3-31-17 HY: Insanity MAX 30 - Friday Fight Round 2 + Power 90 - Ab Ripper 200.
Well, today did not shape up to be what I had envisioned it would be. I was planning to blow it out of the water in terms of the workout and stretch, but instead, I was rushing just to get in the main part of my workout before sunset. I woke up to the news that we would be going out for shopping to take advantage of coupons that expire on April 1. So off we went. I was thinking we would be back in plenty of time for me to do a good workout, but the got longer and longer. It was fun, though, and if I could count all the walking I did as part of my workout, I walked at least a couple of miles, and a lot of that, I was carrying bags weighing between 4-6kgs. Once I got home, I barely had two hours to get everything done. So I rushed through the prep and prelims.
The workout is the mother of all MAX 30 routines. The previous two max out times were 9:00 and 11:07. I was hoping to get to the first break today. Or at least that was my goal. The warm up was fine, but why in the world is the first move IRON LEGS??? I guess Shaun T. is trying to burn us out right at the beginning. But I got through it and the rest of the moves before the first break. There was a point that I almost tapped out, but somehow, I don't know how, I just gutted it out and finished the move, and I believe the following move was a little less intense, something a little "recoveryish". I guess Shaun T. does have some mercy. But that, what turns out to be a 40-second break really helped and I was able to power through to almost the next break. My MAX OUT Time was 20:51 on the Lunge Punch Kick (L). I was already dying, yes, but the real reason I had to take a break was my knee felt like it was going to give out, or even hyperextend. Then after my initial break, I was taking breaks all over the place. And who put variations of burpees and power/tuck jumps at the end of an extremely brutal routine??? SHAUN T.!!! Does. I had the modifier track on, but I couldn't bring myself to modify. But if my range of motion gets any worse on the jumps, it would probably be better if I did modify. I was shocked at how far I got today. Maybe I'll be able to go all the way to finish the program next week! No Pressure!!!
I didn't have time to do even Chalene's Extreme Core Circuit today, so I went to my very handy short but tough ab routine by the original Tony Horton in Power 90, Ab Ripper 200+. I say "+" because I did a few extra reps here and there when I had some extra time to kill. But I also did the ab move for my Coach's Challenge Group. I got that one done first before I did the ab routine. I got a good burn, but I didn't burn out. But that will have to do for this week.
Week THREE of Month TWO of Insanity MAX 30 is in the books. One more week to go and I will have completed one of the most grueling programs I've done EVER!! But I'll be better for it. If I didn't catch the flu, I would be done already, but as it stands, I will be taking this final week into my first week back at work for our new school year. So I will have to work extra hard to stay focused and not waver from my goal. But first, I get to take a lovely off day tomorrow and rest my body and muscles. But I will have to do my stretches. I was only able to do a limited amount of stretches before sunset.
In the end, in 120 minutes, I burned 800+kcals. If all things were normal, I would have topped 1000kcals, but that's life. Happy Weekend, Everyone!!! One good thing, sort of, is that we were so busy, we didn't have time to stop by Baskin Robbins to pick up out semi-bi-monthly double scoop of ice cream. It's a family tradition. It will have to wait another couple of months.
Friday, March 31, 2017
3-30-17 HY: Insanity MAX 30 - MAX OUT STRENGTH + Weights (Biceps) + Unlock your Hip Flexors + TCF.
3-30-17 HY: Insanity MAX 30 - MAX OUT STRENGTH + Weights (Biceps) + Unlock your Hip Flexors + TCF.
Today was an odd day. I woke up with a headache and took a long nap from the late morning to the early/mid afternoon. When I got up, the pain had moved from my head to my neck. I wasn't really feeling like doing anything at that point. On top of that, my legs were feeling the soreness that follows an almost 5-hour workout day. I procrastinated as long as possible, and then some. I still had my night class to teach so I had to start by 5 pm if I wanted to get a full workout in, but I ended up starting at 5:30 pm. So something had to give.
With the neck pain, I wasn't looking forward to all the push-ups I knew were coming. I also wasn't sure how long my legs were going to hold out, but I figured they would do okay since this was STRENGTH and not a leg heavy cardio routine. Then to add to that, my previous max out times were pretty low, so I wasn't really holding the bar too high today. My past two max out times were 12:26 and 13:19. I was hoping for somewhere into the next move. I also played the modifier track so once I maxed out, I'd just go with the modifier. The warm up was good. I'm glad there is that dynamic stretch move for the hamstrings at the end. The next circuit was focusing on lower body so once I got passed that, I would be into the Push-Up circuit. The first 11-12 minutes were fine. But then the Push-Ups came, and that was a familiar kind of pain. The circuit is only 5-6 moves long, so I was thinking to just get to the third move and do as much as possible before maxing out I'd be happy. For me, the idea is to just not stop moving. Once I stop, that is where the break goes. So, to that end, I didn't try to push a fast pace, but a slower pace with a good range of motion is what I was going for. I barely made it past the second move, and going into the third move I was thinking that would be it. But somehow, I was able to scrape together a little extra energy and gut my way all the way to the end of the third move. The next few moves were done on my knees so that was a huge help. Again, SOMEHOW, I made it all the way through the first Push-Up circuit. The next circuit was the core circuit and I barely made it through that circuit. Time was up around 23 minutes and I still hadn't maxed out. But that last run of push-ups and low static holds did me in and burned me out. My MAX OUT Time was 25:20 half way through the Dive Push-Ups. For some reason, I keep hearing "Diamond" Push-Up and I always position my hand in that position. But I pushed it for as long as I could and I broke at almost the half-way point of the move. Arms, triceps were on fire. I took about a minute break before getting back into it. Those low holds, low planks, 8-count push-ups were BRUTAL!!! Even on my knees. I just died. But one good thing is that I didn't make my neck pain any worse. I didn't even feel any strain on my neck which tells me that I'm using good form and not doing any unnecessary straining in my neck. By the end of the routine, my triceps were pumped and burning. But again, that imbalance was there, so I felt I had to do some biceps work to even it out.
I have done biceps weights every time thus far in month two. I just don't like the uneven feeling in my arms so I have to do it. Today, I added a move so I did seven total moves: Bicep Curls, Alternating Outside Hammer Curls, In and Out Curls, Static Arm Curls, Concentration Curls, Hammer Curls, Alternating Speed Curls. First five moves were done with 7.5kgs and the last two moves were with 5kgs and 4kgs respectively. After this little routine, my arms were feeling so pumped all around, triceps, biceps, and forearms. Then I did the Cool Down from the STRENGTH. Shake it out, baby!
By this time, time was running short, so I went through the first six moves of the Unlock you Hip Flexors, and then I had to stop and do my Flows. I was intending to finish up when I got home after class, but my class got out late, and I spent some time enjoying a few episodes of Friends with my wife. I guess I could have done it, but I wanted to get this entry done and published. Plus, my legs are too sore now, so I'm satisfied with what I did. I'll make up for it tomorrow.
In the end, after 100 minutes, I torched just over 800kcals. I'm looking forward to the upper body soreness tomorrow!
Today was an odd day. I woke up with a headache and took a long nap from the late morning to the early/mid afternoon. When I got up, the pain had moved from my head to my neck. I wasn't really feeling like doing anything at that point. On top of that, my legs were feeling the soreness that follows an almost 5-hour workout day. I procrastinated as long as possible, and then some. I still had my night class to teach so I had to start by 5 pm if I wanted to get a full workout in, but I ended up starting at 5:30 pm. So something had to give.
With the neck pain, I wasn't looking forward to all the push-ups I knew were coming. I also wasn't sure how long my legs were going to hold out, but I figured they would do okay since this was STRENGTH and not a leg heavy cardio routine. Then to add to that, my previous max out times were pretty low, so I wasn't really holding the bar too high today. My past two max out times were 12:26 and 13:19. I was hoping for somewhere into the next move. I also played the modifier track so once I maxed out, I'd just go with the modifier. The warm up was good. I'm glad there is that dynamic stretch move for the hamstrings at the end. The next circuit was focusing on lower body so once I got passed that, I would be into the Push-Up circuit. The first 11-12 minutes were fine. But then the Push-Ups came, and that was a familiar kind of pain. The circuit is only 5-6 moves long, so I was thinking to just get to the third move and do as much as possible before maxing out I'd be happy. For me, the idea is to just not stop moving. Once I stop, that is where the break goes. So, to that end, I didn't try to push a fast pace, but a slower pace with a good range of motion is what I was going for. I barely made it past the second move, and going into the third move I was thinking that would be it. But somehow, I was able to scrape together a little extra energy and gut my way all the way to the end of the third move. The next few moves were done on my knees so that was a huge help. Again, SOMEHOW, I made it all the way through the first Push-Up circuit. The next circuit was the core circuit and I barely made it through that circuit. Time was up around 23 minutes and I still hadn't maxed out. But that last run of push-ups and low static holds did me in and burned me out. My MAX OUT Time was 25:20 half way through the Dive Push-Ups. For some reason, I keep hearing "Diamond" Push-Up and I always position my hand in that position. But I pushed it for as long as I could and I broke at almost the half-way point of the move. Arms, triceps were on fire. I took about a minute break before getting back into it. Those low holds, low planks, 8-count push-ups were BRUTAL!!! Even on my knees. I just died. But one good thing is that I didn't make my neck pain any worse. I didn't even feel any strain on my neck which tells me that I'm using good form and not doing any unnecessary straining in my neck. By the end of the routine, my triceps were pumped and burning. But again, that imbalance was there, so I felt I had to do some biceps work to even it out.
I have done biceps weights every time thus far in month two. I just don't like the uneven feeling in my arms so I have to do it. Today, I added a move so I did seven total moves: Bicep Curls, Alternating Outside Hammer Curls, In and Out Curls, Static Arm Curls, Concentration Curls, Hammer Curls, Alternating Speed Curls. First five moves were done with 7.5kgs and the last two moves were with 5kgs and 4kgs respectively. After this little routine, my arms were feeling so pumped all around, triceps, biceps, and forearms. Then I did the Cool Down from the STRENGTH. Shake it out, baby!
By this time, time was running short, so I went through the first six moves of the Unlock you Hip Flexors, and then I had to stop and do my Flows. I was intending to finish up when I got home after class, but my class got out late, and I spent some time enjoying a few episodes of Friends with my wife. I guess I could have done it, but I wanted to get this entry done and published. Plus, my legs are too sore now, so I'm satisfied with what I did. I'll make up for it tomorrow.
In the end, after 100 minutes, I torched just over 800kcals. I'm looking forward to the upper body soreness tomorrow!
Thursday, March 30, 2017
3-29-17 HY: Pickle-Ball + Insanity MAX 30 - MAX OUT SWEAT + Ab Attack: 10 + Unlock your Hip Flexors + Splits (modified) + TCF.
3-29-17 HY: Pickle-Ball + Insanity MAX 30 - MAX OUT SWEAT + Ab Attack: 10 + Unlock your Hip Flexors + Splits (modified) + TCF.
Today is a day I was looking forward to and at the same time... DREADING!!! Looking forward because I love playing Pickle-Ball! Dreading because it just happened that it has to be a double workout day. I guess it technically didn't HAVE to be a double workout day, but since I'm on a program instead of a straight hybrid, I wanted to stay on schedule. So, since I didn't want to have to go the last two weeks of the program without an off day, I have to push to get through this week. By doing today's double, I was able to stay on schedule so I can still take my off day on Saturday and then attack the final week of MAX 30 well rested. This is something I would have done no matter what, not just because I'm in a Challenge "KotH" Month with my coach and her team.
Pickle-Ball was in the morning, and it almost didn't happen. The gym we play in was being set up for health tests that the students have to go through next week as part of orientation week at my university. Yes, the school year in Japan starts in April, so it's coming soon. When I poked my head into the gym, I saw all the stuff being set up and I was like, Uh-oh, we can't play today. But luckily, my co-worker checked the other side and it was, for the most part, clear of testing stuff. So we set up the net on the opposite side of the gym. Today, I brought the different, balls that curve and spin more. So we took a little longer to warm up and get used to them than usual. With these new and different balls, our style of play was forced to become more aggressive. Games were much longer and there were a lot more serve changes. The first game was neck and neck until I finally pulled it out 15-13. We played a lot of good shots and we both came to net a lot more than we used to because of the lack of bounce of the balls. But that makes for a much more exciting game. The second game was almost a carbon copy of the first except that I lost, 13-15. These games almost took 30 minutes each. Previously, the average game time was 15-20 minutes. In the third game, well, let me put it this way, at the end of the game, I called the name of the game, "The thorough dismantling of Christopher". This is the first treacherously lopsided loss I have suffered since we started playing Pickle-Ball. At the beginning of the game, I was just mishitting the ball, not seeing the ball, not reading my opponent, I wasn't doing anything I needed to do. I was in a weird funk and I couldn't get out of it. Well, the score ended up being 3-15. But the odd thing is that the game took almost 25 minutes long to complete. So, again, many serve changes and longer rallies took place, but the result was VERY different. We were also using a higher grade of racket as well. The previous rackets were sort of a beginners set but these were a better quality racket and we could feel the difference. Interesting how different equipment can be, and how it can make a difference. But that was a good 2-hour+ session, an my legs were dying. As I said, much more aggressive play means a lot more attacking and moving around the court. Not just left to right, but now, a lot of front to back. Agility is key. I'll have to go over my mental tapes and not allow that drubbing to happen again.
My legs were like jelly when I got home. So I just sat and relaxed. Almost took a nap, but didn't. Then, at the regular time, I went up and started getting ready for my night workout.
I was really feeling it in my legs, and I was noticeably tired. So, I was planning to do today's MAX 30 routine totally modified. I even played the DVD with the modifier track on. But once that warm up started, the modified moves just seemed too easy so I started out regularly. Then I though, "I'll just modify until I max out." But the last max out time was 21:10. So, I figured I would just go until I can't go anymore then modify from there. I was so tired, but an extra boost of energy came from somewhere and I killed it. My MAX OUT Time was 24:32. And that was with no modification. Normal moves at just a little slower pace than Shaun T. I made it to the end of the first move of the first round of the last circuit. I did the Wide In & Out Fly, but could barely get started on the move that took me out, the Plank Jack Shoulder Tap. Then for the next five moves, to the end of the second round, I modified everything. But on the move Plank Jack Shoulder Tap, the modifier was on her knees. That was too easy, so I went on my toes and just did the shoulder tap without the Jack. But I wanted to finish strong, so I gathered up the last of my energy, even from my reserves, and did the last round full force. I had just enough strength for the Power Move and the Closer Move. But I was so happy that I surpassed my last time. I honestly didn't think I'd get passed the second circuit.
Ab Attack was kind of a let down. I lost ten seconds on my max out time. But still on the same move. My previous max out time was 4:40, but today, my MAX OUT Time was 4:30. I just couldn't keep it up on those Scissor Kick Punches, or are they Switch Kick Punches. Either way, that is my nemesis move in this routine. Everything else if fine until the last two moves. This time, on Ab Attack, I needed a 40-20 split, and then on the Drum-V, I needed a 30-30 split. I just can't go all the way on those three moves. When I do... CELEBRATION TIME!!!
I moved right into the Unlock your Hip Flexors and completed it with a good push, but the Splits, I modified because my legs were just dying. So sore and tired and painful. So I did the hamstring stretches just to keep them flexible. Good session today. And my Flow was, as always, on point. But my right knee pain flared up a bit again, but I adjusted my stance to relieve pressure.
So in the end, with 130 minutes of Pickle-Ball in the morning, and then a 160 minute workout in the evening, today, after 290 minutes, I torched over 2100kcals. WOO HOO!!! Time for bed! Don't wake me up till noon!
Today is a day I was looking forward to and at the same time... DREADING!!! Looking forward because I love playing Pickle-Ball! Dreading because it just happened that it has to be a double workout day. I guess it technically didn't HAVE to be a double workout day, but since I'm on a program instead of a straight hybrid, I wanted to stay on schedule. So, since I didn't want to have to go the last two weeks of the program without an off day, I have to push to get through this week. By doing today's double, I was able to stay on schedule so I can still take my off day on Saturday and then attack the final week of MAX 30 well rested. This is something I would have done no matter what, not just because I'm in a Challenge "KotH" Month with my coach and her team.
Pickle-Ball was in the morning, and it almost didn't happen. The gym we play in was being set up for health tests that the students have to go through next week as part of orientation week at my university. Yes, the school year in Japan starts in April, so it's coming soon. When I poked my head into the gym, I saw all the stuff being set up and I was like, Uh-oh, we can't play today. But luckily, my co-worker checked the other side and it was, for the most part, clear of testing stuff. So we set up the net on the opposite side of the gym. Today, I brought the different, balls that curve and spin more. So we took a little longer to warm up and get used to them than usual. With these new and different balls, our style of play was forced to become more aggressive. Games were much longer and there were a lot more serve changes. The first game was neck and neck until I finally pulled it out 15-13. We played a lot of good shots and we both came to net a lot more than we used to because of the lack of bounce of the balls. But that makes for a much more exciting game. The second game was almost a carbon copy of the first except that I lost, 13-15. These games almost took 30 minutes each. Previously, the average game time was 15-20 minutes. In the third game, well, let me put it this way, at the end of the game, I called the name of the game, "The thorough dismantling of Christopher". This is the first treacherously lopsided loss I have suffered since we started playing Pickle-Ball. At the beginning of the game, I was just mishitting the ball, not seeing the ball, not reading my opponent, I wasn't doing anything I needed to do. I was in a weird funk and I couldn't get out of it. Well, the score ended up being 3-15. But the odd thing is that the game took almost 25 minutes long to complete. So, again, many serve changes and longer rallies took place, but the result was VERY different. We were also using a higher grade of racket as well. The previous rackets were sort of a beginners set but these were a better quality racket and we could feel the difference. Interesting how different equipment can be, and how it can make a difference. But that was a good 2-hour+ session, an my legs were dying. As I said, much more aggressive play means a lot more attacking and moving around the court. Not just left to right, but now, a lot of front to back. Agility is key. I'll have to go over my mental tapes and not allow that drubbing to happen again.
My legs were like jelly when I got home. So I just sat and relaxed. Almost took a nap, but didn't. Then, at the regular time, I went up and started getting ready for my night workout.
I was really feeling it in my legs, and I was noticeably tired. So, I was planning to do today's MAX 30 routine totally modified. I even played the DVD with the modifier track on. But once that warm up started, the modified moves just seemed too easy so I started out regularly. Then I though, "I'll just modify until I max out." But the last max out time was 21:10. So, I figured I would just go until I can't go anymore then modify from there. I was so tired, but an extra boost of energy came from somewhere and I killed it. My MAX OUT Time was 24:32. And that was with no modification. Normal moves at just a little slower pace than Shaun T. I made it to the end of the first move of the first round of the last circuit. I did the Wide In & Out Fly, but could barely get started on the move that took me out, the Plank Jack Shoulder Tap. Then for the next five moves, to the end of the second round, I modified everything. But on the move Plank Jack Shoulder Tap, the modifier was on her knees. That was too easy, so I went on my toes and just did the shoulder tap without the Jack. But I wanted to finish strong, so I gathered up the last of my energy, even from my reserves, and did the last round full force. I had just enough strength for the Power Move and the Closer Move. But I was so happy that I surpassed my last time. I honestly didn't think I'd get passed the second circuit.
Ab Attack was kind of a let down. I lost ten seconds on my max out time. But still on the same move. My previous max out time was 4:40, but today, my MAX OUT Time was 4:30. I just couldn't keep it up on those Scissor Kick Punches, or are they Switch Kick Punches. Either way, that is my nemesis move in this routine. Everything else if fine until the last two moves. This time, on Ab Attack, I needed a 40-20 split, and then on the Drum-V, I needed a 30-30 split. I just can't go all the way on those three moves. When I do... CELEBRATION TIME!!!
I moved right into the Unlock your Hip Flexors and completed it with a good push, but the Splits, I modified because my legs were just dying. So sore and tired and painful. So I did the hamstring stretches just to keep them flexible. Good session today. And my Flow was, as always, on point. But my right knee pain flared up a bit again, but I adjusted my stance to relieve pressure.
So in the end, with 130 minutes of Pickle-Ball in the morning, and then a 160 minute workout in the evening, today, after 290 minutes, I torched over 2100kcals. WOO HOO!!! Time for bed! Don't wake me up till noon!
3-28-17 HY: Insanity MAX 30 - MAX OUT POWER + Unlock your Hip Flexors + Splits + TCF.
3-28-17 HY: Insanity MAX 30 - MAX OUT POWER + Unlock your Hip Flexors + Splits + TCF.
Another vacation day and another day of doing practically nothing. I did get out of the house though. Once to pick up my daughter who had gone up north with her Field Hockey team to play in the national tournament as a representative of the southern block of Japan. Unfortunately they got taken out in the first round so they came home early. But good for my wife and I because after our son left, home was very quiet.
I got started with my workout in the early evening as usual. I knew it was going to be a shorter workout because no abs. But with that in mind, I chose to do some extra stretching at the end. I was really curious as to how far I would go on this routine because that first Push Up circuit is just a killer circuit. The first two circuits went fine as usual, the warm up and the leg power circuits are my stronger circuits. My previous two max out times were 11:38 and 12:36. Basically I maxing out on the first and second moves respectively. Today, I was able to extend that to the third move. My MAX OUT Time was 13:10. Just like most of the guys on Shaun T's team, Push Up Pop Up was the move of the day. It took out several of those big guys. So I was happy to get to their level... sort of. I almost maxed out at the second move like last week, but I gutted out those last 5-seconds. Arms were rubber. I barely got half a rep in on the third move before I collapsed. It was excruciatingly brutal, but I made it through. The rest of the routine was okay. The core circuit was tough, but not because of the core moves, but because of the plank moves that tasked my shoulders. Shoulders were burning with all those Pike Up moves. But it was a good routine.
I started the Unlock routine and pushed to the point of being afraid I would rip a tendon or muscle. So I had to take it back a bit. Then when that was done, I did my regular Splits routine and again, the hip flexor pain was a lot less. So I am seeing progress, not where I would like to see it, but progress none the less. The Flows were on point.
In the end, after 150 minutes, I torched a good 833kcal. Feel the burn and embrace the PUMP!
Another vacation day and another day of doing practically nothing. I did get out of the house though. Once to pick up my daughter who had gone up north with her Field Hockey team to play in the national tournament as a representative of the southern block of Japan. Unfortunately they got taken out in the first round so they came home early. But good for my wife and I because after our son left, home was very quiet.
I got started with my workout in the early evening as usual. I knew it was going to be a shorter workout because no abs. But with that in mind, I chose to do some extra stretching at the end. I was really curious as to how far I would go on this routine because that first Push Up circuit is just a killer circuit. The first two circuits went fine as usual, the warm up and the leg power circuits are my stronger circuits. My previous two max out times were 11:38 and 12:36. Basically I maxing out on the first and second moves respectively. Today, I was able to extend that to the third move. My MAX OUT Time was 13:10. Just like most of the guys on Shaun T's team, Push Up Pop Up was the move of the day. It took out several of those big guys. So I was happy to get to their level... sort of. I almost maxed out at the second move like last week, but I gutted out those last 5-seconds. Arms were rubber. I barely got half a rep in on the third move before I collapsed. It was excruciatingly brutal, but I made it through. The rest of the routine was okay. The core circuit was tough, but not because of the core moves, but because of the plank moves that tasked my shoulders. Shoulders were burning with all those Pike Up moves. But it was a good routine.
I started the Unlock routine and pushed to the point of being afraid I would rip a tendon or muscle. So I had to take it back a bit. Then when that was done, I did my regular Splits routine and again, the hip flexor pain was a lot less. So I am seeing progress, not where I would like to see it, but progress none the less. The Flows were on point.
In the end, after 150 minutes, I torched a good 833kcal. Feel the burn and embrace the PUMP!
Monday, March 27, 2017
3-27-17 HY: Insanity MAX 30 - MAX OUT CARDIO + Ab Attack: 10 + Unlock your Hip Flexors + Splits + TCF.
3-27-17 HY: Insanity MAX 30 - MAX OUT CARDIO + Ab Attack: 10 + Unlock your Hip Flexors + Splits + TCF.
Today was a really quiet day. My wife was extremely tired from her travels yesterday so she was just taking it easy, and I was taking it easy with her. But by early evening I was ready to get some moving it so I started to prepare for my workout.
I'm beginning week 3 of month 2 so I'm in the last quarter of the Insanity MAX 30 program. Had I not lost that week, week and a half, I'd be done by now, but it was unavoidable and I guess a good mid-program break. The pressure was on today because I did a full routine last week, so I didn't want to regress and do any less. But if I did end up doing a full break-free routine, how would I judge if I had improved. Short story shorter, I crushed this routine, and YES, I got all the way to the end. My MAX OUT Time was 30:00. Last week, there were a couple points that I felt I couldn't go on and almost tapped out. This week, I felt much stronger, especially once I got my second wind. I didn't feel like I was going to tap out at any time during the routine. I did feel the burn, but the burn motivated me to push it harder and grind through the pain. Good routine.
I moved right into Abs and I pushed as hard as I could, but the burn was just too much and I tapped out close to the same time as usual. My MAX OUT Time was 4:40. Same move, the Switch Kick Punches, but I think I got about 10 seconds further into the move than the previous time. I was able to do full times on all the moves from then on except the last two moves, Ab Attack on the floor, I did a 40/20 second split on that move, and 30/15/15 seconds on the Drum-V Hold. I just need to keep pushing until I get passed that plateau.
I moved into the stretch and the two programs for that. I went back and tried one round of my regular Splits stretch routine and as far as depth, there wasn't much change, but there was a change in the free range of motion of my hip flexors. What I mean is that before, I could feel some sort of a hitch in my hip flexors that was more prevalent on my left side. So, when moving from the right side splits to straddle splits, there was often a sharp pain that shot up my hip and started to cramp the muscle right in my right hip so I would have to come out of my straddle splits for a moment, shake out my hip, then go back into the straddle splits. But today, I didn't feel that hitch at all. Everything was smooth. So now, as I get back to the regular routine, or add the regular routine, hopefully, more benefits will be discovered. I shifted my position of my right side stance in my Flow so I wouldn't put too much pressure on my knee, so no wincing today from pain.
In the end, after 160 minutes, I torched a solid 1040+kcals. Nice to be on vacation so I can just relax and do everything that needs to be done without any pressure or rushing.
Today was a really quiet day. My wife was extremely tired from her travels yesterday so she was just taking it easy, and I was taking it easy with her. But by early evening I was ready to get some moving it so I started to prepare for my workout.
I'm beginning week 3 of month 2 so I'm in the last quarter of the Insanity MAX 30 program. Had I not lost that week, week and a half, I'd be done by now, but it was unavoidable and I guess a good mid-program break. The pressure was on today because I did a full routine last week, so I didn't want to regress and do any less. But if I did end up doing a full break-free routine, how would I judge if I had improved. Short story shorter, I crushed this routine, and YES, I got all the way to the end. My MAX OUT Time was 30:00. Last week, there were a couple points that I felt I couldn't go on and almost tapped out. This week, I felt much stronger, especially once I got my second wind. I didn't feel like I was going to tap out at any time during the routine. I did feel the burn, but the burn motivated me to push it harder and grind through the pain. Good routine.
I moved right into Abs and I pushed as hard as I could, but the burn was just too much and I tapped out close to the same time as usual. My MAX OUT Time was 4:40. Same move, the Switch Kick Punches, but I think I got about 10 seconds further into the move than the previous time. I was able to do full times on all the moves from then on except the last two moves, Ab Attack on the floor, I did a 40/20 second split on that move, and 30/15/15 seconds on the Drum-V Hold. I just need to keep pushing until I get passed that plateau.
I moved into the stretch and the two programs for that. I went back and tried one round of my regular Splits stretch routine and as far as depth, there wasn't much change, but there was a change in the free range of motion of my hip flexors. What I mean is that before, I could feel some sort of a hitch in my hip flexors that was more prevalent on my left side. So, when moving from the right side splits to straddle splits, there was often a sharp pain that shot up my hip and started to cramp the muscle right in my right hip so I would have to come out of my straddle splits for a moment, shake out my hip, then go back into the straddle splits. But today, I didn't feel that hitch at all. Everything was smooth. So now, as I get back to the regular routine, or add the regular routine, hopefully, more benefits will be discovered. I shifted my position of my right side stance in my Flow so I wouldn't put too much pressure on my knee, so no wincing today from pain.
In the end, after 160 minutes, I torched a solid 1040+kcals. Nice to be on vacation so I can just relax and do everything that needs to be done without any pressure or rushing.
3-26-17 Unlock your Hip Flexors + Unlock your Tight Hamstrings + TCF.
3-26-17 Unlock your Hip Flexors + Unlock your Tight Hamstrings + TCF.
Today was the last day for my son to be at home, so I wanted to spend as much of my time with him as possible. So since he didn't have to leave until the early afternoon, we watched a movie in the morning, did some laundry together, and some other mundane stuff, but just being together was nice. We had breakfast and lunch together, too. Then around 4 pm, we left for the airport. His flight wasn't until 7:45 pm, but we were going to pick my wife up from the airport and then have dinner together. Then my wife and I would say "goodbye" to my son together. My wife was away since Friday morning because she went to support my daughter who had left with her Field Hockey team to compete in the National High School Tournament up in central Japan on Thursday. After time with our son, we came back home with heavy hearts. My wife was very tired so she went to bed early and I decided to do my stretch training for my splits. I took a day off from the Splits stretch training yesterday, so I had to get it done today. But this time, I added a second routine that stretches out the Hamstrings.
I feel my Hip Flexors are starting to open up at the Side Splits angle, but the Straddle Splits angle is still tight. I'm going to add my regular splits routine in tomorrow and see if there has been any progress made over the last week. The new routine introduced me to a few new moves and different styles of old moves, so I'm hoping that the tweaks that were made help loosen my legs up.
I'll be a day short this week so I may need to pull a double session to get all my MAX 30 Routines in. No HRM today, just stretching for flexibility for over 90 minutes. A large dose of good pain. Careful not to pop my joints. Went to bed very loose.
Today was the last day for my son to be at home, so I wanted to spend as much of my time with him as possible. So since he didn't have to leave until the early afternoon, we watched a movie in the morning, did some laundry together, and some other mundane stuff, but just being together was nice. We had breakfast and lunch together, too. Then around 4 pm, we left for the airport. His flight wasn't until 7:45 pm, but we were going to pick my wife up from the airport and then have dinner together. Then my wife and I would say "goodbye" to my son together. My wife was away since Friday morning because she went to support my daughter who had left with her Field Hockey team to compete in the National High School Tournament up in central Japan on Thursday. After time with our son, we came back home with heavy hearts. My wife was very tired so she went to bed early and I decided to do my stretch training for my splits. I took a day off from the Splits stretch training yesterday, so I had to get it done today. But this time, I added a second routine that stretches out the Hamstrings.
I feel my Hip Flexors are starting to open up at the Side Splits angle, but the Straddle Splits angle is still tight. I'm going to add my regular splits routine in tomorrow and see if there has been any progress made over the last week. The new routine introduced me to a few new moves and different styles of old moves, so I'm hoping that the tweaks that were made help loosen my legs up.
I'll be a day short this week so I may need to pull a double session to get all my MAX 30 Routines in. No HRM today, just stretching for flexibility for over 90 minutes. A large dose of good pain. Careful not to pop my joints. Went to bed very loose.
3-25-17 Insanity MAX 30 - Friday Fight Round 2.
Today is supposed to be my off day, but, since I played tennis on Friday instead of doing Friday Fight, I'm a day behind on my schedule. So, even though I'm in a bit of a time crunch, I decided to at least get the main routine in. Also, I was still feeling very tired, sore, and my right knee was still feeling a bit gimpy so I decided to modify the whole routine but go a bit slower and push my range of motion. But when I started the routine, I just couldn't bring myself to modify and I went for it all the way. My max out time last week was 9:00. So I was thinking to get past that number. I made it past and went through a move I thought I would die at. My MAX OUT Time was 11:07 on Free Runner (R). The move before this was the Hit the Ground with Jump Tuck. I thought I'd never be able to get up for those jumps, but I did. Range of motion on my tuck jump wasn't as high as I would like it to be, but my distance off the ground was my regular height. When Free Runner Started, that is when I couldn't get off the ground after the second rep and I died out and took my break. I got back into it after about a minute of trying to catch my breath. I had pushed it really hard and reached my goal of surpassing my last max out time. So as the last 2/3 of the routine was left coupled with my time crunch, I decided to modify when needed. I ended up modifying about 4 moves, about one move every 4-5 moves. And actually, I was able to keep going a lot better than if I just took a break then got back into it. I am considering doing that style from now on just because it keeps me going instead of stopping every few moves. But I don't know if it will work on the Power and Strength routines. I'll try it, though.
In the end, after about 52 minutes (warm up and Cool down), I torched a nice 605kcals. Then it was off to see a movie with my son. Sort of our last night out before he leaves to go back to college tomorrow. Sad and quiet days ahead.
Today is supposed to be my off day, but, since I played tennis on Friday instead of doing Friday Fight, I'm a day behind on my schedule. So, even though I'm in a bit of a time crunch, I decided to at least get the main routine in. Also, I was still feeling very tired, sore, and my right knee was still feeling a bit gimpy so I decided to modify the whole routine but go a bit slower and push my range of motion. But when I started the routine, I just couldn't bring myself to modify and I went for it all the way. My max out time last week was 9:00. So I was thinking to get past that number. I made it past and went through a move I thought I would die at. My MAX OUT Time was 11:07 on Free Runner (R). The move before this was the Hit the Ground with Jump Tuck. I thought I'd never be able to get up for those jumps, but I did. Range of motion on my tuck jump wasn't as high as I would like it to be, but my distance off the ground was my regular height. When Free Runner Started, that is when I couldn't get off the ground after the second rep and I died out and took my break. I got back into it after about a minute of trying to catch my breath. I had pushed it really hard and reached my goal of surpassing my last max out time. So as the last 2/3 of the routine was left coupled with my time crunch, I decided to modify when needed. I ended up modifying about 4 moves, about one move every 4-5 moves. And actually, I was able to keep going a lot better than if I just took a break then got back into it. I am considering doing that style from now on just because it keeps me going instead of stopping every few moves. But I don't know if it will work on the Power and Strength routines. I'll try it, though.
In the end, after about 52 minutes (warm up and Cool down), I torched a nice 605kcals. Then it was off to see a movie with my son. Sort of our last night out before he leaves to go back to college tomorrow. Sad and quiet days ahead.
Friday, March 24, 2017
3-24-17 HY: Tennis + Unlock your Hip Flexors + TCF.
3-24-17 HY: Tennis + Unlock your Hip Flexors + TCF.
Today, I'm supposed to do Friday Fight Round 2, but instead, I played tennis with my son. We played for close to 3 hours. Needless to say, I was so tired afterward. Recently, when I play tennis, it is usually with my wife, so I can't hit as hard as I would like to, but today, I hit out. Unfortunately, being so out of practice at that level, most of the time I was hitting out or into the net. But a few shots went in. Also, it was a lot different hitting with power because I developed a blister right on the upper part of my palm. Actually, several blisters all over my racket hand and midway through the second hour the biggest blister turned into a blood blister and then a while later it popped and I bled onto my racket. Luckily I had some bandaids and I quickly put one on and then got back to playing. That stopped the pain for a while, but as expected, it came off easily. My back started hurting with about an hour left and I had to gut it out. Between points was the most painful, but during each point, the adrenalin kicked in and I was focused on other things. It ended up being a great session and we both had a great time. But one thing is clear, my son has passed me and left me in the dust. He could beat me with one hand tied behind his back. I thought it would be upsetting, but I'm actually proud and relieved that he has surpassed me. Now I have to push hard to catch him and be able to just rally with him. I haven't played competitive tennis for several months since my colleague switched to Pickle-Ball, but from April, I'm going to do two sports, Tennis and Pickle-Ball. I have a plan!
When I got home my body was aching. It was all I could do to not moan and groan with every step and every movement I made. But I took a quick shower and then my son and I were off to see a movie together. We got back home at around 4:30 pm and after resting for about half an hour, I did Unlock your Hip Flexors and a little bit of Unlock your Tight Hamstrings followed by a Flow. My legs were aching, and I winced several times during the Flow because my right knee was gimpy from all the pounding from tennis, but I got through it.
In the end, I torched 1500+kcals during the tennis. Combining the tennis time and Stretch training and Flow time, my workout lasted 210 minutes. I'm going to sleep well tonight!
Today, I'm supposed to do Friday Fight Round 2, but instead, I played tennis with my son. We played for close to 3 hours. Needless to say, I was so tired afterward. Recently, when I play tennis, it is usually with my wife, so I can't hit as hard as I would like to, but today, I hit out. Unfortunately, being so out of practice at that level, most of the time I was hitting out or into the net. But a few shots went in. Also, it was a lot different hitting with power because I developed a blister right on the upper part of my palm. Actually, several blisters all over my racket hand and midway through the second hour the biggest blister turned into a blood blister and then a while later it popped and I bled onto my racket. Luckily I had some bandaids and I quickly put one on and then got back to playing. That stopped the pain for a while, but as expected, it came off easily. My back started hurting with about an hour left and I had to gut it out. Between points was the most painful, but during each point, the adrenalin kicked in and I was focused on other things. It ended up being a great session and we both had a great time. But one thing is clear, my son has passed me and left me in the dust. He could beat me with one hand tied behind his back. I thought it would be upsetting, but I'm actually proud and relieved that he has surpassed me. Now I have to push hard to catch him and be able to just rally with him. I haven't played competitive tennis for several months since my colleague switched to Pickle-Ball, but from April, I'm going to do two sports, Tennis and Pickle-Ball. I have a plan!
When I got home my body was aching. It was all I could do to not moan and groan with every step and every movement I made. But I took a quick shower and then my son and I were off to see a movie together. We got back home at around 4:30 pm and after resting for about half an hour, I did Unlock your Hip Flexors and a little bit of Unlock your Tight Hamstrings followed by a Flow. My legs were aching, and I winced several times during the Flow because my right knee was gimpy from all the pounding from tennis, but I got through it.
In the end, I torched 1500+kcals during the tennis. Combining the tennis time and Stretch training and Flow time, my workout lasted 210 minutes. I'm going to sleep well tonight!
Thursday, March 23, 2017
3-23-17 HY: Insanity MAX 30 - MAX OUT STRENGTH + Weights: Biceps + ChaLEAN Extreme - Extreme Core Circuit + Unlock your Hip Flexors + TCF.
3-23-17 HY: Insanity MAX 30 - MAX OUT STRENGTH + Weights: Biceps + ChaLEAN Extreme - Extreme Core Circuit + Unlock your Hip Flexors + TCF.
Today was the first day of my small vacation so I had a lot of time to burn and spend with my son. So, after getting up, we watched some tennis together and then we watched the last third of the World Baseball Classic Championship game, USA! USA! USA! Finally got that monkey off our backs. After the game, my son and I went out and did a little shopping at the local sporting goods shop. My son got his driver's license on Tuesday, so he wants to drive everywhere he can before he goes back to college in Tokyo. He won't be driving there so he wants to get in as much driving as possible before he goes. When we got back home, we had lunch, then, after a little rest, I started getting ready for today's workout.
I still don't feel totally back yet with regard to my strength so I was a little nervous about today's routine. I tapped out pretty early last week. My max out time was 12:26 last week, and I know that it was during the second circuit with all the Push-Ups, so I was skeptical as to how much longer I could go. Well, I'll cut the suspense and say that my MAX OUT Time was 13:19. I maxed out one move later that last week on the Plack Jack Push Ups. Push Ups are weird because I feel strong as I start out doing them, then I hit a wall and they suddenly get really tough and BAM, I'm out. The first circuit with all the squats and lunges, I'm there for the burn all the way. The third circuit with the core moves, I'm movin' and grovin' with you all the way. But that second and fourth circuit, I'm lucky if I can get through the second move without a break. Today, I couldn't even get through the second move in the second circuit. And I needed multiple breaks to get through the fourth circuit. One problem that I was having today that I had had in the past, but it was a little more intense today, was the strain in my forearms from the plank/Push Up position. For some reason, my forearms got really painful from my wrists up into my forearms. I had to take a few breaks on some of the push-up variations to shake out my forearms. I hope to get stronger with these routines.
After the main routine, again, my triceps were feeling the burn, and they were rock hard and pumped. But my biceps barely felt any strain at all, so, to even that out, I did a round of biceps moves to burn out and pump up my biceps to match the burn and pump in my triceps. I basically did six moves to failure. I used three weights, 7.5kgs, 5kgs, and 4kgs. The first four moves: Bicep Curls, Alternating Outside Hammer Curls, Concentration Curls, and Static Arm Curls, was done with 7.5kg dumbbells. The fifth move: In to out Curl up Hammer down and the reverse was done with 5kgs, and the final move, Speed Curls, was done with 4kg dumbbells. Man, did I ever feel the BURN and PUMP! I can't think of any good bodyweight move that really focuses on the biceps. The big move, Push-Ups, hits the chest, triceps, some shoulders, but very little biceps. If there is a "no device" or "no-tool" move that hits the biceps I'd like to know what it is.
I'm not scheduled to do an ab workout today, but I decided to do one because I may not have time tomorrow to do one. I'm going to be pretty busy tomorrow and time will play a factor in what I do for my workout. So I pushed it and did my go-to routine. But I was so fried that instead of using my usual 2kg dumbbells, I only used my 1kg hand weights. And that was a good workout. Burn up my abs like nobody's business. I love that routine!!!
Going into the Unlock your Hip Flexor routine. I'm getting used to it more now, so things are getting smoother and faster so I'm able to add more reps to each move. It still takes a little over an hour to get through the whole routine and I'm am really feeling areas in my hip flexors that I never felt before. Hopefully, my range of motion is increasing. I will test it out next week to see if there is any progress in my regular splits routine. I wanted to do the "Unlock your Hamstrings" routine also, but it was cold and I was getting chilly so I put it off for another day. I am still seeing the huge discrepancy between my left and right side, so I hope I can balance that out as well. My right side is definitely tighter and feels more pain than my left. Going in and out of stretches is a really big tell for that fact. So much more pain on my right when I come out of a "Frog-like" move. I don't know if one week is enough time for me to see results from any program, but this is all I'm going to give it, so there are only a few more days. Fingers Crossed!!! All my Flows were right on point, so very happy with them as well.
In the end, after 170 minutes, I torched a nice 1159kcals. A lot of sweat and pain went in and out of this workout. Let's see some results!!!
Today was the first day of my small vacation so I had a lot of time to burn and spend with my son. So, after getting up, we watched some tennis together and then we watched the last third of the World Baseball Classic Championship game, USA! USA! USA! Finally got that monkey off our backs. After the game, my son and I went out and did a little shopping at the local sporting goods shop. My son got his driver's license on Tuesday, so he wants to drive everywhere he can before he goes back to college in Tokyo. He won't be driving there so he wants to get in as much driving as possible before he goes. When we got back home, we had lunch, then, after a little rest, I started getting ready for today's workout.
I still don't feel totally back yet with regard to my strength so I was a little nervous about today's routine. I tapped out pretty early last week. My max out time was 12:26 last week, and I know that it was during the second circuit with all the Push-Ups, so I was skeptical as to how much longer I could go. Well, I'll cut the suspense and say that my MAX OUT Time was 13:19. I maxed out one move later that last week on the Plack Jack Push Ups. Push Ups are weird because I feel strong as I start out doing them, then I hit a wall and they suddenly get really tough and BAM, I'm out. The first circuit with all the squats and lunges, I'm there for the burn all the way. The third circuit with the core moves, I'm movin' and grovin' with you all the way. But that second and fourth circuit, I'm lucky if I can get through the second move without a break. Today, I couldn't even get through the second move in the second circuit. And I needed multiple breaks to get through the fourth circuit. One problem that I was having today that I had had in the past, but it was a little more intense today, was the strain in my forearms from the plank/Push Up position. For some reason, my forearms got really painful from my wrists up into my forearms. I had to take a few breaks on some of the push-up variations to shake out my forearms. I hope to get stronger with these routines.
After the main routine, again, my triceps were feeling the burn, and they were rock hard and pumped. But my biceps barely felt any strain at all, so, to even that out, I did a round of biceps moves to burn out and pump up my biceps to match the burn and pump in my triceps. I basically did six moves to failure. I used three weights, 7.5kgs, 5kgs, and 4kgs. The first four moves: Bicep Curls, Alternating Outside Hammer Curls, Concentration Curls, and Static Arm Curls, was done with 7.5kg dumbbells. The fifth move: In to out Curl up Hammer down and the reverse was done with 5kgs, and the final move, Speed Curls, was done with 4kg dumbbells. Man, did I ever feel the BURN and PUMP! I can't think of any good bodyweight move that really focuses on the biceps. The big move, Push-Ups, hits the chest, triceps, some shoulders, but very little biceps. If there is a "no device" or "no-tool" move that hits the biceps I'd like to know what it is.
I'm not scheduled to do an ab workout today, but I decided to do one because I may not have time tomorrow to do one. I'm going to be pretty busy tomorrow and time will play a factor in what I do for my workout. So I pushed it and did my go-to routine. But I was so fried that instead of using my usual 2kg dumbbells, I only used my 1kg hand weights. And that was a good workout. Burn up my abs like nobody's business. I love that routine!!!
Going into the Unlock your Hip Flexor routine. I'm getting used to it more now, so things are getting smoother and faster so I'm able to add more reps to each move. It still takes a little over an hour to get through the whole routine and I'm am really feeling areas in my hip flexors that I never felt before. Hopefully, my range of motion is increasing. I will test it out next week to see if there is any progress in my regular splits routine. I wanted to do the "Unlock your Hamstrings" routine also, but it was cold and I was getting chilly so I put it off for another day. I am still seeing the huge discrepancy between my left and right side, so I hope I can balance that out as well. My right side is definitely tighter and feels more pain than my left. Going in and out of stretches is a really big tell for that fact. So much more pain on my right when I come out of a "Frog-like" move. I don't know if one week is enough time for me to see results from any program, but this is all I'm going to give it, so there are only a few more days. Fingers Crossed!!! All my Flows were right on point, so very happy with them as well.
In the end, after 170 minutes, I torched a nice 1159kcals. A lot of sweat and pain went in and out of this workout. Let's see some results!!!
3-22-17 HY: Pickle-ball + Unlock your Hip Flexors.
3-22-17 HY: Pickle-ball + Unlock your Hip Flexors.
Pickle-Ball Day! Again, since we are on vacation, we were able to play for as long as we wanted, or at least as long as our bodies could hang on. So today, we were playing games for close to two hours. If I include the pre- and post- stretching, warm up and cool down, about two and a half hours of FUN Exercise! We made a huge step in our level today, but not by choice. I have about 12 game balls. We use only 4 at a time. Since we began, we have broken three balls. The balls we were using were indoor balls, but now, we had to delve into the outside balls to keep four on the court. The one outside ball that we used had a huge difference with regard to bounciness. It was much more dead than the other three. We were missing and misjudging it during the warm up. We had it in our hand while we played the games, but we were nervous at how we would play with it. So, like fraidy-cats, we didn't use it in the first three games. Finally, in the last game, we decided to try it. I won the first three games, 15-13, 15-6, 15-11. In game one, I had a 13-1 lead. I almost let that go, but finally closed it out. I just rolled in the second game, and it got pretty competitive in the third. Although I describing the games quickly, each game took close to half an hour. Lots of exchanges of serve, long points, and rallies, etc. But the fourth game was when our style of play was forced to change. Using the outside ball, we had to move forward a lot and play a lot more of a net game. Until now, we were sticking with our tennis style playing more of a baseline game only coming in occasionally. But being forced to come to the net really picked up the intensity of the game and each point. The ball, being an outside ball is made from a slightly different material that grips surfaces a lot more hence being able to spin the ball is a new aspect of the game that we had to get used to. My friend adapted faster than I did and he took the last game 11-15. From next time, I'm going to bring all outside balls and we'll see how much that will change our game. Looking forward to next week!
I did the UyHF routine before going to bed and again, I felt the huge discrepancy between my left and right. Hopefully, this program will even them out and hopefully will actually unlock my hip flexors so I can do the splits. I also did a lot of hamstring stretches so I was feeling really loose before going to bed. I totally forgot to do my Flow. So double Flows tomorrow!
In the end, after just about two and a half hours of Pickle-Ball in which I torched well over 1000kcals, and over an hour of Hip Flexor stretching and opening, I finished my workouts. Looking for results!
Pickle-Ball Day! Again, since we are on vacation, we were able to play for as long as we wanted, or at least as long as our bodies could hang on. So today, we were playing games for close to two hours. If I include the pre- and post- stretching, warm up and cool down, about two and a half hours of FUN Exercise! We made a huge step in our level today, but not by choice. I have about 12 game balls. We use only 4 at a time. Since we began, we have broken three balls. The balls we were using were indoor balls, but now, we had to delve into the outside balls to keep four on the court. The one outside ball that we used had a huge difference with regard to bounciness. It was much more dead than the other three. We were missing and misjudging it during the warm up. We had it in our hand while we played the games, but we were nervous at how we would play with it. So, like fraidy-cats, we didn't use it in the first three games. Finally, in the last game, we decided to try it. I won the first three games, 15-13, 15-6, 15-11. In game one, I had a 13-1 lead. I almost let that go, but finally closed it out. I just rolled in the second game, and it got pretty competitive in the third. Although I describing the games quickly, each game took close to half an hour. Lots of exchanges of serve, long points, and rallies, etc. But the fourth game was when our style of play was forced to change. Using the outside ball, we had to move forward a lot and play a lot more of a net game. Until now, we were sticking with our tennis style playing more of a baseline game only coming in occasionally. But being forced to come to the net really picked up the intensity of the game and each point. The ball, being an outside ball is made from a slightly different material that grips surfaces a lot more hence being able to spin the ball is a new aspect of the game that we had to get used to. My friend adapted faster than I did and he took the last game 11-15. From next time, I'm going to bring all outside balls and we'll see how much that will change our game. Looking forward to next week!
I did the UyHF routine before going to bed and again, I felt the huge discrepancy between my left and right. Hopefully, this program will even them out and hopefully will actually unlock my hip flexors so I can do the splits. I also did a lot of hamstring stretches so I was feeling really loose before going to bed. I totally forgot to do my Flow. So double Flows tomorrow!
In the end, after just about two and a half hours of Pickle-Ball in which I torched well over 1000kcals, and over an hour of Hip Flexor stretching and opening, I finished my workouts. Looking for results!
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
3-21-17 HY: Insanity MAX 30 - MAX OUT SWEAT + Ab Attack: 10 + Unlock your Hip Flexors + TCF.
3-21-17 HY: Insanity MAX 30 - MAX OUT SWEAT + Ab Attack: 10 + Unlock your Hip Flexors + TCF.
After a morning and early afternoon of meetings, it was nice to get home a little early and jump right into my workout. Last week, my max out time was 19:36. There was nothing to mess me up today. But I was still feeling a little bloated, but my stomach was relatively empty and I was ready for a battle. Everything started out fine, I felt much lighter on my feet than I did yesterday. The Warm Up didn't get me sweating, but I was feeling my pores starting to open. The next two circuits went by pretty quickly, but once I got started on the fourth circuit, the circuit that got me last week, I started to feel it hitting me. I powered through the first two rounds starting with the Wide Fly, In and Out Abs and I surpassed my last max out time, but then I hit the wall as I was beginning the third round and those Wide Fly, In and Out Abs got me. My MAX OUT Time was 21:10. I surpassed last week's time by only one round, about a minute and a half. From that point on, I needed several in between breaks and a few mid-set breaks. Good news is that I only added 8-minutes to the routine. That is two minutes down from yesterday and the day before. But I have a lot of work to do before I am satisfied with my endurance.
I moved right into Abs and this time, I was able to extend my time by only 13-seconds. On Sunday, my max out time was 5:13. Today, my MAX OUT Time was 5:26. Still on those Scissor Kick Punches. Those get me every time. But if I increase my time by 13-seconds every time, I should be able to get through the whole minute in two weeks. Yeah, I'm giving myself a big margin for error. But I wasn't able to do the whole minute of the Sprinter like last time. But I didn't need four breaks in the Drum "V", only two breaks. Abs are very weak.
I was thinking of alternating the Unlock your Hip Flexors program with my regular Splits routine, but I figured I'd give the program a chance and do it straight for a couple of weeks. I was carefully watching the instructional video and I was able to improve on some of the more difficult moves. And doing the whole program with the correct flow was huge. Right now, I need to increase the range of motion potential of my hip flexors so the splits will be easier, and today, I really felt how poor my range of motion is on my hip flexors. I'm going to keep myself in suspense and not do my regular routine for at least a couple of weeks to see if I feel a difference, then in April, I check to see if in fact there was an improvement. But today was great. Much better today, the second time around than yesterday when I was just following the written manual. The Flows felt really good today. Not as much knee pain, but just a touch.
In the end, after 170 minutes, I torched a good 1222kcals. The week is half done!
After a morning and early afternoon of meetings, it was nice to get home a little early and jump right into my workout. Last week, my max out time was 19:36. There was nothing to mess me up today. But I was still feeling a little bloated, but my stomach was relatively empty and I was ready for a battle. Everything started out fine, I felt much lighter on my feet than I did yesterday. The Warm Up didn't get me sweating, but I was feeling my pores starting to open. The next two circuits went by pretty quickly, but once I got started on the fourth circuit, the circuit that got me last week, I started to feel it hitting me. I powered through the first two rounds starting with the Wide Fly, In and Out Abs and I surpassed my last max out time, but then I hit the wall as I was beginning the third round and those Wide Fly, In and Out Abs got me. My MAX OUT Time was 21:10. I surpassed last week's time by only one round, about a minute and a half. From that point on, I needed several in between breaks and a few mid-set breaks. Good news is that I only added 8-minutes to the routine. That is two minutes down from yesterday and the day before. But I have a lot of work to do before I am satisfied with my endurance.
I moved right into Abs and this time, I was able to extend my time by only 13-seconds. On Sunday, my max out time was 5:13. Today, my MAX OUT Time was 5:26. Still on those Scissor Kick Punches. Those get me every time. But if I increase my time by 13-seconds every time, I should be able to get through the whole minute in two weeks. Yeah, I'm giving myself a big margin for error. But I wasn't able to do the whole minute of the Sprinter like last time. But I didn't need four breaks in the Drum "V", only two breaks. Abs are very weak.
I was thinking of alternating the Unlock your Hip Flexors program with my regular Splits routine, but I figured I'd give the program a chance and do it straight for a couple of weeks. I was carefully watching the instructional video and I was able to improve on some of the more difficult moves. And doing the whole program with the correct flow was huge. Right now, I need to increase the range of motion potential of my hip flexors so the splits will be easier, and today, I really felt how poor my range of motion is on my hip flexors. I'm going to keep myself in suspense and not do my regular routine for at least a couple of weeks to see if I feel a difference, then in April, I check to see if in fact there was an improvement. But today was great. Much better today, the second time around than yesterday when I was just following the written manual. The Flows felt really good today. Not as much knee pain, but just a touch.
In the end, after 170 minutes, I torched a good 1222kcals. The week is half done!
3-20-17 HY: Insanity MAX 30 - MAX OUT POWER + Splits + TCF.
3-20-17 HY: Insanity MAX 30 - MAX OUT POWER + Splits (Unlock your Hip Flexors program) + TCF.
Today was a good and terrible day for different reasons. Allow me to explain. I don't play a lot of games on my phone, but there is one game that I am addicted to. Yesterday night, just before going to bed I made the mistake of playing and passing a level. But the problem is as a result of passing that particular level, I won 4 hours of unlimited play. I was so bummed. So, like a fool, I played until my eyes wouldn't stay open anymore, and I still had a lot of time left, but I had to sleep... VERY LATE. So I didn't get a lot of sleep last night. I was really worried because I usually have a headache if I don't get enough sleep, but this morning, I felt fine, but I was in sort of a haze. Then, after breakfast, my kids started talking about Kip Ups. I used to be able to do them easily in my younger days, so I had the brilliant idea of trying to do one. I tried several times but just couldn't get all the way up. I almost did, but no. Sitting down after that, my lower back started to feel a little gimpy. UH-OH!!! WHY DID I TRY THAT??? I had enough time to do my workout in the morning, but I wasn't feeling very energetic, and my back was feeling like it was about to become unhinged, so I decided to hold off until the evening.
Today is the Spring Equinox and it is a national holiday here. It just so happens that today is the last day all of us would be able to go out to eat together. From Thursday, everyone, except me, starts leaving. On Thursday, my daughter the MVP is leaving with her school's team for the National Field Hockey tournament. Then my wife is leaving the next day with a group of mothers to support and cheer for the team. And my son leaves on Sunday to return to Tokyo for his second year of college. I'm the only one not going anywhere. How Poignant. Anyway, we went out to an Italian buffet for lunch, and we had a great time. However, I ate a little over my capacity and was feeling extremely overstuffed, but not to the point that I felt like throwing up. But I controlled my choices. I limited the carbs, no ice cream, nothing deep fried. But I did have some doughnut holes and a small (under 200ml) Slurpee. I was dreading the idea of doing a MAX OUT routine feeling like I was: severely lacking sleep, gimpy back, and stuffed to overflowing. So, I held off working out as long as I could. But I finally got changed and got into it around 6:30 pm. Luckily, the MAX OUT POWER routine doesn't move like a Cardio routine so I was okay at the beginning. Oh, my max out time last week was 11:38. I didn't know how much of a chance I had of surpassing that today of all days. But, not expectations, just went in intent on doing my best. The Warm Up Circuit and the Leg Circuit were fine. But the last two Pulse and hold squats were brutal, totally frying my legs. Just barely made it out of those circuits alive. I tapped out on the first move of the third circuit last week. So I was going to push as hard as possible to through that first move and further if I could. Although my pace slowed in the last 15-seconds, I didn't stop and made it to the end of the Plyo Push Up Jacks. Upper body SCREAMING!!! The second move, Arm Jack Push Ups got me. My MAX OUT Time was 12:36. I almost made it to the end of the second move, but nope, not today. I was feeling heavy and sluggish. Arms and shoulders and some chest were on FIRE!!! After that, everything was a blur. But I remember just before the end, the feeling of needing to throw up started to creep up. I only had a few minutes left, so I wasn't going to let that mess me up. But afterward, I had to sit in the Butterfly position and breathe until that feeling went away. Luckily no abs today or I would have totally hurled. Throughout the routine, after I MAXED OUT, I needed a lot of little mid-set breaks here and there, almost after every Push-Up variation, so I ended up adding 10 minutes to the expanded running time of the routine. But I got through it. Next time, I will fight my feelings and get the workout done in the morning, lesson learned.
I finally did it, I broke down and bought one of those "online" coaching programs where you watch a video pitch of a fitness program by some fitness expert. Well, the program I got was only $10.00 and it hit me where I'm vulnerable hip flexors. The routine/program is called, "Unlock your Hip Flexors". Exactly what I needed. So, I did a little reading and study, and today, I started the "Unlock your Hip Flexors" routine instead of my regular splits routine. But this is to help with my splits, so that is the reason. I feel I needed to change things up so this was perfect for my present needs. So I'm trying it out and if I'm not totally satisfied, I'll request a refund. I read the material and the research, and I went with the routine today. It ended up being a bit longer than my regular routine, but it didn't seem longer. There are a few static moves, but it is more dynamic. So this will be a big change. I'm making a shift to more dynamic stretching as opposed to static. I was doing one minute holds on each move, but I'm going to reduce that time and be more dynamic, but do it for the same amount of time. And I will alternate my regular Splits routine with the Unlock your Hip Flexor routine but with the dynamic twist. So a lot more of the controlled 2-second hold and bounce from now on. I may go back to the static holds to see if there is any progress, but maybe only on the weekends. So that is my new plan of attack. Hope it works out. Flows were all good, but there was some difficulty with my right knee. Almost lost it on a few moves where I have to put a little more pressure on that knee but at a weird angle. But I made it through with little more than a wince.
In the end, after 152 minutes. I torched 1049kcals. Not bad for feeling junky. But now I'll have more motivation to push on from now on.
Today was a good and terrible day for different reasons. Allow me to explain. I don't play a lot of games on my phone, but there is one game that I am addicted to. Yesterday night, just before going to bed I made the mistake of playing and passing a level. But the problem is as a result of passing that particular level, I won 4 hours of unlimited play. I was so bummed. So, like a fool, I played until my eyes wouldn't stay open anymore, and I still had a lot of time left, but I had to sleep... VERY LATE. So I didn't get a lot of sleep last night. I was really worried because I usually have a headache if I don't get enough sleep, but this morning, I felt fine, but I was in sort of a haze. Then, after breakfast, my kids started talking about Kip Ups. I used to be able to do them easily in my younger days, so I had the brilliant idea of trying to do one. I tried several times but just couldn't get all the way up. I almost did, but no. Sitting down after that, my lower back started to feel a little gimpy. UH-OH!!! WHY DID I TRY THAT??? I had enough time to do my workout in the morning, but I wasn't feeling very energetic, and my back was feeling like it was about to become unhinged, so I decided to hold off until the evening.
Today is the Spring Equinox and it is a national holiday here. It just so happens that today is the last day all of us would be able to go out to eat together. From Thursday, everyone, except me, starts leaving. On Thursday, my daughter the MVP is leaving with her school's team for the National Field Hockey tournament. Then my wife is leaving the next day with a group of mothers to support and cheer for the team. And my son leaves on Sunday to return to Tokyo for his second year of college. I'm the only one not going anywhere. How Poignant. Anyway, we went out to an Italian buffet for lunch, and we had a great time. However, I ate a little over my capacity and was feeling extremely overstuffed, but not to the point that I felt like throwing up. But I controlled my choices. I limited the carbs, no ice cream, nothing deep fried. But I did have some doughnut holes and a small (under 200ml) Slurpee. I was dreading the idea of doing a MAX OUT routine feeling like I was: severely lacking sleep, gimpy back, and stuffed to overflowing. So, I held off working out as long as I could. But I finally got changed and got into it around 6:30 pm. Luckily, the MAX OUT POWER routine doesn't move like a Cardio routine so I was okay at the beginning. Oh, my max out time last week was 11:38. I didn't know how much of a chance I had of surpassing that today of all days. But, not expectations, just went in intent on doing my best. The Warm Up Circuit and the Leg Circuit were fine. But the last two Pulse and hold squats were brutal, totally frying my legs. Just barely made it out of those circuits alive. I tapped out on the first move of the third circuit last week. So I was going to push as hard as possible to through that first move and further if I could. Although my pace slowed in the last 15-seconds, I didn't stop and made it to the end of the Plyo Push Up Jacks. Upper body SCREAMING!!! The second move, Arm Jack Push Ups got me. My MAX OUT Time was 12:36. I almost made it to the end of the second move, but nope, not today. I was feeling heavy and sluggish. Arms and shoulders and some chest were on FIRE!!! After that, everything was a blur. But I remember just before the end, the feeling of needing to throw up started to creep up. I only had a few minutes left, so I wasn't going to let that mess me up. But afterward, I had to sit in the Butterfly position and breathe until that feeling went away. Luckily no abs today or I would have totally hurled. Throughout the routine, after I MAXED OUT, I needed a lot of little mid-set breaks here and there, almost after every Push-Up variation, so I ended up adding 10 minutes to the expanded running time of the routine. But I got through it. Next time, I will fight my feelings and get the workout done in the morning, lesson learned.
I finally did it, I broke down and bought one of those "online" coaching programs where you watch a video pitch of a fitness program by some fitness expert. Well, the program I got was only $10.00 and it hit me where I'm vulnerable hip flexors. The routine/program is called, "Unlock your Hip Flexors". Exactly what I needed. So, I did a little reading and study, and today, I started the "Unlock your Hip Flexors" routine instead of my regular splits routine. But this is to help with my splits, so that is the reason. I feel I needed to change things up so this was perfect for my present needs. So I'm trying it out and if I'm not totally satisfied, I'll request a refund. I read the material and the research, and I went with the routine today. It ended up being a bit longer than my regular routine, but it didn't seem longer. There are a few static moves, but it is more dynamic. So this will be a big change. I'm making a shift to more dynamic stretching as opposed to static. I was doing one minute holds on each move, but I'm going to reduce that time and be more dynamic, but do it for the same amount of time. And I will alternate my regular Splits routine with the Unlock your Hip Flexor routine but with the dynamic twist. So a lot more of the controlled 2-second hold and bounce from now on. I may go back to the static holds to see if there is any progress, but maybe only on the weekends. So that is my new plan of attack. Hope it works out. Flows were all good, but there was some difficulty with my right knee. Almost lost it on a few moves where I have to put a little more pressure on that knee but at a weird angle. But I made it through with little more than a wince.
In the end, after 152 minutes. I torched 1049kcals. Not bad for feeling junky. But now I'll have more motivation to push on from now on.
Sunday, March 19, 2017
3-19-17 HY: Insanity MAX 30 - MAX OUT CARDIO + Ab Attack: 10 + Splits + TCF.
3-19-17 HY: Insanity MAX 30 - MAX OUT CARDIO + Ab Attack: 10 + Splits + TCF.
I woke up feeling really good this morning. Another "Nothing special to do" day. But when I got up, my wife told me she wanted to go out in the afternoon and asked if I could finish my workout in the morning or early afternoon. So, I watched a little TV, did some housework, and then got to my workout around 1 pm. Actually, I've always wanted to finish my workout early, but procrastination got in the way and I've usually started at the regular early evening time. But not today!
Started Week TWO of Month TWO today. MAX OUT CARDIO is a good routine to start the week off with because it sets the tone for the week. It is intense and grueling, but doable. Last week, my max out time was 19:10, so I wanted to just trust the work I did last week to bring me past that. I certainly did. My MAX OUT Time was 30:00!!! It took me four weeks to finally complete month one's Cardio Challenge. But I was shocked that I completed it in just two weeks. When I went back to the calendar to check last week's max out time, I was a little bummed because it was longer than the other routines in month two. But once I got started and caught my second wind, I was off to the races. There were two points that almost forced me to tap out. The first one was during round two and three of the move Moving Slap Back Jacks. The first round was good, but second round, I could feel the burn, and then the third round, my quads were burning so badly I almost tapped out. But I went a little deeper into the squat then bounced back up, and that helped me to finish out the 30-seconds. The next point that almost took me out was on the fourth circuit. The first and second round of Floor Hops. For some reason, I just felt so heavy and going side to side felt so tiring. Then, from somewhere, I got a boost of energy or something and then I just killed it in the third round. My pace doubled for the third round. I had intended to pick it up in the final round, but not that much, and not for the whole time. The final circuit was great. I think the idea of finishing became a real possibility at the end of the fourth circuit and my body responded. The biggest overall problem I had was with the Plank moves and especially the one arm plank moves. I don't remember which circuits had those moves, but moves like Low Plank Side Punch, and Shoulder Tap Plank Jacks. When my left arm was on the ground, my shoulder hurt more than normal. So, on my left side, instead of holding my body square to the ground, I had to angle my body so my right shoulder was a little higher than my left. That angle relieved some of the pain. But I'm thinking I'm going to need to get some treatment or something for it. It has been lingering for a few months now. I had hoped that not doing anything while I had the flu would have given it the time it needed to heal, but no, still hurts. But anyway, I got through with just that little modification.
I moved right into Abs and unfortunately, there has been no progress made. Again, My MAX OUT Time was 5:13. Yep, same move, those Switch Kick Punches. This time, I couldn't even get to the 0:30 mark. And I ended up doing the whole minute in four rep stages 10-20-30-12reps. Abs were SCREAMING!!! There was one positive thing, and that was that I was able to do the whole Ab Attack move with no break. I died at the end and I had to do the final move, Ab Punches in three steps, but I finished with good form on all the reps.
Splits were fine. Nothing record breaking, or even record matching, but after an off day with only about thirty minutes of stretching done, I'm satisfied for today. I have to push more, I know. I just can't get my hip flexors to open up and stay open so I can open them more the next time. If anyone has any advice about achieving the splits, please let me know. My Flows were all on point.
In the end, In 154 minutes, I torched 1149kcals. I am satisfied with today's workout and I reached and surpassed some goals and came up short on others. But that is the way life is, I guess.
I woke up feeling really good this morning. Another "Nothing special to do" day. But when I got up, my wife told me she wanted to go out in the afternoon and asked if I could finish my workout in the morning or early afternoon. So, I watched a little TV, did some housework, and then got to my workout around 1 pm. Actually, I've always wanted to finish my workout early, but procrastination got in the way and I've usually started at the regular early evening time. But not today!
Started Week TWO of Month TWO today. MAX OUT CARDIO is a good routine to start the week off with because it sets the tone for the week. It is intense and grueling, but doable. Last week, my max out time was 19:10, so I wanted to just trust the work I did last week to bring me past that. I certainly did. My MAX OUT Time was 30:00!!! It took me four weeks to finally complete month one's Cardio Challenge. But I was shocked that I completed it in just two weeks. When I went back to the calendar to check last week's max out time, I was a little bummed because it was longer than the other routines in month two. But once I got started and caught my second wind, I was off to the races. There were two points that almost forced me to tap out. The first one was during round two and three of the move Moving Slap Back Jacks. The first round was good, but second round, I could feel the burn, and then the third round, my quads were burning so badly I almost tapped out. But I went a little deeper into the squat then bounced back up, and that helped me to finish out the 30-seconds. The next point that almost took me out was on the fourth circuit. The first and second round of Floor Hops. For some reason, I just felt so heavy and going side to side felt so tiring. Then, from somewhere, I got a boost of energy or something and then I just killed it in the third round. My pace doubled for the third round. I had intended to pick it up in the final round, but not that much, and not for the whole time. The final circuit was great. I think the idea of finishing became a real possibility at the end of the fourth circuit and my body responded. The biggest overall problem I had was with the Plank moves and especially the one arm plank moves. I don't remember which circuits had those moves, but moves like Low Plank Side Punch, and Shoulder Tap Plank Jacks. When my left arm was on the ground, my shoulder hurt more than normal. So, on my left side, instead of holding my body square to the ground, I had to angle my body so my right shoulder was a little higher than my left. That angle relieved some of the pain. But I'm thinking I'm going to need to get some treatment or something for it. It has been lingering for a few months now. I had hoped that not doing anything while I had the flu would have given it the time it needed to heal, but no, still hurts. But anyway, I got through with just that little modification.
I moved right into Abs and unfortunately, there has been no progress made. Again, My MAX OUT Time was 5:13. Yep, same move, those Switch Kick Punches. This time, I couldn't even get to the 0:30 mark. And I ended up doing the whole minute in four rep stages 10-20-30-12reps. Abs were SCREAMING!!! There was one positive thing, and that was that I was able to do the whole Ab Attack move with no break. I died at the end and I had to do the final move, Ab Punches in three steps, but I finished with good form on all the reps.
Splits were fine. Nothing record breaking, or even record matching, but after an off day with only about thirty minutes of stretching done, I'm satisfied for today. I have to push more, I know. I just can't get my hip flexors to open up and stay open so I can open them more the next time. If anyone has any advice about achieving the splits, please let me know. My Flows were all on point.
In the end, In 154 minutes, I torched 1149kcals. I am satisfied with today's workout and I reached and surpassed some goals and came up short on others. But that is the way life is, I guess.
3-18-17 Stretch.
3-18-17 Stretch.
I woke up this morning and was feeling okay. But as the day progressed, my legs started to feel sorer and sorer. By the evening, my legs, especially my quads were so tight going up and down stairs was such a chore. So, I took about 30-minutes to stretch out my hamstrings a little, but mainly my quads. Really pulled on my ankle and pressed my heel into my glute and pushed my hips forward to really stretch. Both legs and it was pretty painful at first, but about 15-20 minutes in, it was feeling pretty good. When I went to bed, I didn't feel any soreness. But the huge surprise was the next morning when I woke up with no pain in my legs. I was happy!
I woke up this morning and was feeling okay. But as the day progressed, my legs started to feel sorer and sorer. By the evening, my legs, especially my quads were so tight going up and down stairs was such a chore. So, I took about 30-minutes to stretch out my hamstrings a little, but mainly my quads. Really pulled on my ankle and pressed my heel into my glute and pushed my hips forward to really stretch. Both legs and it was pretty painful at first, but about 15-20 minutes in, it was feeling pretty good. When I went to bed, I didn't feel any soreness. But the huge surprise was the next morning when I woke up with no pain in my legs. I was happy!
Friday, March 17, 2017
3-17-17 HY: Insanity MAX 30 - Friday Fight Round TWO + Power 90 - Ab Ripper 250 + Splits + TCF.
3-17-17 HY: Insanity MAX 30 - Friday Fight Round TWO + Power 90 - Ab Ripper 250 + Splits + TCF.
Early finish today at work so I was able to get home early and get started on my workout. For the next couple weeks, I can be on my preferred schedule taking Saturday as my off day.
I felt a lot better than I thought I would when I woke up this morning. But as the day progressed, I could feel the soreness and the wear and tear on my legs, especially my quads. And also my biceps. Pain from soreness was setting in and I could feel it every time I ascended and descended stairs. Every time I lifted a relatively heavy item, the soreness in my arms made itself known. So I was wary of today. I had heard rumors about Round 2 but I figured that Month 1 had prepared me pretty well, so I thought I could at least get to the first break. As I was getting ready and the soreness was peeking out, I considered doing Cold Start to get a little extra stretch done to prepare myself a little more. But eventually, I decided to just go for it and see how it plays out. I think that in the back of my mind, I wanted to conserve as much energy for the main routine as possible. As I started the routine, the warm up was good and I got through it well enough, but as the main workout started, I was thinking that another name for this routine could be "Extreme Plyometrics" because there was so much jumping. In the first 15-minute mega-circuit, almost every move had some sort of jump or hop and my quads were feeling it. I almost went out at the second move which I believe was Floor Hops, but somehow I made it through and the next move was a little better. But I only lasted a little while longer. My MAX OUT Time was 9:00 right after Plank Jacks & Front Raise. Moving into the Hook Lunge, my feet wouldn't move. I took my break, got a swig of water and got back into it. I made it to the first scheduled break with only a couple short breather breaks. I was still feeling good. But the next circuit was almost like yesterday's strength workout. Again with several variations of Push-Ups. I needed a break for every move and often times mid-set breaks were necessary. But I broke that 26-second barrier that happened yesterday. BRUTAL!!! The next circuit was core, and I honestly don't remember what moves came out, but I do remember feeling exhausted. And then the final circuit was sort of a little bit of everything. Round TWO is way more difficult and intense than Round ONE. I'm interested to see how far Shaun T gets me in this routine over the next three weeks. At the end of the routine, I needed a few extra minutes to recover before I was able to do the Cooldown. My legs were SCREAMING!!! And they still are. Pain with each step up and down. So I am very glad that tomorrow is my new off day. My legs need a break. But that last stretch of routines in Month TWO is going to be brutal. MAX OUT STRENGTH followed by FRIDAY FIGHT ROUND TWO is a killer combo as my quads can attest.
Since I haven't done an ab routine since Tuesday, I couldn't end today without an ab routine. But I was DAWG TIRED, so I went with a short but intense routine, Ab Ripper 200 from the original Power 90. But I didn't just do 20 reps per move, I added 5 and did 25 reps each move and didn't take any breaks. I maxed out after the 4th move, or actually in the middle of the 5th move. Not too tough a move, but my abs were BURNING. I took a few deep forced breaths then got back to it. Needed a few short breathers after that as well, but I got through it.
My Legs and Hip Flexors were fried and actually felt a little swollen so I decided to modify the splits and stretch each muscle for a few minutes individually. Quads, Hamstrings, Adductors. Then I added a few stretches and focused on my tighter side, my right, and tried to loosen that side up. It took a little longer than usual, but the burn was had. Flows were all good.
Good news, I got my HRM back today, just in time to record today's workout. So, In the end, I torched 926kcals in 152 minutes. Unfortunately, I added about 16 minutes to the main routine because of all the breaks, but I hope to get that lowered in the coming weeks. In Month ONE, I completed all the regular routines in 30-minutes except for Friday Fight Round 1. I got to 23:38 on that one. Let's see what happens in Round TWO. Ahhh, Off Day, Oh how I've missed thee! Happy Weekend, everyone!
Early finish today at work so I was able to get home early and get started on my workout. For the next couple weeks, I can be on my preferred schedule taking Saturday as my off day.
I felt a lot better than I thought I would when I woke up this morning. But as the day progressed, I could feel the soreness and the wear and tear on my legs, especially my quads. And also my biceps. Pain from soreness was setting in and I could feel it every time I ascended and descended stairs. Every time I lifted a relatively heavy item, the soreness in my arms made itself known. So I was wary of today. I had heard rumors about Round 2 but I figured that Month 1 had prepared me pretty well, so I thought I could at least get to the first break. As I was getting ready and the soreness was peeking out, I considered doing Cold Start to get a little extra stretch done to prepare myself a little more. But eventually, I decided to just go for it and see how it plays out. I think that in the back of my mind, I wanted to conserve as much energy for the main routine as possible. As I started the routine, the warm up was good and I got through it well enough, but as the main workout started, I was thinking that another name for this routine could be "Extreme Plyometrics" because there was so much jumping. In the first 15-minute mega-circuit, almost every move had some sort of jump or hop and my quads were feeling it. I almost went out at the second move which I believe was Floor Hops, but somehow I made it through and the next move was a little better. But I only lasted a little while longer. My MAX OUT Time was 9:00 right after Plank Jacks & Front Raise. Moving into the Hook Lunge, my feet wouldn't move. I took my break, got a swig of water and got back into it. I made it to the first scheduled break with only a couple short breather breaks. I was still feeling good. But the next circuit was almost like yesterday's strength workout. Again with several variations of Push-Ups. I needed a break for every move and often times mid-set breaks were necessary. But I broke that 26-second barrier that happened yesterday. BRUTAL!!! The next circuit was core, and I honestly don't remember what moves came out, but I do remember feeling exhausted. And then the final circuit was sort of a little bit of everything. Round TWO is way more difficult and intense than Round ONE. I'm interested to see how far Shaun T gets me in this routine over the next three weeks. At the end of the routine, I needed a few extra minutes to recover before I was able to do the Cooldown. My legs were SCREAMING!!! And they still are. Pain with each step up and down. So I am very glad that tomorrow is my new off day. My legs need a break. But that last stretch of routines in Month TWO is going to be brutal. MAX OUT STRENGTH followed by FRIDAY FIGHT ROUND TWO is a killer combo as my quads can attest.
Since I haven't done an ab routine since Tuesday, I couldn't end today without an ab routine. But I was DAWG TIRED, so I went with a short but intense routine, Ab Ripper 200 from the original Power 90. But I didn't just do 20 reps per move, I added 5 and did 25 reps each move and didn't take any breaks. I maxed out after the 4th move, or actually in the middle of the 5th move. Not too tough a move, but my abs were BURNING. I took a few deep forced breaths then got back to it. Needed a few short breathers after that as well, but I got through it.
My Legs and Hip Flexors were fried and actually felt a little swollen so I decided to modify the splits and stretch each muscle for a few minutes individually. Quads, Hamstrings, Adductors. Then I added a few stretches and focused on my tighter side, my right, and tried to loosen that side up. It took a little longer than usual, but the burn was had. Flows were all good.
Good news, I got my HRM back today, just in time to record today's workout. So, In the end, I torched 926kcals in 152 minutes. Unfortunately, I added about 16 minutes to the main routine because of all the breaks, but I hope to get that lowered in the coming weeks. In Month ONE, I completed all the regular routines in 30-minutes except for Friday Fight Round 1. I got to 23:38 on that one. Let's see what happens in Round TWO. Ahhh, Off Day, Oh how I've missed thee! Happy Weekend, everyone!
Thursday, March 16, 2017
3-16-17 HY: Insanity MAX 30 - MAX OUT STRENGTH + Weight Lifting + Splits + TCF.
3-16-17 HY: Insanity MAX 30 - MAX OUT STRENGTH + Weight Lifting + Splits + TCF.
Today was another day off from work so I slept in and got a good sleep. It was also a huge day at the Indian Wells ATP Masters 1000 Tennis Tournament because Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Wawarinka, and Thiem were playing. So I enjoyed watching several of those matches on TV pretty much all morning. Then I watched FRIENDS with my wife in the afternoon. I was feeling pretty Blah, so I got started getting ready for my workout, then I had to go and pick up my son from Driver Ed class. He took his driving test today which he passed and I had to pick him up. When we got home, we got to talking about his test and by the time I got back to thinking about my workout, it had passed into the night. So, I had wanted to get my workout done early, but ended up starting at pretty much the same time as usual. Oh well.
Another new routine today so I was looking forward to the challenge. There was a long, about 11 minute circuit, which included the warm up, at the beginning. That circuit focused on the legs. Lots of Squats and Lunges. Nothing that killed me too badly, but I did feel the burn in my thighs. That burn would come back to haunt me and almost cause me to cramp later on in the routine. But I was okay as far as holding on to not needing a break. Then the next circuit came and it focused on upper body with mainly different variations of Push-Ups. I did a little better than MAX OUT POWER, a VERY little. In POWER, I maxed out at 11:38, That was in the middle of the first move of the Push-Ups circuit. Today, my MAX OUT Time was 12:26. I maxed out in the middle of the second Push-Up move, Push-Up Jacks. I'm usually pretty good at push-ups, but ever since I had the flu a few weeks ago, I just haven't felt like I have my strength back. Then, the following Push-Up variations, I could barely do them for 26-seconds and then I'd be dying and have to stretch out some before getting back into it. And for pretty much all of the regular push-up moves, 26-seconds was the barrier. I did only a little better on the moves where I was on my knees. Even those regular Knee Push-Ups were so hard. One program that really helped my Push-Up strength and form improve was PiYo. I may have to go back to that program or at least add it to my hybrid when I'm done with MAX 30 to get my Push-Ups back. The next circuit was for the Core. I was thinking to do an Ab routine later, but this was enough. A few similar moves in Ab Attack: 10, and a few new moves. I'm just glad Scissor Kick Punch wasn't in this one. I got a good burn, and I'm grateful that it was only 45-seconds with a 15-second break instead of 60-seconds straight like in Ab Attack. Then the next and final circuit was back to Push-Ups. Back to that 26-second barrier. I wasn't even thinking about it, I would just go until I couldn't do another push-up and when I'd look at the DVD clock, it said 26-seconds. Weird. But in today's routine, in those push-up variations, there were a lot of Triceps Push-Ups and my Triceps were PUMPED!!! But the odd thing is that on the DVD at the end when the crew would be telling their max out times, a few of the guys were saying that their "Guns" were on fire. But as for me, my "Guns" hardly felt like they had been worked out at all. And by "Guns" I take that to mean "Arms" or specifically the big bulging "Biceps". I didn't understand.
But I felt as if my arms were unbalanced as far as strength training was concerned, so I went back to the last Push-Up circuit which is the final circuit of the routine and started it again. But this time, I would be doing biceps curls, and other biceps moves to pump up my biceps as well. I started off with 10kgs for the first 4 moves, just regular Biceps Curls, Hammer Curls, Concentration Curls Left and Right. Then I dropped to 5kgs for alternating Speed Curls, and then finally 360 curls for 30-seconds and Reverse 360 Hammer Curls for 30-seconds. Finished off with an awesome burn all over my arms.
My hip flexor joints were feeling pretty tender today, so I decided to modify my Splits routine and do different Yoga stretches to hit the different angles of my Hamstrings and Quads. I'd go into the stretch and hold and bounce the stretch until I felt comfortable with it. I pretty much maintained my regular time though for Splits and Flow. Flowing out felt really good. Less pressure on my knee and all is well.
Good news, I got the call that my HRM is ready for pick up, so I'm going to try to get it tomorrow and I'll start recording that calorie burn from next week, possibly Friday if my wife can have it home when I get home. I asked her to pick it up since I have work tomorrow and she was planning to do some errands in the area anyway. You may be wondering what happened to my pedometer. Well, I can't find it. After I played tennis last, I got it out and then misplaced it. Now I can't find it. So I haven't been tracking with it since the last tennis session.
Today was a good strength workout and I'm afraid my arms are going to feel it tomorrow.
Today was another day off from work so I slept in and got a good sleep. It was also a huge day at the Indian Wells ATP Masters 1000 Tennis Tournament because Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Wawarinka, and Thiem were playing. So I enjoyed watching several of those matches on TV pretty much all morning. Then I watched FRIENDS with my wife in the afternoon. I was feeling pretty Blah, so I got started getting ready for my workout, then I had to go and pick up my son from Driver Ed class. He took his driving test today which he passed and I had to pick him up. When we got home, we got to talking about his test and by the time I got back to thinking about my workout, it had passed into the night. So, I had wanted to get my workout done early, but ended up starting at pretty much the same time as usual. Oh well.
Another new routine today so I was looking forward to the challenge. There was a long, about 11 minute circuit, which included the warm up, at the beginning. That circuit focused on the legs. Lots of Squats and Lunges. Nothing that killed me too badly, but I did feel the burn in my thighs. That burn would come back to haunt me and almost cause me to cramp later on in the routine. But I was okay as far as holding on to not needing a break. Then the next circuit came and it focused on upper body with mainly different variations of Push-Ups. I did a little better than MAX OUT POWER, a VERY little. In POWER, I maxed out at 11:38, That was in the middle of the first move of the Push-Ups circuit. Today, my MAX OUT Time was 12:26. I maxed out in the middle of the second Push-Up move, Push-Up Jacks. I'm usually pretty good at push-ups, but ever since I had the flu a few weeks ago, I just haven't felt like I have my strength back. Then, the following Push-Up variations, I could barely do them for 26-seconds and then I'd be dying and have to stretch out some before getting back into it. And for pretty much all of the regular push-up moves, 26-seconds was the barrier. I did only a little better on the moves where I was on my knees. Even those regular Knee Push-Ups were so hard. One program that really helped my Push-Up strength and form improve was PiYo. I may have to go back to that program or at least add it to my hybrid when I'm done with MAX 30 to get my Push-Ups back. The next circuit was for the Core. I was thinking to do an Ab routine later, but this was enough. A few similar moves in Ab Attack: 10, and a few new moves. I'm just glad Scissor Kick Punch wasn't in this one. I got a good burn, and I'm grateful that it was only 45-seconds with a 15-second break instead of 60-seconds straight like in Ab Attack. Then the next and final circuit was back to Push-Ups. Back to that 26-second barrier. I wasn't even thinking about it, I would just go until I couldn't do another push-up and when I'd look at the DVD clock, it said 26-seconds. Weird. But in today's routine, in those push-up variations, there were a lot of Triceps Push-Ups and my Triceps were PUMPED!!! But the odd thing is that on the DVD at the end when the crew would be telling their max out times, a few of the guys were saying that their "Guns" were on fire. But as for me, my "Guns" hardly felt like they had been worked out at all. And by "Guns" I take that to mean "Arms" or specifically the big bulging "Biceps". I didn't understand.
But I felt as if my arms were unbalanced as far as strength training was concerned, so I went back to the last Push-Up circuit which is the final circuit of the routine and started it again. But this time, I would be doing biceps curls, and other biceps moves to pump up my biceps as well. I started off with 10kgs for the first 4 moves, just regular Biceps Curls, Hammer Curls, Concentration Curls Left and Right. Then I dropped to 5kgs for alternating Speed Curls, and then finally 360 curls for 30-seconds and Reverse 360 Hammer Curls for 30-seconds. Finished off with an awesome burn all over my arms.
My hip flexor joints were feeling pretty tender today, so I decided to modify my Splits routine and do different Yoga stretches to hit the different angles of my Hamstrings and Quads. I'd go into the stretch and hold and bounce the stretch until I felt comfortable with it. I pretty much maintained my regular time though for Splits and Flow. Flowing out felt really good. Less pressure on my knee and all is well.
Good news, I got the call that my HRM is ready for pick up, so I'm going to try to get it tomorrow and I'll start recording that calorie burn from next week, possibly Friday if my wife can have it home when I get home. I asked her to pick it up since I have work tomorrow and she was planning to do some errands in the area anyway. You may be wondering what happened to my pedometer. Well, I can't find it. After I played tennis last, I got it out and then misplaced it. Now I can't find it. So I haven't been tracking with it since the last tennis session.
Today was a good strength workout and I'm afraid my arms are going to feel it tomorrow.
3-15-17 Splits + TCF.
3-15-17 Splits + TCF.
Well, I was thinking I could do a workout after work, but when I got home, I was just too out of it to want to do anything. So, I just relaxed for a while, but I didn't want to lose any flexibility so I went ahead and did my Splits routine and the Flow. Joints were very sore so get them to open up took some time. It was a bit late when I started, so I only did the regular two rounds, and the regular set of Flows. Finished them both in under an hour. Good to get that stretch in along with Flowing.
Well, I was thinking I could do a workout after work, but when I got home, I was just too out of it to want to do anything. So, I just relaxed for a while, but I didn't want to lose any flexibility so I went ahead and did my Splits routine and the Flow. Joints were very sore so get them to open up took some time. It was a bit late when I started, so I only did the regular two rounds, and the regular set of Flows. Finished them both in under an hour. Good to get that stretch in along with Flowing.
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
3-14-17 HY: Insanity MAX 30 - MAX OUT SWEAT + AB ATTACK: 10 + Splits + TCF.
3-14-17 HY: Insanity MAX 30 - MAX OUT SWEAT + AB ATTACK: 10 + Splits + TCF.
Back to work and back to a regular schedule for a few days. I got home and was a little tired so I took a little rest and then got to it.
Day 3 of Month 2 of MAX 30 so another first timer. I didn't know what to expect except for the 60-second power move. This time, I decided not to go with Cold Start because I wasn't feeling too sore. I am happy for that because I was afraid I'd be very sore after that long tennis session on Sunday. Recently, the soreness is heaviest two days after a tough workout. But I was okay today. Gladly, the time of each move was back to 30-seconds so I could push to get to the end of each move. The warm up circuit was fine, and the second circuit was fine. There were a few cool new moves, but the power move at the end of the third circuit almost took me out. It was the Suicide Jump Tuck move. I was about to tap out in the middle of the minute, but I suddenly got a second wind and powered through to the end. I was actually pretty surprised that I got that extra energy boost, but was happy to finish the third circuit. In the fourth circuit, I was feeling it, but I barely got through the first round. As the second round started, I just couldn't get off the ground and that was it. I had to take my break. My MAX OUT Time was 19:36 just before the second round starting with Wide Fly, In & Out Abs. Having shoulder pain doesn't help either because there were a lot of Plank moves and that was a true trial. I tried to push through, but I was spent. I had to take small breaks after each of the following moves. But there were a couple exceptions where I was able to string two moves together without a break. That was tough.
I moved right into Abs. Everything started out well and I got through the first four minutes well. But at the Switch Kick Punches, I had to tap out. So my MAX OUT Time was 4:05 at the beginning of the Switch Kick Punches. Three moves that I still cannot get all the way through when done in the routine are the Switch Kick Punches, Ab Attack and Drum Abs Hold. I have to do them in 30-second intervals usually, but today, the Drum Abs Hold were extra tough for some reason so today, I did that move in 20-second intervals. Today, the Sprint move also had to be done in two intervals, 40-second, and 20-second. For some reason, today was a bad day for my abs.
Today, I figured I would be sweating a lot so I got out my extra large towel. Good thing too, because I was sweating like crazy. If this was the summer, I'd probably need two of the big towels. But getting the Splits done was painful. I got low during the two rounds, but I added a round of some other stretches that focused on my hamstrings. That is where I feel the most tightness. No records, but maintained my present level of flexibility. All the Flows were right on track.
I can't wait to get my HRM back. I got the notification that it will take a week to get it back. Hope I can pick it up earlier than expected. Good workout today. Due to my weird schedule, I'm due for an off day tomorrow. But I am thinking about just going ahead and doing at least MAX 30 in the evening after I get home. I usually don't like working out too late at night, but just this once, I might. I will decide tomorrow. There is a small chance that I might be able to workout at my gym, but the chance is VERY small. I'm waiting to check the availability. Can't make a decision until the moment. Fingers crossed.
Back to work and back to a regular schedule for a few days. I got home and was a little tired so I took a little rest and then got to it.
Day 3 of Month 2 of MAX 30 so another first timer. I didn't know what to expect except for the 60-second power move. This time, I decided not to go with Cold Start because I wasn't feeling too sore. I am happy for that because I was afraid I'd be very sore after that long tennis session on Sunday. Recently, the soreness is heaviest two days after a tough workout. But I was okay today. Gladly, the time of each move was back to 30-seconds so I could push to get to the end of each move. The warm up circuit was fine, and the second circuit was fine. There were a few cool new moves, but the power move at the end of the third circuit almost took me out. It was the Suicide Jump Tuck move. I was about to tap out in the middle of the minute, but I suddenly got a second wind and powered through to the end. I was actually pretty surprised that I got that extra energy boost, but was happy to finish the third circuit. In the fourth circuit, I was feeling it, but I barely got through the first round. As the second round started, I just couldn't get off the ground and that was it. I had to take my break. My MAX OUT Time was 19:36 just before the second round starting with Wide Fly, In & Out Abs. Having shoulder pain doesn't help either because there were a lot of Plank moves and that was a true trial. I tried to push through, but I was spent. I had to take small breaks after each of the following moves. But there were a couple exceptions where I was able to string two moves together without a break. That was tough.
I moved right into Abs. Everything started out well and I got through the first four minutes well. But at the Switch Kick Punches, I had to tap out. So my MAX OUT Time was 4:05 at the beginning of the Switch Kick Punches. Three moves that I still cannot get all the way through when done in the routine are the Switch Kick Punches, Ab Attack and Drum Abs Hold. I have to do them in 30-second intervals usually, but today, the Drum Abs Hold were extra tough for some reason so today, I did that move in 20-second intervals. Today, the Sprint move also had to be done in two intervals, 40-second, and 20-second. For some reason, today was a bad day for my abs.
Today, I figured I would be sweating a lot so I got out my extra large towel. Good thing too, because I was sweating like crazy. If this was the summer, I'd probably need two of the big towels. But getting the Splits done was painful. I got low during the two rounds, but I added a round of some other stretches that focused on my hamstrings. That is where I feel the most tightness. No records, but maintained my present level of flexibility. All the Flows were right on track.
I can't wait to get my HRM back. I got the notification that it will take a week to get it back. Hope I can pick it up earlier than expected. Good workout today. Due to my weird schedule, I'm due for an off day tomorrow. But I am thinking about just going ahead and doing at least MAX 30 in the evening after I get home. I usually don't like working out too late at night, but just this once, I might. I will decide tomorrow. There is a small chance that I might be able to workout at my gym, but the chance is VERY small. I'm waiting to check the availability. Can't make a decision until the moment. Fingers crossed.
3-13-17 HY: P90X3 - Cold Start + Insanity MAX 30 - MAX OUT POWER + Splits + TCF.
3-13-17 HY: P90X3 - Cold Start + Insanity MAX 30 - MAX OUT POWER + Splits + TCF.
Getting back to MAX 30 Month Two today. I knew that this would be tough, but I had now idea how tough it really was going to be. In a lot of the other Shaun T "Power" workouts, he does a lot of Jumps and Push-Ups, I was kind of expecting something the same. I was missing the Tabata Style when looking on the calendar but was pleasantly surprised when I heard Shaun say that the routine's moves would be 45-seconds moving and with a 15-second break. Yeah, Tabata is alive. When I heard that, I thought that I might be able to make it all the way through. Also, I was thinking to do an Ab workout because I didn't do one yesterday and I wanted to keep my "Abs every other day" pattern. Little did I know that my little dream world would be soon shattered. Since I knew this would be an intense routine, I decided to give myself the best chance of finishing so I decided to start out with Cold Start as a good stretch and full body warm up. It did its part warming me up, but not wearing me out.
When I got started on the main routine, I was right, a lot of leg work, but the warm up and the first circuit weren't as bad as I thought it was going to be. I cleared them with not too much of a problem. Then the first Push-Up circuit came around. IT WAS BRUTAL!!! 45-seconds of Plyo Push-Up, Pop Up Push-Ups, etc. I was DYING!!! My MAX OUT Time was 11:38 on the Plyo Push-Ups. I almost got through the 45-seconds, but not being able to see the clock, the time seemed endless and I gave out just seconds before the time was called. I was bummed, but in pain, and I knew that I probably couldn't have done anymore even it I could see the timer. Over the next five moves, I was taking little mid-set breaks all over the place. Then next semi-cardio circuit was okay, then it went back to Push-Ups. I was in need of little stretch and swing-out breaks all the way until the end. When I needed more time, I rewound the DVD to start back up again. But if the break was shorter than a couple breaths, I just kept going. I ended up adding about 10 minutes to the routine with all the breaks. There was also a brutal ab second in one of the circuits and that crushed me. I was thinking to do an Ab routine at the end, but I decided that what I did in this routine was enough Abs for me today.
I went into my regular splits routine doing my regular two rounds. My joints are still feeling really sore, but not as sore as yesterday. I'm hoping that is it for the joint soreness, but the real test will be tomorrow. Hopefully, I won't be too sore tomorrow. But it was again somewhat of a maintenance session today, just trying to maintain flexibility. The Flows were all good as well.
Good workout today! Even though I didn't really feel like workout initially, I'm glad I did and I will keep pressing play!
Getting back to MAX 30 Month Two today. I knew that this would be tough, but I had now idea how tough it really was going to be. In a lot of the other Shaun T "Power" workouts, he does a lot of Jumps and Push-Ups, I was kind of expecting something the same. I was missing the Tabata Style when looking on the calendar but was pleasantly surprised when I heard Shaun say that the routine's moves would be 45-seconds moving and with a 15-second break. Yeah, Tabata is alive. When I heard that, I thought that I might be able to make it all the way through. Also, I was thinking to do an Ab workout because I didn't do one yesterday and I wanted to keep my "Abs every other day" pattern. Little did I know that my little dream world would be soon shattered. Since I knew this would be an intense routine, I decided to give myself the best chance of finishing so I decided to start out with Cold Start as a good stretch and full body warm up. It did its part warming me up, but not wearing me out.
When I got started on the main routine, I was right, a lot of leg work, but the warm up and the first circuit weren't as bad as I thought it was going to be. I cleared them with not too much of a problem. Then the first Push-Up circuit came around. IT WAS BRUTAL!!! 45-seconds of Plyo Push-Up, Pop Up Push-Ups, etc. I was DYING!!! My MAX OUT Time was 11:38 on the Plyo Push-Ups. I almost got through the 45-seconds, but not being able to see the clock, the time seemed endless and I gave out just seconds before the time was called. I was bummed, but in pain, and I knew that I probably couldn't have done anymore even it I could see the timer. Over the next five moves, I was taking little mid-set breaks all over the place. Then next semi-cardio circuit was okay, then it went back to Push-Ups. I was in need of little stretch and swing-out breaks all the way until the end. When I needed more time, I rewound the DVD to start back up again. But if the break was shorter than a couple breaths, I just kept going. I ended up adding about 10 minutes to the routine with all the breaks. There was also a brutal ab second in one of the circuits and that crushed me. I was thinking to do an Ab routine at the end, but I decided that what I did in this routine was enough Abs for me today.
I went into my regular splits routine doing my regular two rounds. My joints are still feeling really sore, but not as sore as yesterday. I'm hoping that is it for the joint soreness, but the real test will be tomorrow. Hopefully, I won't be too sore tomorrow. But it was again somewhat of a maintenance session today, just trying to maintain flexibility. The Flows were all good as well.
Good workout today! Even though I didn't really feel like workout initially, I'm glad I did and I will keep pressing play!
Monday, March 13, 2017
3-12-17 HY: Tennis + Splits + TCF.
3-12-17 HY: Tennis + Splits + TCF.
Kind of a busy Sunday. I had to attend a graduation in the morning, then run some work errands right afterward. Then I met my wife and son and did some shopping with them. Finally, I had to go pick up my daughter from her Field Hockey practice. In the morning when I woke up, my wife announced that she had reserved a tennis court for two hours in the evening. The time was to coincide with my son's tennis club. So, while my son played with his club, my wife and I would play on our own. I was sort of looking forward to doing MAX OUT POWER, but I wasn't going to pass up some tennis with my wife!
We got there early and actually started playing about 25 minutes early so we got some extra playing time in. That is pretty unusual because the courts are usually filled with back to back reservations. But tonight, I guess with all the graduations going on and the required celebrations, the courts were nowhere near full. Two courts weren't even being used. So we played probably the longest we have played in one setting. But the time went by so fast, and before we knew it the light alarm rang and I had to broom the courts. Tonight's courts were Omni Courts so they need to be broomed. My wife was tired so I broomed the whole court myself. I was in workout mode so I was happy to do it. But I was very keenly aware of some major soreness in my joints, especially in my hip joints. I really wish I had my HRM but oh well. I was feeling really tired, but I felt good. It was a good session. I introduced my wife to a wonderful little tool in tennis called the "Vibration Dampener". I don't know why I didn't give her one before, but my son was talking about the fact that he forgot his and wanted to borrow one of mine off one of my rackets so I let him. Then I hit upon the idea of giving one to my wife. So, I told her to hit regularly without a Vibe Dampener, then I would put it on so she could see the difference. Well, she was playing okay, but the differences between a hard court and an Omni Court are great, so it took some time getting used to the different bounce and reaction to spin, etc. A lot of mishits, but overall, not bad. Then I said, "Now, let me put on a Vibe Dampener. She was like, "Naa, it's okay. I'm fine." But I insisted and she eventually accepted. The difference in her quality of play was like night and day. The Vibe Dampener made a huge difference. She got a better feel for the ball, she was able to hit more solid shots and had a crisp stroke. Ran me around a lot more, too. Much more of a workout today.
When I got home, I did my splits before going to bed. But not my regular routine. Like last night, my hip joints were really feeling sore, so I stretched just as maintenance for my hamstrings and adductors. Hopefully, I can get back to my regular routine tomorrow. Flows were all good!
Huge 185 minutes for my full workout today. I'm going to sleep well tonight!!!
Kind of a busy Sunday. I had to attend a graduation in the morning, then run some work errands right afterward. Then I met my wife and son and did some shopping with them. Finally, I had to go pick up my daughter from her Field Hockey practice. In the morning when I woke up, my wife announced that she had reserved a tennis court for two hours in the evening. The time was to coincide with my son's tennis club. So, while my son played with his club, my wife and I would play on our own. I was sort of looking forward to doing MAX OUT POWER, but I wasn't going to pass up some tennis with my wife!
We got there early and actually started playing about 25 minutes early so we got some extra playing time in. That is pretty unusual because the courts are usually filled with back to back reservations. But tonight, I guess with all the graduations going on and the required celebrations, the courts were nowhere near full. Two courts weren't even being used. So we played probably the longest we have played in one setting. But the time went by so fast, and before we knew it the light alarm rang and I had to broom the courts. Tonight's courts were Omni Courts so they need to be broomed. My wife was tired so I broomed the whole court myself. I was in workout mode so I was happy to do it. But I was very keenly aware of some major soreness in my joints, especially in my hip joints. I really wish I had my HRM but oh well. I was feeling really tired, but I felt good. It was a good session. I introduced my wife to a wonderful little tool in tennis called the "Vibration Dampener". I don't know why I didn't give her one before, but my son was talking about the fact that he forgot his and wanted to borrow one of mine off one of my rackets so I let him. Then I hit upon the idea of giving one to my wife. So, I told her to hit regularly without a Vibe Dampener, then I would put it on so she could see the difference. Well, she was playing okay, but the differences between a hard court and an Omni Court are great, so it took some time getting used to the different bounce and reaction to spin, etc. A lot of mishits, but overall, not bad. Then I said, "Now, let me put on a Vibe Dampener. She was like, "Naa, it's okay. I'm fine." But I insisted and she eventually accepted. The difference in her quality of play was like night and day. The Vibe Dampener made a huge difference. She got a better feel for the ball, she was able to hit more solid shots and had a crisp stroke. Ran me around a lot more, too. Much more of a workout today.
When I got home, I did my splits before going to bed. But not my regular routine. Like last night, my hip joints were really feeling sore, so I stretched just as maintenance for my hamstrings and adductors. Hopefully, I can get back to my regular routine tomorrow. Flows were all good!
Huge 185 minutes for my full workout today. I'm going to sleep well tonight!!!
3-11-17 HY: Insanity MAX 30 - MAX OUT CARDIO + Ab Attack: 10 + Splits + TCF.
3-11-17 HY: Insanity MAX 30 - MAX OUT CARDIO + Ab Attack: 10 + Splits + TCF.
Saturday, Saturday Night is supposed to be an off day for me, but due to a very weird schedule this week, I might have to take an off day on Wednesday, of all days. So, I'm going to go through this week until Wednesday and see what happens after that. So today, I start Month TWO of MAX 30. I know that the routines are going to be Crazy-Amped-Up if compared to Month One, but I didn't know how. Just let me say right off that I am so glad and relieved that at least in the first routine, the time of each move wasn't increased to 60-seconds like in Friday Fight Round One. Most of the moves stayed at 30-seconds, but there was the addition of the Power Move which is 60-seconds. I was a little taken off guard when the first Power Move came up at the end of the warm up. I was like, "WHAT IS THIS???" And on the time bar, I just assumed there were six circuits like before, but I discovered that there are actually only five circuits because of the Power Move. When I realized that, I was happy to get one less circuit. It's ALL Thirty Minutes!
My first time through this routine and I wasn't holding any expectations. I was just wanting to do my best and go to the point where my body wouldn't move anymore from exhaustion. Well, I found that point. My MAX OUT TIME is 19:10. That Lunge Punch Left side. I forget the move before it, but that move just killed me and when the Lunge Punch started up on the Left side, my body just quit moving. I needed to take a break and get some water. I was also wishing I had been paying more attention to the clock, because I may have been able to go to 20-minutes if I had known I was at 19-minutes. But at the same time, as I said, my body just quit. There was no "Willing" myself forward this time. My legs were burning as well as my shoulders. There were some new moves so I was happy to learn them. I particularly hated the Genie Tuck Jump. LOL! There were a few other new moves, but I can't remember their names at the moment. But this routine just totally drained me, but at the end, I felt good to have gotten through it.
I moved right into the Ab Attack. This time, in Month Two, I am not compromising form. No more half modified moves. It is all or breaking. And it happened early today. My MAX OUT TIME was 5:28. It was that Switch Kick Punch move. Almost half-way through, my abs were totally burning, my range of motions was suffering and my knees were bending almost making me touch the ground so I tapped out. I did worse on the Ab Attack and the Ab Punch Hold. Ab Attack was divided into two 30-second halves, and the Ab Punch Hold was divided into three twenty-second parts. I went for it and paid the price, the price of Pain. The intense BURN!
Moving into Splits, I had a hard time because my hip joints were especially sore today. Maybe from the tennis the day before, but splits were hard and painful. I could go only two rounds. No records, but stayed the course. Flows were good as always.
This was a tough day, but I had a good time with the new routine and learning some new moves and pushing myself further than I thought I could go.
Saturday, Saturday Night is supposed to be an off day for me, but due to a very weird schedule this week, I might have to take an off day on Wednesday, of all days. So, I'm going to go through this week until Wednesday and see what happens after that. So today, I start Month TWO of MAX 30. I know that the routines are going to be Crazy-Amped-Up if compared to Month One, but I didn't know how. Just let me say right off that I am so glad and relieved that at least in the first routine, the time of each move wasn't increased to 60-seconds like in Friday Fight Round One. Most of the moves stayed at 30-seconds, but there was the addition of the Power Move which is 60-seconds. I was a little taken off guard when the first Power Move came up at the end of the warm up. I was like, "WHAT IS THIS???" And on the time bar, I just assumed there were six circuits like before, but I discovered that there are actually only five circuits because of the Power Move. When I realized that, I was happy to get one less circuit. It's ALL Thirty Minutes!
My first time through this routine and I wasn't holding any expectations. I was just wanting to do my best and go to the point where my body wouldn't move anymore from exhaustion. Well, I found that point. My MAX OUT TIME is 19:10. That Lunge Punch Left side. I forget the move before it, but that move just killed me and when the Lunge Punch started up on the Left side, my body just quit moving. I needed to take a break and get some water. I was also wishing I had been paying more attention to the clock, because I may have been able to go to 20-minutes if I had known I was at 19-minutes. But at the same time, as I said, my body just quit. There was no "Willing" myself forward this time. My legs were burning as well as my shoulders. There were some new moves so I was happy to learn them. I particularly hated the Genie Tuck Jump. LOL! There were a few other new moves, but I can't remember their names at the moment. But this routine just totally drained me, but at the end, I felt good to have gotten through it.
I moved right into the Ab Attack. This time, in Month Two, I am not compromising form. No more half modified moves. It is all or breaking. And it happened early today. My MAX OUT TIME was 5:28. It was that Switch Kick Punch move. Almost half-way through, my abs were totally burning, my range of motions was suffering and my knees were bending almost making me touch the ground so I tapped out. I did worse on the Ab Attack and the Ab Punch Hold. Ab Attack was divided into two 30-second halves, and the Ab Punch Hold was divided into three twenty-second parts. I went for it and paid the price, the price of Pain. The intense BURN!
Moving into Splits, I had a hard time because my hip joints were especially sore today. Maybe from the tennis the day before, but splits were hard and painful. I could go only two rounds. No records, but stayed the course. Flows were good as always.
This was a tough day, but I had a good time with the new routine and learning some new moves and pushing myself further than I thought I could go.
Friday, March 10, 2017
3-10-17 HY: Tennis + Splits + TCF.
3-10-17 HY: Tennis + Splits + TCF.
Today, I woke up late, but I woke up refreshed. When I got up, my wife told me she had reserved a tennis court for us to play. If we didn't play tennis, I would have done some sort of workout today so I was glad that we were going to be playing tennis. It was pretty windy and cloudy, but no rain. I can't even remember the last time I played tennis. I guess it is around summer time with my wife and son. Recently, it has mainly been Pickleball. But as we started to hit, my timing and ball awareness came back pretty quickly. What's more, my wife has improved a lot, so we were able to have several good rallies. We even played a few games. It was a lot of fun. I also ran a lot for balls so I got a good sweat on. It was a good workout. We played for about 90 minutes. My legs were feeling the burn at the end. The really good thing is that my back wasn't hurting at all. Usually, I feel a pain in my back, but recently, even during Pickleball, my back hasn't been painful.
Later in the afternoon, I got my stretch on. Splits were pretty painful, but I think I got a really good session in and I also added an extra round to make up for missing a round yesterday, so I did three rounds total. Also, did extra Flows just to center myself more.
I was happy to get this extra workout day in so I'm ending the week on a good high. Happy Weekend, Everyone!
Today, I woke up late, but I woke up refreshed. When I got up, my wife told me she had reserved a tennis court for us to play. If we didn't play tennis, I would have done some sort of workout today so I was glad that we were going to be playing tennis. It was pretty windy and cloudy, but no rain. I can't even remember the last time I played tennis. I guess it is around summer time with my wife and son. Recently, it has mainly been Pickleball. But as we started to hit, my timing and ball awareness came back pretty quickly. What's more, my wife has improved a lot, so we were able to have several good rallies. We even played a few games. It was a lot of fun. I also ran a lot for balls so I got a good sweat on. It was a good workout. We played for about 90 minutes. My legs were feeling the burn at the end. The really good thing is that my back wasn't hurting at all. Usually, I feel a pain in my back, but recently, even during Pickleball, my back hasn't been painful.
Later in the afternoon, I got my stretch on. Splits were pretty painful, but I think I got a really good session in and I also added an extra round to make up for missing a round yesterday, so I did three rounds total. Also, did extra Flows just to center myself more.
I was happy to get this extra workout day in so I'm ending the week on a good high. Happy Weekend, Everyone!
3-09-17 HY: P90X3 - Cold Start + Insanity MAX 30 - Friday Fight Round One + ChaLEAN Extreme - Extreme Core Circuit + TCF + Wii Sports + Splits.
3-09-17 HY: P90X3 - Cold Start + Insanity MAX 30 - Friday Fight Round One + ChaLEAN Extreme - Extreme Core Circuit + TCF + Wii Sports + Splits.
Today is the final day for Week 4 of Month One of Insanity MAX 30. It took a while to get here needing a two-week break two days before actually completing Week 4 because of the flu. But one week of total non-activity laid up in bed, and then about a week of rehabbing, I finally finished. But I stacked the deck in my favor. First of all, I did Cold Start to optimize and warm up my body before getting into the main routine. That stretch, especially for the lower body really helped me, I think. But instead of using the regular routine video, I actually used the modifier video. I'm still being cautious because of my rehab, so, Friday Fight being the most intense of the Month One routines, I wanted to give myself a mental out. If I started to get dizzy or something like that, I told myself that I could switch to the modifier moves. Things started out well, and I made it to the first break at 15 minutes pretty well. No modifying needed. The second half also started out well, but right around the 20-minute mark, I started feeling the strain. Then I hit a wall. The move that killed me was the X Jump X Plank. I barely finished that move and then as the next moved started, my body just wouldn't move. I stayed in that "Take a knee" pose breathing heavily. I looked up once as the next move started and I thought about getting into the plank position for the Knee Taps, but my body didn't respond. I ended up needing about a minute and a half to catch my breath and recover enough to start back up. So, I rewound the DVD and started at the Knee Tap move, and finished out the second section. So my MAX OUT time was 23:38. That is 7:04 better than the last time I did this routine. The last section has only four moves, and I needed a quick break after the first two moves. But was able to finish out the last two moves in succession. I was dead, but I actually felt good at the end. Not dead like before getting the flu. Awesome Kick A$$ workout routine!
I wanted a little variety for my abs, so instead of Ab Attack, I've done that routine twice this week already, I went with Chalene. It is the first time in a few weeks that I've done this routine, and it was tough. Tougher than I remember it being. I guess that is evidence of my loss of strength. But I am glad to know that I am getting back my strength little by little every day. I really needed those two breaks Chalene puts in this routine. I probably wouldn't have been able to go straight through without a break.
I did the Flow series as a topper for this part of my workout because I had to get ready to go to a night class I teach. Flows were all good.
I was thinking to do my splits in the evening after getting home, but again today, my daughter and son wanted to play Wii, so we got out their favorite games and played. The games we played were pretty active ones, like tennis, batting, pitching, ping pong, etc. So I was moving quite a bit, and I worked up a nice sweat. I was also breathing pretty heavily after several of out games. The one, in particular, that got me all sweaty was a game called Chambara. It is like a sword fighting game. We played several rounds and man, I was really winded at the end.
I finally got to my splits at close to 2 am. Since is was so late, I decided to do only one round, but push a little more. No records, but a good maintenance session.
A lot of activity today. Lots of fun. This ends my regular week of workouts. But, this coming week is going to be a weird one so I may not take an off day this weekend because I know that I will be pressed to get a workout in on Wednesday. I have my school's graduation ceremony, then a night class. I won't get home until late and won't be able to workout. So, I am considering going straight through working out every day until I have to take Wednesday off. We'll see what happens.
Today is the final day for Week 4 of Month One of Insanity MAX 30. It took a while to get here needing a two-week break two days before actually completing Week 4 because of the flu. But one week of total non-activity laid up in bed, and then about a week of rehabbing, I finally finished. But I stacked the deck in my favor. First of all, I did Cold Start to optimize and warm up my body before getting into the main routine. That stretch, especially for the lower body really helped me, I think. But instead of using the regular routine video, I actually used the modifier video. I'm still being cautious because of my rehab, so, Friday Fight being the most intense of the Month One routines, I wanted to give myself a mental out. If I started to get dizzy or something like that, I told myself that I could switch to the modifier moves. Things started out well, and I made it to the first break at 15 minutes pretty well. No modifying needed. The second half also started out well, but right around the 20-minute mark, I started feeling the strain. Then I hit a wall. The move that killed me was the X Jump X Plank. I barely finished that move and then as the next moved started, my body just wouldn't move. I stayed in that "Take a knee" pose breathing heavily. I looked up once as the next move started and I thought about getting into the plank position for the Knee Taps, but my body didn't respond. I ended up needing about a minute and a half to catch my breath and recover enough to start back up. So, I rewound the DVD and started at the Knee Tap move, and finished out the second section. So my MAX OUT time was 23:38. That is 7:04 better than the last time I did this routine. The last section has only four moves, and I needed a quick break after the first two moves. But was able to finish out the last two moves in succession. I was dead, but I actually felt good at the end. Not dead like before getting the flu. Awesome Kick A$$ workout routine!
I wanted a little variety for my abs, so instead of Ab Attack, I've done that routine twice this week already, I went with Chalene. It is the first time in a few weeks that I've done this routine, and it was tough. Tougher than I remember it being. I guess that is evidence of my loss of strength. But I am glad to know that I am getting back my strength little by little every day. I really needed those two breaks Chalene puts in this routine. I probably wouldn't have been able to go straight through without a break.
I did the Flow series as a topper for this part of my workout because I had to get ready to go to a night class I teach. Flows were all good.
I was thinking to do my splits in the evening after getting home, but again today, my daughter and son wanted to play Wii, so we got out their favorite games and played. The games we played were pretty active ones, like tennis, batting, pitching, ping pong, etc. So I was moving quite a bit, and I worked up a nice sweat. I was also breathing pretty heavily after several of out games. The one, in particular, that got me all sweaty was a game called Chambara. It is like a sword fighting game. We played several rounds and man, I was really winded at the end.
I finally got to my splits at close to 2 am. Since is was so late, I decided to do only one round, but push a little more. No records, but a good maintenance session.
A lot of activity today. Lots of fun. This ends my regular week of workouts. But, this coming week is going to be a weird one so I may not take an off day this weekend because I know that I will be pressed to get a workout in on Wednesday. I have my school's graduation ceremony, then a night class. I won't get home until late and won't be able to workout. So, I am considering going straight through working out every day until I have to take Wednesday off. We'll see what happens.
3-08-17 HY: Pickleball + Weight Machines.
3-08-17 HY: Pickle-Ball + Weight Machines.
Today, my day started with Pickle-Ball. It has been two weeks since I last played Pickleball. The last time was just before I was diagnosed with the flu. That time, I just barely made it through the session. Today, I was hoping I would do a lot better. Right from the start, I went into a 0-5 hole. But I started to slowly come back, then I got dropped into a huge 5-13 hole. Then I started my big come back, all the way to 15-14. I was one point from an amazing comeback, but then I ended up losing the game 15-17. In the second game I went down only a little at the beginning, but never let him get too big of a lead. Finally, in the end, I got the boost I needed and took the game 15-11. Then I just started rolling, taking the next two games 15-7 and then 15-3. It felt good to play at a higher level that before. I also started to change my strategy in the later games. In order to win, I realized that I had to be more aggressive and come to net more. Sure, I'd lose a few points getting passed or lobbed on, but the probability is in the aggressors' favor. And it sure paid off as the match went on. We played for close to two hours because the students are now on Spring Break, so we were able to have a longer session than the usual hour and a half. Thankfully, I didn't feel hardly any lingering effects of my sickness. After putting the net away, I usually hit the showers, but today, my colleague was delayed taking his shower so I decided to do something I had wanted to do since the summer; use the weight machines.
There is one move that I can't really do at home that I can do on the school machines. That is the Lat Pull Down. So I set up the machine and started off with 40kgs and a set of 12. My shoulder was still a bit painful so I went down to 30kgs and pulled the bar down behind my head. I did two sets of 12. Oh, to start, I did a set of 12 pull ups. My left shoulder still has some pain in the anterior muscle, so I stopped at 12. That was the only set. Then I went to the Lat Pull Down. The final move I did was the Chest Press. I started off with 60kgs as a warm up first set, 12 reps. Then I went up to 80kgs and did 10 reps. Finally, I went up to 100kgs and pumped out 8 reps. Upper body was feeling pumped! I did have a problem with the machine on the final set. On the right side, the weight plates stuck, so even though I put the pin in 50kgs, 70kgs were going up. So, I had to yank and pull and kick the weights to separate them. I eventually got them separated and did the set of 100kgs, that's 50kgs on the right and left. Felt good to pump that weight.
When I got home, I was planning to do my stretch Splits, but my daughter wanted to play Wii, so I ended up playing Wii with her until passed midnight. And I was not able to do my stretch. So, I will be doing them for the rest of the week, with no break. This next week will be VERY weird because of graduation so I will be adjusting my workout schedule to accommodate a mid-week off day. More about that when the time comes. During Pickleball, I only had my pedometer so not a clean count today for a calorie burn.
Today, my day started with Pickle-Ball. It has been two weeks since I last played Pickleball. The last time was just before I was diagnosed with the flu. That time, I just barely made it through the session. Today, I was hoping I would do a lot better. Right from the start, I went into a 0-5 hole. But I started to slowly come back, then I got dropped into a huge 5-13 hole. Then I started my big come back, all the way to 15-14. I was one point from an amazing comeback, but then I ended up losing the game 15-17. In the second game I went down only a little at the beginning, but never let him get too big of a lead. Finally, in the end, I got the boost I needed and took the game 15-11. Then I just started rolling, taking the next two games 15-7 and then 15-3. It felt good to play at a higher level that before. I also started to change my strategy in the later games. In order to win, I realized that I had to be more aggressive and come to net more. Sure, I'd lose a few points getting passed or lobbed on, but the probability is in the aggressors' favor. And it sure paid off as the match went on. We played for close to two hours because the students are now on Spring Break, so we were able to have a longer session than the usual hour and a half. Thankfully, I didn't feel hardly any lingering effects of my sickness. After putting the net away, I usually hit the showers, but today, my colleague was delayed taking his shower so I decided to do something I had wanted to do since the summer; use the weight machines.
There is one move that I can't really do at home that I can do on the school machines. That is the Lat Pull Down. So I set up the machine and started off with 40kgs and a set of 12. My shoulder was still a bit painful so I went down to 30kgs and pulled the bar down behind my head. I did two sets of 12. Oh, to start, I did a set of 12 pull ups. My left shoulder still has some pain in the anterior muscle, so I stopped at 12. That was the only set. Then I went to the Lat Pull Down. The final move I did was the Chest Press. I started off with 60kgs as a warm up first set, 12 reps. Then I went up to 80kgs and did 10 reps. Finally, I went up to 100kgs and pumped out 8 reps. Upper body was feeling pumped! I did have a problem with the machine on the final set. On the right side, the weight plates stuck, so even though I put the pin in 50kgs, 70kgs were going up. So, I had to yank and pull and kick the weights to separate them. I eventually got them separated and did the set of 100kgs, that's 50kgs on the right and left. Felt good to pump that weight.
When I got home, I was planning to do my stretch Splits, but my daughter wanted to play Wii, so I ended up playing Wii with her until passed midnight. And I was not able to do my stretch. So, I will be doing them for the rest of the week, with no break. This next week will be VERY weird because of graduation so I will be adjusting my workout schedule to accommodate a mid-week off day. More about that when the time comes. During Pickleball, I only had my pedometer so not a clean count today for a calorie burn.
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
3-07-17 HY: Insanity MAX 30 - Tabata Strength + Splits + TCF.
3-07-17 HY: Insanity MAX 30 - Tabata Strength + Splits + TCF.
I was requested yesterday to get my workout done early today so we could have a family night. So, once I got home, I got right to it.
I went into this routine not thinking anything. Just do it! I got through it with no breaks. The last time I did it on Sunday, I also got through it with no breaks. But if I compare the two sessions, today's workout was tougher than Sunday's. The circuit with the V-Push Up Hold was a lot more taxing. The Diamond Push Ups almost took me out. I would have crashed out on them if the move was 30-seconds instead of 20-seconds for sure. That "Beep-Beep-Beep-PEEEEEE" is probably the sweetest sound I heard today. Then, in the ending Three Minute Challenge, again, the Suicide High Oblique High Knee almost took me out. But I made it through the routine without any breaks. My triceps were feeling so pumped at the end and my shoulders were burning. Good workout.
I moved right into the Splits training. Pretty much the same stuff except this time, I added one more round for a total of three rounds of Side Splits and Straddle Splits stretches. I usually only do two rounds, but adding 10 minutes on made a huge difference. I definitely was able to go lower and even experienced a little less pain going down. But still felt the pain at the lowest point of each stretch. So, if I can spare the time, I definitely will have to add that third round to go harder and further on the splits. The ending Flow was on point. Good ending.
In the end, after 102 minutes, I torched... Actually, today, I don't know how many calories I torched off today because I sent my Polar HRM to the maker to get the battery changed. I wish I could just change the battery at a local watch shop, and I actually tried once, but when the guy saw the make of the watch, he promptly said that he couldn't do it and that it had to be sent to the maker. So, since the numbers started flickering on the display yesterday, and the numbers would disappear for a moment when I pushed any button, I decided to go ahead and send it in. I knew I'd have to, so today was the day. But I tried to use my Pedometer today and as for my step count, I got 1959 steps ran for just about 1km in 15 minutes, burned 105kcals and lost 2.5 grams. I had my Pedometer in my front shirt pocket so I am not sure how well it "shook". But I would guess that I burned a little more than 105kcals. So, I won't have an accurate calorie burn count for maybe two weeks. I don't know why it takes so long to get a battery changed, but what can I do?
I'm just happy that I got all four regular Month One Workouts COMPLETE with NO BREAK! Tomorrow I have Pickle-Ball, but on Thursday, I have Friday Fight Round One up. No intimidation! I'll just do my best!
I was requested yesterday to get my workout done early today so we could have a family night. So, once I got home, I got right to it.
I went into this routine not thinking anything. Just do it! I got through it with no breaks. The last time I did it on Sunday, I also got through it with no breaks. But if I compare the two sessions, today's workout was tougher than Sunday's. The circuit with the V-Push Up Hold was a lot more taxing. The Diamond Push Ups almost took me out. I would have crashed out on them if the move was 30-seconds instead of 20-seconds for sure. That "Beep-Beep-Beep-PEEEEEE" is probably the sweetest sound I heard today. Then, in the ending Three Minute Challenge, again, the Suicide High Oblique High Knee almost took me out. But I made it through the routine without any breaks. My triceps were feeling so pumped at the end and my shoulders were burning. Good workout.
I moved right into the Splits training. Pretty much the same stuff except this time, I added one more round for a total of three rounds of Side Splits and Straddle Splits stretches. I usually only do two rounds, but adding 10 minutes on made a huge difference. I definitely was able to go lower and even experienced a little less pain going down. But still felt the pain at the lowest point of each stretch. So, if I can spare the time, I definitely will have to add that third round to go harder and further on the splits. The ending Flow was on point. Good ending.
In the end, after 102 minutes, I torched... Actually, today, I don't know how many calories I torched off today because I sent my Polar HRM to the maker to get the battery changed. I wish I could just change the battery at a local watch shop, and I actually tried once, but when the guy saw the make of the watch, he promptly said that he couldn't do it and that it had to be sent to the maker. So, since the numbers started flickering on the display yesterday, and the numbers would disappear for a moment when I pushed any button, I decided to go ahead and send it in. I knew I'd have to, so today was the day. But I tried to use my Pedometer today and as for my step count, I got 1959 steps ran for just about 1km in 15 minutes, burned 105kcals and lost 2.5 grams. I had my Pedometer in my front shirt pocket so I am not sure how well it "shook". But I would guess that I burned a little more than 105kcals. So, I won't have an accurate calorie burn count for maybe two weeks. I don't know why it takes so long to get a battery changed, but what can I do?
I'm just happy that I got all four regular Month One Workouts COMPLETE with NO BREAK! Tomorrow I have Pickle-Ball, but on Thursday, I have Friday Fight Round One up. No intimidation! I'll just do my best!
Monday, March 6, 2017
3-06-17 HY: Insanity MAX 30 - Sweat Intervals + Ab Attack: 10 + Splits + TCF.
3-06-17 HY: Insanity MAX 30 - Sweat Intervals + Ab Attack: 10 + Splits + TCF.
Today was almost a regular day. The good thing about today is that I had only a half-day so I was able to get home early. I relaxed with my family and even took a nap. Upon awakening, I started getting ready for my workout.
Sweat Intervals is the only regular routine I have not yet been able to complete. I don't include "Friday Fight Round One" in the category of "Regular" because it uses a different protocol than the other fire routines. The difference being time. The regular routines are all based on 30-second moves while Friday Fight does each move for one minute. Of course, this is all just my idea and conjecture, but it is my way of justifying my reasoning. All in fun. Anyway, The last time I did it was two days before I was diagnosed with the Flu so there may have been something there that slowed me down. Because I only improved my time by 42 seconds from the previous week. My max out time was 26:38. Yes, I was just starting the final circuit and at the beginning of the second round, I just gave out. I just couldn't move anymore and took a break. Today, I wasn't really expecting to get through the routine, but I wasn't psyching myself out. I actually didn't even really think about finishing at all, I just was thinking, "I'm not going to modify for as long as I don't feel dizzy. If I feel dizziness coming on, then I'll modify." So, with that in mind, I started out. In the second round of the Warm Up, my calves got that familiar burn but I kept going and got through it. I had forgotten that there were Push-Ups in this routine. I thought it was all just cardio, but no, in the first circuit Push-Ups were there, then in a few of the other circuits also, there were Push-Ups mixed with other moves like Punches or something else. I made it to the final circuit without taking a break. There were times that I felt as though my form were giving out and I couldn't go on. But once that realization about my form hit, I seemed to get a little burst of energy to shore up my form and I could continue. That happened at least four times during the final circuit. The final move, the Cross Jacks with Two Punches. The reality of me actually completing the routine boosted my energy levels and I was able to do the entire move at Shaun T's calling out pace. That last 30-seconds was surreal. Once the clock hit 30:00, I doubled over and heaved a few breaths. I NAILED IT. I MAXED OUT TO THE END!!!
I went right to Abs. I was exhausted but I wanted to get Abs in to keep on schedule. I decided to not modify at all. The first four moves were fine, but once I started the Switch Kick Punches, I knew I couldn't keep form, so I modified only that move by putting my lowered leg on the floor. So I guess my MAX OUT time was 4 minutes. The next three moves were tough, but I got through them with a good burn. But the last two moves, I had to do in 30-second spurts. I just can't hold form for more than 30-seconds. I took breaks at 30-second intervals, and then rewound the DVD to the stopping point and finished out the final 30-seconds of the Ab Attack and Drum Beat Hold. Abs are still not back to full strength.
Splits were better than yesterday, but still not breaking any records. There are still kinks in my hip flexor at times that force me to stay high, but the second round is much better than the first. So I may need to add a third round to see if that will allow me to push even lower still. Flows were all good.
In the end, after 131 minutes, I torched a good 1019kcals. Back to normal burn numbers and thankfully no dizziness these past two days.
Today was almost a regular day. The good thing about today is that I had only a half-day so I was able to get home early. I relaxed with my family and even took a nap. Upon awakening, I started getting ready for my workout.
Sweat Intervals is the only regular routine I have not yet been able to complete. I don't include "Friday Fight Round One" in the category of "Regular" because it uses a different protocol than the other fire routines. The difference being time. The regular routines are all based on 30-second moves while Friday Fight does each move for one minute. Of course, this is all just my idea and conjecture, but it is my way of justifying my reasoning. All in fun. Anyway, The last time I did it was two days before I was diagnosed with the Flu so there may have been something there that slowed me down. Because I only improved my time by 42 seconds from the previous week. My max out time was 26:38. Yes, I was just starting the final circuit and at the beginning of the second round, I just gave out. I just couldn't move anymore and took a break. Today, I wasn't really expecting to get through the routine, but I wasn't psyching myself out. I actually didn't even really think about finishing at all, I just was thinking, "I'm not going to modify for as long as I don't feel dizzy. If I feel dizziness coming on, then I'll modify." So, with that in mind, I started out. In the second round of the Warm Up, my calves got that familiar burn but I kept going and got through it. I had forgotten that there were Push-Ups in this routine. I thought it was all just cardio, but no, in the first circuit Push-Ups were there, then in a few of the other circuits also, there were Push-Ups mixed with other moves like Punches or something else. I made it to the final circuit without taking a break. There were times that I felt as though my form were giving out and I couldn't go on. But once that realization about my form hit, I seemed to get a little burst of energy to shore up my form and I could continue. That happened at least four times during the final circuit. The final move, the Cross Jacks with Two Punches. The reality of me actually completing the routine boosted my energy levels and I was able to do the entire move at Shaun T's calling out pace. That last 30-seconds was surreal. Once the clock hit 30:00, I doubled over and heaved a few breaths. I NAILED IT. I MAXED OUT TO THE END!!!
I went right to Abs. I was exhausted but I wanted to get Abs in to keep on schedule. I decided to not modify at all. The first four moves were fine, but once I started the Switch Kick Punches, I knew I couldn't keep form, so I modified only that move by putting my lowered leg on the floor. So I guess my MAX OUT time was 4 minutes. The next three moves were tough, but I got through them with a good burn. But the last two moves, I had to do in 30-second spurts. I just can't hold form for more than 30-seconds. I took breaks at 30-second intervals, and then rewound the DVD to the stopping point and finished out the final 30-seconds of the Ab Attack and Drum Beat Hold. Abs are still not back to full strength.
Splits were better than yesterday, but still not breaking any records. There are still kinks in my hip flexor at times that force me to stay high, but the second round is much better than the first. So I may need to add a third round to see if that will allow me to push even lower still. Flows were all good.
In the end, after 131 minutes, I torched a good 1019kcals. Back to normal burn numbers and thankfully no dizziness these past two days.
Sunday, March 5, 2017
3-05-17 HY: Insanity MAX 30 - Tabata Strength + Splits + TCF.
3-05-17 HY: Insanity MAX 30 - Tabata Strength + Splits + TCF.
Maybe it was the sudden drop in atmospheric pressure, but since last night, I have had a pounding headache. It started about an hour after my workout yesterday. It kept me awake for much of the night and slowed me down all day today. I tried to take a nap, but I just couldn't get to sleep, AGAIN. I was even considering not working out today because my head was just throbbing. Finally, I decided that maybe getting my heart pumping and my blood flowing might do the trick. Well, I discovered a cure for a headache, and it is an intense workout.
I started my workout and about three minutes in, the pain was already being alleviated. By the end of the warm up, I was totally pain-free and I was feeling highly motivated. Tabata warm ups have those stretch moves after the two Jacks moves so I decided not to modify the warm up. But once my headache was gone, I made the decision not to modify the workout at all for as long as I could last before any type of dizziness hit. If dizziness hit, I would slow it down and start modifying. Long story short, NO DIZZINESS!!! So, I hit the routine with almost a full intensity. I am very happy that I didn't get dizzy, but my strength level is still at only maybe 70%. So I couldn't push as hard on the Push-Ups. Rather, I kept a pace and stuck with a good number for the two rounds of each move. But the even better thing is that I made it all the way through the routine without maxing out. I came really close during the Ending Challenge on that Suicide High Knee move. I just couldn't keep up with Shaun's pace, so I just did the best I could without stopping. Also, that fast bobbing up and down, I was a little worried about the dizziness, but either way, I wasn't able to keep up with Shaun's pace. But I went all the way without any move modification. It felt good to nail the routine.
I took a lot of time today stretching out. I was also trying to focus on breathing deeply. I wanted to get as much oxygen into my system as possible. A headache didn't return so that was a plus. I wasn't as sore as yesterday so I was able to push a little more, but still, that left glute still gave me some problems. No records were broken today, but just getting back to a good level of flexibility. The Flow was also good.
In the end, after 120 minutes, I torched a good 917kcals. That is a good leap back up after all the modifications.
Maybe it was the sudden drop in atmospheric pressure, but since last night, I have had a pounding headache. It started about an hour after my workout yesterday. It kept me awake for much of the night and slowed me down all day today. I tried to take a nap, but I just couldn't get to sleep, AGAIN. I was even considering not working out today because my head was just throbbing. Finally, I decided that maybe getting my heart pumping and my blood flowing might do the trick. Well, I discovered a cure for a headache, and it is an intense workout.
I started my workout and about three minutes in, the pain was already being alleviated. By the end of the warm up, I was totally pain-free and I was feeling highly motivated. Tabata warm ups have those stretch moves after the two Jacks moves so I decided not to modify the warm up. But once my headache was gone, I made the decision not to modify the workout at all for as long as I could last before any type of dizziness hit. If dizziness hit, I would slow it down and start modifying. Long story short, NO DIZZINESS!!! So, I hit the routine with almost a full intensity. I am very happy that I didn't get dizzy, but my strength level is still at only maybe 70%. So I couldn't push as hard on the Push-Ups. Rather, I kept a pace and stuck with a good number for the two rounds of each move. But the even better thing is that I made it all the way through the routine without maxing out. I came really close during the Ending Challenge on that Suicide High Knee move. I just couldn't keep up with Shaun's pace, so I just did the best I could without stopping. Also, that fast bobbing up and down, I was a little worried about the dizziness, but either way, I wasn't able to keep up with Shaun's pace. But I went all the way without any move modification. It felt good to nail the routine.
I took a lot of time today stretching out. I was also trying to focus on breathing deeply. I wanted to get as much oxygen into my system as possible. A headache didn't return so that was a plus. I wasn't as sore as yesterday so I was able to push a little more, but still, that left glute still gave me some problems. No records were broken today, but just getting back to a good level of flexibility. The Flow was also good.
In the end, after 120 minutes, I torched a good 917kcals. That is a good leap back up after all the modifications.
Saturday, March 4, 2017
3-04-17 HY: Insanity MAX 30 - Cardio Challenge + Ab Attack: 10 + Splits + TCF.
3-04-17 HY: Insanity MAX 30 - Cardio Challenge + Ab Attack: 10 + Splits + TCF.
I took my regular day off on Friday. I wanted to do a workout, but I got home from work later than I had hoped and so I had to take the day off. So, Saturday night, tonight starts my workout week. I'm still feeling week, but better and a little stronger than the previous days so I decided to start Week 4 of the schedule with partial modifying and hopefully work my way up to finish off week for in the schedule. Then, start Month 2 from next week.
Partial modification today. So I planned to only modify the "Jacks" moves and the "Jump" moves. Everything else I'd try at regular mode. I was able to get through the Warm Up pretty well, only modifying the first two moves, but the last three moves as regular moves. I could feel my legs starting to burn already. For every circuit after that, I modified only the predetermined moves and I started to really sweat at the 10 minutes mark. One reason for the modification was to protect myself from shaking my head too much, causing me dizziness. That is the biggest obstacle to going full intensity. The other obstacle is my loss of strength. So, I am trying to get those back gradually. I was feeling pretty sore today, but again, only on my left side, and that soreness is localized in my left glute area. I'm not really sure why that is. But once I got started, I didn't feel all that sore anymore. On Thursday, I got hit by dizziness around the half-way point of the routine, but today, I started feeling dizzy around the 22-23 minute mark. So I'm lasting longer with a little bit of shaking. Hopefully, I can get rid of all the dizziness by tomorrow. Then I'll start with regular intensity again.
I went right into Abs. This routine also, I decided to modify the sitting moves and do the regular plank moves. I got through the whole routine pretty well, but I kind of slowed way down during the Sprinting C-Sit move. I think it's move 7. Ab strength is still way down. But I think I'm going to have to push it a little more next time.
Splits went well, but I definitely didn't break any records today. The off day did a lot to tighten up my legs again. So I'll have to push harder to get back. My Flows were all good.
In the end, everything took 135 minutes, and I torched a respectable 915kcals. An okay way to start off the week, but I'm pushing to get passed this rehabbing stage.
I took my regular day off on Friday. I wanted to do a workout, but I got home from work later than I had hoped and so I had to take the day off. So, Saturday night, tonight starts my workout week. I'm still feeling week, but better and a little stronger than the previous days so I decided to start Week 4 of the schedule with partial modifying and hopefully work my way up to finish off week for in the schedule. Then, start Month 2 from next week.
Partial modification today. So I planned to only modify the "Jacks" moves and the "Jump" moves. Everything else I'd try at regular mode. I was able to get through the Warm Up pretty well, only modifying the first two moves, but the last three moves as regular moves. I could feel my legs starting to burn already. For every circuit after that, I modified only the predetermined moves and I started to really sweat at the 10 minutes mark. One reason for the modification was to protect myself from shaking my head too much, causing me dizziness. That is the biggest obstacle to going full intensity. The other obstacle is my loss of strength. So, I am trying to get those back gradually. I was feeling pretty sore today, but again, only on my left side, and that soreness is localized in my left glute area. I'm not really sure why that is. But once I got started, I didn't feel all that sore anymore. On Thursday, I got hit by dizziness around the half-way point of the routine, but today, I started feeling dizzy around the 22-23 minute mark. So I'm lasting longer with a little bit of shaking. Hopefully, I can get rid of all the dizziness by tomorrow. Then I'll start with regular intensity again.
I went right into Abs. This routine also, I decided to modify the sitting moves and do the regular plank moves. I got through the whole routine pretty well, but I kind of slowed way down during the Sprinting C-Sit move. I think it's move 7. Ab strength is still way down. But I think I'm going to have to push it a little more next time.
Splits went well, but I definitely didn't break any records today. The off day did a lot to tighten up my legs again. So I'll have to push harder to get back. My Flows were all good.
In the end, everything took 135 minutes, and I torched a respectable 915kcals. An okay way to start off the week, but I'm pushing to get passed this rehabbing stage.
Thursday, March 2, 2017
3-02-17 HY: Insanity MAX 30 - Tabata Strength + Splits + TCF.
3-02-17 HY: Insanity MAX 30 - Tabata Strength + Splits + TCF.
Day 2 of my rehab. I am still feeling pretty weak. On top of that, my hip flexors are really sore today. Instead of the jumping moves yesterday, the modifier does a lot of Squats, and I think that really got me. Especially on my left glute. Very sore and tender over on that side. Again, I was considering not working out because I was feeling really tired and sleepy when I got home. Maybe it is the meds I still taking to get rid of some of the residual symptoms, but I really didn't feel like working out today. But, after a little nap, I felt better and so I got up and got changed.
I was happy that today is off from Abs, so it was supposed to be shorter than usual. But I also decided to go back and do the regular Splits routine so that brought my time back up. Tabata Strength was a good routine without the modification. But my hope today was to get through the whole routine without feeling dizzy or lightheaded. I started to sweat at the 10-minute mark, but I didn't sweat that much through the whole routine. I felt good for the first half, but I started to get dizzy around the 17-miinute mark. It wasn't as strong as yesterday's dizziness, but it was more constant. So I had to take my pace down. For the most part, I modified everything, but there was one circuit that I didn't modify because modifying would have just totally missed the point of the move. So for most of one circuit, I didn't modify. The circuit was the V-Push Up Circuit. It starts off with a 4-count up and 4-count down, then the regular V-Push Ups, then the hold. It really hit my shoulders and triceps. But that put more pressure on my head, and I think that is what led to my feeling dizzy. But I will push a little each time so I can start to build that base.
The Splits actually went really well today. Especially, there was a point during the routine where one set of Straddle splits felt really good and I went really low, I mean new record low. And then there was another point where the Left Side Splits felt really good and I was able to push to a record low. Right Side was just normal. But sometimes I can just push it and at other times, I can't push at all. Weird stuff. The Flow was good all around.
In the end, after 113 minutes, I torched a modest 585kcals. That 10-second break for Tabata really showed up today in the calorie burn.
Incidentally, here is my calendar for February.
Day 2 of my rehab. I am still feeling pretty weak. On top of that, my hip flexors are really sore today. Instead of the jumping moves yesterday, the modifier does a lot of Squats, and I think that really got me. Especially on my left glute. Very sore and tender over on that side. Again, I was considering not working out because I was feeling really tired and sleepy when I got home. Maybe it is the meds I still taking to get rid of some of the residual symptoms, but I really didn't feel like working out today. But, after a little nap, I felt better and so I got up and got changed.
I was happy that today is off from Abs, so it was supposed to be shorter than usual. But I also decided to go back and do the regular Splits routine so that brought my time back up. Tabata Strength was a good routine without the modification. But my hope today was to get through the whole routine without feeling dizzy or lightheaded. I started to sweat at the 10-minute mark, but I didn't sweat that much through the whole routine. I felt good for the first half, but I started to get dizzy around the 17-miinute mark. It wasn't as strong as yesterday's dizziness, but it was more constant. So I had to take my pace down. For the most part, I modified everything, but there was one circuit that I didn't modify because modifying would have just totally missed the point of the move. So for most of one circuit, I didn't modify. The circuit was the V-Push Up Circuit. It starts off with a 4-count up and 4-count down, then the regular V-Push Ups, then the hold. It really hit my shoulders and triceps. But that put more pressure on my head, and I think that is what led to my feeling dizzy. But I will push a little each time so I can start to build that base.
The Splits actually went really well today. Especially, there was a point during the routine where one set of Straddle splits felt really good and I went really low, I mean new record low. And then there was another point where the Left Side Splits felt really good and I was able to push to a record low. Right Side was just normal. But sometimes I can just push it and at other times, I can't push at all. Weird stuff. The Flow was good all around.
In the end, after 113 minutes, I torched a modest 585kcals. That 10-second break for Tabata really showed up today in the calorie burn.
Incidentally, here is my calendar for February.
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