And So It Begins....

2011-12-15T13:25:00.000-08:00

Six months ago I had my cholesterol levels checked. The results were less than encouraging, to say the least. My weight had balooned to nearly 280 pounds at ~35% bodyfat (6'2" tall). The doctor, naturally, wanted to put me on the meds, but I decided to take a different approach. I scheduled another appointment for six months later, which is today, and basically sat back and did nothing.

For roughly five months, I did very little to change my lifestyle. I still ate what I wanted, but sporadically threw in paleo type days. This evolved into eating paleo until dinner time, at which point I'd revert to the typical American diet of pasta, bread, rice, etc...In spite of this, I managed to lose 10 pounds and was feeling a little better. The Sunday after Thanksgiving I got serious about going paleo (with dairy) and managed to follow the lifestyle without variation (yes, I know, dairy is taboo in paleo circles) for 11 days prior to having blood drawn on 12/8/11. Today, I received the results, which were achieved with only one exercise session (which occurred yesterday, 12/14/11, and which I currently feel in every muscle of my body).

Nevertheless, here are the results:

Total cholesterol 246 versus 255.
HDL improved to 39 from 31.
LDL was 176, but could not be determined six months ago due to the high trigs.
Triglycerides down to 154 from 595.
BP borderline high still at 140/88
Weight 259, down nearly 20 pounds in six months.

I go back in three months, 3/15/12, for the next set of results and I am looking for additional improvement.

My plan is to focus on the starting strength type program and lift heavy ass weight 3 times a week. The other three days I plan to sprinkle in KB swings, some sprints, burpees, man-makers, and light barbell complexes and cleans. My first workout was yesterday, 12/14/11, and consisted of the following:

Back Squats (very deep) warm-up sets, then working sets of 3x5 at 205 lbs.
Bench Press warm-up sets, then working sets of 3x5. First 5 at 205, then 2@205 and 3@185. Then 3@185 (fail).
BO DB Rows at 100 lbs per arm. 3x5

So, I am sore as hell and, although I would like to complete some KB swings today, am taking a few days off to get the soreness reduced. I know it's possible to work through soreness, but I think this is too much. I will update with food, exercises, and other tidbits of information that fascinate me.....stick around, this will get better.....

Paleo + Strength + Sleep = Health

And So It Begins....