The outdoor gym

Well the Hardcore Bodybuilder's gym in Catford closed and I did get my money back. I also finished the fourth and final draft of my play, with the working title of 'The Gym.' A couple of weeks ago I looked on the BBC newspage and saw an article on a new play called 'A Gym Thing' with the main publicity being regarding body dysmorphia. My heart sank a bit because that is one of the themes of my play. I went to see it and was impressed by the energy and skills of the lead actor but was most pleased to see that there are few similarities with my own work. I recommend 'A gym thing' to anybody but be careful about sitting in the front row, the lead actor does get quite close up and sweat does spray everywhere.

Anyway, since my gym closed I have not joined a new one. That is a very important thing to a bodybuilder and I will join once I have found the gym that suits me personally. One reason I have not joined is because my routine has been completely rearranged by my rehearsing for a play that I'm appearing in on 31st May, 1st and 2nd June. I am playing John Worthing in 'The Importance of Being Earnest' for St George's Players in Forest Hill. If you read this in time tickets are available following the link:

http://www.st-georges-players.org.uk/20180531-the-importance-of-being-earnest/

So does that mean I have not lifted weights since February? If you thought that you clearly have not read this bible! I have been training in two locations. Firstly using my dad's old, rusty weights at home - very hardcore. And secondly I have been at the outdoor gym on the Rochester Way.

https://www.greenwichgetactive.com/activities/v/768/

I will most honestly say that aged 45 I am in the best shape of my life! What is it down to? Three things:

1. New diet.

I've cut out most sugary foods and bread. The weight dropped off incredibly quickly. I was never fat but could possibly say I was a bit podgy!

Pre gym:

bowl of porridge with sweetener (no sugar)

latte coffee

a banana

a satsuma

I follow each workout with meat and vegetables.

I have a chicken or fish salad for lunch.

2. Running once a week around Greenwich Park. I do the inner perimeter run. I strongly recommend this run. It is mostly flat or downhill except one steep bit that lasts about two minutes. My fastest time is around 16 minutes. The distance is approximately two miles.

3. The outdoor gym.

I use my full bodyweight on all machines. That means feet off the ground. But my favourite new exercise is leg raises. At first I couldn't do any but now I can do three sets of 11. My mid-section has never been so developed and I can now see muscles I never knew I had.

In fact I have veins popping up everywhere! I feel lighter, healthier and happier.

Let me know if you'd like to hear more about my new workout. Got to go and help get the stage ready for the rehearsal tonight!