Jonathon Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 Hello, couldn't spot a thread or anywhere specific (other than the Community section) for introductions (apologies if there is) but wanted to say hello and introduce myself before participating in other discussions. I'm Jonathon (obviously...), aged 25 and from wet and windy Wales and I've joined this forum because I enjoy bodyweight training and would love to gain some proficiency with gymnastic skills, especially mastering handstands which is my first goal that I am already on my way to achieving. Now here's a bit of history for you... Up until about 12 to 18 months ago, I had never sat down and planned out my training or nutrition despite attempting bodyweight training routines, practicing parkour 2 to 4 times a week and engaging in other sports. Also, from a completely vain perspective, I came back from a holiday two years ago and wasn't happy with how I looked or what I could do, especially in terms of parkour and that was when I started to make some changes. Around 12 - 18 months ago I read the Convict Conditioning book which made a lot of sense to me in terms of exercise progression and shifted my 'appearance' focus to 'skill/exercise' focus (form follows function?), but the low training volume (2 warm up sets followed by 2 to 3 work sets per exercise for a total of 3 to 6 routines a week) I was skeptical about but realized that I needed to do something, since I had no structure or progression in my training up to that point. Initially it built some strength for me and I had some minor changes in my physical appearance too which was nice, but I believe (from my beginner level of knowledge) I made two fatal mistakes... The first was not having enough rest (not rest between training sessions but rest over the course of several months) after consistently following the routine for many months. My reps dropped, my form was no longer perfect, especially for the last 1 or 2 reps and ultimately my training stagnated. The second mistake (and this is a real weakness for me) was 'paralysis by analysis'; I over-analysed my training and my form and lost focus in some respects. I took a week off from training at the beginning of January to re-evaluate and that was when I read the Overcoming Gravity book by Steven Low. Again, another resource that made sense to me but I over-analysed my training far too much (despite Steven mentioning 'paralysis by analysis' in his book), trying to get a perfect routine before evening trying a routine out. I've got a long way to go yet and my training and nutrition needs work which is another reason for me joining this forum. I'm planning on posting my training log (if that is appropriate) too for feedback and in some weird way to make me feel a little more responsible for my training and progression if that makes sense? Anyway, best stop my rambling there and start reading Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Si Hoang Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 Hi Jon, welcome to the community! I am also a newbie when it comes to GST so I don't really have much to offer in terms of advice. The only thing I can say is that I also suffered from paralysis by analysis for many years in regards to a training program. However, now I follow the Foundation 1 program and that headache has now been removed. I suggest you take a look. It's probably what you need for your long term success. On a side note, I've been to wet and windy Wales, Swansea to be precise. Nice place, just rubbish weather. Hence why I live on an island in the Med now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connor Davies Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 Hey which part of wales are you from? I live in newport at the moment.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathon Posted February 25, 2014 Author Share Posted February 25, 2014 Hi Jon, welcome to the community! I am also a newbie when it comes to GST so I don't really have much to offer in terms of advice. The only thing I can say is that I also suffered from paralysis by analysis for many years in regards to a training program. However, now I follow the Foundation 1 program and that headache has now been removed. I suggest you take a look. It's probably what you need for your long term success. On a side note, I've been to wet and windy Wales, Swansea to be precise. Nice place, just rubbish weather. Hence why I live on an island in the Med now Hi El Chino, Thanks for the suggestion, I'll have a look at it. As for Swansea, I know it well; the Med is definitely a better choice though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathon Posted February 25, 2014 Author Share Posted February 25, 2014 Hey which part of wales are you from? I live in newport at the moment....Hey Biponci, I'm near Aberystwyth so a little more north westerly than Newport. I haven't been to Newport for a while but I'm down in Merthyr Tydfil this weekend funnily enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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