My girlfriend was at my place for the long weekend. We had a hunch she’d be home late (which can happen). While she was here, we went to the supermarket for some food. Plus, I also bought some groceries for my place.
As I’m looking at milk, my girlfriend runs up to me saying softly, “J! J!” and pointing at this couple with a shopping list. Then “P90X SHOPPING LIST”.
My ears perked up, QUICKLY.
I walked over, politely said, “Excuse me, I noticed your shopping list. Which Beachbody program are you using?” He said, “P90X. I haven’t started it yet.” Then we chatted for about ten minutes.
As we were leaving, I was about to give him my business card – which I left at HOME.
Fortunately, we exchanged information and I said, “If you need a hand, let me know.” At that, we shook hands and continued our shopping.
Lesson for the day – ALWAYS CARRY A BUSINESS CARD WHENEVER YOU’RE OUT!
In the 70s there was a commercial that said, "The American Express card. Don't leave home without it."
Never leave home without a business card.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Recovery Week (not exactly)
Allow me to start off by saying that this week, "recovery week", was anything BUT a recovery week. I worked late several nights, didn't get up early enought. But you know what, that's in the past. It happened, it's over.
Wednesday night I did workout to P90X's Core Synergistics and Ab Ripper X (changing up the recovery week a little). I burned a total of 564 calories and my maximum heart rate was 212. My average heart rate was about 160bpm. yes, I worked out that hard.
The two Insanity workouts that I did with Jimmy Nelson and the 2620 crew kicked up my P90X workouts.
Core Synergistics worked my hard, pushed me, and it was just what I needed. I felt great. Throughout the rest of the week, I did some light stretching (no video, just old-fashioned stretching).
Now I'm ready for week 5, or phase two of P90X.
In case you want to "see" the changes from day 1 of P90X to day 30, here's a 30 day progress photo.
Wednesday night I did workout to P90X's Core Synergistics and Ab Ripper X (changing up the recovery week a little). I burned a total of 564 calories and my maximum heart rate was 212. My average heart rate was about 160bpm. yes, I worked out that hard.
The two Insanity workouts that I did with Jimmy Nelson and the 2620 crew kicked up my P90X workouts.
Core Synergistics worked my hard, pushed me, and it was just what I needed. I felt great. Throughout the rest of the week, I did some light stretching (no video, just old-fashioned stretching).
Now I'm ready for week 5, or phase two of P90X.
In case you want to "see" the changes from day 1 of P90X to day 30, here's a 30 day progress photo.
Power 90 3-4 Series
This blog post and the video are long overdue. The videos were filmed while I was doing Power 90 3-4 series in July 2009. I've reivewed seven video tapes (of my workouts that I've filemd) to review for the 3-4 series. Fortunately, I was able to narrow and edit it down into a 60 second video - with a preview ot the 5-6 series (or the Power 90 Master Series). The Master Series is not part of the original schedule for Power 90. The Power 90 Master Series was created AFTER P90X. The Power 90 Master Series is a smoother progression into P90X because it gets you much more familiar with the exercises.
I'd like to post several credits for this video:
1. The Power 90 logo is from the exercise program, Power 90, designed by Beachbody.
2. The first audio heard is Linkin Park's "Numb" from their album METEORA. The line "I'm tired of being what you want me to be" is from an acapella version of the song.
3. The music used throughout the video is by Cirque Du Soleil. The name of the song is "Storm" and it is from the Cirque du Soleil show KA. I edited the song to fit the video.
4. The last music heard in the video clip is by Outkast. The song is called "Speedballin'" and it from the motion picture soundtrack of the film TOMB RAIDER.
Enjoy the video!
I'd like to post several credits for this video:
1. The Power 90 logo is from the exercise program, Power 90, designed by Beachbody.
2. The first audio heard is Linkin Park's "Numb" from their album METEORA. The line "I'm tired of being what you want me to be" is from an acapella version of the song.
3. The music used throughout the video is by Cirque Du Soleil. The name of the song is "Storm" and it is from the Cirque du Soleil show KA. I edited the song to fit the video.
4. The last music heard in the video clip is by Outkast. The song is called "Speedballin'" and it from the motion picture soundtrack of the film TOMB RAIDER.
Enjoy the video!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Extreme Motivation
When I signed up as a TeamBeachbody coach in 2008, I wanted to be a positive example to anyone I was coaching as well as the people in my life.
Over the past year, I reached a point where I questioned why I was working out. Was I working out for my health? To inspire others? To show that I HAVE completed various Beachbody programs? To never quit? The answer was YES to all of them. The ultimate quetion was - WHO are you working out for? Yourself? Beachbody? Your customers? Other coaches? People on the Beachbody message boards?
I changed my approach. I looked at the larger picture. I'm not working out for myself anymore, not the ME in 2009. I started looking further ahead - past 30 days, 180days, a year, 10 years... you get the idea. In my mind, I saw how working hard NOW will improve and change my life for years to come.
Based on my experience from working out, I will inspire others and show others how they can also do the same - and I would be happy to mentor/coach them so that they can achieve THEIR goals, THEIR aspirations.
It's not just about working out. There's a lot of different things happening. A combination of events must occur. Getting fit and healthy is like opeing a combination lock. (You may have read or heard information similar to this, but let me tell you first hand - it's true, it's real and it definitely makes a differnce)! The combination is simple - exercise, water, nutrition, supplementation, and rest. It sounds easy, and it is. It's just that doing all of it at once can be overwhelming at times. But diligence is the key. Stick to it, and your hard work will pay off (didn't our parents tell us that as kids?)
There is a huge difference in life between talking about doing something vs. comitting to do it. Working out is not any different. In the words of Morpheus (Lawrence Fischbune) from The Matrix, "There is a difference between TAKING the path, and WALKING the path".
Think about it.
This is the same principle as SAYING your going to do something vs. going out and actually doing it.
Same idea, same principle. Same objective.
Do it.
Strive for your goals, and achieve them.
I am walking my path. It's filled with twists and turns along the way, but I expected that the moment I began this journey. Sometimes it feels as though I'm taking a casual walk on this path, other times it feels like I'm sprinting to my destination. But the point is, I AM doing something.
The reasoning for my rant is very simple.
Choose your own path, commit to it, and you will reach your destination. Now if the destination you arrive at is different than your initial goal, that's alright. It's ONE result. Review what the steps you took to arrive at this destination, tweak your actions, and try again.
It's like driving somewhere and getting lost along the way. We've all done that. I'm not talking about navigation systems here. I'm talking about YOU driving from point A to a destnation you've never been to before. It will be different, you'll experience similar things, you may hit some twists and turns along the way and can possibly deviate from your original goal. But that's ok, it happens in life. Get back on track, find your way, and get to where you want to go.
I like a lot of quotes from the poet, Goethe. Today, I came across this one:
"Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do."
Apply that to what I've written above.
Knowing that you WANT to achieve a goal is not enough. We have to apply, take action, take necessary steps to achieve these goals. You can't just be willing to workout or lose weight, because that doesn't cut it. How many times in life where we've heard something that catches our attention and we've thought "I'm willing to try that?" And yet when we DO try it, we don't stick to it.
Actions speak louder than words.
Here's another quote from The Matrix. Neo (Keanu Reeves) started learning all these fighting techniques because they were "implanted" in his brain through the matrix. He turns to Morpheus (Lawrence Fischburne) and says, "I know ju-jitsu".
Morpheus says, "Show me".
Alright, let's make it easier.
Knowing how to cook is half the game. You've read cook books, watched cooking shows, watched your MOM cook as you were growing up. But you never tried it. How can you cook a dessert if you've never even preheated an oven? (Yes, everyone that cooks is probably nodding their head while reading this). If you don't DO it, you'll never get BETTER at it.
Exercising and eating right is not any different.
If you already HAVE the knowledge on how to do something, and have appied that knowledge successfully in your life and you can do something extremely well - utilize that same approach and knowledge, and apply it to other things in your life. You'd be amazed to see how fast you pick things up and get things accomplished.
Ok, I'm off my soapbox for the evening. I think you get the idea.
As for me - week 3 of P90X Classic is completed. Now it's no to recovery week (week 4).
Next week, I take photos. I will post them here.
Have a great week. Onward!!!
Over the past year, I reached a point where I questioned why I was working out. Was I working out for my health? To inspire others? To show that I HAVE completed various Beachbody programs? To never quit? The answer was YES to all of them. The ultimate quetion was - WHO are you working out for? Yourself? Beachbody? Your customers? Other coaches? People on the Beachbody message boards?
I changed my approach. I looked at the larger picture. I'm not working out for myself anymore, not the ME in 2009. I started looking further ahead - past 30 days, 180days, a year, 10 years... you get the idea. In my mind, I saw how working hard NOW will improve and change my life for years to come.
Based on my experience from working out, I will inspire others and show others how they can also do the same - and I would be happy to mentor/coach them so that they can achieve THEIR goals, THEIR aspirations.
It's not just about working out. There's a lot of different things happening. A combination of events must occur. Getting fit and healthy is like opeing a combination lock. (You may have read or heard information similar to this, but let me tell you first hand - it's true, it's real and it definitely makes a differnce)! The combination is simple - exercise, water, nutrition, supplementation, and rest. It sounds easy, and it is. It's just that doing all of it at once can be overwhelming at times. But diligence is the key. Stick to it, and your hard work will pay off (didn't our parents tell us that as kids?)
There is a huge difference in life between talking about doing something vs. comitting to do it. Working out is not any different. In the words of Morpheus (Lawrence Fischbune) from The Matrix, "There is a difference between TAKING the path, and WALKING the path".
Think about it.
This is the same principle as SAYING your going to do something vs. going out and actually doing it.
Same idea, same principle. Same objective.
Do it.
Strive for your goals, and achieve them.
I am walking my path. It's filled with twists and turns along the way, but I expected that the moment I began this journey. Sometimes it feels as though I'm taking a casual walk on this path, other times it feels like I'm sprinting to my destination. But the point is, I AM doing something.
The reasoning for my rant is very simple.
Choose your own path, commit to it, and you will reach your destination. Now if the destination you arrive at is different than your initial goal, that's alright. It's ONE result. Review what the steps you took to arrive at this destination, tweak your actions, and try again.
It's like driving somewhere and getting lost along the way. We've all done that. I'm not talking about navigation systems here. I'm talking about YOU driving from point A to a destnation you've never been to before. It will be different, you'll experience similar things, you may hit some twists and turns along the way and can possibly deviate from your original goal. But that's ok, it happens in life. Get back on track, find your way, and get to where you want to go.
I like a lot of quotes from the poet, Goethe. Today, I came across this one:
"Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do."
Apply that to what I've written above.
Knowing that you WANT to achieve a goal is not enough. We have to apply, take action, take necessary steps to achieve these goals. You can't just be willing to workout or lose weight, because that doesn't cut it. How many times in life where we've heard something that catches our attention and we've thought "I'm willing to try that?" And yet when we DO try it, we don't stick to it.
Actions speak louder than words.
Here's another quote from The Matrix. Neo (Keanu Reeves) started learning all these fighting techniques because they were "implanted" in his brain through the matrix. He turns to Morpheus (Lawrence Fischburne) and says, "I know ju-jitsu".
Morpheus says, "Show me".
Alright, let's make it easier.
Knowing how to cook is half the game. You've read cook books, watched cooking shows, watched your MOM cook as you were growing up. But you never tried it. How can you cook a dessert if you've never even preheated an oven? (Yes, everyone that cooks is probably nodding their head while reading this). If you don't DO it, you'll never get BETTER at it.
Exercising and eating right is not any different.
If you already HAVE the knowledge on how to do something, and have appied that knowledge successfully in your life and you can do something extremely well - utilize that same approach and knowledge, and apply it to other things in your life. You'd be amazed to see how fast you pick things up and get things accomplished.
Ok, I'm off my soapbox for the evening. I think you get the idea.
As for me - week 3 of P90X Classic is completed. Now it's no to recovery week (week 4).
Next week, I take photos. I will post them here.
Have a great week. Onward!!!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
P90X vs. Chalean Extreme vs. Insanity
One Beachbody workout vs. another vs. another. First let me say that ALL are extreme fitness programs created by Beachbody. Each workout has different fitness trainers.
Beachbody trainer Tony Horton, 25+ years experience in the fitness industry, and has created several programs for Beachbody including: Ho' Ala Ke Kino, Tony and the Folks, Tony and the Kids, Power Half Hour, Power 90, Power 90 Master Series, the One On One series, P90X+, Ten Minute Trainer, and well known for - P90X.
Beachbody trainer ShaunT, was a former track and field star as he was growing up. He became a dancer and choreographer. He's appeared in several music videos. Now, he's a trainer for several Beachbody programs including: Hip Hop Abs, ShaunT's Dance Party Series, Fit Kids Club, Rockin' Body, Hip Hop Abs Ultimate Results, Get Real, and most recently - Insanity.
Beachbody trainer Chalene Johnson has a background in tae kwon do, dance, and aerobics. She has taught kickboxing classes, and started teaching Turbo Jam as of 1998. There are many certified Turbo Kick instructors throughout the country under Chalene's company, Powder Blue Productions. Her Beachbody programs include Turbo Jam, Turbo Jam Fat Burning Elite, Turbo Jam Live, Turbo Jam Get On The Ball, and recently Chalean Extreme. Chalene Extreme focuses on resistance training with this goal - MUSCLE BURNS FAT. Chalene is working on a new program, which was previewed briefly at the Beachbody Dream Extreme Coach Summit in 2009 titled, "TURBO FIRE". What she has in mind, I do not know, but I'm sure it will be extremely intense!
P90X, Insanity, and Chalean Extreme are "extreme home fitness", and that is the truth. It's no joke. All three programs com with DVD workouts, a diet guide, community support, and motivation to help you get into the best shape of your life.
The principle behind P90X is "muscle confusion". "The more you confuse the muscles, the faster results you're going to see". P90X comes with TWELVE workouts, yes twelve. The reason is because there are three different schedules for P90X - a LEAN workout schedule, a CLASSIC workout schedule, and a DOUBLES schedule. P90X also comes with a diet guide/cookbook with recipes you can use in each phase of the program, and the recipes are broken down by nutritional value.
Insanity is SIXTY days, yes 60. Insanity comes with ten workouts, and the deluxe version comes with two additional workouts. Insanity does not require weights. Your own body provides the weight for the workout. ShaunT describes Insanity by saying, "In 60 days, I can get you to into what takes most people a year". He also describes Insanity by saying, "Insanity is NOT for everybody. It's not for people who are lazy; it's not for people who make excuses." Testimonials from people who were doing the video have made comments like:
- "I got a good sweat on, and that's just the warm-up."
- "Get on the floor and work hard."
- "I am now at 8% body fat, pro athletes are at 6%."
Chalean Extreme is a 90 day program, but it also contains an extra 30 day bonus combining the workouts from the first 90 days. This makes Chalean Extreme 120 days. I have not started Chalean Extreme.
I have not started Chalean Extreme, Insanity, or P90X+ (the extreme version of P90X). THESE programs are programs that I intend on completing. Why? Because as a TeamBeachbody coach, I want know and understand, first hand, every program. This is why I’ve done so many of them. I feel that as a coach, it’s important to know all of the programs because this way when a customer signs up and wants to do Chalean Extreme, I will have first-hand knowledge to help them achieve their fitness goals.
Plus, it seems that the only way to get in amazing shape is to get extreme - not just with the workouts, but with your nutrition, and your life.
EVERY PROGRAM WORKS YOU, AND EVERY PROGRAM DELIVERS RESULTS! Each program is unique and different, to work your body in different ways, yet each delivers amazing results. They are EXTREME fitness programs. The workout is as intense as YOU make them.
The Chalean Extreme workout raised the bar for my P90X workouts at the end of last year. This month, two Insanity workouts that I have done definitely raised the bar for P90X because it shows what I am capable of doing. I am not ready to do the full Insanity program yet, but those two workouts that I have intensified my P90X workouts.
Now it's your choice.
What will you do?
Beachbody trainer Tony Horton, 25+ years experience in the fitness industry, and has created several programs for Beachbody including: Ho' Ala Ke Kino, Tony and the Folks, Tony and the Kids, Power Half Hour, Power 90, Power 90 Master Series, the One On One series, P90X+, Ten Minute Trainer, and well known for - P90X.
Beachbody trainer ShaunT, was a former track and field star as he was growing up. He became a dancer and choreographer. He's appeared in several music videos. Now, he's a trainer for several Beachbody programs including: Hip Hop Abs, ShaunT's Dance Party Series, Fit Kids Club, Rockin' Body, Hip Hop Abs Ultimate Results, Get Real, and most recently - Insanity.
Beachbody trainer Chalene Johnson has a background in tae kwon do, dance, and aerobics. She has taught kickboxing classes, and started teaching Turbo Jam as of 1998. There are many certified Turbo Kick instructors throughout the country under Chalene's company, Powder Blue Productions. Her Beachbody programs include Turbo Jam, Turbo Jam Fat Burning Elite, Turbo Jam Live, Turbo Jam Get On The Ball, and recently Chalean Extreme. Chalene Extreme focuses on resistance training with this goal - MUSCLE BURNS FAT. Chalene is working on a new program, which was previewed briefly at the Beachbody Dream Extreme Coach Summit in 2009 titled, "TURBO FIRE". What she has in mind, I do not know, but I'm sure it will be extremely intense!
P90X, Insanity, and Chalean Extreme are "extreme home fitness", and that is the truth. It's no joke. All three programs com with DVD workouts, a diet guide, community support, and motivation to help you get into the best shape of your life.
The principle behind P90X is "muscle confusion". "The more you confuse the muscles, the faster results you're going to see". P90X comes with TWELVE workouts, yes twelve. The reason is because there are three different schedules for P90X - a LEAN workout schedule, a CLASSIC workout schedule, and a DOUBLES schedule. P90X also comes with a diet guide/cookbook with recipes you can use in each phase of the program, and the recipes are broken down by nutritional value.
Insanity is SIXTY days, yes 60. Insanity comes with ten workouts, and the deluxe version comes with two additional workouts. Insanity does not require weights. Your own body provides the weight for the workout. ShaunT describes Insanity by saying, "In 60 days, I can get you to into what takes most people a year". He also describes Insanity by saying, "Insanity is NOT for everybody. It's not for people who are lazy; it's not for people who make excuses." Testimonials from people who were doing the video have made comments like:
- "I got a good sweat on, and that's just the warm-up."
- "Get on the floor and work hard."
- "I am now at 8% body fat, pro athletes are at 6%."
Chalean Extreme is a 90 day program, but it also contains an extra 30 day bonus combining the workouts from the first 90 days. This makes Chalean Extreme 120 days. I have not started Chalean Extreme.
I have not started Chalean Extreme, Insanity, or P90X+ (the extreme version of P90X). THESE programs are programs that I intend on completing. Why? Because as a TeamBeachbody coach, I want know and understand, first hand, every program. This is why I’ve done so many of them. I feel that as a coach, it’s important to know all of the programs because this way when a customer signs up and wants to do Chalean Extreme, I will have first-hand knowledge to help them achieve their fitness goals.
Plus, it seems that the only way to get in amazing shape is to get extreme - not just with the workouts, but with your nutrition, and your life.
EVERY PROGRAM WORKS YOU, AND EVERY PROGRAM DELIVERS RESULTS! Each program is unique and different, to work your body in different ways, yet each delivers amazing results. They are EXTREME fitness programs. The workout is as intense as YOU make them.
The Chalean Extreme workout raised the bar for my P90X workouts at the end of last year. This month, two Insanity workouts that I have done definitely raised the bar for P90X because it shows what I am capable of doing. I am not ready to do the full Insanity program yet, but those two workouts that I have intensified my P90X workouts.
Now it's your choice.
What will you do?
Monday, August 24, 2009
Insanity Workout in NYC
This is 30seconds of the Insanity workout in NYC on Saturday. It took a few days to put this together, but I think it came out well. Let me know what you think of it.
If you're interested in buying Insanity, let me know, and I'll help you out.
If you're interested in buying Insanity, let me know, and I'll help you out.
Bosu
Ever hear of a BOSU? It's a balance trainer. I mean, I can balance and walk on my own two feet, but that's not why I bought it. A fellow coach, Kelly Nelson, has a BOSU and she's used it in her P90X workouts. When I spoke with her about it, Kelly said that the BOSU works your core.
A BOSU is essentialy half of a fitball, with a flat solid surface on the other side. The fitball side is inflatable. You inflate it to a solid level, which you can use to work on your balance. If you flip the BOSU over, now you're working your lower body (and your lower abs) to keep your legs steady so you don't fall off.
Kelly is using a bosu in her youtube video while doing P90X. So she's doing a weight workout for her upper body, and by balancing on the bosu, she's also working her lower body. When I saw that, the first thing I thought was "I gotta get my hands on a BOSU". I tried a few different stores here in NJ, but I didn't have any luck buying one. So I went right online, bought it, and it should be shipping today (hopefully).
I'm currently in week 3 of P90X Classic. I'll start using the BOSU in week 5, which is phase two of P90X. I know that I will be wobbling on the BOSU until I get my balance under control. Plus, if I'm able to work my upper body and lower body on the bosu, then I'd be getting a double workout and it would be doing the job.
Since I don't have the bosu yet, I'm only going by what I've heard and what I've read.
I will keep you posted on how that works.
A BOSU is essentialy half of a fitball, with a flat solid surface on the other side. The fitball side is inflatable. You inflate it to a solid level, which you can use to work on your balance. If you flip the BOSU over, now you're working your lower body (and your lower abs) to keep your legs steady so you don't fall off.
Kelly is using a bosu in her youtube video while doing P90X. So she's doing a weight workout for her upper body, and by balancing on the bosu, she's also working her lower body. When I saw that, the first thing I thought was "I gotta get my hands on a BOSU". I tried a few different stores here in NJ, but I didn't have any luck buying one. So I went right online, bought it, and it should be shipping today (hopefully).
I'm currently in week 3 of P90X Classic. I'll start using the BOSU in week 5, which is phase two of P90X. I know that I will be wobbling on the BOSU until I get my balance under control. Plus, if I'm able to work my upper body and lower body on the bosu, then I'd be getting a double workout and it would be doing the job.
Since I don't have the bosu yet, I'm only going by what I've heard and what I've read.
I will keep you posted on how that works.
Insanity Max Interval Plyo
I knew that Insanity was an intense cardio workout, but I was not prepared for the workout yesterday. INSANITY is described as "maximum interval training", and believe me, they ain't kiddin'!
After doing three rounds of P90X, and one Insanity workout, let me say that I was NOT prepared for the intensity of this workout. My girlfriend is good at cardio, and she loves the Turbo Jam workout series. But this was something completely different
Max Interval Plyo is almost sixty minutes, yea 60! I burned over 800calories in the workout, and my maximum heartrate was 232BPM. I put some P90X Results & Recovery formula into my water, and I was extremely glad that I did. My shirt was soaked in sweat by the end of the workout. I bought another shirt before we left NYC.
My girlfriend modifed a lot of the workout, as did a lot of other people who were there. I had to. This was intense, and the words "BRING IT" don't even cut it with this workout. The only words which went through my mind throughout the workout were what ShaunT says in the promo for Insanity, "C'mon yo! LET'S GO!" He doesn't just say the word 'go', he screams 'GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Yeah, it's THAT intense!!!!!
We grabbed lunch at a place around the corner from the Chelsea Studios in NYC (where we had the workout) named Pita Grill. After destroying 800 calories, I needed some food!
This was difficult, it was tough, but you know what? It was worth it.
Now it's time to get back to P90X. I will get to Insanity, I have no doubt about that. I just have a lot to complete on my way there.
So, it's onward, and forward...
After doing three rounds of P90X, and one Insanity workout, let me say that I was NOT prepared for the intensity of this workout. My girlfriend is good at cardio, and she loves the Turbo Jam workout series. But this was something completely different
Max Interval Plyo is almost sixty minutes, yea 60! I burned over 800calories in the workout, and my maximum heartrate was 232BPM. I put some P90X Results & Recovery formula into my water, and I was extremely glad that I did. My shirt was soaked in sweat by the end of the workout. I bought another shirt before we left NYC.
My girlfriend modifed a lot of the workout, as did a lot of other people who were there. I had to. This was intense, and the words "BRING IT" don't even cut it with this workout. The only words which went through my mind throughout the workout were what ShaunT says in the promo for Insanity, "C'mon yo! LET'S GO!" He doesn't just say the word 'go', he screams 'GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Yeah, it's THAT intense!!!!!
We grabbed lunch at a place around the corner from the Chelsea Studios in NYC (where we had the workout) named Pita Grill. After destroying 800 calories, I needed some food!
This was difficult, it was tough, but you know what? It was worth it.
Now it's time to get back to P90X. I will get to Insanity, I have no doubt about that. I just have a lot to complete on my way there.
So, it's onward, and forward...
Insanity @ Chelsea Studios
After trying one Insanity workout with Jimmy Nelson the week before, I knew that this Insanity workout would be intense - no matter which workout they would do. The reason why I say THEY is because I did not workout.
I filmed it.
The previous month at Chelsea Studios, I filmed everyone working out to P90X's "Core Synergistics" workout. I had a hunch that the Insanity workout would be intense.
It was.
It was a hot day. My bus didn't arrive, so I drove in. I rushed to get over to Chelsea Studios, and I was sweating by the time I arrived (about 15 minutes into the workout). I walked in, the folks who knew me smiled, and one person said, "How are you sweating and you're not working out?"
I pulled out the videocamera and I started filming.
Insanity is VERY EXTREME! I had already done one workout, so I knew it was difficult.
During the workouts, we turn the lights of the room off, and project the video onto a wall so it's easier for everyone to see.
EVERYONE at the workout worked hard, they did MORE than their best, and they kept right at it throughout the workout. Even though the room was hot, I was sweating just being there. It may have looked as though the intensity of the workout had me sweating.
I have to give everyone at the workout credit for DOING the workout, and for what they did afterwards. We turned the lights on, and they repeated four exercises - specifically so it is easier to view the exercises. These four exercises were intense, and fortunately they did each exercise no more than 5-10 seconds each.
Since I knew that this workout would be intense, I wanted to have intense music to go along with it.
I filmed it.
The previous month at Chelsea Studios, I filmed everyone working out to P90X's "Core Synergistics" workout. I had a hunch that the Insanity workout would be intense.
It was.
It was a hot day. My bus didn't arrive, so I drove in. I rushed to get over to Chelsea Studios, and I was sweating by the time I arrived (about 15 minutes into the workout). I walked in, the folks who knew me smiled, and one person said, "How are you sweating and you're not working out?"
I pulled out the videocamera and I started filming.
Insanity is VERY EXTREME! I had already done one workout, so I knew it was difficult.
During the workouts, we turn the lights of the room off, and project the video onto a wall so it's easier for everyone to see.
EVERYONE at the workout worked hard, they did MORE than their best, and they kept right at it throughout the workout. Even though the room was hot, I was sweating just being there. It may have looked as though the intensity of the workout had me sweating.
I have to give everyone at the workout credit for DOING the workout, and for what they did afterwards. We turned the lights on, and they repeated four exercises - specifically so it is easier to view the exercises. These four exercises were intense, and fortunately they did each exercise no more than 5-10 seconds each.
Since I knew that this workout would be intense, I wanted to have intense music to go along with it.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
2941calories
That's not referring to how many calories I have eaten, it refers to how many calories I have BURNED throughout today.
I put on the bodybugg (which measures your calories burned, number of steps taken, and length of physical activity) and the heart rate monitor (which measures your maximum heart rate, minimum heart rate, and average heart rate), ate breakfast, and caught a bus to New York City for a Turbo Kick workout with Kelly Nelson.
Kelly Nelson is a certified turbo kick instructor, and she is also a TeamBeachbody Coach.
Let me tell you that this workout was INTENSE. Here are some stats to prove that:
- calories burned: 2091
- maximum heart rate: 193bpm
- average hart rate: 140bpm
- minimum heart rate: 77bpm
Once the workout completed, we all grabbed some lunch at a restaurant around the corner from Chelsea Studios.
Between the time I left the workout to the time I got home and took off my heart rate monitor (at 9:48pm), I burned another 850 calories!
Total calories burned today - 2941calories.
Morning workout is done.
Now it's time to start my P90X workout. Day 8, Chest & Back and Ab Ripper X.
Onward.....
I put on the bodybugg (which measures your calories burned, number of steps taken, and length of physical activity) and the heart rate monitor (which measures your maximum heart rate, minimum heart rate, and average heart rate), ate breakfast, and caught a bus to New York City for a Turbo Kick workout with Kelly Nelson.
Kelly Nelson is a certified turbo kick instructor, and she is also a TeamBeachbody Coach.
Let me tell you that this workout was INTENSE. Here are some stats to prove that:
- calories burned: 2091
- maximum heart rate: 193bpm
- average hart rate: 140bpm
- minimum heart rate: 77bpm
Once the workout completed, we all grabbed some lunch at a restaurant around the corner from Chelsea Studios.
Between the time I left the workout to the time I got home and took off my heart rate monitor (at 9:48pm), I burned another 850 calories!
Total calories burned today - 2941calories.
Morning workout is done.
Now it's time to start my P90X workout. Day 8, Chest & Back and Ab Ripper X.
Onward.....
P90X, round 4, week one
Last week, I began my fourth round of P90X and I chose to do P90X Classic. This was the program schedule that I started with a year ago, so why not begin here!
Last year, when I began P90X, I lifeted 10pounds and I gradually increased the weight throughout the program. This time, I am starting with 25pounds.
In addition, I took the P90X Fitness Test on Saturday, prior to my start date. This is not a pass or fail test, it's designed to measure your starting point and see how you improve over the next 90 days of the program answering this question - what changed?
Throughout week one, I was pushed, pulled, and stretched throuhout the week - and I loved it! I was familiar with the workouts, it was tough, but I was confident that I would do well. I modified the exercise whenever I needed to, otherwise I worked hard and did my best. The cardio workout stretched me out from the weight workouts. The combination of the two made for a great week! Add onto that the 349 crunches from Ab Ripper X three times a week, and I was exhausted by Saturday morning (but I felt fantastic!!!)
Due to extenuating circumstances this past week of working late at work and not getting enough sleep, I did not do day 5, Legs & Back and Ab Ripper X. I am not bent out of shape about it, I am pressing forward in my workouts. That is essential.
Throughout the week, I made healthy choices for my meals. I avoided anything fried and any type of "deli meat". I snacked on raw almonds twice a day, and I hydrated daily by drinking 60oz of water. I surprised my father who asked if I wanted pizza for lunch, and I declined. He said, "Do you believe this? James doesn't want pizza. I thoughout you liked pizza?"
I do! But, I choose not to have pizza, fried, or greasy foods because those are the types of foods that cause you to break out, raise your cholesterol, raise your body fat percentage, and are not the healthiest in the world either.
In a nutshell, week one has been completed. Twelve more weeks (or 84 days) to go. I am truly looking forward to this fitness journey!
Onward, and forward...
Last year, when I began P90X, I lifeted 10pounds and I gradually increased the weight throughout the program. This time, I am starting with 25pounds.
In addition, I took the P90X Fitness Test on Saturday, prior to my start date. This is not a pass or fail test, it's designed to measure your starting point and see how you improve over the next 90 days of the program answering this question - what changed?
Throughout week one, I was pushed, pulled, and stretched throuhout the week - and I loved it! I was familiar with the workouts, it was tough, but I was confident that I would do well. I modified the exercise whenever I needed to, otherwise I worked hard and did my best. The cardio workout stretched me out from the weight workouts. The combination of the two made for a great week! Add onto that the 349 crunches from Ab Ripper X three times a week, and I was exhausted by Saturday morning (but I felt fantastic!!!)
Due to extenuating circumstances this past week of working late at work and not getting enough sleep, I did not do day 5, Legs & Back and Ab Ripper X. I am not bent out of shape about it, I am pressing forward in my workouts. That is essential.
Throughout the week, I made healthy choices for my meals. I avoided anything fried and any type of "deli meat". I snacked on raw almonds twice a day, and I hydrated daily by drinking 60oz of water. I surprised my father who asked if I wanted pizza for lunch, and I declined. He said, "Do you believe this? James doesn't want pizza. I thoughout you liked pizza?"
I do! But, I choose not to have pizza, fried, or greasy foods because those are the types of foods that cause you to break out, raise your cholesterol, raise your body fat percentage, and are not the healthiest in the world either.
In a nutshell, week one has been completed. Twelve more weeks (or 84 days) to go. I am truly looking forward to this fitness journey!
Onward, and forward...
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Motivational Monitor
One of the things I have made a point to do as a Beachbody coach was to motivate myself, is workout, eat properly, hydrate, take vitamins, get enough sleep, and take care of myself - in the hopes that by doing so, I will be able to inspire by example. I've heard that many times in life. So instead of "thinking" it, why not BE an example.
Here's something that came across my desk today in the mail. It's a 2010 monthly planning guide with a "motivational monitor". Every month has a motivational comment or message. Now, if you've seen the motivational posters that were displayed all over in corporate offices, businesses, sometimes in a person's home, you'll know the ones that I mean.
They are (and yes, there are 12):
DETERMINATION
It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare tha they are difficult.
COURAGE
Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties appear and obstacles vanish into air.
EXPERIENCE
Experience is not what happens to you; it is what you do with what happens to you.
GROWTH
The perfecting of one's self is the fundamental base of all progress and all moral development.
BEAUTY
Let each day be your masterpiece.
ACHIEVEMENT
Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and thru the thrill of creative effort.
PERSPECTIVE
Distance has the same effect on the mind as on the eye.
VISION
If you only look at what is, you might never attain what could be.
REFLECTION
Your treasure house is within; it contains all you'll ever need.
MEDITATION
In deep meditation the flow of concentration is continuous like the flow of oil.
LEADERS
Outstanding leaders appeal to the hearts of their followers - not their minds.
GOALS
You will never reach the top without the determination inspired by your goals.
I love the last one because it's so true. Each one of these is reflectant upon the other. You need a vision to establish goals, once you establish goals you can reflect upon them,
Once we have a vision in our mind of what we want to achieve, we can set goals. Through determination and courage, we will grow as an individual. The beauty of this achievement and development is the perspective we gain on our life and on the lives of others. As we reflect on our experience, we inspire others through our achievements. We are leaders, and we inspire these goals in others, hoping they will do the same. We meditate and concentrate to focus and pursue our next task, our next challenge, and continuously pursue the next level.
Have a fantastic day!
Here's something that came across my desk today in the mail. It's a 2010 monthly planning guide with a "motivational monitor". Every month has a motivational comment or message. Now, if you've seen the motivational posters that were displayed all over in corporate offices, businesses, sometimes in a person's home, you'll know the ones that I mean.
They are (and yes, there are 12):
DETERMINATION
It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare tha they are difficult.
COURAGE
Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties appear and obstacles vanish into air.
EXPERIENCE
Experience is not what happens to you; it is what you do with what happens to you.
GROWTH
The perfecting of one's self is the fundamental base of all progress and all moral development.
BEAUTY
Let each day be your masterpiece.
ACHIEVEMENT
Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and thru the thrill of creative effort.
PERSPECTIVE
Distance has the same effect on the mind as on the eye.
VISION
If you only look at what is, you might never attain what could be.
REFLECTION
Your treasure house is within; it contains all you'll ever need.
MEDITATION
In deep meditation the flow of concentration is continuous like the flow of oil.
LEADERS
Outstanding leaders appeal to the hearts of their followers - not their minds.
GOALS
You will never reach the top without the determination inspired by your goals.
I love the last one because it's so true. Each one of these is reflectant upon the other. You need a vision to establish goals, once you establish goals you can reflect upon them,
Once we have a vision in our mind of what we want to achieve, we can set goals. Through determination and courage, we will grow as an individual. The beauty of this achievement and development is the perspective we gain on our life and on the lives of others. As we reflect on our experience, we inspire others through our achievements. We are leaders, and we inspire these goals in others, hoping they will do the same. We meditate and concentrate to focus and pursue our next task, our next challenge, and continuously pursue the next level.
Have a fantastic day!
Monday, August 10, 2009
LIVE Insanity Workout
I wanted to get this info up here pretty quickly.
I'm one of the co-hosts to this event, Insanity LIVE in NYC, on August 22 at 2pm
I'm one of the co-hosts to this event, Insanity LIVE in NYC, on August 22 at 2pm
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Insanity Workout in NYC
I intended on attending this workout, so I woke up early, ate breakfast, and took the bus to the city to workout. I went to Chelsea Studios in New York City for an Insanity workout hosted by Beachbody Coach Jimmy Hays Nelson.
INSANITY is the newest and latest workout video from Beachbody. Insanity was created by Beachbody trainer/dancer/choreographer ShaunT. Insanity is an extreme workout program.
Jimmy is IN the workout videos for Insanity.
This is the preview of Insanity:
When I saw the preview for Insanity at the Beachbody Coach Summit back in March, it looked extreme and intense. I knew that I was not ready for it and would build up to it over time. As a Beachbody Coach, I received a preview copy of an Insanity Workout (Plyometric Core Cardio) - and I couldn't make it past the first five minutes!!
Today is the day to see how I actually do. Who know? This one workout from Insanity may kick P90X up to a whole new level. Whatever happens, I am here to workout for the long haul, whatever it takes.
At the Insanity workout, I met Jimmy and Jet from the 2620 crew. They're great guys.
The Insanity workouts, yes there were two of them, were:
- Core Intervals
- Cardio Abs
Holy @#$&$%!!! I started sweating in the first five minutes of Insanity (the warmup). Sweat is good. Shows the body is getting a hard workout. Insanity is intense. VERY intense! It will test your strength, endurance, determination, and core strength in EVERY move! I'm not kidding about that because I experienced that.
Jimmy provided a lot of motivation for everyone in the room, especially since it may have been their first experience with an Insanity workout. He provided modifications for moves, checked everyone to make sure they were working hard or keeping their core tight.
Some people modified, some didn't. I modified when necessary. There were several points where I was ready to give up and quit the workout, but heard a voice in my head saying, "You give up, you destroy everything you worked hard for until this day." Yes, I know, a little harsh, but it was a wake up call.
It worked.
I pushed, I worked harder, and it truly paid off. By the end of core Intervals, my body was hurting, I was sweating - and I felt GREAT!
There were moves in Cardio Abs I was familiar with because the were either in P90X or Hip Hop Abs (yes, Hip Hop Abs). Although we didn't have mats for the ab workout, I grabbed an extra shirt from my bag and used that as a mat. It helped because I completed the ab workout.
Core Intervals - 38 minutes
Cadio Abs - 10 minutes
WORTH EVERY DROP OF SWEAT! I can see why you would need to constantly hydrate throughout the day, especially after a workout like this. I've read comments from other Beachbody coaches using Insanity who have burned up to 1000 calories in an hour!
After this workout, I am taking my P90X journey to the next level by kicking it up a notch. Speaking of P90X, today is my first day of P90X. Although I did the Insanity workout first thing this morning, I completed my P90X workouts tonight - Chest & Back and Ab Ripper X.
If you want to purchase P90X, Insanity, or any other Beachbody product, and you want to obtain the same results, please contact me. I will be happy to help you achieve all of your fitness goals.
Onward to P90X day two...
INSANITY is the newest and latest workout video from Beachbody. Insanity was created by Beachbody trainer/dancer/choreographer ShaunT. Insanity is an extreme workout program.
Jimmy is IN the workout videos for Insanity.
This is the preview of Insanity:
When I saw the preview for Insanity at the Beachbody Coach Summit back in March, it looked extreme and intense. I knew that I was not ready for it and would build up to it over time. As a Beachbody Coach, I received a preview copy of an Insanity Workout (Plyometric Core Cardio) - and I couldn't make it past the first five minutes!!
Today is the day to see how I actually do. Who know? This one workout from Insanity may kick P90X up to a whole new level. Whatever happens, I am here to workout for the long haul, whatever it takes.
At the Insanity workout, I met Jimmy and Jet from the 2620 crew. They're great guys.
The Insanity workouts, yes there were two of them, were:
- Core Intervals
- Cardio Abs
Holy @#$&$%!!! I started sweating in the first five minutes of Insanity (the warmup). Sweat is good. Shows the body is getting a hard workout. Insanity is intense. VERY intense! It will test your strength, endurance, determination, and core strength in EVERY move! I'm not kidding about that because I experienced that.
Jimmy provided a lot of motivation for everyone in the room, especially since it may have been their first experience with an Insanity workout. He provided modifications for moves, checked everyone to make sure they were working hard or keeping their core tight.
Some people modified, some didn't. I modified when necessary. There were several points where I was ready to give up and quit the workout, but heard a voice in my head saying, "You give up, you destroy everything you worked hard for until this day." Yes, I know, a little harsh, but it was a wake up call.
It worked.
I pushed, I worked harder, and it truly paid off. By the end of core Intervals, my body was hurting, I was sweating - and I felt GREAT!
There were moves in Cardio Abs I was familiar with because the were either in P90X or Hip Hop Abs (yes, Hip Hop Abs). Although we didn't have mats for the ab workout, I grabbed an extra shirt from my bag and used that as a mat. It helped because I completed the ab workout.
Core Intervals - 38 minutes
Cadio Abs - 10 minutes
WORTH EVERY DROP OF SWEAT! I can see why you would need to constantly hydrate throughout the day, especially after a workout like this. I've read comments from other Beachbody coaches using Insanity who have burned up to 1000 calories in an hour!
After this workout, I am taking my P90X journey to the next level by kicking it up a notch. Speaking of P90X, today is my first day of P90X. Although I did the Insanity workout first thing this morning, I completed my P90X workouts tonight - Chest & Back and Ab Ripper X.
If you want to purchase P90X, Insanity, or any other Beachbody product, and you want to obtain the same results, please contact me. I will be happy to help you achieve all of your fitness goals.
Onward to P90X day two...
P90X Fitness Test 08/08/09
P90X Fit Test - 08/08/09
After three rounds of P90X, I never took the P90X Fit Test. The Fit Test is designed to see if you're able to handle the minimum requirements for P90X. Pullups, pushups, a vertical leap, toe touch, wall squat, bicep curls, in & outs, and a heart rate maximixer.
Wide Pullups To Failure - 5
Vertical Leap - 5"
You do this two times. The first time, you stand against a wall, and jump as high as you can. The second time, you take a step back and jump up. The results are the difference between the first time and the second time.
Pushups - 35
(with pushup stands)
Toe touch - -5 1/2"
I've always had a difficult time touching my toes because my hamstrings are tight. I'm hoping that over the next 90 days this improves.
Wall Squat - 52 seconds
Your back is against the wall and you squat down so that your quadraceps and calves are in a 90 degree angle. The objective is to stay in this position as long as you can. In P90X, they hold this position for 90 seconds.
Bicep Curls - 14reps
I did this two ways. 7 reps at 25 pounds, then I increased the weight to 27.5 pounds and did 7 more reps.
In & Outs - 33
Sitting on the floor with your knees bent, you extend your legs out and bring them back. That's an in & out. I struggled with this the first time I did P90X. In P90X, they do this exercise with 25 reptitions.
Heart Rate Maximizer
Two minutes of non-stop jumping jacks, and you sprint the last 30 seconds.
HR after done: 169
After 1 minute: 111
After 2 minutes: 92
After 3 minutes: 85
After 4 minutes: 81
Since I was wearing a heart rate monitor during the test, these are the statistics from the heart rate monitor:
Max HR: 179
Avg HR: 90
Min HR: 65
In addition to the P90X Fit Test, I also took my day 0 measurements for P90X:
(measurements are in inches, closest measurement 1/8")
Chest: 36.0
L. Bicep: 11.375
R. Bicep: 11.25
Waist: 36.5
Hips: 36
L. Thigh: 20.75
R. Thigh: 20
TOTAL: 171.875"
Weight: 156pounds
I consider this information "a beginning" or something to improve. As Beachbody CEO described the day 0 photo, he said, "Consider this your goodbye photo" meaning that this is the last time that you will look this way. I hope so. I've attached the photo.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Eating Correctly
One of the biggest setbacks people can experience as they go through a workout program is not eating enough or not eating "clean" and nutritionally.
This happened to me when I was in my first round of P90X. I could not figure out why, no matter how hard I worked out throughout the program hwy I wasn't losing weight or gaining muscle. it turns out that the energy that I burned from the workouts was completely replenished by my dietary habits and what I was eating. I was being counter-productive and I never understood it.
In order to see where I made mistakes with my nutrition, I started logging everything I ate and drank for a week as well as "how much" of each. In addition, I also logged what exercises I did that week and how many calories I burned during the workouts. After researching the caloric breakdown of the foods I have been eating and doing the math (total caloric intake - expenditure = daily total), I saw why I was not gaining muscle and losing body fat.
I WASN'T EATING ENOUGH OF THE RIGHT STUFF!!!
I had to make a change to my diet. I became extremely conscious and aware of what I did, constantly asking myself questions like, "is this food in the top to tiers of Michi's ladder" as well as "will eating this particular food get me closer to my goal or push me farther from my goal?"
This change did not happen over night, nor did I expect it to. This was something I chose to do for me, my health, and my future - a healthier and fit life. In order to reach that point that I wanted to achieve, I needed a place to begin.
That place is today, August 2, 2009. I know what I want to achieve and I will do whatever it takes to get there. Now it is a matter of time, execution, diligence, and patience.
How this change in diet and nutrition will affect my life, I am very confident about - and I will stick with it. I've "envisioned" how I want to look and feel at day 90 and beyond. Now it's time to make those visions a reality.
Two years ago when I began this fitness journey when my day one photo was taken, I said to myself "This photo will change". During the past two years, my health has improved. Now I have more work to do.
I will keep this blog updated with new information and statistics weekly.
Have a great week everyone!
Onward, and forward...
This happened to me when I was in my first round of P90X. I could not figure out why, no matter how hard I worked out throughout the program hwy I wasn't losing weight or gaining muscle. it turns out that the energy that I burned from the workouts was completely replenished by my dietary habits and what I was eating. I was being counter-productive and I never understood it.
In order to see where I made mistakes with my nutrition, I started logging everything I ate and drank for a week as well as "how much" of each. In addition, I also logged what exercises I did that week and how many calories I burned during the workouts. After researching the caloric breakdown of the foods I have been eating and doing the math (total caloric intake - expenditure = daily total), I saw why I was not gaining muscle and losing body fat.
I WASN'T EATING ENOUGH OF THE RIGHT STUFF!!!
I had to make a change to my diet. I became extremely conscious and aware of what I did, constantly asking myself questions like, "is this food in the top to tiers of Michi's ladder" as well as "will eating this particular food get me closer to my goal or push me farther from my goal?"
This change did not happen over night, nor did I expect it to. This was something I chose to do for me, my health, and my future - a healthier and fit life. In order to reach that point that I wanted to achieve, I needed a place to begin.
That place is today, August 2, 2009. I know what I want to achieve and I will do whatever it takes to get there. Now it is a matter of time, execution, diligence, and patience.
How this change in diet and nutrition will affect my life, I am very confident about - and I will stick with it. I've "envisioned" how I want to look and feel at day 90 and beyond. Now it's time to make those visions a reality.
Two years ago when I began this fitness journey when my day one photo was taken, I said to myself "This photo will change". During the past two years, my health has improved. Now I have more work to do.
I will keep this blog updated with new information and statistics weekly.
Have a great week everyone!
Onward, and forward...
Monday, July 27, 2009
Power 90 Master Series (last phase of Power90)
As I had initially mentioned a few blogs back, I would be kicking up Power 90 by adding workouts from the Power 90 Master Series. This past week, I began the 5-6 series, or Power 90 Master Series workouts. These are the last workouts that I will be doing before I begin P90X Classic on August 9, 2009.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve had my setbacks, but I wasn’t going to let that get to me. After the tweak in my lower back by lifting 30 pounds, I dropped the weight significantly to 12.5pounds. I received a Twitter message from a fellow coach who said, “Dude, what are you doing?!?!? Lifting heavier is better!” I hear where he was coming from. I called him a few days later, and I explained my reasoning for lowering the weight – to protect my lower back.
When I dropped the weight, I increased the reps. Although I was lifting 12.5pounds, I was doing 20 reps per exercise – so I was still getting a burn. Throughout the week, I gradually increased the weights by 2.5 each weight workout, but I kept the same reps. At the end of this week, I was lifting 17.5pounds and doing 20 reps. It was an ultimate burn, and I liked it and hated it at the same time. But you know what, I knew that if I stuck with it, that it would eventually pay off in the end.
Saturday morning, I woke up and worked out to “Recovery 4 Results” from Beachbody’s One On One series. Now for anyone who isn’t familiar with personal trainer Tony Horton, he has over 25 years as a personal trainer. He has created multiple workout programs through Beachbody ranging from super-stacking programs like Ten Minute Trainer to extreme exercise programs such as P90X and P90X+.
“Recovery 4 Results” had stretching, light weight workouts, a little yoga, and it allows you to help recover from a strenuous workout the day before. Once the workout completed, I felt great, my muscles no longer hurt, and I was ready to start the next week.
I’m jumping back to Power 90’s 3-4 series JUST for this week. I want to get in a few more workouts from the 3-4 series. The week after that will be my final week in Power 90/Master Series. Then, on August 9, I begin P90X.
Have a great day everyone! ONWARD!
Over the past few weeks, I’ve had my setbacks, but I wasn’t going to let that get to me. After the tweak in my lower back by lifting 30 pounds, I dropped the weight significantly to 12.5pounds. I received a Twitter message from a fellow coach who said, “Dude, what are you doing?!?!? Lifting heavier is better!” I hear where he was coming from. I called him a few days later, and I explained my reasoning for lowering the weight – to protect my lower back.
When I dropped the weight, I increased the reps. Although I was lifting 12.5pounds, I was doing 20 reps per exercise – so I was still getting a burn. Throughout the week, I gradually increased the weights by 2.5 each weight workout, but I kept the same reps. At the end of this week, I was lifting 17.5pounds and doing 20 reps. It was an ultimate burn, and I liked it and hated it at the same time. But you know what, I knew that if I stuck with it, that it would eventually pay off in the end.
Saturday morning, I woke up and worked out to “Recovery 4 Results” from Beachbody’s One On One series. Now for anyone who isn’t familiar with personal trainer Tony Horton, he has over 25 years as a personal trainer. He has created multiple workout programs through Beachbody ranging from super-stacking programs like Ten Minute Trainer to extreme exercise programs such as P90X and P90X+.
“Recovery 4 Results” had stretching, light weight workouts, a little yoga, and it allows you to help recover from a strenuous workout the day before. Once the workout completed, I felt great, my muscles no longer hurt, and I was ready to start the next week.
I’m jumping back to Power 90’s 3-4 series JUST for this week. I want to get in a few more workouts from the 3-4 series. The week after that will be my final week in Power 90/Master Series. Then, on August 9, I begin P90X.
Have a great day everyone! ONWARD!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Weight (the kind you lift)
No, this blog post is not about gaining weight or losing weight, it's about LIFTING weight. Yeah, I'm talking about the weight that you use when you're doing arm curls, arm extensions, even dips. Yes, weight related exercises.
For the past 45+ days, I have been doing an accellerated version of Beachbody's exercise program, Power 90. I've been sick, I've pulled a muscle, but I am still here and I am still working out, until my latest setback.
My arms gave out.
When I first did Power 90 a year and a half ago, I started with 3 pound weights (please, no laughing) and increased it over time. I started that low because I had absolutely no strength in my arms. Once I completed that, I started the next level - the Power 90 Master Series. I had hoped that this program would prepare me for P90X. During the Power 90 Master Series (or P90MS), I began with 10pounds. I ended my second round of P90MS by lifting 25pounds. This was a huge accomplishment for me and I was very proud of it.
When I began P90X, I went back to the beginning of lifting 10pounds, and I'm glad that I did. The workouts were intense, and they tested me - literally. By the end of my third round of P90X, I was lifting 25pounds with my arms. So I was back to where I was at the end of P90MS.
During that time, I drastically improved my health statistics. Now, I wanted the physical results to match my health results.
So I went back to Power 90, but I did an accellerated version it. I was doing well by the end of the second phase (the 3-4 phase), and then I ran into problems with the weights. I increased the weight from 25 to 30pounds - and that's where the trouble started. I started feeling pain in my lower back. In the following weight workout, I wore a weight belt to protect my lower back and I did less reps. It felt as though the belt was preventing me from lifting my best, yet it was protecting my lower back from injury. It was a catch 22.
I admit, I did not complete the 3-4 series to the best of my ability. But, I am not digressing. I am pressing forward.
Tomorrow morning, I begin the Power 90 Master Series, or 5-6 series. Instead of increasing the weights, I am increasing the reps. During the 3-4 series, I lifted 25pounds with up to 15reps per exercise. As I begin the 5-6series, I'm dropping the weight again - purposely - to work on the endurance. I'm starting with 20 pounds. Even if I'm doing 15-20 reps, it's working the muscles just as hard as if I am lifting a heavier weight. Although some people may disagree, this will end up helping me in the end. If I can do more reps with a lower weight, this will make it easier over time as I increase the weight - primarily because I will be protecting my back, I won't be losing my form, and I will be much more confident of what I am doing.
In addition to doing the primary workouts from P90MS - Sweat 5-6 and Sculpt 5-6 - I will also be doing the other workouts as well: Core Cardio, Cardio Intervals, Plyo Legs, and Upper Middle Lower. In addition, I will also be doing a workout from the One On One series titled "Cardio Intervals". It will
Some may say that I'm taking a step back. I believe that sometimes one needs to take a step backward before progressing forward. If lowering the weights and increasing the reps helps develop the endurance of my muscles as well as strengthening them over time, then I am doing exactly what I am expecting.
The results will show up in time. I have time.
I do not have a video for phase two, yet. That is in process. I hope to have one up soon. When it is complete, I will post it here.
Onward, and forward...
For the past 45+ days, I have been doing an accellerated version of Beachbody's exercise program, Power 90. I've been sick, I've pulled a muscle, but I am still here and I am still working out, until my latest setback.
My arms gave out.
When I first did Power 90 a year and a half ago, I started with 3 pound weights (please, no laughing) and increased it over time. I started that low because I had absolutely no strength in my arms. Once I completed that, I started the next level - the Power 90 Master Series. I had hoped that this program would prepare me for P90X. During the Power 90 Master Series (or P90MS), I began with 10pounds. I ended my second round of P90MS by lifting 25pounds. This was a huge accomplishment for me and I was very proud of it.
When I began P90X, I went back to the beginning of lifting 10pounds, and I'm glad that I did. The workouts were intense, and they tested me - literally. By the end of my third round of P90X, I was lifting 25pounds with my arms. So I was back to where I was at the end of P90MS.
During that time, I drastically improved my health statistics. Now, I wanted the physical results to match my health results.
So I went back to Power 90, but I did an accellerated version it. I was doing well by the end of the second phase (the 3-4 phase), and then I ran into problems with the weights. I increased the weight from 25 to 30pounds - and that's where the trouble started. I started feeling pain in my lower back. In the following weight workout, I wore a weight belt to protect my lower back and I did less reps. It felt as though the belt was preventing me from lifting my best, yet it was protecting my lower back from injury. It was a catch 22.
I admit, I did not complete the 3-4 series to the best of my ability. But, I am not digressing. I am pressing forward.
Tomorrow morning, I begin the Power 90 Master Series, or 5-6 series. Instead of increasing the weights, I am increasing the reps. During the 3-4 series, I lifted 25pounds with up to 15reps per exercise. As I begin the 5-6series, I'm dropping the weight again - purposely - to work on the endurance. I'm starting with 20 pounds. Even if I'm doing 15-20 reps, it's working the muscles just as hard as if I am lifting a heavier weight. Although some people may disagree, this will end up helping me in the end. If I can do more reps with a lower weight, this will make it easier over time as I increase the weight - primarily because I will be protecting my back, I won't be losing my form, and I will be much more confident of what I am doing.
In addition to doing the primary workouts from P90MS - Sweat 5-6 and Sculpt 5-6 - I will also be doing the other workouts as well: Core Cardio, Cardio Intervals, Plyo Legs, and Upper Middle Lower. In addition, I will also be doing a workout from the One On One series titled "Cardio Intervals". It will
Some may say that I'm taking a step back. I believe that sometimes one needs to take a step backward before progressing forward. If lowering the weights and increasing the reps helps develop the endurance of my muscles as well as strengthening them over time, then I am doing exactly what I am expecting.
The results will show up in time. I have time.
I do not have a video for phase two, yet. That is in process. I hope to have one up soon. When it is complete, I will post it here.
Onward, and forward...
Monday, July 13, 2009
P90X In New York City
On Saturday, my girlfriend and I drove to NYC (yes, we drove into NYC to try something different, we usually take the train) for a P90X workout at Chelsea Studios. The workout was P90X’s Core Synergistics. After doing the P90X program three times, I know how CS can push you. I didn’t workout this time, by choice. Instead, I filmed it with two different video cameras. Beachbody coach Nazly Jordan took photos at different times throughout the workout. So, between the photos and video, we should be able to put something together.
Sunday, we planned on heading to New York City’s Central Park to meet up with Jimmy Hays Nelson and several other coaches. Jimmy does a P90X workout in Central Park on Sunday mornings at 10am. I intended on filming that workout and making one video to post on youtube. Unfortunately, our timing was off. We left a little late and the train we took in NYC dropped us off at the opposite side of the park. Even though we didn’t get to workout with Jimmy and his group, we had a great walk through Central Park followed by a great walk on the streets of NYC as well.
There will always be a “next time”. So until then, have a great week!!!
Sunday, we planned on heading to New York City’s Central Park to meet up with Jimmy Hays Nelson and several other coaches. Jimmy does a P90X workout in Central Park on Sunday mornings at 10am. I intended on filming that workout and making one video to post on youtube. Unfortunately, our timing was off. We left a little late and the train we took in NYC dropped us off at the opposite side of the park. Even though we didn’t get to workout with Jimmy and his group, we had a great walk through Central Park followed by a great walk on the streets of NYC as well.
There will always be a “next time”. So until then, have a great week!!!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Shoes
I have always heard the phrases, “the suit makes the man” or “the right outfit improves your appearance.” In the movie The Shawshank Redemption, Morgan Freeman’s character asked this question, “How often do you look at another man’s shoes?”
I have lived with scoliosis all of my life and I’ve known that my posture was hunched. When I was diagnosed with it there were two options – a back operation and recovery time, or a back brace. I did not want a back operation or the rehab time associated with it (six months in a body cast, and then six months in therapy learning how to stand, walk and sit again) because I always thought there was another way. I also didn’t want a 6” metal rod inserted into my back to straighten the spine either. When I started exercising two years ago, I found that other way.
Exercising improved my “calmness”. It developed my muscles, strengthened my bones, which also helped straighten my posture and improve my appearance. Exercising helped me in more ways than I had ever expected. For that, I am truly grateful.
The other night, I was standing up, and I looked in a mirror noticing my posture – hunched. I knew that there was something I had to do about it.
A few weeks ago, I slipped and fell on the floor of my parents’ kitchen because I wore out the threads on the bottom of my sneakers and I did not have support.
I went to Modell’s sporting goods with the intent on buying new sneakers for casual wear. While there, I learned that the width of my feet had changed, and I had been “squeezing” into my sneakers. I tried on wider sneakers, and something happened. I stood taller, stood straighter, and my back did not hunch! I was excited, and I tried on a pair of cross training sneakers to use while working out. I put them on, took one step, and BOOM, I stood taller, straighter, and I felt better.
When I got home, I worked out with such intensity with the new sneakers that I was blown away! I worked out harder, much more intensely, and I sweated more. I loved it! I absolutely LOVED it!!! When I finished, I was covered in sweat and felt fantastic. I was so motivated, so enthused, and I couldn’t wait to get home from work every day or wake up first thing in the morning JUST to workout!!!
One positive result from standing straighter is that I see more of a change and definition in my physical appearance. In just a few days, after working out this way, I’ve been pulling the belt on my jeans one extra notch because other wise it is too loose!
I can’t wait to have my next set of photos taken to see what the results actually “show!
I have lived with scoliosis all of my life and I’ve known that my posture was hunched. When I was diagnosed with it there were two options – a back operation and recovery time, or a back brace. I did not want a back operation or the rehab time associated with it (six months in a body cast, and then six months in therapy learning how to stand, walk and sit again) because I always thought there was another way. I also didn’t want a 6” metal rod inserted into my back to straighten the spine either. When I started exercising two years ago, I found that other way.
Exercising improved my “calmness”. It developed my muscles, strengthened my bones, which also helped straighten my posture and improve my appearance. Exercising helped me in more ways than I had ever expected. For that, I am truly grateful.
The other night, I was standing up, and I looked in a mirror noticing my posture – hunched. I knew that there was something I had to do about it.
A few weeks ago, I slipped and fell on the floor of my parents’ kitchen because I wore out the threads on the bottom of my sneakers and I did not have support.
I went to Modell’s sporting goods with the intent on buying new sneakers for casual wear. While there, I learned that the width of my feet had changed, and I had been “squeezing” into my sneakers. I tried on wider sneakers, and something happened. I stood taller, stood straighter, and my back did not hunch! I was excited, and I tried on a pair of cross training sneakers to use while working out. I put them on, took one step, and BOOM, I stood taller, straighter, and I felt better.
When I got home, I worked out with such intensity with the new sneakers that I was blown away! I worked out harder, much more intensely, and I sweated more. I loved it! I absolutely LOVED it!!! When I finished, I was covered in sweat and felt fantastic. I was so motivated, so enthused, and I couldn’t wait to get home from work every day or wake up first thing in the morning JUST to workout!!!
One positive result from standing straighter is that I see more of a change and definition in my physical appearance. In just a few days, after working out this way, I’ve been pulling the belt on my jeans one extra notch because other wise it is too loose!
I can’t wait to have my next set of photos taken to see what the results actually “show!
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