A Year in Review: Reflecting on Training Triumphs and Transformations

2023 in review

As the year draws to a close, it's the perfect time to reflect on the highs and lows of our fitness journey, to evaluate the effectiveness of our training programs, and to set the stage for new goals in the upcoming year. This year has been a rollercoaster of challenges and victories for me, and I'm excited to share my experiences and insights gained from a diverse range of training programs.

1. Bullmastiff Program Triumphs:

The journey kicked off with the culmination of the Bullmastiff program, a training regimen masterfully crafted by Alex Bromley. Running from November 2022 to March 2023, this program highlighted the significance of volume and intensity in building strength. The culmination was nothing short of spectacular, setting personal records across all sets on my 30s. A strong start indeed!

1. Home Gym Transition:

Around the same time, a pivotal decision was made - my wife and I invested in ourselves by building a home gym in our basement. While the shift from a commercial gym had its drawbacks in terms of equipment variety, the convenience and personalization of workouts became invaluable. This change prompted a reevaluation of my programming choices.

1. Cardiovascular Endurance and Growth:

In a bid to enhance cardiovascular endurance, I embarked on the 10,000 kb swing challenge and simultaneously tackled Building the Monolith every other day. The results were transformative - not only did my cardiovascular fitness improve, but I also witnessed noticeable growth in my back, enabling me to achieve pull-up milestones. These programs left such a positive impact that I've already marked them for a repeat performance in 2024.

1. PHAT Program and Adaptability:

The PHAT program, with its variety and periodization, brought a new set of challenges. However, time constraints led to an early hiatus. Despite this setback, the adaptability of my fitness journey shines through as I consider revisiting the program with a split morning and evening session strategy.

1. Jacked and Tan 2.0: A Reliable Favorite:

Mid-year marked the return to the tried-and-true Jacked and Tan 2.0. This program, a personal favorite, has consistently delivered results over the past three years, simultaneously leaning me out and boosting strength. Its reliability makes it a staple in my annual fitness repertoire.

1. Venturing into Olympic Training:

Diversifying my routine, I delved into Olympic training with a focus on form and explosiveness. Starting with minimal weight, I gradually increased intensity, witnessing improvements in my lifts and notable growth in my shoulders and traps. Active rest days were complemented with CrossFit-inspired WODs found on their website.

1. Current Endeavors: The Rippler Program:

As the year draws to a close, I find myself immersed in the Rippler program designed by Cody Lefever. While the journey is ongoing, the dynamic variation in training maxes each week and the incorporation of AMRAPs in final sets promise results akin to the success achieved with Jacked and Tan 2.0.

As I reflect on the diverse training experiences of the past year, it's clear that adaptability and consistency have been key. From home gym investments to embracing new challenges, each program has contributed to my growth as an athlete. As we look ahead to the coming year, the lessons learned and successes achieved will undoubtedly shape a more robust and exciting fitness journey. Cheers to another year of pushing boundaries and achieving new milestones!