Returning to Florida means more than just palm trees and sunshine—it also means adjusting to a new routine, fresh surroundings, and yes, the occasional run-in with lizards. While some may find them harmless, others might not be so keen on their sudden appearances. But aside from the wildlife, Florida has offered the perfect backdrop for relaxing, reflecting, and reigniting training motivation.
Settling Into Sunshine State Life
Currently between permanent addresses, I’ve been staying at a spacious Airbnb near Jacksonville, a cozy retreat complete with a pool and access to a scenic creek. While we’re only here temporarily before heading back to Canada, the laid-back atmosphere has made it easy to recharge. Paddle boats sit docked just a few feet away, and the warm climate offers a welcome change of pace.
Inside the rental, the setup feels like a true Florida home—complete with a quirky upstairs kids’ room that feels straight out of a horror movie. Other than that, the place is ideal: a roomy master suite, balcony views, and even a private basketball hoop for warm-up cardio sessions. With Steph and her mom also staying here, it’s been great to enjoy a bit more space and shared meals.
Diving Into Podcasts and Nutrition Talk
One of the ways I’ve been keeping sharp is through catching up on podcasts, especially those tackling controversial nutrition topics. I recently listened to an episode of Science Vs that explored veganism from a science-based lens. The verdict? While vegan diets can be great for the environment and potentially health-promoting, nutrient deficiencies—particularly vitamin B12—need attention. A simple fix? Supplementation or even B12 shots.
That episode prompted me to check out a much-hyped Joe Rogan podcast debate featuring Dr. Joel Kahn (plant-based) and Chris Kresser (paleo). While I didn’t get through the full thing yet, Kresser made some compelling points about the limitations of observational nutrition studies. For instance, the issue of dietary recall—people generally aren’t great at remembering what they ate, especially over long periods. Combine that with the “healthy user bias,” and the reliability of nutritional data becomes questionable.
He also brought up how the relative risk statistics in these studies can be misleading. A much-feared 18% increase in colorectal cancer risk from processed meats, for example, actually only equates to about a 1% increase in absolute risk. It’s not that the risk doesn’t exist—but it’s important to understand the numbers in context.
Body Update: Leaner, Stronger, and Almost Done Cutting
Physique-wise, I’ve been steadily leaning out. My current weight sits at 162 pounds, likely around 160 first thing in the morning before meals. I didn’t plan to cut this long, but I found I wasn’t quite as lean as I wanted when I hit my target weight. Sometimes, it takes a bit more patience and body awareness to reach that point where your physique really pops.
That said, I’ve noticed significant recomposition lately. My training has been locked in, and I’ve kept my deficit moderate—basically a “cut” in name only. This approach has allowed me to maintain strength, even as I drop body fat. My new goal is to reach around 157–158 pounds before reversing out and starting a gradual refeed. That’s when the real visual payoff tends to happen—muscles appear fuller, harder, and more defined.
Pull Day Highlights: Week 2 Training Breakdown
In terms of workouts, I’m currently following a powerbuilding-style program, and today was a pull day. Here’s how it went down:
- Warm-Up: One-Arm Lat Pull-Ins
Light sets, high reps (15–20), and focus on squeezing the lats. Great for getting blood flowing. - Main Lift: Weighted Pull-Ups
Four sets of 6–8 reps using a dumbbell between the feet. I emphasized full range of motion and clean technique—less swinging, more mind-muscle connection. - Pendlay Rows
This is my go-to for strict mid-back training. I worked up to 185 lbs, but found it too sloppy, so I dropped to 155 for stricter form and better control. - Machine Rows
Three sets of 10–12 reps. At this stage in the workout, I transition to more pump-style work and refine that connection with the lats. - Seated Face Pulls (Half-Lying)
A great movement for rear delts and traps. I focus on slow eccentrics and precise movement, avoiding momentum. - Biceps Superset: Reverse & Supinated EZ Bar Curls
This brutal pairing—20 reps reverse, then 15 reps supinated—completely floods the arms with blood. Amazing pump and forearm burn. - Preacher Curls
Three heavy sets to finish. Slight cheating is okay here, as long as the biceps are doing the bulk of the work.
I even added in some cable curls to make up for missed biceps volume from my previous pull session. Always good to stay accountable to the program.
Flexible Dieting and Intermittent Eating
My approach to eating has shifted more toward intuitive habits. I usually start my day with a vegan protein shake, then delay solid meals until early afternoon. I wouldn’t call it strict intermittent fasting, but it mimics that structure. It’s been helpful for hunger control, especially while cutting.
Evenings are more relaxed. After a solid workout, I usually enjoy a bigger meal. On this night, we hit up a local Thai restaurant where I had chicken satay skewers as a starter and a delicious red curry with rice for the main. Thai food is fantastic for balancing macros while still tasting indulgent. And since I save up calories during the day, I can eat a satisfying dinner without stress.
Final Thoughts and What’s Next
Between chilling at the Airbnb, fine-tuning my physique, and staying sharp with nutrition debates, this Florida trip has been a productive reset. I’ve been thinking about experimenting with my look—maybe growing a fuller beard or letting the hair go longer—but we’ll see if that fits the climate.
Most importantly, I’m enjoying this mix of lifestyle balance and training consistency. While I’m still technically cutting, the goal is to transition soon into a leaner maintenance phase, then possibly a slow, controlled bulk later in the year.
Stay tuned for more training breakdowns, physique updates, and commentary on fitness trends and nutrition science. Until then, stay strong—and maybe watch out for those lizards if you’re in Florida.
