I have to admit, I've fallen off the wagon a little bit. I can make a million excuses as to why I haven't kept up, but the fact of the matter is, when you come right down to it, I didn't make working out or eating right a priority once things started getting hectic. I failed to put myself first.
Today I went after it though. I woke up this morning and did CP1. I was about ready to quit after the Turbo because I was exhausted, but I told myself that I needed to finish even if it wasn't pretty, even if I couldn't keep up the pace. I didn't do too badly. I burned about 533 calories during the workout. I ate all my meals and managed to do a second workout when I got home. I did a non-MDB workout just to be different.
I feel the better for having done two workouts today. We'll see what tomorrow brings. I'll probably do Cardio X in the morning or HHA and then do different body workout. The workout I did today was Abs and Arms. I'll more than likely do a lower body workout, but haven't decided which one yet. I have several choices.
I feel good though. I've been rather down and hard on myself as of late so I really need to work on the mental attitude. I also need to sit down and allot my time, not letting anything roll into my allotted time for something else.
Anyway, thought I would pop in and write a little something before I dive head first into studying.
Overall rating for the day: 7
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Days 11 -18
I made the mistake of letting life get in the way so I've been derailed. Just a lot of homework I need to do and deadlines to meet. Work is getting chaotic that I just now had a chance to write. I will need to budget at least 20 minutes in my day to write, so it seems.
On day 16, I did Core Synergistics and lifted heavier weight than I shoulder have and gave myself a rather good zinger of an injury to my left shoulder. This morning was Shoulders and Arms and after the first round of exercises, my shoulder just couldn't take it anymore. I stopped and now it's pretty tender.
My shoulder may be busted, but the rest of me isn't so I'm pressing on. I am going to have to abandon my lean rotation of P90X and make a hybrid rotation of sorts using different video series such as Turbo Jam, Hip Hop Abs, P90X, and Master Series. I'll have to rely on old school calisthenic exercises since weights are out of the question at this point. Plan on doing a fair bit of cardio and developing my core.
Eat right will definitely become a lot more vital now. We'll see what happens. So Day 18 I'm doing CP1 so I can feel good about myself.
On day 16, I did Core Synergistics and lifted heavier weight than I shoulder have and gave myself a rather good zinger of an injury to my left shoulder. This morning was Shoulders and Arms and after the first round of exercises, my shoulder just couldn't take it anymore. I stopped and now it's pretty tender.
My shoulder may be busted, but the rest of me isn't so I'm pressing on. I am going to have to abandon my lean rotation of P90X and make a hybrid rotation of sorts using different video series such as Turbo Jam, Hip Hop Abs, P90X, and Master Series. I'll have to rely on old school calisthenic exercises since weights are out of the question at this point. Plan on doing a fair bit of cardio and developing my core.
Eat right will definitely become a lot more vital now. We'll see what happens. So Day 18 I'm doing CP1 so I can feel good about myself.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Day 11 - Unscheduled Day Off
Today I just wasn't feeling good at all. I felt lethargic and just generally felt exhausted. I decided to take the day off and rest which I did. Actually, I rested by getting a fair bit of studying done and cooking a little bit. I cooked up some nice flat iron steaks so I can have them with a salad tomorrow. I think that's one of my favorite meals. Very delicious. Now that the day is drawing to a close, I'm feeling a lot better.
I was scheduled to do Yoga X today, but I'll be shifting now all my workouts down a day so I'll do Yoga X tomorrow. Typically my day off is Wednesday, but now it will be Thursdays unless I have another unscheduled day off that will cause another shift. Basically my goal within a seven day period is to do six workouts in a row before I take a day off. That's the plan. I'm looking forward to tomorrow though. I'm feeling great right now mentally and emotionally. I'm feeling strong physically.
I was scheduled to do Yoga X today, but I'll be shifting now all my workouts down a day so I'll do Yoga X tomorrow. Typically my day off is Wednesday, but now it will be Thursdays unless I have another unscheduled day off that will cause another shift. Basically my goal within a seven day period is to do six workouts in a row before I take a day off. That's the plan. I'm looking forward to tomorrow though. I'm feeling great right now mentally and emotionally. I'm feeling strong physically.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Day 10 - Shoulders & Arms and Then Some
I had to run a few errands this morning that kept me out longer than I should have and my eating was off. I sent off wedding invitations, ran to Target for a few personal care supplies, had to run to Vitamin Shoppe for some protein powder and some special shaving cream, and then had to go to Target later in the afternoon for my eye exam so I could get more contact lenses. Thankfully, in the year and half since I last got my eyes checked, my prescription didn't change.
My day wasn't as bad as the first sentence sounds. I got a fair bit of studying and I have a little bit left to do tomorrow, but for the most part, I'm getting into the groove of things with school. After watching a lecture, I did my scheduled workout today: Shoulders and Arms. I pounded through it. There are a few exercises where I probably have to go heavier on. I know when I increase weight, my reps will go down until I get used to the new weight, but I'll super set it by finishing the additional reps I want to do at a lower weight and then go from there. I'll increase the rep and increase my usage at the lower weight over time. It's worked for me in the past and I had to do that on a few of the exercises in this workout anyway.
I also made myself do as much of Ab Ripper X as I could. Typically I skip it because it's just so hard, but being that the workout calls for it, I'm doing it even if I can't do it all. I'll get better at it the more I do it. I just have to be persistent and that's the plan.
When Gabriel got home, I was feeling very energetic, so I decided to do Kenpo Cardio Plus with him. Good stuff. It was hard because I just finished my Shoulders and Arms (S&A) workout about an hour and a half earlier so I was really wasted. Actually, I'm still sitting here sweaty as hell because of it. Burned an extra 463 calories according to my heart rate monitor. Some of the moves are still tricky in KCP, but I'll get the hang of it the more I do it.
Overall rating for the day: 7
My day wasn't as bad as the first sentence sounds. I got a fair bit of studying and I have a little bit left to do tomorrow, but for the most part, I'm getting into the groove of things with school. After watching a lecture, I did my scheduled workout today: Shoulders and Arms. I pounded through it. There are a few exercises where I probably have to go heavier on. I know when I increase weight, my reps will go down until I get used to the new weight, but I'll super set it by finishing the additional reps I want to do at a lower weight and then go from there. I'll increase the rep and increase my usage at the lower weight over time. It's worked for me in the past and I had to do that on a few of the exercises in this workout anyway.
I also made myself do as much of Ab Ripper X as I could. Typically I skip it because it's just so hard, but being that the workout calls for it, I'm doing it even if I can't do it all. I'll get better at it the more I do it. I just have to be persistent and that's the plan.
When Gabriel got home, I was feeling very energetic, so I decided to do Kenpo Cardio Plus with him. Good stuff. It was hard because I just finished my Shoulders and Arms (S&A) workout about an hour and a half earlier so I was really wasted. Actually, I'm still sitting here sweaty as hell because of it. Burned an extra 463 calories according to my heart rate monitor. Some of the moves are still tricky in KCP, but I'll get the hang of it the more I do it.
Overall rating for the day: 7
Day 9 - Cardio Party 1
I meant to blog yesterday, but it totally slipped my mind. Actually, it really didn't. I remembered in the morning that I needed to blog, but when I got home from work, I got so wound up in my studying, that it slipped my mind and I fell asleep, textbook on chest. :( So I'm writing it right now.
Anyway, yesterday was scheduled Cardio X, but I wanted to switch it out for something with a bit more calorie burn so I chose Turbo Jam Cardio Party Mix 1 (CP1). Yeah, I got myself into a heck of sweatfest and I had to dig deep. I burned 523 calories during the 39 minutes of CP1. Felt good and I was sooo incredibly drenched afterwards. Eating was okay though. I got wrapped up in projects, I didn't eat enough nor did I eat when I was supposed to.
Went to the doctor though to get to the root of my cough. He gave me a Z pack and tessalon pearls just as I expected. It's working though though slowly. I'm not hacking as much or as long.
I'll be back to post today's entry.
Overall rating for the day: 6
Anyway, yesterday was scheduled Cardio X, but I wanted to switch it out for something with a bit more calorie burn so I chose Turbo Jam Cardio Party Mix 1 (CP1). Yeah, I got myself into a heck of sweatfest and I had to dig deep. I burned 523 calories during the 39 minutes of CP1. Felt good and I was sooo incredibly drenched afterwards. Eating was okay though. I got wrapped up in projects, I didn't eat enough nor did I eat when I was supposed to.
Went to the doctor though to get to the root of my cough. He gave me a Z pack and tessalon pearls just as I expected. It's working though though slowly. I'm not hacking as much or as long.
I'll be back to post today's entry.
Overall rating for the day: 6
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Day 8 - Core Synergistics
I admit, I had a rough evening last night, but I tried to mellow myself. I took one of my textbooks to bed that was light reading and made sure to do some reading and reviewing before moving on to the next section. When I got the point where I was no longer able to comprehend what I was reading, I called it a night.
I slept pretty soundly, getting roughly eight hours of sleep. I've found that to feel at my best, I need about seven and a half to eight hours of sleep or else I feel deprived and lethargic throughout the day. For a few months, I was getting about six hours of sleep or less. Getting sick earlier this month put an end to that. I slept for most of two days and since then have been back on track with sleeping.
When my alarm went off this morning, I thought I might be crazy getting up at 5:30am to workout. I laid there for about five minutes debating. I wasn't debating getting up, but rather debating if I was going to workout this early or spend the time studying. I opted to workout since I wanted to spend the evening studying.
I had some whey protein and then waited 30 minutes before working out, giving enough to digest since whey breaks down quickly. During that time, I checked email and got most of my stuff ready for the day. When 6am hit, I was dressed in my workout clothes and getting ready to WOWY on MDB. I'll explain WOWY another time. Anyway, I pushed play and went about doing Core Synergistics (CS). I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to do the whole thing, but I did. Some of the exercises were challenging to the point where I couldn't finish them, but I gave it my best. I skipped the bonus round, but I am regretting it now. I think I quit too soon. More than likely I could have done it. I'm not happy about that part. Next Thursday when I do CS I will make sure do the bonus round from that point forward so I can truly feel like I did the whole workout.
I had a good workout though and good meals to follow it up so I'm feeling really good. I feel focused today. I expect it to go well.
Overall rating for the day expected: solid 9
I slept pretty soundly, getting roughly eight hours of sleep. I've found that to feel at my best, I need about seven and a half to eight hours of sleep or else I feel deprived and lethargic throughout the day. For a few months, I was getting about six hours of sleep or less. Getting sick earlier this month put an end to that. I slept for most of two days and since then have been back on track with sleeping.
When my alarm went off this morning, I thought I might be crazy getting up at 5:30am to workout. I laid there for about five minutes debating. I wasn't debating getting up, but rather debating if I was going to workout this early or spend the time studying. I opted to workout since I wanted to spend the evening studying.
I had some whey protein and then waited 30 minutes before working out, giving enough to digest since whey breaks down quickly. During that time, I checked email and got most of my stuff ready for the day. When 6am hit, I was dressed in my workout clothes and getting ready to WOWY on MDB. I'll explain WOWY another time. Anyway, I pushed play and went about doing Core Synergistics (CS). I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to do the whole thing, but I did. Some of the exercises were challenging to the point where I couldn't finish them, but I gave it my best. I skipped the bonus round, but I am regretting it now. I think I quit too soon. More than likely I could have done it. I'm not happy about that part. Next Thursday when I do CS I will make sure do the bonus round from that point forward so I can truly feel like I did the whole workout.
I had a good workout though and good meals to follow it up so I'm feeling really good. I feel focused today. I expect it to go well.
Overall rating for the day expected: solid 9
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Day 7 - Rest
I'm running out of time in the day so I wanted to make a quick post before I headed off to bed.
Today my legs are really stiff and sore. Sitting for long periods of time made my lower body stiff so I had to make sure I got up and walked around the office. Things are starting to get a little stressful for me now that school started today. I just need a little time to get acclimated and find my groove. I'll be fine.
Took today to rest though I know I probably should have done some stretch. I just need better time management. Eating was fine. I did botch it by missing my fifth meal and having a few heart-shaped sugar candies. I caved in to a little emotional eating with that. I admit that. I need to develop a plan and ration my day so I can devote time to stuff every day. That's what tomorrow is for. Bright and early.
Overall rating for the day: 6
Today my legs are really stiff and sore. Sitting for long periods of time made my lower body stiff so I had to make sure I got up and walked around the office. Things are starting to get a little stressful for me now that school started today. I just need a little time to get acclimated and find my groove. I'll be fine.
Took today to rest though I know I probably should have done some stretch. I just need better time management. Eating was fine. I did botch it by missing my fifth meal and having a few heart-shaped sugar candies. I caved in to a little emotional eating with that. I admit that. I need to develop a plan and ration my day so I can devote time to stuff every day. That's what tomorrow is for. Bright and early.
Overall rating for the day: 6
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Day 6 - Kenpo Cardio Plus
Ok, this is going to be rather short. I'm really don't have much time, but I wanted to make sure I posted. This is the point after all for accountability purposes to post daily.
Today, I had Kenpo X scheduled, but decided at the last minute to switch it out for the more challenging Kenpo Cardio Plus from the P90X+ series that just came out last month. Man, that workout was hardcore. I wore my heart rate monitor which is calibrated to my information and after 40 minutes, I burned 493 calories and I was a sweaty mess. That's the sign of a good workout. I really enjoyed it.
Don't get me wrong. I enjoy Kenpo X too. However, my problem with Kenpo X is that the stretching sequence is too long and the video clocks in at nearly an hour. Sometimes, after working out the five days previous for about an hour, I want to do another hour long routine so it's nice to have a more intensified version that gets the job done in a shorter amount of time. Twenty minutes is a big deal. Especially now that I am starting school tomorrow.
Which by the way reminds me, starting tomorrow I will be switching to morning workouts. I want to knock my workout before work so that way when I come home, I can focus entirely on my studies. I think I hit my prime in the morning when it comes to workouts so this will be normal for me. Of course, it will take about two weeks for me to get adjusted to doing mornings again, but I'm up for the challenge. If I care to maintain my current grade point average, I have to manage my time and do everything I need to do in my day to the best of my ability: work, school, eat well, and workout.
Getting back to Kenpo Cardio Plus (KCP). Great workout. Some of the sequences didn't feel natural, but I know that was the point behind them: to teach new tendencies to create new neuropathways. I think it's awesome just form. KCP gets my nod of excellence.
Overall rating for the day: Solid 8
Today, I had Kenpo X scheduled, but decided at the last minute to switch it out for the more challenging Kenpo Cardio Plus from the P90X+ series that just came out last month. Man, that workout was hardcore. I wore my heart rate monitor which is calibrated to my information and after 40 minutes, I burned 493 calories and I was a sweaty mess. That's the sign of a good workout. I really enjoyed it.
Don't get me wrong. I enjoy Kenpo X too. However, my problem with Kenpo X is that the stretching sequence is too long and the video clocks in at nearly an hour. Sometimes, after working out the five days previous for about an hour, I want to do another hour long routine so it's nice to have a more intensified version that gets the job done in a shorter amount of time. Twenty minutes is a big deal. Especially now that I am starting school tomorrow.
Which by the way reminds me, starting tomorrow I will be switching to morning workouts. I want to knock my workout before work so that way when I come home, I can focus entirely on my studies. I think I hit my prime in the morning when it comes to workouts so this will be normal for me. Of course, it will take about two weeks for me to get adjusted to doing mornings again, but I'm up for the challenge. If I care to maintain my current grade point average, I have to manage my time and do everything I need to do in my day to the best of my ability: work, school, eat well, and workout.
Getting back to Kenpo Cardio Plus (KCP). Great workout. Some of the sequences didn't feel natural, but I know that was the point behind them: to teach new tendencies to create new neuropathways. I think it's awesome just form. KCP gets my nod of excellence.
Overall rating for the day: Solid 8
Monday, January 14, 2008
Day 5 - Legs and Back
Day started off well today. I went to the dentist for my bi-annual check-up. It was not good. I have several new cavities. Some of them were watch areas previously, but now I have to get some work done early next month. I admit, I haven't been as diligent as I should have been with my teeth. My dentist is Dr. Weaver. She is awesome. I failed her. I didn't follow the treatment plan she gave me back in June and now I'm paying for it with having to get some fillings. I'm taking her recommendations now and plan on following them to the letter. I consider this just as important as exercising. It's vital to my overall health.
I goofed during lunch and made an unwise food choice, but I didn't let it ruin my day. I refocused and made adjustments to my diet to salvage the rest of my afternoon. I think I did well. I made sure to brush my teeth after lunch very thoroughly. I also made a little goal card that I filled out and laminated to keep in my wallet. My intention is to look at it several times a day, most likely when I'm having my meals and snacks. I read about doing this this afternoon when I was reading an article on the BFIC that it's important to always look at your goals and review them. Actually, you need to state your goals as affirmations in present tense. Here is what my card says:
I put the date as the day before the wedding because seriously, with everything I have to do on my wedding day, I don't think doing a workout is going to be on there unless I do it first thing in the morning. We'll see.
Ok, so the day wasn't perfect, but it was alright. I prevented a bad situation from becoming worse and that's what counts. I came home and did my workout. Tomorrow, my eating will be spot on and my workout great.
Speaking of workouts...
I think out of all the workouts, Legs and Back is the mutha of all workouts. Half way through, I was whipped and ready to call it a day, but I had to talk to myself yet again. I needed to finish even if it wasn't pretty. By the last leg exercise, Debbie Siebers 80-20 squats, I could only muster 10 reps on each side. I was wasted, but I gave it my best and that's what counts. I left nothing there. I pushed so hard, I was kind of dizzy the last few exercises, but I didn't want to quit. I couldn't let myself quit. I had no intention of quitting unless I hurled or passed out first. This was my way of repenting for my lunch time transgression. I needed to make this workout count and I did.
I'm happy with myself. I made no excuses. I just got it done. I didn't let negative self-talk deter me and turned it into positive self-talk. I built myself. I just kept envisioning the body I am chasing and reminded myself that I am strong and capable of knocking this workout out, of getting the job done.
And so here I am, wasted and exhausted yet pleased. No excuses. I am unstoppable!!!
HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
Now it's time to make food for tomorrow.
I goofed during lunch and made an unwise food choice, but I didn't let it ruin my day. I refocused and made adjustments to my diet to salvage the rest of my afternoon. I think I did well. I made sure to brush my teeth after lunch very thoroughly. I also made a little goal card that I filled out and laminated to keep in my wallet. My intention is to look at it several times a day, most likely when I'm having my meals and snacks. I read about doing this this afternoon when I was reading an article on the BFIC that it's important to always look at your goals and review them. Actually, you need to state your goals as affirmations in present tense. Here is what my card says:
I put the date as the day before the wedding because seriously, with everything I have to do on my wedding day, I don't think doing a workout is going to be on there unless I do it first thing in the morning. We'll see.
Ok, so the day wasn't perfect, but it was alright. I prevented a bad situation from becoming worse and that's what counts. I came home and did my workout. Tomorrow, my eating will be spot on and my workout great.
Speaking of workouts...
I think out of all the workouts, Legs and Back is the mutha of all workouts. Half way through, I was whipped and ready to call it a day, but I had to talk to myself yet again. I needed to finish even if it wasn't pretty. By the last leg exercise, Debbie Siebers 80-20 squats, I could only muster 10 reps on each side. I was wasted, but I gave it my best and that's what counts. I left nothing there. I pushed so hard, I was kind of dizzy the last few exercises, but I didn't want to quit. I couldn't let myself quit. I had no intention of quitting unless I hurled or passed out first. This was my way of repenting for my lunch time transgression. I needed to make this workout count and I did.
I'm happy with myself. I made no excuses. I just got it done. I didn't let negative self-talk deter me and turned it into positive self-talk. I built myself. I just kept envisioning the body I am chasing and reminded myself that I am strong and capable of knocking this workout out, of getting the job done.
And so here I am, wasted and exhausted yet pleased. No excuses. I am unstoppable!!!
HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
Now it's time to make food for tomorrow.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Day 4 - Yoga X
After a good night's rest last night, I woke up this morning and had some breakfast: some oatmeal with blueberries and some whey protein powder mixed with water. I then went out to the grocery store to pick up a few things: eggs, egg whites, 2% cottage cheese, ground turkey breast, and some frozen green beans for Gabriel. Typically, I try to make it a point to bike to the grocery store since it's not that far away, but being that to move my bike from the apartment patio out the front door would necessitate making a lot of noise and waking up Gabriel, I opted to drive instead. If I have to go back to the store later, I'll bike. Otherwise, it will have to wait until next weekend.
When I returned, I decided to do what was on my workout schedule: Yoga X. As I had stated during Cardio X, I typically skip yoga because it usually bothers my wrists, but I decided this morning I wasn't going to let the thought of them hurting me keep me from working out before they actually bother me. So I set out and popped the the 90 minute workout. A small part of me was nervous, but I quickly quieted it and focused at the task at hand.
I made it through the first 32 minutes before I stopped with the moving options. It was at this point my wrists started to feel fatigued so I pressed on by skipping the last 15 minutes of moving options and moved to the balance postures and stretching. I did all of that. When I all was said and done, I did an hour and fifteen minutes of the video out of the 90 minutes. I did all but 15 minutes!! I think that's great!!! I'm quite happy and proud. I really think that's the best Yoga X session I've ever done.
Later on this evening, I may or may not do some extra cardio. We'll see how I feel. Part of my plan involves doing extra cardio several days a week, however, since I'm not quite over my cold I don't want to over do it and relapse. I still have a bit of a cough that is slowly getting better. Once that goes away, I'll jump into doing doubles, but right now, I'm just going to do the best I can with one workout a day and if I feel up to doing a second and have tons of extra energy, I'll go for it.
While it's still pretty early in the day, I will have to say, today is shaping up to be another good day.
Overall rating for the day: solid 8
When I returned, I decided to do what was on my workout schedule: Yoga X. As I had stated during Cardio X, I typically skip yoga because it usually bothers my wrists, but I decided this morning I wasn't going to let the thought of them hurting me keep me from working out before they actually bother me. So I set out and popped the the 90 minute workout. A small part of me was nervous, but I quickly quieted it and focused at the task at hand.
I made it through the first 32 minutes before I stopped with the moving options. It was at this point my wrists started to feel fatigued so I pressed on by skipping the last 15 minutes of moving options and moved to the balance postures and stretching. I did all of that. When I all was said and done, I did an hour and fifteen minutes of the video out of the 90 minutes. I did all but 15 minutes!! I think that's great!!! I'm quite happy and proud. I really think that's the best Yoga X session I've ever done.
Later on this evening, I may or may not do some extra cardio. We'll see how I feel. Part of my plan involves doing extra cardio several days a week, however, since I'm not quite over my cold I don't want to over do it and relapse. I still have a bit of a cough that is slowly getting better. Once that goes away, I'll jump into doing doubles, but right now, I'm just going to do the best I can with one workout a day and if I feel up to doing a second and have tons of extra energy, I'll go for it.
While it's still pretty early in the day, I will have to say, today is shaping up to be another good day.
Overall rating for the day: solid 8
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Day 3 - Shoulders and Arms
I have to say, I'm very pleased with how today went. Gabriel took vacation today so we could spend a few hours at Universal Studios. We slept in and had a late breakfast before heading out. We mostly strolled around, but we did manage to do the Jimmy Neutron ride and Shrek 4D. We also checked out the renovated Earthquake ride which is now turned into Disaster with Christopher Walken who plays a wacky film director who likes to make blockbuster disaster flicks. They use some great and clever technology to make him appear as though he is really there. There were some flaw to be hammered out, but were rather minor. Overall very good.
I have to admit though that while we were out, I was a bit nervous about eating. Sometimes when we go out, we stop at Vitamin Shoppe and buy a Supreme Protein bar since they are pretty tasty and the nutrient content is pretty suitable to us. Today we didn't do that because Gabriel wanted to treat me to lunch at Margaritaville. I was nervous if they would have anything that I'd feel comfortable with. I didn't dwell on it too much, but rather focused on having a great time with Gabriel as we walked around and talked and took everything in. The park was pretty empty so wait times weren't long for things and the weather was pretty nice, partly cloudy.
After we were done with Disaster, we headed to Margaritaville. I reviewed the menu very carefully before settling on the grilled fish tacos. I wasn't really thrilled that it came with island rice. I felt that was too many carbs between the tortillas and rice. So I ate most of the fish tacos and had maybe a third of the rice. I also had one of Gabriel's chicken wings. That was really spicy stuff. I was really impressed with myself though. I felt satisfied, not full and I was pleased with the selection I made.
Eating went well the rest of the day and I felt good. In an odd way, I felt leaner than ever. Then I did my scheduled workout. I needed to squeeze in Shoulder and Arms before the Patriots - Jaguars game for Gabriel so I skipped Ab Ripper X. Shoulders and Arms was rough. Upright rows always give me problems because it agitates my right shoulder. I read in a magazine article that particular move can cause shoulder issues and the best way to do it is to do a shoulder shrug prior to bringing the weight up. I did that today and it worked like a charm. Actually, it made the exercise a bit more challenging. Good stuff. I'm really happy about that and that I don't need to be afraid of that particular exercise anymore.
It was at upright rows, the half way point of the workout, I started feeling wasted and felt that I wouldn't be able to do the bonus round, but when I started the first set of lying down tricep extensions which is four exercises before the bonus round, I told myself even if I couldn't do very many reps, I was going to do the bonus round no matter what. And so I did. I didn't do half bad. I dug down deep and went for it; for that I am immensely proud of myself.
I can feel it in my biceps right now that they are going to be sore tomorrow and rather upset with me. That's okay. It was worth it. Tomorrow is some cardio so they have time to recover. I am very pleased myself and feel completely satisfied today.
Now it's off to have a little dinner, shower, and get some web work done.
Rating for the day: Solid 9
I have to admit though that while we were out, I was a bit nervous about eating. Sometimes when we go out, we stop at Vitamin Shoppe and buy a Supreme Protein bar since they are pretty tasty and the nutrient content is pretty suitable to us. Today we didn't do that because Gabriel wanted to treat me to lunch at Margaritaville. I was nervous if they would have anything that I'd feel comfortable with. I didn't dwell on it too much, but rather focused on having a great time with Gabriel as we walked around and talked and took everything in. The park was pretty empty so wait times weren't long for things and the weather was pretty nice, partly cloudy.
After we were done with Disaster, we headed to Margaritaville. I reviewed the menu very carefully before settling on the grilled fish tacos. I wasn't really thrilled that it came with island rice. I felt that was too many carbs between the tortillas and rice. So I ate most of the fish tacos and had maybe a third of the rice. I also had one of Gabriel's chicken wings. That was really spicy stuff. I was really impressed with myself though. I felt satisfied, not full and I was pleased with the selection I made.
Eating went well the rest of the day and I felt good. In an odd way, I felt leaner than ever. Then I did my scheduled workout. I needed to squeeze in Shoulder and Arms before the Patriots - Jaguars game for Gabriel so I skipped Ab Ripper X. Shoulders and Arms was rough. Upright rows always give me problems because it agitates my right shoulder. I read in a magazine article that particular move can cause shoulder issues and the best way to do it is to do a shoulder shrug prior to bringing the weight up. I did that today and it worked like a charm. Actually, it made the exercise a bit more challenging. Good stuff. I'm really happy about that and that I don't need to be afraid of that particular exercise anymore.
It was at upright rows, the half way point of the workout, I started feeling wasted and felt that I wouldn't be able to do the bonus round, but when I started the first set of lying down tricep extensions which is four exercises before the bonus round, I told myself even if I couldn't do very many reps, I was going to do the bonus round no matter what. And so I did. I didn't do half bad. I dug down deep and went for it; for that I am immensely proud of myself.
I can feel it in my biceps right now that they are going to be sore tomorrow and rather upset with me. That's okay. It was worth it. Tomorrow is some cardio so they have time to recover. I am very pleased myself and feel completely satisfied today.
Now it's off to have a little dinner, shower, and get some web work done.
Rating for the day: Solid 9
Goal 1: 6 Weeks
As I stated in a previous post, my goal is to be 12 pounds leaner and arrive at 28% body fat. At first glance that seems pretty ambitious and pretty impossible. Well it comes out to a two pound and half percent body fat loss each week. When you look at it that way, that seems a lot more reasonable. Still, it is a very good challenge. My body may not necessarily cooperate with a consistent loss each week, so I may not even get there.
At the moment though, I have great conviction that I will arrive at my goal. I can do anything because I am unstoppable. Plain as that.
The workouts I am doing are entirely MDB/Beachbody workouts. I am a coach for a few of their customers. While they provide great nutrition information and advice and their workouts are rock solid, at least for me, it is not the total package. Last week, I joined Tom Venuto's Burn the Fat Inner Circle (BFIC) because I had read his book Burn the Fat Feed the Muscle and found it fascinating, especially since the first chapter starts with goal setting and the purpose behind that. Like my old typical self, I glazed over that one to get to the meat and potatoes of the book, to the good stuff. I realize now not setting clear goals is what has been hindering me all these years.
A number of his additional ebooks focus on goal setting, the science behind it, and how to set a positive image for yourself. In one of his mp3s on his site, Tom talks about how the mind doesn't accept negativity. It doesn't understand loss or "not" talk. For example, "I will not eat that donut", the mind only understands "eat donut" so what usually ends up happening? Most of us eat the donut that we weren't supposed to. The mind doesn't like to lose anything so by saying "I'm going to lose 20lbs", you make it a bit more challenging to get done. You have to get clever. Instead, say "I am going to bypass the donut and I am going to feel great for it." You wind up nipping any inkling of a craving. And like I said earlier. I am not going to lose 12 pounds. I will be 12 pounds leaner. At least for me, saying loss makes me feel a little down. Saying I'll be leaner, makes me feel strong and empowered.
By the way, what I like about Tom's site is that he's upfront in saying he's not trying to convert you to an exercise program or total package deal. He has sample workouts in his book, but he comes right out and says even if you're doing programs like Turbo Jam or Power 90 (both MDB programs), BFIC can compliment it. You don't have stop doing it. That made me feel good because it made me feel like I wasn't or didn't have to give up the virtues of what MDB provides.
Anyway, as part of my fitness journey, I'm also training and reprogramming my mind to think more positively, to talk more positively because it's not the cookies, the ice cream, the white bread, and pasta with creamy sauces that get in my way or sabotage me. It's me. It has been all along. I mean, every time I make great progress, I mess up and slide back into gaining the weight I had lost. Not this time. This time the story is different. One of Tom's ebook's cover this this and I'm going to read it again shortly.
I am strong of mind and of body. That is why I know I will reach my goal.
I shall return later to report on Day 3
At the moment though, I have great conviction that I will arrive at my goal. I can do anything because I am unstoppable. Plain as that.
The workouts I am doing are entirely MDB/Beachbody workouts. I am a coach for a few of their customers. While they provide great nutrition information and advice and their workouts are rock solid, at least for me, it is not the total package. Last week, I joined Tom Venuto's Burn the Fat Inner Circle (BFIC) because I had read his book Burn the Fat Feed the Muscle and found it fascinating, especially since the first chapter starts with goal setting and the purpose behind that. Like my old typical self, I glazed over that one to get to the meat and potatoes of the book, to the good stuff. I realize now not setting clear goals is what has been hindering me all these years.
A number of his additional ebooks focus on goal setting, the science behind it, and how to set a positive image for yourself. In one of his mp3s on his site, Tom talks about how the mind doesn't accept negativity. It doesn't understand loss or "not" talk. For example, "I will not eat that donut", the mind only understands "eat donut" so what usually ends up happening? Most of us eat the donut that we weren't supposed to. The mind doesn't like to lose anything so by saying "I'm going to lose 20lbs", you make it a bit more challenging to get done. You have to get clever. Instead, say "I am going to bypass the donut and I am going to feel great for it." You wind up nipping any inkling of a craving. And like I said earlier. I am not going to lose 12 pounds. I will be 12 pounds leaner. At least for me, saying loss makes me feel a little down. Saying I'll be leaner, makes me feel strong and empowered.
By the way, what I like about Tom's site is that he's upfront in saying he's not trying to convert you to an exercise program or total package deal. He has sample workouts in his book, but he comes right out and says even if you're doing programs like Turbo Jam or Power 90 (both MDB programs), BFIC can compliment it. You don't have stop doing it. That made me feel good because it made me feel like I wasn't or didn't have to give up the virtues of what MDB provides.
Anyway, as part of my fitness journey, I'm also training and reprogramming my mind to think more positively, to talk more positively because it's not the cookies, the ice cream, the white bread, and pasta with creamy sauces that get in my way or sabotage me. It's me. It has been all along. I mean, every time I make great progress, I mess up and slide back into gaining the weight I had lost. Not this time. This time the story is different. One of Tom's ebook's cover this this and I'm going to read it again shortly.
I am strong of mind and of body. That is why I know I will reach my goal.
I shall return later to report on Day 3
Friday, January 11, 2008
Day 2 - Cardio X
My cold is doing a bit better. I'm not coughing nearly as much and I'm not as nasally. I had to make some quick alterations to my meals today. One of meals just didn't taste right so I had to split my afternoon snack to cover morning and afternoon so I'm a tad bit behind in my caloric intake. It's too late in the day to make it up so I'm just going to write it off, but make note of it.
When I arrived home from work, I changed into my workout clothes right away. I know myself well enough that if I start to relax when I get home, the likelihood of me doing a workout greatly diminishes. So I changed and went right into Cardio X.
The interesting thing about Cardio X is that it is a mesh of different kinds of cardio. It starts off with a little yoga to get you warmed up, then it moves into some kenpo, plyo, and ends with some core synergistic moves. I've noticed in the past that as I move from one section to the next, my heart rate will drastically increases so it gets progressively harder as I go along.
Typically, I will skip the yoga portion because I can only ever do two vinyasas before my wrists start to bother me. That was then though. These days, I believe I am unstoppable. I told myself during the warm-up that precedes yoga that I was going to do the yoga and that my wrists weren't going to bother me, that today was going to be a good day for my wrists. And sure enough, it was a very good day for my wrists. After not having done yoga in many months, I did just fine. It wasn't easy, but it didn't bother my wrists in the slightest. I was incredibly ecstatic about that!
I admit though I got overzealous during kenpo. I went to kicking high after not really working my hamstrings in a while and I know I strained my left hamstring. It's a little bothersome, but nothing a little stretching, icing, and resting won't cure. That's just fine because tomorrow is an upper body weight workout. I'm just going to take care of it, but not let it sideline me. If it still bothers me in two days, I'll work around the injury.
Plyo kicked my butt and by the last core exercise of Superman-Banana, I was struggling big time, but I dug down deep and made it through. I am pretty proud of myself and feel quite confident about what lies ahead in the coming weeks. I really think I can pull off this goal.
By the way, my goal is to be 12 pounds leaner in the next six weeks and have my body fat around 28%. Can I do it? I'll be back later to say.
Rating for the day: 7
When I arrived home from work, I changed into my workout clothes right away. I know myself well enough that if I start to relax when I get home, the likelihood of me doing a workout greatly diminishes. So I changed and went right into Cardio X.
The interesting thing about Cardio X is that it is a mesh of different kinds of cardio. It starts off with a little yoga to get you warmed up, then it moves into some kenpo, plyo, and ends with some core synergistic moves. I've noticed in the past that as I move from one section to the next, my heart rate will drastically increases so it gets progressively harder as I go along.
Typically, I will skip the yoga portion because I can only ever do two vinyasas before my wrists start to bother me. That was then though. These days, I believe I am unstoppable. I told myself during the warm-up that precedes yoga that I was going to do the yoga and that my wrists weren't going to bother me, that today was going to be a good day for my wrists. And sure enough, it was a very good day for my wrists. After not having done yoga in many months, I did just fine. It wasn't easy, but it didn't bother my wrists in the slightest. I was incredibly ecstatic about that!
I admit though I got overzealous during kenpo. I went to kicking high after not really working my hamstrings in a while and I know I strained my left hamstring. It's a little bothersome, but nothing a little stretching, icing, and resting won't cure. That's just fine because tomorrow is an upper body weight workout. I'm just going to take care of it, but not let it sideline me. If it still bothers me in two days, I'll work around the injury.
Plyo kicked my butt and by the last core exercise of Superman-Banana, I was struggling big time, but I dug down deep and made it through. I am pretty proud of myself and feel quite confident about what lies ahead in the coming weeks. I really think I can pull off this goal.
By the way, my goal is to be 12 pounds leaner in the next six weeks and have my body fat around 28%. Can I do it? I'll be back later to say.
Rating for the day: 7
Measurements: Pre-Day 1
Here are my measurements from earlier in the week:
- Body Fat - 34%
- Weight - 199lbs
- Chest -37.5 in.
- Waist - 38.5 in.
- Hips - 45 in.
- Right thigh - 28 in
- Left thigh - 27 in
- Right arm - 16.5 in
- Left arm - 16.5 in
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Day 1
Welcome one and all to the public spectacle that is my journey to being an unstoppable force in my own life. I've spent the majority of life not really taking much risk, letting my fears and self-doubt control my actions and dictate my life. Apparently, that is the story of 95% of the population. It also seems that the majority of the population is either overweight or obese. I don't think I want to be in the majority anymore. I think I want to want to try and live life on the other side of the fence, on the side of the minority.
I am quite proud of myself. I made a rather good meal plan and stuck to it quite well. When I arrived home from work, I did my workout. I have an extensive collection of workout videos so variety isn't an issue. I also have push-up bars, PowerBlocks, and a yoga mat so I'm pretty well set to workout. I have everything I need. I did a workout today called UML (Upper Middle Lower) from the Power 90 Master Series to kick off the week with Gabriel, my other half.
I had actually meant to do Core Synergistics from P90X, but being that I'm still getting over the remnants of a cold, I didn't want to press my luck by pushing too hard to soon on a workout so I opted for UML which is a lighter version of Core. My intention is to do the Lean rotation of P90X with a few extra workouts thrown in. Obviously, if I feel like I'm over-training, I will back off, but I feel confident in my self in doing two-a-days. I want to see what I can accomplish in six-weeks time. Granted that puts me at the time of my wedding day. I have no illusions that I'll suddenly drop 50 lbs in six weeks and be at prime wedding weight. My goal is to push myself reasonably and safely and see how lean I can get. That will give me incentive to see what I can accomplish in another six weeks time and so on.
School starts back up next week; Wednesday to be exact. I received most of my books already for my courses. The rest will arrive on Monday so I'll be prepared. I'm looking forward to it, though I'm sure it means more papers to write. I was lucky that last semester I didn't have many research papers to write, but I can see where this semester things will be different.
Tomorrow, I shall post my measurements (which I took earlier in the week) and then chronicle my day. I feel quite good about today.
Rating for the day: solid 8
I am quite proud of myself. I made a rather good meal plan and stuck to it quite well. When I arrived home from work, I did my workout. I have an extensive collection of workout videos so variety isn't an issue. I also have push-up bars, PowerBlocks, and a yoga mat so I'm pretty well set to workout. I have everything I need. I did a workout today called UML (Upper Middle Lower) from the Power 90 Master Series to kick off the week with Gabriel, my other half.
I had actually meant to do Core Synergistics from P90X, but being that I'm still getting over the remnants of a cold, I didn't want to press my luck by pushing too hard to soon on a workout so I opted for UML which is a lighter version of Core. My intention is to do the Lean rotation of P90X with a few extra workouts thrown in. Obviously, if I feel like I'm over-training, I will back off, but I feel confident in my self in doing two-a-days. I want to see what I can accomplish in six-weeks time. Granted that puts me at the time of my wedding day. I have no illusions that I'll suddenly drop 50 lbs in six weeks and be at prime wedding weight. My goal is to push myself reasonably and safely and see how lean I can get. That will give me incentive to see what I can accomplish in another six weeks time and so on.
School starts back up next week; Wednesday to be exact. I received most of my books already for my courses. The rest will arrive on Monday so I'll be prepared. I'm looking forward to it, though I'm sure it means more papers to write. I was lucky that last semester I didn't have many research papers to write, but I can see where this semester things will be different.
Tomorrow, I shall post my measurements (which I took earlier in the week) and then chronicle my day. I feel quite good about today.
Rating for the day: solid 8
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