I'm still working hard. Yesterday was a good Chest and Back routine. Rocked the push-ups and did my best on the pull-ups. (I still use a chair for the pull-ups and I do as many reps as I can, but I stop when I start using my legs to push.) Today was the old Plyo. I always feel good after the cardio workouts. Better than I do on the resistance workouts.
I'm thinking I might do P90X lean next time through. I just feel so much more accomplished after the cardio workouts.
Also, I weighed myself yesterday. Still hovering around the same weight, but my body fat percent is still dropping. It's finally down in the 'normal' range on my scale! (On the high side of 'normal', but still...) Here I've been stressing about how little weight I've lost lately when I should have been watching how much FAT I've been losing.
Tomorrow is my birthday and Ashleigh and I are taking a trip. For the next four days, we'll be out of state. I'm going to try my best to keep with my exercises, but there stands a chance I might miss one or two. I'm going to do tomorrow's right after I wake up and before we leave. Friday is Yoga (and that's a 90-minute workout) and that's the one I'm really worried about. Saturday is Legs and Back. Easy enough to do, but I won't have my chin-up bar. Sunday is Kenpo, but we'll likely be on the road home. (I can always do Kenpo on Monday.)
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Sloppy performance as of late
First my updates seem to be crawling and now my P90X performance is in decline...
I've 'skipped' ab ripper the past four times it's come up. That isn't good. I've also skipped the stretch routine. While not inherently bad, I was doing everything without fail for the first two months. Why I've started this decline, I'm not sure. I'm still doing all the core components (the main events on resistance days, at least), but I'm falling behind and need to step it up.
I need to stop talking and just DO it. But my motivation is wavering. Again, I'm not sure why. I'm in the best shape I've been in my entire life. Even with my poor performance as of late, I'm still improving. But I'm not improving at the rate I want to. That's my fault. I'm not going to hit my 90-day goals at this rate. I didn't think I was one of those people who were so out of shape they needed to do P90X more than once to get to their target, but it would seem I was wrong. It looks like a second round of P90X is before me. That would put me at a finish date of January 8th. Not to mention I'm going to have the temptations of Thanksgiving and Christmas to deal with during that time frame.
Time for the cursory update on the days I haven't posted about.
Thursday was Back and Bicep. I really like working my biceps (my triceps have been strong, but my biceps have always been a bit under-developed) and I especially like the striped set curls at the end. I missed ab ripper this day...
Friday was Yoga, per the norm. Went into it stressed, came out feeling better. My right leg still isn't as strong as my left, but there's not much I can do aside from working it until they're equal.
Saturday was Legs and Back. Wall squats use to be the most challenging part, but now they're cake. At this point, the only really hard exercises are the squats where I have to jump. Not because I get worn out or anything, but my knees start to ache. I should invest in some ace bandages to help support the joints, but the damage has probably been done already. (My dad has had both of his knees replaced. Of course my dad is 80 this year.) I missed ab ripper this day...
Sunday was to be Kenpo, but I skipped it like I did the previous Sunday. This time, however, my wife and I spent the day at the Seaworld, Universal Studios, and Islands of Adventure theme parks. Lots of walking around and sweating. I'm sure that, over the course of the day, I burned an equal amount (if not more) calories than I would have just doing Kenpo. (I did have chicken strips and fries for lunch and we did share a 20oz Coca-Cola, but that was it as far as the bad stuff.)
Today should have been a stretch day, but I did Kenpo instead. I don't mind missing the stretch day so much, but I do mind missing an actual workout day. (That's my philosophy, at any rate.) I claim an 'off' day, but make up for the exercises on my actual 'off' day. (I should do an ab ripper tonight.)
Ashleigh and I have a trip to Virginia planned for this Thursday to Sunday. I'm going to take P90X with me, but I don't know how much I'll be able to do. I'll work on getting up early and pounding them out before we start our daily adventures.
I've 'skipped' ab ripper the past four times it's come up. That isn't good. I've also skipped the stretch routine. While not inherently bad, I was doing everything without fail for the first two months. Why I've started this decline, I'm not sure. I'm still doing all the core components (the main events on resistance days, at least), but I'm falling behind and need to step it up.
I need to stop talking and just DO it. But my motivation is wavering. Again, I'm not sure why. I'm in the best shape I've been in my entire life. Even with my poor performance as of late, I'm still improving. But I'm not improving at the rate I want to. That's my fault. I'm not going to hit my 90-day goals at this rate. I didn't think I was one of those people who were so out of shape they needed to do P90X more than once to get to their target, but it would seem I was wrong. It looks like a second round of P90X is before me. That would put me at a finish date of January 8th. Not to mention I'm going to have the temptations of Thanksgiving and Christmas to deal with during that time frame.
Time for the cursory update on the days I haven't posted about.
Thursday was Back and Bicep. I really like working my biceps (my triceps have been strong, but my biceps have always been a bit under-developed) and I especially like the striped set curls at the end. I missed ab ripper this day...
Friday was Yoga, per the norm. Went into it stressed, came out feeling better. My right leg still isn't as strong as my left, but there's not much I can do aside from working it until they're equal.
Saturday was Legs and Back. Wall squats use to be the most challenging part, but now they're cake. At this point, the only really hard exercises are the squats where I have to jump. Not because I get worn out or anything, but my knees start to ache. I should invest in some ace bandages to help support the joints, but the damage has probably been done already. (My dad has had both of his knees replaced. Of course my dad is 80 this year.) I missed ab ripper this day...
Sunday was to be Kenpo, but I skipped it like I did the previous Sunday. This time, however, my wife and I spent the day at the Seaworld, Universal Studios, and Islands of Adventure theme parks. Lots of walking around and sweating. I'm sure that, over the course of the day, I burned an equal amount (if not more) calories than I would have just doing Kenpo. (I did have chicken strips and fries for lunch and we did share a 20oz Coca-Cola, but that was it as far as the bad stuff.)
Today should have been a stretch day, but I did Kenpo instead. I don't mind missing the stretch day so much, but I do mind missing an actual workout day. (That's my philosophy, at any rate.) I claim an 'off' day, but make up for the exercises on my actual 'off' day. (I should do an ab ripper tonight.)
Ashleigh and I have a trip to Virginia planned for this Thursday to Sunday. I'm going to take P90X with me, but I don't know how much I'll be able to do. I'll work on getting up early and pounding them out before we start our daily adventures.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Against a brick wall
I don't know if I'm doing something wrong or what at this point. I'm still trying my hardest, but yesterday's Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps was a less than stellar performance. Sure, I did a few more push-ups than I have in the past but, for all of the exercises that required weights, I used the same weight I did last time and (in a couple instances) I managed fewer reps! I'm supposed to be kicking ass right now, not dragging it! Why am I sputtering?
In a more positive note, in today's Plyo, I was able to keep my heart rate up near 160 for the majority of the workout. That makes me feel a bit more accomplished. (I was thinking of trying to go for a run this evening, but I'm still on the fence about it.)
I also wanted to mention that people at work are starting to ask me about P90X. Actually knowing someone who is able to show you real results turns out to be a great motivator. Before I started, nobody was interested in the program. Now? I'm answering questions for people who are thinking of getting it and people who've had it for a while and just never did anything with it. It feels kinda good to help cultivate someone's motivation. (Whether anything comes from it or not remains to be seen.)
In a more positive note, in today's Plyo, I was able to keep my heart rate up near 160 for the majority of the workout. That makes me feel a bit more accomplished. (I was thinking of trying to go for a run this evening, but I'm still on the fence about it.)
I also wanted to mention that people at work are starting to ask me about P90X. Actually knowing someone who is able to show you real results turns out to be a great motivator. Before I started, nobody was interested in the program. Now? I'm answering questions for people who are thinking of getting it and people who've had it for a while and just never did anything with it. It feels kinda good to help cultivate someone's motivation. (Whether anything comes from it or not remains to be seen.)
Monday, September 13, 2010
Two months in and we're in the home stretch
Alright. So I haven't been updating as often as I said I would. I will endeavor to improve my update schedule.
Let's start with day 60. So I did my yoga and took my weight. I will admit I am not pleased with my performance thus far. I feel I am way behind where I should be. My body fat percent has dipped below 20%, so that much is looking good, but I still need to tone up. I have a feeling I need to do more cardio for this last month to really get where I feel I should be.
Saturday's Legs and Back went very well. I didn't even break a sweat during the wall squats. (I could swear those particular exercises lasted longer than that...) As far as the pull-up/chin-up exercises go, I'm still using the chair to assist, but I do believe I'm getting better at it because I can manage more reps without 'cheating' like I usually do. I still struggle with them sans the chair, but I can at least do some now.
Yesterday was to be Kenpo, but Ashleigh and I decided to take in the beach for the first time this summer. A little late, I know. But better late than never, eh? I just used yesterday as my 'off' day again and made up the Kenpo this morning. I really love that disc. More than Ploymetrics as far as cardio workouts. (I even think my heart rate stays up more with Kenpo.)
I did take my 60-day photos, but I'm going to hold off posting them because I'd rather have the 90-day final pictures to show the whole series.
So where do I stand now? My weigh keeps bouncing between the same four pounds and it's starting to get irritating. My eating habits are really getting in my way here. I need to reflect on the absolute basic rule of weight loss:
Match your activity level to your caloric intake.
If I'm going to continue to eat the way I do, I _NEED_ to do more cardio to offset it. Pining isn't going to help. I need to do what I did at the beginning of this trip; JUST FREAKIN' DO IT!
Something else I could use is an accurate measurement for calories burned from a given activity. There are too many sites out there with 'calculators' that give their own answers. (One calculator I used said I was burning ~200 calories during my 'low impact aerobic workout' (Kenpo) and another site said I was burning closer to 450 for the same workout.
Let's start with day 60. So I did my yoga and took my weight. I will admit I am not pleased with my performance thus far. I feel I am way behind where I should be. My body fat percent has dipped below 20%, so that much is looking good, but I still need to tone up. I have a feeling I need to do more cardio for this last month to really get where I feel I should be.
Saturday's Legs and Back went very well. I didn't even break a sweat during the wall squats. (I could swear those particular exercises lasted longer than that...) As far as the pull-up/chin-up exercises go, I'm still using the chair to assist, but I do believe I'm getting better at it because I can manage more reps without 'cheating' like I usually do. I still struggle with them sans the chair, but I can at least do some now.
Yesterday was to be Kenpo, but Ashleigh and I decided to take in the beach for the first time this summer. A little late, I know. But better late than never, eh? I just used yesterday as my 'off' day again and made up the Kenpo this morning. I really love that disc. More than Ploymetrics as far as cardio workouts. (I even think my heart rate stays up more with Kenpo.)
I did take my 60-day photos, but I'm going to hold off posting them because I'd rather have the 90-day final pictures to show the whole series.
So where do I stand now? My weigh keeps bouncing between the same four pounds and it's starting to get irritating. My eating habits are really getting in my way here. I need to reflect on the absolute basic rule of weight loss:
Match your activity level to your caloric intake.
If I'm going to continue to eat the way I do, I _NEED_ to do more cardio to offset it. Pining isn't going to help. I need to do what I did at the beginning of this trip; JUST FREAKIN' DO IT!
Something else I could use is an accurate measurement for calories burned from a given activity. There are too many sites out there with 'calculators' that give their own answers. (One calculator I used said I was burning ~200 calories during my 'low impact aerobic workout' (Kenpo) and another site said I was burning closer to 450 for the same workout.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Last minute kick
Let's recap the last two days. Yesterday was Plyo. Straightforward fun cardio. My knees hate me, but they'll get over it. Today was Shoulders and Arms and I'm still riding that high I had from Tuesday's Chest and Back. I did more reps with more weight than I've ever done and I'm VERY pleased.
However, when I step on the scale, I'm not terribly happy with where I am verses where I think I should be...
Ashleigh tells me I shouldn't go by our scale because it's been so flaky in the past, but I've tested it by weighing myself with and without a 10-pound plate and it seems accurate to me. Granted, when I weigh myself before bed and again when I wake up and find I've lost almost 4 pounds overnight, I have to be skeptical, but until we get a new scale, it's all I have to go by. She also tells me that she can see a difference, whereas when I look in the mirror, I still see the same-old me.
However, when I step on the scale, I'm not terribly happy with where I am verses where I think I should be...
Ashleigh tells me I shouldn't go by our scale because it's been so flaky in the past, but I've tested it by weighing myself with and without a 10-pound plate and it seems accurate to me. Granted, when I weigh myself before bed and again when I wake up and find I've lost almost 4 pounds overnight, I have to be skeptical, but until we get a new scale, it's all I have to go by. She also tells me that she can see a difference, whereas when I look in the mirror, I still see the same-old me.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
"New Game+" time!
Big update here. Ashleigh and I have been kinda busy over the long weekend and updating this blog wasn't exactly high on the priority list. Let's do a recap.
Friday evening I did my stretching and, as expected, I felt like I hadn't accomplished anything. I didn't dwell on it too much, because I know it's an important part of the program and it needs to be done.
Saturday was the second Core of the week and I blasted through it. (Except the Dreya Rolls. By the time they come up, my lower back has been worked too hard and I can't do them, so I skip that minute.)
Sunday was supposed to be Yoga, but I played hookie with the justification being that Monday is my 'rest' day so I'll just skip Yoga today and do it tomorrow in place of the stretch.
Monday, I followed through with the promise to myself Sunday and busted my butt on the Yoga. I've been noticing my left thigh (much like my left arm) is much stronger and has greater endurance than my right. It's a little bothersome because I think to myself that my left is getting stronger and leaving my right behind, but then I realize that I'm working them both the same, so the right is going to catch up eventually.
Today was my first day into Phase 3, which means a return to Chest and Back.
To those of you not familiar with the phrase "New Game+," I offer clarification. In certain video games, most notably the role-playing variates, after you spend the 13 hours playing through to the end, you are often given an option to start the game over from the beginning, but with the advantage of retaining all the super weapons and such you amassed during your first playthrough. In effect, you play the early levels (which originally gave you a difficult time) in a pseudo "god-mode."
Given that I haven't tackled the Chest and Back routine since week 3, I've progressed quite a bit and, this time around, I tore it up! First off, all of the push-ups I did were ACTUAL push-ups, not knee push-ups. And I cranked them out! (Not quite as many as the crew in the video, but as far as the numbers on the paper, I rocked!) The pull-ups, well... The first three weeks I did this routine, I was using the resistance band. This time, I used my actual pull-up bar for each of the exercises. It was also necessary for me to use a chair for most of my reps, as my arms and back are, presently, still not strong enough to wrench my body from gravity's grasp. (I will mention that I am fully able to do two actual chin-ups and one actual close-grip pull-up without the assistance of the chair, which is AWESOME for me. I'm sure when I lose a bit more weight and add a bit more upper-body muscle, I'll be able to do more. Probably not as many as some; e.g. Tony; but when I get to the point where I'm able to do five unassisted pull-ups, I'll know I've made it.)
I need to tackle Ab Ripper when I get home this evening. That should be cake. Oddly enough, I'd have to say my favorite exercise of the entire program has to be the V-up/pulse-up. Go figure.
Tomorrow is Plyo, which reminds me; I need a new battery for my heartrate monitor.
Oh yeah, and Friday is my 60-day mark. Two-thirds of the way already. Man, where does the time go?
Friday evening I did my stretching and, as expected, I felt like I hadn't accomplished anything. I didn't dwell on it too much, because I know it's an important part of the program and it needs to be done.
Saturday was the second Core of the week and I blasted through it. (Except the Dreya Rolls. By the time they come up, my lower back has been worked too hard and I can't do them, so I skip that minute.)
Sunday was supposed to be Yoga, but I played hookie with the justification being that Monday is my 'rest' day so I'll just skip Yoga today and do it tomorrow in place of the stretch.
Monday, I followed through with the promise to myself Sunday and busted my butt on the Yoga. I've been noticing my left thigh (much like my left arm) is much stronger and has greater endurance than my right. It's a little bothersome because I think to myself that my left is getting stronger and leaving my right behind, but then I realize that I'm working them both the same, so the right is going to catch up eventually.
Today was my first day into Phase 3, which means a return to Chest and Back.
To those of you not familiar with the phrase "New Game+," I offer clarification. In certain video games, most notably the role-playing variates, after you spend the 13 hours playing through to the end, you are often given an option to start the game over from the beginning, but with the advantage of retaining all the super weapons and such you amassed during your first playthrough. In effect, you play the early levels (which originally gave you a difficult time) in a pseudo "god-mode."
Given that I haven't tackled the Chest and Back routine since week 3, I've progressed quite a bit and, this time around, I tore it up! First off, all of the push-ups I did were ACTUAL push-ups, not knee push-ups. And I cranked them out! (Not quite as many as the crew in the video, but as far as the numbers on the paper, I rocked!) The pull-ups, well... The first three weeks I did this routine, I was using the resistance band. This time, I used my actual pull-up bar for each of the exercises. It was also necessary for me to use a chair for most of my reps, as my arms and back are, presently, still not strong enough to wrench my body from gravity's grasp. (I will mention that I am fully able to do two actual chin-ups and one actual close-grip pull-up without the assistance of the chair, which is AWESOME for me. I'm sure when I lose a bit more weight and add a bit more upper-body muscle, I'll be able to do more. Probably not as many as some; e.g. Tony; but when I get to the point where I'm able to do five unassisted pull-ups, I'll know I've made it.)
I need to tackle Ab Ripper when I get home this evening. That should be cake. Oddly enough, I'd have to say my favorite exercise of the entire program has to be the V-up/pulse-up. Go figure.
Tomorrow is Plyo, which reminds me; I need a new battery for my heartrate monitor.
Oh yeah, and Friday is my 60-day mark. Two-thirds of the way already. Man, where does the time go?
Friday, September 3, 2010
Recovery week lazyness
I'm starting to get that lazy feeling I got when I did the Phase 1 recovery week. The feeling that I'm not doing enough and I'm just going to revert to my old self.
That isn't the case, however. I realize that, even if I did drop everything right now, it would take more than a week to return to my original weight and frame. Not that I'd want that. Never again. I'm on the cusp of having the body I've always wanted and I'm not going to give it all up now.
Yesterday was Kenpo and I loved it. I want to do it more because it's just so refreshing. Less trauma on my knees than Plyo, but it still gets my heart pounding.
I had mentioned I wanted to do something extra during Phase 2, but I never actually followed through. Phase 3 will be different. I fully intend on doing extra cardio throughout in an effort to rend the fat from my bones. Heck, I'm already able to do more pull-ups and chin-ups than I've ever been able to do in my life.
I notice I tend to fixate on my upper body and not so much on my legs. The reason being is my legs have always been strong and lean. I'm not terribly concerned if I can squat a quarter of a ton. I'm more interested in having those nice pecs that lean folks have. Abs would be nice, too, but I'd be happy with a flat stomach right now. It's so close, I can taste it, but there's still that layer of fat that refuses to let go...
Today is an easy Stretch day. I'm going to feel extra lazy, but I need to do it. I've skipped my last two stretch days; one because of my knee, the other because of work.
That isn't the case, however. I realize that, even if I did drop everything right now, it would take more than a week to return to my original weight and frame. Not that I'd want that. Never again. I'm on the cusp of having the body I've always wanted and I'm not going to give it all up now.
Yesterday was Kenpo and I loved it. I want to do it more because it's just so refreshing. Less trauma on my knees than Plyo, but it still gets my heart pounding.
I had mentioned I wanted to do something extra during Phase 2, but I never actually followed through. Phase 3 will be different. I fully intend on doing extra cardio throughout in an effort to rend the fat from my bones. Heck, I'm already able to do more pull-ups and chin-ups than I've ever been able to do in my life.
I notice I tend to fixate on my upper body and not so much on my legs. The reason being is my legs have always been strong and lean. I'm not terribly concerned if I can squat a quarter of a ton. I'm more interested in having those nice pecs that lean folks have. Abs would be nice, too, but I'd be happy with a flat stomach right now. It's so close, I can taste it, but there's still that layer of fat that refuses to let go...
Today is an easy Stretch day. I'm going to feel extra lazy, but I need to do it. I've skipped my last two stretch days; one because of my knee, the other because of work.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Multi-day update
Wow, I didn't realize I hadn't updated since Saturday. I'll stay on top of it more often.
Alright, where'd I leave off?
Oh, yeah. The food.
Well, let's start with a recap on Sunday's workout. Ashleigh, her dad, and I took a trip to Silver Glen Springs and went for a VERY brisk swim. (After you get into the water, you forget you stopped breathing.) Afterward, we went on a hike down the nature trail and I got swarmed with ticks. (I threw away my socks because the damn things were so small that I couldn't be sure I got rid of them all. Despite that, I still managed to bring at least one home.) After we got back to the lake house, we went for another swim in the much warmer lake. Felt really good. Especially after the freezing water at the spring. Later that evening, I did my Kenpo in the Florida room (as I had done my Yoga and Legs and Back previously) and was thoroughly worn out. On the way back to our house, Ashleigh and I decided to stop at Cracker Barrel for dinner. I know; BAD BAD BAD! It was one meal and I needed to get it out of my system. I enjoyed it and I'm back on the wagon.
Monday, I had to go to work early and wasn't able to do my stretch in the morning. While I did get home early, I wasn't able to do it in the afternoon either, because Ashleigh got home shortly after I did and I didn't want to do anything while she was there.
Yesterday, however, I did do the Yoga in the morning before heading out (not as) early again. I felt like I kinda half-assed it, but I don't think I did.
Today I tackled the Core Synergistics program again. I still really like it, but I got that same 'half-assed' feeling again. I really don't know why.
Well, that brings us to the final week of Phase 2. Recovery on the way. I just wish I was further along than I am. I guess I'll just have to bust my ass during Phase 3, eh?
Oh, and yesterday was, evidently, my 50-day mark. Ten more before I take my next batch of photos.
Alright, where'd I leave off?
Oh, yeah. The food.
Well, let's start with a recap on Sunday's workout. Ashleigh, her dad, and I took a trip to Silver Glen Springs and went for a VERY brisk swim. (After you get into the water, you forget you stopped breathing.) Afterward, we went on a hike down the nature trail and I got swarmed with ticks. (I threw away my socks because the damn things were so small that I couldn't be sure I got rid of them all. Despite that, I still managed to bring at least one home.) After we got back to the lake house, we went for another swim in the much warmer lake. Felt really good. Especially after the freezing water at the spring. Later that evening, I did my Kenpo in the Florida room (as I had done my Yoga and Legs and Back previously) and was thoroughly worn out. On the way back to our house, Ashleigh and I decided to stop at Cracker Barrel for dinner. I know; BAD BAD BAD! It was one meal and I needed to get it out of my system. I enjoyed it and I'm back on the wagon.
Monday, I had to go to work early and wasn't able to do my stretch in the morning. While I did get home early, I wasn't able to do it in the afternoon either, because Ashleigh got home shortly after I did and I didn't want to do anything while she was there.
Yesterday, however, I did do the Yoga in the morning before heading out (not as) early again. I felt like I kinda half-assed it, but I don't think I did.
Today I tackled the Core Synergistics program again. I still really like it, but I got that same 'half-assed' feeling again. I really don't know why.
Well, that brings us to the final week of Phase 2. Recovery on the way. I just wish I was further along than I am. I guess I'll just have to bust my ass during Phase 3, eh?
Oh, and yesterday was, evidently, my 50-day mark. Ten more before I take my next batch of photos.
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