George's Fitness Journal

It's been about two months since I posted an entry, so I thought I should bring any visitors who venture onto these pages up to speed on my quest for basketball proficiency. Needless to say, it's always a work in progress. Having started shooting hoops in 2003, I'll never reach the skill level my compatriots demonstrate on the court in shooting from the perimeter, ball handling, or driving to the basket, but I can say that I have made strides, even since my last entry.

The area of improvement I have made the greatest progress in is shooting from outside the paint under pressure. I have also made the three-point shot something I can rely on to score, though my percentage can always improve. getting squared up and using the goose-neck follow-through on the field goal shot has improved, and it's getting me a few more opportunities to score during my morning pick up games. After hitting on three-pointer, I heard the sitters on the sideline say "put that in your journal, George!" I took it as a positive comment.

It's been a long journey back from the groin injury earlier this year. I am always cognizant of the stresses that caused the injury, so I am careful when pacing an offender while on defense. My left hand has three or four permanently damaged digits, so i try to keep them wrapped and stiff to prevent further injury. But it seems like I'll always have some finger pain as the ball and bodies continue to smash into my hand and cause continued impact injury. I don't let it stop me from playing though.

My weight continues to stay stable at 180. I am sure I am using up some of the gains I make lifting by doing daily cardio on the basketball court, but the associated fat-loss is worth it. I have increased the weight level at which I am lifting. I was able to put in 10 repetitions of a 37.5 pound pair of dumbbells on pectoral flies and triceps straight lifts, which represents a new level of strength for me.
I attribute the improvements over the past two months to my attendance at the local Olympus Gym, near the school where I teach, the membership of which I won in a benefit raffle. It's good until July 13, just when I'll be coming back from the beach with the kids.

I am able to get into the gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays since I don't have to rush home. My kids are with their mom on those evenings, so I can devote some time to the wide variety of machines and free weights at this particular gym. I have not used their cardio machines because basketball for 75 to 90 minutes in the morning in enough.

The weight training has a positive affect on my basketball performance. I can outrun most of the guys in their thirties and older, but it's hard to keep up with the students. I am able to send the ball across the length of the court on fast breaks, and I can send it with sufficient speed to get through traffic when needed. Now I just need t hit the three-ball with accuracy every time.

Stay healthy,

George

geocas@aol.com or georgecassutto@hotmail.com