Day 31.3: Denver's BACK to BICEPS

Yeah, the shoulder didn't let me do it. I'll try tomorrow, since I am avoiding Yoga anyway!

Dallas Update

Wow - At least someone is working out....(other than Thursday's). First they could get me in is Wed. I was doing ok, but yesterday I was headed to the closet and my back flared up. I'm not sure when I'll be back. Recover week and Phase two are my favorites. I always loved these weeks.

I'll report more later this week. Keep it up for both of us Denver!!!

Day 30.3: Denver's Plyo Pain

AS expected, my shoulder/arm pain felt worse today. It's kind of like a permanent dead-arm from a buddy in grade school. It only bothered me a little during plyometrics, but tomorrow is the day I'm worried about.

My heart rate was way higher than normal for some reason. That reason might be that I did not pause the workout once. Okay, I paused to take some electrolytes right before "the mother" (Jump-Knee-Tucks), but that was about 10 seconds. I had a tight time frame, so I was a little less trigger happy on the pause button. Whatever the reason, I maxed out at 181, which is about 10 beats higher than normal.

I'll report tomorrow about how my dead arm is doing.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 29.3: Denver's Chest, Triceps & Shoulders Hurt

Ow!

I forgot how much I liked this workout, but I have to admit that I didn't really "bring it" as much as I could have. I wasn't sure on the weights, so I was conservative. To make it worse, I was too lazy to correct the problem and since you only do one set of each, I'll have to up the ante next time.

I pulled something in my left arm/shoulder area during "Slo-Mo Throws" and I was worried I had done some major damage. I powered through (almost giving up) and I was fine by the end of the Ab-(torture) Ripper.

Anyway, I hope Dallas got good news from the Doc today.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 28.3: Denver's Rest Day (Continued)

So am I still entitled to a rest day if I didn't work out yesterday? Guess so.

My Polar Watch (F11) is mad at me. I was only at 54% for the week and the little "trophy" graphic went away. Sigh. Everyone's a critic!

Keep Bringing It!

Day 27.3: Denver Considers Yoga, Doesn't Do It

I don't have an excuse, just hate Yoga X.

Dallas is Recovering...

in a different way. Though he is in my town on business, he hasn't been able to workout (except maybe the stationary bike) ever since the Heavy Pants incident. I'm sure we'll get a status update after his doctor meets with him on Monday!

Day 26.3: Denver Survives Prison (Cell Push-Ups!)

I had forgotten how much Prison Cell Push-Ups kill me. I think the whole routine threw me for a loop on Wednesday, but this time the loathing of these torturous type of push-ups came back with a vengeance. I didn't recover (even with the Enlyten Strips) until three exercises later!

I still can't do the Plank to Chattaranga Run for more than 40 seconds. I'll get there.

I'm looking forward to the new exercises next week. Not sure what I am going to do tomorrow, though. Stay 'tooned!

Keep Bringing It!

Day 25.3: Denver Catches Up with Kenpo!

Okay, so with missing Monday and Tuesday, I did Core on Wednesday when I should have done Kenpo and I did Kenpo today when I should have done X- Stretch, so that leaves tomorrow doing Core again, or maybe I'll do Yoga or Cardio X? Does any of this make sense?

My heart rate was higher than normal for some reason. Again I was able to actually feel it during the blocks.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 24.3: Denver Gets Back to the Core!

I did it. I now am going to have a less than recovering recovery week, but it feels good to do it.

I hadn't actually done this routine in a while, so it was a shock to the system. It's a good workout, but you have to be careful with the weights. I used 10 pounds for a lot of the reps and most of them were too hard with that much weight (10 lbs? Much? I know.).

I didn't make the whole 60 seconds for most of the timed routines. Something to work up to, I guess.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 23.3: Denver & Dallas Eat Pizza. Then Denver Considers Core.

I waited about an hour and a half after eating before trying to workout. It was too soon, so I had to make it another late-night session.

Dallas and I had some really good, spicy pizza (not P90X Diet approved!) and then I drove him around Denver. It was dark, raining and miserable, (Dallas' timing was not exactly perfect. Denver rarely sees anything but the sun.) but he can now say he has actually seen Denver (he's been to the airport and a suburb, but never really Denver proper.

So I was dreading this workout, mainly due to the pizza consumption. Heartburn be damned, I wasn't going to blow off this routine (even though my mind quietly whispered sweet thoughts of skipping the entire week, because Dallas is on the shelf, after all, and it wouldn't be fair to get too far ahead of him... No! Stop these blasphemous thoughts!

I eventually made myself get the mat out and prepared to work my core. My stomach was still complaining about the pizza. What if I did the Core tomorrow? Would that be alright?

I tried the first few warm-ups and decided that if I didn't want to see my pizza again, the smart thing to do was to put off core until tomorrow. That means Core tomorrow, Kenpo on Thursday and then Core again. Uff-da!

Keep Bringing It!

Day 22.3: Denver's Recovery Week

I cannot bring myself to do Yoga. More later.

Day 21.3: Denver Does X-Stretch!

P-R-O-C-R-A-S-T-I-N-A-T-I-O-N

Hows that for a stretch?

Keep Bringing It!

Day 20.3: Denver's Kenpo & Kayak Day

I learned how to Kayak at 7:30 this morning, then came home to kick out a Kenpo workout.

Okay, so I didn't completely learn how to Kayak. I had my first lesson and I didn't drown.

Kenpo was good. I kept my heart rate up (even though Polar Own-Zone seemed to set it too low so I was in "hard" mode most of the workout.). I also had some pretty good intensity and my horse stance was actually horse size.

I brought it and I felt pretty productive at 10 AM!

Wondering how I'll like the recovery week. I might make my self do Yoga next week. We'll see.

Keep Bringing It!

Denver's Day 19.3: LEG-Go (of) My Ego

I am feeling guilty about not using weights in some of these leg exercises. I've had to convince myself that I am not wimping out, it is only a ploy to keep myself motivated and not get disheartened.

We'll see if it actually works.

I hope Dallas is still alive, or at least not laying in a chiropractor's hallway, just feet away from the receptionist.

Ab-Ripper really hurt today. I didn't get to it on Wednesday night, so I think that's why. I did manage to match my reps the second time around. I usually drop a few, but this time I didn't. I'm looking forward to the recovery week and then the different Monday and Wednesday workouts.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 18.3: Denver Decides...

...not to do Yoga.

I just can't bring myself to do this workout.

I planned on doing Cardio X, but did not. I'll Bring It tomorrow!

Day 17.3: Denver Arms Himself

First of all, I hope Dallas is okay, as a back injury is killer. Hopefully he recovers in time for the flight, since he will be coming to my neck of the woods.

Anyway, I brought it today. I love the third week because you really see improvement in your weight and reps. I only struggled with form for a few reps and I maintained a regular 25lbs weight for most of my exercises.

I have always had weak arms, but for some reason my triceps seem to be stronger than I thought. I have no problems with the Side-Tri Rises or the kickbacks. I don't know why, but I can do them well. Maybe my form is wrong or I'm not using my tris? Who knows.

Anyway, I did finally figure out that I have probably been doing the Twist-Grip Kickbacks wrong. I counted each way as one. Now I am counting forward and backward as 1 rep. I'm still managing okay.

Keep Bringing It!

Dallas on the mend

I can barely walk or stand up right now. Saw Chiro Monday afternoon. Headed back today as it is not getting better.

I'll update when I hear anything new. I have a trip next week and I don't see how I can sit in a plane seat for the flight with my back like this.

Day 16.3: Denver's Late Night with Plyometrics!

The best part is when you get to the Sports Bonus and you know you're finally done.

I had no energy for this.I felt awful all day. Another one of those times when I waited until I felt better and should have just done it as soon as possible.

The jumping got to me today.

I'll sleep well tonight.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 15.3: Denver Brings Chest(y) Back!

I know, stretching it a bit.

I brought it today, increasing my reps or weight on pretty much everything and my heart rate has dropped significantly since this has started again and I'm recovering faster. It's nice to be on track again.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 15.3 - Dallas tries Chest/Back

Well I made it to Heavy Pants. I was feeling great. I increase my push ups by 5 each, pulls 1-2.

Heavy Pants - After 4 my back said no more and decided to shoot pain throughout my back.

I'm going to try to recover today and see what happens.

Day 14.3 - Dallas gets back home

Today was travel day. Work tomorrow. I did not do X-Stretch.

Day 13.3 - Dallas Does his first Century

Great ride. I felt really strong on the ride. Time was slower than I wanted but there were some serious hills. That brought our time down. There is a fine line between saving your energy to make sure you make it to the end...and going too slow that you are on your bike too long.

next time I'll go a little faster b/c I still had gas in the tank when we finished.

No P90X today

Day 14.3: Denver 's Sunday Stretch

Okay, I didn't do it all. I'm already regretting it. Maybe later.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 13.3: K-K-Ken(po) is C-C-Coming to K-K-Kill Me!

Whenever I can make a reference to "A Fish Called Wanda" in an exercise blog, I know i'm going to have a great day!

I know that Dallas is the only other one reading this blog, but I enjoy entertaining myself, especially while he's out there biking some ridiculous amount of miles on his bike. I'm with you in spirit, Dallas! Good luck!

Anyway, Kenpo is always the highlight of my week and once again I didn't mind getting out of bed to do it (unlike most of the other routines where my mind and body argue like and old married couple for ages!). I was pumped.

I brought it.

I even managed to keep my heart rate up for most of the Block series (until the useless Star Blocks. Okay, they aren't that useless. I'm sure I'll use them in my next starring role as a ninja!)

Keep Bringing It!

Day 12.3: Denver Legs It All Hang Out

Have I used this one already? Hmm. Not sure. Cheesy? Yeah, well, I lived in Wisconsin once, so I'm entitled.

Once again, procrastination hit me with this workout. I had absolutely no motivation and waited until late at night again. I am determined to quit the late night routine so I can watch Letterman and Jon Stewart with the rest of the normal world.

Oh man did this kill me. I am out of EnLyten Strips, so I did the Power bar Gel in the middle. I like the vanilla flavor and it did keep me from dogging it halfway through.

I did get distracted for a bit, though. I decided to do my wall sits next to my fridge, which has magnetic poetry on it. I consider myself a literary type, so I composed during the workout. This was an amazing thing, because I was able to hold the wall sit without even watching the video, so I didn't do the easier angle the whole time. And I wrote a lousy poem to boot.

Every universe
surrounds
those men
who
question our ferocious
eternity
with desire for poetry

after he listens to
the
naked
broken
rhythms

Yeah, I know, but not bad for 90 seconds and a limited vocabulary. Don't ask me what it means, but I highly recommend this if you happen to have a fridge nearby your workout zone, some magnetic poetry and a desire to make ridiculous words into "art!"

Okay, I did get a little off track and after the wall sit, I paused my heart rate monitor and kept on the poem for another 2 or 3 minutes. Messed up my routine, but I stuck it out.

I almost skipped ab-ripper because it was so late, but decided against it and I'm always happy to have "worked out" (as opposed to being happy while working out!)

Sorry for the weird post. I'm sure I'll get back to my usual nonsense tomorrow.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 12.3 - Dallas over sleeps

Power went off last night, I over slept and didn't get to workout this morning. I did do my Ab Ripper X. Probably for the better that I skip legs today. With tomorrow's 100 mile ride my legs probably could not take it.

Day 11.3: Denver Doesn't Do Yoga

I felt sea-sick all day.

Which is weird because Colorado is landlocked. At least, it was the last time I checked.

So I felt the wave of nausea early on, which sometimes happens when I take my gaggle of vitamins and other things my doctors tell me I better take if I want to be healthy. But the kicker is that I didn't take them last night, and I skipped them this morning due to queasiness.

So I waited.

And waited.

Never felt up to it. So unless I get a sudden burst of energy and wellness I will be skipping Yoga (I'm crushed, as Dallas knows how much I love Yoga!).

Here's hoping I can Keep Brining It tomorrow!

Day 11.3 - Dallas coasts through Yoga X

I didn't bring it today. Really tired and trying to keep it easy in prep for my ride this weekend. Also playing with the new iTunes 9 and iPhone 3.1

Day 10.3: Late Night with Denver's Biceps!

Top 10 reasons NOT to do this workout late at night:

10. Glee is on. Yes, I believe the hype.
9. Top Chef is on. Yes, I'm a food geek.
8. It's late. duh!
7. My bed looks so cozy I could just curl up in it and go to sleep!
6. Three Words: Ab Ripper Sucks
5. It's dark and you can't admire your arms as well
4. Feeling Guilt during reps over not getting up early to do it
3. Muscles need sleep, too!
2. I haven't missed one yet (Oh, wait, that's a reason TO do this workout!)
1. Tony Horton is especially annoying after 9 PM.

'nuff said!

Keep Bringing It!

Day 10.3 - Dallas completes Shoulders & Arms w/ Ab Ripper

Felt really good today. Taking an extra two electrolyte strips before Plyo yesterday helped today. I'm not limping around this week.

I increased a few weights back to what I was pulling at the end of round one. Some I'm still lower (Flip Grip, Upright rows, In/Out curls). It will come with time.

Ab ripper - Well...I pause between every third exercise....when I say pause I have to pause the DVD so I can complete the reps. When I hit V-Up roll ups I was toast today. I finished, but was worn out.

Day 9.3: Denver Punished by Plyometrics!

Story at 10!

My hamstrings were tight to begin with and I think I ate a little too soon before doing this workout.

Note to self. When Tony is talking about waiting at least an hour before doing plyo, he ain't kidding!

I survived, though. My right Hammy started acting up with about twenty minutes left, so I took longer breaks between the last few sets. Don't know if that was a good idea or not, but I didn't want to risk injuring myself on Day 9.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 9.3 - Dallas Plyos it up

Felt better this week. I was able to keep with Dom this time. I'm sweating a ton right now. My weight went up today. Probably from the long weekend. Time to start eating better.

Day 8.3 7:30pm - Dallas felt guilty and did Ab Ripper

I can't skip any until my rides.

Day 8.3: Denver, We Have a Problem...

Not really, but a technical glitch, anyway.

So my stupid Vista computer has been acting up with Blue Screen Disease (a distant relative of the Swine Flu) and I guess that my previous Monday results were wiped from the computer data in XtremeFit Tracker. Interestingly enough, my measurement data (weight, exercise minutes, etc.) were still intact. It's not a huge problem, but I'm annoyed because I know that my reps went down from last week (They always take a dip in the second week, at least Mondays).

Anyway, todays workout was as expected. Painful. But I'm not as sore as I was last week and last night's stretch was pure joy. Like I said, my reps went down a few, I think.

Ab Ripper is slowly crawling up my list of "Things That I Hate"once again. I'll just leave it at that, (But I'm on to you, Tony Horton, you can't count Bicycles correctly if your life depended on it!)

Keep Bringing It!

Day 8.3 - Dallas does Chest and Back and....

I got the Chest and back in...then just before I was going to start Ab Ripper....a friend called to go for a ride. I had not been on my mountain bike in over 60 days....so I went. I'll make up for skipping ab Ripper another day.

Food: I'm not following the diet. I need to. Maybe this week I'll get better. I'm sure my results would be a lot better if I did.

Time will tell.

Day 7.3: Denver's Sunday Stretch

I didn't do it until late. I always feel better afterwards, so it shouldn't be a problem getting motivated to do so.

I had great energy this week, and I actually stocked up on some healthy food so I am hoping to continue the momentum starting on Labor Day.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 7.3 - Dallas get to X-Stretch

Now that felt great. As I have said before, I'm very stiff. I really should have done this every Sunday during round 1 and 1.75 (never finished so I really can't say it was round 2).

I'm doing my first 100 mile ride next Saturday. I'll probably end up following Denver's lead and go no weight next Friday so I can rest slightly for Saturday's ride.

Day 6.3: Denver's Kickin' It Kenpo Style!

I hadn't done this in a while, so it was nice to get back to my favorite workout.

I had to remind myself again about the intensity of your punches/kicks is key to making this workout effective. Again, having a picture of a bloody Mark Messier to look at and see my reflection. I'm serious, it works.

I can't believe I noticed something I hadn't noticed before. On most of the exercises, you do 15 or so regular and then another 15 "noise-makers" with extra umph and height. The Ball Kicks has a glitch. The first leg you do 15 regular and then 15 "noise-makers". Then the next leg, you do 20 regular and then 10 extras. Even after a year and a 8 months with this program, I am still seeing new things.

I also wonder about the 3 Direction Kicks. I like doing the "no touch" option. Now I'm assuming these are based on actual defense/offense moves. I am a little off balance and I'm sure that this can be corrected, but I can't imagine this saving time or giving you any extra force when actually being attacked by Ninjas. Just wondering.

I also love how Tony describes the "Hook-Upper Cut-Low Side Kick" routine. He says "think shins" for the height of the kick. They all then proceed to kick at a height that might indeed be at the shins of the individual deserving a good shin kicking... that is if I were kicking Lebron James or another NBA guy.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 6.3 - Dallas does Kenpo

I still hate the warm up to this one. I love the routine though!! Felt great to have a fun day. Looking forward to X-Stretch tomorrow.

Day 5.3: Denver's Aching Legs

Ouch.

I'm seriously regretting doing Plyo yesterday and I'm officially worried about Kenpo tomorrow.

I decided not to use the optional weights this time around, so Deep Lunges and Iso Lunge, etc. I'm doing sans weights with the hope that I won't dread this workout as much as I have recently.

I burned a ton of calories and survived the workout. I don't think I can walk anywhere for a few days.

I'm keeping to my schedule and I'm not tempted to skip (yet!) so I'd say it's been a successful first five days.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 5.3 - Dallas suffers through Legs and Back

I forgot to print the sheet from the software we use. So I used the ones Beachbody supplies. They don't have a space for all the leg exercises. So I had to guess which ones we did 25, 20, or 30 on.

I did 7 Rev Grip pull ups....better than Monday. Wide grip....well lets just say the chair got ALL the use. I did get 1 in on the second round. The switch grip I find very hard b/c my pull up bar doesn't a grip where I need it. So I end up doing close grip overhand and rev grip. I don't really like the close grip.

Ab Ripper - I'm starting to get back into a rhythm with it. I still pause every once in awhile, but I get through it.

Denver's Day 4.3: My-Oh, Plyo- What a Mistake!

Well whadya know! I still have some original titles left in me after all! I'm totally raising the bar for you, Dallas!

The best part of Plyometrics is when you finally reach the "Sports Bonus", which is like the cool down after a long bike ride. You're still working, but you can see your house in the distance.

My brilliant idea of switching up the routine was brilliant for about 5 minutes. When I was feeling it before I even reached Jump Knee Tuck, I knew I was in trouble. I had to stop right before the "mother" and take a short walk around to gear up for the second half. Now I have Legs tomorrow and then Kenpo on Saturday. What have I learned from this? Never disobey Tony!

I've been using the Enlyten strips that Dallas introduced me to. I take 2 Antioxidant strips and then 3 Electrolytes Plus strips before the workout. I was not as sore as I usually am after a layoff, so if the strips are the reason, I'm sold. The only problem is if I miss putting them in my cheek, they get caught on my lip and it's like a 4th grade bubble-gum explosion.

With little expectations of this round, I am not sure if that will help or hinder my dedication. Maybe I just need to push myself to come up with even more original titles?

Keep Bringing It!

Day 4.3 Dallas DOES Yoga

Yes...I went ahead and decided I'll do Yoga for the first 60 days (unless I have an early meeting - 1:30 is a long workout. I'll switch to Cardio X on those days). I forgot how many dang Dogs we had to do. I didn't think it would ever stop. I'm still really sore from Shoulders and Plyo. My whole body is tight. Makes Yoga even harder when you can't bend at all.

Day 3.3 Dallas - Shoulders and Arms -Ab Ripper

Wow....I'm weak. Ab Ripper was a bit harder today. My back hurt so once we got the V-Up Roll ups my back was pretty sore.

I'm using some pretty low weights these days.

I still have not done any measurements or the fit test. I'll try to do it this Sat.

Day 2.3 - Dallas Gets into Plyo

I know I will never be able to come up with anything cool for titles...I will give up on day 2??

Plyo...what can you say about Plyo. I'm going to be sore. I took my electrolytes, but I think I'll need more next week. I brought it as much as I could. I was not able to stay with Dom for round two of jump knee tucks...that is always my guage on how I'm doing....

Day 1.3 - Dallas does Chest & Back

I forgot how much I hated pull ups. This time around I was able to do a few of each type. I still am not even close to just pounding out 20+ like Tony. Ab Ripper...Scissor

I have two friends starting today as well. Not sure if they will blog or not.

Day 3.3: Denver's Burning Biceps

Ow.

So I started with a simple goal. Use the same weight for all exercises.

Simple enough, right?

Halfway through I realized this was a big mistake. With my feeble muscles, 25 lbs might as well have been 100.

I eventually decided I could muster the extra strength walking back over to the switchplates.

I did Ab-Ripper as well this time, after forgetting (hah!) to go back to it on Monday. My abs aren't speaking to me at the moment, but their protests are getting through loud enough.

Anyway, I don't think Dallas thought I was going to blog. It helps keep me on track, so I might be doing it solo.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 2.3: Denver Switches Things Up!

I did Cardio instead of Plyo and I'm regretting it already.

More tomorrow!

Keep Bringing It!

Denver's Day 1.3: Here we go again!

I don't know if we are going to be back to blogging, but I figured I'd post for now. I did Day one, Chest and Arms and as usual, after taking time off, my reps dropped dramatically.

I'm liking that we'll finish up right around Thanksgiving, then I can gain all my weight back around Christmas and then do the old New Years resolution and start the whole thing over again. By that time I might have to do P90X Plus. We'll see.

I am switching things up a bit. I still don't think I can commit to Yoga X, so I am doing cardio X on Tuesdays and Plyo on Thursdays. But then after I already skipped Plyo on Tuesday, I realized that is three days on leg intensity in a row (Plyo-Legs and Back-Kenpo). I guess Tony knows what he's doing, eh?

Anyway, I didn't do the fit test, but I might take pictures.

Keep Bringing It!