All right, shoulders & arms and abs! Felt good today, which is good because Monday's weight and ab routine was a bit faltering, I think I may have still been beat from ice hockey the night before. Plyo yesterday went good too, left a LOT of sweat on the floor.
Weight is coming down, and every day I feel like it's just burning more and more rapidly. I'm running into "problems" with my pants fitting looser - a belt is no longer an optional item!
I'm finding it really important to find motivation where I can, whether it's doing one more rep than last week, or doing an exercise with better form, feeling the looser fitting clothes, etc. Find something to get you down the road further, and keep coming back to get that next step higher.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Monday, October 29, 2012
Rest Day
Today's rest day consisted of getting prepped for the hurricane by pulling in/securing all the outside stuff, doing laundry, cooking some perishable food up from the refrigerator/freezer, digging out the flashlights, charging batteries, etc. Also took a field trip out to survey the pre-storm/early storm areas...tides were high, and there was already some minor flooding. Winds were pretty steady whipping up the waves...I was kind of tempted to grab the kayak and go play in some waves, but, I didn't. Also stopped off at Dicks Sporting Goods to look at the camping gear, just to see if there was any camping item that we could add to the inventory for the next couple days. Apparently the media says I can expect to lose power from anywhere between 1 day and fifteen years.
While at Dicks, looked at the Bowflex Select Tech 552 dumb bells, the ones where you can just turn a dial to get a different weight. Not a bad system. A little bulky, but I think it would be workable. Might pick up a set at some point in the future. For now, will keep using the plate weights and dumb bell bars, pausing the dvd and changing out the weights as needed.
I closed out the day by playing some ice hockey. First game of the season for my team. Ultimately we lost, but I did manage to net a goal and an assist in the loss tonight. Got a good workout, and noticed some more leg strength and endurance improvements. Definitely a good workout.
And, one final remark - I saw 229 on the scale tonight after workout. So post workout numbers are usually lower, but it's been forever since I've seen a number below 230 on the scale. It's not my official weigh in (saving that for 30-day mark), I'll take the bit of motivation.
Fighting Gravity.
While at Dicks, looked at the Bowflex Select Tech 552 dumb bells, the ones where you can just turn a dial to get a different weight. Not a bad system. A little bulky, but I think it would be workable. Might pick up a set at some point in the future. For now, will keep using the plate weights and dumb bell bars, pausing the dvd and changing out the weights as needed.
I closed out the day by playing some ice hockey. First game of the season for my team. Ultimately we lost, but I did manage to net a goal and an assist in the loss tonight. Got a good workout, and noticed some more leg strength and endurance improvements. Definitely a good workout.
And, one final remark - I saw 229 on the scale tonight after workout. So post workout numbers are usually lower, but it's been forever since I've seen a number below 230 on the scale. It's not my official weigh in (saving that for 30-day mark), I'll take the bit of motivation.
Fighting Gravity.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Week 2 Finishing Up
Getting close to finishing up week 2 and I'm still "pushing play" everyday. As mentioned earlier, small improvements here and there are keeping me motivated. I still find yoga pretty challenging and have a new respect for that exercise. Looking forward to another shot at kempo tomorrow and then a stretch/rest day (with some ice hockey mixed in), not to mention some potential hurricane prep for hurricane Sandy moving up the atlantic, expected to curve in towards land right around where I'm at on Monday.
At worst, will probably lose power for a bit and will have to do some workouts from memory/notes. At best I might get a day or two off work.
Have been doing Shakeology for breakfast since Tuesday, seems to be working ok, weight is still going down, I noticed a big-ish step down at the start of the 2nd week, so maybe the same thing at the start of the 3rd.
Bring it!
At worst, will probably lose power for a bit and will have to do some workouts from memory/notes. At best I might get a day or two off work.
Have been doing Shakeology for breakfast since Tuesday, seems to be working ok, weight is still going down, I noticed a big-ish step down at the start of the 2nd week, so maybe the same thing at the start of the 3rd.
Bring it!
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Improvement
Got through days 9 and 10. Will admit that getting up early to do Plyo makes for an interesting morning at the office, what with tired legs. Finishing out the day with roller hockey adds another layer of sweat to the day. I was definitely spent by the end of the game.
Was a real good day today noticing improvement in the biceps/triceps/shoulders routine, and choosing the right weights this time. Moving onto AbX, I'm really happy as I'm seeing some good improvement, getting through In & Outs, Bicycles, and Crunchy Frogs just about at the dvd pace. A week ago I was a sweaty mess floundering around on the floor. Another first today was not one, but three!, wide-leg cross situps. I shocked myself when I got the first one up and over for the first time. Tried it again and whoa! I did it again! The third one got up and over but wasn't pretty. Four and on I was back to the previous area, just doing the half situp or reverse situp to work the abs. I also managed to finally get the oblique V situps down, like it just clicked today.
On the diet front, broke open the week trial of Shakeology this morning for breakfast, and will go with that for the next week and see how that is.
Good progress, motivation still high.
Was a real good day today noticing improvement in the biceps/triceps/shoulders routine, and choosing the right weights this time. Moving onto AbX, I'm really happy as I'm seeing some good improvement, getting through In & Outs, Bicycles, and Crunchy Frogs just about at the dvd pace. A week ago I was a sweaty mess floundering around on the floor. Another first today was not one, but three!, wide-leg cross situps. I shocked myself when I got the first one up and over for the first time. Tried it again and whoa! I did it again! The third one got up and over but wasn't pretty. Four and on I was back to the previous area, just doing the half situp or reverse situp to work the abs. I also managed to finally get the oblique V situps down, like it just clicked today.
On the diet front, broke open the week trial of Shakeology this morning for breakfast, and will go with that for the next week and see how that is.
Good progress, motivation still high.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Rest and Repeat
Alright, made it through one week and started on the next.
Yesterday was my "rest" day on Sunday. I may have read "rest" as "go for a 37 mile bike ride. Got a call from a friend to go out for a Sunday ride; couldn't pass up the nice weather, and recalling from my riding days, an easy spin on the pedals can do some good for stiff/sore muscles, which it did.
Here's the ride, mapped on Endomondo using an app on my phone:
After the ride, in the evening, I did the Stretch X routine and found it quite relaxing and a nice way to unwind in the evening. Some (well, most) of the stretches are beyond my capability right now (I just wave at my toes, instead of touching them) but I plan to keep working on it.
Onto today, which was starting last week's cycle over again. The cool thing? I'm already noticing some improvements. I'm still not pounding out pushups or hoisting myself over the chin up bar like I'm in micro gravity, but I lasted longer into the workout putting up higher numbers than I did last week. It's enough to keep me motivated knowing I'm going to get some kind of improvement out of this. On the Ab front, I actually kept up through the "crunchy frogs" exercise. Had to pause it there and go at my own pace on that one, and the remainder of the exercises were a hot mess with me in a sweaty heap on the mat just trying to work on the component parts of the moves.
Clothes are feeling a little looser, scale is going down a bit, but I'm not worrying about that hard-data type of stuff until the 30 day mark. 22 more days to go on that, lots of time, lots of time. I'll do quick checks here and there, but it's more a curiosity thing rather than a motivator or corrective type of inspection at this point.
Looking at a double day tomorrow - with Plyo early in the morning before work, and a roller hockey game after work, weather permitting.
Continuing on!
Yesterday was my "rest" day on Sunday. I may have read "rest" as "go for a 37 mile bike ride. Got a call from a friend to go out for a Sunday ride; couldn't pass up the nice weather, and recalling from my riding days, an easy spin on the pedals can do some good for stiff/sore muscles, which it did.
Here's the ride, mapped on Endomondo using an app on my phone:
After the ride, in the evening, I did the Stretch X routine and found it quite relaxing and a nice way to unwind in the evening. Some (well, most) of the stretches are beyond my capability right now (I just wave at my toes, instead of touching them) but I plan to keep working on it.
Onto today, which was starting last week's cycle over again. The cool thing? I'm already noticing some improvements. I'm still not pounding out pushups or hoisting myself over the chin up bar like I'm in micro gravity, but I lasted longer into the workout putting up higher numbers than I did last week. It's enough to keep me motivated knowing I'm going to get some kind of improvement out of this. On the Ab front, I actually kept up through the "crunchy frogs" exercise. Had to pause it there and go at my own pace on that one, and the remainder of the exercises were a hot mess with me in a sweaty heap on the mat just trying to work on the component parts of the moves.
Clothes are feeling a little looser, scale is going down a bit, but I'm not worrying about that hard-data type of stuff until the 30 day mark. 22 more days to go on that, lots of time, lots of time. I'll do quick checks here and there, but it's more a curiosity thing rather than a motivator or corrective type of inspection at this point.
Looking at a double day tomorrow - with Plyo early in the morning before work, and a roller hockey game after work, weather permitting.
Continuing on!
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Friday, October 19, 2012
Day 5
Legs and back. My legs have always been stronger than my upper body, today was evidence of that. I "brought it" on the exercises and am working to stay balanced on jelly legs for the rest of the night. I still need to solve the upper body riddle. Pull-ups still are quite a challenge, though I did manage ONE in good form tonight! A long time ago in a far away place I used to be able to knock off about 10 to 12 pull ups at a time; I'm determined to get back to there. It should get easier as the weight comes off and the strength comes up. My home-brew bar setup (not a door chin up bar) swings a bit and I need to fix that this weekend.
Another step forward on the ab front, I managed 2 of the v-up rollup moves in good form, and am starting to be able to do some of the other moves at the same pace as the dvd, though not for the complete reps yet.
Progress as week 1 is coming to a close. Looking forward to Kenpo X tomorrow, and I might also throw in a mountain bike ride over the weekend as well.
One more day of this, and I'll be ripped!
Another step forward on the ab front, I managed 2 of the v-up rollup moves in good form, and am starting to be able to do some of the other moves at the same pace as the dvd, though not for the complete reps yet.
Progress as week 1 is coming to a close. Looking forward to Kenpo X tomorrow, and I might also throw in a mountain bike ride over the weekend as well.
One more day of this, and I'll be ripped!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Yoga What?
Day 4. Yoga X. Wow. I only made it halfway through this. I have never done yoga before, so this was completely new. I have a new found respect for the exercise. Isometric, flexibility, and balance. Got a long way to go on this one, will keep it up and set some goals for things I want to be able to do.
In other areas, staying committed to the program - social hour after work and I avoided the beer and snacks, just went for conversation and water.
Learning.
In other areas, staying committed to the program - social hour after work and I avoided the beer and snacks, just went for conversation and water.
Learning.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
1/30th of the Way There
Alright, Day 3 in the books. A good workout of arms and shoulders. Understanding more about picking the right weight, though I'm kind of limited on weights right now. I have an old plate weights that can be setup on dumb bell bars, and I played around with changing the weights out, but the pause to change the weight breaks up the flow a bit more than I'd like. Also, the securing collar is kind of sketch, so I'm always on high alert to make sure the collar and weight plates don't go a-sliding off the bar. I'm thinking I may pick up some hex dumb bells in the near future. I have a set of 10-pound hex's now, will probably pick up a pair of 20 and 30's for now. The 10's work well right now for my weak shoulders and triceps and when I'm trying to figure out the form of the exercise (I'm still new at this).
Made some adjustments on the ab workout tonight, keeping up where I could, breaking the exercises down into parts and just working on the form for each bit individually. My abs still feel it all over.
On the diet front, I'm trying to stick to the plan, though I need to put some more thought into how the portions are counted. Breakfast and lunch are easy to count, working in the snacks, figuring out dinner, and how recovery drinks figure into everything is throwing me for a loop for some reason when I try to count up my portions. I'm feeling full and definitely feeling like I'm eating enough at each meal and throughout the day...potentially eating too much? Will maybe jump on the google and figure that out some more.
Keeping it motivated.
Made some adjustments on the ab workout tonight, keeping up where I could, breaking the exercises down into parts and just working on the form for each bit individually. My abs still feel it all over.
On the diet front, I'm trying to stick to the plan, though I need to put some more thought into how the portions are counted. Breakfast and lunch are easy to count, working in the snacks, figuring out dinner, and how recovery drinks figure into everything is throwing me for a loop for some reason when I try to count up my portions. I'm feeling full and definitely feeling like I'm eating enough at each meal and throughout the day...potentially eating too much? Will maybe jump on the google and figure that out some more.
Keeping it motivated.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Hockey Plyo
Day 2 - Plyo X. Due to other evening activity - roller hockey - I got up an hour early before work and got the Plyo workout in. What a way to start the morning. It's an intense workout, but what they don't tell you, is that it was actually filmed over the course of 3 days using multiple cuts, which is why the people in the video can complete the complete workout. Just kidding.
Actually, of the workouts so far, I liked Plyo the best. I've always had better lower body strength, from biking and hockey. I'm not saying I wasn't wiped out by the halfway mark, because I totally was, but this was something I can see getting better at and giving noticeable results. Motivation booster.
After the rousing wake up, did the normal work day thing and then rolled on to roller hockey. The team was a bit short on the bench tonight so I got a lot of play time in the three 20 minute running-time periods. So my legs were definitely feeling the morning workout, being a bit wobbly at times, but I got through the game. Felt a little long in the 2nd period, but got a 2nd wind in the 3rd and had some nice shots on net (hit the posts all night, couldn't buy a goal!).
Still motivated, day 3 tomorrow. Looks like Ab Ripper is on the schedule; will attack that one again with determination.
Actually, of the workouts so far, I liked Plyo the best. I've always had better lower body strength, from biking and hockey. I'm not saying I wasn't wiped out by the halfway mark, because I totally was, but this was something I can see getting better at and giving noticeable results. Motivation booster.
After the rousing wake up, did the normal work day thing and then rolled on to roller hockey. The team was a bit short on the bench tonight so I got a lot of play time in the three 20 minute running-time periods. So my legs were definitely feeling the morning workout, being a bit wobbly at times, but I got through the game. Felt a little long in the 2nd period, but got a 2nd wind in the 3rd and had some nice shots on net (hit the posts all night, couldn't buy a goal!).
Still motivated, day 3 tomorrow. Looks like Ab Ripper is on the schedule; will attack that one again with determination.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Day One - "I'll do THREEE!!!"
P90X classic day 1. Chest and Back, Ab Ripper X.
Chest and Back - struggled with nearly everything. Set a goal and achieve that goal, I was calling out "I'll do THREE!!!" or "I'll do FIVE!!!" to the dvd's "I'll do 30!" Soon. Not all doom and gloom, because I did surprise myself on how deep I could go on some of the pushups, and how I was actually able to get to my goal and most of the time double it. Maybe I'll aim higher next time...
Ab Ripper X - Jump on the express train or have your pause button handy! Wow this was quick. I was done after the bicycles though I attempted (quite feebly and probably very entertainingly to anyone who could have seen) the rest of the exercises. I'm struggling to get "over the top" with those situps right now. On the bright side, I like that kayak exercise, even though I barely got past 25% of the goal before cashing out.
Previewed Plyometrics X which I'll be getting up early to do tomorrow morning, since I have a roller hockey game tomorrow night. Generally I like to think that my lower body is in better shape than my upper body, so I look forward to trying to get through that workout.
All in all a challenging day. I refuse to be deterred just yet. Wrote on my 90 day calendar "I showed up and pressed play."
Arrybody gotta start somewhere.
Chest and Back - struggled with nearly everything. Set a goal and achieve that goal, I was calling out "I'll do THREE!!!" or "I'll do FIVE!!!" to the dvd's "I'll do 30!" Soon. Not all doom and gloom, because I did surprise myself on how deep I could go on some of the pushups, and how I was actually able to get to my goal and most of the time double it. Maybe I'll aim higher next time...
Ab Ripper X - Jump on the express train or have your pause button handy! Wow this was quick. I was done after the bicycles though I attempted (quite feebly and probably very entertainingly to anyone who could have seen) the rest of the exercises. I'm struggling to get "over the top" with those situps right now. On the bright side, I like that kayak exercise, even though I barely got past 25% of the goal before cashing out.
Previewed Plyometrics X which I'll be getting up early to do tomorrow morning, since I have a roller hockey game tomorrow night. Generally I like to think that my lower body is in better shape than my upper body, so I look forward to trying to get through that workout.
All in all a challenging day. I refuse to be deterred just yet. Wrote on my 90 day calendar "I showed up and pressed play."
Arrybody gotta start somewhere.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
A Long Row to Hoe...
Did the P90X "pre-test," took "before" photos & stats, and did a preview of the day 1 exercises tonight. In order:
Pre-Test: Yikes I have not much upper body strength. Knew this going in, but it's humbling to really have numbers (or lack of numbers) to back it up.
Photos & Stats: Ugh. I really let myself get like this. Really. Another hit below the humbling belt having stats and photos to bring it to reality. 238 pounds, 29% body fat, according to my bathroom scale. Not sure if the body fat reading is fully accurate, but I'll keep using the same scale and see how things trend/if they make sense with results I'm seeing.
Preview of Chest and Back: Went through the warmup routine...eek my arms were burning by the end of that. Watched the first block of exercises. This will be a challenge, but the whole "set a goal and try to break it" method along with the helpful encouragement (I actually find Mr. Horton a bit entertaining, at least so far) I think I can do this.
Also posted up the 90-day calendar and routine schedule on the wall. Alright. All set for Real Day 1 tomorrow.
Until next time, currently struggling with gravity,
Joe Bagadonuts.
Pre-Test: Yikes I have not much upper body strength. Knew this going in, but it's humbling to really have numbers (or lack of numbers) to back it up.
Photos & Stats: Ugh. I really let myself get like this. Really. Another hit below the humbling belt having stats and photos to bring it to reality. 238 pounds, 29% body fat, according to my bathroom scale. Not sure if the body fat reading is fully accurate, but I'll keep using the same scale and see how things trend/if they make sense with results I'm seeing.
Preview of Chest and Back: Went through the warmup routine...eek my arms were burning by the end of that. Watched the first block of exercises. This will be a challenge, but the whole "set a goal and try to break it" method along with the helpful encouragement (I actually find Mr. Horton a bit entertaining, at least so far) I think I can do this.
Also posted up the 90-day calendar and routine schedule on the wall. Alright. All set for Real Day 1 tomorrow.
Until next time, currently struggling with gravity,
Joe Bagadonuts.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Revival of the Fittest
It's 2012. Almost 2013. Came to a realization over the past few months (maybe even year or so) that I've been doing my best to dismiss, ignore, not believe, explain away, or just plain not accept.
I'm overweight and out of shape.
Rewind, 10 years ago. Biked a lot - rode everywhere, mountain biked for fun, raced, kept active. This afforded the ability to eat and drink at will.
Stepping forward through the years, riding frequency slowly diminished, activity level waned, eating/drinking remained roughly the same if not increased. Still able to maintain some basic level of ability to ride a bike or get through strenuous activities or pursuits here and there. Just about a month ago I pulled out my road bike and did 120 miles in a day - 10 miles to a local supported century ride, 100 miles on the ride, and 10 miles back home. Door to door in about 10.5 hours. Not necessarily fast, but completed. I can kayak about 10 miles straight. When hiking, I'm determined to get to the top of the mountain. I play ice and roller hockey on occasion. All active pursuits, but the frequency hasn't been sustained for whatever reasons - work, life, attitude, whatever else causing the block in my brain.
Back to now. Deep down, I know what needs to be done to get back in shape. Setup a program and stick to it - be it biking, kayaking, running, etc. Just be more active. Even with biking, something I love to do, I just can't seem to get planned, organized, and determined.
Enter P90X.
After seemingly endless research, I decided to pull the trigger on the P90X system, commonly advertised on Saturday/Sunday morning and late night infomercials. I generally never go for things like this, but the body of evidence (pun intended?) of results on the internet, and of other people I know who utilize the program swayed my decision to buy in on the product. Right now, I think this method will fit with me good. Things are planned out, just follow these steps for 90 days. I can follow steps. I can break defined tasks down to weekly checklists. I can achieve goals. Just follow these steps for 90 days.
Throughout the process, I'll plan to put some of my thoughts here to keep myself motivated, help sort things out, capture some thoughts, and just track progress.
So let's go.
Gentlemen, we have the technology. We can rebuild him.
Currently: 240 lbs
Body Fat: A lotta%
I'm overweight and out of shape.
Rewind, 10 years ago. Biked a lot - rode everywhere, mountain biked for fun, raced, kept active. This afforded the ability to eat and drink at will.
Stepping forward through the years, riding frequency slowly diminished, activity level waned, eating/drinking remained roughly the same if not increased. Still able to maintain some basic level of ability to ride a bike or get through strenuous activities or pursuits here and there. Just about a month ago I pulled out my road bike and did 120 miles in a day - 10 miles to a local supported century ride, 100 miles on the ride, and 10 miles back home. Door to door in about 10.5 hours. Not necessarily fast, but completed. I can kayak about 10 miles straight. When hiking, I'm determined to get to the top of the mountain. I play ice and roller hockey on occasion. All active pursuits, but the frequency hasn't been sustained for whatever reasons - work, life, attitude, whatever else causing the block in my brain.
Back to now. Deep down, I know what needs to be done to get back in shape. Setup a program and stick to it - be it biking, kayaking, running, etc. Just be more active. Even with biking, something I love to do, I just can't seem to get planned, organized, and determined.
Enter P90X.
After seemingly endless research, I decided to pull the trigger on the P90X system, commonly advertised on Saturday/Sunday morning and late night infomercials. I generally never go for things like this, but the body of evidence (pun intended?) of results on the internet, and of other people I know who utilize the program swayed my decision to buy in on the product. Right now, I think this method will fit with me good. Things are planned out, just follow these steps for 90 days. I can follow steps. I can break defined tasks down to weekly checklists. I can achieve goals. Just follow these steps for 90 days.
Throughout the process, I'll plan to put some of my thoughts here to keep myself motivated, help sort things out, capture some thoughts, and just track progress.
So let's go.
Gentlemen, we have the technology. We can rebuild him.
Currently: 240 lbs
Body Fat: A lotta%
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