The Floor

Travis

Training Logs June 6, 2014

Good Morning ,


So yesterday I did not go to the gym because I stayed home to get a little extra rest. The program I am following is a 4 day a week program which I have scheduled Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. I am going to be adding a 5th day for Thursday and it is going to be a barbell complex which I will discuss next Thursday. Let's get to this morning's workout which was a great time in the gym.


This morning's focus was on squatting with explosive power. To build explosive power you need to use 60% of your 1RM to allow your body to apply the maximum amount of force into the bar. In other words, you need to put the amount of force it takes you to put up your 1RM into the bar that ways 60% of your 1RM. So by doing this you should do many sets of low reps for the purpose of giving you more 1st lifts. So instead of doing 3 sets of 8 reps for a total of 24 reps you do 8 sets of 3 reps for the same amount of volume but like I said you have 8 first reps instead of 3. In power lifting you are only doing your first rep in competition so it is good to train for it. So here is what today's workout looks like.


Warm up
Squat
Bar only 8 pause reps (pause 5 to 10 seconds to stretch and loosen the muscles)
90lbs 5 pause reps
135lbs 10 reps
185lbs 8 reps
225lbs 3 reps


Working Sets
Squat - Power Squat Explosive reps with only 40 seconds rest between sets
275 x 3 reps
275 x 3 reps
275 x 3 reps
275 x 3 reps
275 x 3 reps
275 x 3 reps
275 x 3 reps
275 x 3 reps


High Bar Narrow Stance Olympic Squats
255lbs x 5 reps
255lbs x 5 reps
255lbs x 5 reps
255lbs x 5 reps
255lbs x 5 reps


Leg Press (By the time I got here the lactic acid build up was great, reps over 9 burned good)
315lbs x 15 reps
315lbs x 15 reps
315lbs x 15 reps


Stiff Leg Pull Through (Think of stiff leg deadlift but with cables to keep that constant tension)
90lbs x 12 reps
100lbs x 12 reps
100lbs x 12 reps


Kettlebell Swing (Went light on these 'cause I hadn't done them in a while. Increase weight next time)
18lbs x 15 reps
20lbs x 15 reps
20lbs x 15 reps


Like I said it felt really good pushing it this morning. Those explosive squats with only 40 seconds rest was a challenge. My next scheduled workout is on Sunday which is weakness training all done bodybuilding style. However, I will probably post tonight or tomorrow on the YUMMA Powerlifting team meeting/class tonight. I am excited about it because people getting together for the same goal is awesome and powerful.


God Bless and Get Big


Travis

Power Lifting

Hey All,

I am back again with another post from my workouts. I know that I haven't been keeping this up to date but I plan on it being more of a regular thing now that I am devoting myself to power lifting more. I have been following a few power lifters for a while now and I have been drawn to the work ethic of one Brandon Lilly. Brandon has been through a rough year and with his performance this last weekend, I have to say congratulations to him and to thank him for being an inspiration. It takes courage to get up on the platform in a power lifting meet and to call out 110lbs for your squat. He did post a 705.5lbs Deadlift and 501.7lbs Bench Press. To give a quick back story, Brandon collapsed under a squat in January and had to have multiple surgeries to repair his knees. Brandon is a beast and an inspiration.

That being said, I have decided to follow Brandon and his method for power lifting which is called the Cube Method. This program has been used by Brandon and his clients with great success. I hope to use it and increase my personal bests on all my lifts. The basic cube method is that you work your 3 main lifts each week but each week it is rotated to what type of training for that lift. Whether it be repetition work, explosive work, or heavy work. I don't want to go into too much detail because it is his method and his work.

Today, I did my first day of the cube method and here is what it looked like. Today was dead lift repetition work. Started off with a warm up and then into the working sets.

Warm Up
1" Deficit DeadLift
135lbs x 15 Reps
185lbs x 10 Reps
225lbs x 8 Reps
275lbs x 8 Reps

Working Sets
1" Deficit DeadLift
355lbs x 8 Reps

4" Block Pulls
405lbs x 3 Reps
405lbs x 3 Reps

Saftey Squat Bar Olympic Squats
225lbs x 8 Reps
225lbs x 8 Reps
225lbs x 8 Reps

Cable Squat Pull Throughs
70lbs x 10 Reps
90lbs x 10 Reps
110lbs x 10 Reps
130lbs x 10 Reps

Hyperextensions (Back Extensions)
1 Set of 50 Reps

I left the gym with a huge pump in my lower back and soreness in the glutes. I absolutely loved today's workout and cannot wait for future ones. If you have any questions feel free to hit me up.

God Bless and Lift Strong

Travis Miller

Squats and Leg Work

This morning was Leg day. The day many people dread and others love to hate. I always have mixed feelings about leg day because to tell you the truth it scares me a bit. But as Kris Gethin says "Do what you Fear!" My fear of leg day comes from letting my Squat form get loose and sloppy in the past and tweaking my back. Recently I started pushing myself on Squats to focus more on form and function. I now focus much more on increasing abdominal pressure to ensure my body is tight and protecting the spine. Keeping with my have fun with it theme, this morning I started with squats and keeping it heavy at 70% of my 1RM (rep max) for 4 Reps. Rest time for heavy squats is whatever it takes to recover. This is normally 2-5 minutes because you want you CNS (central nervous system) to recover. I followed up the squats with bodybuilding style accessory exercises keeping the rest periods down to a minimum I try and aim for 40 secs but make sure to keep it under 1 minute. This keeps the lactic acid and the blood pump in the muscle which ignites the growth response. Workout logs below

Squats
Warmup sets
135lbs X 3reps sitting and stretching pause reps to loosen up the hips and muscles.
2 sets 135lbs X 10 reps get blood flowing
1 set 225lbs X 8 reps
Working sets
6 sets 355lbs X 4 reps

Leg Extensions
2 sets 250lbs X 12 reps
2 sets 250lbs X 10 reps
1 set 250lbs X 8 reps

Narrow Stance Leg Press
3 sets 400lbs X 12 reps

Wide Stance Leg Press
3 sets 400lbs X 13 reps

Kneeling Leg Curls
4 sets 75lbs X 12 reps
1 set 75lbs X 10 reps

All my secondary work is reps to failure which is why there are different sets with the same weight for less reps. The more you push the more fatigued the muscles become and the less reps you can do unless you increase your rest periods.

As always if you have any questions feel free to ask.

God bless
Travis

Have fun with it!

Hey all,
Can't believe it has been this long since I posted. I guess that is what happens you're having fun. Real been busy this year with the kids Taekwondo. I started off the year after my powerlifting meet with a new program from Jim Stoppani called Down and Up Mass. I really enjoyed this program and saw great gains especially in my legs. I followed that program up with another one from Jim called 6 Weeks to Sick Arms which focuses on the arms. I saw great muscle definition increase as well as some thinning out of the fat in my arms. I then did the first 3 weeks of Jim's Superman program. This program focuses on supersets to decrease workout length and keeping similarly volumes per muscle group. This program I saw an increase on upper pec development.

This week I started my own thing and decided that I am going to do what feels like needs to be done for me in my body and my fitness goals. I enjoy following the programs that Jim puts out but I am having so much fun in the gym right now. This week I have been working on going heavy in the 3 main moves and then following it up with Bodybuilding accessory exercises. I am also adding what is called feeder exercises to each day for a specific body part. This week it is arms. This is just to get a pump and get that blood flow into the muscle. Light weight for 20-50 reps. The following is what I have done this week.

Tuesday
Biceps and Triceps
Don't remember exact workout
Wednesday
Chest
Bench Press
Warmup
2 sets 135 lbs X 20reps
1 set 225 lbs X 8 reps
6 sets 245 lbs X 4 reps
2 sets 155 lbs X 8 pause reps
2 sets 135 lbs X 10 reps super wide grips

Incline Dumbbell Bench Press
5 sets 65lbs X 8 reps

Cable Biceps Curls
Superset
Cable Incline Triceps Extension
3 sets of 30 reps

Today
2" deficit Deadlift
Warmup
2 sets 135lbs X 8 reps
1 set 225 X 8 reps
1 set 315 X 6 reps
6 Sets 355 X 4 reps

T-Bar Rows
1 set 45 X 15 reps
1 set 90 X 11 reps
3 sets 115 X 11 reps
1 set 140 X 8 reps

Wide grip Lat Pulldowns
3 sets 200lbs X 10 reps
1 set 200lbs X 8 reps

Barbell Curls
Superset
Standing barbell Triceps extentions
3 sets 40 lbs 20 curl and 30 ext reps

So that is it for this week so far.  Tomorrow will be Squats and Legs. I haven't decided exactly what I am doing yet but plan on keeping a log of my workouts.

I also have started Taekwondo with the kids and now have moved into the adult classes. So I am doing it 3 nights a week which is really good because it makes me stretch which is something that has been lacking in my training.

If you all have any questions feel free to ask.

God bless
Travis

Personal PowerLifting Meet

Hi all,
Sorry it's been a while but I have kept to my goals..... I am a week late on my personal meet but I did it this morning. I am excited to say that I made significant progress and am totally happy with my results.

So back in November I tested my lifts and set goals based on those lifts. So I tested then with my Squat at 355lbs, bench at 285lbs, and deadlift at 475lbs with a total of 1115lbs and that was on November 10, 2013. At that time I set goals at Squat 425lbs, bench 350lbs, and deadlift 525lbs for a total of 1300lbs.

Today I was feeling pretty good when I arrived at the gym. I  started of with some light warm up and then got down to it following the same programs as I did back in November. On Squat I hit 415lbs, bench I hit 325lbs, and deadlift I hit 505lbs for a total of 1245lbs.

I  am completely excited about it and am looking forward to reaching for my next goals. I have to thank Muscle Pharm President Cory Gregory for the motivation and the advice of ensuring you are chasing the goals that you want and not chasing goals that don't fit with what you want. I also have to thank Jim Stoppani for his information, motivation, and Pre JYM.

So my next goal is to lean out while gaining strength. I want to shoot for the 10% body fat now. I have again entered the 100K Transformation Challenge from Bodybuilding.com. I am going to follow a program called Down and Up Mass by Jim Stoppani. I am going to follow the eating plan of his Shortcut to Shred program while incorporating cardio acceleration. I am going to be using Pre JYM before and after my workouts adding Muscle Pharm Glutamine to my post workout. I am going to also be using Muscle Pharm Combat and Shred Matrix.

Thank you all for your support. I look forward to updating on my journey.

God Bless
Travis

Update

Hey all,

Just wanted to give you an update on my power lifting. Today I got to lift with a couple friends as a fun day. We had a deadlift party. This was an idea I got from Metroflex Long Beach. They had posted earlier in the week that they were going to do one on Thursday morning. The gym I go to was closed on Thursday, so I decided to see if people wanted to do on on Friday. Another reason that I wanted to do this is that Jim Stoppani offered a challenge on his Facebook page for people to do 25 reps on deadlift with 250 lbs. Deadlift, of course, happens to be my favorite lift so I could not pass up the challenge. He also stated that if you recorded it and posted it on his Facebook page that he would give you a lifetime membership to his personal website www.jimstoppani.com. This was just more motivation for me to try it out. I also decided that if I made the 25 reps that I was going to go for a PR on the deadlift at 500 lbs. My previous best was 475 so it is a good jump up in the 3 weeks that I have been focusing on maximal strength. Below is both videos, I hope you enjoy them.

God Bless
Travis Miller

Happy Thanksgiving

Hi all,
Just wanted to take the time to say thank you for all your support. That on this day set aside to be thankful, I am thankful for all my family and friends. Remember this day isn't just about all the wonderful food. It is about reflecting on all aspects of our lives and giving thanks for everything whether it is a straight up blessing or it is a trial that forces you to be stronger in your life. Be thankful for it all.

A few things I am thankful for:
1. God - I am thankful for Jesus Christ being my Lord and my Savior. His grace and mercy are wonderful.
2. Wife - My beautiful and wonderful wife who supports me through it all. She is an awesome woman who bring sweet joy to my life.
3. Kids - My 3 wonderful kids who constantly bring me joy and challenge me daily.
4. Family - All my family who reminds that I have been loved for 36 years.
5. Friends - Friends bring laughter and inspiration, help and care, and many more things.
6. Leaders - My leaders in church and at work who are there to help me in my endeavors.
7. US Military - These men and women who selflessly sacrifice for a greater purpose. This includes their families who also give up so much.
8. The Iron - These items of various weights are always true to who they are...200 lbs is always 200 lbs.
9. Role Models - These are those people who have achieved what I am looking to achieve and they provide so many of us great information.
10. Thanksgiving food - Yes this is something I am thankful for....I call this Epic Cheat Meal Day.

God Bless.....remember to be thankful

Travis Miller

P.S. Oh Yea, Second week of my power lifting journey went well.....Tomorrow is deadlift Friday...getting together with friends and hitting the gym.....gonna be a blast.

Power Lifting Status and Goals

Hiya,
So last time I posted that I was shifting my focus from aesthetics to strength based goals. This was because I am not really an aesthetic kinda guy, but I really love the feeling I get lifting heavy weights. So, I also mentioned that I was going to be testing where my current lifting status is by performing a simulated power lifting meet and then I would reevaluate my goal for January 3, 2014.

Today I went to the gym feeling a little under the weather because of head congestion. but I wasn't going to let it stop me from getting the results I wanted. Yesterday, I did some research on the order of a power lifting meet and what a typical warm up progression for 1RM (rep max) would consist of. The meet would consist of the lifts in the order of Squats, Bench Press, and Deadlift. The typical warm up for testing 1RM is as follows:

50% 1RM for 8 reps followed by 2 minutes rest
60% 1RM for 5 reps followed by 2 minutes rest
70% 1RM for 3 reps followed by 3 minutes rest
80% 1RM for 1 rep followed by 3 minutes rest
90% 1RM for 1 rep followed by 5 minutes rest
100% 1RM for 1 rep followed by 5 - 15 minutes rest
+2~5% increase followed by 5 - 15 minutes rest
Continue until unable to complete rep

Today I went with my approximate 1RM and based my test off of those. In the order of Squat, Bench Press, and Deadlift. The only thing I didn't do that would have been allowed in a meet would be 3 attempts at a given weight. I decided that because of time that when I hit my first failure I was done. So where do I sit as a power lifter?

Squat at 355 lbs - I was estimating 400 lbs
Bench at 285 lbs - I was estimating 315 lbs
Deadlift at 475 lbs - Previous best was 455 lbs
Total at 1115 lbs

I was a little disappointed on the squat and bench but it is understandable because I had been focusing on aesthetics instead of strength. I am totally excited on breaking my personal best on deadlift and that makes up for the squat and bench.

So here is where I am at for my goals. Deadline is still January 3rd, 2014. I am still setting my eyes on the 1300 lbs total with Squat at 425 lbs, Bench at 350 lbs, and Deadlift at 525 lbs.

Many people will tell you that it is an unrealistic goal but The question isn't if their opinions are going to let me but rather who's going to stop me!

God Bless,

Travis

Stop Being Schizophrenic with Your Workouts

Hey all,

Sorry I haven't been on here. I have been working out but I have not been consistent. I was jumping from program to program every couple of weeks. I was trying to find one that was going to get me to my goal. My goal of getting to 10% body fat by Christmas. This seems like a decent goal with a firm date and a tough but attainable and measurable result. However, I was not happy with what I was doing to get there and so I was confused on what program I wanted to do. There is so much information and so many programs to try that give great results, but it can get chaotic when you try to process all of it. I had to find something to fix this issue.

Well the other day Cory Gregory, the President of Muscle Pharm, put out a twitter Q&A session. I sent him a tweet asking @MusclepharmPres Do you ever feel like a schizophrenic when deciding workout routines? Ideas on overcoming? I expected a response because he is good at interacting with his followers and the response I got really got me thinking. This is what he responded: @TravisMiller1 yea thats why I try to have a goal at the end of the plan helps me focus. It is not a deep revelation or an awe inspiring piece of knowledge, but it got me thinking.

Then he also has been blogging at #StayMotivated and when I went back and read a few of the posts that I missed. I came across this one.I-could-feel-it-in-air. I realized as I read it that my goal of 10% body fat is an aesthetic goal and I am not an aesthetic person. Yes, I do pose in front of the mirror and I like to flex my biceps and look at the V-Taper that is building as my body fat decreases, but I have never cared about aesthetics or showing everyone my physique. I had forgotten what I really loved to do in the fitness world.

So the solution to my schizophrenic workout mindset......evaluate and set proper a goal(s). This is what I have done and I have a plan, which is still under construction details wise. I really like the power lifting aspect o f weight lifting. Do I want to set world records and become one of the strongest men in the world? That is not part of my goals at this time, but if it happens then it happens. So with a goal set and a date set, I am working out the specific strategy to work toward those goals. I have the program I am going to use to reach my goals chosen.

Before I tell you my specific goals I am going to give a quick overview to the world of power lifting to those who don't know. Power lifting is based around 3 main lifts. Bench Press, Squat, and Deadlift. The goal is to max out for 1 rep (1RM) on all three lifts. To the best of my knowledge, during a meet or competition they have placings for each of the main lifts and an overall which is a combined weight of all your lifts. So for example, say someone has a bench of 300, squats of 450, and deadlift of 500 they would have a combined of 1250 lbs.

So to my specific goals, I plan on holding a personal meet....IE this is my deadline for my goal on the 3rd of January. Based on my past performance my goal is a combined of 1300 lbs. This is based off my best lifts in the past where bench was 295, Squat was 350, and deadlift is 455. The squat is an approximate because I never had as spotter to go for a true 1RM. So my estimated combined is 1100 lbs.

I know, I know, you cannot base a goal on an estimated starting line. So this is where the strategy comes in to play. This upcoming week, I am going to do all three lifts to find out my 1RM on each one of the lifts. This will allow me to adjust and finalize my goals on the lifts and combined. The second part of the strategy is the program I am going to used to get me to my goals. One of the role models that I have had in fitness is Mike O'Hearn. Mike O'Hearn is a huge fitness Icon. He has a program that he follows called Power Bodybuilding. It incorporates the three may lifts in a power lifting routine followed by secondary bodybuilding routine. I am sure that I had mentioned this in the past because I was following this program earlier in the year.

So I ask you once again, to stick with me and keep checking in. ...I will keep you updated with my current 1RM for all three lifts and if I need to adjust my goal for January 3rd then I will update you with that information too.


God Bless,
Travis

Bizzy Diet Day 14

Hi All,
This has been a pretty great week for me. I discovered something that I was missing from my life. Heavy weight training. I was really enjoying the results and the workouts from the Bizzy Diet but I was not feeling the rush of the weight training like I wanted to. So here is where I stand. I am not going to continue with the bizzy diet because I am only 4lbs away from my 21 day goal and it is only day 14. I did some research and I consulted with a trainer from BodyBuilding.com and he suggested trying his Rock Hard Challenge. I took his advice and gave workouts 1 and 2 a try on Friday and Saturday. I love them and I am feeling the affects.

So I didn't just randomly pick a trainer off the web to seek information from, I did my research and I found out that he is the Chief Science Editor for Muscle and Fitness magazine. He has a PHD in exercise physiology. I also started following him on twitter to see what information he was passing out and what other people were saying about him and his workout routines. I would have to say that I am impressed with the results that I am hearing about from his programs. Who is this guy? His name is Jim Stoppani and he is one of the video trainers on bodybuilding.com with his Shortcut to Size program. This is the program I was originally interested in but I wanted to drop weight before going into it. So this is what I did, I tweeted Jim and told him that I am still 50lbs overweight and I was wondering if Shortcut to Size would help me cut weight while building muscle or would the HIIT and Weight circuit training (ie bizzy diet) that I was currently doing best for me. His response to me was that I should look up the Rock Hard Challenge.

I looked into the RHC and found that is sounded like something I would be interested in. This program is an 8 week program designed to transform your body. It has listed the workouts, the recommended nutrition, and the recommended supplementation which of course is the official challenge sponsors. I am going to try and stick close to the nutrition and the supplementation with the exception that I will be using Muscle Pharm as my supplementation brand of choice.

So on Friday, I went to the gym to do workout 1 to judge overall gym time and to figure out where I am going to be starting on the weight ranges. A brief overview of work out 1 is as follows a chest shoulder and triceps workout where you are doing 2 sets of 10 reps and 1 set of 12-15 reps per workout or 2 sets of 12-15 and 1 set of 10, which seems pretty normal with 2 mins rest between sets. Here is the kicker, before you get to your 2 minutes of rest you do 1 minute of cardio, ie treadmill, stair climber, or calisthenics after each set before the rest period. This makes all the difference in the world when it comes to kicking your butt. I came out of the workout feeling great and ready to come back and do some more.

Saturday shows up and I decide to give workout number 2 a try. This is legs, calves and abs with the same workout schedule as workout 1 to include the cardio between sets. I can tell you now why I know they use the term "you been stoppani'd" on the twitter microblog when talking about Jim Stoppani's workout routines. Today I went to the gym to do slow steady cardio to loosen up the legs a little but I am still wincing in that wonderful pain of muscle growth as I sit up and down through out the day.

So here is where I stand currently I am down 16 lbs overall and down 2.5 inches around my waist. I am seeing slimming across my entire body and increased definition around muscles as the fat is burned away. Tomorrow, I am starting the RHC with workout 1 and I look forward to the amazing results that are going to come of this program and my dedicated hard work. I want to transform my body into a lean healthy machine.

My new favorite term Swoldier thanks to Steve Cook from bodybuilding.com for that one.

Also, keep an eye on FromTrialstoTriumphs as it is under construction but should be up soon. But to give you a sneek peek go there now and see what happens when you tell a conqueror that they will never walk again.

God Bless all,

Travis

Going Good

I started on the 20th of August a complete strict following of the Bizzy Diet created by Cory Gregory. I re measured my body stats last night to show where I was beginning. I am pleased that I have lost an inch around my waist from when I started out one month ago. This is exciting and motivating for me. Follow the link below to my BodySpace where I am uploading pictures and my stats. http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/TravMillr
I would like to give props to Muscle Pharm on their Muscle_Gel product. They seem small and possibly bad tasting from the initial reaction to the packaging and the flavors listed. However, when I tried them the flavors are awesome and when you drink the recommended 12oz of water with them they help curb your appetite and the are packed with 22grams of protein with no sugar. The workouts for days 1 and 2 were great looking forward to tomorrow's workout. Check out my BodySpace and leave comments and or questions or suggestions.

Good night and God bless
Travis

Tougher Week than last

Hi all, <br>
So this last week was pretty tough on me both physically and mentally. I started the week off in high hopes with a new workout plan that is a great bet to get me started in burning fat and toning the lean muscle that is currently in my body. The program is called the bizzy diet that was created by Cory Gregory the President of Muscle Pharm. With budget limitations I knew that the perfect meal plans and supplements were not going to be there but I did my best with the food and I used the supplements that I had at my disposal. So I started off Monday with a Combat Powder protein shake when I woke up and about 40 minutes before my workout. I followed it by taking Assault powder 15 minutes before the workout. When I got to the gym to do bizzy diet workout A which consists of 20 minutes of high intensity interval training (HIIT) 1 minute slow, 1 minute fast on the elliptical machine. Then you proceed immediately into a 5 workout weight circuit 20 reps each then repeat, where workout A is upper body. Then again no rest you go back to Cardio for 5 minutes slow and 5 high intensity. Follow that up with the exact weighted circuit as before and you are done. <br>
I was feeling great after this workout which I followed up with Recon powder. I showered had 3 eggs for breakfast, took my multivitamins and went to work. Had good high protein lunch with 2 small high protein snacks and finished the day with no issues. <br>
Tuesday is when the challenges started. I woke with the same routine as Monday and hit the gym for bizzy diet workout B which is pretty close to A with the exception of the circuit is designed for lower body. This started well but as I progressed through the lower body circuit I struggled to complete the reps for a couple of the exercises and also on the second circuit as well. This was a lot of mental weakness as well as physical. I didn't get down on myself because I understand that I am no where near peak physical for. I cannot expect to be at Cory Gregory level of fitness. Same routine after the workout and my daily meals were pretty close to Monday's. Work on Tuesday consisted of working inside a vehicle which equates to a steel box with no air conditioning in 113 degree heat. I drank plenty of water and took some cool air breaks but it was very tasking on my body. To finish Tuesday off I went and helped move a lady from one apartment to another one. By the end of Tuesday I was beat and completely exhausted. I took my dose of ZMA Pills which I also took Monday, and went to sleep.<br>
Wednesday when I woke up to go to the gym I couldn't get moving and decided to swap my Wednesday workout with my Thursday rest day so I could recover from the taxing Tuesday. My meals were pretty good the rest of the week but Thursday I didn't make it to the gym because mentally I wasn't ready to get in the gym but I told myself that I needed another day of rest. I then proceeded to blow Friday off as well.
I did finish the week strong and went to the gym Saturday morning and did workout A and then spent the day at the water park running up the stairs to the slides with my son. Today was a rest day to prepare for tomorrow which will be another workout A but also a strong start to next week.
One thing I learned is that all the motivation I have to stay working in the gym to accomplish my goals is not as strong first thing in the morning. I do know that I will overcome that weakness and I will conquer this goal and I will be cut, ripped, and stacked.

Good night and God bless
Travis

Tough Week

Hey all,
It has been a tough week. I did not hit he gym as much as I had planned and scheduled but I did make it a couple of days that provided me with some good workouts. This is more than what I had been doing before getting back into the gym. I also got to try the Muscle Pharm Assault, Recon, and Combat Powder. I also tried the Hybrid N. O. And the ZMA pills.
First off I would like to say that the Combat Powder, chocolate flavor was pretty good flavor and seemed to work well as a break fast protein before my morning workout. I haven't used a lot of it to give an idea of how well it builds lean muscle but I will update as I get into using it more.
The Assault powder seemed to provide a good pre workout endurance and when combined with the Hybrid N. O. Pills seemed to get me through my workout with pushing through the sets beyond where I feel I would have stopped without the supplements.
The Recon powder has a great taste and seemed to keep my muscles from teasing up too much after the workout. But without further use I cannot give a overall effect or review of the product.
The ZMA pills are supposed to be for recovery and to provide better rest. I did experience the better rest the past couple of nights but I don't know how much it is helping with the Muscle recovery and I will explain why here shortly.
Overall, I am excited and pleased with the Muscle Pharm products and I will continue to update you. And by the way I am still using the GNC Amp Ripped Vitapak right now and I think that it is a good multivitamin. I don't know about the CLA and the metabolic enhancers which I will also explain below.
Ok so the reason I am don't know about the recovery attributes of the ZMA pills is because I did a no no and I went to the gym and did not give my muscles a warmup period. This is also the day when I tried the Assault and the Hybrid N. O. Pills. Which allowed me to push hard and I believe that I over worked my muscles and it was too much for the recovery pills to help them. This has kept me out of the gym for the past 2 days. But I will be back in the gym tomorrow.
As far as the CLA and the metabolic enhancers from the GNC Amp Ripped Vitapak and not knowing what results have come from them is because I have not been controlling my diet. This is what I have been focusing on for the past couple of days and will continue to focus on for the next couple because I am working on an eating plan for me and my wife. I would like to put a plug in for www.bodybuilding.com and all the great information and products that they provide.
Until next time
God Bless
Travis

Back in the Saddle Again

Hello again, I am back writing to you because I am back at the quest. I have started working out at our new local gym which is a Planet Fitness. I am pleased with it because it is open 24 hours and that the membership fee is only $10 per month. I weighed in on the 13th of July at a whopping 275 lbs. I will be posting my before picture taken on the same day. I have worked out 12 of the 16 days since that day and am enjoying it immensely.
I found an android app called Jefit that helps create and track exercise programs as well as body stats. On the 24th I again weighed on this time at 269lbs and then my scale does a body fat test and calculates me at 37% body fat which I did not like at all. I have started taking a GNC Amp Ripped Vitapak and I tried the same brand pre workout supplement and their Wheyabolic 60 protein power as an after workout supplement. I didn't see much of an improvement in my workouts but I did notice some increased toning of the muscles I was working. Due to cost I think I am going to try Musclepharm Assault and Recon which runs half the cost of the GNC supplements and my friend highly recommends them.
My current exercise program consists of Monday Wednesday Friday weight training and Tuesday Thursday and Saturday as Cardio and Abdominal training. As I refine my program to be more efficient with the facility that I am working out at I will post the exact routine. I also plan on regularly posting some of my body tracking stats so you can see my progress in text along with the pictures that I have will be posting. The initial stats were taken by my wife on the 24th.
The pictures below. Are as follows the initial on the 13th, which is a self portrait of and the other two that were taken on the 24th by my lovely wife.
Cheers and God bless

Good Evening,
So after a week of shift change and coming down with something, I am back at my workouts. I tried something a little different on my Xbox game tonight. Instead of doing cardio-boxing, they have a work out or "class" that is called Boot Camp. I was expecting something pretty tough when I saw that it had 3 red bars for difficulty but I pressed start anyway. It was fun and it royally kicked my butt. It had me doing squats, double knee & double kick combos, running in place, what I would call hopping double knees (think of grabbing someone's head and delivering a jumping knee to the face). So I enjoyed it naturally. Then it had me do something I had not done in quite some while, push ups. This really put me back at to where I am physically. I need to work hard to get back into shape. I only could do at maximum half of the push ups that the work out was programmed for. This is not a bad thing because I am not taking it negatively. It is motivation! I will overcome, I will succeed, I will kick my butt back into shape. This motivation has got my brain working overtime on how to get things moving even faster. I have been given a bow-flex to work out with all I have to do is go and get it. This will add a great strength work out in between my cardio days on the Xbox. The other thing that I did tonight on the Xbox as a warm-up and cool down was something they label as Zen Energy, if you read the description it is a cross between Yoga and Tai Chi. It was great for getting my breathing started and it also allows you to work on your balance and focus.

Back into the game

Well It has been a while but I have not given up on my goal. I had a small hiatus but that has now been resolved. I just got done swimming laps in the pool. Right now it is warm enough to be swimming after work in the evenings. Soon it will be warm enough to swim both before and after work.

Right now I think in the mornings I am going to start with core exercises using plank work outs. The plank position, of course, is where you are in a push up position but instead of being on your hands you are resting on your elbows, with your elbows directly underneath your shoulders. Just holding that position with your back straight is a work out. Then you work on balance and strengthening your core muscles by lifting different limbs individually or together as opposite foot/hand combinations.

I plan on swimming after work on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I should be in the pool quite a bit with the kids on Saturday and Sunday. This should give me plenty of rest and plenty of exercise.

Well, I will keep updating this as much as I can. I look forward to showing progress and sharing my story. Tomorrow I might post a before picture and some basic starting stats to give me and you a beginning base line.

Good Day to all