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Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Superhero Workouts

Every time yet another superhero movie comes out, I always fantasize about how awesome it would be to actually audition and land the next superhero role.  Aside from the fame and fortune, what I am really looking for is to get paid to be in peak physical condition.  You can't really ask for more!

The reality is that it is very unlikely that any of us land a superhero role, but why not try to look like some of them?  Here is a compilation of all the superhero workouts that Men's Health Magazine and various other sources have to offer.  Pick your poison:

















Thor workout


Batman workout


Wolverine workout




















300 workout

Spartacus workout

Thursday, November 3, 2011

My 3 week Gym Experiment

The first part of the series of 3 week experiments started off with the "3 week Food experiment" where I eliminated all types of simple carbs from my diet during the week, and thankfully got to gorge during the weekends.  The results were very astounding as I saw a major shift in body composition during those weeks.

The next experiment I took on was a very simple one in instruction, but was a challenge to stick to, especially in the first week.  The experiment was to perform the following exercises:

  • Monday - Saturday, which was 6 consecutive days a week
    • 50 pull-ups (or chin-ups)
    • 100 push ups 
  • To be completed throughout the day
The first few days were definitely the toughest.  I couldn't even extend my arms fully.  But by day 5, the soreness faded and performing the exercises was starting to get easier to do.

Immediately after the first week, I realized there were gaps in this workout:
  1. No matter how much you work out, if you do not consume enough protein you will not grow to the maximum potential
  2. The lack of squats/deadlifts and various other leg exercises
  3. Engaging in intense conditioning/cardio 3-4 times a week was going to cause some muscle atrophy
With all the gaps mentioned, I did realize that although the muscle mass gain was not as high as I expected, the following results stood true:
  •  A solid foundation was definitely built
  • My chest and upper back have filled up a little more evenly rather than concentrated in a majority area
  • Measuring the circumference of my arm pre and post experiment, I have gained a little under an inch


The Results