The 2025 Log

[Altair]

I’ve had a log during the summer, but various things happened since then which needed my full attention. I’ve decided to restart, but to approach it differently so that I can address some of the issues I had when I last started.

1. Print out the entire program that I am attempting, make a mark for what’s completed
2. Focus solely on completing a single level during a run
3. Do my exercises in the early evening, so that I have enough time to cool off before going to bed
4. Keep the exercise diary on my computer, and post every two to four days
5. Keep the log for a full year

Hopefully this plan and these standards will bear fruit.

December 24, 2024
Consecutive Days: 1
Vitality Day 1 Level 1: Complete

Decided to restart Vitality because I’m fairly familiar with it’s exercises and the mild movements suit my current level of fitness. Some sounds while moving, and noticeable tightness, but nothing extreme as I completed the three sets.

Steady effort done over the course of weeks produce more results than sudden bursts than leave you exhausted. Everything also needs to build on top of one another. Long term goal is to reach difficulty Level 3 and maintain there. Short term goal is to complete Vitality.

December 25, 2024
Consecutive Days: 2
Vitality Day 2 Level 1: Complete

Merry Christmas.

These exercises focused on the arms. By the time I got to the third exercise in the set my biceps were burning and I had to let them down and rest for 20-30 seconds to let the pain diminish. I know it will get better with time, first with beginner gains then with actual building and maintenance. I believe I have a good process figured out, I just need to stick with it.

December 26, 2024
Consecutive Days: 3
Vitality Day 3 Level 1: Complete

Today’s exercises focused on the shoulders, and were relatively easy to complete. I didn’t push it, I don’t need to get breaks in my program the same way as I did in my previous attempts. Lots of popping type sounds as well, probably just air bubbles. Does go to show why taking it slow and building a good foundation is important for me.

 

[Mamatigerj]

Welcome back! And Merry Christmas!

 

[aku-chan]

Welcome back!

 

[Anek]

Welcome back!

 

[Fremen]

Welcome back

 

[Altair]

Thank you for welcoming me back. I expect for the coming year to be very busy for a variety of reasons. I’m going to keep steady with this style of block updates in this thread, it helps to keep me motivated. I think three day blocks might work best, it basically fills a letter-sized page in my document file.

December 27, 2024

I developed a major migraine returning from shopping in town. I believe it was the angle of the sun and the height of trees in the forest effectively created a bright strobing light while I drove. The pain was exceptional. Out of an abundance of caution I decided to rest. I know it breaks my streak but I don’t want to make things worst.

December 28, 2024
Consecutive Days: 1
Vitality Day 4 Level 1: Complete

Had to spend more time traveling than expected. It would have been easier to just lay in bed when it was all done, but I got up and did today’s sets. I’m glad I did, it was relatively easy but did a lot for me.

When doing side jacks I noticed tightness in my groin muscles, and the single leg stands led to a little bit of burning in my arms. Nothing unmanageable, I could have pushed it if I wanted to, but this will let my muscles heal and grow. No doubt other muscle groups will be used in tomorrow’s exercises. In fact, I believe that tomorrow focuses on the arms. That’s a weak point, my legs are the most developed part of my body.

I guess we’ll see what happens over the next few days.

December 29, 2024
Consecutive Days: 2
Vitality Day 5 Level 1: Complete

As expected, today was arm day. The scissors and W-extensions have left quite a burn in my bicep and deltoid muscles. I would have to briefly rest mid-set in order to reduce the pain I experience. It’s a burning pain, like too much Bengay being put there at once, so I guess it’s just the fact that I’ve become unused to exertion.

I’m recalibrating my goals for 2025 in light of my relative weakness. If I can solidly start completing Difficulty Level 2 exercise programs like Foundation: General Fitness then I will be achieving my goals. If I can do that then it will still put me far ahead of where I started.