I just finished my workout on my 51st day of the program. I REALLY didn't want to workout today but I DID! Yesterday I made it through my Yoga workout and then fell asleep on the floor in corpse pose. Guess, that means i was nice and relaxed.
I am feeling a bit on the "Ugh, I don't want to do this anymore-side." Still, I have made it this far so i don't plan on stopping now. I just have to continue pushing myself. Tomorrow is practically a day off. All I have to do is a stretching video. Then, Kenpo, Yoga and cardio again. Then, I will be finished with month 2. I'm getting closer and closer to the end. I wish it would get here a little faster. I still have way too much fat around my middle. I guess it took me years to put it on so it is going to take more than 2 months to take it off. I can tell my abs are getting stronger, though. I can't wait to see them again!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Day 48 & 49
Today, I did my Kenpo workout. It's the workout I should have done yesterday. I coupled it with the Ab workout I should have done on Friday. I was going to do the leg and back workout I missed on Friday, too, but after awhile I just didnt want to. That means I dont have to do the leg and back workout again. AT ALL. I ahted it It was my least favorite workout and now I dont have to do it anymore. WOOOOO!!!! Now, onto the next week. This is a recovery week so it is more focused on cardio. After this next week is over then I am only one month away from being DONE!!!
Friday, October 8, 2010
Days 46 & 47
So, I ended up taking the day off yesterday from working out. I, also, kinda took the day off from eating right. I had a few drinks at Marie's and then came home and made myself one of my old favorite meals, which includes mac and cheese. i ate a whole lot of it and was surprised by how much of it I was still capable of eating. I righted all wrongs today, however, by jumping back in the saddle like a good boy. I did my the yoga workout I should have done yesterday. Now, tomorrow, I will do today's and so on. Still on track. Gettin the second half into gear. =)
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Day 45 ... The Middle
Well, I made it to the halfway point of P90X. I have now made it further than I did in my last attempt and my plan is to keep going. Today is Day 46, Yoga day. I have to admit, though, than I really am not in the mood to do it today. I am a little blah and don't really want to do anything but lie in bed. That's never a good sign. It would probably make me feel better to get it done, but I just don't want to. I almost started an hour ago but the remote to the dvd (ps3) player doesn't work so I can't use the player at all. I have put my computer in front of the tv before and used it instead but even that little non-existent hiccup is thwarting my desire to workout. I think I will just take the day off and start up again tomorrow with yoga and continue on thru sunday (my usual day off). Anyway, I made it through the first half, but it seems the second half is getting off to a rocky start.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Days 41, 42, 43 & 44
Sorry, I have not been very vigilant about writing these past few days. I have been doing the workouts, with the exception of missing my day 6 workout last week (Kenpo). I had decided to put it off on Saturday until the following day because I had plans Saturday and didn't get up early enough to get the workout done beforehand. Unfortunately, I didn't stick to my "I'm not drinking" pledge on Saturday evening and got WASTED. I mean WAAASSSTTTEEEDD. So, naturally, I wasn't in any shape to workout on Sunday. Now, this is disappointing for a couple of reasons, but, mostly, because I know better. I'm not beating myself up about it and I have just moved onto the next week but I definitely want to do better. Therefore, I am again pledging to give up booze for the next few weeks. I did drink last night and still got up today and did my workout. It can be done but I don't want to take any chances.
Yesterday and today were working out as usual. Again, I'm back to the whole problem of not eating enough. I know I have not been eating enough and this week is when I am going to change that. Tonight I made fresh homemade veggie soup from scratch and it was delicious. There is enough left over for 5 more meals. That will help. Tomorrow, I have to hit the store and get some more protein. I also have to figure out a way to make the portion control a little more accessible and easy to calculate. I have to stay on it. It's the only way I'm gonna get to the results I want and the results I want are very important. The next few weeks are going to be the test to see what's up. I can see a little difference and I can feel the difference in the way my clothes fit, too. I'm so ready to see the love handles get smaller though. Haha.
My laziness is still showing. I do the workouts everyday (99% of the time) but I keep sleeping more than I should and end up doing them later in the day. Today was the first productive day I have had since I have been off work. It felt good. I'm going to try and get myself into a routine that helps me do that more often. Right now, I'm still thankful that I'm pushing play everyday and getting it done. Now, I just need to push myself a little harder. Tomorrow is another day!
Yesterday and today were working out as usual. Again, I'm back to the whole problem of not eating enough. I know I have not been eating enough and this week is when I am going to change that. Tonight I made fresh homemade veggie soup from scratch and it was delicious. There is enough left over for 5 more meals. That will help. Tomorrow, I have to hit the store and get some more protein. I also have to figure out a way to make the portion control a little more accessible and easy to calculate. I have to stay on it. It's the only way I'm gonna get to the results I want and the results I want are very important. The next few weeks are going to be the test to see what's up. I can see a little difference and I can feel the difference in the way my clothes fit, too. I'm so ready to see the love handles get smaller though. Haha.
My laziness is still showing. I do the workouts everyday (99% of the time) but I keep sleeping more than I should and end up doing them later in the day. Today was the first productive day I have had since I have been off work. It felt good. I'm going to try and get myself into a routine that helps me do that more often. Right now, I'm still thankful that I'm pushing play everyday and getting it done. Now, I just need to push myself a little harder. Tomorrow is another day!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Day 40. Who Would Have Thought ...
Seriously, who would have thought that I would make it this far. 40 days! That's a whole lot of days and whole lot of things have happened in those days. That's gallons of sweat and over 40 hours of working out. I mean, when you start something like this, you hope to stick to the determination you began with. I am shocked and proud that i have come this far. After tomorrow, week 6 is over and I will be past the middle mark. It's been all uphill from the beginning. Now, I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It's time for me to sail down the hill to the finish line. I know I am going to make it.
I'm back to having to get my food intake in order. I have not been eating bad things. I just have not been eating much of anything. I'm not even close to taking in as much food as I am supposed to be eating. I can only assume that it's hindering my weight loss. I am losing weight, though, and I am gaining muscle. I can see it. I can feel it. But I need to get the food portion of this program in check to make all of it work for me that much better. I think, this weekend, I will be taking some steps to better keep track of what it is I am eating everyday. There is an option to count your portions that seems like it might be an easier way to know what it going on. Perhaps with a kitchen scale and a dry erase board in hand, I will be able to check off that I have actually eaten the right amount for the day. Putting it into an easy visual perspective may give me the helping hand to remember that i actually do need to eat. This spare tire isn't just going to disappear on its own. I already know that it's going to be the last thing to go.
They say that the majority of people who do this workout (or most workout programs) begin to see real tangible results in the second month. I can see some results but I am ready to be rewarded with more. I am doing my best to be patient. I keep going into the living room everyday and press play on the dvd player. I do the workouts. I feel them becoming less excruciating. I feel stronger. I feel healthier. I feel better about myself for getting it done, especially when I could cry cuz I don't feel like doing it. I go in there and bring it! I'm ready to see some major shifts. I think they are coming. I hope they get here soon. I'm not going to think about it too much but I would be lying if I said I didn't want them. But patience and perseverance are key to anything in life. If you put in the effort, one day you will turn around and the reward will be there waiting for you, sometimes when you least expect it. I will keep putting in the effort. I will be unstoppable. And, who knows, I may just do it all over again.
I'm back to having to get my food intake in order. I have not been eating bad things. I just have not been eating much of anything. I'm not even close to taking in as much food as I am supposed to be eating. I can only assume that it's hindering my weight loss. I am losing weight, though, and I am gaining muscle. I can see it. I can feel it. But I need to get the food portion of this program in check to make all of it work for me that much better. I think, this weekend, I will be taking some steps to better keep track of what it is I am eating everyday. There is an option to count your portions that seems like it might be an easier way to know what it going on. Perhaps with a kitchen scale and a dry erase board in hand, I will be able to check off that I have actually eaten the right amount for the day. Putting it into an easy visual perspective may give me the helping hand to remember that i actually do need to eat. This spare tire isn't just going to disappear on its own. I already know that it's going to be the last thing to go.
They say that the majority of people who do this workout (or most workout programs) begin to see real tangible results in the second month. I can see some results but I am ready to be rewarded with more. I am doing my best to be patient. I keep going into the living room everyday and press play on the dvd player. I do the workouts. I feel them becoming less excruciating. I feel stronger. I feel healthier. I feel better about myself for getting it done, especially when I could cry cuz I don't feel like doing it. I go in there and bring it! I'm ready to see some major shifts. I think they are coming. I hope they get here soon. I'm not going to think about it too much but I would be lying if I said I didn't want them. But patience and perseverance are key to anything in life. If you put in the effort, one day you will turn around and the reward will be there waiting for you, sometimes when you least expect it. I will keep putting in the effort. I will be unstoppable. And, who knows, I may just do it all over again.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Day 39 ... Yoga and Philosophy
1 hour and 45 minutes later, I am done with my yoga workout for the day. I was really looking forward to this one today. Today and yesterday have been a rollercoaster ride of emotion and I was really hoping a nice calm yoga workout would help center me a bit. It started off a little rocky because I couldn't get the PS3 remote to work. So, I turned on the tv and started to watch The Biggest Loser instead of working out. There must be irony in there somewhere, right? As I sat there watching a 400 lb man cry, I thought to myself I should really be working out. Luckily, the remote started working so I could actually start the dvd. Then, it was onto Yoga world!!!
There were a few moments during the workout when I was actually proud of myself. I was, gently, pushing myself further into positions I had had difficulty with before. I could see the differences and how far I've come. Certain muscles were not screaming quite as loudly as they have been in the past. I have always had hip flexibility problems during some poses ... especially half moon and twisting half moon. It was still hard but I'm managing to get into a bit better now and stay in it a bit longer before the knife starts twisting itself into my hip. That's a good sign, yeah? When it came time to do Crow pose (which I usually skip), I decided to give it a shot. It has been a really long time since I have done Crow. It's always been a pain in the butt for me. Weak arms and slipping and sliding. This time, i got up on my arms and was able to hold myself up for awhile. I slipped off a few times, but i was able to get back up a bit before my arms started shaking too much to hold me. So, I was proud.
By the end of the workout, I was feeling a bit more calm, relaxed, focused and overall peaceful. I realize the things in life I worry about are fleeting and mostly of my own creation. No matter what happens in my life, I will still be the same person ... always changed for the better, if changed at all. No matter how risky something is or how much it may hurt in the long run, life is far too short to be afraid of anything. I firmly believe that my future will be a happy one, no matter where I am, who I am with or what I am doing. The alternative is not an option.
So, here is to the pursuit of love and happiness, wherever it may lead.
There were a few moments during the workout when I was actually proud of myself. I was, gently, pushing myself further into positions I had had difficulty with before. I could see the differences and how far I've come. Certain muscles were not screaming quite as loudly as they have been in the past. I have always had hip flexibility problems during some poses ... especially half moon and twisting half moon. It was still hard but I'm managing to get into a bit better now and stay in it a bit longer before the knife starts twisting itself into my hip. That's a good sign, yeah? When it came time to do Crow pose (which I usually skip), I decided to give it a shot. It has been a really long time since I have done Crow. It's always been a pain in the butt for me. Weak arms and slipping and sliding. This time, i got up on my arms and was able to hold myself up for awhile. I slipped off a few times, but i was able to get back up a bit before my arms started shaking too much to hold me. So, I was proud.
By the end of the workout, I was feeling a bit more calm, relaxed, focused and overall peaceful. I realize the things in life I worry about are fleeting and mostly of my own creation. No matter what happens in my life, I will still be the same person ... always changed for the better, if changed at all. No matter how risky something is or how much it may hurt in the long run, life is far too short to be afraid of anything. I firmly believe that my future will be a happy one, no matter where I am, who I am with or what I am doing. The alternative is not an option.
So, here is to the pursuit of love and happiness, wherever it may lead.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Day 30
So, I got my Day Count mixed up somewhere along the line and that is why there is no Day 30 post. Monday, the beginning of Phase 2, should have been Day 29. I think I have it figured out now. Me no good at counting.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Day 29 ... More cardio!
Today, I could feel a little progress. There is a section during the cardio workout that integrates the plyometrics workout. It involvesa whole lot of jumping and usually makes me so out of breathe i have to take a break in the middle of it. Today was the first time I was able to push through and finish the whole section without stopping. I was very proud of myself. It's these little goals that help keep me going because I can feel the results through them.Yesterday, I was able to do more push-ups. Everyday I keep it up, I will be able to do a little more and a little more. One of these days, it will all add up to a so much more than I was able to do the day I began.
Tomorrow is a new workout. New to me, that is. If I remember correctly, I did this workout twice last year before I quit. It was push-up intensive and a real bitch. I have to get up a little earlier tomorrow to make sure I have enough time to get it (and the ab workout) done. I'm interested to see how it's going to go. Whatever comes, I'll take it.
As I'm writing this I am watching The Biggest Loser season premiere. I LOVE this show. I look at these poor people who struggle so much and want to be thin so badly and see how much further they have to go than I do. If these people can make the decision to work so much harder for so much longer than I need to, then I can make it a through a couple months of exercise and eating healthy. My goal and my journey are nothing compared to theirs. I have no excuse to give up.
Tomorrow is a new workout. New to me, that is. If I remember correctly, I did this workout twice last year before I quit. It was push-up intensive and a real bitch. I have to get up a little earlier tomorrow to make sure I have enough time to get it (and the ab workout) done. I'm interested to see how it's going to go. Whatever comes, I'll take it.
As I'm writing this I am watching The Biggest Loser season premiere. I LOVE this show. I look at these poor people who struggle so much and want to be thin so badly and see how much further they have to go than I do. If these people can make the decision to work so much harder for so much longer than I need to, then I can make it a through a couple months of exercise and eating healthy. My goal and my journey are nothing compared to theirs. I have no excuse to give up.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Day 28. Phase 2 Begins
Ok, so I know I skipped form day 22 to 28. Day 23 was a Kenpo workout. Did it in my parent's living room as well. The days following were a little more relaxed than they should have been. However, it was a "recovery" week and I was on vacation so I feel somewhat justified. Regardless of not doing 110%, onward and upward. Today was the begging of phase 2 and the begging of the second month. YES, I have been at this a whole month now. I am 1/3 the way though and feeling and looking better. In a few weeks, I should really start to see some changes. I can't wait.
I'm back to work at the stadium for the week, so I have to contend with that right now too. Still, I will keep going. I am almost to the hump I couldn't get over last time around. This time, I DEFINITELY have it licked!!! Tomorrow is a cardio day. Thankfully, I get to sleep in a little bit before I get up and sweat my butt off. WOOHOO!!!!
I'm back to work at the stadium for the week, so I have to contend with that right now too. Still, I will keep going. I am almost to the hump I couldn't get over last time around. This time, I DEFINITELY have it licked!!! Tomorrow is a cardio day. Thankfully, I get to sleep in a little bit before I get up and sweat my butt off. WOOHOO!!!!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Day 21 & 22
Day 21 ...
To be honest, I didn't do the yoga workout that i was supposed to have done for day 21. It was a travel day from NYC to Houston. By the time I made it to Houston and had dinner with my parents, I could barely keep my eyes open. I ended up going to bed early and sleeping for nearly 12 hours. SO, I will be looking to fit in that yoga workout some other time this week.
Day 22 ...
Today was my first attempt at working out at my parent's house. It was interesting to see how a change of atmosphere can affect how you mentally process working out. It felt odd to be doing these exercises somewhere other than in my living room. I had to move furniture around, lock up the dogs and even tape a ceiling fan cord out of my way. I got through it like I always do, though. I'm sure I will have no trouble getting through the rest of the week. There are definitely a lot more food temptations around. There is all kinds of stuff in the kitchen that I would love to eat. Working out, though, reminds me how stupid it is to put myself through daily hell and then run and eat cookies. So, I think I will be sticking closely to the plan.
That's all for now. Until tomorrow ....
To be honest, I didn't do the yoga workout that i was supposed to have done for day 21. It was a travel day from NYC to Houston. By the time I made it to Houston and had dinner with my parents, I could barely keep my eyes open. I ended up going to bed early and sleeping for nearly 12 hours. SO, I will be looking to fit in that yoga workout some other time this week.
Day 22 ...
Today was my first attempt at working out at my parent's house. It was interesting to see how a change of atmosphere can affect how you mentally process working out. It felt odd to be doing these exercises somewhere other than in my living room. I had to move furniture around, lock up the dogs and even tape a ceiling fan cord out of my way. I got through it like I always do, though. I'm sure I will have no trouble getting through the rest of the week. There are definitely a lot more food temptations around. There is all kinds of stuff in the kitchen that I would love to eat. Working out, though, reminds me how stupid it is to put myself through daily hell and then run and eat cookies. So, I think I will be sticking closely to the plan.
That's all for now. Until tomorrow ....
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Day 19 ... Another Milestone
WEEK #3 is DONE!!!
Tomorrow is a day off and then I am headed to Houston for a week. There, I will continue my P90X-ing with my 4th (recovery) week. I am practically finished with Phase 1. WooHoo!!!!
Here's the scary part ... Phase 2 was where I crashed and burned right around this time last year. So, PLEASE lend me your kind words and support. I know I am going to be asking for it. I have a long road ahead. I am making the tiniest bit of progress, so far, and I want to keep going. You can all help get me there!!!
Here is a little video of me begging for your continuing support ....
Tomorrow is a day off and then I am headed to Houston for a week. There, I will continue my P90X-ing with my 4th (recovery) week. I am practically finished with Phase 1. WooHoo!!!!
Here's the scary part ... Phase 2 was where I crashed and burned right around this time last year. So, PLEASE lend me your kind words and support. I know I am going to be asking for it. I have a long road ahead. I am making the tiniest bit of progress, so far, and I want to keep going. You can all help get me there!!!
Here is a little video of me begging for your continuing support ....
Friday, September 10, 2010
Day 17 & 18
Have I mentioned how much I HATE lunges? I think I have but let me just reiterate ... I HATE LUNGES. I think that the leg and back workout is my least favorite. Getting through a couple of hundred lunges in one hour is torture. Still, I made it through today. I also made it through yoga yesterday. I am still on track and all caught up. Tomorrow is the last workout of Phase 1. It is the end of my 3rd week of P90X. Next week, I begin the first recovery week. Recovery week is designed to give me a bit of a break and re-group but it's still pretty hard core. Basically, it just replaces the weightlifting workouts with more cardio and yoga. It's going to be interesting to see how it goes, because i am going to Houston for the week. I'm grateful going home happened to fall into a recovery week, since I wouldn't have any of my weights or bands with me at my parent's house. So, it is perfect timing! The other challenge is going to be FOOD! While I am at my parent's, I tend to just eat anything and everything in sight. This time around, there will be none of that. Cross your fingers for me being able to survive without any of those delicious home cooked meals!!!!!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Day 15 & 16 ... All Caught Up!
So, we all know I had a minor FAIL on Monday. But I fixed it. Tuesday night I cam home from work andf did my Monday workout. Today, Wednesday, I came home from my last day of a 10 day homestand and did 3 workouts!! That's 3 workouts, which equals 2 days worth since the ab workout is included with the Day 16 workout. So, to be clear, I did the CARDIO workout, the ARM & SHOULDER workout AND the AB workout!! All in one day. I'M A BEAST!!!! It was definitely exhausting but I am very proud of mysef for getting it done and getting back on track so quickly. There really is no room for error with this workout. You can fall behind so quickly it isn't funny. Tomorrow, I am poised for my 3rd week of Yoga. I can't wait to be done with this week because that means I have one rest week (which doesnt consist of rest at all ... just lots of cardio) and then I am on to Phase 2!! Almost 1/3 the way there! I am feeling more confident with each day and feeling more healthy. The workouts are getting a little easier each time and can see very minor differences in my body. It's all very exciting! AND I had the BEST salad ever for dinner tonight. I even commented to Harry that it was better than anything at McDonald's. Ironically, there was a McDonald's not 50 ft away that was doing it's best to tempt me ... and it FAILED!!! =)
Til tomorrow!!!!!
Til tomorrow!!!!!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Day 14 Redux
I did it! I came home from work and I did the Core Synergistics workout that I should have done yesterday. I'm very proud of myself! Because it is somewhat late and I have neighbors downstairs, I did have to skip 3 of the sets that involved jumping up and down or over a towel. They complained once, last year, and all I was doing at the time was crunches. I wasn't making a peep then so I can only imagine what they would think about "towel hopping". Still, that was no more than 3 minutes of the workout that I missed. The rest is done and, I think, done well. I feel like I have a little bit more stamina and strength behind me now. I can honestly feel a difference from Day 1. I was able to do more push-ups and get through more of each set without floundering. It's working. There is a light at the end of the very very very long tunnel. It's only a speck in the distance but I know it's there and I can't wait to get to it.
Tomorrow, I will be attempting 2 workouts to get me back on track. I wrote about it earlier and it will be interesting to see if I can pull it off. I'm sure I can. When I do, I will let you know all about it. I was a little worried I was going to get too far behind to catch up. Now, I think I am on track to being right back where I should be and I'm very happy about it. Bring it!!
p.s. - Tomorrow is the LAST day of my 10 day work week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tomorrow, I will be attempting 2 workouts to get me back on track. I wrote about it earlier and it will be interesting to see if I can pull it off. I'm sure I can. When I do, I will let you know all about it. I was a little worried I was going to get too far behind to catch up. Now, I think I am on track to being right back where I should be and I'm very happy about it. Bring it!!
p.s. - Tomorrow is the LAST day of my 10 day work week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Days 14 & 15
Ok. So I missed my workout yesterday. It has been a grueling week of work and being sick and dieting and working out and yesterday my exhaustion hit me just as some personal issues arose in my life. All of this kept me from getting my workout done. But, believe me, I needed the rest and unwinding. I went out last night and had some drinks. Maybe alot of drinks. I wasn't falling down or anything but I was definitely D-Runk. I had a great time hangin out with lots of friends and don't regret it. It was a total re-charging evening. However, it did leave me feeling a bit wonky this morning. Thankfully, today's game is a night game, so I was able to get a little more sleep for the first time in 6 days. I definitely needed it. Unfortunately, my time management for the day, along with not feeling physically right, has led me to miss another day of working out. BUT FEAR NOT!! I HAVE A PLAN!!!
TOMORROW I will be doing two workouts. Count em! 2! I will do the cardio workout that I should have done today before I do the arms and shoulders workout. Cardio before lifting. Piece of cake. Sugar free cake. Once I do this, I will only be one day behind, instead of two. Then I can make up my other workout on my usual "day off."
I have to tell you that balancing something like this workout with reality and the things you have to deal, expected or otherwise, within your everyday life is not easy. I know I have said that before. I'm starting to believe, though, that you have to be nearly superhuman to get it done. Or you just have to have nothing else going on so your focus cannot wane. That is an option i don't have. Therefore, I will continue to work towards being superhuman. The workouts will give me the strength, in the long run. But I have to develop the mental and emotional stamina to complete this on my own. I am learning lessons everyday in how that process may or may not work. So, onward I go. Up, up and away ...
TOMORROW I will be doing two workouts. Count em! 2! I will do the cardio workout that I should have done today before I do the arms and shoulders workout. Cardio before lifting. Piece of cake. Sugar free cake. Once I do this, I will only be one day behind, instead of two. Then I can make up my other workout on my usual "day off."
I have to tell you that balancing something like this workout with reality and the things you have to deal, expected or otherwise, within your everyday life is not easy. I know I have said that before. I'm starting to believe, though, that you have to be nearly superhuman to get it done. Or you just have to have nothing else going on so your focus cannot wane. That is an option i don't have. Therefore, I will continue to work towards being superhuman. The workouts will give me the strength, in the long run. But I have to develop the mental and emotional stamina to complete this on my own. I am learning lessons everyday in how that process may or may not work. So, onward I go. Up, up and away ...
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Day 11 ... Yoga #2
It's my 4th day into my 10 day work week. Today, at work, I had one of the worst allergy attacks I have ever had. I could barely stop sneezing long enough to talk to a table. It was MISERABLE. The only good thing about it is that I was allowed to leave a little early. By the time I got home, I felt so swollen and exhausted, I decided to take a nap and leave my workout for later. I think that was a wise idea. After all, rest is just as important to a workout program as the actual working out. So I slept for about 3 hours and woke up feeling better than before. There is still something in the air, even now, that is bugging me but it's better.
Today was yoga day again, the LONGEST of all the workouts. Still, I buckled down and did the whole 1 1/2 hrs. I could even tell a definite improvement over last week. For the most part, I pushed myself just enough when I needed and feel confident it will get easier and easier. I have talked about sweating beforte during a workout but OMG!!!! I feel like there should have been a lake in the middle of the living room once I was done. Harry said that means I'm doing it right. I suuuuuure hope so.
=)
Today was yoga day again, the LONGEST of all the workouts. Still, I buckled down and did the whole 1 1/2 hrs. I could even tell a definite improvement over last week. For the most part, I pushed myself just enough when I needed and feel confident it will get easier and easier. I have talked about sweating beforte during a workout but OMG!!!! I feel like there should have been a lake in the middle of the living room once I was done. Harry said that means I'm doing it right. I suuuuuure hope so.
=)
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Day 10 ... The Challenge Continues
At this point, every day feels like a milestone. Getting up and getting it done isn't always easy. Neither is trying to keep a work/workout/eating schedule. I'm sure i know some people out there who actually workout and experience this kind of thing. I am definitely trying but i was up a little later than usual last night (for a VERY good reason that I do not regret or harbor any negative energy towards at all) so I ended up sleeping a little later than usual today. I guess you could call that balance. The only drawback is that it put me in a bit of a rush to eat and workout. Not a problem. I had a quick protein shake ... perfect. I then did my arms and shoulders workout and it went well. I even increased some of the weight on certain moves and I feel confident about the direction I'm going. Watching the clock, I thought ... Hey, I'm going to get done and have plenty of time to spare. I'll relax and shower and hydrate and all that. So it all worked out just perfectly. See, I really can .... OH CRAP IT'S AB DAY TOO!!!! Gee, I wonder how in the world I could have forgotten something so fun as the Ab Ripper X. Sheesh! So, obviously, there is just no way I will have time to get the ab workout done too. I mean I only have it's 1:15 and I'm finishing up the arm workout. I have to leave for work at 2:15. I just have so much I have to do.
Ok ok ok, I'll stop rambling now. The point being. I had plenty of time to do it but I was so easily convinced that I didn't because any excuse not to do it is a perfect excuse. So, I said I'll do it when I get back from work. HA! YEA RIGHT! I knew that wasn't goin to happen. So, after wasting some more of the time I swore I didn't have, I decided to go ahead and do it even if it made me late for work. I would just tell them I was mugged by Tony Horton.
Now, I begin the workout. Everything is going well for the first 25 seconds, then the old brain starts in again.
"You don't have enough time so don't try too hard and just barrel through."
"Just do 15 instead of 25."
"Oh, just skip this one, it'll be faster."
So, that's what I did. I did the workout but I rushed through the whole thing, not really concentrating or benefitting from it at all. And, this, after I was so proud for taking my time and completing the WHOLE thing last friday.
Anyway, excuses are dickheads. Like bad dreams or getting gas on a first date, excuses pop up to screw around with a good thing. They are all around you, all the time, destroying your motivation. So, here's me telling my brain to shut the hell up. NO excuses. Work on your time management skills and get this shit done!!
Ok ok ok, I'll stop rambling now. The point being. I had plenty of time to do it but I was so easily convinced that I didn't because any excuse not to do it is a perfect excuse. So, I said I'll do it when I get back from work. HA! YEA RIGHT! I knew that wasn't goin to happen. So, after wasting some more of the time I swore I didn't have, I decided to go ahead and do it even if it made me late for work. I would just tell them I was mugged by Tony Horton.
Now, I begin the workout. Everything is going well for the first 25 seconds, then the old brain starts in again.
"You don't have enough time so don't try too hard and just barrel through."
"Just do 15 instead of 25."
"Oh, just skip this one, it'll be faster."
So, that's what I did. I did the workout but I rushed through the whole thing, not really concentrating or benefitting from it at all. And, this, after I was so proud for taking my time and completing the WHOLE thing last friday.
Anyway, excuses are dickheads. Like bad dreams or getting gas on a first date, excuses pop up to screw around with a good thing. They are all around you, all the time, destroying your motivation. So, here's me telling my brain to shut the hell up. NO excuses. Work on your time management skills and get this shit done!!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
The Music in the Television and the Chance to Sweat with You
I keep forgetting to mention that I recently followed a friend's advice and changed the P90X soundtrack while working out. Well, not true, I actually did mention it in the blog the other day. There was only one person who commented on my listening to The Light in the Piazza. And, yes Harry, I can certainly relate to Clara while working out. It sure as hell feels like I've been kicked in the head by a pony by the time I'm finished everyday. ;-)
Anywayyy, there is a an option on the dvd to, basically, turn off Tony Horton. He spends the majority of every video saying silly things that make you stop concentrating on what you're doing and roll your eyes so far back in your head that by the time they come back around you have missed another 2 minutes of working out. So, I'm grateful for the chance for the music and workout cue only option. However, I noticed yesterday that when you turn him off, you actually hear ore of the music. Now, instead of being annoyed by Tony, I find that I'm giggling at the music that, honestly, sounds like it belongs in 70's porn.
Now working out and sex have a whole lot of things in common. Maybe not 70's porn sex, specifically, but, ya know, in general. So, maybe it should be no shock that the composer decided to go that direction, Wa-Wa Peddle included. Funny, but still a bit distracting.
SO, if there is anyone out there (ahem, Harry) that would like to make me a workout mix they think will keep me focused and get my ass in gear, PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!!!!
=)
Anywayyy, there is a an option on the dvd to, basically, turn off Tony Horton. He spends the majority of every video saying silly things that make you stop concentrating on what you're doing and roll your eyes so far back in your head that by the time they come back around you have missed another 2 minutes of working out. So, I'm grateful for the chance for the music and workout cue only option. However, I noticed yesterday that when you turn him off, you actually hear ore of the music. Now, instead of being annoyed by Tony, I find that I'm giggling at the music that, honestly, sounds like it belongs in 70's porn.
Now working out and sex have a whole lot of things in common. Maybe not 70's porn sex, specifically, but, ya know, in general. So, maybe it should be no shock that the composer decided to go that direction, Wa-Wa Peddle included. Funny, but still a bit distracting.
SO, if there is anyone out there (ahem, Harry) that would like to make me a workout mix they think will keep me focused and get my ass in gear, PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!!!!
=)
Day 9 ... 1/10th Finished
Right now, I am truly too sweaty to type. I'm afraid my keyboard is going to get drench much in the same way my AC drenched my windowsill and floor last night. But that's another story.
Today's workout went well. The hard part was getting there in the first place. I REALLY didn't want to do it today. It's WAAAAYYY too soon to be starting with that feeling, but I did it anyway. Also, I will CONTINUE to do it just like today, even when I don't want to. Maybe I will whine my way through it but DAMMIT I'm going to see this through. Getting started is the hardest part right? Maybe week 2 is the hardest part? You know what hell is in store and you are not seeing any changes yet and, just maybe, you think it's not worth it. IT IS WORTH IT! Every drop of sweat or tear or cramp, headache, fever, blister or bruise. Living your life is worth the effort and the agony. So I will GET OFF THE COUCH. I will STOP WATCHING MAD MEN & WORK THE F OUT!!!!
Today's workout went well. The hard part was getting there in the first place. I REALLY didn't want to do it today. It's WAAAAYYY too soon to be starting with that feeling, but I did it anyway. Also, I will CONTINUE to do it just like today, even when I don't want to. Maybe I will whine my way through it but DAMMIT I'm going to see this through. Getting started is the hardest part right? Maybe week 2 is the hardest part? You know what hell is in store and you are not seeing any changes yet and, just maybe, you think it's not worth it. IT IS WORTH IT! Every drop of sweat or tear or cramp, headache, fever, blister or bruise. Living your life is worth the effort and the agony. So I will GET OFF THE COUCH. I will STOP WATCHING MAD MEN & WORK THE F OUT!!!!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Day 8 ... The Work Begins
Hi Ho Hi Ho ... It's off to work I go. Today was tough but I made it through. Oh wait, It's just beginning. I go to work at 2 so let's see if I can keep my nutrition plan on track throughout the day. I'll let ya know how it goes.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Day 6 ... Week 1 is DONE!
First let me apologize for there not being a video today. I didn't wake up until 3pm because I didn't get home from work last night til almost 7am. I was a very good boy, though, and didn't drink at all. Point being, I got a late start. I DID still workout today, however. It was gooood.
Today was probably my favorite workout of the program. It's called Kenpo. It's a mixture of karate, boxing and kickboxing moves. It's a lot more entertaining than the rest of them and you can really get some aggression out with all the punching. I like to pretend I'm beating the crap out of a myriad of assholes. Anyway, it's good fun.
SOOO ... THAT is THE END of week #1. Tomorrow is a day of rest. There is also a stretching video that you may or may not do. So, I may or may not do it. I have not decided yet. I guess it couldn't hurt but, mentally, I feel like I need a break from looking at Tony Horton before i start the cycle all over again on monday. That is when I have to balance working out, eating right and working 10 days in a row. THIS is going to be a CHALLENGE but as long as you guys believe I can do it, then I will believe it too. It's going to get done!!!
Thanks everyone!!
SEE YOU MONDAY!
=)
Today was probably my favorite workout of the program. It's called Kenpo. It's a mixture of karate, boxing and kickboxing moves. It's a lot more entertaining than the rest of them and you can really get some aggression out with all the punching. I like to pretend I'm beating the crap out of a myriad of assholes. Anyway, it's good fun.
SOOO ... THAT is THE END of week #1. Tomorrow is a day of rest. There is also a stretching video that you may or may not do. So, I may or may not do it. I have not decided yet. I guess it couldn't hurt but, mentally, I feel like I need a break from looking at Tony Horton before i start the cycle all over again on monday. That is when I have to balance working out, eating right and working 10 days in a row. THIS is going to be a CHALLENGE but as long as you guys believe I can do it, then I will believe it too. It's going to get done!!!
Thanks everyone!!
SEE YOU MONDAY!
=)
Friday, August 27, 2010
Day 5 ... Legs/Back/Abs
So today I did something that was a bit of a help. I turned off the sound for the workout. Well, not ALL of the sound. I turned off the music and Tony Horton's ramblings during the workout, so all you hear are the actual exercise cues. I thought it might go by a little easier without having to hear the same corny jokes all the time. Also, working out to a music that enjoy usually tends to make the time move a little faster. I can concentrate on the music instead of the pain and exhaustion. Today, my workout playlist consisted of (and I will know how many of you are reading this by how many comments I get about how gay I am) one thing ... The Light in the Piazza. Go ahead. Laugh. But I like it and, like I said, I can concentrate on it instead of pain. It kinda worked, except for the incessant talking that was STILL in the video.
The leg workout was extremely difficult. There were what felt like 1,000 lunges and squats and deadlifts and evil. My legs are a little like jelly right now. The worst part of the whole day is that I had to follow this leg and back workout with the ab workout.
Now, the ab workout was much more successful today than it was on weds. I took my time and actually finished just about every one of the moves. Meaning, I did well over 300 ab moves today. I'm very proud because it's the first time in doing P90X, past or present, that I made it through the whole ab routine. It took me about 3 times as long to get through it than the people in the video, but the point is ... I DID IT and I will get BETTER AT IT!
Today is also the first day that I am able to begin the strict nutrition portion of the program. I don't think I have been eating enough the past few days because of time and circumstance. Now, however, I feel I have all the resources I need at my fingertips to make it work. Last night I cooked turkey burgers and a ton of fresh vegetable soup that will last me for days. Today before my workout, I had a soy suasage english muffin with mozzarella and some fat free milk. Just had a protein bar and some recovery drink and will have a one of those burgers and soups in a couple hours. I'm ready to go!
Anyhoo, that's all for today. Tomorrow, is actually my favorite workout of the week ... Kenpo. It's hard but fun. Til then ... here's a lil video from today. Thanks everyone!!
The leg workout was extremely difficult. There were what felt like 1,000 lunges and squats and deadlifts and evil. My legs are a little like jelly right now. The worst part of the whole day is that I had to follow this leg and back workout with the ab workout.
Now, the ab workout was much more successful today than it was on weds. I took my time and actually finished just about every one of the moves. Meaning, I did well over 300 ab moves today. I'm very proud because it's the first time in doing P90X, past or present, that I made it through the whole ab routine. It took me about 3 times as long to get through it than the people in the video, but the point is ... I DID IT and I will get BETTER AT IT!
Today is also the first day that I am able to begin the strict nutrition portion of the program. I don't think I have been eating enough the past few days because of time and circumstance. Now, however, I feel I have all the resources I need at my fingertips to make it work. Last night I cooked turkey burgers and a ton of fresh vegetable soup that will last me for days. Today before my workout, I had a soy suasage english muffin with mozzarella and some fat free milk. Just had a protein bar and some recovery drink and will have a one of those burgers and soups in a couple hours. I'm ready to go!
Anyhoo, that's all for today. Tomorrow, is actually my favorite workout of the week ... Kenpo. It's hard but fun. Til then ... here's a lil video from today. Thanks everyone!!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Groceries
Who has two thumbs and just spent nearly $300 on groceries ... this healthy livin guy right here.
Between Whole Foods and Gristedes, I was a shoppin fool today. I'm trying to go strictly by what the book tells me to eat and the recipes that it gives me so I made a list from there. I bought all kinds of things I've never bought before ... oils and noddles and broccoli, oh my! BROCCOLI!!!! I don't even know what that is!
I bought so much food that, of course, it would have been impossible to carry alone from the store. Which made it unfortunate to find out that they stopped delivering over an hour before I even got there. Oops. Thankfully, the manager let me borrow the cart to bring stuff home. All I had to do was leave him my credit card and ID. On the way back, I reminded myself to tip grocery delivery guys better ... cuz it is AWKWARD rollin through the streets of Manhattan with an empty grocery cart.
Finally back home, I now have the tools with which to make myself healthy meals. Hopefully, they will last a few weeks. I am NOT allowed to eat anything that doesn't come directly from my kitchen. Tomorrow, it's time to clean and organize and start the meal planning for the weekend. Oh yeah, and YOGA. Bring it on Day 4!!
Between Whole Foods and Gristedes, I was a shoppin fool today. I'm trying to go strictly by what the book tells me to eat and the recipes that it gives me so I made a list from there. I bought all kinds of things I've never bought before ... oils and noddles and broccoli, oh my! BROCCOLI!!!! I don't even know what that is!
I bought so much food that, of course, it would have been impossible to carry alone from the store. Which made it unfortunate to find out that they stopped delivering over an hour before I even got there. Oops. Thankfully, the manager let me borrow the cart to bring stuff home. All I had to do was leave him my credit card and ID. On the way back, I reminded myself to tip grocery delivery guys better ... cuz it is AWKWARD rollin through the streets of Manhattan with an empty grocery cart.
Finally back home, I now have the tools with which to make myself healthy meals. Hopefully, they will last a few weeks. I am NOT allowed to eat anything that doesn't come directly from my kitchen. Tomorrow, it's time to clean and organize and start the meal planning for the weekend. Oh yeah, and YOGA. Bring it on Day 4!!
Day 3 Workout
Hey Everyone!
So, I sorta made it through everything today. The lifting workout wasn't so bad. I actually felt like I was doing it correctly, for the most part. I wrote everything down as they told me I should. For this Arm & Shoulder workout I stuck with 10lb. dumbbells for each exercise and maxed out at 10 reps per exercise so I coud ease myself into it. I will probably do the same thing next week. The 3rd week I may go up to 15lbs. or just increase my reps. We will see how it is going by then.
I feel a lil better than I did this morning but not much. When I was working out, I felt like I might be sweating out some of the gunk. So I guess I have the workout to thank for actually making me feel a BETTER. Go figure. Now onto the ab workout ...
It is a miserable BASTARD! It's 25 reps of each different type of move. It adds up to 349 reps if you do each and every one of them. I didn't come close. Just watch the video and you will see how great I am at doing abs. My only prayer is that it will get easier as I get into better shape. Again, we will have to see about that. My midsection is clearly the flabbiest and weakest part of my body, so it is going to take some REAL time to get that in line with the rest of me. However, I am confident that it will. I am confident that I can do it. I look forward to the day when I can look back on my first ab workout and see how far I have come. I CANNOT WAIT til I post that video of me doing every single move. It will happen! I swear!
Thanks again to everyone who has written and shared their support of me doing this. It's definitely an interesting experiment and I have no intention of letting you or myself down. For now, I am doing the best I know how. Everyday, that knowledge will get a little bit stronger. So, stick with me and I will do my best to keep things interesting.
Much LOVE!
Doug
So, I sorta made it through everything today. The lifting workout wasn't so bad. I actually felt like I was doing it correctly, for the most part. I wrote everything down as they told me I should. For this Arm & Shoulder workout I stuck with 10lb. dumbbells for each exercise and maxed out at 10 reps per exercise so I coud ease myself into it. I will probably do the same thing next week. The 3rd week I may go up to 15lbs. or just increase my reps. We will see how it is going by then.
I feel a lil better than I did this morning but not much. When I was working out, I felt like I might be sweating out some of the gunk. So I guess I have the workout to thank for actually making me feel a BETTER. Go figure. Now onto the ab workout ...
It is a miserable BASTARD! It's 25 reps of each different type of move. It adds up to 349 reps if you do each and every one of them. I didn't come close. Just watch the video and you will see how great I am at doing abs. My only prayer is that it will get easier as I get into better shape. Again, we will have to see about that. My midsection is clearly the flabbiest and weakest part of my body, so it is going to take some REAL time to get that in line with the rest of me. However, I am confident that it will. I am confident that I can do it. I look forward to the day when I can look back on my first ab workout and see how far I have come. I CANNOT WAIT til I post that video of me doing every single move. It will happen! I swear!
Thanks again to everyone who has written and shared their support of me doing this. It's definitely an interesting experiment and I have no intention of letting you or myself down. For now, I am doing the best I know how. Everyday, that knowledge will get a little bit stronger. So, stick with me and I will do my best to keep things interesting.
Much LOVE!
Doug
Day 3 ... Sick.
So, I just woke up. It's about a quarter to 1pm. I am sick. I will definitely still be working out today so there are no worries about that. I woke up a bit earlier this morning but decided to sleep as long as my body would let me since I was coughing up yellow crap and my head was full of the same stuff. I thought it might be beneficial to just sleep. I'm wondering if my body is responding to the working out by saying screw you. Am I pushing toxins out of my system? Or is it just that the weather has shifted here in NYC and it's given me a late summer cold. Whatever it is, I'm not going to NOT workout. So bite me, you silly cold.
Today is the first muscle building workout. Shoulders and arms. Then, I have to do the evil ab workout, which I will film. It's only 15 minutes long but it incorporates about 300 heinous moves. after 6 weeks last year, I was still unable to get through the ENTIRE thing, though it did slowly get better.
OK, so I'm gonna go make my 1pm "breakfast" and get onto working out. Wish me luck.
Today is the first muscle building workout. Shoulders and arms. Then, I have to do the evil ab workout, which I will film. It's only 15 minutes long but it incorporates about 300 heinous moves. after 6 weeks last year, I was still unable to get through the ENTIRE thing, though it did slowly get better.
OK, so I'm gonna go make my 1pm "breakfast" and get onto working out. Wish me luck.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Day 2 Cardio
So, I filmed the whole workout today minus about the last 2 minutes that the video cut off.
I'll let the video speak for me today.
Still working on figuring out how I'm supposed to eat. I'll get it. I know I will!
I'll let the video speak for me today.
Still working on figuring out how I'm supposed to eat. I'll get it. I know I will!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Weight
I almost forgot ... embarrassing fact:
I weighed in at 191 lbs today. Lets see if I can shave off about 40 of those.
:-/
I weighed in at 191 lbs today. Lets see if I can shave off about 40 of those.
:-/
Day 1 ... 2400+ Calories?!?!? How?
FIRST: THE EXCRUCIATINGLY EMBARRASSING PART --- BEFORE PICTURES.
Ok! So Day 1 is done ... sort of. I'm still trying to figure out what the hell I am supposed to eat and when but I think that is going to take some serious practice. I did, however, make it thru the first workout today.
It was "Core Synergistics" day. Doesn't it just sound like some sort of evil corporation that sucks the life out of a generally happy population? Well, that's what it does so it might as well be. Hello core work, goodbye happy. There was only one point in which I felt like puking and passing out, but I just laid there with my face pressed to the mat until it passed. Then, right back into wheezing and sweating. Push-ups, crunches, lunges ... you name it, it's in this workout. I'm getting tired just remembering it.
Like I said before, the food aspect is also confusing. I have not done very well on that front today. No, I haven't been shoving fries in my face and washing them down with milkshakes. I have, however, had a muscle milk and a protein bar when I prolly should have been eating real food. I made the breakfast this morning as directed ... 8 egg whites (that's right. 8 FREAKIN EGG WHITES) scrambled with 3oz. of chicken, basil and parmesan, topped off with 4 slices of turkey bacon. That's a whole lot of food! I even took a pic of it.
Look at it!!! That's A LOT of egg! Somehow, I managed to eat about 95% of it. And that's cranberry juice ... WITHOUT vodka!! I was proud. Still, I think this is why I had my head on the floor trying not to throw up. We'll see what tomorrow has in store.
Anyway, that's all for now. Here's a lil video of me breathing hard and sweating.
Ok! So Day 1 is done ... sort of. I'm still trying to figure out what the hell I am supposed to eat and when but I think that is going to take some serious practice. I did, however, make it thru the first workout today.
It was "Core Synergistics" day. Doesn't it just sound like some sort of evil corporation that sucks the life out of a generally happy population? Well, that's what it does so it might as well be. Hello core work, goodbye happy. There was only one point in which I felt like puking and passing out, but I just laid there with my face pressed to the mat until it passed. Then, right back into wheezing and sweating. Push-ups, crunches, lunges ... you name it, it's in this workout. I'm getting tired just remembering it.
Like I said before, the food aspect is also confusing. I have not done very well on that front today. No, I haven't been shoving fries in my face and washing them down with milkshakes. I have, however, had a muscle milk and a protein bar when I prolly should have been eating real food. I made the breakfast this morning as directed ... 8 egg whites (that's right. 8 FREAKIN EGG WHITES) scrambled with 3oz. of chicken, basil and parmesan, topped off with 4 slices of turkey bacon. That's a whole lot of food! I even took a pic of it.
Look at it!!! That's A LOT of egg! Somehow, I managed to eat about 95% of it. And that's cranberry juice ... WITHOUT vodka!! I was proud. Still, I think this is why I had my head on the floor trying not to throw up. We'll see what tomorrow has in store.
Anyway, that's all for now. Here's a lil video of me breathing hard and sweating.
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