BenStrothmann Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 Hey everyone! Ben Strothmann here (better known as Honey LaBronx, "The Vegan Drag Queen") And no, I don't work out in drag... but what a sight that would be, huh? Anyway, at the urging of my friend Michael Harren (MikeyPod) I have started an online training journal. All my life I've hit the gym hard, and then after about 9 weeks I either get bored, I get sick, I get busy, etc... SOMETHING always gets in my way and I fall off the bandwagon. Well on or around March 1st, 2012, I went to the gym and have been going (more or less) consistently 3x/week since then. With a few exceptions... In July I went to Fire Island and was without a gym for almost a week. In stead I went running on the beach and swam laps each day in the ocean. (WOW!! Who needs a gym when you've got the ocean!?!?!) In August I went to Iceland for two weeks and the very FIRST thing I did was join a gym. I went maybe two or three times a week, but lost a lot of steam when I got back. In the month of October, I went to the gym a total of three times. This month I've started going back a bit more. In the past, I would have been discouraged by this derailment of what seemed like a perfect program. But I know not to get discouraged. Every day is another opportunity to get up, dust myself, and go back for more. I'll admit, I never enjoy the feeling of heading to the gym, knowing a big long workout is ahead of me. But I always know that -- as long as I'm there -- I may as well just attack it and give it my all, because I know I'll feel great when I leave. And I always feel great about a good work out! At this point, I feel really strong and I'm definitely getting stronger all the time. My diet though is just poor. Piss poor! I've got a great big belly I wish I could get rid of, and as much as I long to get rid of it, I seem to have an even stronger desire for pizza and cookies and sugary energy drinks and all the vegan junk food I've come to love in my three years of being vegan. Here are some things that have definitely worked for me in the past: The book "Body-For-Life" (long before I ever went vegan, this book really gave me the motivation and guidance I needed)Fasting (I've done the Master Cleanse a few times a year and it always makes me feel really good)Trying to incorporate SOMETHING raw and green and colorful into my diet each day. I feel like at this point, I could either break through this barrier and really start building the body I've always wanted -- or I could JUST as easily fall on my face again as I always do. At only 33 years of age, I actually found myself thinking almost a year ago "Well.... I guess I'm just settling into having the body I'm gonna have as an old man." WHAT???? AT 33?!?!?!? I was passionate about dance when I moved to New York 12 years ago and showed a lot of promise as a student of tap dance. It's one of those things I wish I'd allow myself to pursue but I just don't. Currently I aim to hit the gym three days a week. Each day I do (in this order) lifting (3-day-split), then abs, then cardio. I know I should reserve cardio for off-days. I KNOW, ALREADY!!!!! But if I try to make myself work out 6 days a week I feel like I just won't do it. In stead of spending more time on a treadmill, I would MUCH rather see myself doing the following cardio activities once a week: - A tap dancing class (or other forms of dance)- A spinning class (or a vigorous bike ride around the city)- A yoga class (I especially love Bikram Yoga!)- Running in the park- A stretching class (I hate -- HATE stretching... but I am terribly inflexible and WISH I were a bendy, limber guy!) In closing, there are a few reasons (vain, or otherwise) that most drive me to want to get in shape. 1) I want to BE a LIVING EXAMPLE of veganism! The next time someone says vegans don't get enough protein or that we can't be strong and healthy, I don't want to get into some long explanation -- I just wanna pull up my shirt or flex a muscle and say "BAM! THAT'S what a vegan looks like!" 2) When I see some hot muscle guy in the city, I immediately feel inferior and unattractive. I know, there are deeper issues there and I need to learn to love myself no matter what I look like on the outside.... yeah, yeah, yeah.... But seriously, if I can get rid of this gut I'm always carrying around and push through my own laziness, weakness, and poor-habits that are holding me back from being my personal best, I could feel so confident in my own appearance 3) I just want to be STRONG again so I can pursue the things I love like dancing and..... yeah, pretty much dancing. When I moved to New York over 12 years ago, my dream was to tap dance on Broadway. The last time I tried to tap dance, I was so winded 30 seconds into a simple routine, I've almost given up on this dream entirely. But I know it could be mine! There.... that's my first training journal entry. These are my reasons for wanting to get in shape. This is what I'm trying, this is what has worked, and this is what's holding me back. I am VERY OPEN to encouragement and feedback. I record my details each time I go to the gym to work out, so maybe I'll start posting those here. Thanks, everyone! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C.O. Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 Post pics! Vegan drag-queen, are you the only one? Probably not but, do you know, are there many vegan drag-queens? Just curious, sounds like a niche category. Welcome to the forum, -Dylan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenStrothmann Posted November 25, 2012 Author Share Posted November 25, 2012 Thanks bud. Check out the links I provided in my post, or just google "Honey LaBronx". I know of maybe one or two other vegan drag queens, but I'm pretty much the great big famous one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synny667 Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 This is a thread i will be sure to follow! I heart drag queens! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pacgirl Posted November 26, 2012 Share Posted November 26, 2012 in saw your youtube videos, really funny!!!congratulations ! and good luck with your workouts! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenStrothmann Posted November 26, 2012 Author Share Posted November 26, 2012 Alright... At the gym getting ready to work back and biceps, then abs and cardio. I'm not pumped. I'm not psyched. But I'm here! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenStrothmann Posted November 26, 2012 Author Share Posted November 26, 2012 ALL DONE! Here are my workout details. BACK Row/Rear Deltoid MachineSeat Height = 7Arm Length = 7 WARMUP30@ 5020@ 70 START15 @ 9512 @ 959 @ 95 2 min rest Lat Pulldown MachineSeat height = 615@ 8012@ 809 @ 80 2 min rest Back Extension Machine Start position = 5 15 @ 17012 @ 1709 @ 170 (doesnt feel like i'm targeting glutes enough) BICEPS Biceps Curl Machine (Express Line)Seat Height = 8WARMUP30@4020@65 START15@8012@809@80 2 MIN Biceps Curl Machine (Regular)Seat Height = 615@6512@659@65 Barbell Curl (univ. machine)14@35(x2)10@35(x2)9@35(x2) (or try 40 on another machine?) AB RIPPER X(B+ or A-) CARDIO 30 min in Treadmill@ 15.0 incline@ 3.5 speed w/ 5min cool down 503cal1.91 miles THOUGHTS THAT CAME TO ME WITH THIS WORKOUT: - I'd like to find a stretch class somewhere.- I need to vary my ab workout!!- Just in general feels like my whole workout needs an overhaul. I'm too used to it. Time for some new exercises that challenge me in new ways. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeyPod Posted November 26, 2012 Share Posted November 26, 2012 YAY! I'm glad you joined! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C.O. Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 Hahaha very entertaining vids, thanks for sharing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenStrothmann Posted November 28, 2012 Author Share Posted November 28, 2012 I'm trying to get better about going to the gym regularly again! It's really helping to -- after one workout -- look at my calendar and make a date with myself so I know when I'm going back. Today was that day, and so there was no question. However I woke up at 1pm and told myself I was gonna go right away and get it over with. But now I'm just leaving the gym at 4:15am and I still have computer work to finish before I can go to bed. This is party why I decided to skip abs and cardio tonight. Lastly -- thanks for all the support I'm getting so far! You guys rock! NOTE TO SELF: I wanna change my signature to look all cool and concise like Michael Harren's!!! LEGS Seated Leg Press MachineSeat height = 3WARMUP30@ 105#20@ 145# START15@ 19012@ 1909@ 190 (Accudentally bumped my weight up by 15 pounds, resulting in above stats, but I could actually handle it! Tough, but a nice challenge!) 2 min rest Leg Extension MachineSeat height = 4Knee = 12Ankle = M 15@ 100 12@ 100 9@ 100 2 min rest Hip Abduction Machine (Glutes)(Full Range of motion)15 @ 240 <240 feels perfect!12 @ 2409 @ 240(try opening just from the glutes, not pushing with the knees) SHOULDERS Shoulder Press MachineSeat Height = 7WARMUP30@30 20@40 START15@4512@459@45 (If I hadn't been listening to Björk's song "Pluto" on a loop througout this exercise, I never woulda been able to do this!!!). [CHEST POUND!] RAWWWWRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!! Dumbell Lat/Front Raises15@15[email protected] [email protected] Dumbell Chin Raises15@30 [email protected] [email protected] NO ABS NO CARDIO THOUGHTS THAT CAME TO ME WITH THIS WORKOUT: - I definitely felt myself PUSHING harder on this workout than I usually do. I raised the weights considerably on each workout. I almost could have done more, but I'll get there soon enough. - I need some new workout music! - It's just about time to change up all my weight liftinf routines. I've been doing the same exercises for several months now. Time for something new! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VeganEssentials Posted November 28, 2012 Share Posted November 28, 2012 A belated welcome to the board! Saw that you went to Wauwatosa East high school, small world, our first store location was just a few short miles away from there. We lived in Tosa for quite a while right in the heart of the village, but sadly, couldn't afford to buy a home there and relocated to Waukesha some years ago where the cost of living (and having a business) was much more reasonable. Hope the training goes well! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenStrothmann Posted December 2, 2012 Author Share Posted December 2, 2012 Today's workout. It is really helping me to always SCHEDULE my next workout (at least picking the day I'll go next.) Though I must confess. I am still ADDICTED to having an energy drink before my workout. Usually it's an 8.4oz Red Bull, but often it's that AND a Monster drink!! I know this is killing me but I'm too dependent on it as part of my practice. Dec 2, 2012 CHEST Chest Press MachineSeat height = 4 Warmup30@4020@60 START15@80 12@809@80(I'M BACK UP TO 80#!!! I KNEW I COULD DO IT!!!!!!) 2 min rest Chest Fly MachineSeat Height = 4Range of Motion = 515@ 9012@ 909@ 90 2 min rest Push Ups15129 TRICEPS Tricep Press MachineSeat Height = 4(do half with handles in, then out) WARMUP30@5020@75 START15@10012@1009@100(I'M BACK UP TO 100!!! Could honestly probably handle 5 more pounds!) Dumbell Overhead Press15@3512@359@35 Assisted Tricep Dip15@8512@859@85 AB RIPPER X (A- or B+) CARDIO30 min Tradmill@ 3.5 Speed@ 15.0 incline + 5 min cooldown 503cal1.91distance THOUGHTS THAT CAME TO ME WITH THIS WORKOUT: Today I ate my protein bar immediately after lifting, and before abs & cardio. Didn't cause any problems. Gonna do this from now on! If I'm gonna keep doing the same workouts (even though i feel it's time for a change) then i better start trying to lift all the weight i (safely) can because what i was doing before wasnt such a challenge anymore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenStrothmann Posted December 2, 2012 Author Share Posted December 2, 2012 @VeganEssentials -- Thanks for the welcome!! What a small world indeed! I sent you a private message! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lean and Green Posted December 2, 2012 Share Posted December 2, 2012 Looking forward to checking out your journal as you continue to progress towards current goals. I struggled with getting back into a consistent routine myself for 4 years and just recently got back into it again. From what I am reading it appears that you are at the point where you are building the foundation for a solid consistent routine. Right on!! Also if you depend on an energy booster pre workout might I suggest Vega Pre Workout Energizer? It's much more natural than canned energy drinks and delivers a similar kick without the nasty crash. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenStrothmann Posted December 2, 2012 Author Share Posted December 2, 2012 Thanks, Lean and Green!! I'll look into the Vega Pre Workout Energizer. Sounds like exactly what I meed. To be honest (with myself) it's just the mental idea that I have a little extra something in my system to give me a boost. If I take the Vega stuff, I have a feeling in advance it will do the trick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenStrothmann Posted December 7, 2012 Author Share Posted December 7, 2012 Friday, Dec 7 @ 2:45am BACK Row/Rear Deltoid MachineSeat Height = 7Arm Length = 7 WARMUP30@ 5020@ 70 START15 @ 9512 @ 959 @ 95 2 min rest Lat Pulldown MachineSeat height = 615@ 85 12@ 859 @ 85 2 min rest Back Extension Machine Start position = 5 15 @ 170 12 @ 1709 @ 170 BICEPS Biceps Curl Machine (Express Line)Seat Height = 8WARMUP30@40 + Extra20@65 + Extra START15@80 + Extra 12@80 + Extra9@80 + Extra 2 MIN Biceps Curl Machine (Regular)Seat Height = 615@7012@709@70 Barbell Curl (univ. machine)15@35(x2) + Extra10@35(x2) + Extra9@35(x2) + Extra AB RIPPER X(D+) NO CARDIO THOUGHTS THAT CAME TO ME WITH THIS WORKOUT: - Bored with Ab Ripper X- I'd like to start soing cardio first thing in the morning on non-gym days- Back/Biceps felt great at higher weight! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lean and Green Posted December 13, 2012 Share Posted December 13, 2012 It works for me when I want that boost in advance. I log the seat and machine adjustments as well. Bored of AB Ripper X? It's a pretty hardcore routine. Looking forward to seeing your new AB routine though. Change is good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenStrothmann Posted December 14, 2012 Author Share Posted December 14, 2012 Dec 14, 2012 CHEST Chest Press MachineSeat height = 4 Warmup30@4020@60 START15@80 12@80 9@80 2 min rest Chest Fly MachineSeat Height = 4Range of Motion = 515@ 9012@ 909@ 95 < feels better! Try 95 next time! Maybe even 100? 2 min rest Push Ups15129 TRICEPS Tricep Press MachineSeat Height = 4(do half with handles in, then out) WARMUP30@5520@80 START15@10512@1059@105 Dumbell Overhead Press15@40 12@40 9@40 Assisted Tricep Dip15@8512@859@85 AB RIPPER X (A!!!!!!!!)It helped to take a little break after Hip Rock/Raise and Heels To The Heavens. I REALLY kicked butt this time! CARDIO30 min Tradmill@ 3.5 Speed@ 15.0 incline + 5 min cooldown 503cal1.91distance THOUGHTS THAT CAME TO ME WITH THIS WORKOUT: It is DEFINITELY time for a new routine!! I definitely am feeling MUCH stronger -- and I feel like in the last workout or two I have FINALLY gotten to a point where I can really PUSH and grunt and power through weakness for awesome gains... But I think my efforts can be helped by switching it up. I think any struggle right now is mostly mental and a change of routine will help shake that. Also - I met a really hot guy on Wenesday with a picture perfect body. He is a paramedic and plays competitive volleyball. That seems the key -- he has an active job (he has to lift the bodies of grown men for a living, 6 days a week!!) and in his free time, he plays sports. I have been wanting to get into dance for so long, and I've even been thinking about joining some kind of a martial art like kick boxing or mui thai. Maybe it's time to allow myself to enjoy something like this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenStrothmann Posted December 17, 2012 Author Share Posted December 17, 2012 Friday, Dec 17 @ 12:40am BACK Row/Rear Deltoid MachineSeat Height = 7Arm Length = 7 WARMUP30@ 5020@ 70 START15 @ 95 12 @ 95 9 @ 95 2 min rest Lat Pulldown MachineSeat height = 615@ 85 12@ 859 @ 85 2 min rest Back Extension Machine Start position = 5 15 @ 16012 @ 1609 @ 160 BICEPS Biceps Curl Machine (Express Line)Seat Height = 8WARMUP30@40 + Extra20@65 + Extra START15@80 + Extra12@80 + Extra9@80 + Extra 2 MIN Biceps Curl Machine (Regular)Seat Height = 615@7012@709@70 Barbell Curl (univ. machine)14@35(x2) + Extra 10@35(x2) + Extra 9@35(x2) + Extra AB RIPPER X(B+ or A-) NO CARDIO THOUGHTS THAT CAME TO ME WITH THIS WORKOUT: - Time for a new EVERYTHING! - Helps to take a break mid-Ab Ripper X Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenStrothmann Posted December 19, 2012 Author Share Posted December 19, 2012 Wednesday, Dec 19 SHOULDERS Shoulder Press MachineSeat Height = 7WARMUP30@3020@40 START15@45 12@459@45 Dumbell Lat/Front Raises[email protected] 12@15 9@15 Dumbell Chin Raises[email protected] 12@30 9@30 LEGS Seated Leg Press MachineSeat height = 3WARMUP30@ 11020@ 150 START15@ 19012@ 1909@ 190 2 min rest Leg Extension MachineSeat height = 4Knee = 12Ankle = M 15@ 11512@ 1159@ 115 2 min rest Hip Abduction Machine (Glutes)(Full Range of motion)15 @ 245 12 @ 2459 @ 245 NO AB RIPPER X NO CARDIO THOUGHTS THAT CAME TO ME WITH THIS WORKOUT: - WAYYYY too tired to be at the gym! This was FAR too late! Must stop procrastinating!!! - This was my LAST time doing the same routine! Next time I hit the gym, I need new exercises! Time to REALLY push myself!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenStrothmann Posted December 28, 2012 Author Share Posted December 28, 2012 Dec 23, 2012 CHEST Incline Dumbell Press Warmup30@2020@30 START15@35 (forgot to warmup and did this set first -- did warmups next, then resumed at 40)12@409@40 2 min rest Flat Dumbell Flyes15@ 3012@ 309@ 30 < feels awesome!! I can really feel my center and outer pecs getting stronger! 2 min rest Push Ups15129 TRICEPS Skull Crushers WARMUP30@2020@30 START13@40 12@40 < I mean JESUS!!!!!9@40 Tricep Dips (Flat Bench)13 10 6 Pulley Pushdowns (Rope)15@20 (x2)12@25 (x2) I don't like the way this machine feels. Can't really stabilize triceps. Feels Iike my back and shoulders get involved too much.9@25 (x2) Meh... I'd rather go back to overhead Dumbell press or assisted dip machine on this set. 8 MINUTE ABS NO CARDIO THOUGHTS THAT CAME TO ME WITH THIS WORKOUT: - This is EXACTLY what I needed!!! I feel like I REALLY challenged myself! - Posting this a few days after the workout - I was very sore for 3 or 4 days after the workout. May have pushed a little too hard but still, gonna give it all I got next time! I can feel that this is the beginning of a major breakthrough for me! I feel like I'm gonna finally start to see some growth and definition! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenStrothmann Posted December 28, 2012 Author Share Posted December 28, 2012 Friday, Dec 28 @ 4:25am Weight Assisted PullUps WARMUP (2 min Rest Btwn Sets)[email protected] [email protected] More@85 [email protected] More@85 < TOUGH!!! (next time try 30@85, then 20@70) 5@40 + 3@557@55 7@55 10@8510@11510@145 THERE!!!!!! My back has been ASSASSINATED!!!!!! (In a loving, compassionate, vegan manner.) This is my first time so it seems impossible, but I think after my next two workouts I'm gonna be SO much stronger!!! ONE-ARM DUMBBELL ROWSPull weight to hip, not outwardARCH back (flat!) Stick with sets of 15, 12, 9 15@2515@259@25 DROP SET9@209@15 Awesome! I've never really enjoyed doing these cuz I couldn't feel the burn. Now I can, though it's still tricky to get my form just right. ALTERNATE EXERCISE(FOR NEXT TIME)Reverse grip pulldown BICEPS Incline Curls (incline bench around 70%) Alternating:1st 1/3rd palms up2nd 1/3rd twist3rd 1/3rd palms in WARMUP30@1020@15 15@20 12@209@20 DROP-SETS9@159@10 [email protected] Preacher Curl Machine ---> feel free to alternate order of these workouts each time 15@80 12@809@80 DROP-SET 9@5012@3015@20. 8 MINUTES ABS(B+) 20 MIN STEP CLIMBstart @ 7Peak @ 12 +5 min cool down Dist 2.15Calories 250ish? (disappeared too soon!) THOUGHTS THAT CAME TO ME WITH THIS WORKOUT: - Another AWESOME workout!!' Thanks to Dave for the advice on back/biceps! - Feels like I can really target my back now! - Probably gonna be really sore tomorrow! - Was gonna skip cardio and abs but it's real easy to fit in the 8-min ab routine and a quick 20 minute cardio! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amethyst8 Posted January 23, 2013 Share Posted January 23, 2013 I have been watching your cooking youtubes and I absolutely love what you are doing. I especially loved your line in Episode 6 from A Chorus Line! I almost fell out of my chair laughing - I'm a musical fan as well as an occasional performer for fun. Keep up the good work! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amethyst8 Posted January 24, 2013 Share Posted January 24, 2013 I was inspired by your Tofu Scramble recipe. Last night for dinner, I wilted an entire bundle of spinach, added a cubed block of firm tofu, tomatoes, poblano peppers, nutritional yeast, and cayenne. There was so much water from the tofu and veggies that I didn't need any oil to cook. So fricken good. Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C.O. Posted October 19, 2013 Share Posted October 19, 2013 How have you been, haven't seen you post in a while! Are you actually a drag queen? Do you perform in NYC? If so where at? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now