The Workout

For about 12 years I've been very religious about fitness. In the beginning my workouts were intense since my goal was to be bigger and stronger than the guy next to me at the gym. Normally this is good competitive nature. What was not normal, as a result of my not so well planned ambition, were injuries. Shortly after entering my 40s this desire to be big and strong seemed less appealing. Living a long and healthy life is not my main agenda and exercise is the part of the process.

A good routine is important in any exercise program. In order for us to actually see results we need to change up the order we workout our sets each month. "Sets" is a word to describe the number of times you do a particular exercise whether it be a machine, dumbbell or a floor exercise. Try breaking body down into components. Example: Day 1 - Back and shoulders; Day 2 - Legs; Day 3 - Chest; Day 4 - Arms. You might consider three sets of 10 -15 reps with a weight providing, not heavy, but adequate resistance. Abdominal, lower back and obliques may be worked with the same, adequate, resistance and doubling the number of reps with each gym visit. Note: Using heavy weights on the abdominal region will build the muscle and is counterproductive because it will increase the waistline. Always remember, if we are able to rise up from our beds each day, we already have abdominal muscles. However, if we want to see them, proper nutrition and a cardiovascular program must be included with each workout.