I started going to the gym last June 22, 2016, because I knew I needed to gain muscle strength to be fit. I also read that more muscle means more calories burned even when rested. I do have a few problems with this idea: I am too cheap to pay for expensive gym membership and I don’t want to be in the gym for 2 hours, 5 or more days a week.

So I decided to go back to doing Stronglifts 5×5. “Go back” because I started doing the workout 3 years ago but stopped after a few weeks because the gym I went to was too far from our house. I think I did make progress then. I just didn’t stick to the plan long enough to see significant results. I remember I was able to squat 135lbs before I stopped.

Then a new gym popped up very close to our place, and only charges P30 per session. It’s meant to be.

Why Stronglifts? I thought it was very simple and easy for me to follow. It even has a free app that makes it even easier. I can be in and out of the gym in about an hour (as long as the equipment I need are available), and just go 3 times a week. 3 times a week! I can do my easy runs during workout days, rest and/or interval training in between, then LSDs on Sundays (although I haven’t done an LSD yet as of previous post).

As of this writing, after 4 weeks of doing Stronglifts, my weight is down to 157.5lbs, and my lifts are:

Squats: 105lbs

Bench press: 75lbs

Barbell rows: 95lbs

Overhead press: 65lbs

Deadlifts: 145lbs

I’m confident that I can continue with this plan this time. Right now, I’m giving it a year for me to see real results. I’ll post a before and after 1 month picture soon.