I recently spent a few days in Tampa, Florida, prior to attending the Olympia. My trip involved a blend of work and leisure, including a collaboration with another YouTuber. My days were filled with managing my Airbnb, fixing a hot tub malfunction, catching a flight, and of course, hitting the gym.
Oatmeal with raspberries, egg whites, and kiwi
Before heading to the airport, I enjoyed a nutritious breakfast consisting of oatmeal, chocolate chips, egg whites, raspberries, and kiwi. Kiwis are packed with vitamins and minerals, making them a staple in my diet.
Light beer at the airport
At the airport, I opted for a light beer while finishing up some video editing. Keeping my calorie intake relatively low was a priority, especially with the travel ahead. I looked forward to catching up on sleep, reading, and listening to podcasts during the flight.
Uber ride to the Airbnb
Upon arriving in Tampa, I took an Uber to my Airbnb. I felt surprisingly well-rested after sleeping through most of the flight. I’m always eager to explore new places, so I planned to document my experiences in Tampa.
Airbnb interior with kitchen and living area
The Airbnb was comfortable and well-equipped. After settling in, I realized I was starving. I had some pre-packed tuna, but I decided to head to the grocery store to stock up on bodybuilding staples like egg whites, oatmeal, chicken, and rice.
Grocery store aisle with various Pop-Tart flavors
The grocery store offered a surprising variety of Pop-Tart flavors, including some I’d never seen before like maple bacon and pink lemonade. I grabbed my essentials and headed back to the Airbnb to prepare a meal.
Breakfast plate with egg whites, grits, and kiwi
My first meal in Tampa consisted of egg whites, a whole egg, kiwi, and grits prepared with a small amount of sugar and milk.
Let’s discuss the importance of progressive overload in bodybuilding and my approach to training while traveling. I believe that while progressive overload is crucial for muscle growth, it’s important to avoid becoming overly rigid. I often vary my exercises when I’m on the road, prioritizing training intensity over strict adherence to a pre-planned routine.
While consistent progressive overload is ideal, excessive focus on it can lead to monotony and potential plateaus. Sometimes, a change in routine can be as beneficial as a rest week. I advocate for “free training” weeks where the focus is on training hard and pushing oneself close to failure, even without a measurable overload stimulus on every exercise.
This approach allows for greater flexibility and enjoyment in training, especially when access to equipment or routine is limited. Training close to failure ensures full motor unit activation, stimulating muscle growth even in the absence of strict progressive overload. While not essential for hypertrophy, it serves as a valuable tool when varying routines.
Besides mechanical tension, muscle damage and metabolic stress also contribute to muscle growth. These factors can compensate for potential reductions in mechanical tension when incorporating varied workouts. Therefore, don’t be afraid to deviate from your usual routine occasionally, especially if your primary goal is hypertrophy. Focus on training hard and pushing your limits.
Samurai Blue restaurant in Tampa
After my workout, I enjoyed a meal at Samurai Blue restaurant. I started with miso soup and a sake beer. I opted for a high-protein edamame dish and some sushi rolls, including a spicy salmon roll and a dynamite roll with shrimp, asparagus, mango, and tempura bits.
Sushi rolls and popsicle
I also tried a kiwi popsicle made with fresh fruit and natural ingredients. It was surprisingly refreshing and tasted like a frozen kiwi.
