Busy day! Brandt has a "summer" job mowing a cemetery north of Shubert, and with the nice weather and the recent rains, it's ready for a cutting. So Brandt, his girlfriend and I spent 4 hours out there. I did the weed eating. As you might imagine, 4 hours (with a 90 minute lunch break in between) of weed eating does a number on your arms, shoulders and especially your hands. We'll see how I feel in the morning. I'm actually somewhat curious about whether the P90X workouts I've been doing will help with that. Check out tomorrow's post for updates. We're heading back out there tomorrow after lunch...it's a big cemetery.
Well, yoga is yoga. Things are a bit easier, but I think that's because I'm used to them. There's still a lot of exercises (i.e. Half moon, plough, crane, etc.) that I'm unable to do. Other things, like the warrior poses, tree, triangle pose, hamstring stretches and the like seem to be getting easier. My biggest hope wit Yoga is to improve my flexibility and balance.
One more day left in the recovery week...I have X Stretch tomorrow. Then, I start in on another 3-week adaptive phase. In keeping with the P90X model of providing muscle confusion, two of the workouts during weeks 5-8 will be different than the ones I did in weeks 1-3. Legs and Back stays as the Friday workout, but I'll be swapping out Chest and Back and Shoulders and Arms workouts with Chest, Shoulders and Triceps (Mondays) and Back and Biceps (Wednesdays).
I'm pooped. Sleepy time!
Dan
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Day 26: Core Synergistics
I really like this workout! It was rough the first time, but all of these workout were a bit of a struggle the first time. I felt ever better that I got Brandt to do it with me, and he bowed out about half way through. I outlasted a 16-year old! OK, that's kind of unfair because I'm nearly 4 weeks into this program, so I'm used to it.
I also learned something tonight that I totally missed Tuesday when I did this workout last. I can do more push ups...and not knee push ups, either! I am pretty worn out at the end of the prison cell push ups, but at least I can do them...pretty well.
Gonna read me some Hunger Games and then go to sleep. Have a lot of mowing to do tomorrow!
Dan
I also learned something tonight that I totally missed Tuesday when I did this workout last. I can do more push ups...and not knee push ups, either! I am pretty worn out at the end of the prison cell push ups, but at least I can do them...pretty well.
Gonna read me some Hunger Games and then go to sleep. Have a lot of mowing to do tomorrow!
Dan
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Day 25: X Stretch
Not much to report today...pretty normal day. For anyone wondering, I did have the Champagne Chicken Salad and it was very good. Along with the chicken, it had pineapple, strawberries, a few sunflower seeds and croutons, blue cheese, and a champagne vinaigrette dressing. And yes, I did eat the croissant that came with it (it was delicious too!).
X Stretch went well and I'm looking forward to another round of Core Synergistics tomorrow. My abs are still a little sore from the first time I did that workout! I peeked at my weight again this morning, and I'm now down 18.1 pounds since I started the program. Couldn't be happier! May have to buy a new belt really soon, and some new pants and shorts may not be far off.
Dan
X Stretch went well and I'm looking forward to another round of Core Synergistics tomorrow. My abs are still a little sore from the first time I did that workout! I peeked at my weight again this morning, and I'm now down 18.1 pounds since I started the program. Couldn't be happier! May have to buy a new belt really soon, and some new pants and shorts may not be far off.
Dan
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Day 24: Kenpo X
OK, so in yesterday's post about my first journey into Core Synergistics, I mentioned that I wondered what would be sore today. Well my abs and lower back are where I felt it today. I expected the abs, because I could tell after the workout that I'd worked them pretty good. Didn't expect the back to be tight, though. Oh well, like I've said before...I'd be worried if my muscles weren't sore after the workouts. At least I know I did something right!
Also, speaking of soreness, it's been pretty mild for the most part since I started using the BCAA drink during most of the workouts. I'm running out, though, so I need to get some more on order!
Ok, to Kenpo! It's Wednesday, so with baseball practice and getting the kids to and from church, I had to start late. Like 9:40! But, this was the best Kenpo workout I've had so far! Go figure! Again, as usual I have issues with getting the legs really high, but I can do all of the moves without much problem.
Tomorrow, I get another nutritional challenge. I have a meeting with some colleagues in Omaha over lunch at a great restraunt...Charleston's. I've looked at the menu, and I'm thinking Hickory Burger, Reuben, or the Chicken Fried Steak. Just kidding! :) I'm going to have the Champagne Chicken Salad.
X Stretch Tomorrow!
Dan
Also, speaking of soreness, it's been pretty mild for the most part since I started using the BCAA drink during most of the workouts. I'm running out, though, so I need to get some more on order!
Ok, to Kenpo! It's Wednesday, so with baseball practice and getting the kids to and from church, I had to start late. Like 9:40! But, this was the best Kenpo workout I've had so far! Go figure! Again, as usual I have issues with getting the legs really high, but I can do all of the moves without much problem.
Tomorrow, I get another nutritional challenge. I have a meeting with some colleagues in Omaha over lunch at a great restraunt...Charleston's. I've looked at the menu, and I'm thinking Hickory Burger, Reuben, or the Chicken Fried Steak. Just kidding! :) I'm going to have the Champagne Chicken Salad.
X Stretch Tomorrow!
Dan
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Day 23: Core Synergistics
Ok, for those of you who thought I said this was a "recovery" week, forget I said that! It's true that there are less high-intensity workouts, but it's not all easy stuff. This workout...well...it works you! I can feel my abs were worked tonight! Tomorrow afternoon I may find out what other muscles got a good workout! I almost felt like I could have been checking my heart rate at times! Lots of different kinds of push ups (Sphinx push ups were really hard for me!), lunges, ab work, jumping. A very fun workout, though I have to say as this was my first time doing it, I struggled with a few of them until I got the hang of it. The next time I do it this week should be better.
Still going good on the nutrition. I'm really in a zone now, especially on days that I work. I pretty much have two lunches that I eat (boca burgers and turkey/cheese sandwiches) and I have about 6-8 snacks that I mix and match each day. We went to Subway tonight after I got home from work, and Wendy and I shared a 12" turkey and ham sub on wheat bread. I also had chips for the first time since I started P90X. Don't worry, they were only 120 calorie Baked Lays.
My favorite workout tomorrow...Kenpo!
Dan
Still going good on the nutrition. I'm really in a zone now, especially on days that I work. I pretty much have two lunches that I eat (boca burgers and turkey/cheese sandwiches) and I have about 6-8 snacks that I mix and match each day. We went to Subway tonight after I got home from work, and Wendy and I shared a 12" turkey and ham sub on wheat bread. I also had chips for the first time since I started P90X. Don't worry, they were only 120 calorie Baked Lays.
My favorite workout tomorrow...Kenpo!
Dan
Day 22: Yoga X
Day 1 of my first recovery week went pretty good. As you know, Yoga X is tough for me because I'm not very flexible and don't have good balance. My thought process is that I have lots of room for improvement! It's pretty amazing how much you sweat, given how slow and deliberate the exercises are.
A new workout, Core Synergistics, for me tonight. My buddy Kevin from work tells me it's like Plyometrics with weights. Can't wait to see how it goes.
Dan
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Day 21: X Stretch
Three weeks of P90X are complete! I've somehow managed to workout and eat healthy every day for 21 straight days! For those of you that know me well, that's a HUGE accomplishment! As I posted before I even started, I had a lot of people that didn't believe I'd last more than a few days before I reverted back. She didn't say it, but I'm sure my wife (who knows me better than anyone) didn't believe it either. But do you know what? The only thing that matters is whether I believed it. And I never doubted it for a minute. That's the honest truth. And I think that confidence in myself is what carried me through that first week or so when I may have faltered if I'd doubted myself. I'm really not as much proud of myself as I am determined to push on. I'm going to complete this program in 91 days...and I will not skip one workout along the way. I will eat healthy foods every day and will not succumb to any thoughts of eating those items that do not contribute to good health. And at the end of 13 weeks, I will feel and look so much better because of it. Period! (Lou Tice would be so proud of me!)
Anyway, enough of the philosophical stuff. I now have what the P90X program calls a recovery week. Instead of doing Plyometrics and all of the "weight-lifting" workouts, I do Yoga twice, Core Synergistics twice, X Stretch twice and Kenpo once. Gives my body a chance to recover before the next 3-week adaptive phase starts next Monday.
Have a great week everybody!
Dan
Anyway, enough of the philosophical stuff. I now have what the P90X program calls a recovery week. Instead of doing Plyometrics and all of the "weight-lifting" workouts, I do Yoga twice, Core Synergistics twice, X Stretch twice and Kenpo once. Gives my body a chance to recover before the next 3-week adaptive phase starts next Monday.
Have a great week everybody!
Dan
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Day 20: Kenpo X
Well, not the best of days for me today. I guess I should say it was a mixed day. It started off great! Wendy, her cousin Pam and I went to Omaha to see The Hunger Games. I had just decided last night to go, so I started to read the book last night. I was tired, so I only got through the first chapter. I'm in chapter 3 now, but I know how it ends. Like most books, though, they provide more detail and insight into the characters and the story than does the movie, so I'll finish it.
The first "bad" thing about the day was I was totally sore in my glutes, my quads and my hamstrings. Why I'm not sure, but man was I sore. I didn't change anything (still taking the BCAA drink during every non-Yoga/non-Stretch exercise).
After the movie, we then went to Red Robin to eat lunch. I did eat one onion ring (the smallest one on the "tower" I promise!) and then had a grilled chicken salad with apples and blue cheese. It was very good...I even only ate one of the two pieces of bread with the salad!
After we got home, Wendy went to a quarter auction and I took the kids to Breadeaux Pizza. I went there because my 10-year-old thought she had a "date" with a boy from school. Well, he didn't show up, and Megan didn't seem to care. Bless her heart. Anyway, I had salad bar. Ranch dressing with bacon bits, cheese and croutons the first time. Italian dressing the 2nd. Then, I had about 3 cheese sticks (edge pieces with the least amount of cheese) and one piece of hamburger pizza.
Most of you would probably say that I could have done a lot worse, and I agree. I just worry that any steps, no matter how minor, in the wrong direction could eventually become bigger steps. I don't think this will happen, because I'm zoned in pretty good. I guess we'll see, won't we? The thing I like about how I feel about it is these minor eating "issues" are bothering me pretty good. I'd be more worried if I was just shrugging them off or making excuses. I need to do better...period!
Workout was great, though because of the busy day I had to do it late again! It wasn't as good as day 6, but it was better than day 13. Regardless, it's a great workout! Heart rate didn't get as high as I'd like (made it above 80% a couple times).
X Stretch tomorrow and then a recovery week!
Dan
The first "bad" thing about the day was I was totally sore in my glutes, my quads and my hamstrings. Why I'm not sure, but man was I sore. I didn't change anything (still taking the BCAA drink during every non-Yoga/non-Stretch exercise).
After the movie, we then went to Red Robin to eat lunch. I did eat one onion ring (the smallest one on the "tower" I promise!) and then had a grilled chicken salad with apples and blue cheese. It was very good...I even only ate one of the two pieces of bread with the salad!
After we got home, Wendy went to a quarter auction and I took the kids to Breadeaux Pizza. I went there because my 10-year-old thought she had a "date" with a boy from school. Well, he didn't show up, and Megan didn't seem to care. Bless her heart. Anyway, I had salad bar. Ranch dressing with bacon bits, cheese and croutons the first time. Italian dressing the 2nd. Then, I had about 3 cheese sticks (edge pieces with the least amount of cheese) and one piece of hamburger pizza.
Most of you would probably say that I could have done a lot worse, and I agree. I just worry that any steps, no matter how minor, in the wrong direction could eventually become bigger steps. I don't think this will happen, because I'm zoned in pretty good. I guess we'll see, won't we? The thing I like about how I feel about it is these minor eating "issues" are bothering me pretty good. I'd be more worried if I was just shrugging them off or making excuses. I need to do better...period!
Workout was great, though because of the busy day I had to do it late again! It wasn't as good as day 6, but it was better than day 13. Regardless, it's a great workout! Heart rate didn't get as high as I'd like (made it above 80% a couple times).
X Stretch tomorrow and then a recovery week!
Dan
Friday, March 23, 2012
Day 19: Legs and Back with Ab Ripper X
Another day to check off of the calendar. Today was a day off for me, so I got a lot done. I started the day off by shampooing the living room and upstairs foyer carpets. They really needed it. We're going to do the main traffic areas of the bedrooms later tonightm We rented a Rug Doctor and are considering buying something similar which will save us money in the long run...plus we'll be able to clean the carpets more often.
Because of the carpet cleaning, I didn't get the workout started until around 1:45. It wasn't morning, which I had hoped for, but I still get the evening to myself again. Last night was great because I could come home from the NHS induction and watch some basketball.
As for the workout, I did about the same as last week. Today was the first day I was able to stay down in the well squat for the full 90 seconds. Only did 55 seconds last week. The single leg wall squats weren't quite as good, so maybe it was a wash. On the pull-up exercises, I backed up some to get some better resistance.
6 Ab Ripper workouts in a row now with increases in reps. I'm up to 285 now, compared to about 165 on day 1. Now if I could just get rid of this "ab cover", so I can see the progress being made down there! :) Maybe after P90X round 2!
Speaking of round 2, I don't want to get ahead of myself. Don't get me wrong...I'm thrilled with my results so far and ever happier with my ability to stick with eating right for these 19 days. Like I wrote in an earlier post, I'm hoping to make these eating habits permanent...P90X or no P90X. The workouts are just the gravy on top to get me in the physical shape I want to be in going forward.
I haven't been posting much about what I've been eating lately, but that's because it's pretty much similar every day. For breakfast, I choose between an apple, 2 pieces of turkey bacon, whole wheat toast with jam, fried egg whites, and cottage cheese. For snacks, I usually have a vanilla why shake with banana, celery, tuna, pistachios, a 50 calorie fruit cup or string cheese. For lunch I have either a Boca burger (with ketchup, mustard and a fat-free cheese slice) or a turkey and (fat-free) cheese sandwich with fat-free mayo on whole wheat bread, baby carrots, nonfat yogurt, or a piece of fruit. For dinner I've had salmon, chicken breast and steak with some kind of microwaved vegetable (broccoli, cauliflower, and even brussel sprouts). I've also had whole wheat spaghetti. In eating all of this food, I'm hoping that my brain is learning that eating is about nourishment and not getting some "high" off of eating bad foods that taste "good". These foods I've been eating don't have the flavor of a Big Mac or corn chips and cheese dip. However, they still taste fine and are contributing to my better health.
My favorite exercise Kenpo is tomorrow.
Dan
Because of the carpet cleaning, I didn't get the workout started until around 1:45. It wasn't morning, which I had hoped for, but I still get the evening to myself again. Last night was great because I could come home from the NHS induction and watch some basketball.
As for the workout, I did about the same as last week. Today was the first day I was able to stay down in the well squat for the full 90 seconds. Only did 55 seconds last week. The single leg wall squats weren't quite as good, so maybe it was a wash. On the pull-up exercises, I backed up some to get some better resistance.
6 Ab Ripper workouts in a row now with increases in reps. I'm up to 285 now, compared to about 165 on day 1. Now if I could just get rid of this "ab cover", so I can see the progress being made down there! :) Maybe after P90X round 2!
Speaking of round 2, I don't want to get ahead of myself. Don't get me wrong...I'm thrilled with my results so far and ever happier with my ability to stick with eating right for these 19 days. Like I wrote in an earlier post, I'm hoping to make these eating habits permanent...P90X or no P90X. The workouts are just the gravy on top to get me in the physical shape I want to be in going forward.
I haven't been posting much about what I've been eating lately, but that's because it's pretty much similar every day. For breakfast, I choose between an apple, 2 pieces of turkey bacon, whole wheat toast with jam, fried egg whites, and cottage cheese. For snacks, I usually have a vanilla why shake with banana, celery, tuna, pistachios, a 50 calorie fruit cup or string cheese. For lunch I have either a Boca burger (with ketchup, mustard and a fat-free cheese slice) or a turkey and (fat-free) cheese sandwich with fat-free mayo on whole wheat bread, baby carrots, nonfat yogurt, or a piece of fruit. For dinner I've had salmon, chicken breast and steak with some kind of microwaved vegetable (broccoli, cauliflower, and even brussel sprouts). I've also had whole wheat spaghetti. In eating all of this food, I'm hoping that my brain is learning that eating is about nourishment and not getting some "high" off of eating bad foods that taste "good". These foods I've been eating don't have the flavor of a Big Mac or corn chips and cheese dip. However, they still taste fine and are contributing to my better health.
My favorite exercise Kenpo is tomorrow.
Dan
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Day 18: Yoga X
Wow! Look at the time of this post? Can you believe it? I'm posting about my workout before 5pm on the day of the workout? Yep! I had some training this morning at an offsite training facility and decided to take the afternoon off. Tonight is Brandt's National Honor Society ceremony so I decided to get the workout done early.
I know this sounds like a broken record, but I'm making some minor progress on these exercises. I can keep a lot of the initial moves (Crescent, Warriors, Triangle, etc.) longer and without losing my balance. Still having problems with Half Moon, but as Tony tells us, it's an advanced move, and this was only my 3rd shot at Yoga, so I don't feel too bad.
As for the balance moves, I'm able to do Crane for a short period, and shoulder stands are coming along. I can stay up the whole time, but still can't quite get up to straight with both legs together. The Yoga Ab 7 (or whatever it's called) is also tough for me at times because one of my main struggles in it (and Ab Ripper X) is the ability to keep my feet up in the air...they fatigue very quickly. I have to believe my legs are still too heavy for my leg muscles to handle.
Excited for tomorrow as it will be my last "weight" workout and Ab Ripper X workout for a week. I don't mind the Legs and Back workout, but I'm ready for a break. I have the day off, so I will again be able to get these workouts done very early. My goal is to get it done in the morning.
Just a note. Id anyone else is doing P90X (or any other BeachBody program) and hasn't gone to http://www.teambeachbody.com, then I suggest you do so. It's free and it's a great resource to help out people like us that need help. You get assigned a coach and there are all kinds of cool resources like a workout calendar, a blog, message boards, etc. Check it out!
Dan
I know this sounds like a broken record, but I'm making some minor progress on these exercises. I can keep a lot of the initial moves (Crescent, Warriors, Triangle, etc.) longer and without losing my balance. Still having problems with Half Moon, but as Tony tells us, it's an advanced move, and this was only my 3rd shot at Yoga, so I don't feel too bad.
As for the balance moves, I'm able to do Crane for a short period, and shoulder stands are coming along. I can stay up the whole time, but still can't quite get up to straight with both legs together. The Yoga Ab 7 (or whatever it's called) is also tough for me at times because one of my main struggles in it (and Ab Ripper X) is the ability to keep my feet up in the air...they fatigue very quickly. I have to believe my legs are still too heavy for my leg muscles to handle.
Excited for tomorrow as it will be my last "weight" workout and Ab Ripper X workout for a week. I don't mind the Legs and Back workout, but I'm ready for a break. I have the day off, so I will again be able to get these workouts done very early. My goal is to get it done in the morning.
Just a note. Id anyone else is doing P90X (or any other BeachBody program) and hasn't gone to http://www.teambeachbody.com, then I suggest you do so. It's free and it's a great resource to help out people like us that need help. You get assigned a coach and there are all kinds of cool resources like a workout calendar, a blog, message boards, etc. Check it out!
Dan
Day 17: Shoulders and Arms with Ab Ripper X
Good day and good workout yesterday. I had to start late because of leaving work late and baseball practice. However, it wasn't anything I can control, so I'm not sweating it. The Shoulders and Arms workout is one of my better ones, so it went well. I can start to feel some more definition in my shoulders, so it's working!
For the 5th straight day, I've improved reps on Ab Ripper X. As I've said before, my form is not where it needs to be, but that will be coming. I still think I lean back too far on a lot of the exercises, which puts additional strain on my lower back, but I can't do as well yet leaning farther forward. I'm just doing the best I can...and "Forgetting the Rest". :)
Nothing new to report on my nutrition. I'm pretty much set in a routine of what I'm eating and when. I'm trying to eat a little bit every 2 hours, because I've read that helps my metabolism.
I did sneak a little peak at my weight this morning. I'm down 13.5 pounds (274.0 to 260.5), and the machine says I'm down 1% body fat. I'm thinking that number isn't quite right because that would mean I've lost lean body weight. I don't see how that could be with all of the muscle work I've been doing the past 17 days. One reason could be that my first measurement was at night and this measurement was this morning fresh out of the shower. My official Day 30 weigh in will be at night, so hopefully that will be a more accurate number. Regardless, I'm carrying 13.5 lbs less weight, so that's wonderful!
Yoga yoga yoga! (Yes, I understand the Animal House reference now, Kevin!)
Dan
For the 5th straight day, I've improved reps on Ab Ripper X. As I've said before, my form is not where it needs to be, but that will be coming. I still think I lean back too far on a lot of the exercises, which puts additional strain on my lower back, but I can't do as well yet leaning farther forward. I'm just doing the best I can...and "Forgetting the Rest". :)
Nothing new to report on my nutrition. I'm pretty much set in a routine of what I'm eating and when. I'm trying to eat a little bit every 2 hours, because I've read that helps my metabolism.
I did sneak a little peak at my weight this morning. I'm down 13.5 pounds (274.0 to 260.5), and the machine says I'm down 1% body fat. I'm thinking that number isn't quite right because that would mean I've lost lean body weight. I don't see how that could be with all of the muscle work I've been doing the past 17 days. One reason could be that my first measurement was at night and this measurement was this morning fresh out of the shower. My official Day 30 weigh in will be at night, so hopefully that will be a more accurate number. Regardless, I'm carrying 13.5 lbs less weight, so that's wonderful!
Yoga yoga yoga! (Yes, I understand the Animal House reference now, Kevin!)
Dan
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Day 16: Plyometrics
Another day, another new food I ate last night. This time it was whole wheat spaghetti with Hunts spaghetti sauce. It was really good! We usually eat Hunts, but before we would add ground beef. Not now!
The workout was great last night! Some of the exercises that I had to stop short before, I was able to do all the way through this time. Probably did between 90 and 95% this time. This is a fun workout, probably #2 for me behind Kenpo. Unfortunately I don't to this workout next week during the recovery week of block 1 of the program. I do get to introduce a new one next week, Core Synergistics. Interested to see how that one goes.
Shoulders and Arms tonight!
Dan
The workout was great last night! Some of the exercises that I had to stop short before, I was able to do all the way through this time. Probably did between 90 and 95% this time. This is a fun workout, probably #2 for me behind Kenpo. Unfortunately I don't to this workout next week during the recovery week of block 1 of the program. I do get to introduce a new one next week, Core Synergistics. Interested to see how that one goes.
Shoulders and Arms tonight!
Dan
Monday, March 19, 2012
Day 15: Chest and Back with Ab Ripper X
Success! I started the workout around 7:30 tonight! It's still late, but not bad for a weekday and I made the conscious effort to not wait until 8:30 when the kids went to bed. Little successes add up to big accomplishments!
Gained one additional rep on Ab Ripper tonight. The biggest problems are with the exercises where I have to keep my legs up high in the air like the scissors.
I can't say I'm too sad that this was the last time I had do this workout until week 9 (day 57). Besides Yoga, it's the toughest workout I've done so far. I guess my attitude should be that if they are the weakest, then I should welcome them. I guess that's right, because I need the work. Oh well, ciao Chest and Back! See you in 6 weeks!
Having said all of that, I did see some very small improvements in push-ups...like maybe one additional rep per exercise. With pull ups it's hard to tell using bands. I think I'll probably setup a bar for the next round and see where I'm at. Maybe I can start trying to do them and then use a chair when I need it. We'll see. I made up some heavier weights for heavy pants and lawnmowers and I could definitely feel a better workout on those.
Gained one additional rep on Ab Ripper tonight. The biggest problems are with the exercises where I have to keep my legs up high in the air like the scissors.
On the nutrition front, eating differently has given me a chance to eat more of some foods that I really didn't eat much of before. Mostly vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, celery, squash, etc.. Also, I'm eating more whole grain breads and some brown rice. More fish and lots more chicken. One thing I'd never eaten before (until tonight) was brussel sprouts. I had them tonight, and they weren't too bad. They are no french fry or potato chip from a flavor standpoint, but I'm more concerned with healthy eating right now.
Pushing on to Plyometrics tomorrow!
Dan
Pushing on to Plyometrics tomorrow!
Dan
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Day 14: X Stretch
Did my stretching about 4pm today (much better!), and it felt really good. I feel like I'm making small progress on things like shoulder stand (still can't go all of the way over but can keep my legs up) and hamstring stretches. I can reach maybe an inch farther than before. Doesn't sound like much, but any progress helps motivate me going forward.
On the food front, I'm still going strong. I left my whey protein mix at work this week, so I've missed that, but I've been eating good anyway. For some reason, it's been way easier than it's ever been before for me. About 5 years ago I lost about 35 pounds following Weight Watchers from a book. Of course, I gained it all back plus some. This time, I'm hoping I can convince myself that when P90X is complete, I still need to eat the healthy way. It's got to be for good, not just for 90 days. That will be tough, but it's what I'm shooting for.
Week 3 starts tomorrow. I'm thrilled with the results so far. I haven't "officially" weighed myself, and won't until day 30. See my post on April 3rd for the first month's results.
Have a good week, everybody!
Dan
On the food front, I'm still going strong. I left my whey protein mix at work this week, so I've missed that, but I've been eating good anyway. For some reason, it's been way easier than it's ever been before for me. About 5 years ago I lost about 35 pounds following Weight Watchers from a book. Of course, I gained it all back plus some. This time, I'm hoping I can convince myself that when P90X is complete, I still need to eat the healthy way. It's got to be for good, not just for 90 days. That will be tough, but it's what I'm shooting for.
Week 3 starts tomorrow. I'm thrilled with the results so far. I haven't "officially" weighed myself, and won't until day 30. See my post on April 3rd for the first month's results.
Have a good week, everybody!
Dan
Day 13: Kenpo X
I can't say that it was for bad reasons, but guess when I did my Kenpo X workout? If you said 9:30 pm, you win the prize! I did go golfing earlier in the day with my dad, Brandt and Brandt's girlfriend Justina. We played 18 holes and had a good time...even got a bit of a sunburn! In March! Then, we went to Wendy's folks for a cookout with them and Wendy's brother and sister in law Jeanette. I had some steak, salad with vinaigrette dressing and some of Jeanette's famous fruit salad. I even had seconds of the fruit salad. Then, from there, we delivered a couch and a couple of dressers to my parent's house. We obviously didn't get home until around 9.
Now, having said all of that, I had an opportunity to do the workout before the lunch and didn't take it. My bad...and I need to be better about that. I end up getting to bed too late and don't get the proper amount of sleep. During the week, I have a better excuse, but during the weekend, I need to get it done much earlier.
As for the workout, I again did it all, but just didn't feel 100%. The heart rate didn't get much above 160. I'm sure the fact that I was yawning on the way home had something to do with all this. This is my quest for next week. Workout early!!
Dan
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Day 12: Legs and Back with Ab Ripper X
Well, I had my first weak moment on Friday. For a few days, I have been feeling like I didn't want to do the workouts. After the strong push of the first week, my lazy tendencies seem to want to come back. I think this is why I've failed so many other times to lost weight or get into better shape. It's like my "old Dan" says "well, that was fun, but let's get back to normal now, OK?"
We decided to go to the mexican restaurant for supper. My mindset before going there was that I'd been doing so good with eating that I could take one meal off and it would be fine. Therefore, I had chips and salsa prior to the meal. However, I did make a good choice and had talapia, rice and steamed vegetables. The vegetables where in some kind of cream sauce, so that wasn't the greatest but I could have done worse. After dinner, we got home and made a fire in our new chiminea. At about 9:30 I realized I hadn't done my workout yet. "old Dan" told me I could just do it in the morning and then do my regular Saturday workout later. I resisted, tough, because I don't want to start cutting corners with this program. It's very important to me and once I start down that slippery slope, it could start to unravel pretty quickly. "old Dan" can be very convincing!
Therefore, I went in and knocked out Legs and Back with Ab Ripper X. I didn't finish until after 11:00, but I did it. Afterwards, I felt great because my legs were telling me I worked them pretty good. I again increased my reps on Ab Ripper! I keep thinking I'm going to come back down, but this is the 4th straight workout where the reps have improved.
Lastly, this morning before we got out of bed, I found and watched about 30 minutes of a P90X infomercial on the TV. I like to watch them because the other people's stories give me motivation.
Kenpo, my favorite, is up today. Think I'll do it this morning and get it over with! Show "old Dan" who's boss!
Dan
We decided to go to the mexican restaurant for supper. My mindset before going there was that I'd been doing so good with eating that I could take one meal off and it would be fine. Therefore, I had chips and salsa prior to the meal. However, I did make a good choice and had talapia, rice and steamed vegetables. The vegetables where in some kind of cream sauce, so that wasn't the greatest but I could have done worse. After dinner, we got home and made a fire in our new chiminea. At about 9:30 I realized I hadn't done my workout yet. "old Dan" told me I could just do it in the morning and then do my regular Saturday workout later. I resisted, tough, because I don't want to start cutting corners with this program. It's very important to me and once I start down that slippery slope, it could start to unravel pretty quickly. "old Dan" can be very convincing!
Therefore, I went in and knocked out Legs and Back with Ab Ripper X. I didn't finish until after 11:00, but I did it. Afterwards, I felt great because my legs were telling me I worked them pretty good. I again increased my reps on Ab Ripper! I keep thinking I'm going to come back down, but this is the 4th straight workout where the reps have improved.
Lastly, this morning before we got out of bed, I found and watched about 30 minutes of a P90X infomercial on the TV. I like to watch them because the other people's stories give me motivation.
Kenpo, my favorite, is up today. Think I'll do it this morning and get it over with! Show "old Dan" who's boss!
Dan
Friday, March 16, 2012
Day 11: Yoga X
Had a pretty good day yesterday. The company I work for provides a great program called Simply Well, and one of the benefits of the program is an annual health assessment. I got the results back yesterday, and am thrilled! My cholesterol is down to 135! It's never been that low before! Also, my triglycerides have been high (>200) in the past and they are now 92! I've only been on the P90X program (and it's nutrition program) for 11 days, so surely it can't be all of the reason. Anyway, I'm very happy about that.
As for the Yoga workout, I feel like I did a little better. It's still a struggle for me, mostly because my gut still gets in the way a lot. however, I feel like I did better, so that's all I can ask for. Actually did some of the plough stuff tonight, yet I still can't get up into the shoulder stand. Baby steps.
Legs and back later tonight!
Dan
As for the Yoga workout, I feel like I did a little better. It's still a struggle for me, mostly because my gut still gets in the way a lot. however, I feel like I did better, so that's all I can ask for. Actually did some of the plough stuff tonight, yet I still can't get up into the shoulder stand. Baby steps.
Legs and back later tonight!
Dan
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Day 10: Shoulders and Arms with Ab Ripper X
I'm showing a very slow but steady improvement in all exercises. My thought is that it's partly learning the exercises and also because I'm getting stronger. Shoulders and Arms went well tonight. I do need a larger weight, so I'm going to rig up a couple of 30 lb weights with some old plastic weights we were going to sell. Might as well use them until I can get some "real" ones. Didn't really struggle with any of these exercises.
Ab Ripper X again had an improvement in reps. I'm up to 250/349 now, which is up from 168 and 163 my first two times doing the workout. Struggle with all of the ones where I have to keep my legs up (bicycle, scissors, crunchy frog). I've done all in-and-outs for the last three workouts, but I'm sure that's because they are first??
Nothing really new to report on nutrition except that I don't like my protein shake nearly as much with strawberries as I do with banana. Just doesn't taste as good.
Next shot at Yoga tomorrow. Hope to see some improvement there too.
Dan
Ab Ripper X again had an improvement in reps. I'm up to 250/349 now, which is up from 168 and 163 my first two times doing the workout. Struggle with all of the ones where I have to keep my legs up (bicycle, scissors, crunchy frog). I've done all in-and-outs for the last three workouts, but I'm sure that's because they are first??
Nothing really new to report on nutrition except that I don't like my protein shake nearly as much with strawberries as I do with banana. Just doesn't taste as good.
Next shot at Yoga tomorrow. Hope to see some improvement there too.
Dan
Congratulations Brandt!
I wanted to give a shout out to my son Brandt who was accepted into the Falls City High School chapter of the National Honor Society. He's been working very hard on his classes and has also been participating in football, basketball, golf, baseball and also has been mentoring a special needs student.
We're very proud of you Brandt!
We're very proud of you Brandt!
Day 9: Plyometrics
Well, I don't know if it's the BCAA drink or not, but the soreness is much less this week than it was last week. Last week on Wednesday morning, I could hardly lift my arms above my head. No such issues this week. I'm obviously happy about that!
I did a little better during the Plyometrics workout last night. I'd say I did about 80-85% of the repetitions this time, compared to about 70-75% last week. The heart rate didn't exceed 175, which is also a mild improvement over the 180 I saw last week. Minor progress, but still progress!
We ate at Subway last night before the workout and I so wanted a sandwich, but I'd already had my carbs for the day, so I went for a Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki Salad with pickles, tomato and banana peppers and vinaigrette dressing. Pretty good!
Lastly, I think I felt the slightest looseness in my waistline on my pants yesterday. Nothing hugely obvious, but I felt it. It's a minor thing, but it's always nice to feel a change. I've not weighed myself and I won't until after day 28, but I've gotta believe that some good progress is being made there.
I'm 10% complete with the program!
Dan
I did a little better during the Plyometrics workout last night. I'd say I did about 80-85% of the repetitions this time, compared to about 70-75% last week. The heart rate didn't exceed 175, which is also a mild improvement over the 180 I saw last week. Minor progress, but still progress!
We ate at Subway last night before the workout and I so wanted a sandwich, but I'd already had my carbs for the day, so I went for a Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki Salad with pickles, tomato and banana peppers and vinaigrette dressing. Pretty good!
Lastly, I think I felt the slightest looseness in my waistline on my pants yesterday. Nothing hugely obvious, but I felt it. It's a minor thing, but it's always nice to feel a change. I've not weighed myself and I won't until after day 28, but I've gotta believe that some good progress is being made there.
I'm 10% complete with the program!
Dan
Monday, March 12, 2012
Day 8: Chest and Back with Ab Ripper X
The success and fun I had the past few days almost made me forget that Chest and Back is my weakest workout. I really made very little, if any, progress on push ups. I still believe that I'm just too heavy yet to be able to do much until I get stronger in my shoulders, arms and back. Not to worry though, I did all I was able to from my knees when the standard push ups failed. Still doing fine on the pull-up, but I temper that with the fact that I'm still using bands. Again, slashing weight will help with these.
Ab Ripper X seemed harder, but I again added reps to my total from Friday. I know my form isn't perfect, but again that will come with time. Getting the gut out of the way will help in allowing me to get my chest up higher for many of these exercises.
Trying a new drink tonight. It's an BCAA (Branched Chain Amino Acid) drink that's designed to help me recover faster, along with helping to build muscle after the workout.. I'm hoping for a reduction in soreness this week, both from the drink and also from the fact that I'm on week 2 of the program.
Still on track on nutrition. Not meticulously keeping track of portions anymore...I pretty much know what I can and can't eat.
Plyometrics tomorrow.
Dan
Ab Ripper X seemed harder, but I again added reps to my total from Friday. I know my form isn't perfect, but again that will come with time. Getting the gut out of the way will help in allowing me to get my chest up higher for many of these exercises.
Trying a new drink tonight. It's an BCAA (Branched Chain Amino Acid) drink that's designed to help me recover faster, along with helping to build muscle after the workout.. I'm hoping for a reduction in soreness this week, both from the drink and also from the fact that I'm on week 2 of the program.
Still on track on nutrition. Not meticulously keeping track of portions anymore...I pretty much know what I can and can't eat.
Plyometrics tomorrow.
Dan
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Day 7: X Stretch
Did X Stretch this morning, and it's a nice break on day 7. Still get some stretching in to work on flexibility (which I need a lot of work in), but yet the harder work is put off for a day. The only stretch I'm still unable to do is the plough. I can get the legs over my head, just can't get them up in the air without falling back down. Getting rid of the gut will help with that one.
Last night at Shogun I had salmon steak with steamed rice. Very good and made the best choices possible. Today, we went to St. Joseph for the afternoon and ate lunch at Famous Dave's. There, I had salmon again (I love salmon, if you haven't deduced that yet) with broccoli and pineapple. Great victories for me.
Tomorrow I start the whole week-long process over again. I'm interested to see how many more push ups I'm able to do. I'm also interested to see if Friday's surge in Ab Ripper was the "real deal" or just a "good day".
Regardless of the answers to these questions, I'm happy that I've made it a week with basically no goof-ups or weak moments. I've stayed true to the fitness and nutrition programs, and am just as motivated today as I was a week ago.
1 week down...12 to go!
Dan
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Day 6: Kenpo X
Great news! The soreness has taken a break for awhile. I was beginning to wonder there for awhile. I can certainly tell that I've been working hard, but at least now I can walk and move my arms without wincing!
Nutrition-wise, I've been doing really well these who days at home. I've been using egg whites (some in a carton and some from the shell) for making scrambled eggs in the morning. This morning Wendy and I had french toast on whole wheat bread using egg whites and skim milk. Can hardly tell the difference! We made some lean patio steaks in the broiler yesterday and I've been having some of that as well. Yesterday with ketchup and a salad. Today for lunch cut up into a salad with some low fat grated mozzarella cheese.
Another good thing...I took some of my co-worker's advice and put a banana in with my whey protein shake and it certainly makes a big difference. It's actually pretty good now! Not sure how I'm going to make it at work though as we have no blender. Maybe I need to invest in one of those little handheld blenders. It certainly helps get the shake down.
Last night, I ate out for the first time at a Mexican place in Auburn. I had a grilled chicken breast with some grilled shrimp, pineapple, spinach with pico de gallo, and steamed veggies. It appeared to be the healthiest thing I could get. Had about 5 chips and salsa. Tonight, I have another birthday party for the wife of one of my co-workers. We're going to Shogun (Japanese steakhouse) in Lincoln. Again, I'll get the best thing on the menu. What else can I do?
On to Kenpo. Wow, was that a blast! Hands down my favorite workout so far. I don't want to say it was easy, because it was hard work, but it was the first workout where I could do every move that the people on the video did. The only move I had trouble with (from a form standpoint) was the star blocks (doing all 4 blocks together). The heart rate maxed at 175, so a little lower than Plyometrics. I still take awhile to get the heart rate down, but I'm told that will come when I get into better shape.
Ready for X Stretch tomorrow.
Dan
Nutrition-wise, I've been doing really well these who days at home. I've been using egg whites (some in a carton and some from the shell) for making scrambled eggs in the morning. This morning Wendy and I had french toast on whole wheat bread using egg whites and skim milk. Can hardly tell the difference! We made some lean patio steaks in the broiler yesterday and I've been having some of that as well. Yesterday with ketchup and a salad. Today for lunch cut up into a salad with some low fat grated mozzarella cheese.
Another good thing...I took some of my co-worker's advice and put a banana in with my whey protein shake and it certainly makes a big difference. It's actually pretty good now! Not sure how I'm going to make it at work though as we have no blender. Maybe I need to invest in one of those little handheld blenders. It certainly helps get the shake down.
Last night, I ate out for the first time at a Mexican place in Auburn. I had a grilled chicken breast with some grilled shrimp, pineapple, spinach with pico de gallo, and steamed veggies. It appeared to be the healthiest thing I could get. Had about 5 chips and salsa. Tonight, I have another birthday party for the wife of one of my co-workers. We're going to Shogun (Japanese steakhouse) in Lincoln. Again, I'll get the best thing on the menu. What else can I do?
On to Kenpo. Wow, was that a blast! Hands down my favorite workout so far. I don't want to say it was easy, because it was hard work, but it was the first workout where I could do every move that the people on the video did. The only move I had trouble with (from a form standpoint) was the star blocks (doing all 4 blocks together). The heart rate maxed at 175, so a little lower than Plyometrics. I still take awhile to get the heart rate down, but I'm told that will come when I get into better shape.
Ready for X Stretch tomorrow.
Dan
Friday, March 9, 2012
Day 5: Legs and Back with Ab Ripper X
Legs and Back today. Still struggle with the wall squat. During the fit test, I was able to fight to get 61 seconds, and my butt was almost to the floor with shaking legs. Today it was tough...maybe because my legs were still somewhat sore from Plyometrics? The one legged wall squat was easier for some reason. I also struggled with form on the Step-Back Lunges. Other than that, it wasn't too bad.
Suprisingly, Ab Ripper was easier today as I was able to do 219 of the 349 reps today. I only did around 165 the last two times. That is a big jump, so I'm not convinced I've improved that much. Maybe it's the fact that I did it at 11am? Who knows, I guess we'll see next Monday.
I'm looking forward to Kenpo tomorrow, I hear it's pretty fun. I've watched some of the workout, and I agree, though it certainly doesn't look like a cake walk. I'll be interested to see what my heart rate does this time (see Plyometrics post).
Have a good weekend!
Dan
Suprisingly, Ab Ripper was easier today as I was able to do 219 of the 349 reps today. I only did around 165 the last two times. That is a big jump, so I'm not convinced I've improved that much. Maybe it's the fact that I did it at 11am? Who knows, I guess we'll see next Monday.
I'm looking forward to Kenpo tomorrow, I hear it's pretty fun. I've watched some of the workout, and I agree, though it certainly doesn't look like a cake walk. I'll be interested to see what my heart rate does this time (see Plyometrics post).
Have a good weekend!
Dan
Day 4: Yoga X
OK...I thought doing push ups and pull ups was hard! I was told by a few folks that the Yoga X exercise was not a walk in the park and boy were they right! As with a few of the other exercises in the program, a number of the Yoga exercises are made harder by my weight and my gut getting in the way. However, I did the best I could and finished the video with only a few pauses. This was the first time the entire family was home when I did the exercise, so there were a few distractions but that's to be expected. Also, the Yoga exercises make you sweat like crazy, but they did help out some with the soreness, so that's a good thing.
This is a Friday off, so the next three days will be different, as they will be the first days on the program where I'm not at work during the day. I've always had problems keeping from snacking, so I'm sure I'll be tested. I've already had a few other opportunities to "cheat" and haven't given in, so I'm happy about that. Tonight, we're going to a birthday dinner for my wife's cousin at a Mexican place. I'm guessing some kind of Chicken salad, but we'll see what they have. Obviously, it will be hard to keep up with the P90X portions, but I like my wife's idea of just getting the best thing on the menu and not worrying about it.
Legs and back today (oh great...more pull-ups!).
Dan
This is a Friday off, so the next three days will be different, as they will be the first days on the program where I'm not at work during the day. I've always had problems keeping from snacking, so I'm sure I'll be tested. I've already had a few other opportunities to "cheat" and haven't given in, so I'm happy about that. Tonight, we're going to a birthday dinner for my wife's cousin at a Mexican place. I'm guessing some kind of Chicken salad, but we'll see what they have. Obviously, it will be hard to keep up with the P90X portions, but I like my wife's idea of just getting the best thing on the menu and not worrying about it.
Legs and back today (oh great...more pull-ups!).
Dan
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Day 3: Shoulders and Arms
Wow, was I sore today! I'm wondering now if I need a supplement to help me recover a little faster and alleviate some of the soreness. A colleague of mine has been working out for about three years now and he suggested one that I'm going to look into. If anyone has any other suggestions, please shoot me a comment. I guess there's always the "P90X Recovery Drink" to look at too.
Had a very good shrimp stir fry tonight with some brown rice. I think the rice put me over my carb intake for the day, but I'm not too worried about it. It's better than a Big Mac, right? (BTW, I LOVE Big Macs...if I go the entire 90 days without having one, it will be a pure miracle!).
Tonight's workout was a good one and was easier for me than Chest and Back. I was pleasantly surprised at how well I was able to do the exercises after how my shoulders felt during the day. I'm starting to realize that I don't have the exact weighted barbells I need, but I do have my resistance bands, so for now I'll use those if I think the barbells I have (10s and 20s) aren't sufficient.
Oh, and by the way Cleveland...you were right about distractions!
Ab Ripper seemed easier tonight, but when I summed up my reps, I actually did a couple fewer than Monday night. I chalk this up to not properly counting the first time. I'm convinced this is because I didn't know the exercises yet and frankly I was delirious during the entire workout. Counting was the last thing on my mind. Now that I think I have the exercises down, the numbers should be more true.
Also, and not surprisingly, my legs are now starting to feel the effects of yesterday's Plyometrics workout. I can't wait to walk down the steps tomorrow morning for my shower. NOT!
Lastly, I wanted to give some props to my wife who has made the decision to work on her fitness as well. She's been working on our elliptical machine and the Wii Fit board doing cardio and yoga exercises. And she's joining me in eating better foods too. Good job, Wendy! It certainly helps keep me on track when she is doing the right things.
On to Yoga tomorrow night!
Dan
Had a very good shrimp stir fry tonight with some brown rice. I think the rice put me over my carb intake for the day, but I'm not too worried about it. It's better than a Big Mac, right? (BTW, I LOVE Big Macs...if I go the entire 90 days without having one, it will be a pure miracle!).
Tonight's workout was a good one and was easier for me than Chest and Back. I was pleasantly surprised at how well I was able to do the exercises after how my shoulders felt during the day. I'm starting to realize that I don't have the exact weighted barbells I need, but I do have my resistance bands, so for now I'll use those if I think the barbells I have (10s and 20s) aren't sufficient.
Oh, and by the way Cleveland...you were right about distractions!
Ab Ripper seemed easier tonight, but when I summed up my reps, I actually did a couple fewer than Monday night. I chalk this up to not properly counting the first time. I'm convinced this is because I didn't know the exercises yet and frankly I was delirious during the entire workout. Counting was the last thing on my mind. Now that I think I have the exercises down, the numbers should be more true.
Also, and not surprisingly, my legs are now starting to feel the effects of yesterday's Plyometrics workout. I can't wait to walk down the steps tomorrow morning for my shower. NOT!
Lastly, I wanted to give some props to my wife who has made the decision to work on her fitness as well. She's been working on our elliptical machine and the Wii Fit board doing cardio and yoga exercises. And she's joining me in eating better foods too. Good job, Wendy! It certainly helps keep me on track when she is doing the right things.
On to Yoga tomorrow night!
Dan
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Day 2: Plyometrics
The day started off pretty good! I didn't feel much soreness at all, which began to worry me later in the morning. Had I not "brought it" enough during Chest & Back and Ab Ripper the night before? Well, by 3pm, my worries were all gone. Shoulders, chest and abs were very sore by then are are still singing to me at every little move. I'm thrilled, because it means I made progress. We had a 90 minute baseball practice tonight too, so that helped loosen things up a bit. My first throw during warm ups almost went straight into the ground!
As for the diet today, I staved off a few urges. A couple co-workers celebrated service anniversaries today and pizza was brought in. I was good and ate the turkey sandwich I'd made that morning. Also, the lady who got the pizzas knew I was doing P90X, so she got some salad too. Thanks, Kim! Then, when I got home from work, the wife and girls were gone to Girl Scouts, and I had another urge to splurge. Fought that one off too, and had a nice baked chicken breast with a little BBQ sauce and some cauliflower.
On to the workout. It was tough, but I really enjoyed it. I'd say that I completed about 70-75% of all of the moves with the people in the video. In my opinion, that's pretty good for a fat dude on day 2 of the program. Best of all, I had no nausea during or after the workout. My heart rate stayed between 170-180 beats per minute during almost all of the water breaks. This is a bit high, but I never felt that I was over-exerting myself. I've heard somewhere to look to what your body is telling you, rather than what your heart rate monitor says.
More arm work tomorrow (Shoulders and Arms). I hope the soreness wears off a little bit or it may be kind of tough. Regardless, I'll "Do my best, and forget the rest."
Dan
Monday, March 5, 2012
Day 1: Chest and Back with Ab Ripper X
Well, I pretty much sucked...but I finished it. Chest and Back today, with Ab Ripper X thrown in for good measure. If you haven't done P90X, Chest and Back is pretty much all push ups and pull ups. I can't do a pull-up (too much weight), so I bought a heavy-duty resistance band at Wal-Mart for the pull-ups and stretched it as far as I could to get the max resistance. As for the push ups, I did pretty good, for me, on the first set of standard (8 reg, 10 on my knees). After that, not so great. But that's ok because push ups have always been tough for me. I'll get better.
Ab Ripper X? Holy cow! Again, pretty good on the in-and-outs (20). Lower back tightened up pretty quick after that. Made a few adjustments (like 20/25 scissors with the down leg on the floor), which allowed me to still do something and not just wait until the next exercise. Again, I just hope for gradual improvement.
Best of all, I didn't puke! I certainly felt it coming after I was done, but I held it off.
If you're wondering about nutrition, I'm obviously Level III and am doing the portion approach. I like the variety without having to prepare a recipe all the time. With the wife and kids, I hardly have time for the workouts, so not having to take a ton of time to prepare meals is a plus. Not being able to eat many carbs is going to be tough for me because I'm a carb addict! I love bread, crackers, all that stuff. I'm also told that a carb crash is coming, Hindsight being 20/20, I should have probably started the diet a few weeks early, but I'll fight through it. Supposedly in 4-5 days, I'll be better. Probably going to be a long 4-5 days! :)
Plyometrics tomorrow!
Dan
Ab Ripper X? Holy cow! Again, pretty good on the in-and-outs (20). Lower back tightened up pretty quick after that. Made a few adjustments (like 20/25 scissors with the down leg on the floor), which allowed me to still do something and not just wait until the next exercise. Again, I just hope for gradual improvement.
Best of all, I didn't puke! I certainly felt it coming after I was done, but I held it off.
If you're wondering about nutrition, I'm obviously Level III and am doing the portion approach. I like the variety without having to prepare a recipe all the time. With the wife and kids, I hardly have time for the workouts, so not having to take a ton of time to prepare meals is a plus. Not being able to eat many carbs is going to be tough for me because I'm a carb addict! I love bread, crackers, all that stuff. I'm also told that a carb crash is coming, Hindsight being 20/20, I should have probably started the diet a few weeks early, but I'll fight through it. Supposedly in 4-5 days, I'll be better. Probably going to be a long 4-5 days! :)
Plyometrics tomorrow!
Dan
Non-Believers
Just wanted to add a short note about all of the people I know that think I won't last a week on P90X. When I think about it, I understand why they'd think that way. The "old" me wouldn't stick with this program too long. Difference is, I'm not the "old" me anymore. I look the same (for now, anyway), but inside I'm different.
Finishing this program on June 3rd is going to be such a big day for me. Can't wait to give them the old "told ya' so!"
Dan
Finishing this program on June 3rd is going to be such a big day for me. Can't wait to give them the old "told ya' so!"
Dan
Friday, March 2, 2012
P90X!!
Well, I'm back...and for a very good reason! I'm starting P90X this coming Monday. Why, do you ask? Well, a variety of reasons, not the least of which turning 40 last month.
I plan to use this blog as a way to report how things are going. I got this idea from Paul Piotrowski (paulymath.com) while I was looking for the P90X workout sheets. Paul has a cool spreadsheet that helps you keep track of your progress if you are doing the P90X Classic program. My inspiration for starting up this blog again is his daily updates on his progress. I'm not sure I will be able to provide the detail (or frequency) that he did, but I'll do my best. I'll certainly be posting a couple of my pictures as I take them before day 1 and then again every 4 weeks.
I plan to use this blog as a way to report how things are going. I got this idea from Paul Piotrowski (paulymath.com) while I was looking for the P90X workout sheets. Paul has a cool spreadsheet that helps you keep track of your progress if you are doing the P90X Classic program. My inspiration for starting up this blog again is his daily updates on his progress. I'm not sure I will be able to provide the detail (or frequency) that he did, but I'll do my best. I'll certainly be posting a couple of my pictures as I take them before day 1 and then again every 4 weeks.
As for the program itself, I'm very excited to get started. Obviously, I have some reservations about how well I'll be able to do. I did "pass" the fit test (could not do a full pull up), so I guess Beach Body considers me worthy. It's obviously going to be a struggle (I suck as push-ups too), but I'm full of resolve! I've been making excuses for so long now...it's time to start making smart decisions! Not just for me, but also for my family and friends! I need them and they need me!
Wish me luck!
Dan
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