This is just a place holder. Haven't done the stretch yet, but will later this evening. Stay tooned!
(Update) I ended up only doing a part of it. I'm energized to do the workout on Day 29!
Keep Bringing It!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Day 27: Denver Does Yoga again...
and still wonders how "not" to do a push-up from Upward Dog?
Seriously. He shows it once and says "I choose not to do one..." and the camera promptly cuts away. Grrr.
Yoga was good. My balance was off and I was in a small room that I could put my hands on the ceiling, so it was a different sort of reaching for the ceiling.
I was really worn out after doing it.
I'll be doing X Stretch later for sure.
Keep Bringing it!
Seriously. He shows it once and says "I choose not to do one..." and the camera promptly cuts away. Grrr.
Yoga was good. My balance was off and I was in a small room that I could put my hands on the ceiling, so it was a different sort of reaching for the ceiling.
I was really worn out after doing it.
I'll be doing X Stretch later for sure.
Keep Bringing it!
Day 27 - Dallas does Yoga late
I did this Sunday morning. With family in it was tough finding time to do an one and half hour workout. I'll do X-Stretch tonight.
I did ok today in Yoga. I did push ups through the whole thing. That was a first. I still can't stay in the one leg hold for as long as Tony wants ME to. I did alright though. Next week I'm going to push it as hard as I can.
Yoga Belly went well. I like it better than Ab Ripper X.
Next week I'll get back to some longer posts.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Day 26: Denver "CORE's" Turkey Day out of system!
I was looking forward to this workout just because of yesterdays overeating. I'll do my full analysis, since Dallas did it last time!
Stacked Foot / Stagger Hands Push-Ups- I did 45 today. I probably could have eeked out 5 more, but I like to increase by 5 each time, so I would be at 70 by the end of the program and that might be a little bit of a reach!
Banana Rolls - I can do it without pushing on the sides, but I'm not sure about my form.
Crescent Lunges- These were okay, still using 10 lbs. I might need to go up a bit.
Squat Run - This is a great exercise. I only use the 10 lbs., but it does the trick. I get to 85 reps!
"Sphinx" Push-Ups - I love ancient references, this is hardcore. I can do 18 currently. One arm goes up before the other, so I am not sure that is okay?
Bow to Boat - Flashbacks to Yoga Belly 7!
Low Lateral Skaters- What does this have to do with skating? And why does Xtreme fit tracker say we need a weight here?
Lunge Reach- This is a good one. Real life skill of picking something up and putting it on a high shelf. I do 12 per set with 10 lbs.
Prison Cell Push Ups - Absolutely the hardest exercise. I did 10 and it almost killed me.
Side Hip Raise - I agree with dallas that they are not difficult. Of course, I didn't do them like Dreya and have one leg up in the air. I'm not crazy.
Squat X-Press- Probably the second hardest. By the time you get to 15 you are praying it's over. I did them with 10 lbs. (I just like not having to switch weights, if you could figure that out!
Plank to Chaturanga - Killer is right. I only got about half of the third Chaturanga run. Form is suspect as well.
Walking Push Up - Yeah, after 30 seconds, you are wondering when Tony will call off the dogs!
Superman/Banana - Tony loses comic book cred when he says it could be Spiderman. What is he thinking? These are great, though.
Lunge-Kickback -These wear you down. after a while. 10 lbs is a lot after a bunch of these.
Towel Hopping- My favorite. It feels like skiing. And that says a lot coming from a snowboarder/knuckledragger like me!
Reach High & Under Push Ups - These are great. Balance/core/strength. Awesome. I did 12 and should have been able to do more.
Steam Engine- I wish I had hit pause before doing them. I was still tired from the previous exercise and my form suffered.
Dreya Roll - Fun. My stomach was a little queasy at this point, so I didn't do the flairs at the end.
Plank to Chaturanga Iso - It sounds easy. Just hold a Chaturanga pose, then plank, repeat. Ouch. Sweat drips off as you are holding it making you even more aware of the pain.
Halfback- These are cool. A Go-To exercise of Tony's
Table Dip Leg Raise- I did 50. Form suffered at the end, but a great way to finish.
I don't know how Dallas was able to do this with an audience. I am way too self conscious. My wife watched the last 6 exercises of this once and it was distracting. Anyway, happy Black Friday!
Keep Bringing It!
I don't know how Dallas was able to do this with an audience. I am way too self conscious. My wife watched the last 6 exercises of this once and it was distracting. Anyway, happy Black Friday!
Keep Bringing It!
Day 26 - Dallas handles the Core
I did this post already....it did not post it. So this one will be shorter than the last. Family in town....didn't have enough time to type the last one.
I had an audience this morning. So everyone got to see me Core out. I can say I was glad to do this one again. THe second time around I at least knew what was coming next.
Keeping pushing play.
Day 25: Denver (sort of) Stretches
If you count walking around after eating too much food as stretching, I stretched!
I thought about it several times, but I was waaaay too stuffed. I didn't even try to cut back on what I ate (but I only had one piece of pie, er, two halves of two slices!)
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!
Keep Bringing it!
I thought about it several times, but I was waaaay too stuffed. I didn't even try to cut back on what I ate (but I only had one piece of pie, er, two halves of two slices!)
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!
Keep Bringing it!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Day 24: Denver's Kenpo Interuptus!
I made the mistake of pushing it too close to the time I had to leave. I was at the dentist today, so it threw me off my regular schedule and I didn't "Push Play" right away. I had exactly the amount of time needed before I had to leave (I sped through the warm-up as well) and sure enough, an important phone call came about 10 minutes in and it was a phone call I had to take.
So there was no way I could get it done before I have to leave in 7 minutes. So I am typing this now and will do it later tonight and update the blog later.
The coolest thing about our schedule this week is that Thursday's workout is the X Stretch! How cool is that for timing. Thanks, Tony! (He thinks of everything, doesn't he?)
Anyway, Happy Turkey Day tomorrow. I'll probably post, just not sure when.
Keep Bringing It!
So there was no way I could get it done before I have to leave in 7 minutes. So I am typing this now and will do it later tonight and update the blog later.
The coolest thing about our schedule this week is that Thursday's workout is the X Stretch! How cool is that for timing. Thanks, Tony! (He thinks of everything, doesn't he?)
Anyway, Happy Turkey Day tomorrow. I'll probably post, just not sure when.
Keep Bringing It!
Day 23: Denver Does Core Synergistics!
I had forgotten about this workout. Not completely. I knew it was pretty much an all-encompassing workout that has the potential to kick butt. But I had forgotten all the different workouts. The last two times I got this far in P90X I didn't make it to this day. So I needed to review the program with a new set of eyes. I won't go through all of the program because I'm a day behind with this post (I had some other priorities taking away my computer free time!) and I don't want to repeat what Dallas has already said. I'll possibly give my two cents on each exercise on Friday.
Basically, I used the 10 pound weights on every exercise that asked for them. I was destroyed by the Prison-Cell Push-Ups, the Squat Run and the Squat X-Press. The Bow-to-Boat was pretty killer as well. My favorites are the towel hopping and the Dreya Roll. It's a pretty cool workout. There is nothing that you dread doing beforehand.
It's a good reminder that "recovery" is a relative term when you are talking about P90X!
I'll do a better job later in the week with this one.
Keep Bringing It!
Basically, I used the 10 pound weights on every exercise that asked for them. I was destroyed by the Prison-Cell Push-Ups, the Squat Run and the Squat X-Press. The Bow-to-Boat was pretty killer as well. My favorites are the towel hopping and the Dreya Roll. It's a pretty cool workout. There is nothing that you dread doing beforehand.
It's a good reminder that "recovery" is a relative term when you are talking about P90X!
I'll do a better job later in the week with this one.
Keep Bringing It!
Day 24 - Dallas does Kenpo
24 days down.....I went as hard as I could. For some reason I can't get my heart rate up much during Kenpo. On Sunday I rode and burned 1500 calories. Today I burn just under 400.
My posts will be short this week. I did push play today and had a lot of fun doing the workout.
My weight has gone back up...I really don't understand the whole weight thing. If this keeps up I will not be very happy.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Day 23 - Dallas tries Core Synergistics
Recovery week - I don't think so. I do have to say. It was not as hard as I thought it was going to be. Don't get me wrong, it was tough, very tough, but I thought it would be up there with or beyond Plyo. It was not.
The Exercises
Stacked Foot / Stagger Hands - I did 20. I could have done more(2-3) but I thought we would be repeating.
Banana Rolls - I had to push up to the sides. Maybe next time I'll figure out how to do it without hands
Crescent Lunges
Squat Run - I used too big a weight. My arms are dead right now.
Sphinx Push Ups - This one looks really hard. I started just fine, but it gets to you.
Bow to Boat - For some reason I had a hard time with Bow after doing the Boat
Low Lateral Skaters
Lunge Reach
Prison Cell Push Ups - This one drains the energy quickly. I need to work on these
Side Hip Raise - To me these were not hard. I could have gone lot longer if Tony wasn't moving on to the next one
Squat X-Press
Plank to Chaturanga - Killer
Walking Push Up - First half was no problem...then it hits you and you are dead
Superman/Banana - He likes this move.
Lunge-Kickback series - Long series. Probably should have had less weight
Towel Hopping
Reach High & Under Push Ups - Never seen these before.
Steam Engine
Dreya Roll - I can't get up without my hands
Plank to Chaturanga Iso - killer
Halfback
Table Dip Leg Raise
I'm still trying to figure out the weights on this one. With company in this week I also need to figure out the timing and location of my workouts starting tomorrow.
Keep pushing play!!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Day 22: Denver's Yoga Bear
Yeah, yeah, I know. Yoga Bear? Very original. But there is a point.
I do look at Yoga as the "bear" of the P90x program as I have documented frequently. But I did manage a good Yoga workout today. I also had a bad food weekend and I gained a few pounds back. I told Dallas that my first time through I didn't really lose any weight until week 6 or 7, so the fluctuation is pretty normal, I think. I also think that I will probably not see the results I saw first time as my commitment to the diet is suspect at best. This week will not be any easier!
I doubt that the fat has turned to muscle this qucikly, but you never know.
For my Yoga workout today, I used the heart rate monitor because I didn't want my Polar F11 to yell at me for slacking this week. I'm very sensitive to criticism from my heart rate monitor. I'm seeking help, don't worry!
Of course, Polar, being the wise "OwnZone" guru that it is, decided that after a week of putting my "zone from 96-118 for some reason, puts me in the 135-147 zone. Perfect for Yoga. Not!
So I turned off the alarm and just looked at the results. The max I got up to was 136 (I think during the one leg portion) and my average was 93. The coolest thing of note was that during the corpse, my rate went down to 54! (I think that's my all-time low, except when I passed out getting my blood tested about 10 years ago. I ended up passing out and rushed to the hospital with an EKG telling me my heart rate was 23!)
During "Ohms" my HR went to 83, so I thought that was interesting.
My balance was much better today. I didn't fall out of any of the balance poses. I only had to break after each 20 seconds in "Crane" and I was able to stand on one foot and grab my ankles with both hands for a good amount of time. I guess it was a good thing I didn't bike-ride 20 miles on Sunday!
A good start to the Recovery Week. At least one Yoga session is down. 1 more and two Core-Synergsitics to go!
Keep Bringing it!
I do look at Yoga as the "bear" of the P90x program as I have documented frequently. But I did manage a good Yoga workout today. I also had a bad food weekend and I gained a few pounds back. I told Dallas that my first time through I didn't really lose any weight until week 6 or 7, so the fluctuation is pretty normal, I think. I also think that I will probably not see the results I saw first time as my commitment to the diet is suspect at best. This week will not be any easier!
I doubt that the fat has turned to muscle this qucikly, but you never know.
For my Yoga workout today, I used the heart rate monitor because I didn't want my Polar F11 to yell at me for slacking this week. I'm very sensitive to criticism from my heart rate monitor. I'm seeking help, don't worry!
Of course, Polar, being the wise "OwnZone" guru that it is, decided that after a week of putting my "zone from 96-118 for some reason, puts me in the 135-147 zone. Perfect for Yoga. Not!
So I turned off the alarm and just looked at the results. The max I got up to was 136 (I think during the one leg portion) and my average was 93. The coolest thing of note was that during the corpse, my rate went down to 54! (I think that's my all-time low, except when I passed out getting my blood tested about 10 years ago. I ended up passing out and rushed to the hospital with an EKG telling me my heart rate was 23!)
During "Ohms" my HR went to 83, so I thought that was interesting.
My balance was much better today. I didn't fall out of any of the balance poses. I only had to break after each 20 seconds in "Crane" and I was able to stand on one foot and grab my ankles with both hands for a good amount of time. I guess it was a good thing I didn't bike-ride 20 miles on Sunday!
A good start to the Recovery Week. At least one Yoga session is down. 1 more and two Core-Synergsitics to go!
Keep Bringing it!
Day 22 - Dallas wakes with Yoga
Missing the X-Stretch did not sit well with me. I really need it. I did do some exercise, but the stretching is what I needed the most.
Recovery Week - I pre-viewed the Core DVD again - Holy smokes. I'm in for some trouble.
Yoga today went well till we had to do the stand on one legs for 2 hrs. I guess the ride yesterday took a lot out of my legs. I was coming out of the poses left and right. My thighs were on fire.
Yoga Belly went well. I can't say I could have held Scissors to boat any longer, but I did make it through.
I was really surprised on Sat when I go on the scale. I had dropped 4 lbs since I started this program....if I go back one more week, to before my LiveStrong ride, I have dropped 7 lbs.
All good things come to an end. This morning I was back to only haven lost 2 lbs since Day 1. Not the best way to start Week 4. Maybe it is normal weight fluctuation. Or maybe I'm replacing fat with heavy muscle.
Tomorrow is another day.
Recovery Week - I pre-viewed the Core DVD again - Holy smokes. I'm in for some trouble.
Yoga today went well till we had to do the stand on one legs for 2 hrs. I guess the ride yesterday took a lot out of my legs. I was coming out of the poses left and right. My thighs were on fire.
Yoga Belly went well. I can't say I could have held Scissors to boat any longer, but I did make it through.
I was really surprised on Sat when I go on the scale. I had dropped 4 lbs since I started this program....if I go back one more week, to before my LiveStrong ride, I have dropped 7 lbs.
All good things come to an end. This morning I was back to only haven lost 2 lbs since Day 1. Not the best way to start Week 4. Maybe it is normal weight fluctuation. Or maybe I'm replacing fat with heavy muscle.
Tomorrow is another day.
Day 21 - Dallas skips stretch...but rides
I didn't have time to do the X-Stretch as well. On the other hand I did do a 20 mile mountain bike ride.
My eating for the past three days has not been great. I didn't go crazy, but I had more carbs than I should have.
On to Yoga and Day one of recovery week.
My eating for the past three days has not been great. I didn't go crazy, but I had more carbs than I should have.
On to Yoga and Day one of recovery week.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Day 21: Denver skips the Stretch
I was planning on doing it. Really. I still could. It's 10:00 PM my time. I might still do it, but I know I have Yoga tomorrow, so I feel like I'm not missing out on much. I'll leave it at that. Maybe I will, maybe I won't. I never missed a stretch the first time through, so I'm feeling like I should. Oh, well,
I guess we can all wonder with great suspense!
Keep Bringing it!
I guess we can all wonder with great suspense!
Keep Bringing it!
Day 20: Denver Does Kenpo Again!
Dallas you read my mind (besides the title thing). How the heck was Tony's heart rate at 160 after the blocks? I was at 130, maybe, during the same time and I have a feeling Tony is in better shape than I am. My only explanation is that it was an old heart rate monitor that shows the average (This was way back in 2003 or 4 when it was created. Technology changes, right?)
I also think Dallas is right on about the leg workout on Friday influencing the Kenpo. I described that last post as the Legs workout is killing me.
I really got into the audible part of the program, letting out the primal "HEY!" with every punch and kick.
I also wonder why Tony worries about the hamstrings, yet this is the one workout he doesn't have us do the "money" hamstring stretch!
Keep Bringing it!
(Next week is the so-called "Recovery" week, so Dallas can look forward to not working hard at all! ---Insert Evil Laugh here!)
I also think Dallas is right on about the leg workout on Friday influencing the Kenpo. I described that last post as the Legs workout is killing me.
I really got into the audible part of the program, letting out the primal "HEY!" with every punch and kick.
I also wonder why Tony worries about the hamstrings, yet this is the one workout he doesn't have us do the "money" hamstring stretch!
Keep Bringing it!
(Next week is the so-called "Recovery" week, so Dallas can look forward to not working hard at all! ---Insert Evil Laugh here!)
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Day 20 - Dallas punches out Kenpo
Denver is right. Titles are getting harder.
This is one of the best workouts. It is fun, hard and you get to kick and punch. That alone makes it the best.
I kept my heart rate up until the blocks. No matter how low my horse stance was or how hard I blocked, I could not keep my HR up. Not sure what else to do. Tony said his was at 160. I don't see how.
I didn't have my daughter or wife with me this week. It was just me. I really sweat during this workout. Whenever I work out I have to sweat. If I'm not I don't feel like I'm working. No problem during this workout.
The warm up for me is still the hardest. Probably b/c it comes the day after legs. When he has us squatting down and going side to side, I'm fine. When he tells us to extend a leg, I can't seem to get my legs to work. I get back my form the second we go to crescent pose. Maybe next time I'll get it. I'm starting to get used to the punch combos. The more I do it the more it flows.
Until tomorrow...Keep pushing play.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Day 19: Denver Does LEGS (and lives to tell about it!)
I mentioned a few posts back that this was the program that was actually giving me the most trouble. For some reason, the routine I used to look forward to has basically switched positions with Monday's Chest and Back. I have my suspicions why.
I am using weights for all the leg routines and I may have overdone it a bit. I am using 25 lbs, (Tony is only using 20's) and I am always feeling it the next day. Even though I have gained confidence in the Pull-Ups, somehow the combination with the legs is intimidating to me.
I am still on the steady 2 rep increase in my Pull-Ups, so that's a good thing.
My diet pretty much sucks, and has been confirmed by the nutritionist I saw at the Doctor's office today. More on that later.
I like doing the Sneaky Lunges and the Three-Way Lunge. The Step Back Lunges and the Alternating Side Lunges almost killed me!
The best thing about Ab Ripper X today? I don't have to do it for 9 days! Whoo Hoo!
I made it without pausing (minus the built in pause I get when I speed through a few exercises like Oblique V-Up and Leg Climbs!)
Keep Bringing It! (I probably won't be posting until Sunday, but I won't miss my workout!)
I am using weights for all the leg routines and I may have overdone it a bit. I am using 25 lbs, (Tony is only using 20's) and I am always feeling it the next day. Even though I have gained confidence in the Pull-Ups, somehow the combination with the legs is intimidating to me.
I am still on the steady 2 rep increase in my Pull-Ups, so that's a good thing.
My diet pretty much sucks, and has been confirmed by the nutritionist I saw at the Doctor's office today. More on that later.
I like doing the Sneaky Lunges and the Three-Way Lunge. The Step Back Lunges and the Alternating Side Lunges almost killed me!
The best thing about Ab Ripper X today? I don't have to do it for 9 days! Whoo Hoo!
I made it without pausing (minus the built in pause I get when I speed through a few exercises like Oblique V-Up and Leg Climbs!)
Keep Bringing It! (I probably won't be posting until Sunday, but I won't miss my workout!)
Day 18: Denver DID Yoga X!
I even thought about my post and I think I convinced myself that I had written this blog entry. I guess I didn't. Oh, well.
The Yoga session was interrupted several times by very urgent matters (okay, I procrastinated and kept thinking of something else I have to do. Yeah, I know...) but I got it done. I've said many times that if the session was 15-20 minutes shorter, I would not have the motivation problems I seem to have with Yoga. I actually enjoy a lot of the exercises and I always feel great afterwards.
My Downward Dog session was pretty good. I even did better holding the Half-Moon Pose this week. The Balance postures were interesting. I was having trouble with my stronger leg for some reason(left) and I don't know why. I did the best ever on Crane this week as well, only touching down for about 15 seconds of the 60 second exercise.
It was a good session, and I know it is necessary, so I always "push play!"
Keep Bringing It!
The Yoga session was interrupted several times by very urgent matters (okay, I procrastinated and kept thinking of something else I have to do. Yeah, I know...) but I got it done. I've said many times that if the session was 15-20 minutes shorter, I would not have the motivation problems I seem to have with Yoga. I actually enjoy a lot of the exercises and I always feel great afterwards.
My Downward Dog session was pretty good. I even did better holding the Half-Moon Pose this week. The Balance postures were interesting. I was having trouble with my stronger leg for some reason(left) and I don't know why. I did the best ever on Crane this week as well, only touching down for about 15 seconds of the 60 second exercise.
It was a good session, and I know it is necessary, so I always "push play!"
Keep Bringing It!
Day 19 - Dallas does Legs and Back for the 3rd time
Another day I didn't want to get out of bed. I eat terrible yesterday..not bad food, just not much food. I ate breakfast and then had a snack at 3, then dinner at 5:30. No lunch. I'm not sure I hit 1000 calories yesterday.
On to the workout - I bumped up the weight and felt it!! I was out of breath for the first half (I'm pretty congested as well). First time I have felt like that on a Friday. I pushed it pretty hard and I felt every exercise.
I DID 3 REV PULL UPS!!! Then had to use the chair to pump out 7 more. 2nd time around I only did 1. I went back to my total gym for the other pull ups. I just have not felt like I'm pushing myself and working my back enough. I figure it out one of these days. Wall squats hurt today. Normally I can hold them pretty long. Today I was dead.
Ab Ripper - I paused like crazy today for the first half. Once we got to the heels to heaven I was back and didn't pause from there forward. The twists felt great....lots of burn. I wasn't sure I would get the whole bonus done...but I did.
I brought it today!!
On to the workout - I bumped up the weight and felt it!! I was out of breath for the first half (I'm pretty congested as well). First time I have felt like that on a Friday. I pushed it pretty hard and I felt every exercise.
I DID 3 REV PULL UPS!!! Then had to use the chair to pump out 7 more. 2nd time around I only did 1. I went back to my total gym for the other pull ups. I just have not felt like I'm pushing myself and working my back enough. I figure it out one of these days. Wall squats hurt today. Normally I can hold them pretty long. Today I was dead.
Ab Ripper - I paused like crazy today for the first half. Once we got to the heels to heaven I was back and didn't pause from there forward. The twists felt great....lots of burn. I wasn't sure I would get the whole bonus done...but I did.
I brought it today!!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Day 18 - Dallas does YO-GA YO-GA YO-GA
I know I can't come up with much in the way of cool titles.....how on earth are we going to do day 90???
Today was different. I was better at a lot of the poses, but for some reason (probably b/c of Shoulders yesterday) I could not stay in Down Dog as long as a normally can. Normally I can get into Down Dog and stay there for as long as you want me to. Today, I was looking forward to moving out of Down Dog, more than wanting Scissors to come to an end.
Yoga Belly - I felt great during....hard, but it felt great. I can't believe Denver makes it through AB Ripper without pauses???
I felt a lot more relaxed today than I did last week. I think Denver was right. I was rushing last week.
This morning I did not want to get out of bed. Once I started though I was glad I did. Last night I read through the exercises for next week. Core looks like one HECK of a workout. Maybe I was reading it wrong, but it looks tough. I'm going to preview it tonight.
Denver sure is fired up. I'm going to have to up my game. I'm down 3 lbs and 2% BF so far. Of course I fluctuate that much every week!!
Legs and Back tomorrow then on to Kenpo
Bring it!!!
Today was different. I was better at a lot of the poses, but for some reason (probably b/c of Shoulders yesterday) I could not stay in Down Dog as long as a normally can. Normally I can get into Down Dog and stay there for as long as you want me to. Today, I was looking forward to moving out of Down Dog, more than wanting Scissors to come to an end.
Yoga Belly - I felt great during....hard, but it felt great. I can't believe Denver makes it through AB Ripper without pauses???
I felt a lot more relaxed today than I did last week. I think Denver was right. I was rushing last week.
This morning I did not want to get out of bed. Once I started though I was glad I did. Last night I read through the exercises for next week. Core looks like one HECK of a workout. Maybe I was reading it wrong, but it looks tough. I'm going to preview it tonight.
Denver sure is fired up. I'm going to have to up my game. I'm down 3 lbs and 2% BF so far. Of course I fluctuate that much every week!!
Legs and Back tomorrow then on to Kenpo
Bring it!!!
Day 17: Denver Brings It: Shoulders & Arms
It took me almost three weeks, but I finally got it really going on. I brought it today. After this workout I finally felt like I was in a groove. My first week I was really sore. My second week I struggled with motivation. This week I am on fire. Just in time for the recovery week!
Anyway, this time around it has been great having the weights. My first time through, I had the bands (and a MyGym- a band contraption) that just didn't work the way that the weights are working now. There are times where it is difficult to switch the plates quickly, but I have pushed my weight intensity up to a level that is challenging me. I feel stronger. I'm using 25 lb dumbbells in each hand for pretty much every exercise for shoulders and arms- the only exception are the "light" weight exercises, like Straight Arm Shoulder Flys (Or any flys for that matter) which I go for about 15 lbs.
I made it through Ab-Ripper without pushing pause and my heart rate stayed consistent. I had more motivation for this as well. It was a good day for exercise!
Keep Bringing It!
Anyway, this time around it has been great having the weights. My first time through, I had the bands (and a MyGym- a band contraption) that just didn't work the way that the weights are working now. There are times where it is difficult to switch the plates quickly, but I have pushed my weight intensity up to a level that is challenging me. I feel stronger. I'm using 25 lb dumbbells in each hand for pretty much every exercise for shoulders and arms- the only exception are the "light" weight exercises, like Straight Arm Shoulder Flys (Or any flys for that matter) which I go for about 15 lbs.
I made it through Ab-Ripper without pushing pause and my heart rate stayed consistent. I had more motivation for this as well. It was a good day for exercise!
Keep Bringing It!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Day 17 - Dallas pumps through Shoulders / Arms & AB Ripper X
After talking with Denver about how he determines his effort and weights for each workout, I made some changes...I raised the weight across the board. I was doing 12-15 reps on a lot of exercises. Now I'm doing right around 10 and struggling with the 10th.
The Two Angled Shoulder Flys were the ones that gave me the most challenge this time around. I raised the weight for the 1st go round and then had to drop it back down. It is tough for me.
Most of the Tri work I was able to really feel it. So I guess I was pushing it well. The In/Out Straight Arm Flys (seeing a pattern here) gave me trouble as well. Tony talks like we shouldn't pick a big weight so I always go low. I think next time I'll bump up and see what happens. 16 reps is a lot to reps for a bigger weight.
ABRX - I did better today. Still had to break between the front and back bicycles, but after that I did much better. Made it through the scissors without pausing. Paused between the Hip Rocks and the Pulse Ups. Not bad. Only two extra pauses.
Keep Bringing it!!!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Day 16: Denver Goes (PLYO)Metric!
I'm telling you, coming up with a catchy headline each time is going to kill me!
Alternate title:
"P90X Has Two Mommies" (See, on Chest and Back, Tony calls that the "Mother" of all P90X workouts. Then the very next day in Plyo, he calls Plyo (specifically the "Jump-Knee Tucks") as the "Mother". Thus the title. Yeah, I have too much time on my hands and I've memorized every bad joke and throwaway comment by Mr. Horton!)
I loved the workout today. I was happy not to do Ab-Ripper and to be able to power through the routine. I paused it a few times (I don't know who can get through the third section (Jump-Knee Tucks followed by the Mary Catherine's!) without doing so!
Dallas, did you say "Accelerade?" I've tried that stuff and I have to say I was impressed. I used to be able to find it int he grocery store, but haven't seen it lately. I'll have to look harder.
Unfortunately, Dallas, you will need your weights on the two Core Synergistics days. Not a lot of weight, but some. I'll go back and see what I was using 9I think I used the 10 lb bars without the plates for the few exercises you need).
Turkey week is a challenge, that's for sure. I didn't have anything like that my first time through, so we'll see how it goes. Anyway,
Keep Bringing it!
Alternate title:
"P90X Has Two Mommies" (See, on Chest and Back, Tony calls that the "Mother" of all P90X workouts. Then the very next day in Plyo, he calls Plyo (specifically the "Jump-Knee Tucks") as the "Mother". Thus the title. Yeah, I have too much time on my hands and I've memorized every bad joke and throwaway comment by Mr. Horton!)
I loved the workout today. I was happy not to do Ab-Ripper and to be able to power through the routine. I paused it a few times (I don't know who can get through the third section (Jump-Knee Tucks followed by the Mary Catherine's!) without doing so!
Dallas, did you say "Accelerade?" I've tried that stuff and I have to say I was impressed. I used to be able to find it int he grocery store, but haven't seen it lately. I'll have to look harder.
Unfortunately, Dallas, you will need your weights on the two Core Synergistics days. Not a lot of weight, but some. I'll go back and see what I was using 9I think I used the 10 lb bars without the plates for the few exercises you need).
Turkey week is a challenge, that's for sure. I didn't have anything like that my first time through, so we'll see how it goes. Anyway,
Keep Bringing it!
Day 16 - Dallas gets through Plyo
I went for it today. No extra pauses, almost all the advanced moves (I couldn't jump as high as Dom the whole time). It is really tough to get through the whole thing. I still feel weird doing the left handed pitching. I always miss the 2nd throw and then have to catch up. I think Sunday when I rode as hard as I could, it gave me the spark I needed to just go all out and not break. We'll see how I feel tomorrow. I used my endurance recovery (Accelerade) in my water this week. Hopefully that will help.
Next week is Recovery week. It is also Turkey week, family coming in, no school. I'm going to have to plan my workouts. Looks like I don't need the weights for any of them. Or am I wrong? I will probably move my workout into my bedroom so I don't wake everyone up.
Sounds like Denver is finding his stride again. I'll need to push hard to keep up.
I still need to take some pics of my equipment for everyone. Shoulders and Arms tomorrow. Keep bringing it!!!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Day 15: Denver Destroys CHEST & BACK
It's interesting. I used to dread Mondays and feel that it took forever to get through the workouts. I'm not that much better at Pull-Ups this time around, but I have the confidence that I can get through them. Push-Ups, on the other hand, I'm feeling so much stronger than before. My first time through the program, I struggled to get through the push-ups because my chest has always been weak. Its gotten stronger.
Now I find the Friday workout the hardest to get through. I used to hate the fact that Monday made you repeat the exercises twice. I think mentally I would hold back and not go all out on the exercises.
My #1 tip for gradually improving is, of course, writing things down. I always try to do two more reps (for non weight-bearing exercises) each time. This mental challenge works well, and I'm usually able to meet it. It can sometimes have the opposite effect, since you can reach your target and stop, not pushing yourself to go further. It's a conundrum, but at least it means you are steadily improving.
Ab Ripper was okay, though I was interrupted a few times during it. I'm at least getting my heart-rate up during it these days.
I am looking forward to knocking this week out and having a good recovery week. Don't worry, Dallas, recovery week is cake! (Shhh, don't tell him that Recovery week is anything but "cake!" I want him to be surprised!
Keep Bringing it!
Now I find the Friday workout the hardest to get through. I used to hate the fact that Monday made you repeat the exercises twice. I think mentally I would hold back and not go all out on the exercises.
My #1 tip for gradually improving is, of course, writing things down. I always try to do two more reps (for non weight-bearing exercises) each time. This mental challenge works well, and I'm usually able to meet it. It can sometimes have the opposite effect, since you can reach your target and stop, not pushing yourself to go further. It's a conundrum, but at least it means you are steadily improving.
Ab Ripper was okay, though I was interrupted a few times during it. I'm at least getting my heart-rate up during it these days.
I am looking forward to knocking this week out and having a good recovery week. Don't worry, Dallas, recovery week is cake! (Shhh, don't tell him that Recovery week is anything but "cake!" I want him to be surprised!
Keep Bringing it!
Day 15 - Dallas tries to pull up for Chest and Back
It does seem crazy that I was looking forward to today's workout. I guess I REALLY want to do a pull up. Sad to say...I still can't. I noticed that if I can get my arms half way up using my legs...then I can make it the rest of the way (I couldn't do that before). I'm worried I won't be able to do a single pull up when this is all over in 90 days. I'm not sure what to do. The first week I had trouble shampooing my hair. I didn't have that issue this week. I'm not sure how to make my pull up workout "push" me harder. If it wasn't for the push ups I would have had a terrible mental day.
Push ups - I killed push ups this week. I did 11 diamond push ups (8 second time around)! I didn't use my knees (tried that last week and I didn't like it), but I need to confess I didn't make it all the way down to touch my hands to my chest. I was close though!!!
Ab Ripper - I did my normal pauses between certain moves. Btw Front / Back bicycles, half way through scissors, just before heels up, and then just before the mason twists (which I did all the bonus as well). I did really well on the legs climbs. I think I fianlly got the idea how to "do" these.
If I take the pull ups out I think I had a great work out.
Plyo tomorrow.
Push ups - I killed push ups this week. I did 11 diamond push ups (8 second time around)! I didn't use my knees (tried that last week and I didn't like it), but I need to confess I didn't make it all the way down to touch my hands to my chest. I was close though!!!
Ab Ripper - I did my normal pauses between certain moves. Btw Front / Back bicycles, half way through scissors, just before heels up, and then just before the mason twists (which I did all the bonus as well). I did really well on the legs climbs. I think I fianlly got the idea how to "do" these.
If I take the pull ups out I think I had a great work out.
Plyo tomorrow.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Day 14: Denver Stretches out the Weekend!
Okay, so I am late posting this weekend, but I did warn you!
I was so sore this weekend that I was having trouble bending over to pick up anything. My neck was hurting as well. I needed this stretch more than I ever have. It was great, but I am concerned about my inability to recover from a tough Friday Leg workout. If I didn't think I was getting old before (I just turned 40 a few months ago) I do now. Ouch.
I'm glad Dallas enjoyed this weekend's workouts, but if he's looking forward to tomorrow's workout, I may need to call a shrink! (Just kidding, I was young and foolish once! And I think I still had the euphoria going after week two last time. It's a little more tempered now!)
I'll check in tomorrow!
(I think I gained all my weight back this weekend. I ate at a restaurant for breakfast on Saturday and Grilled steaks and pork chops for dinner on Saturday and Friday respectably.
Keep Bringing it!
I was so sore this weekend that I was having trouble bending over to pick up anything. My neck was hurting as well. I needed this stretch more than I ever have. It was great, but I am concerned about my inability to recover from a tough Friday Leg workout. If I didn't think I was getting old before (I just turned 40 a few months ago) I do now. Ouch.
I'm glad Dallas enjoyed this weekend's workouts, but if he's looking forward to tomorrow's workout, I may need to call a shrink! (Just kidding, I was young and foolish once! And I think I still had the euphoria going after week two last time. It's a little more tempered now!)
I'll check in tomorrow!
(I think I gained all my weight back this weekend. I ate at a restaurant for breakfast on Saturday and Grilled steaks and pork chops for dinner on Saturday and Friday respectably.
Keep Bringing it!
Day 13: Denver Kicks Kenpo!
Yeah, I brought it. I was in a different location, but I made it work. The cool thing was I got to do this in front of a big screen TV and at times I thought I was going up against a life-size Tony!
I think one of the most important parts of this workout is the mental toughness required to "bring it!" I found myself occasionally not putting forth the intensity needed to make the workout worthwhile. I was able to correct this quickly enough, but it reminded me that I need to stay focused. Of course it didn't help that my legs and back were still killing me from Friday's workout.
In fact, I walked the dog with my wife and my legs felt really heavy. It did not improve after this workout, that's for sure. I also had some balance issues with some of the combination moves. It was as much fun as ever, though!
I really need the stretching on Sunday, that's for sure! (See how clever I am, I wrote this as if I was writing on Saturday, but it's already Sunday and I know what I am going to write for Sunday. Neat, eh?)
Keep Bringing it!
I think one of the most important parts of this workout is the mental toughness required to "bring it!" I found myself occasionally not putting forth the intensity needed to make the workout worthwhile. I was able to correct this quickly enough, but it reminded me that I need to stay focused. Of course it didn't help that my legs and back were still killing me from Friday's workout.
In fact, I walked the dog with my wife and my legs felt really heavy. It did not improve after this workout, that's for sure. I also had some balance issues with some of the combination moves. It was as much fun as ever, though!
I really need the stretching on Sunday, that's for sure! (See how clever I am, I wrote this as if I was writing on Saturday, but it's already Sunday and I know what I am going to write for Sunday. Neat, eh?)
Keep Bringing it!
Day 14 - Dallas need X-Stretch
Again I was looking forward to X-Stretch. I need this so badly. I have a Yoga block now so it was a huge help for me. My daughter did it with me. Just makes me look worse. Tony is talking like the one girl is gumby. I felt sorry for her last week. He kept telling her she was a freak of nature. Well my daughter puts her to shame :-)
When he has us fold over and touch the ground, then put one hand on the ground in the middle and then twist up with the other....it really shows what bad shape I'm in. My hand is barely past half way.
Anyway it was a great stretch day. The rest of the day has been house stuff. Turkey day is around the corner. At 3:30 I met a friend and went on a mountain bike ride. I had not been on a bike since my LiveStrong ride. It felt great to get back on the bike!!!
Two weeks down. I feel good. I can't wait to push play tomorrow.
Keep pushing play.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Day 13 - Dallas kicks some Kenpo X
Well I got the whole family to join me today in Kenpo X. My daughter (a red belt in karate) liked all the moves, but was a little bored with all the cardio stuff. She sat down through some of it. Seeing her in the warm up....she can bend in half. In the move where you are lying down and have one leg up, grab your toe then fold to the side....she was pretty much in the split while holding her toe....amazing. My wife did every move with me and really liked the work out. She did the Stretch with me last week.
This was much better this week. Last week I was a little lost and confused through some of the moves. This week I knew what he meant (most of the time). I keep my HR monitor on from the start of the warm up until the cool down is done. I download all my HR info to a software program so I can monitor my HR for recovery time. Max HR was 176 and avg was 142. Most of the cardio stuff or max kicks I was at 168-172. I was really bringing it today. My HR drops pretty quick. Once we started the cool down I had dropped to 130, then by the time we leaned over I was at 115. When the cool down was over I was at 109. Then it shot back up to 124 when I was taking the dvd out of the player....weird.
Anyway - Great day. I can't wait to stretch tomorrow.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Day 12: Denver Does Legs & Back (with aches & pains!!)
It was during the Step BAck Lunge when I felt the first tweak. Ouch. Something in either my hamstring or just below my right buttocks started killing me. I was able to make it through the workout but I worry about tomorrow. Then I felt something in my left wrist doing my Reverse chin-ups. I even felt something in my left arm during Crunchy Frog. It was not a good day for aches and pains!
Maybe I'm just getting old? (I also kept forgetting to restart my heart rate monitor, another sign of old age?)
Anyway, The first exercise is grueling for me. I carry 20 lb weights and do the one leg-balance lunge, and for some reason it kills me. It is a good leg workout, that's for sure. I am very sore right now and thankful that I don't have to stand while writing this (Has anyone seen those treadmill desks that some offices have now?) and hopefully I'll be recovered enough for my Kenpo workout tomorrow.
I probably won't be able to write about my Kenpo workout until Sunday evening, so don't panic (I know, it's hard to imagine that life can go on, but hopefully Dallas will fill the void!)
Almost done with two weeks and I'm feeling it already. I'm down to 179 lbs, which is better than 185. I'll give a better report on Sunday.
Keep Bringing it!
Maybe I'm just getting old? (I also kept forgetting to restart my heart rate monitor, another sign of old age?)
Anyway, The first exercise is grueling for me. I carry 20 lb weights and do the one leg-balance lunge, and for some reason it kills me. It is a good leg workout, that's for sure. I am very sore right now and thankful that I don't have to stand while writing this (Has anyone seen those treadmill desks that some offices have now?) and hopefully I'll be recovered enough for my Kenpo workout tomorrow.
I probably won't be able to write about my Kenpo workout until Sunday evening, so don't panic (I know, it's hard to imagine that life can go on, but hopefully Dallas will fill the void!)
Almost done with two weeks and I'm feeling it already. I'm down to 179 lbs, which is better than 185. I'll give a better report on Sunday.
Keep Bringing it!
Day 12 - Dallas does Legs & Back Week 2
Pull-Ups....I really don't like them. I'm hoping once I can do a few I'll get to like them more. I went back to the pull up bar with the chair. I figured that is what they recommend so I'll give it a go.
I think I need to increase my weights on the Calf Raises and the Step Back Lunges. Denver do you use weights on the Toe Rolls? I think next week I'm going to add using weights. I think Tony scares everyone into not using them.
The wall squats were harder for me today. I think it is b/c I pushed it harder in the Skaters.
I did feel my bad knee start talking to me during the three way lunge. It was not talking very nice either.
AB Ripper X - After the leg workout I found the Bicycles a lot harder. My abs could have kept going, but I had to pause between the Front/Back bicycles and the Crunchy Frogs. Then I did fine until the darn scissors again. It was my legs again that were giving out during the scissors. I got to 19 and had to pause, then finish the final 6 up. I can't get my high leg past 45 degrees so I have to use the leg muscles more than those buff people on the DVD. If I could get my leg up higher I think it would take some pressure off my legs and put it on my abs more.
Who knows? Anyway it was a good workout. I almost went back to bed thinking I could do the workout this evening. Then I realized I would never do it tonight.
Keep Bringing it!!!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Day 11: Denver Does Downward Dog Tired (YOGA)
It's amazing how much better this week felt. I have my resistance towards Yoga X to begin with, but last week my stomach was killing me and a torturous session became the equivalent of a death sentence! I survived this session, despite some balance issues that seemed to be shared by Dallas this week. I was great on the "Tree" pose, embarrassing on the "Royal Dancer" pose, and I brought it to the "Toe Lock" pose! (That's the one where you stand up and grab your toe while straightening your leg completely. I do a double hand grab on this. Yeah, that's right!)
Of course to get to that point you have to make it through the million "Downward Dogs." I was much better in the first 45 minutes. It's still impossible to make it through the 1 leg "Half-Moon" and all subsequent poses. My legs, which I consider strong, just can't take it.
A couple of musings: I'm wondering if Dallas knows what the heck Tony is talking about when he says "Do the push-up if you want/have to?" when moving from Chataranga to Downward Dog. I do not know how to do this without a push-up. The one time Tony says he chooses "not" to do this, the camera cuts away (one of several, minor but annoying editing snafus throughout the program!).
I am able to do the final balance posture (Crane?) for about 15 seconds at a time without putting down my toes. I don't know how anyone can do that for the full amount of time.
I like the stretching a lot, and I didn't hate Yoga Belly 7 Deadly Poses like I usually do. When I tried to start up the program the last two times after the first successful 90 days, the yoga is what usually set me up for failure. I never had the desire to take the 90 minutes to do the Yoga X, and then it would feel like there was no point in sticking to the plan. I think that is the key. Avoid missing a day at all costs.
Another thing I think I have noticed. Tony says the tip of the day is to clear your mind completely. When I have a good balance day (or Yoga day in general) I am completely committed to doing it. When I am already thinking about it being over, it takes longer and I don't do as well. So if I am in a hurry, I can count on a lousy Yoga session. Your post made it sound like you were in a hurry, so maybe that affected your balance. I know when I start thinking about my to-do list, I usually end up on my rear!
Keep Bringing it!
Of course to get to that point you have to make it through the million "Downward Dogs." I was much better in the first 45 minutes. It's still impossible to make it through the 1 leg "Half-Moon" and all subsequent poses. My legs, which I consider strong, just can't take it.
A couple of musings: I'm wondering if Dallas knows what the heck Tony is talking about when he says "Do the push-up if you want/have to?" when moving from Chataranga to Downward Dog. I do not know how to do this without a push-up. The one time Tony says he chooses "not" to do this, the camera cuts away (one of several, minor but annoying editing snafus throughout the program!).
I am able to do the final balance posture (Crane?) for about 15 seconds at a time without putting down my toes. I don't know how anyone can do that for the full amount of time.
I like the stretching a lot, and I didn't hate Yoga Belly 7 Deadly Poses like I usually do. When I tried to start up the program the last two times after the first successful 90 days, the yoga is what usually set me up for failure. I never had the desire to take the 90 minutes to do the Yoga X, and then it would feel like there was no point in sticking to the plan. I think that is the key. Avoid missing a day at all costs.
Another thing I think I have noticed. Tony says the tip of the day is to clear your mind completely. When I have a good balance day (or Yoga day in general) I am completely committed to doing it. When I am already thinking about it being over, it takes longer and I don't do as well. So if I am in a hurry, I can count on a lousy Yoga session. Your post made it sound like you were in a hurry, so maybe that affected your balance. I know when I start thinking about my to-do list, I usually end up on my rear!
Keep Bringing it!
Day 11 - Dallas gets to do Yoga
I was looking forward to Yoga this week. Back to something I was used to. Today was not my day for balance. I was having one of those bad days. I had a heck of time even standing still even. I got through it, but there are a few moves I just couldn't hold very long (mainly the twisting poses). Most of the moves that I have done before I was able to hold...Dancer (I know this as standing bow), Crow (I was able to hold this for about 20 sec off and on), the basic warrior poses.
The ab section at the end. I must have been asleep last week. I didn't really remember them. I do now.
Today is quick and to the point. I have a really full day and need to get to it.
Keep bringing it.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Day 10: Denver Powers Through SHOULDERS & ARMS
I have to admit, I was not motivated to do this workout. I don't know why. I usually like the Wednesday Workout, because it is all arms and shoulders and there are no pesky push-ups or pull-ups (I love alliteration!). Once I got going, I was okay. I did better on most exercises. It is still hard for me to judge the weights, and because you have to keep switching the weights, I tend to try and use the same weight for many exercises. This can be a major thinking error. I am on 25 lbs mode right now. I think for a lot of the exercises, 23 lbs would be just right. You are supposed to struggle for the last four, so that is mission accomplished. You are not, however, supposed to lose your form. I was guilty on that for the Flip-Grip Twist kickbacks and the last several were awful. Same with the Seated Two Angle Shoulder Flys, which progressively got worse as the exercise went on.
Note to self- Don't be lazy, switch to the proper weight!
Ab Ripper was bearable. I didn't pause as much, and my heart rate was up there. I had a malfunction 20 minutes into the workout and I had to restart my Polar F11 Heart Rate Monitor and figure out the totals afterwards. More math makes the workout less fun!
Dallas, I think your grammar is correct. But the Whom/Who debate is tricky so I am not writing it in blood!
Anyway,
Keep Bringing it!
Note to self- Don't be lazy, switch to the proper weight!
Ab Ripper was bearable. I didn't pause as much, and my heart rate was up there. I had a malfunction 20 minutes into the workout and I had to restart my Polar F11 Heart Rate Monitor and figure out the totals afterwards. More math makes the workout less fun!
Dallas, I think your grammar is correct. But the Whom/Who debate is tricky so I am not writing it in blood!
Anyway,
Keep Bringing it!
Day 10 - Shoulders & Arms - Week 2
Almost half way through week two.
I like this day. Last week I didn't know what weights to use to get max results. This week I bumped up most weights. I could feel a difference. Those Flip Grip Twist Tricep Kickbacks (still hard to say) are still the hardest to do.....not b/c of the exercise, but like Denver said, our bulky weights make it hard to do the movement. I kind of pushed my arm out a bit to at least let my arm move. I did bump the weight on this one to see if more weight helped smooth out the movement. It helped a little.
There were a few exercises I still had the wrong weight on: Static Arm curls, Lying down Tricep extensions.
Ab Ripper - I did better today. For the first part I paused after every two exercises. I had to pause between the forward and backwards bicycles and 1/2 way through the darn scissors. Whomever (Denver - did I say that right?) invented these scissors needs to be hung up by their toes. The second half I pushed through without too many pauses. I did pause before the start of the twists.
Weight this morning was 165.5 (23% BF)
That is all for today.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Day 9: Denver's Plyo Redux
Dallas, don't worry about the breaks. I don't think I have ever made it through without taking at least one break. Today I took several during the workout, especially after the first half. I even took one of those Refuel Energy Gels from PowerBar. I don't know if it helped, but I made it through. I did pretty well. I like cardio workouts because I can usually power through them okay. The toughest for me today was doing the Mary Catherine's (named after Molly Shannon's SNL Catholic school girl character) right after the "mother" Jump Squats, which I kept up with Dominic the Machine in the back!
I burned over 1200 calories and took enough breaks to increase my workout time by about 5 minutes. My Max heart rate was 178 and my average was 154. I usually don't start using the monitor until the workout starts, but on Plyo days I can usually just start at the beginning. I think I turned it off when it started beeping at me during the cool down. On days like tomorrow, I don't put it on during the warm up or the cool down, and rarely get in the zone during the Ab Ripper.
What is interesting to me is that I was technically in "the zone" (according to the Polar OwnZone system) for only 14 minutes. I was above my zone for 49 Minutes. It was an eXtreme workout in which I brought it!
Keep Bringing it!
I burned over 1200 calories and took enough breaks to increase my workout time by about 5 minutes. My Max heart rate was 178 and my average was 154. I usually don't start using the monitor until the workout starts, but on Plyo days I can usually just start at the beginning. I think I turned it off when it started beeping at me during the cool down. On days like tomorrow, I don't put it on during the warm up or the cool down, and rarely get in the zone during the Ab Ripper.
What is interesting to me is that I was technically in "the zone" (according to the Polar OwnZone system) for only 14 minutes. I was above my zone for 49 Minutes. It was an eXtreme workout in which I brought it!
Keep Bringing it!
Day 9 - Plyo comes again
Here we go again. This is the workout that surprised me a few weeks ago. I thought with all my riding cardio would be easy. Not being able to walk for three days opened my eyes.
A week ago I did fine. A little sore the next day, but overall I did a lot better. This week I'm still exhausted from no sleep during the weekend. So I was curious to see how I would do. I extended all the breaks by 30 sec. I don't feel guilty. I made it through pretty well for week 2. I can't wait to be able to go through the whole thing without any breaks.
Denver said he could do the hot foot for a long time. The first set I'd agree. The second set....I was glad when the darn timer on the bottom showed 1 sec left. I did a lot better on the march. Thanks Denver for the tips.
Max HR was 171. Avg was 149. I leave my monitor on during the warm up and the full cool down. My recovery is pretty good with all the riding I did. So the 149 seems misleading to me. Every time I looked down at my watch it was in the 159-165 range. Who knows.....tomorrow is Shoulders and Arms.....and AB Ripper X.
I definitely brought it today.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Day 8: Denver Hates Mondays (Chest & Back)
Well, I used to hate them more, mainly because I suck at push-ups. The first time I went through this workout, week 2 was a step backwards. I was in pain, and I didn't match my week 1 totals. This week I exceeded or matched last weeks reps/weight and I felt good about it. My body just wasn't ready for the intensity last time around. This time I feel more like I did in the middle of the program. That's progress, I guess.
I actually didn't dread this workout as much as I used to dread Mondays. I think the confidence is there, where it once wasn't. I am averaging 15 Pull-Ups and 20 Push-Ups, which is way above my original pace. Yes, I am still sore and tired, but I feel recovered enough to press play!
Dallas, have you noticed that Tony cheats us into doing an extra 6 or 7 Reverse Bicycles in Ab Ripper X? Yup, he seems to "lose count" and I usually finish my count to 25 and he's on 19! I still push the pause button at least twice in the workout, but I can usually make it through the first three exercises before I do so (1st time around, I usually had to pause after the first set of Bicycles!). I also go much faster in the Oblique V-Ups, where I usually finish the second set when he is just starting the 1st. I don't think it's cheating, but I might be wrong. I do the arms up for all exercises that suggest it and I do "no touch" Leg Climbs at a faster pace as well.
Keep Bringing it!
I actually didn't dread this workout as much as I used to dread Mondays. I think the confidence is there, where it once wasn't. I am averaging 15 Pull-Ups and 20 Push-Ups, which is way above my original pace. Yes, I am still sore and tired, but I feel recovered enough to press play!
Dallas, have you noticed that Tony cheats us into doing an extra 6 or 7 Reverse Bicycles in Ab Ripper X? Yup, he seems to "lose count" and I usually finish my count to 25 and he's on 19! I still push the pause button at least twice in the workout, but I can usually make it through the first three exercises before I do so (1st time around, I usually had to pause after the first set of Bicycles!). I also go much faster in the Oblique V-Ups, where I usually finish the second set when he is just starting the 1st. I don't think it's cheating, but I might be wrong. I do the arms up for all exercises that suggest it and I do "no touch" Leg Climbs at a faster pace as well.
Keep Bringing it!
Day 8 - Dallas Does Chest & Back
I couldn't come up with any cool title. Sorry.
5am wake up - I was really curious to see how I would do today. Not much sleep this weekend.
My first set of push ups I did 30 standard, 12 military, 17 wide, 12 decline and 10 diamond (which I did on my knees this week). Second set I dropped off fast - 19 standard, 7 military, 16 wide, 10 decline and 7 diamond. Last week I was much closer 1st to 2nd set.
Diamond push ups suck. I hate them. Denver told me to try my knees. It let me go lower, but by going lower I was not able to hammer very many out. We'll see how it goes.
Total Gym - This week I tried using my Total Gym for the pull ups. Right now I feel like it worked my back more than cheating with a chair did (more legs). I'll continue using it this week and then figure out I will continue until I can do one with the "great" pull up bar I bought for this.....great use out of it so far.
I increased my weight used in all the exercises. Last week I didn't know what to expect, so this week I bumped everything 5 lbs.
Ab Ripper X - Still paused my way through it. But I did finish it. I'm looking forward to pausing half as much.
I brought it today!!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Day 7 - Dallas "Tries to" X-Stretch - 1 week down and bunch to go
Today was different...I didn't get up at 5am. My daughter had a friend over and they went to bed at 12. Then woke up at 6:15 (I'm dead tired). Then a full day of running around and friends for dinner. So I just finished X_Stretch at 9:24 Dallas time. Got my wife to do it with me. She is made of rubber and I'm made of metal (w/ fat all over over course). I think if I did this everyday for a month....I'd be a better person. Well maybe not a better person, but be in a whole lot better shape. My cycling would improve just with the range of motion and extra power.
I LOVED this workout. Can't wait till next Sunday.
Tomorrow is back to Chest and Back. I think I'm going to try using my Total Gym for the pull ups. Using the chair the whole time I feel like I'm cheating and using my legs too much. At least with the Total Gym my back is the only thing getting me to the top. I'll try it this week and see what the difference is. My main goal is to be able to do 10 pull ups without a chair. I have 83 more days to work up to that.
Food - 1 week down and I have been really good. Saturday my daughter wanted mexican. If you have been reading our blog you know my weakness is chips and queso. Well I didn't have one chip (or Queso). I eat a grilled chicken salad with salsa for the dressing (I think that is ok). First time I've eaten a salad at this restaurant???
Sunday - Well with the sleep over, they wanted donuts for breakfast. I got a few plain cake donuts and ate two. That was my carbs for the day. That is my only cheat so far. No sugar or glaze.
Keep pushing play and bringing it
Day 7: And on the 7th Day, Denver STRETCHED!
I know, lame reference, but I know I've got 90 of these titles to come up with, so I'll use the obvious when I can.
I know that a lot of people skip the stretch day and just rest. I can't emphasize how much I think that is a mistake. The stretch isn't difficult or strenuous and it makes you feel sooooo much better afterwards. I love the "Rollers" and even the Hamstring stretches which take up what seems like half of the time. As Dallas mentioned, Tony Horton knows how to put a program together and this stretch is an important component. I know some guys who didn't do the stretch until it was "required" in the recovery week and they wished that they had done it earlier. So that's all I have for today, don't skip it! Bring it!
I'll talk about my food issues later. It isn't bad, but it isn't pretty either. I'll also be trying some supplements to try to rip my abs. We'll see how they work.
Keep Bringing it!
I know that a lot of people skip the stretch day and just rest. I can't emphasize how much I think that is a mistake. The stretch isn't difficult or strenuous and it makes you feel sooooo much better afterwards. I love the "Rollers" and even the Hamstring stretches which take up what seems like half of the time. As Dallas mentioned, Tony Horton knows how to put a program together and this stretch is an important component. I know some guys who didn't do the stretch until it was "required" in the recovery week and they wished that they had done it earlier. So that's all I have for today, don't skip it! Bring it!
I'll talk about my food issues later. It isn't bad, but it isn't pretty either. I'll also be trying some supplements to try to rip my abs. We'll see how they work.
Keep Bringing it!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Day 6: Denver Does Kenpo
I'm glad Dallas enjoyed Kenpo, but as the writer/speller in the family, I do have to point out that it is keNpo, not keMpo! It's okay, the spelling test isn't until January!
I really do love the Kenpo. I agree with Dallas as far as the warm-up goes, it isn't exactly an encouraging one (long and kind of annoying) but once you start punching and kicking, it's awesome.
Here are my Kenpo Tips that I learned about half-way through the first go around:
1. If you can look at a mirror or a poster or a picture with a glass frame and see your reflection when you are doing the moves, it can increase your intensity. I look at the glass framed picture of Mark Messier. Not that I have anything against Mess, but he's got a bloody face in the picture and it can be motivating. I try to look at my form when I am doing the moves. I figure if I look somewhat like I know what I am doing, I am on the right path. considering I have never been in a fight (save childhood scraps with Dallas) I have no idea what it's like to actually punch someone.
2. When doing a combination, I say the moves as I do them. The first several times I did it, I don't know if it would help me, but after I got the basic moves down, I would still get confused by the combinations. I think saying them as you do them is very helpful.
My heart rate was pretty good during this workout. I burned 697 calories and my Max was 167/average 145. I think the hardest is to keep the heart rate up during the block segment. (I still can't get the hang of the Star Blocks exercise.) Maybe Dallas could have his daughter attack him during the blocks. That might raise his heart rate a bit!
Stretch tomorrow! Yeah!
Keep Bringing it!
I really do love the Kenpo. I agree with Dallas as far as the warm-up goes, it isn't exactly an encouraging one (long and kind of annoying) but once you start punching and kicking, it's awesome.
Here are my Kenpo Tips that I learned about half-way through the first go around:
1. If you can look at a mirror or a poster or a picture with a glass frame and see your reflection when you are doing the moves, it can increase your intensity. I look at the glass framed picture of Mark Messier. Not that I have anything against Mess, but he's got a bloody face in the picture and it can be motivating. I try to look at my form when I am doing the moves. I figure if I look somewhat like I know what I am doing, I am on the right path. considering I have never been in a fight (save childhood scraps with Dallas) I have no idea what it's like to actually punch someone.
2. When doing a combination, I say the moves as I do them. The first several times I did it, I don't know if it would help me, but after I got the basic moves down, I would still get confused by the combinations. I think saying them as you do them is very helpful.
My heart rate was pretty good during this workout. I burned 697 calories and my Max was 167/average 145. I think the hardest is to keep the heart rate up during the block segment. (I still can't get the hang of the Star Blocks exercise.) Maybe Dallas could have his daughter attack him during the blocks. That might raise his heart rate a bit!
Stretch tomorrow! Yeah!
Keep Bringing it!
Day 6 - Dallas does (and likes) Kenpo X (Fixed)
Denver has been talking about Kenpo X for awhile now. I was excited to see if it measured up. You know those times people keep telling you that "you have to go see this movie, it's the best". Well I was worried. The warm up was headed that way. My legs were pretty tired so some of the warm up was killing me. But all warm ups come to an end. Kenpo X was very cool.
Kenpo X - I liked it. Next time I do it I'll be better prepared. Again I forgot to pre-watch it, so half the moves I was not sure what to do where. My daughter takes Karate and they use different names for the kicks and punches. So he would say one thing and I would do something else. So I had to not listen and just match the move. A couple of times it took me the right side to get used to it so then I left side I would do it right (mainly the punches). So knowing this I was able to do the kick portion just fine.
I liked the last 1,000 punches that end the workout. Gave me a kind of "take that" ending.
My heart rate didn't get as high as I think it should have (165 Max and 131 Avg). I thought I was "bringing it". I work on pushing it harder.
Well I'm having my protein smoothie and getting cleaned up. Then it is off to take my daughter (the real martial arts expert) to her karate class.
Keep hitting play and bring it!!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Day 5: Denver's Got LEGS (and Back)
I remember my first time doing this workout was an "Aha!" moment. I was excited because this was what I would classify as a "hockey player's workout" because of this leg-intensive routine. I still enjoy this workout more than most of them, and I did pretty well this morning. I was still not feeling well, but much better than last night. I managed a pretty good effort today, and I am always happy that Friday means Kenpo tomorrow!
Here's the workout:
Balance Lunge (I use 20 lb weights here)
Calf raise Squat
Reverse Grip Chin-Ups (2 sets)
Super Skaters (I love this, even though, as Dallas pointed out, it isn't really proper skating!)
Wall Squats (90 Secs)
Wide front Pull-Ups (2 sets)
Step Back Lunge (25 lbs.)
Alternating Side Lunge (25 lbs)
Close Grip Overhand Pull-Ups (2 sets)
Single Leg Wall Squat (Yeah, these are tough, but I like that it is broken down into 10 second intervals)
Dead Lift Squats
Switch-Grip Pull-Ups (2 Sets) (I can't switch without putting my feet down)
Three-Way Lunge
Sneaky Lunge (This one time, I put my heel down, and Tony didn't come to my house!)
Chair Salutations (Dallas- How could you forget the Yoga move?)
Toe-Roll Iso Lunge (It's tricky, I use 20 lb weights here)
Groucho Walk
Calf Raises (I used 25 lb weights here and I have trouble doing it without taking a break in between sets. It's more pressure on my arms than my legs. When I used the bands I didn't have a problem getting through it and I felt it more in the calf. Weird.)
80-20 Siebers Speed Squats (These are great, but I'm always remembering that I still have another set of pull-ups and Ab-Ripper to get through!)
Anyway, 5 Days down and I'm feeling good about the workouts. I have to go grocery shopping this weekend, so I'll have a better handle on my food next week.
Bring it!
Here's the workout:
Balance Lunge (I use 20 lb weights here)
Calf raise Squat
Reverse Grip Chin-Ups (2 sets)
Super Skaters (I love this, even though, as Dallas pointed out, it isn't really proper skating!)
Wall Squats (90 Secs)
Wide front Pull-Ups (2 sets)
Step Back Lunge (25 lbs.)
Alternating Side Lunge (25 lbs)
Close Grip Overhand Pull-Ups (2 sets)
Single Leg Wall Squat (Yeah, these are tough, but I like that it is broken down into 10 second intervals)
Dead Lift Squats
Switch-Grip Pull-Ups (2 Sets) (I can't switch without putting my feet down)
Three-Way Lunge
Sneaky Lunge (This one time, I put my heel down, and Tony didn't come to my house!)
Chair Salutations (Dallas- How could you forget the Yoga move?)
Toe-Roll Iso Lunge (It's tricky, I use 20 lb weights here)
Groucho Walk
Calf Raises (I used 25 lb weights here and I have trouble doing it without taking a break in between sets. It's more pressure on my arms than my legs. When I used the bands I didn't have a problem getting through it and I felt it more in the calf. Weird.)
80-20 Siebers Speed Squats (These are great, but I'm always remembering that I still have another set of pull-ups and Ab-Ripper to get through!)
Anyway, 5 Days down and I'm feeling good about the workouts. I have to go grocery shopping this weekend, so I'll have a better handle on my food next week.
Bring it!
Day 5 - Dallas does Legs & Back
5am : again......I need to find some time to sleep.
Didn't we do back already this week? I was slower getting out of bed this morning. Since I had not looked at this dvd yet, I had no clue what I was about to do. I looked at my sheet I printed out from the Beachbody web site. I realized half of the moves weren't on the sheet. So I went downstairs to make sure I was doing the right thing. I guess the software spoils you. The software has all the moves on it (Beachbody doesn't). So I printed it out from the software and used it. My workout area is upstairs and I'm using my laptop to play the dvd. Same machine I use to input my workout data, so I have to write it down then input it. Not very GREEN.
So I started a little later than usual.
Legs and Back: Well I was excited (well that is a lie, don't tell anyone) to do legs. Back...not so much. Since I can't do a pull up without using a CHAIR, I don't look forward to being humiliated by two girls and two guys that can do them for hours. Tony never seems to hit the wall doing pull ups. I'm off track here...sorry. All the legs exercises I did without weights except for the ones Tony told me to use it on.
Exercises:
Balance Lunge
Calf Raise Squats - I need to use more weight. Too easy
Rev. Grip Chip-Up - Hate these
Super Skaters - It took a few of these to get used to the move. It is not a natural skating move.
Wall Squats - These are torture. I thought 90 sec would be easy since I did over 2 mins in the Fit Test. It wasn't that easy :-)
Wide Front Pull-Ups - hate these
Step Back Lunge - Need to use weights
Alt. Side Lunge - Need to use weights
Close Grip Overhand Pull-Ups - Hate these (seeing a pattern here)
Single Leg Wall Squats - Never done these before. Caught me off guard.
Dead Lift Squats - I'm looking forward to doing these again.
Switch Grip Pull-Ups - Guess what...Hate these
Three Way Lunge - I did a ton of these during my knee rehab. So I enjoyed these
Sneaky Lunge - Tony really likes the quiet feet stuff
Chair Salutations - I already forgot what these were???
Toe-Roll Lunge - I had a hard time at first making sure I didn't go over my knee.
Groucho Walk - This added some humor to the morning
Calf Raises
80-20 Siebers Speed Squats - I could have used these during some of my dry land training for hockey.
Ab Ripper - I had to pause a lot today.
Sorry it is short today. I'm running late for work....see you later.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Day 4: Denver's Does Late Night with Yoga X
There is a saying among writers, "Some people like to write. Others like to have written."
That is how I can explain my relationship with Yoga X. I'm always glad afterwards, but getting there bites.
I admit it, I procrastinated. Not intentionally at first. I was at a different location for work this morning, so I knew I wouldn't be doing Yoga until late afternoon at the earliest. Then I got home and I had to watch my Rangers beat the Tampa Bay Lightning. And then I had a very important phone call. And then I was coughing and I had something stuck in my throat (that I still have by the way. I think I almost died. Really. Okay, not really, but it's a pain in the neck- get it?). And then my stomach was bothering me. Now I don't think any of these reasons weren't legitimate concerns. I mean, you can't do yoga with a stomach ache. It just isn't possible! So of course, I had to wait for the Tums to kick in. They never did, but me, being the trooper I am, pressed onward. I'll be waiting for my Medal of Honor. Or at least a Purple Heart. A Band-aid?
I was also disappointed that Dallas had absolutely no problem with Yoga X. I guess doing the Hot Yoga routines paid off for him. Unfortunately, I was not as eager to resume my least favorite part of the workout routine after Ab Ripper X. But I did.
I did okay with the first part (Downward Dog X 1 Billion), lousy with the second part (Stand on your right foot for 87 minutes), Great in the third part (Balance on one foot while looking like a fool), Lousy in the next major part (Yoga Belly Torture= Ab ripper on your supposed day off from working your abs! "Don't do this every day" Tony says about Ab workouts.) and great on the best part (Corpse pose, Child's pose and Ohms!)
I'll try to talk about food (or lack thereof in both Dallas and my cases) in a forthcoming post. For now I am going to enjoy my zen-like contentment at having "done" yoga X.
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!
That is how I can explain my relationship with Yoga X. I'm always glad afterwards, but getting there bites.
I admit it, I procrastinated. Not intentionally at first. I was at a different location for work this morning, so I knew I wouldn't be doing Yoga until late afternoon at the earliest. Then I got home and I had to watch my Rangers beat the Tampa Bay Lightning. And then I had a very important phone call. And then I was coughing and I had something stuck in my throat (that I still have by the way. I think I almost died. Really. Okay, not really, but it's a pain in the neck- get it?). And then my stomach was bothering me. Now I don't think any of these reasons weren't legitimate concerns. I mean, you can't do yoga with a stomach ache. It just isn't possible! So of course, I had to wait for the Tums to kick in. They never did, but me, being the trooper I am, pressed onward. I'll be waiting for my Medal of Honor. Or at least a Purple Heart. A Band-aid?
I was also disappointed that Dallas had absolutely no problem with Yoga X. I guess doing the Hot Yoga routines paid off for him. Unfortunately, I was not as eager to resume my least favorite part of the workout routine after Ab Ripper X. But I did.
I did okay with the first part (Downward Dog X 1 Billion), lousy with the second part (Stand on your right foot for 87 minutes), Great in the third part (Balance on one foot while looking like a fool), Lousy in the next major part (Yoga Belly Torture= Ab ripper on your supposed day off from working your abs! "Don't do this every day" Tony says about Ab workouts.) and great on the best part (Corpse pose, Child's pose and Ohms!)
I'll try to talk about food (or lack thereof in both Dallas and my cases) in a forthcoming post. For now I am going to enjoy my zen-like contentment at having "done" yoga X.
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!
Dallas has to eat??
Well as you have read, neither of us eats well. So the whole food thing was a reason it took me so long to get going on this program (that and the big ride). So I started tracking my food intake. First time I've ever done that in my life. The biggest thing I realized was.....I don't eat ENOUGH!! Yes I don't eat the best food, but I'm actually not that bad. I have been eating yogurt and fruit for breakfast for almost a year, I only drink a beer once a month (only 1 at that) and have been cutting back on a lot of sugar that I love. I've gotten a lot better.
Denver loves Dr. Pepper and chips. My weakness is bread, chips/salsa/queso and ice cream (and the occasional candy bar). I could probably live on this stuff. You have to understand me a little. Most people go through the day thinking about lunch and dinner. It never really occurs to me that it is time to eat. My wife tells me it is dinner time :-)
I've been keeping to the diet as far as what I'm eating, but the amount I'm eating is the real issue. My body thinks it is starving and has been storing food for a rainy day. That has to change. I've been trying to eat more. Using the cool program XremeFitTracker ( you can get it here http://workoutsoft.com/) to track my food intake. If you are using the Portion Approach it has fields you can fill in each day to track your results (I'm sure Denver can give you more info on the software as well). The whole thing is an eye opening experience.
I'm on day 4 of this diet and doing ok. I'm very tired from the workouts. About 10am and 3 pm I get really tired. Could be the getting up at 5 every morning. Who knows what I'll feel like after 86 more days of this. My body is looking for fuel. I need to start giving it what it needs. I'll let you know how I'm doing each week on my food intake.
Denver loves Dr. Pepper and chips. My weakness is bread, chips/salsa/queso and ice cream (and the occasional candy bar). I could probably live on this stuff. You have to understand me a little. Most people go through the day thinking about lunch and dinner. It never really occurs to me that it is time to eat. My wife tells me it is dinner time :-)
I've been keeping to the diet as far as what I'm eating, but the amount I'm eating is the real issue. My body thinks it is starving and has been storing food for a rainy day. That has to change. I've been trying to eat more. Using the cool program XremeFitTracker ( you can get it here http://workoutsoft.com/) to track my food intake. If you are using the Portion Approach it has fields you can fill in each day to track your results (I'm sure Denver can give you more info on the software as well). The whole thing is an eye opening experience.
I'm on day 4 of this diet and doing ok. I'm very tired from the workouts. About 10am and 3 pm I get really tired. Could be the getting up at 5 every morning. Who knows what I'll feel like after 86 more days of this. My body is looking for fuel. I need to start giving it what it needs. I'll let you know how I'm doing each week on my food intake.
Day 4 - Dallas does Yoga X
5am wake up again - I had an early apt and could not get this up by the time I left the house.
I've been doing Yoga (Hot) for about 6 months now. I was going about 3x a week and getting the hang of it. There were three different classes I would go to. The first was the basic class....basic moves to get the feel for the practice. The second is a core/ab class...working the small stabalizing muscles (my favorite class). The third was the kick your butt freaky stuff. Well Yoga X takes a little out of each of these. Granted everyone uses different names for everything.
So how did I do. Pretty well. He added a few poses that I can't quite do well yet. I don't own a Yoga block and I need one pretty bad. I AM a board. Twisting does not come easy to me. Before I went to Yoga classes I could not get closer than 6 inches from my toes. I can touch them now, but a lot of the later poses require you to be able to put your hands on the ground. It will be awhile till I can do those. But others I'm used to holding a lot longer than Tony makes us so those are easier for me. Once I get used to what he calls everything I think it will go smoother. I had to peek out of down dog to see what he was wanting us to do. Next week I can probably just hear him and know what comes next. There is a guy in the back that is ripped like crazy (he is in Ab Ripper as well)....that guy is strong and VERY flexible.
I did come to a realizaton. Tony knows how to put a full routine together. Perfect day for yoga. I was starting ot get stiff from the Plyo class (shoulders and arms as well) and the this was placed just where I needed it. Thanks Tony.
All for now. If I get time today I'll let you know how the food is going.....
I've been doing Yoga (Hot) for about 6 months now. I was going about 3x a week and getting the hang of it. There were three different classes I would go to. The first was the basic class....basic moves to get the feel for the practice. The second is a core/ab class...working the small stabalizing muscles (my favorite class). The third was the kick your butt freaky stuff. Well Yoga X takes a little out of each of these. Granted everyone uses different names for everything.
So how did I do. Pretty well. He added a few poses that I can't quite do well yet. I don't own a Yoga block and I need one pretty bad. I AM a board. Twisting does not come easy to me. Before I went to Yoga classes I could not get closer than 6 inches from my toes. I can touch them now, but a lot of the later poses require you to be able to put your hands on the ground. It will be awhile till I can do those. But others I'm used to holding a lot longer than Tony makes us so those are easier for me. Once I get used to what he calls everything I think it will go smoother. I had to peek out of down dog to see what he was wanting us to do. Next week I can probably just hear him and know what comes next. There is a guy in the back that is ripped like crazy (he is in Ab Ripper as well)....that guy is strong and VERY flexible.
I did come to a realizaton. Tony knows how to put a full routine together. Perfect day for yoga. I was starting ot get stiff from the Plyo class (shoulders and arms as well) and the this was placed just where I needed it. Thanks Tony.
All for now. If I get time today I'll let you know how the food is going.....
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Day 3: Denver SHOULDERS (and ARMS) the load!
I was so tired last night, that I was falling asleep during the Ranger game and the election results. I didn't want to move at all. Luckily I got myself out of bed and I did the Shoulders and Arms routine. I like this routine, as it is one you can power through. I like some of the later version as I hate going back and doing an exercise again. Although I did feel that there was some progress made from one exercise to the next.
I agree with Dallas as far as the Switch-Flip Kickbacks. I think the biggest problem for us is that we are using these big bulky hand weights, which makes it difficult to do the move correctly. It's possible, but definitely challenging. It also makes me feel very weak, as I can barely do 15 pounds comfortably. I tried 20 pounds, but it was not a pretty sight.
My first time around I used the bands. When I switched to weights at the end, I realized how much more I was getting out of it (or how much my guessing was off as to what the bands equaled in weight!). Since I've been doing this for a while, I am better at using weights like 25 pounds for most of the bicep exercises. But the straight arm ones were definitely 15!
As for Ab Ripper- The pause button is key for sure, and don't feel bad about it. The Bicycles are annoying because Tony can't count! I'm always done with the backwards bicycles when he is counting 19. I know he's wrong, not me! I hate the Pfieffer Scissors as well, but I have learned a trick. You have to "clench your opposite buttocks" when you are holding the pose. This was like a revelation for me as I dreaded doing them. I still do, but I can get through without resting my legs (mostly!). I actually learned this during the Yoga section when Tony suggests this in one of the Yoga Belly Seven exercises (of course I didn't pick this up until day 75 of my first time through if that tells you anything about my powers of observation or lack thereof!)
Here are the exercises: (They are three exercises in a row, and then repeat and move on to the next set of three)
Alternating Shoulder Presses
In & Out Bicep Curls
Two-Arm Tricep Kickbacks
Deep Swimmers Presses (Hard, very hard, but fun!)
Full Supination Concentration Curls
Chair Dips (I do these with one leg up and switching every 5. I did 40)
Upright Rows
Static Arm Curls (If you pick the wrong weight on this one, you are screwed!)
Flip-Grip Twist Tricep Kickbacks (As difficult as they are to say!)
Seated Two-Angle Shoulder Flys (I don't think I am doing these right and never have. Either that or I am such a weakling I can't do any with even a little weight!)
Crouching Cohen Curls (The trick here is to pick a good weight. It's hard with the bulky switch weights)
Lying-Down Tricep Extensions
Bonus Round:
In & Out Straight Arm Curls (Another emasculating exercise that you can't do with a decent weight!)
Congdon Curls
Side Tri-Rises (I don't see why these are hard. I do 25 each. I really think I am doing it correctly. Maybe it's because the guys in the video have muscles or something?)
Kind of rushed today, I'll check in tomorrow!
Bring it!
I agree with Dallas as far as the Switch-Flip Kickbacks. I think the biggest problem for us is that we are using these big bulky hand weights, which makes it difficult to do the move correctly. It's possible, but definitely challenging. It also makes me feel very weak, as I can barely do 15 pounds comfortably. I tried 20 pounds, but it was not a pretty sight.
My first time around I used the bands. When I switched to weights at the end, I realized how much more I was getting out of it (or how much my guessing was off as to what the bands equaled in weight!). Since I've been doing this for a while, I am better at using weights like 25 pounds for most of the bicep exercises. But the straight arm ones were definitely 15!
As for Ab Ripper- The pause button is key for sure, and don't feel bad about it. The Bicycles are annoying because Tony can't count! I'm always done with the backwards bicycles when he is counting 19. I know he's wrong, not me! I hate the Pfieffer Scissors as well, but I have learned a trick. You have to "clench your opposite buttocks" when you are holding the pose. This was like a revelation for me as I dreaded doing them. I still do, but I can get through without resting my legs (mostly!). I actually learned this during the Yoga section when Tony suggests this in one of the Yoga Belly Seven exercises (of course I didn't pick this up until day 75 of my first time through if that tells you anything about my powers of observation or lack thereof!)
Here are the exercises: (They are three exercises in a row, and then repeat and move on to the next set of three)
Alternating Shoulder Presses
In & Out Bicep Curls
Two-Arm Tricep Kickbacks
Deep Swimmers Presses (Hard, very hard, but fun!)
Full Supination Concentration Curls
Chair Dips (I do these with one leg up and switching every 5. I did 40)
Upright Rows
Static Arm Curls (If you pick the wrong weight on this one, you are screwed!)
Flip-Grip Twist Tricep Kickbacks (As difficult as they are to say!)
Seated Two-Angle Shoulder Flys (I don't think I am doing these right and never have. Either that or I am such a weakling I can't do any with even a little weight!)
Crouching Cohen Curls (The trick here is to pick a good weight. It's hard with the bulky switch weights)
Lying-Down Tricep Extensions
Bonus Round:
In & Out Straight Arm Curls (Another emasculating exercise that you can't do with a decent weight!)
Congdon Curls
Side Tri-Rises (I don't see why these are hard. I do 25 each. I really think I am doing it correctly. Maybe it's because the guys in the video have muscles or something?)
Kind of rushed today, I'll check in tomorrow!
Bring it!
Day 3 - Dallas Does Shoulders & Arms
Got up at 5am again:
History has been made in the US today. I did an upper body workout, I can still walk from yesterday's Plyo workout....and we have a new black president (not sure which is more historic). I spent my youth in sports, same in most of college, but I never did any upper body workouts. Lots of running and sprint work, but no upper body.
Which brings us to Shoulders & Arms. I have to tell you. I had no clue what weight to pick for each exercise. Each one you do twice so I figured I could change the weight for the second go round. I have the Gold's Gym Adjustable weight set (I'll post pics later of my equipment) Tony doesn't give a whole lot of time between exercises to switch weights. Mine need some breaking in so it takes me longer to switch weights....so I paused between a bunch of exercises until I could get the weights changed.
I felt pretty good throughout this workout(we'll see tomorrow). I probably didn't push it hard enough. I blame not knowing how much weight to use. I'm still stiff. The hardest for me is the Flip Grip Twist Tricep Kickbacks. It is just as hard to do as it is to try to say. Same goes for the Shoulder flys...those kicked my butt.
ABX - The first time I did this (Monday) I just did what I could and then moved on to the next exercise. This time I took some advice from the online forums. When I hit the wall, I paused the dvd. When I was ready I started back up again. So I did all of the reps. Just not in the same time as Tony and the other crazy ab people. The longest I paused was 15 sec or so. I got through it. Those scissors are not fun.
I have to run to Jury duty......lots of fun. I'll post some more tonight.
I did the bonus round. I've never seen those Side Tri-Rises before. I like those.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Day 2: Denver Does Plyo
It's a good thing I did the mail-in voting. There's no way I would have been able to get to the polls and stand in line! But then I hear that Krispy Kreme is giving away a free donut if you voted. Now that I might stand on line for! Oh, the temptation!
I took almost a month off before starting yesterday, which was a mistake. I wanted to start on even terms with Dallas, so I blame him! This was killer. Dallas only hit the pause button 3 times? My heart rate was through the roof (176 Max/152 Avg), so I think I doubled his "pause" total. But I don't feel bad, since Tony tells me it's okay. Justification rules!
I agree on the prosthetic leg guy out working you as motivation. He's awesome (Great line by Dallas about voting for that guy! You're getting the hang of this blog thing!). I try to keep up with Dominic (which I don't recommend in the early going), who is the guy in the back.
Some tips for Dallas: (and anyone else who cares)
The Military March is tricky. I felt the same way after the first couple of times doing it. the trick is the intensity. I thought my arms were pretty straight until I looked at myself doing it in a mirror (actually the reflection of a glass framed painting). My arms and legs were not nearly straight enough. The other thing I noticed was that "Perfect Pam" never stopped moving. If you try to make sure that you are in a constant state of motion, you'll feel it a lot more.
The Sports Bonus: This is fun, but don't worry about feeling awkward doing it. The pitching was a problem for you because of yesterdays workout. I could barely get my arms up high enough to do my best "Goose" Gossage imitation. And the throwing left handed thing is just weird altogether. As for Basketball, I've always said that as a basketball player, I make a pretty good hockey player.
Anyway, I burned 1115 calories int he workout. Now I better go and eat something. I'll wait to talk about all the different exercises in Plyo until after phase 1, unless I change my mind and do it sooner.
Bring it!
I took almost a month off before starting yesterday, which was a mistake. I wanted to start on even terms with Dallas, so I blame him! This was killer. Dallas only hit the pause button 3 times? My heart rate was through the roof (176 Max/152 Avg), so I think I doubled his "pause" total. But I don't feel bad, since Tony tells me it's okay. Justification rules!
I agree on the prosthetic leg guy out working you as motivation. He's awesome (Great line by Dallas about voting for that guy! You're getting the hang of this blog thing!). I try to keep up with Dominic (which I don't recommend in the early going), who is the guy in the back.
Some tips for Dallas: (and anyone else who cares)
The Military March is tricky. I felt the same way after the first couple of times doing it. the trick is the intensity. I thought my arms were pretty straight until I looked at myself doing it in a mirror (actually the reflection of a glass framed painting). My arms and legs were not nearly straight enough. The other thing I noticed was that "Perfect Pam" never stopped moving. If you try to make sure that you are in a constant state of motion, you'll feel it a lot more.
The Sports Bonus: This is fun, but don't worry about feeling awkward doing it. The pitching was a problem for you because of yesterdays workout. I could barely get my arms up high enough to do my best "Goose" Gossage imitation. And the throwing left handed thing is just weird altogether. As for Basketball, I've always said that as a basketball player, I make a pretty good hockey player.
Anyway, I burned 1115 calories int he workout. Now I better go and eat something. I'll wait to talk about all the different exercises in Plyo until after phase 1, unless I change my mind and do it sooner.
Bring it!
Day 2 - Dallas does Plyometrics
Up at 5am again for day 2:
Plyo uses DIFFERENT muscles than riding a bike. I'll be honest. I hit pause three times to try to get my heart rate down a bit. If I didn't I would have been in the red zone the whole time. Jump training. It shouldn't be very hard, right? This is a killer workout. Call me crazy, but I really like it. It kicks my butt, but I love it. It is fun. Being out jumped by a guy with a prosthetic leg. That guy has my vote today! How do you spell his name?
Ok back to results. Avg HR was 149. Max HR was 174. This morning I got on the scale and it said 166 that is a drop of 2 lbs....but it also said my Body Fat went up to 25%. So I'm not sure how accurate it is (I measured three times and all three times it was the same, so who knows). I took three extra breaks and didn't do any modified moves. Of course I didn't jump as high as the guy in the back either. Maybe in a few weeks. I don't play basketball, and haven't pitched a baseball in a long time. I felt awkward doing both today. Not sure why. There is a military march (I think that is what they called it) that I think I didn't push it hard enough, because my heart rate came down during it. I'll work on that.
As you probably have noticed...Denver is the writer in the family (not me). I'll work on getting better that this. Hang in there with me. How did you do Denver?
Monday, November 3, 2008
Denver Does Day 1: BACK (and Chest) to Reality!
Ouch.
I forgot to pace myself. Back and Chest is a killer, and I now remember why I hate Mondays. My arms are struggling to type this. I did pretty well, about 83 Pull-Ups, but it was easier the first time around. My push-ups were much better than the first time around, so I think doing it before has definitely helped me.
Ab Ripper X is just pure torture. I took a few breaks in the middle of it, but that will only be temporary. Don't worry, Dallas, you'll get up to the full reps in no time. It still will suck, but it won't feel impossible.
One of the other adjustments I had to make was in my diet. I haven't been eating breakfast lately, so forcing myself to eat when I wasn't hungry was tough. I had pizza last night as a kind of "going away" present to myself. I also had some Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. And of course, Dr Pepper. This morning I made myself eat a rice Cake (45 Cals) with peanut butter and three slices of reduced sodium bacon (Only 60 cals for all three slices, so I figured I try this over the Turkey Bacon).
Here Is the Back and Chest Workout: (I'll do this for each new workout. Dallas might want to chime in on his thoughts about the exercises, I'll also try to review each video).
Standard Push-Ups
Wide Front Pull-Ups
Military Push-Ups
Reverse Grip Chin-Ups (My favorite. I do much better at these than other Pull-Ups)
Wide Fly Push-Ups
Closed Grip Overhand Pull-Ups
Decline Push-Ups (feet on a chair)
Heavy Pants
Diamond Push-Ups (Killer, I don't get all the way down, but I can do them a lot better now)
Lawnmowers (Just like it sounds, except the pull cord is a heavy weight. Love this!)
Dive Bomber Push-Ups (The directions are: wide legs, duck UNDER the fence, Head Up, Then back UNDER the fence. It looks goofy, but it's effective.)
Seated Back-Flys (These are tough. You have to be careful you aren't making it a shoulder exercise.)
Ab Ripper X: I'll talk about the specifics later. Someone I know thought the whole thing was over after the Chest and Back and didn't realize that Ab Ripper X comes on right after. They show the Ab Ripper Photo and it's like Death coming to visit. Oh, yeah, it's that scary. Consider yourself warned!
I'll be back tomorrow. As this goes on, I'll give my perspective on the equipment I've found most useful, and Dallas can do the same. Keep visiting us and holding us accountable!
I forgot to pace myself. Back and Chest is a killer, and I now remember why I hate Mondays. My arms are struggling to type this. I did pretty well, about 83 Pull-Ups, but it was easier the first time around. My push-ups were much better than the first time around, so I think doing it before has definitely helped me.
Ab Ripper X is just pure torture. I took a few breaks in the middle of it, but that will only be temporary. Don't worry, Dallas, you'll get up to the full reps in no time. It still will suck, but it won't feel impossible.
One of the other adjustments I had to make was in my diet. I haven't been eating breakfast lately, so forcing myself to eat when I wasn't hungry was tough. I had pizza last night as a kind of "going away" present to myself. I also had some Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. And of course, Dr Pepper. This morning I made myself eat a rice Cake (45 Cals) with peanut butter and three slices of reduced sodium bacon (Only 60 cals for all three slices, so I figured I try this over the Turkey Bacon).
Here Is the Back and Chest Workout: (I'll do this for each new workout. Dallas might want to chime in on his thoughts about the exercises, I'll also try to review each video).
Standard Push-Ups
Wide Front Pull-Ups
Military Push-Ups
Reverse Grip Chin-Ups (My favorite. I do much better at these than other Pull-Ups)
Wide Fly Push-Ups
Closed Grip Overhand Pull-Ups
Decline Push-Ups (feet on a chair)
Heavy Pants
Diamond Push-Ups (Killer, I don't get all the way down, but I can do them a lot better now)
Lawnmowers (Just like it sounds, except the pull cord is a heavy weight. Love this!)
Dive Bomber Push-Ups (The directions are: wide legs, duck UNDER the fence, Head Up, Then back UNDER the fence. It looks goofy, but it's effective.)
Seated Back-Flys (These are tough. You have to be careful you aren't making it a shoulder exercise.)
Ab Ripper X: I'll talk about the specifics later. Someone I know thought the whole thing was over after the Chest and Back and didn't realize that Ab Ripper X comes on right after. They show the Ab Ripper Photo and it's like Death coming to visit. Oh, yeah, it's that scary. Consider yourself warned!
I'll be back tomorrow. As this goes on, I'll give my perspective on the equipment I've found most useful, and Dallas can do the same. Keep visiting us and holding us accountable!
Day 1 - Dallas does Chest/Back and Ab Ripper X
Sorry Denver - I did forget my resting heart rate. My waking HR is around 45-50. My resting HR is around 55. My riding has brought this down a lot.
Got up at 5am:
Day one done. Since I can't do one pull up with out a chair I feel like I'm cheating. It wasn't until I got in the shower that I realized I was doing something. It took effort to get my hair clean (and I don't have much left, I've been buzzing it pretty short these days). I think I just need to get used to how much weight to use on certain exercises. We'll see tomorrow how I feel. I have a total Gym - I'm thinking of using it for the pull ups until I can do a few without a chair. Thoughts?Ab Ripper X - What can I say? I missed a few (make that a bunch) of reps. I thought I had a pretty good core. Nope. I was fooling myself. It will take awhile to get this completed fully. When do we do this one again? It is amazing what you can do in less than 20 minutes.
I finished with a recovery drink (Evo-Pro). Most of the recovery drinks I'm used to drinking were made for endurance recovery....not for muscle recovery. So I'm trying this one. It was recommended by a friend that looks like he could do P90X in his sleep. He is ripped more than Tony.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Denver Does The Fit Test (and posts some other stuff)
So I'm a little late getting this up (Those who followed my last blog will know that I am notorious for late blog entries (NOT workouts!). I promise to try harder).
Dallas is right that neither one of us eats very well, but I am probably worse. I had the junk food diet. What's funny is that I was reading the opening paragraph of a book today, and the main character was a hockey player who had a Dr Pepper and Slim Jim meal at least once a day. As Dallas will tell you, that's pretty much me, even the hockey player part!
Since I've done this before, I know what to expect. I'll link to my original blog later, which talked about the results. Since I did this last January-March I have attempted to do it twice more. My first attempt was dedication to the core, didn't miss a day, the last two attemtps my motivation sagged. The diet was hard, but I improvised and cut back on the junk. I think you have to really do the diet full-on to get big results as Dallas said. I'll try to do my best with the diet, but I will treat myself once in a while. So I redid the fit test and took all my stats:
FIT TEST
Resting Heart Rate: 72 (I think you forgot that, Dallas!)
Pull Ups: 15 (I forgot they were the wide pull-ups, which I hate. Chin-Ups are golden for me!)
Vert Leap: 7? (I couldn't reach my measurement. I'll go back and get it. I guessed it was around 7, but I think I might have went higher)
Push-Ups: 36
Toe-Touch: +6 (Hey, I used to be a goalie!)
Wall Squats: 90 Seconds (I gave up way too easily!)
Bicep Curls: 15 Reps of 25 lbs (375 total? According to XtremeFit Tracker (more on that later)
In-and-Outs: 50 (This reminded me of the dreaded Ab-Ripper! So not looking forward to that again!)
Heart Rate Maximizer:168/133/122/111/108 (2 seconds later it said 96, so not sure how accurate that last one was?I doubt I dropped 8 seconds in 2 seconds.)
MEASUREMENTS
Height: 71" (Not in the measurements, but I figure it is important)
Weight: 182.6 (I was 185.2 two days ago and I ate like crap all weekend? Go figure?)
Body Fat: 18%
Chest:42"
L Arm: 13"
R Arm: 13"
Waist: 37"
Hips: 41"
L Thigh: 23"
R Thigh: 22 1/2"
According to Xtreme Fit tracker:
Body Mass Index: 25.8
My digital scale says some other stuff, but I'm not sure how accurate it is. Plus my body fat is down 4% since this mornings measurements, so I might try to get that data tomorrow.
GOALS
Get back to what I was in March (adjusted a bit)
Weight: 175 (Maybe more if I add muscle. I got down to 167 which was way too light)
Body Fat: 10%
Add Lean Muscle
6 Pack Abs! (Yeah, right!)
Have Bragging rights over Dallas!
Dallas is right that neither one of us eats very well, but I am probably worse. I had the junk food diet. What's funny is that I was reading the opening paragraph of a book today, and the main character was a hockey player who had a Dr Pepper and Slim Jim meal at least once a day. As Dallas will tell you, that's pretty much me, even the hockey player part!
Since I've done this before, I know what to expect. I'll link to my original blog later, which talked about the results. Since I did this last January-March I have attempted to do it twice more. My first attempt was dedication to the core, didn't miss a day, the last two attemtps my motivation sagged. The diet was hard, but I improvised and cut back on the junk. I think you have to really do the diet full-on to get big results as Dallas said. I'll try to do my best with the diet, but I will treat myself once in a while. So I redid the fit test and took all my stats:
FIT TEST
Resting Heart Rate: 72 (I think you forgot that, Dallas!)
Pull Ups: 15 (I forgot they were the wide pull-ups, which I hate. Chin-Ups are golden for me!)
Vert Leap: 7? (I couldn't reach my measurement. I'll go back and get it. I guessed it was around 7, but I think I might have went higher)
Push-Ups: 36
Toe-Touch: +6 (Hey, I used to be a goalie!)
Wall Squats: 90 Seconds (I gave up way too easily!)
Bicep Curls: 15 Reps of 25 lbs (375 total? According to XtremeFit Tracker (more on that later)
In-and-Outs: 50 (This reminded me of the dreaded Ab-Ripper! So not looking forward to that again!)
Heart Rate Maximizer:168/133/122/111/108 (2 seconds later it said 96, so not sure how accurate that last one was?I doubt I dropped 8 seconds in 2 seconds.)
MEASUREMENTS
Height: 71" (Not in the measurements, but I figure it is important)
Weight: 182.6 (I was 185.2 two days ago and I ate like crap all weekend? Go figure?)
Body Fat: 18%
Chest:42"
L Arm: 13"
R Arm: 13"
Waist: 37"
Hips: 41"
L Thigh: 23"
R Thigh: 22 1/2"
According to Xtreme Fit tracker:
Body Mass Index: 25.8
My digital scale says some other stuff, but I'm not sure how accurate it is. Plus my body fat is down 4% since this mornings measurements, so I might try to get that data tomorrow.
GOALS
Get back to what I was in March (adjusted a bit)
Weight: 175 (Maybe more if I add muscle. I got down to 167 which was way too light)
Body Fat: 10%
Add Lean Muscle
6 Pack Abs! (Yeah, right!)
Have Bragging rights over Dallas!
Dallas does Fit Test, Measurements and goals
I did my fit test two weeks ago, but the measurements were done today.
Tomorrow it all starts. I'm ready to bring it. I completed my last goal (The LiveStrong Challenge 90 mile ride in Austin), now I ready to get back to my old fitness level. I think the food will be hardest for me. Neither of us eats very well. I've done the Atkins thing and lost a ton of weight (with it a lot of strength as well). Gained most of it back. Hopefully I can stick with the diet plan. Everything I read says without the diet plan you won't see the big results.
Here you go:
FIT TEST
Pull Ups: 1/2 - Pretty pathetic. This is where I'm looking forward to big improvementVert Leap: 9.75" - Not sure where this ranks
Push Ups: 25 - I think I didn't give it my all here.
Toe touch: 0
Wall Squats: 2 Mins 7 secs
Bicep Curls: 18x20lbs
In/Outs: 37
HR Maximizer: 164 / 137 / 125 / 112 / 106
Stats and measurements
168.5 lbs
24% Body Fat - This drives me crazy
Waist @ Belly Button: 37.25 (Hopefully I'll see this go down fast!!)
Chest: 40
Hips: 39.5
Rt Bicep: 14
Lf Bicep: 13.5
Rt Leg: 22.25 - I measured 7" up from top of knee cap. No idea if this is right
Lf Leg: 22.25
Goals: I think these are all going to be hard to get to....but if I don't know where I want to go I can't get there.
Weight: 150 lbs
Body Fat: 10%
Pull Ups: 10
Come back and see how we are doing.
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