Day 59 - Dallas does Shoulders and Arms

I'll add to this...I'm at work...trying to get out of here at noon to get ready for New Years

Good workout today.

Day 58: Late Night Plyo with Denver

I just can't get in the groove. I am fighting the motivation piece. I'll get it back, but right now I'm struggling. Maybe the picture deadline on January 1st (Great timing!) will be enough to snap me out of it.

I had energy for it, that's for sure, it was just getting started.

The software we are using has a new update. It's cool.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 58 - Dallas jumps to Plyo

Great day today.  I was exhausted waking up early again....but when Plyo started I was in the zone.  I felt great throughout the workout.  I did hit my all time low on BF% this morning.  Maybe that got me off on a good foot - 20.  Not in the teens but getting close.

I jumped my heart out.  With warm up and cool down - Max HR 172 and Avg 143.

I'm planning a New Years Day ride - 38 miles on a mountain bike.  The ride is called the New Rears Ride - The first ride on your "New" Rear.  I'm hoping all this Plyo/Cardio will help....that and the weather being nice and not too cold.

Glad to see Denver joined us again.

Tomorrow is another day...push play.

Day 57: Denver Returns to CHEST & ARMS

I was not motivated to get going again as the lost weekend kind of set me back. But I brought it!

(More Later)

Day 56: Denver Did Stretch!

I actually stretched. Does that make up for skipping Yoga? Probably not. Tony doesn't yell at all in X-Stretch!

Keep Bringing It!

Day 55: Yoga's Lost Weekend

I didn't do it. If it was my first time through I would have. But I had obligations this weekend. I know, I know, excuses, excuses. I couldn't find the time to have Tony tell me to do a Downward Dog!

Keep Bringing It!

Day 54: Denver's CORE Values

I am still alive. This Holiday week was kind of a mess and definitely set me back a bit. Oh, well, at least it was the recovery week.

I did the Core workout, but I didn't do the last exercise and the bonus round as I had to pick someone up at the airport and I never went back and finished.

I'll be back at it in full force on Monday as I am worried about the Day 60 Pics!

Keep Bringing It!

Day 57 - Dallas does Chest and Back

It's back.......the workout that started it all.

I did well on the all the push ups...got 3 wide grip w/o chair and 3 rev Grip w/o chair. After that...all pulls ups sucked. Right now I don't feel like this will improve anytime soon.

I just realized I'm only 5 days away from Day 60 pictures. I don't see any change in day 30. Denver showed me his change from day 30 to 60 and it was a big change. I have not been following the diet 100%. I'm eating better than I did before, but still not perfect. That must be the secret sauce.. Without the diet 100%...you will NOT see the big changes the program states.

It is on me....I should be following it much better....but then I got me thinking:

If you follow the "diet"...it is just that....a diet. You will go back to your old ways. I need to find a nutrition plan that I can follow going forward. Not just for 90 days.

Day 55 - Dallas Does Yoga and Wii

I was wrong - I thought today was Kenpo.....Yoga.

It was a good Yoga day.  I still feel it is a little long for a Yoga exercise, but it was a good workout.

After Yoga I went upstairs and played with my daughters Wii Fit for 30 mins.  I've been on it every day since X-Mas.  It is a blast.

Day 54 - Dallas does Core

Got up and did Core early (not 5 am, but I did get most of it done before my daughter woke up.

Good day.  Next time I do this I will try to pause it and try to remember how many reps I did of each.  It just seems there is a lot less time between exercises.

Anyway - It all went well this morning. I "think" I did 10 Prison Push-ups and had to put my knees down twice during the Plank/Chat runs - Lat Chat run was tough.  I bonked with 3 sec left.

Tomorrow is Kenpo I think....this week we do this one a lot.

Day 53: Denver Does X(mas) Stretch!

Happy Holidays everyone!

Great Stretch!

See You Tomorrow!

Keep Bringing It!

Day 52: Denver Kicks it Up with Kenpo!

Good workout, not great. I was having trouble bringing the intensity today. I think I was distracted with Holiday stuff, but I got through it. It is my favorite exercise, so I never dread doing it. I still had trouble with keeping my heart rate up with the blocks, but other than that, it was good.

I ate my traditional Christmas Eve Pizza. I don't really feel guilty, at least I won't until I'm ont he scale tomorrow.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 51: Denver Did Core Synergistics

I forgot to post again.

Excellent workout. The Core Synergistics are killer. I did pretty well. I have my computer near me when I do the workout, so it's easy to track my results, but I do have to push pause once in a while.

I agree on the Plank to Chaturanga Run. Man, that is killer. I always peter out at the end.

Prison cell Push-Ups pretty much do me in every time and it's hard to recover afterwards. It is an excellent (though tiring) exercise.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 52 - Dallas does Kenpo

Quick post - Great day today.  HR monitor was working.  I felt great.  Kicks so butt and had fun.

Now on to putting out and lighting the luminaries for our neighborhood.

Tomorrow is X-Mas and X-Stretch.....kind of goes together doesn't?

Happy Holidays!!!

Day 51 - Dallas does Core Synergistics

I was looking forward to this workout since the last "recovery" week.  This is like all the workouts in one.  I can see doing this 2x a week after "graduating" from the first round of P90X.

The software Denver and I are using has a sheet for us to write down what we did.....I don't know about Denver, but I never have time btw exercises to write anything down.  I have a hard enough time figuring out how many I did.....

Prison Cell PU - I did better this week.  My upper body was stronger.

Plank to Chaturanga Run - I think Tony really likes saying and doing Chaturanga - I got through three sets and could not do the last two (I think there was 2 more)

Lunge-Kick Back-Curl-Press - I think I need a sm drop in weight.  I got through it with 10lbs, but the last two were killer.  I have no shoulder strength.

Reach High/Under PU - I like these.

Table Dips - I can't get into a full table (shoulders hold me back)

Denver - As for the Wheel/Bridge - I can't come even close to trying....

Day 50: Denver's Yoga Day

50 days! Whoo hoo! Wait a minute. That means that it will be picture day right around New Years. That's not as good news as I don't think my body is ready for new pictures! (I know my scale isn't! my little slide this week did not help matters at all.

I didn't dread Yoga today at all. It was a pretty good day for yoga. I did some meditation earlier in the day, so that set the table for the Yoga feast!

I really felt the first section, with the Downward Dogs barking at me throughout.

The Stand on your leg for an hour section was pretty good. I still can't last the whole time, but I feel my form was pretty solid.

The Balance Postures were very good for me today. I was almost better on my weak foot (right one) which was odd. I went 42 seconds before having to come out of "Crane," which was a record for me. I had a few toe touches, but this was my best ever.

The Stretching was good as always. I meant to ask Dallas if he does "Bridge" or "Wheel?" I try to do Wheel, but I can only last about 10 seconds at a time before I have to drop to Bridge.

Yoga Belly 7 was not as awful as I always think it is going to be.

It's always nice to end with the last part. A nice reward for some hard work.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 50 - Dallas does Yoga X

50 days down.  I can't believe it.  The last three days I've eaten some chips...three days of Mexican for lunch.  You wouldn't think that would make a difference (I didn't go crazy by any stretch of the imagination), but I am back to 164.5.  I was down to a low of 162.  It just amazes me that weight can swing so much.

I'm really hoping my body is more efficient now, so maybe it will burn it off easily in the next week or so.  I was really hoping by now I would be under 160 and working the last month or two on getting to 150.  With this type of weight loss so far, I'm worried that getting to 150 will be way too hard a goal to hit.  As for Body Fat.....I think I need to reevaluate my goals for this program.  I think I drank the cool aid too much going into this program.

Day 49 - Dallas Rests

I skipped the most important day for me.  Too much going on.

Day 48 - Dallas does Kenpo

I did it....after I realized my HR Monitor was full.  I ha to delete old workouts to make room for these new ones.  So I'm not sure what my avg/Max or cal burned was.

I like this workout, other than the left side/back kicks....my knee doesn't feel right doing them.

Dday 49: Denver Stretched (And did Kenpo!)

More Later:

Keep Bringing It!

Day 48: Denver Missed Kenpo!

I'm doing it on Sunday in addition to the Stretch!

Keep Bringing It!

Day 47: Denver Did Back and Legs

Ouch.

I'm still using too much weight.

Just a placeholder!

Keep Bringing It!

Day 46: Denver Catching Up!

Sorry, I've been negligent.

What's cool is that both Thanksgiving and Christmas are both during recovery Weeks.

What's not cool is that I've been having a rough week.

Yoga was okay. I didn't Bring it!

Keep Bringing It!

Day 47 - Dallas Does Legs and Back

I did 10 Rev Grip Pull-ups without a chair.  I could only follow that up with 6 for round 2.

As for the rest, I managed 1 wide front pull up, but that was it for w/o a chair.

I went no weight this week on the Toe-Roll.  Normally I have been doing 20 lbs.  I think my form was a lot better.

Ab Ripper killed me today.  Only thing that got me through it was knowing this was the last time doing it for a week.

Day 46 - Dallas Yoga-s Up or Downward

Well I was not into this today. I just could not focus. I did ok for most of it, but the Downward Dog series went on forever today. Most of the time I really enjoy this series, but today....not feeling it.

My balance was great today. I held the Stand on One Leg series pretty well....I still stumbled a little, but in general...I did pretty well.

I have to admit....I stopped when he started the ending part. I don't like the way he puts the cool down together on this one. It doesn't relax me. He talks too much. I did my own cool down.

Day 45: Denver Does the "Glam" Muscles: Biceps & Back!

Even I don't exactly enjoy the Pull-Up portion of this workout. The biceps, on the other hand, are just plain fun!

I increased my weight for many of the exercises, figuring this was the last week before the recovery week, so I might as well go for it. Most exercises I started with 20 lbs during the first week, I am now at 30. Of course, some of the reps dropped from 10 to 8, but it was worth it. The only one that really killed me was when I tried to do the "In-Out Hammer Curls." I lasted two reps with 30 lbs, and that killed me. I switched to 25 lbs and I barely equaled last weeks total. It pretty much ruined me for the strip sets at the end. I was going to try to start at 30, but I coul dbarely get through 25 lbs on the first strip set.

I did 45 lbs for the Congdon Locomotives and they went pretty well. I did 30 lbs for the Open Arm Curls and my arms are much bigger after these three weeks. It feels good.

I do need to start eating someday.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 45 - Dallas does Back and Bicep

I was looking forward to this day...until I realized it was pull up day. I'm glad there was plenty of Bicep work to be done.

I only increased a few weights. The rest I was having hard enough time with. This is truely my first time working my upper body.

Have I mentioned I hate pull ups. I was not able to do ANY pull ups this go round...without the chair.

My "core" was beat today. So "not Ab" Ripper was tough today.

At work...I'll post more tonight

Day 44: Denver Pushes Plyo

Well, I planned on getting up early before an appointment this morning and doing plyo. I also planned on winning the lottery.

I am usually fine with Plyo if I get to it early enough. The longer that I procrastinate, the less motivated I am. I finally got to it late in the afternoon. I had a phone call interrupt at one point, but other than that it was a good workout. I was able to do all the challenge moves (arms up, Dominic speed, etc.) and I maxed out at 170 in the HR department and burned 975 calories.

A good day. I'm looking forward to Biceps tomorrow, which is good, because I have been sluggish this week after a great last week!

Keep Bringing It!

Day 44 - Dallas and Plyo

Great workout this morning.  Another 5 am wake up.  Another day of wishing I had more sleep time.

I only paused twice...both to blow my nose.  I didn't have to hit pause.  I'm getting into a grove with this workout.  This is the mother of all workouts.  No doubt about it.

Other than the stuffy nose, I felt good today.  I wasn't keeping up with Dom, but I pushed it pretty hard.

Day 43: Denver Pushes Play for Chest/Shoulders/Triceps

It took me a while to get motivated to "Push Play."

I eventually got there. I did the extended version, with unnecessary distractions pulling me away from the workout. I finally plowed through the second half and the dreaded Ab Ripper after deciding the first half was ineffective.

I didn't increase the weight for all but a few of them. I increased 'Throw the Bomb" to 25 lbs and Front to Back Tricep Extensions and Fly Row Presses to 20 lbs. Not a lot of weight, but an increase for me. I increased all the push-ups by 1 or 2 reps and killed the "Airborne" Plyo Push-Ups once again.

The Two-Twitch Speed Push-Ups still kill me, but the Pour Flys were pain free. So that's something.

The problem with this time of year is the fact that the food is just killer when you are measuring your weight. I'm not even trying to lose a lot of weight, but when you are tracking it every day it stinks when you notice you gained all the weight you lost back in one weekend. Not only was the dinner party I went to a smörgåsbord of southern comfort food, it was the fact that the hostess sent home leftovers. So not one day of rich, excellent food, but THREE!

I feel stronger and that's the most important thing.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 42: Denver Skipped the Stretch

I just never got around to it Sunday. I took a meditation course on Saturday, does that count?

Day 43 - Dallas pumps out Chest, Shoulder & Tri

It is getting harder and harder to get out of bed. I got up and then 5 mins later was REALLY looking at the bed and thinking I could just do it later...right?

I finished getting ready to push play.

I had a queasy feeling in my stomach today. I had to pause btw a lot of the Ab Ripper exercises. I didn't want to toss my cookies while doing scissors or V-Ups.

I increased a lot of my reps for the push ups. I think my body is getting used to the movement, so I can do more.

I added a few weights here and there, but in general I stuck with what I did last week.

Hopefully I spelled everything right today....Denver will let me know.

Day 41: Kenpo in the Morning with Denver

I got up real early to do this before an appointment. I do enjoy doing the workouts early, as they make you feel like you've accomplished more before 8 AM than the Army. Well, not really, but you get the idea.

My Schitzo HR monitor continues to mess up my "Zone". I had a real hard time maintaining the HR in the zone (144-153). But it was a good workout, nevertheless.

I agree with Dallas on the first stretch. I don't get it. I always feel like I should be pulling with the other hand, but it could be the point of the stretch.

Anyway, the wider the horse stance, the higher the Heart Rate!

Keep Bringing It!

Day 41 - Dallas gets down with Kenpo

Great day today.  I was worried with not getting any sleep last night, but it all turned out ok.

The hardest part of this workout for me is the first stretch.  It kills me....I'm not doing it right.  It still stretches me, but I don't look like them.

The only other part that is tough for me is the back kicks with my left leg.  My knee acts up so I can't kick hard (my HR drops during this side).

I was able to keep my HR up a lot more today.  All of my horse stances I went REALLY deep on.  That worked to keep it up.

It is going to be 70 tomorrow so I will probably hit the bike and get in 20+ miles.  I will be doing the X-Stretch as well.  I think that is one of the most important for me.

Day 40 - Dallas conquers Legs & Back

Well after this weeks ups and downs I was not sure how today would go.

-Photos did show the improvement I wanted

-Weight comes down...I get happy....weight goes right back up...I get mad

-With the market (It affects my business A LOT)...I'm pretty stressed these days

Today the scale said 163...good start...my left knee kind of feels weird...not good, especially on a leg day.

I kept all the weights the same as last week.  I didn't want to push it too hard with a knee in question.

As I listened to Tony today, I realized I was using some of the same weights he was.

On to the workout:Highlights - Both high and Low

I did 6 Rev Grip Chin-ups w/o a chair then added 4 with the chair...new record (round two switched these numbers to 4/6)

Wall Squats - I think I could do these a lot longer than he requires...we'll see when I redo the Fit Test

Alt Side Lunge - Tony points he foot straight to the side when he does these.  That really is not a Side lunge (he does the same thing with the ThreeWay Lunge as well)  The acrobat does it correctly keeping her foot facing front so it is a side lunge.

Ab Ripper was tough for me to today....I think with the legs and using bigger weights than I probably should be using, the first four exercises kill me.  Once I get past the scissors I'm home free.  It is getting past those first three.

Anyway - Kenpo tomorrow......Push the Play Button

Day 40: Denver's BACK Acts Up

First of all, I was angry that my computer shut down and I lost the data that had the second half of my Wednesday workout. I'll try to update that post, but I don't know some of the weights I used. Then yesterday I did another Late Night Yoga session and I hurt my back about halfway through.

(See updated Yoga Post)

Today I tried to squeeze this workout in before the Rangers game. I ended up doing the Ab-Ripper first. That was weird, but it allowed me to watch the game. I should have skipped the game as the Rangers fell behind 5-1, then came back and tied it before blowing it and losing 8-5.

My back is really acting up. I am trying to get the motivation to push play, fearing my back is going to make it impossible. I'll get it done somehow, maybe I'll have to modify a bit.

Keep Bringing it!

(I hope Dallas isn't too disheartened! I didn't see results last time until around Day 60!)

Dallas is not happy with photos

Well I finally got around to taking my 30 day photos.  There were taken on day 37, but that is close to 30 days right?

All the energy and excitement about P90x drained out of me.  I have seen 30 day pics of others and I was expecting a lot better results at day 30.  I REALLY hope this improves. 

My spare tire is at full force.  I haven't been perfect on the diet, but I haven't had cake, ice cream...any of that stuff.  I've eaten about 1000 times better than I normally do.  I'm very frustrated!!!!

Day 39: Denver's Yoga Day (Updated)

I still haven't updated yesterday's post, and I haven't done Yoga yet, but I have to give Dallas a hard time:

Dallas must have been typing in the dark this morning:

"My arms were pretty sory today, so all the downward dogs we killer."

It sounds like really bad Rap lyrics!

Anyway, I did another Late Night Yoga session. It's nice to do before going to bed. Halfway through, my back started acting up and my stomach was having problems.

I did not finish the entire Yoga session. I feel bad, but I was not going to be able to do it.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 39 - Dallas tries to balance through YOGA

I was not very balanced today. I even fell out of Royal dancer...which I can normally hold for as long as you want. I'm pretty tired so maybe that is it. Today will be short.

Yoga Belly felt great....once it was over.

My arms were pretty sory today, so all the downward dogs we killer.

Day 38: Denver Pumps Up Biceps!

My name is Denver and I my arms are pumped--- up!

My roll continues this week. I somehow have the energy (despite not eating a lot) and I'm bringing it to my workouts this week.

I improved all my pull-ups by 1 each (except the "Choose Your own" which last week was a disaster- I had nothing and only did 3 standard pull-ups- I matched my chin-Ups at 18) and upped my weight wherever possible.

Proving that I am not a Math person, I think I did 28 reps last week on the 21's. Duh. I figured you did 7 halfway up, 7 all the way up and then repeat (28 total, makes sense?) As I did it today, I counted along with Tony and realized my mistake. I can't remember how I did these last time. I don't think I understood the difference between each 7 rep set and just did 21 curls (not understanding what was so special about them!)

I didn't up my weight for the 1 Arm Cross Body curls, but I should have.

I maintained the same weight for a lot of the middle exercises, then bumped up to 30 for the Bent Over Rows and the Open Arm Curls. The latter almost killed me. Too much weight. I might try it again next week as that seemed to work for

To Be Continued... (Have to run- I'll finish later! Sorry!)

Day 38 - Dallas enjoys Back and Biceps

Well - I should adjust that title. I enjoyed the biceps part...not the pull-ups.

Where did Tony ever come up with Corn-Cob pull ups? These are not fun. They are pure torture. I can't believe the girl chooses these as her bouns pull up exercise. Tony must have paid her big time for that one.

I was bouncing around with weights today again. I bumped all of my weight when I could (Lawnmowers, Hammer curls, strip set, bent over rows, steam engines). The rest I was the same as last week. I think I can bump up the Lawnmowers and Steam engine some more (I think my lower back is strong). There are few moves I don't think my form is correct. I wish Tony was in the room to tell me to bend over more or pull back more instead of up....then again if he was in the room I probably couldn't type this right now. Maybe that is something to strive for....unable to post today due to paralyzed state.

Pull ups still bug me. I just don't understand why these are soooo hard for me.

All the arm work was fun. I had the pumped feel in my arms all through breakfast and my shower. I'm ok right now, but I'm sure I'll feel it big time tomorrow.

My laptop battery started to die during the cool down. I had to move down to the office to plug in and finish the cool down and Ab Ripper down there. Kind of weird doing ab work in my office and not in the normal room. Only plus was I couldn't put the laptop next to me to hit the pause button as much. I HAD to push through the bicycles and Crunchy Frog. I DID get up and pause before the scissors (actually I did 5 then had to stumble up and hit pause). I did start back at 1 when I un paused. I still don't get the leg climb for this program. It doesn't seem P90X like.

Oh...I almost forgot....I jinxed myself....scale today said 165.5 - I called it yesterday. Given this...I think the scale will say 162 and 21% BF tomorrow :-)

Yoga tomorrow.

Day 37: Denver Pushes Play and Powers Plyo!

I'm Bringing it this week! Big time.

I remember a similar feeling around the same time last time around. I think it is the change in routines (Yes, Dallas, we have one more week of this) that energizes me as much as this week has.

I brought it, but I still have to pause after the Second Jump Knee Tuck (as I match the Dominator) and just can't recover in time for the equally draining "Mary Catherine's". I also extended the second to last water break, but other than that I was on it. I also tried to jump higher and longer.

As for the weights, I think I posted that last week, but I'm not sure what you mean? I did increase a few of my weights yesterday and I usually increase by 5 each week if I can. Some exercises are never going to get me heavier than 15!

My first time around I was very disciplined about the food. This time, not so much. I may try to buckle down, but I'm finding it hard to motivate myself. Although when I look at the fat not disappearing around my belly, I get a little more motivated. I need to go to the grocery store and get some healthy food options.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 37 - Dallas does Plyo all out

I brought it big time today...no pauses, HR max out, matched the spring loaded guy in the back for all reps...even the first exercise I jumped high. I think I was excited this morning (still wanted more sleep)....my scale said I was now at 163. My lowest so far!!! I'm sure tomorrow it will be back at 165, but for today...I was pumped. We started putting the X-Mas tree up...so my space just dropped. I managed ok though.

Denver - What weights were you using the first time around? Looks like you are increasing pretty well.

I drank my whole water bottle today. Normally I have 1/2 left at the end...not today. Last sip was taken before the cool down.

Denver has me wanting to do the Mon routine again.....I need to push harder to keep up with him. Do we have one more week of this rotation?

As to the diet.....I think I'm on the right better diet. I don't go over board. I eat smart. I'm eating more per day and also eating more times per day. I don't follow it to the extreme I probably should, but with an 8 yr old around and eating out on the weekend. I can't be perfect.

Day 36: Denver Pummels Chest, Shoulders & Tri's toTell About it!

Killer, killer workout. Awesome. I really enjoyed this today and had some good milestones.

The Good:

1. The 3-in-1 Slow Motion Push-Ups were good and I matched my 12 with the Bonus.
2. Upped my weight to 20 lbs in the Scarecrows and they went much better!
3.Upped weight in Lying Tricep Extensions to 30.
4. I did "Airborne" Plyo Push-Ups. Yeah, Baby. 15 of them.
5. I did 30 lbs (20 reps each arm) with the Cross Body Blows. Almost killed me, but I did it!

The Bad:

1.Pike Presses. I don't think I'm doing them correctly. I think my feet are too far away. The pressure in my head (I am able to touch) is intense when I finish my 12 reps.
2.Pour Flys- These kill my right elbow and (now) shoulder. Ow. Only did 8 with 15 lbs.
3. One Arm Push Ups- Still need my knees. Grinded out 10 like last time.
4. Front to Back tricep extensions: Still not sure of the counting. Felt it though

The UGLY:

1.Two-Twitch Speed Push-Ups. I just can't do these. Again, if you count 1 rep for each 4-3 combo of Fast-slow, I barely did 3. Killer.
2. Slo-Mo Throw- I finally realized I wasn't supposed to lean back like the guy with the bands. Still struggle to do 10 reps with 15 lbs.

Ab Ripper was good enough. I felt I was going through the motions. Dallas is right on about Bicycles. Abs my @#$! If it's Abs, why do my legs and Hips kill after each set? Tony still can't count on the reverse ones!

I do the cross-Legged. It took me awhile to get there the first time through, but I like it better now. You'll get there, Dallas, don't worry.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 36 - Dallas does Chest, Shoulders and Tri

I was exhausted this morning. I need to find a way to get more sleep.

Being the 2nd time through this I found at elast I had better weights for it. There are few I thought I could go bigger, but ended up going back to last weeks weight....it takes a little too long (and took much noise) to change weights when I have choosen wrong.

Tough ones today included: The Pour, Clap Push-Ups (I feel I make too much noise landing and will wake everyone else up) My goal on these is to be able to do a couple of those crazy getting air types...., One arm (all knees this week), The slow mo push ups are pretty tough.

Ab Ripper - I was not feeling it this morning. I paused after the bicycles again (these are not an ab workout...more hips and legs). The wide leg (no way will I ever be able to do this one crossed leg) I always have to kind of throw myself up. My legs lift off the ground slightly as I come up. I guess when my abs get stronger I'll be able to just roll up. The Leg climbs...I don't find these hard. For Tony I think this would have been one of those "do 50" or something. I do it with my other leg bent and do half with no touches.

Anyway...back to work.

Day 35: Denver Limbers Up with X Stretch!

I needed this.

Actually Looking forward to the Week 2 of Phase 2.


Keep Brining It!

Denver's Updated Stats

Here are my 30 Day Updated stats. Of course they have changed since Wednesday, but I am hoping I'll start seeing some more progress. Dallas- the first time through I didn't start to see any significant changes until around the 6th week, so hopefully that will be the same for you!
I'm not sure my measurements are perfectly accurate. Not sure what I'm doing wrong.

11/3/08 12/3/08 CHANGE

Chest 42" 42" none

Waist (@ Belly Button) 37" 37" none

Hips 41" 40 -1

Thigh R 22.5 23 +.5

Thigh L 23 23 none

Arm R 13 13 none

Arm L 13 13 none

Weight 182.6 178.2 -4.4 lbs ( back around 181 today)

Body Fat 18% 16.2% -1.8% (been as low as 15.4)

Not super results, but about what I was expecting. My resting heart rate has dropped a lot, so that's about the only impressive result!

Keep Bringing It!

Day 34 - Dallas does Kenpo

I followed Denver's lead and did this workout last night at 10:30.  Not the best time to workout.  I thought I worked my you know what off, but my HR never got above 150.  I know I was pushing it.  I guess my body s-l-o-w-s down at that hour.

I'm pretty beat today.  Wife's b-day today.  So this is going to be short.  I should get the stretch in this afternoon.  Denver - Have you posted your measurements?  I'm curious how I did compared?  I didn't really see a major change in mine.

Stretch today and then on to day 36

Day 34: Denver's Day of Kenpo

I didn't have it today. It started out auspiciously as I hit the button on my Polar F11 before it got a chance to figure out my OwnZone. It was downhill from there.

I didn't feel into it. It might have been because I was in a tight window to get the exercise done. My heart rate was supposed to be from 137-145 but I averaged 138 and spent most of my workout under the Zone, and that was before the Heart Rate Killing "Blocks". I only reached my Max(163) during the punches at the end.

My Polar F11 goes from one extreme to the other, as it can't get a handle on the alternating workouts. Maybe it's BiPOLAR?

I did learn something today, as I slogged through the Bruce Lee impersonation. Every time I have done the "Step-Grab-Drag-Punch" I've imagined I'm grabbing someone's hair and then punching them in the face. I always found this to be quite an unrealistic move. Sure, I think I've seen people do this in movies, but not everyone has hair (Ahem...Dallas...What?). Today I watched carefully and realized that it was grabbing a piece of clothing and then punching the face. Duh! Now that makes more sense. Anyway, that's my education for the day. Enjoy!

Keep Bringing It!

Day 33: Denver's Gravity Powered Legs

Of course I didn't drop down weights in these like I thought I might last time. When I realized today I was using more weight than Tony, it all made sense to me. My legs are just dead on Saturday. I don't know why I am using these weights. I think they may be affecting my form. I'm definitely getting a workout, though.

I'm using 25 lbs on the Balance Lunges and the Calf-Raise Squats. I used 25 on the Step-Back Lunges as well, and did the Curls on the last five of each.My Pull-Ups are doing well: 18 Wide Front, 17 Close Grip, 27 Reverse Grip, 24 Switch Grip (But I don't hold onto the bar before switching).

I am looking forward to Kenpo tomorrow and I promise to have an update a lot earlier. I'll also get back to the Measurements, which I took, but did not post.

I've decided to review the Bicep exercises next week, so that will be more detailed at the time.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 32: Denver Did Yoga

Just a little slow with the updates. Sometimes I'm composing while I do the routine and I trick myself into thinking I had posted! Sorry about that!

Anyway, I procrastinated because I am battling some kind of flu or cold. I was miserable all day. I forced myself to finally do it at around 11:00 PM! I felt good after I did it.

Like Dallas, I found myself having trouble with moves that I usually don't have problems with. I still can't make it through the one leg "Warrior Three" torture. I was still not feeling well, so I thought I might quit after the first 30 minutes, but I pressed on and did them all. I really like the "take care of yourself" after the Yoga Belly 7. I held all of the poses very well, and I almost held "crane" for the entire minute.

Thank you, Dallas, for the Push-Up tip. I'm not sure I've been doing push-ups or not. I thought I was, but I'll have to check it out. I was doing something differently with the push-up after I thought I saw Tony doing it differently than I was and I felt a twinge in my leg. My body said "let's not do that again, okay?"

I always dread the 90 minute workout, but I have to change my thinking, because with Ab-Ripper, the other workouts are only about 14 minutes shorter for the most part.

Day 33 - Dallas does Legs / Back

Denver looks like he is getting slow on his updates.....hello?

I didn't feel so hot yesterday eve....so today I was worried how I would do.  It felt like my heart was going to pound out of my chest today.  I couldn't breath (nose was pretty stuffy), and just culd not catch my breath.

I got through it and actually did 4 Rev Grip Pull-ups without a chair...then did an additional 5 with the chair.  Second time around I did 1 w/o chair and 8 with it.  Getting better.  If I could only do any of the other ones.....time will tell.  I could do the Rev grip before, so I know it can be done.

Not much to say today.  Ab Ripper was pretty hard since I could not breath.  I didn't pause until Scissors came.  That is the furtherest I've gone w/o pausing.  It was also the only pause I did.

I feel better about the workouts.  I think I'm getting more out of them.  I'm still sore from the arm work out on Wed.....

until next time...keep pushing play

Day 32 - Dallas and Yoga

Today was great. I pushed it really hard today. Held every pose as best I could. What is really weird is my left legs lasted longer during Warrior 3 to "leg stand for 4 hours pose". My right started burning like crazy when we went to left hand down twist right. My left leg lasted all the way through. Now don't take that to mean I was solid with either leg. I was all over the place with my balance and both legs were shaking, but I did the best I have ever done on these poses.

Denver mentioned wondering how you can "not" do a push up from Upward dog....just move your hips up and lean over. Maybe I'll video it for you. I'm at the point where I do all the push ups, but in the begininng I did half of them...I was not sure what was coming next and wanted to make sure I could make it through the whole hour and a half.

Tomorrow is Legs and Back. More wonderful pull ups!!!!

Push Play!!

Day 31: Denver Pumps up Biceps & Chest

This workout rocks. The "Glam" muscles always feel good when pumped up. Even when I can't reach my arms above my shoulders or do something like buckle a seat-belt, I feel the satisfaction permeating through my body!

I'll have more time tomorrow to update this post and do the day 30 comparison measurements as Dallas did tomorrow!

Keep Bringing It!

Dallas updates his 30 day numbers

Formatting this is pretty tough

                                                 11/3/08         12/3/08      CHANGE

Chest                     40"                39.5 "        -.5"

Waist (@ Belly Button)         37.25"              36.5 "         -.75" - I like this

Hips                                      39.5                   39            -.5

Thigh R                                22.25                22             -.25 - Weird

Thigh L                                22.25                 22             -.25 - Weird

Arm R                                     14                   13.75        -.25 - I guess these are equaling out

Arm L                                   13.5                 13.75        +.25

Weight                                  168.5                165.5        -3 lbs - I thought this would be better

Body Fat                               24%                 22%        -2% - I really wanted this to be better

My weight went as low as 164 (Thanksgiving killed that) and my body fat as low as 22.  I'm surprised my legs have not changed for the positive.  Same with my arms.  Maybe I had to get rid of overall fat first.  I like seeing the change in my Waist.  Granted this is at my largest point (belly button), but it does show that I'm losing my spare tire.  Lets hope this trend continues.

I still need to take my day 30 pics.  I won't post them, but I still need to take them.

Day 31 - Dallas pumps up with Back and Biceps

I still haven't done my measurements. I'll do my best to get it done tonight.

New workout - Denver was right....I REALLY enjoyed no pull ups on Monday. All good things come to an end. Today was pull up mania.

I'm at work, so I don't have the full list of exercises. I agree with Denver. No doing repeats makes it easier to handle. Although some are VERY close to being dupes of the previous exercise. I'm not sure how many bicep exercises we did in a row. I kept putting my weight back in the stand thinking I was headed to the pull up bar and Tony would say ok...now for some more biceps work.....ugh.

I really felt "pumped up" during this workout. My arms were sore and felt swelled up. I like that feeling.

ABR X - I didn't feel it today. I was pretty tired after the B/B workout. I made it through and only paused twice (Btw the bicycles and before scissors). I did really well at the legs climb. I think I finally realize how to do these well. Mason twists - I like these....great burn after.


Again...I'll try to get my measurements up.

Day 30: Denver Plyo's his way through!

I almost forgot that today was Day 30. I have to do my measurements again. I don't think I did very well, since my eating has been less than stellar. I feel good, though, and my heart-rate monitor likes me, so I'm happy.

I went to the Dentist today, so my mouth is still numb and should remain so for another hour or so. I'm just glad I'm not video blogging, or it would be a disaster!

I took a few breaks (after the 1st set of Jump Squats and a couple others) and made it through. Unlike the first week, I feel much more up for doing the workouts.

Anyway, I'll post more later on.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 30 - Dallas gets into Plyo

Tonight I will get my measurements posted. Denver reminded me of the Fit Test that my HR monitor has. I ran the test before doing Plyo today.

51 was my Test number with a Resting HR of 46. I'm curious to see if I have lost inches any where yet.

On to the workout:

I pushed it hard today. No pauses other than a 5 sec one to let my dog out..no more doggie door.

My legs were burning big time today. When I got to work and was climbing the stairs to my office....my right legs was not happy with me. I could not put any weight on it for 30 sec or so. I stood half way up the stairs till it let me move again. I guess old age is sneaking up???

I jumped high with Dom in the back....I did not do the 360 turns though or the constant jump squats at top speed. But all the others I followed his lead.

Tomorrow is a new workout...I WILL be reviewing it tonight.

Keep pushing Play!!!

Day 29: Denver Does Chest,Shoulders & Triceps

After a week of eating terribly and back at 181 lbs after being as low as 179 (not great progress, but I'm not really trying to lose as much weight as last time- or so I tell myself!) I was actually looking forward to this workout. It's a killer workout that I love because you don't have to go back and do the same exercise a second time. One and done! That's the ticket. There's something else that I like about this workout, I just can't seem to remember what it is. Hmmmm.... Oh, yeah!

No Pull-Ups! I somehow forgot about this fact. I don't think I even noticed it the first time around! I wonder if Dallas enjoyed the fact that there were no Pull-ups?

Here's the workout:

Slow Motion 3-in-1 Push-Ups- These are killer. Something about going slow just burns. Great, though! I did all 12 slow and then could only manage 10 Speed Bonus reps.
In-and-Out Shoulder Flys- I used 15 lbs here (I forgot what I used the last time!)
Chair Dips- I did my usual 40 with 1 leg up/alternating every 5
Plange Push-Ups- I am still not sure I'm doing them correctly. Tough, for sure!
Pike Presses- These are killer. You have to basically do push ups from a tight Downward Dog position. I managed 10.
Side-Tri Rises- I did 20 each tricep. I still don't see why these are hard, but I did struggle more than the other workout.
Floor Flys- These are fun. I like them. I have the hard-wood floors, so I use a towel. Works great. I did 20.
Scarecrows- I thought of Dallas acting as the Scarecrow in the 4th grade play! These weren't too tough, I think I need a bigger weight (I did 10 reps with 15. Not enough!)
Overhead Tricep Extensions- these were okay. I could probably do a bigger weight than 15 (I did 14 reps)
Two-Twitch Speed Push-Ups- Easily the hardest Push-Up set. I used to count how many times I went up and down, but Tony said he was doing 9, so I assume that means each set of 4 Fast/3 Slow. I struggled to do 3.
Y-Presses- I felt like Arnold, not the "Girly Man" I am! I did 12 reps/25 lbs. Awesome.
Lying Tricep Extensions- These are cool also. I do 12/25
Side-to-Side Push-Ups- These are fun and tiring. I managed 15 doing the medium version (Over-Down-Up-Over). No way I was able to do the advanced crazy version!
Pour Flys- I used 15 lb weights and I struggled. Also felt something tweak in my right elbow. Skinny armed guys like me don't like these! My form is awful!
Side Leaning Tricep Extensions- (Blogger doesn't like Tricep in the singular form? Go figure!) I don't have a good chair for these. I never know the right weight. I did 10 reps of 20, but probably could do a higher weight.
One Arm Push-Ups- find your inner Jack Palance. I don't even try to do them regular. I have to do the knee option (Girly Man!) and I do 5 on each arm. I used to not be able to do any, so it will come with time.
Weighted Circles- Don't seem that hard at first (10 lbs each arm) but they wear you down. 10 Reps forward and then back and then repeat. 40 total. Ouch.
Throw the Bomb- Never was good at football, and I'm worse at throwing left handed. These are tough. I did 12 reps of 20. Can probably try more weight, but it's that fine line... I tweaked my neck during the left arm. I know, I'm just getting old!
Clap or Plyo Push-Ups- I did 12 regular clap Push-Ups. I didn't get airborne with my feet, but I managed to clap each rep. I remember seeing a movie as a kid where someone did this (Rocky?) and I tried to do it. I'm a little better now! By the end of this I'll be doing the Plyo! That's a promise!
Slo-Mo Throws- I can't do these well at all. It's another five step combination Tony horton special that takes rewinding several times to figure it out. I did 10 with 15 lb weights.
Front-to-Back Tricep Extensions- I am not sure how to count these (I still don't know if you count each extension, or each set of Front and back- Tony is no help!) and I used to light a weight (15 lbs)
One Arm Balance Push-Ups- I can crank these out since we do them in Yoga and core Synergistics (or variations of it). I only did 14, but I will push myself to do more next time.
Fly-Row Presses- These are the hardest for me. I have no idea what weight to use. 15 lbs seems too light (I did two then moved up to 20 lbs) and then 20 was too heavy as I struggled to get to 8. Form was lousy. Not sure what to do next time.
Dumbbell Cross-Body Blows- These are a satisfying way to end the workout (er, before Ab-Ripper that is!) but again, not sure what the count is. Tony just says go until you can't go anymore. I counted each right-left combo as 1 and got to 20 reps with 25 lb weights. Very good exercise.

Ab Ripper was good. I didn't have to pause at all (except my normal speed-up and wait for Tony pauses). I had trouble getting my heart rate up.

My Polar "Own Index" rated me a 56 (elite), so I was happy with that. I have been as high as 57 and as low as 45 since getting it last February.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 29 - Shoulders/Back/Tri

Well - 4 weeks down and 8 more to go....I think. I thought it was 90 days or 3 months....

Back to normal wake up at 5 and work out. No more "recovery" days left.

Anyway. I really need to learn to pre watch these new workouts. I was rewinding a few times to figure out what I was supposed to do. Tony makes these exercises up so I had no clue what a plange push up was or most of the other stuff.

I did alright. I had the wrong weight about 50% of the time (Denver - What weights are you using for each one?). Live and learn. I don't have the exercise list with me so I'll have to add that info later. I can tell you that one arm push ups are a blast.....just kidding. It was a tough day. Do we have Plyo tomorrow?

I need to get back to eating well. I will add a post later today with my measuments after the first 4 weeks. I can tell you I hit a low of 164 / 22% (down from 168.5/24%) but this week I have crept back up to 166.5 / 23

Ab Ripper X - I made it through both bicycles before I had to pause (very small one) before Crunchy Frog....after that I made it through without a pause. I did finish a few exercises before they did so I had a little extra time(wide leg and V-Up Roll Up). I did all 50 twists.