Throughout my transformation, I often focused on "pushing" a little bit harder everyday. Of course, there was a "mental" aspect to each new challenge, but none like I am experiencing these days.

Since I began working with a personal trainer in the last couple of weeks, my "goals" have been completely redefined. Not to mention, my routine turned upside down. I became very used to the same things and continued to try to go a bit further with each element over the past year. Ride a bit farther, a bit faster . . . lift a few more pounds, do just a few more reps, maybe one more set.

My new approach is much more scientific. Mark (my trainer who you will be learning more about) began by gaining a clear understanding of the current picture. I mean that literally and figuratively. Being that we are a few thousand miles apart, we are communicating primarily through a "private" blog. Within this blog, I post pictures, measurements, daily nutrition intake/results, workout information as well as questions and comments (we also speak by phone periodically on specifics).

When Mark agreed to begin training me, one of the first things he said was "this training is going to be far more challenging mentally". Although I was in no place to disagree, a week into my new program, I certainly have a deeper understanding of that comment.

Let me sum up the current situation (if you don't already know the previous situation - go back to my archives and read the early posts). In 10-months, I went from needing to lose a significant amount of weight, to needing to gain. From Mark's perspective (one which I trust) as well as my physician, I am too lean for my height . . . 166 pounds at just under 6 feet tall. After Mark's initial evaluations, the determination was made that I needed to add more muscle mass for my height/build.

So, how do we do that?

Increase my daily caloric intake very specifically (with a focus on 5-7 small balanced meals a day), totally revamp my exercise routine, and focus on understanding that taking a rest, is actually part of my workout. All of this by the way, is very different from the approach I had self-prescribed. I ate a fixed range of calories a day (generally 3 meals), worked out in some way every single day (so no rest) and by the way, I rarely hydrated myself properly.

I of course will be detailing much more of my current regimen (with Mark's input/contribution to the Blog), but here is the biggest challenge currently. I need to "change" once again. I had become comfortable with my successes and continued steady progression. Now, I am struggling with the concept of "gaining" weight, even though I know I need to. I am absolutely struggling with drinking as much water as I am supposed to, but I must say I feel better. Hard to eat 5-7 meals a day with specific caloric/protein goals (but I'm always feeling full - partially from the water). And finally, the rest days (which there are two of per week), are freaking me out a bit, although I must focus on the fact that those are the times my body is repairing itself and rebuilding.

So back to the "change" concept. I did it before and I will do it again. But, Mark was right, this time the change is very "mental". I must change the way I think about training and nutrition. My goal isn't to lose weight now, but to continue the path towards health and well being. For me, that actually now means adding a bit of weight, maintaining certain health benefits I have found (body fat%, lowered cholesterol, etc) and pushing forward to bigger challenges along the way. Stay tuned . . .

Josh Neimark - Agent of Change