Hey guys-

I just thought I would share with you what I have been doing for the last 2 1/2 weeks, and will be doing for the next 4 weeks.

As many of you know, I do some touring, and the present artist I work for looks like he will be touring a lot in '05. As has been discussed before on this forum, not only do you have to be a good player to play on this level, but you need to look good too! Of course we can name several examples where this may not be true, but this thread is not about that. For my particular situation though, and facing the reality that I could very well be doing 175+ shows this year, being in good physical condition is very important to me so I can survive the rigors of the road!

When I was 20 years old, I didn't much care about that sort of thing, and my youth seemed to carry me through being on the road. However, being in the 40+ category now, and being in the age where looks and talent count (thank you MTV); I have enrolled in a program with a personal trainer called "Boot Camp".

My biggest motivator for doing this was seeing my picture on the Meinl site and realizing what a fat slob I looked like! I also witnessed a couple of the guys in my band go through the very same program and get amazing results!

So, at the present, I am hitting the gym 5 days a week with my trainer and he is wearing my butt out! He put me on a very strict diet (something I have never done before). Not one that starves you, but one that I eat 7 small meals a day (to get the metabolism burning).

Now I am a guy who has been to the gym off and on for years, but NEVER anything like this. My trainer is a great individual, and a great motivator. The first two weeks have been hell, but as I am into my third week now, I am seeing some dramatic results. I've dropped 12 pounds, my stamina has increased, I'm mentally sharper, and my self-esteem has greatly improved. I have no more cravings for cigarettes either!

This has been a real journey for me, and it is hard, but I am loving it too. As I continue on with this, I will give you updates on my workout, etc...
BTW- my wife is loving it too!

Well I don't really have to worry about the physical stuff....I'm fourteen and all, but the whole working out thing and touring sounds great! Good luck man!

UPDATE:

Okay I'm into my 4 th week. I've gotten past the soreness part of it, and I've dropped 15 lbs and really starting to feel great. A good change for me in a lot of ways. I'm doing certain excercises in the gym that I never dreamed that I would be doing. Mrs. Squeeze is liking the results too!  

Okay week 6 update:

My trainer measured me from the first time I went in. I've lost 2" in my waist. Gained 2" in my biceps and legs, and have dropped 6% body fat. I gained one pound over the weekend (It was spent at Moms and I was a bad boy on my diet).Overall, I am really happy with the results. This is technically suppossed to be my last week, however I have recommended my trainer to a couple more clients and he is giving me three more weeks for free (yeah!!....I think    ).

Doing things right now I never dreamed I could do, especially in the cardio dept. That's it for now, so get off your computer and go play drums!