As I take a step from the Mankind tab and help out with the fitness page, let me give you guys a little background info about me before so maybe you can get an understanding of where I'm coming from with the advice I'm giving today. From the age of 4-18, I was a 3 sport athlete (football, baseball, and basketball). I went from one sport to another year YEAR ROUND. So basically, I was always in shape. In college, I decided to continue my football career and play at Auburn University. So now that that's over, let me tell you why I'm really here. *beast mode voice
As a collegiate athlete, it's easy to work out... YOU HAVE NO CHOICE! I had someone tell me where to be, when to be there, and what to do once I got there. Staying in shape was never in issue. But.. I'm currently a graduate and no longer an athlete, and it initially was a STRUGGLE to stay in shape. You never really how hard it is to stay in shape when you don't have a coach yelling at you and blowing a whistle. It was ROUGH! No exxageration, it took me about a year to really get back in the swing of things, to really care about my body and being in shape. It's tough to have to push yourself when you're alone after you've never had to it before. It's tough to go run some sprints without someone next to you to compete with and keep you going. It's tough to wake up early, or to go to the gym mid day or late afternoon when you know that if you go, there will be no consequences. But, I've given some tips for you guys on how to get back right! Enjoy!
1. Eating better
Let's be honest............. Most athletes DON'T eat right! You workout so much that what you eat does not matter. You run so much, that the cheeseburger that you had for lunch never stays in your body. Those french fries have no effect on those abs! But, you don't have this luxury anymore, so change it up! Cut back on fried foods and things that you KNOW aren't healthy. I'm not saying go on a strict lifestyle-chaning diet. But make some changes add some good things and take away some of the bad!
2. Get a plan
It's a struggle for some to make up workouts as an ex-athlete. But if you think about it... You have all of the knowledge and resources you need! Use old workouts, or tricks you learned from your previous strength program or simply get on the internet!
3. Doing things you hate
For me- I hated running and I hate abs!!! Every athlete has something that they hate, so bring out the competitor in you and overcome that fear! Some say the mirror is your enemy, but I say it's your best friend who never lies to you! If you're getting fat. Then you're getting fat! Period. So change it up.. if you know that you hate running and hate doing abs or legs, do different forms of cardio, do fast paced workouts. Just do different things that keep you from being bored. MAN UP!!
4. Hate to lose
If you're an ex-athlete, and a true competitor, there should still be that fight inside fo you that says "Don't Quit" "Don't lose". For me, I REFUSE to be "the athlete who lost it". "Aw man he's getting fat" are 5 words I HATE to hear. "He looks better now than when he played for Auburn", THAT'S WHAT I LIKE!! So basically, find your motivation! What keeps you going? How much do you hate to lose?
With this being said.. I played Cornerback and safety at 215 Pounds (2010-2012). . Post football, I didn't necearrily gain a lot of weight, but my body composition began to change. I finished football August of 2013. In December of 2014 I decided to get back right, change my eating habits, and go hard in the gym. I started at 217 and now I'm down to 183. the results are below, SUCK IT BITCHES!!
2 Comments
DE to EE
5/5/2015 06:41:06 am
Awesome post! I can definitely relate!
Reply
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