Brian Josephs - Senior Managing Editor
I don't really have the strongest will when it comes to controlling my appetite, so this summer I focused intensely on workouts. I tried to go with a schedule that would encompass my favorite routines: calisthenics, weights and cardio. On Sunday, I'd do a fast-paced 3.5-mile run around the neighborhood's cemetery (it's a popular jogging spot in Brooklyn, don't ask why).
Mondays through Wednesdays I'd focus on calisthenics. At my house, I did five sets of 100 pushups followed by 50 sit-ups. I chose to rest for six minutes in between sets.
The remaining days involved a trip to the gym. What portion of the body I would focus on depended on what mood I was in. For example, if I feel like it's time to look buffer in my signature black v-neck, I'd bust out a chest workout that would at least include 10 reps and five sets of bench presses (225 lbs.) I'd randomly pick a day to work out my legs.
As far as my diet is concerned, I'd make it a priority to not eat more than four meals per day. Most of those meals consisted of either (or some combination of) white rice, black rice, rice and peas, and brown rice. It wasn't a specific strategy for this competition, though; it was just what my mother cooked. I made sure that I consumed whey protein after every workout, however.
Aaron Mansfield - Editor in Chief
A lot of people gave me a hard time about this section. Who wants to see The Spectrum staff in a fitness competition, anyway? Truth be told, we'd rather have students compete than us - whether it be this semester, over winter break, over the course of the school year. Nobody stepped up to do it this summer, but we're hoping this trial run will get you motivated.
Fitness competitions are an excellent reason to change your lifestyle. After all, over 10,000 people are going to see your results. The three of us improved, and we'd like to see you do the same. Be sure to email showdown@ubspectrum.com if you're interested.
As far as my routine, I decided to try out Team Beachbody - you know, the company that produces those late-night infomercials that make you feel bad about your life. A friend of mine loaned me P90X and Insanity, so I didn't go to the gym at all this summer. I alternated workouts, incorporating weight lifting, push-ups, plyometrics (jump training) and a ton of pull-ups.
Challenging? Certainly. But mostly rewarding, knowing I can do 10 more pull-ups than I could at the start of the summer and I'm generally much more fit.
Diet is a huge struggle for me, but it's not what I eat that's the problem. It's what I drink. I decided to give up coffee and alcohol this summer, but I couldn't shake caffeine for good, so I found myself hooked on energy drinks. They're terrible, but they're my kryptonite. Other than that, I ate many Clif Builder's Bars, which are packed with protein, and a ton of grilled chicken. I also used Gold Standard brand whey protein, which I found combined the best taste and health benefits.
All in all, it was an incredible summer. Eat well, feel well. Eat bad, feel bad._
Mark Kurtz - Advertising Manager
I am a fitness fanatic. I want to try everything when it comes to the gym and this summer, I took the opportunity to try a variety of workouts and see what new workouts I could really get into.
For most of June I had focused on two aspects of fitness: Crossfit metcons and long distance running. The running was my biggest challenge because I had set a personal goal to run the Buffalo Half Marathon in under two hours. In order to train for this I ran about 40 to 60 minutes about six times a week, alternating between sprints and body weight workouts, and ended up finishing the half marathon in 1:50.
After the half marathon, I realized that I needed a change in my routine to accommodate my work schedule. But rather than just focus on the weights and cardio, I turned toward the aspect of health we all don't want to face: diet. No one likes to diet, but with some quality research you can find a plan that will get you the results.
My recommendation is The New Abs Diet by David Zinczenko. This plan focuses on eating 12 power foods and really trimming down your core fat. This along with TRX training is what I credit to having dropped five pounds during the competition.
After all is said in done with this competition I must say that I am glad I signed up. Competing with Brian and Aaron kept me motivated and working hard all summer to being a healthier person. Presently I am in the third phase of my workout routine.
My focus is on swimming and training for the Men's Health Urbanathlon in Chicago, a 10-mile, city-themed extreme obstacle course. After trying a few different regimens I have really taken a liking to the long-distance challenges.
My advice: don't be afraid of the gym and diet. If you find out it is more painful than enjoyable, change your routine because with all the different fitness plans out there, you will find one you like.
Email: showdown@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
