Wednesday, September 23, 2015

9-11-15 HY: ChaLEAN Extreme- Burn It Off + Ab Burner + Yoga moves.

9-11-15 HY: ChaLEAN Extreme- Burn It Off + Ab Burner + Yoga moves.
Today was a rather unorthodox day. First of all, I invited my sister to workout with me and she readily accepted. She just signed up for the 30-day trial at beachbody so she wanted to try some routines I do. So I chose Burn it off. Working out with someone really changes the dynamic of the workout. For me, I felt I needed to step it up and get through the routine with seemingly no problem. That in and of i...tself really pushed me a lot because I went right up to my limit and a little past. According to my HRM there was a point that my rate shot up past 200bps. But this was the first time I had to take a longer break between rounds. I also had to teach the moves in between each move so there wouldn't be much of a break, so I was moving more than usual. Got a great lung burn on the cardio today.
Then my sister suggested we try Ab Burner, so I went with it. Personally, since I did this routine yesterday, it was a bit easier today, but it was still tough, but I still had to play it cool. HA! But I couldn't avoid the mandatory occasional grunt groan and moan after tough moves.
Then we tried some yoga poses and shot some pictures. Last year we shot a whole series of yoga poses together and we wanted to do it again. But since we didn't have much time we only shot a couple poses. It was fun!
In the end, I torched another solid 800+kcal workout. Plus the fun of working out with my sister was a great bonus!

9-10-15 HY: P90X3-Triometrix + ChaLEAN Extreme- Ab Burner + Splits + TCF.

9-10-15 HY: P90X3-Triometrix + ChaLEAN Extreme- Ab Burner + Splits + TCF.
I was feeling really good today, but I had somewhat of a time issue so I went with an X3 routine. I knew Trio was tough but I didn't really remember what it consisted of, but either way I went with it. The 3 levels on each move was ok at the beginning, but by the time I got to the Slaters, I was really heaving heavily. I really got a great burn. Trio is primarily a lower body cardio workout and I reall...y hit the target. I'm really grateful that these routines are not HIIT style because I probably wouldn't be able to take it at this time. The routine really tested me, and I sweat like crazy. My towel was the wettest it has been all week.
I went with Ab Burner for my abs today. I was really tested today. I can usually get through this routine pretty well, but today seemed tougher than usual. That sort of tell me that even though I may feel okay, my body is still not at 100%.
The Splits were good. Since I'm on carpet I can't slide, so I have to put one leg in a static position and the other leg on a sliding surface and slide it open. Luckily, my knees are still feeling okay so I, happy about that. I think I'm doing okay pushing low so far so I'll keep pushing.
The Flow was a lot better today, but I still didn't feel totally comfortable. My hand positioning still was a bit odd in that I still feel unsure as to just exactly where my hands are supposed to be. When I get home, I'll have to review the Flow to get that confidence back. But maybe it will click some time in the near future.
In the end, I torched a solid 850+kcals. I had to leave right after showering, but my legs were wobbly!

9-9-15 HY: YAYOG- Intermediate Ladders + Novice Circuit + Splits + TCF

9-9-15 HY: YAYOG- Intermediate Ladders + Novice Circuit + Splits + TCF,
I was feeling a lot better today because of the good sleep I had the previous night. I didn't have much sleepiness through the day so that was good. I had some time so I wanted to go a bit more intense, but not necessarily kill myself yet.
The intermediate Ladders was the perfect level. Not too long, with a matching level of intensity. It also added some strength work with push ups. The first two moves were lower body moves and totally burned out my legs. Got a good shake on. The second two moves were chest and back moves, push ups and back flies. Also, I doubled the number of reps. The ladder was simply 1-2-3-4 up and down twice for the push ups, and 2-4-6-8 for the back flies. But I doubled that and tried to do it in the same amount of time. I was dying by the end, but I was able to push through and keep up. Got a great pump and burn on.
I wasn't quite spent though so I was ready to do one more routine. The Novice Circuit was perfect because it was also quick and intense. 4 moves all at once in 4 circuits. I don't remember now what the moves were (since I'm writing this two days late) but I do remember the I started off with 14 reps for the first two circuits, then I tried to push it to at least 16 reps and higher for the last two circuits. One of the moves was Pike Push Ups and in the final circuit I pushed for 22 reps. Oh, in this routine, each move is 20 seconds with 10 seconds rest. But that rest time goes by really fast. Another move was again, Back flies. I didn't try to blast it this time because my back was somewhat burned out already. As I type, I'm slowly remembering the moves, and the first move was a burpee. 14 reps in 20 seconds was tough, but not killer. But I had to really push it to get 16 reps in the final circuit. The last move is Single Legged Deadlift. The first couple circuits were fine, but the last two were extremely tough because my lower left back was really starting to feel it. But it was a great routine to close off the main workout with.
I moved right into the splits and Flow. Again, I added time to each position so it added a total of about 3 minutes to the whole stretch for a total of 23 minutes. For the Flow... DISASTER! As I was going through the Flow, I just suddenly lost it. I totally blacked out and forgot what I was supposed to do with my hands. I tried a few times to restart, but I lost it. Total brain freeze! I ended up having to go to YouTube to watch my own video of the Flow that I posted. I had to watch it a few times to get the hand positioning I needed. I went back to the Flow and got through it, but I still felt really uncomfortable with it.
The big difference is that I'm doing my workouts on carpet so I had trouble with sliding and getting on the ground because I don't want to sweat up the carpet. Also, the little carpet fibers get on me and all over, sometimes even in my mouth so I am a bit vexed by that. But I'm pushing through it.
In the end, I torched a solid 830+kcals. Felt really good.

9-8-15 HY: YAYOG-Novice Ladders + ChaLEAN Extreme-Extreme Abs + Splits + TCF.

9-8-15 HY: YAYOG-Novice Ladders + ChaLEAN Extreme-Extreme Abs + Splits + TCF.
Today was somewhat messed up. I was scheduled to go to the Notre Dame campus to start my research, but first glitch in my plan is that I woke up too early, then went back to sleep and woke up at noon. I had brunch, then I got really sleepy again so I planned to take a quick nap, hammer out a quick workout, then head to ND. Also, I really needed a shower. The next thing I know, my dad is waking me... up at 10 to Six telling me it's time to go to the funeral of a family friend. Well, school was out, and my workout seemed not in the cards as well as a shower. Luckily, I had a pack of those body wipes that literally saved me, or should I say, it saved the people around me. HA! Anyway, the funeral went really long, I mean really REALLY long, and I didn't get back until close to 10pm. Fortunately, I was feeling wide awake so I got ready for my workout. I had been feeling in a haze all day and I had a bit of a headache so I went with a mild routine to get my body back to normal. The second level of the novice cycle of You Are Your Own Gym (YAYOG). I worked up a good sweat, and the full body nature of the workout really activated my bodies sleepy points and seemed to knock some rust out.
I moved right into Abs, and I got an awesome burn on them today.
I had to jimmy a slide for my splits because where I'm working out is carpeted. But I got it going and I got a good stretch.
I had to move a few things, but I made enough ace for my Flow. It was a bit tight, but what's new?
In the end, everything worked out, and I torched a respectable 604kcals! I was expecting around 300-400, so I was happy I got over 600. I have to make my plan work tomorrow. No matter what!

9-7-15 Transit Walking and luggage lifting.

9-7-15 Transit Walking and luggage lifting.
Today is the day I left for the USA. This is probably the smoothest trip I've taken, EVER! Hardly any lines to wait in, security checks were fast and easy along with immigration and customs. But I must have walked at least 5 miles carrying and pulling my bags. Going from one flight to another, terminal to terminal. Door to door, the trip was almost 26 hours. I totally spaced on bringing two things, first, a hat. I always wear a hat, but this time, no hat. But that also gives me an excuse to get a new one. Second, my pedometer. As I was walking, I was bummed that I didn't bring it. But I might get a new one here if I have the time to shop around. When I got to my destination, I was exhausted and sleepy. Glad to be in the good ol' USA!

9-6-15 HY: P90X-Kempo Cardio PLUS + RevAbs-Merciless Abs + Splits + TCF.

9-6-15 HY: P90X-Kempo Cardio PLUS + RevAbs-Merciless Abs + Splits + TCF.
Last workout of the summer here at home, when I get back from my trip, I will only have a few days to recover from jet lag and then it's back to school. I don't even know my schedule yet. HA!
Good workout today. When Tony said it was a moving workout, he wasn't lying! I was constantly moving during the routine and I worked up a great sweat. Overall, I really like the routine, except for the Spinning ...Sword move and the next move, Spinning Sword and Low Back Fist. Tony says to look back each time, but I can't. I tried, but I could feel the dizziness coming on and so I just kept looking at the screen. Love the Gladiator, the combo knee and kick moves, the moving punches and elbows, etc. A lot of fun!
I finally got to do the Merciless Abs routine! Other routines seemed to bump it out of place when it was scheduled. But it ended up being my finisher for P90X. As expected, and as usual, I got a great burn and ache from it. Felt the tight abs for hours afterwards. LOVE IT!
The Splits were very good. Got to my mark quickly. I doubt I could have done that if I didn't do them last night. But to up the intensity, I am now adding time regularly to all the moves. I may try to just add a whole extra cycle in. Time permitting, that is what I will do starting when I get back, or even during my trip.
The Flow was also as usual. No hiccups this time. Just a good solid Flow. Happy to get through it in good fashion. But still need to steady up the ship.
I was not planning to bring my HRM, but the closer I got to filling my bags, I changed my mind and decided to bring it. It is a huge tool in my motivation so I need it with me. I also am bringing a resistance band so I can do some strength training as much as possible. If I can pick up a set in the US, I will. The ones I have are old and are starting to get that used eraser look. I don't want one to snap on me in the middle of a workout. I will try to maintain my daily reports while I'm away. Thank goodness for free Wi-Fi!
In the end, I torched over 830kcals today. Great way to begin my week, and finish P90X! CHEERS ALL!!

Sunday, September 6, 2015

9-5-15 HY: Splits + TCF.

9-5-15 HY: Splits + TCF.

Previously I vowed to never let two days go by without doing my splits.  Since I missed doing my splits yesterday, I had to do them today.  The big challenge is that I had to do them without the benefit of warming up my muscles through a workout.  So I did my usual Neural Reboot from Tai Cheng to loosen up but I tried to do it a bit slower to get a better pre-stretch.  I also added time to each move so I could try and hit my mark, and I almost did.  I was still sore and tight from Legs & Back and tennis.  But I got a good stretch.

The Flow was a good slow pass.  I had a bit of a balance issue because I was trying to stay in control of my speed.  But I handled it and got through.  But I still need to have better all around control at any time and at any speed.

I wanted to do a regular workout tonight, but I just didn't have the time with my travel preparations and helping my kids with various things.  So I guess tomorrow is my final regular workout before my trip. I'm going to have to bring it!