Afternoon Sweat Factory41.2 lbs LOSTso farAugust 30, 2007 by Israel Lagares | No comments
I had one of the best workouts I have had in a while today. Yep, I must say I am proud of myself. Although it is very early in my weight loss journey, I am extremely satisfied with the start. If this is a look of what’s to come then I will be at my goal faster then expected. I do expect some road blocks in the coming months, but I will be prepared to stick to the task at hand.
Today I lifted weights and did some cardio. I did a quick bench and triceps workout that consisted of 4 sets of 15 to 20 reps on the bench. Then I did some tricep extensions: 3 sets of 15 reps each. The best part of the workout session was when I stepped onto the treadmill and jogged at a decent speed for 10 minutes non stop. It doesn’t seem like much, but for being a 345 pound guy that hasn’t worked out in a while I am extremely happy with where I am at. I could have stayed on the treadmill longer but my buddy needed me to help him move some large furniture from his new house. I figured I would get a second cardio session in by helping him. Every time a bud or family member needs help moving, they call me up. I guess it’s because they look at me as the big strong guy.
By the time I was done with my workout I was drenched and loving every minute of it. At first I felt as if I should have worked out a bit more, but by the time I got out of the shower I realized that the workout was just fine. I think tomorrow I will step it up a bit, maybe do 15 minutes of cardio. I eventually want to do anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes of cardio per day for about 5 months. Then once I drop most of the weight I want slow it down to 3 to 4 days a week of cardio and 3 days a week of weight training.
Well, I also ate really well today. Some cereal in the morning, fruits for lunch, and chicken and veggies for dinner. It is becoming easier and easier to control myself from all of the enticing delicacies I am used to eating. Things are picking up. They sure are. 
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Late Workout Today41.2 lbs LOSTso farAugust 29, 2007 by Israel Lagares | No comments
I woke up today with the desire to workout. But I didn’t right away. Instead I went over to a friends house and helped him move a 250 pound big screen television from his upstairs game room to his downstairs living room. After a few minute and a lot of sweat, we did it. Oh, did I say that I had a sweater on the whole time? It’s about 95 degrees outside. Yep, its Florida. I decided to test myself and had the sweater on almost the whole day. I just took it off actually.
It’s 9 PM on my side of town. Now I need to go workout. I am planning on getting on the treadmill for a few minutes then benching and doing triceps. I hope I have the energy to get a good workout. Time to lace up my Nike Shox, go into the shack, and workout. It should feel really good.
Before I go in though, check out this picture of me. This is a picture of me getting my daily dose of the internet. Notice the huge arms and roles on my sides.
Yuck, I need to get rid of all that fat. I am planning on keeping some size on my arms and chest, but I definitely want them more toned. Plus, I need to cut down on the chubbiness in my face. There’s an extremely chiseled jaw line underneath there somewhere. I know there is.
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Controlling My Calorie Intake41.2 lbs LOSTso farAugust 28, 2007 by Israel Lagares | No comments
The last couple of days have been pretty satisfying. I have managed to mentally suppress my appetite. As soon as I get up I make a protein shake and eat a bowl of raisin bran cereal with soy milk. Then I eat a yogurt, fruit and or a half a can of tuna for lunch. Dinner has been grilled chicken with salad.
Here’s a pic of an awesome tasting grilled chicken with romaine lettuce and virgin olive oil salad. Man was it good. My wife definitely knows how to make a mean grilled chicken salad.
The last few days have been all about “getting it done.” I have been mentally preparing myself for each day by telling myself that I WILL DO THIS! No matter what. The truth is that I must do this, there is no room for failure here. Not this time, not again. That’s the approach I am taking. That’s what has worked for me in the past, so that’s what I will do.
The working out and eating right part will come. I know it will. It all starts up there in your head. This past weekends workouts still have my body aching, but I like it. It reminds me that I am on my mission and that nothing will stop me.
Not even me.
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Day 1 All Over Again, 345 lbs with Videos41.2 lbs LOSTso farAugust 27, 2007 by Israel Lagares | 2 comments
Yep, that’s right. I was on the right track for about a month, doing my workouts and eating the way I needed to eat. I was even mentally “there.” But that’s behind me now because today was the day I started all over again.
I weighed myself today and was at 345 lbs. I told ya it was day one all over again! So that’s the starting weight I will use. So I woke up today and told myself “Israel, get off your butt and do this! Just do it!” I know I have it in me darn it. I was on a high school football team that was borderline torturing us for practice and I made it through Parris Island in South Carolina (that’s the Marine Corps Boot camp). So this should be super, duper easy. But you know what I realized? I had peer support during those tough times, working out alone in my shack doesn’t provide me that. So that’s where this blog comes in, along with some offline peer support from some friends and family. So I suggest if you are planning on embarking on a mission such as this, you do not do it alone.
So my first workout in a few months was a good one. Here are some videos of my bench workout. I managed to still be able to rep 225lbs 10 or 12 times. That’s pretty good muscle maturity I got going. I started out benching 205 lbs to warm up.
Repping 205 lbs on the bench
A close-up of my Y R U So Small Shirt and pumping out that last rep.
Me repping 225lbs on the Bench
Afterward, I almost passed out. Not because I was intentionally trying to push myself to the point of exhaustion, but because I think my body was SHOCKED! I knew that I had to stop so I came inside and got a cup of water. Then I started feeling dizzy and my stomach was in knots. I had passed out once before many years ago but it was nothing like this. So I sat down and collected myself for a few minutes. After it had passed I made a whey protein shake: Two 25 gram protein packing scoops of muscle building goodness. I then scarfed down some amino acids, creatine, glutamine, and a multi vitamin to wash it all down. The only supplements that I plan on taking include protein, glutamine, creatine, amino acids, and a multi-vitamin. I won’t be taking any appetite suppressants, rapid-energy boosters, or what ever else is out there. Not until I am at least 50 lbs lighter or so.
All I did for today’s workout was upper body. I benched, did some lat pulldowns for my back, and some standing bicep curls. That little and I still almost passed out. Go figure…I guess I am that much out of shape.
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Long Night, No sleep, New Logo41.2 lbs LOSTso farAugust 24, 2007 by Israel Lagares | 3 comments
About once a month I experience a weird, non-sleepy, full of energy day. Last night was one of those days. I don’t particularly like it when I stay up all day and all night, but I am at least able to get tons of work done online. Although, now that I think of it, I have to often re-check and re-do all that work I did because I did it in zombie mode.
Maybe its because of my weight? I am over 300 pounds, so it could possibly be sleep apnea? Oh no, that’s not right, sleep apnea is when you are sleeping and your airway is blocked but your brain doesn’t know that your not breathing. So I can’t be suffering from that since I did not sleep. What else could it be? Maybe I just had too much energy. I don’t recall eating anything with caffeine in it, then again I don’t recall eating anything healthy today either.
I ate some Mexican quesadillas from Vallarta’s here in Tampa. They make some good food at that place. Finger licking good. Yeah, must have been all that grease and Coca-Cola I consumed. Darned, now that I think of it I did consume caffeine! The crazy thing is that I did not even want to do it. I knew that I shouldn’t have but I could not stop myself. I figured “I am here and my wife is going to eat, I might as well eat it too.” Man, I keep feeling like a weakling. I hope tomorrow is a better day, or actually, I hope today is a better day too.
I am going to go visit those blogs I bookmarked yesterday from those other health bloggers. Maybe I can get inspired again because I definitely need it.
I did manage to re-do the logo and the header of the blog. Lukas helped me come up with the idea for the muscle-bound brain. I executed using my superb graphic design skills. 
The logo basically represents mental toughness, since that is what I will need to get this accomplished and change my life. I also did some reworking on some of the content of the blog so that it is more search engine and user friendly.
YAAAAWWWNNNNN. I think the sleep is hitting me now. Time to go night, night.
I promise myself I will have at least 8 hours of sleep from now on! And thats a Promise.
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Finding It Hard to Exercise and Eat Healthy41.2 lbs LOSTso farAugust 23, 2007 by Israel Lagares | 12 comments
Ever since getting back home from New York I have been finding it extremely hard to exercise and eat better. I told myself that when I got back home it would be back to my normal routine that I followed before heading off on vacation. Well, disappointingly I have not lifted one weight or eaten anything healthy. It has been about 2 weeks since I got back. Ugh. I can’t stand myself right now, but I know that I need to get my act together.
The closest I have come to a workout has been running around the house playing tag with my 2 year old daughter. I know that I lost what I gained (stamina-wise) because running around the living room makes me lose my breath and I start breathing really hard. I have also manage to break a sweat by changing the car seat from car to car outside in the hot sun. Besides that there has been nothing.
I do have the desire, but I am not sure how to kick start myself. My wife is back on track, working out and eating right. She tries to motivate me but I resist. Those darned Burger King Rodeo Burgers are too irresistible, and they are only $1 for now!! How can I say no to that? Anyway, I guess I need to dig deep and man up (as they say back where I am from).
I have already failed my goal of being at a decent weight by end of August. I managed to gain back all the weight I lost and lose all the stamina and energy that I gained.
Here is to hoping that I can man up and start getting my act together.
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Stranded in NYC..Back now.41.2 lbs LOSTso farAugust 17, 2007 by Israel Lagares | 2 comments
I was in New York over the last 5 or 6 weeks and it was torture. I was not able to get online, workout, feel good, or anything. I had a horrible time and it affected me in every facet of my life. I went backwards as far as my workouts and diet are concerned, but I am confident that I can get it back on track.
I am re-starting my routine tomorrow, Saturday. This time I will not be deterred.
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Steady Progress41.2 lbs LOSTso farJune 27, 2007 by Israel Lagares | No comments
It has been a while since I posted. Since my last post I have been hitting the weights and cardio on a consistent basis. Except for a couple of days last week when some “things” happened that required my undivided attention. But besides that I have been on a role. I have already made this my way of life. One thing I am looking forward to is the day when I can eat whatever I want and not have to worry about it. But that is a long way away, possible some time around Christmas, which would be perfect because my family tends to make some of the best food around the holidays.
Other than that I feel really strong. Stronger than before. I have also incorporated some different exercises into my routine which have helped me get hit some untapped parts of my body. I am also looking forward to being able to do some more cross training.
One thing I did notice today was that as I was on the treadmill I felt the weight holding me down. It was as if I had on a fat suit and it was pulling me down towards the earth. I hated that feeling!!! It made my legs feel heavy and my back hurt. Just thinking about it now makes me feel sluggish. Once I drop the weight I will try my hardest to keep it off.
I have decided to not weigh myself for a few weeks, maybe months, and to not take any pics until I do weigh myself. I will just post my progress by how I am feeling physically, by how my clothes fit, by how my body fits in the world around me (chairs, amusement park rides, tight places, etc.), and by how people react to my appearance. Besides that I won’t be officially measuring my progress with a scale for a while.
Well, that’s all for now. Until next time… Get it done!
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Weigh-In Day: 330 Lbs. Progress Photos41.2 lbs LOSTso farJune 10, 2007 by Israel Lagares | No comments
Well, I am happy to say that I lost 18 lbs so far in only 2 weeks since I have begun my journey. I have developed a mini-complex. By that I mean that I on a constant workout mode. I always want to be working out or eating right or doing something that will assist me in my overall weight loss. I guess its a catch 22 because it’s good that I want to be healthy and exercise but I also need to catch myself so that I don’t over train or under eat.
I have also decided to only blog a few times a week, minimum once a week. My workouts have me feeling awesome, lighter on my toes as I walk around. I have had some really great workouts this past week. This was only the first full week of my strength and conditioning training, but it has been awesome. I have managed to up my minutes on the treadmill to an average of 20 minutes per session before needing to slow it down to a walking pace. My strength training has been awesome. I am actually in a really good place. I have been able to maintain a good amount of strength through out my fat days. I also discovered that I have a good amount of lean muscle, which is over 200 lbs.
Overall, with my cardio, strength, and alternate routines I am happy. Plus losing 18 lbs in 2 weeks makes me feel good. I was originally aiming for 10 lbs a week, but I think a reasonable amount would be 5 lbs minimum lost per week. Anything over 5 is just extra. I want to take this time to say that losing over 2 lbs a week is not something anyone should strive for unless you are experienced with it. I have been through this road before and know my limits.
I have been able to stick to my strict eating diet. I have managed to only drink water and green tea for the last to weeks. I have the occasional soy milk or 2% milk with my cereal. I have cut out practically all of the sugars I used to consume. Its been a very strict diet, but I know that I need to do this in order to reach my goals. I have cut out anything else. I eat healthy and it feels good to know that I am sticking to it. I am already used to the eating of certain foods only so it isn’t a big deal anymore. When I go out to dinner I order healthy dishes.
I am looking forward to next weeks weigh-in and progress. So, until then, without further ado, here are the updated photos.
That is all for now, I am off to a good start. I am eager to start posting pics with more definition. Peace.
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Analysis of Israel: week one.41.2 lbs LOSTso farJune 8, 2007 by Israel Lagares | No comments
Analysis of Israel: week one.
An unbiased third party opinion.
First Impressions:
Israel has incredible upper body strength.
Example 1: Even out of shape without touching a weight for over 120 days Israel can perform seated behind the neck military presses with 135lbs with ease for twelve repetitions. He proceeds with this weight and rep count for 4 sets. It’s apparent pressing 165lbs for 6 to 8 rep sets would be a cake walk for him. Curious if a 225lbs 1 to 2 rep max is within his reach already still within week one.
Example 2: Bench press strength is just as impressive. Performing 10 to 12 reps with 225lbs is routine. Israel uses this weight for up to 4 sets. 315lbs max bench is a good estimation.
Israel’s Strength:
Israel’s ultimate strength stems from his extraordinary stamina. Remember this is a man that weighs 340 plus pounds who can push through 20 sets of strenuous movements with significant poundage. All this while keeping the strictest form. He is a fanatic about form which has most likely contributed to his well honed innate muscular control and subsequent strength. It unusual to find a 340 pounder that can out last me, but in the case of Israel there is living proof. A running background that expanded his lung capacity and possibly a large powerful heart are major reasons that Israel can last to the point where others might feel the effects of over exertion.
Israel’s weakness:
Israel holds a large portion of his weight in his thighs and rear. To burn off weight on one’s legs every muscle head worth a dime knows that you have to really fry those legs. Israel needs to step up the intensity and volume on the resistance training portion of his lower body. His running regimen is without a doubt on target but complimenting that with a more challenging weight lifting plan for his legs will take things to the next level. Here’s what a revamped leg workout might look like:
4 sets squat 8-12 reps 185lbs
2 sets squat 6 reps 225lbs
1 set squat 2-3 reps 265lbs
4 sets leg extensions 12-16 reps 150lbs
2 sets hang cleans 8-12 reps 145lbs
2 sets calf raises 16-24 reps 145lbs
2 sets lying leg curl 12 reps 110lbs
Final Impressions:
Israel will indeed reach his goal. Not only because of his sheer stamina but of his indefaitigueable will and focus. These are his true strengths. Although it never hurts to be naturally strong and have the lungs of a diver. Israel will lose weight and I can confidently say that a final weight of 225lbs is attainable.
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Weird Day, Wii Day41.2 lbs LOSTso farJune 7, 2007 by Israel Lagares | 3 comments
I feel weird today, not sure what it is really. I managed to eat right and work out. Today was a cardio day and I was on the treadmill for 20 minutes. I fought through the pain though. At around 13 minutes I was feeling like stopping but I kept going. I also felt but light headed but got it under control and finished strong. I then walked the last 5 minutes to cool. By the end of it I could barely stand so I immediately sat down before folding up the treadmill. I couldn’t even do my abs. I figured I would do them during my second session, but that’s another story.
What did I do for my second workout? I played Wii. The Nintendo Wii has a bunch of sports games and they are awesome. I had my cousins over and we played Wii boxing, Wii golf, Wii tennis and Wii bowling. By the end of it all I was so drenched in sweat that I figured I didn’t need to get on the treadmill again. Even my abs were hurting me at one point during the boxing matches. It was one of the best gaming experiences I ever had. I actually managed to workout while playing video games. It reminds me of the running mat Nintendo used to have years ago for their track and field sports game on the original console.
I feel weird because I didn’t have the “typical” type of workout for my second session but a sweat is a sweat and I am happy to have gotten in a second workout. I may even play some more boxing just to break a quick sweat again.
Off to play.
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