I hate it when I'm right, but I was right. I put the chair behind me for the pull ups and HELLO! Much more difficult, but much more realistic given my door frame apparatus.
Last night I ate dinner at the Outback restaurant. Once again, it was hard to see my dinner companion eat whatever, while I asked the waitress for the under 500 calorie meal.
Alas, there can be no change without sacrifice.
Middle aged white man tied to a desk all day is turning 40 in 2012. What more needs to be said? Maybe this from my teenage daughter: "This program gives old guys muscles. Gross."
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Day 37: Plyometrics
I went to bed at 8pm last night and awoke at 6am today. It was a glorious 10 hours of much needed sleep. Still, I fought the urge to postpone the workout when I awoke. It's going to be a long 53 more days to the finish if I'm already fighting the urge to postpone workouts or skip them altogether.
Plyometics is jump training. I've lost a lot of the "ump" in my jump. Not only that, but I've also come to the discovery that I apparently don't have the derriere cheeks that I used to. Unless I tie my shorts to my waist, my shorts are prone to slip and fall during my jump training. Is this why old men and plumbers always have a hard time keeping their pants up?
I might have to get me a pair of these to bring back my derriere of old:
Plyometics is jump training. I've lost a lot of the "ump" in my jump. Not only that, but I've also come to the discovery that I apparently don't have the derriere cheeks that I used to. Unless I tie my shorts to my waist, my shorts are prone to slip and fall during my jump training. Is this why old men and plumbers always have a hard time keeping their pants up?
I might have to get me a pair of these to bring back my derriere of old:
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Day 36: Chest, Shoulders and Triceps
The 4am workout wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. But my 6am meeting was definitely a test of eyelid endurance.
During the second or third push up exercise, I was straining so hard to straighten my arms that I tweaked a muscle in my upper back/neck area. This is the second time since beginning P90X that I have done this. It's such a pain (in the neck)! Nevertheless, I could see some improvement in some of the push up routines versus the first time I did them last week.
Am I tempted to quit? Yes. Will I? Not today.
Am I tempted to quit? Yes. Will I? Not today.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Day 35: Kenpo X
Week #5 done. Week #6 begins tomorrow.
My body continues to experience daily soreness. I am grateful for the relatively low impact workout of Kenpo X. Although I still can't match the speed of Tony and friends as they go through the exercises.
All I could think about during today's workout was the problem that faces me for tomorrow's workout. Tonight I am scheduled to be in a meeting until probably 9 or 10pm. Then I have another meeting in the morning starting at 6am. So I'm going to have a short night of sleep, and I'll have to begin my workout at 4am tomorrow. That stresses me somewhat. I like my sleep, especially when I'm punishing my body on a daily basis.
My body continues to experience daily soreness. I am grateful for the relatively low impact workout of Kenpo X. Although I still can't match the speed of Tony and friends as they go through the exercises.
All I could think about during today's workout was the problem that faces me for tomorrow's workout. Tonight I am scheduled to be in a meeting until probably 9 or 10pm. Then I have another meeting in the morning starting at 6am. So I'm going to have a short night of sleep, and I'll have to begin my workout at 4am tomorrow. That stresses me somewhat. I like my sleep, especially when I'm punishing my body on a daily basis.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Day 34: Legs and Back
I hate that this routine is always on a Monday. It's a rude awakening back into the exercise world.
I realized this morning while doing pull ups with the assistance of the chair, that I should probably be putting the chair behind me, instead of in front. The reason being because when I do a pull up without a chair, my legs are tucked behind me. If I practice pull ups with a chair in front, then when I lose the chair and put my legs in back, it puts a different kind of strain on my muscles. Make sense? It does to me. I've been putting the chair out in front of me, because that's how they demonstrate it on TV. But what I didn't realize until this morning, is that their pull up bar is high enough off the ground to allow for that. My pull up bar is in my door frame, so my legs have to be tucked in the back. The continual learning curve is steep, my friends.
And even though I don't own or wear a heart monitor, I'm pretty sure that my heart rate was in the "zone" during this workout. Tip of the day: Breathe and often.
I realized this morning while doing pull ups with the assistance of the chair, that I should probably be putting the chair behind me, instead of in front. The reason being because when I do a pull up without a chair, my legs are tucked behind me. If I practice pull ups with a chair in front, then when I lose the chair and put my legs in back, it puts a different kind of strain on my muscles. Make sense? It does to me. I've been putting the chair out in front of me, because that's how they demonstrate it on TV. But what I didn't realize until this morning, is that their pull up bar is high enough off the ground to allow for that. My pull up bar is in my door frame, so my legs have to be tucked in the back. The continual learning curve is steep, my friends.
And even though I don't own or wear a heart monitor, I'm pretty sure that my heart rate was in the "zone" during this workout. Tip of the day: Breathe and often.
Day 33: Rest
While my body is recovering from the start of week #5, let's talk calories.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday were all 3,000 calorie days or more. I went to bed Sunday evening feeling sick from having eaten too much. That's not a good feeling or a good thing to do. Sunday was the worst. I consumed 3,800 calories, almost 2,000 of which were attributed to dessert items. The 3,800 number is the highest I've reached since starting P90X. Looking at my pre-P90X days, and considering what I did on Sunday, I'm guessing that I was probably averaging 4,000 calories a day or more. No wonder I turned into the Pillsbury dough boy. When you're eating for 2 and exercising for none, you gain weight. It's simple math, people.
I awoke Monday morning and my stomach acids were still processing the weekend food haul and it didn't feel good. Looks like I won't be eating much today. I've still got plenty in the tank.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday were all 3,000 calorie days or more. I went to bed Sunday evening feeling sick from having eaten too much. That's not a good feeling or a good thing to do. Sunday was the worst. I consumed 3,800 calories, almost 2,000 of which were attributed to dessert items. The 3,800 number is the highest I've reached since starting P90X. Looking at my pre-P90X days, and considering what I did on Sunday, I'm guessing that I was probably averaging 4,000 calories a day or more. No wonder I turned into the Pillsbury dough boy. When you're eating for 2 and exercising for none, you gain weight. It's simple math, people.
I awoke Monday morning and my stomach acids were still processing the weekend food haul and it didn't feel good. Looks like I won't be eating much today. I've still got plenty in the tank.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Day 32: Yoga X
My body is very sore just days after beginning Phase 2. It must mean that the program is continuing to work its magic.
I got to use my recently purchased yoga block for the first time. It made a difference in several positions. And I'm pleased with my on-going progress in yoga. Today, during the upward dog moves, I kept my knees off the ground. Previously, they were always on the ground. I must be getting stronger.
I'm really looking forward to my day of rest tomorrow. I need it.
PS. At a social function I was at tonight, people were commenting that they could tell I'd lost weight. I don't know how much weight I've lost, if at all. But my 30 day measurements did reveal that there were some inches lost or gained here and there.
I got to use my recently purchased yoga block for the first time. It made a difference in several positions. And I'm pleased with my on-going progress in yoga. Today, during the upward dog moves, I kept my knees off the ground. Previously, they were always on the ground. I must be getting stronger.
I'm really looking forward to my day of rest tomorrow. I need it.
PS. At a social function I was at tonight, people were commenting that they could tell I'd lost weight. I don't know how much weight I've lost, if at all. But my 30 day measurements did reveal that there were some inches lost or gained here and there.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Phase 1 Results
That's right, people! 30 days completed. Phase 1 done.
I did not get on the scale. I'll save that for day 90. But I did take measurements and pictures.
Here's what I'll share versus day one.
Did you think you were going to get actual pictures? Silly kids. As you can see, my thighs and arms each gained 2 inches in the last month. I've lost almost an inch off the waist. From what I can tell, based on quick research, I'm pretty much on track for the average 30 day mark.
It's a relentless program. Now for Phase 2.
I did not get on the scale. I'll save that for day 90. But I did take measurements and pictures.
Here's what I'll share versus day one.
Did you think you were going to get actual pictures? Silly kids. As you can see, my thighs and arms each gained 2 inches in the last month. I've lost almost an inch off the waist. From what I can tell, based on quick research, I'm pretty much on track for the average 30 day mark.
It's a relentless program. Now for Phase 2.
Day 31: Back and Biceps
Another killer routine. Hello corn cob pull ups! I can't imagine having the strength and muscle necessary to perform those. Needless to say my friend the chair was back with me.
It was nice to see a "normal" person during this routine. The girl Horton had helping him was not like any of the other assitants. She struggled; she made comments. It was good. I also appreciated hearing one of the guys say "I hate this" about one of the exercises. I think that phrase often.
Say what you want about Tony. But he's 45 and built like he's 20. If I had his arms, I'd sell tickets to my own gun show.
It was nice to see a "normal" person during this routine. The girl Horton had helping him was not like any of the other assitants. She struggled; she made comments. It was good. I also appreciated hearing one of the guys say "I hate this" about one of the exercises. I think that phrase often.
Say what you want about Tony. But he's 45 and built like he's 20. If I had his arms, I'd sell tickets to my own gun show.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Day 30: Plyometrics
YES! I'm 1/3 of the way done. Measurements and pictures tonight at 9pm to maintain continuity with my Day 1 pictures and measurements. Will there be any noticable differences? I believe so. But I'm more interested in the numbers - to see how many inches I've lost, or perhaps gained in the form of muscle.
This morning's routine was the hardest routine to date. I looked like this when I was done (minus the long hair).
Today I realized that I'm also grateful for Tony's verbal tips and reminders. It's helpful to have someone say, when doing squats, for instance, "Don't bend your back; keep your back straight and bend your knees." Everyday Tony helps me correct at least one thing that I'm doing wrong.
PS. My body is so sore again. Yesterday's routine has left my shoulders burning!
This morning's routine was the hardest routine to date. I looked like this when I was done (minus the long hair).
Today I realized that I'm also grateful for Tony's verbal tips and reminders. It's helpful to have someone say, when doing squats, for instance, "Don't bend your back; keep your back straight and bend your knees." Everyday Tony helps me correct at least one thing that I'm doing wrong.
PS. My body is so sore again. Yesterday's routine has left my shoulders burning!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Day 29: Chest, Shoulders and Triceps
Week #5 has begun; and more importantly, tomorrow night I'll be measured and photographed. Woo hoo!
Today was all about push ups. And since my upper body strength is not equal to my body mass yet, that means I'm still on my knees. Which means that when Tony says, "Watch me" I'm really watching the female to see what she's doing, because I'm not in Tony's league yet.
I think the recovery week was a bad thing for me, food wise. I'm looking over my journal and seeing that I ate more desserts during the recovery week than during any of the other previous weeks. Interesting to me. When I'm lifting weights, no desserts - but when I'm stretching, desserts. Good thing the weights are back.
Today was all about push ups. And since my upper body strength is not equal to my body mass yet, that means I'm still on my knees. Which means that when Tony says, "Watch me" I'm really watching the female to see what she's doing, because I'm not in Tony's league yet.
I think the recovery week was a bad thing for me, food wise. I'm looking over my journal and seeing that I ate more desserts during the recovery week than during any of the other previous weeks. Interesting to me. When I'm lifting weights, no desserts - but when I'm stretching, desserts. Good thing the weights are back.
Day 28: Yoga X
The end of week #4 and Phase #1.
The yoga blocks I ordered did not arrive in time for today's routine. Unlike the Core Synergistics replacement DVD, I'll be able to use my yoga blocks on a weekly basis when they get here. I have to wait until week 8 to use my replacement DVD.
My yoga endurance continues to build. I even did a few push ups while in plank, which was a first.
The yoga blocks I ordered did not arrive in time for today's routine. Unlike the Core Synergistics replacement DVD, I'll be able to use my yoga blocks on a weekly basis when they get here. I have to wait until week 8 to use my replacement DVD.
My yoga endurance continues to build. I even did a few push ups while in plank, which was a first.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Day 27: Core Synergistics
My replacement DVD did not arrive before this morning's return to the prison cell push ups. (Those are killer!) So my workout ended a little early, again. Now I'll have to wait until week 8 to get the full workout. (No need to rush the shipping now, Horton. Thanks anyway.)
Only 3 more days and I get measured and photographed. To be fair, I should probably not do it right after the workout. The first time I did it, it was just before bed. So I'll do that again to maintain consistency and for accuracy of results.
Only 3 more days and I get measured and photographed. To be fair, I should probably not do it right after the workout. The first time I did it, it was just before bed. So I'll do that again to maintain consistency and for accuracy of results.
Day 26: X Stretch
"Dad, you're doing P90X on a Sunday?" Normally a blasphemous suggestion. However, given that it was X Stretch, it wasn't so much exercise as it was stretching.
I ended up doing the routine just before bedtime. A good way to unwind (literally) from the day and get ready for bed.
Calorie update: Some may pish posh at my dessert indulgence. But when you're counting calories and trying to train your body, eating sweets doesn't help. Each time you allow yourself a treat, it makes saying "No" to the next one that much harder.
I ended up doing the routine just before bedtime. A good way to unwind (literally) from the day and get ready for bed.
Calorie update: Some may pish posh at my dessert indulgence. But when you're counting calories and trying to train your body, eating sweets doesn't help. Each time you allow yourself a treat, it makes saying "No" to the next one that much harder.
(to desserts)
Day 25: Rest
Wait a minute. Resting on a Saturday? Yes; it's true. Here's the Golden Rule with P90X: Do it first thing in the morning or it won't get done. Then again, I knew that the workout scheduled for today was X Stretch, which I rationalized could be done even on a Sunday, if I wanted. So perhaps that aided my decision making process.
The morning was busy for me. I had a road race I was helping administer and a parade I had to march in. Elected officials have extra duties when their town has a celebration. I ended up walking about 3 miles in dress shoes between the parade and the road race, and ended up with a nice blister on my left heel. Then, at home, I was closing the pool while wearing flip flops and ended up taking the skin off two of my toes on my right foot. Perhaps those injuries also contributed to my Saturday day of rest.
Whatever. Tick, tock. The P90X clock never stops. I'll get the workout done tomorrow. And life will continue.
Here's me and my fellow Selectmen parading. I was caught in the middle of clapping for those who were clapping for us.
The morning was busy for me. I had a road race I was helping administer and a parade I had to march in. Elected officials have extra duties when their town has a celebration. I ended up walking about 3 miles in dress shoes between the parade and the road race, and ended up with a nice blister on my left heel. Then, at home, I was closing the pool while wearing flip flops and ended up taking the skin off two of my toes on my right foot. Perhaps those injuries also contributed to my Saturday day of rest.
Whatever. Tick, tock. The P90X clock never stops. I'll get the workout done tomorrow. And life will continue.
Here's me and my fellow Selectmen parading. I was caught in the middle of clapping for those who were clapping for us.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Day 24: Kenpo X
This workout is the only one where I feel like I can actually keep pace with Tony and friends. Except when it comes to the star blocks. Then I just flail my arms wildly and hope that I'm hitting at least a portion of the move.
I couldn't resist an apple crisp with a little vanilla ice cream tonight. I've been trying to limit myself to just one dessert per week, but I guess that's over now, because tonight's dessert was my second this week.
This time next week, I'll be posting my one month measurements, and possibly some pictures, too. Tick, tock Tony. My time with you is slowly coming to a close.
I couldn't resist an apple crisp with a little vanilla ice cream tonight. I've been trying to limit myself to just one dessert per week, but I guess that's over now, because tonight's dessert was my second this week.
This time next week, I'll be posting my one month measurements, and possibly some pictures, too. Tick, tock Tony. My time with you is slowly coming to a close.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Day 23: Core Synergistics
Seriously. I thought this was my recovery week. I have a feeling I'm going to be sore tomorrow. But I guess that's a good thing. Just another testament to the variety and muscle confusion that this program offers.
However, I was unable to complete the workout because this particular DVD had a scratch on it. I tried cleaning the DVD twice and restarting it, but it would always get stuck at the same place. So I only got as far as towel jumping, which means I missed the last 5 exercises. I called Beach Body this morning and I have a new DVD being express mailed. Hopefully it arrives before I have to do this routine again on Monday.
I think Tony got a little carried away with the Superman Banana routine, having us switch every 3 seconds. Convenient that he could not participate because of his microphone pack.
However, I was unable to complete the workout because this particular DVD had a scratch on it. I tried cleaning the DVD twice and restarting it, but it would always get stuck at the same place. So I only got as far as towel jumping, which means I missed the last 5 exercises. I called Beach Body this morning and I have a new DVD being express mailed. Hopefully it arrives before I have to do this routine again on Monday.
I think Tony got a little carried away with the Superman Banana routine, having us switch every 3 seconds. Convenient that he could not participate because of his microphone pack.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Day 22: Yoga X
I thought this was a recovery week? My extreme Twister torture required more toweling off this morning than in sessions past.
I made a Yoga breakthrough finally performing correctly, the move (and I can't recall the Yoga name) that takes you from plank into upward dog. It's an arching, sliding motion of your upper body from a push up position down and up into the upward dog. Anyway, a little milestone. Now I don't just collapse onto the floor from plank like I used to.
I also realized today that I really need to get myself a Yoga block or two. I am just not flexible enough to reach the ground, and maybe the block will help me.
Here are the promised pictures of me and my warrior girls. Awesome.
I made a Yoga breakthrough finally performing correctly, the move (and I can't recall the Yoga name) that takes you from plank into upward dog. It's an arching, sliding motion of your upper body from a push up position down and up into the upward dog. Anyway, a little milestone. Now I don't just collapse onto the floor from plank like I used to.
I also realized today that I really need to get myself a Yoga block or two. I am just not flexible enough to reach the ground, and maybe the block will help me.
Here are the promised pictures of me and my warrior girls. Awesome.
Twisting Triangle
Upward Dog
Listening to Tony
Chair Pose
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Day 21: Kenpo X
Week #3 is DONE.
I'm looking forward to week #4 - a recovery week. I'm also looking forward to a new routine, Core Synergistics. Whatever that is.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Day 20: Legs and Back
Only 10 more days before I get measured and photographed again.
The third time through this routine wasn't as bad as the previous two. My only takeaway from this morning is that I need to lose the chair I use as a crutch with my pull ups. Hopefully by week 5, after I've had a week off from pull ups, I'll be ready.
No Ab Ripper X today. I worked out from 5-6 a.m., then had to shower, dress and eat before picking up my daughter and taking her to school. My wife and I alternate weeks driving her to school. Time is of the essence in the morning.
The third time through this routine wasn't as bad as the previous two. My only takeaway from this morning is that I need to lose the chair I use as a crutch with my pull ups. Hopefully by week 5, after I've had a week off from pull ups, I'll be ready.
No Ab Ripper X today. I worked out from 5-6 a.m., then had to shower, dress and eat before picking up my daughter and taking her to school. My wife and I alternate weeks driving her to school. Time is of the essence in the morning.
Day 19: Rest
Yesterday I went out to eat at a restaurant with my family and parents to celebrate my parents 50th wedding anniversary. Fortunately, this particular restaurant had a website giving calorie information for all of its food items. So I knew exactly what I was taking in. This is the third time I've eaten at a restaurant since beginning P90X. The previous two times, I came away with only a salad and some bread. This time, I got a burger, but substituted the fries for some asparagus.
I'll be honest. It hurt not to order whatever, and load it up with ketchup or some other condiment. It also hurt when my Dad ordered fried onion rings, to see everyone else digging in, while I had to chew on ice and wait for my asparagus to arrive.
I'll be honest. It hurt not to order whatever, and load it up with ketchup or some other condiment. It also hurt when my Dad ordered fried onion rings, to see everyone else digging in, while I had to chew on ice and wait for my asparagus to arrive.
Day 18: Yoga X
Day 18 means another milestone: 20% finished with my P90X journey. Because it's Saturday, and because at least one of my girls expressed an interest in doing the Yoga X with me, I postponed my normal morning workout until the early afternoon hours when the girls were done with their morning soccer games.
Rachael took pictures of me and the girls doing some half moons, twisted prayers and upward dogs. I'll download them and attach them to my next Yoga X day. It was fun to have the girls doing the workout with me. I think they gained an appreciation for how hard P90X is, even on Yoga X day.
One of them summarized it best: "Dad, this is like playing extreme Twister."
Rachael took pictures of me and the girls doing some half moons, twisted prayers and upward dogs. I'll download them and attach them to my next Yoga X day. It was fun to have the girls doing the workout with me. I think they gained an appreciation for how hard P90X is, even on Yoga X day.
One of them summarized it best: "Dad, this is like playing extreme Twister."
Friday, September 9, 2011
Day 17: Shoulders and Arms
The emphasis of today's post, however, has to go to my on-going efforts to battle my stomach and its calorie content. Yesterday was a strange eating day for me, because by the end of the day I had only consumed roughly 2,100 calories, and yet I felt like I had eaten more than 3,000. My theory on this is that either 1) Given my all-day desk job, my body is still processing calories from the previous day, therefore not needing as many, or 2) my stomach has or is shrinking. Perhaps it's a combination of the two. Whatever the reason, there can be no doubt that this routine is once again focusing my attention on calories, and specifically what kinds of calories I'm consuming.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Day 16: Plyometrics
My body has largely recovered from its stiff-as-a-board, lactic acid build up of week 1. But there are still areas of my body that continue to be sore, even as I'm into mid-week 3. I take that as a good sign that these workouts continue to stretch my muscles. The past 2 days my calves have been on fire.
Plyometrics produced a good sweat for me this morning. And as a result of all the leg work and jump training, I think my calves have been assisted in their recovery. Though I did reinforce the principle that white men can't jump. My vertical is weak.
Checking the Fitness Guide again, I'm done with this particular routine until week 5. So once again, I tip my hat to Mr. Horton and the variety of his program.
Plyometrics produced a good sweat for me this morning. And as a result of all the leg work and jump training, I think my calves have been assisted in their recovery. Though I did reinforce the principle that white men can't jump. My vertical is weak.
Checking the Fitness Guide again, I'm done with this particular routine until week 5. So once again, I tip my hat to Mr. Horton and the variety of his program.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Day 15: Chest and Back
Mini celebration time: I've completed two full weeks of P90X. Only two more weeks and I get to measure and photograph myself for the 30 day mark. Can't wait to see the pictures, side by side.
My extra physical exertion at Camp Joseph combined with two straight short or interrupted nights made getting up this morning VERY difficult. What made it even worse was that I knew what workout was waiting for me - a lot of pull ups and push ups, and I wanted nothing to do with it.
But I pushed play anyway and powered through it. (I am going to bed early tonight, however! I need a good night's rest.) And according to the Fitness Guide, having completed my 3rd time with this particular routine (this being the start of week 3), I won't see it again until week 9. THAT makes me happy.
No Ab Ripper X after the workout. My pre-exisiting fatigue coupled with a draining workout would have made any attempt at sit-ups futile. Hopefully in two days when it comes around again, I'll be feeling it.
PS. I did go golfing the other day, and played the worst round of golf ever. Clearly my swing was affected by the workouts I've been doing.
My extra physical exertion at Camp Joseph combined with two straight short or interrupted nights made getting up this morning VERY difficult. What made it even worse was that I knew what workout was waiting for me - a lot of pull ups and push ups, and I wanted nothing to do with it.
But I pushed play anyway and powered through it. (I am going to bed early tonight, however! I need a good night's rest.) And according to the Fitness Guide, having completed my 3rd time with this particular routine (this being the start of week 3), I won't see it again until week 9. THAT makes me happy.
No Ab Ripper X after the workout. My pre-exisiting fatigue coupled with a draining workout would have made any attempt at sit-ups futile. Hopefully in two days when it comes around again, I'll be feeling it.
PS. I did go golfing the other day, and played the worst round of golf ever. Clearly my swing was affected by the workouts I've been doing.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Day 14: Kenpo X
I do enjoy this workout. I look like a fool trying to get my martial art stances and punches correct, but it's fun and the time goes by quickly.
Today's workout was another reminder of how inflexible I am. When I do a martial art kick, my leg is not straight, and I'm lucky if I can get my leg higher than my invisible foe's waistline.
Don't even ask me about punching the air with my left arm. That is pathetic. Made me think of this sign that I saw from one victim of the recent Hurricane Irene, slightly modified for my purposes.
Today's workout was another reminder of how inflexible I am. When I do a martial art kick, my leg is not straight, and I'm lucky if I can get my leg higher than my invisible foe's waistline.
Don't even ask me about punching the air with my left arm. That is pathetic. Made me think of this sign that I saw from one victim of the recent Hurricane Irene, slightly modified for my purposes.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Day 13: Legs and Back
Pushing the play button this morning was not as automatic as it has been for the past 12 days. I was at least glad to be home with the proper equipment.
The extra energy exerted from camping, combined with today's routine left me with no gas in the tank to even try today's Ab Ripper. Plus, I think I'm doing a round of golf this afternoon, so that will be more core work as I'm swinging the club about 100 times.
On a positive note, my pull ups are improving each time. But I'm starting to get to a consistent number with the assistance of the chair, where it will be necessary for me to lose that crutch. I'm not looking forward to that.
Having done two rounds of each routine except Kenpo - which is tomorrow's - I feel safe in tagging this one the hardest of the six I've been exposed to thusfar. I nearly felt like throwing up after one particular routine. This one works you from shoulders to toes, no question.
On a positive note, my pull ups are improving each time. But I'm starting to get to a consistent number with the assistance of the chair, where it will be necessary for me to lose that crutch. I'm not looking forward to that.
As compared to week number 1, my daily caloric intake is up about 200 points to an average of 2,700.
Day 12: Resting in Vermont
My family was supposed to stay through Monday afternoon, but we received word that our area was under a flash flood alert from approaching severe thunderstorms. More calorie burning as I packed up camp after only 36 hours.
Had we stayed, I would have had a slight problem. I forgot to bring my pull up bar with me, and the next workout requires it.
Day 11: Yoga
I have to say that the dreaded dogs, warriors, moons and other unnatural positions went better than expected the second time. I think it helped that my body wasn't full of throbbing muscles and lactic acid. I even managed to connect my hands in one of the routines where you are crouching and one arm is under a leg and the other is behind your back reaching under the groin to the other hand. I think it was this move that made me realize the impact that tight muscles and lactic acid had on me during round one of Yoga.
Still, I have no time for 90 minutes of it. About the 70 minute mark, I hit the stop button and resumed my regularly scheduled life.
Still, I have no time for 90 minutes of it. About the 70 minute mark, I hit the stop button and resumed my regularly scheduled life.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Day 10: Shoulders and Arms
The Ab Ripper X routine that follows this and other selected routines has only confirmed that my stomach contains the weakest muscles on my body. And even if that weren't the case, I don't have much gas left in the tank after a strength enhancing routine. I think the Ab Ripper X program would stand a better chance if it were scheduled to run after non-weight bearing days, like Kenpo, Yoga or Plyometrics. Anyway, the guys on TV did 300+ sit ups, I maybe did 50.
I've also been feeling hungry the last few days, so I've been eating more snacks like peanuts and granola bars. I'm only allowed 1/4 cup of peanuts when I have them. That's not a lot. So I often double it, which means double the calories. Until you start tracking the calories you're consuming, you wouldn't believe how quickly they add up.
For example, this morning I had 4 pieces of cinnamon swirl toast. Now mind you, these pieces of bread are not even close to normal sized pieces of bread. They're like 3/4 size, and even smaller after they've been toasted. But each piece is 80 calories. Throw a little butter and jam on top and suddenly it's about 180 calories each. Drink some OJ and that's another 200 or so. So by the time breakfast is over, I'm already over 800. Usually by the end of lunch, including a morning snack, I'm around 1,500. Today, I'm at 1,800, but I'm unusally full, because I had last night's dinner for leftovers at lunch, and that was a high calorie meal of homemade lasagna. So I won't need an afternoon snack. Anyway, you get the picture.
Remind me why I'm going through all of this?
I've also been feeling hungry the last few days, so I've been eating more snacks like peanuts and granola bars. I'm only allowed 1/4 cup of peanuts when I have them. That's not a lot. So I often double it, which means double the calories. Until you start tracking the calories you're consuming, you wouldn't believe how quickly they add up.
For example, this morning I had 4 pieces of cinnamon swirl toast. Now mind you, these pieces of bread are not even close to normal sized pieces of bread. They're like 3/4 size, and even smaller after they've been toasted. But each piece is 80 calories. Throw a little butter and jam on top and suddenly it's about 180 calories each. Drink some OJ and that's another 200 or so. So by the time breakfast is over, I'm already over 800. Usually by the end of lunch, including a morning snack, I'm around 1,500. Today, I'm at 1,800, but I'm unusally full, because I had last night's dinner for leftovers at lunch, and that was a high calorie meal of homemade lasagna. So I won't need an afternoon snack. Anyway, you get the picture.
Remind me why I'm going through all of this?
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Day 9: Plyometrics
Having finished today's routine, I have now completed 10% of my P90X journey. I went to the mirror afterwards to see what changes 9 days has brought me. Have a look for yourself:
Not bad.
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