Shoulder Day: A Recap Worth Noting

I still remember it like it was yesterday... a certain coach/guru at a bodybuilding show in Flint, Michigan, told me that one thing I lacked was shoulder development -- granted at the time, I must have been weight 315lbs. I'm sure the shoulders were there -- somewhere!

Ever since, training deltoids (aka 'shoulders') has been a key component to my training. I mean, I always hit them, but in the sport of bodybuilding (whether you're competitor or a fan of the sport), it's those knocks that you keep with you. And while I'll usually include bi's with chest and/or tri's with back, I usually reserve a day exclusive for shoulders.

My strategy is to stimulate the front, middle rear delts -- but I also like to vary my approach (sometimes including traps with delts, sometimes including them with back -- it really depends on how my body's feeling). And like with any other muscle group, I try to do my heavy lifts first, though in recent time I've all but discontinued the riskier exercises (e.g. behind the neck presses and even seated dumbbell presses).

It's absolutely critical that people realize that one of the bodyparts most susceptible to injury are our shoulders. Other muscles, like calves & traps can take a beating, but unless you want surgery -- train smart!

Christian Duque's Shoulder Assault!
5 Sets / 8 Reps Db Raises @20lbs
5 Sets / 8 Reps Db Side Lateral @20lbs
5 Sets / 8 Reps Cable (Rear) 10lbs
5 Sets / 8 Rep Cable (front) @ 10lbs.

By simply incorporating 40-60% of your total workout into light-weight, controlled movements, you will ramp up your endurance, increase your definition, and perfect every aspect of range of motion. So many people in the gym heave massive amounts of weight with horrible Body English, terrible form, and seldom using the target muscle effictively.

Tornado Sirens

As of the last few days, I've been going out for 5mile walks in an attempt to get my cardio in, but at the same have a time during the day for self-reflection. During these walks there are no mp3 players, no textbooks, no internet; there's plenty of distractions, but these instances help to create an overall atmosphere which is what I'm after anyways.

If you live in Lansing, you know the weather the last few days has been cloudy and muggy, and on the last couple of walks (before yesterday), I'd get hit with an ocassional raindrop or two as I wound down the homestretch to my building's front door. However yesterday was a whole different story! By the half-way point the rain started, the wind grew more and more violent, and as puddles formed and my shoes became drenched, I could have sworn I was being pelted with sleet!

But while most people ran for cover I kept walking, I was determined that water wasn't going to keep me back. Then the sirens went off, and for a moment I thought I heard air raid sirens. Then the sirens went off again, I could see lightning before eyes, I heard loud thunder, and a third siren.
Those were TORNADO SIRENDS!

Oh well... as the lightning seemed to flash before my eyes, all I could think about was, I must finish this walk and I can't wait to eat.

SAN Tight Extreme

Team SAN, sponsors of one of my favorite sites on the web -- RxMuscle.com, sent me a couple t-shirts and some samples. Yesterday, I went out on a 4mile walk, with only one serving of their Tight Extreme fat-burner.

I experienced great energy response, which was sustained throughout the entire walk. By the time I climbed the first couple of steps to my building's doorway, my legs tingled a bit, and I felt as I could another mile or so. I kid you not!

What I liked most about this product, is that it only has 200mg of caffeine, so you know that a great time "r&d" (research and development) has gone into the perfect its accompanying proprietary blend. I am not opposed to stimulant-based fat burners, but I'm quick to commend companies that ensure thermogenic results through the use of berbs (e.g. cayenne).

This is by far a product I highly recommend you try!

Amanda McDonald Prepares for Boston!