Sciatica Injury

About a month and a half ago I hurt myself; I believe while dancing.  A Salsa song ended, and the lady dipped herself.  Unfortunately I wasn't ready for that, and caught me by surprise.  I didn't let her fall, of course, and caught her.  Pop! I recongnized that sound, as I've experienced it before, and immediately knew I had hurt my back, but the pain wasn't immediate.  I kept working out, and being active, but my situation worsened by the day.  I had "sciatica", again!

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica describes persistent pain felt along the sciatic nerve. This nerve runs from the lower back, down through the buttock and into the lower leg. It is the longest nerve in the body. Pain results when this nerve is compressed or injured. It most commonly results from inflammation, bony enlargement due to arthritis or a displaced (herniated) disk in the lower spine.

Sciatica causes pain that begins in the lower back and spreads through the buttock, leg, calf and, occasionally, the foot. The pain generally will feel dull, aching or burning. Sometimes, it starts gradually, worsens during the night, and is aggravated by motion. Sciatica also can cause tingling, numbness or muscle weakness in the affected leg.

The treatment for it is pretty much allowing rest, and bringing down the imflammation of the muscles along with taking pain-killers to deal with the excrutiating pain.  Other treatments that help with dealing with the pain are massages, chiropractor handling, and accupunture.  However, the pain does eventually go away in about 6 to 8 weeks.

This condition has totally handicapped me, and debilitated me to barely walking.  I had to take a few days off from work, and all training has stopped.

Today I can finally walk semi-normal, and can feel that I'm coming back to life.  It's amazing how a small injury can create so much havoc.

If all goes well, I will resume my training in 2 weeks.

Competition Training - Putting on Muscle

The hardest thing to do in physical fitness is to shed fat from the body, both subcotaneous and internal.  I've gotten down to my desired level of body fat, and have begun to put on muscles; this phase is the easiest for me.

Competition Training

I began taking my first steps to training for competition 2 weeks ago.

It's been a challenge figuring out, and balancing all the components that set the foundation for it: Exercise, Nutrition, and rest.

For the last two years I concentrated on losing weight, and getting on good physical health; I've accomplished that.  I got so fine tuned into that mode that it's now hindered my progress to my new goal.  Part of my previous regiment was to weigh myself every morning.  It became part of my daily routine, and mental awareness on my diet to control food intake, and exercise to maintain/reach the weight that I wanted to be.  Weight is not an issue any more, and I must eat more nutritious food, and supplement my diet in order to increase in size.

My new goal is to put on muscle mass while staying lean.  It's a very tricky progress, but I can do it.  I have all the tools necessary to make it happen.

Watch me grow!



2 Weeks in training



Men's Physique Competition Training

What started as the only option to improve my health has now turned into a hobby to achieve maximum physical condition.

Yesterday I met with my trainer, and got educated on nutrition, physique, and exercise.  The initial road has been paved, and now it's time to prepare myself for the ultimate goal.  In three months I will be ready to take the stage.

20 Day Full Body Cleanse - Day 20 - Completed

Finally, I've successfully reached my day 20 of this cleanse. It's been a real challenge, both physical and mental, but I've accomplished it.

I'm feeling great: energized, light, lean, clean, and positive.

Day 1 vs. Day 20

Monday I will start either P90X, or a weightlifting routine, and apply all the nutritional education that I've learned during this journey.

weight
starting: 168
current: 157
lost:        11

20 Day Full Body Cleanse - Day 18 Update

I've reached day 18 with much success.  Cheating has not been an option, and I've put myself through some good tests of my commitment, and character.


Two Saturdays ago, my friend Andres wanted to hangout.  I explained to him that I couldn't do much fun stuff because I was limited on what I could eat or drink.  He said, no problem, and we went to a sushi bar, and then to a regular bar.  The sushi plates came and went, just as fast as the sake bottles emptied, and I simply sipped on my OJ.  Not a bite, did I take.  Of course, by the end of the meal my buddy was a little happy, and wanted to go for full joy, so we headed out the Far Bar in Little Tokyo.  He got wasted on strong dark beers while I ordered a little plate of fresh fruits, and water.  Again, I resisted the temptation.


Following the plan, I've incorporated grains to my nutrition.  I love beans and rice!


The end is near as I'm two days away from completing this challenge.


Here's a picture of my current progress.

Day 18

weight
starting: 168
current:  158
lost:        10

20 Day Full Body Cleanse - Days 5, 6, & 7

Finishing up day 7 here, and feeling great.

Day 5:
No more headaches, nor dizziness, yet still felt sleepy.  I actually worked out again for a little bit.

Day 6:
Headaches and dizziness are gone!
Today I felt great, clear-headed and energized.  I went to the gym and threw weights around for a little while.

Day 7:
Feeling great!  I will go jogging after work, and perhaps even Salsa dancing at night.

The hardest part is almost done, and I get to eat fruits tomorrow in addition to the juices.
Weight

Starting: 168 lbs
Current:  160 lbs
Lost:          8 lbs