Not Myself This Weekend

Wow. So this turned into a totally slackjob of a weekend. I completely slept thru ALL of Saturday. After being up and awake for a few hours I drifted back to sleep for a few more hours this morning. And in general just feeling kinda listless all day. I had Kenpo X on my mind, but just haven't found the gumption to follow thru. Just generally feeling blah. Not depressed, not sick. Just . . . blah . . . I have no explanation.

I am not gonna beat myself up about it. Sometimes, you just have a bad or two.

I may or may not get Kenpo X done before the night is over. If I don't, then I just may pull a double tomorrow, or just pick up where I would've anyway and go from there. I have come too far to give up and I don't intend to give up.

Thanx for "listening."

:^/

Sweaty Fun Friday!!

So after a very nice sleep, I woke up feeling pretty good. No creaks. No stiffness. Had a bowl of shredded wheat and got caught up with folx online. After perusing through the P90X Facebook page and reading people's statuses, I was inspired and ready to workout . . .

Day 40 - Legs & Back / Ab Ripper X

Wow! What a great workout today. Makes such a difference to go into it totally positive and ready! It also helps that my legs are pretty strong and this is one of those virtually modification-free workouts, so I can entirely focus on form and function and not choreography. So it was hard work as usual. And the minor modifications I did have to do were pretty much keeping a foot or toe on the floor when Tony says to raise it if you can. I attempted to raise on a few occasions, but still pretty much had to rely on keeping contact with the floor for balance and fatigue purposes.

I made some improvement in form and execution on several exercises. My Balance Lunge was far less wobbly than it's been before. Got a little bit lower on the Super Skaters. Better hold on the Wall Squats, although I could stand to get lower on them, overall much better though. Was actually able to raise my arms on the latter halves of the Step Back Lunges with the band! I got through most of the Single-Leg Wall Squat with using the wall for leverage. Got a much better hold and less strain on the Chair Salutations. MUCH better balance and execution on the Toe-Roll Iso Lunge, probably my best set yet of those! Stayed low on my Groucho Walk. And really brought it to the Sieber-Speed Squat, so much so that I actually completely burnt out on the last few and just couldn't do anymore! As far as the rest of the Leg work, it was all pretty much on or just above par with the last time.

On the Back work, I took Tony's advice and really concentrated on form and holding on with each rep. This resulted in lower numbers, but because of the added hold and form, it also resulted in really working my upper back. Difference from previous workout is in red.

Reverse Grip Chin-Ups: 16/16 -3/-3

Wide Front Pull-Ups: 20/18 -2/-2

Closed Grip Overhead Pull-Ups: 16/18 -11/-1

Switch Grip Pull-Ups: 20/28 +1/+2

So fewer numbers here, but much better work, so I am fine with it. Overall VERY pleased with this workout.

Onto Ab Ripper X. I hate it. But I sort of like it now. Today's ARX was very much on par with the much improved previous one. I struggled just a little but throughout but I attribute that with how much I brought it to Legs & Back. Still made a very good showing on the Ab work. No great strides since the last one so nothing to go into detail about, but it was another very strong effort. Very, very pleased and have a wonderful since of accomplishment!!

It's Friday night. And I still have to go in to work. But in the spirit of the day, here's Johnny Kemp with "Just Got Paid (Friday Night)." Have good night!! See you here tomorrow!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jl1mQASHc48

:^D

A Change in Plans

So I opted to sleep first then do Yoga X. But I woke up a little later than I had planned. And I really just wasn't in the mindset for Yoga X. Maybe I'll do X Stretch? No. Oddly enough, I was more in the mood to do some real moving today, but I didn't want to head into Plyometrics again so soon. So I decided to try out the one workout I hadn't done yet.

Day 39 - Cardio X

So I figured this will be the perfect solution. It's relatively short. And it encompasses a little bit of Yoga, Kenpo, Plyo and Core. A lovely mixed bag of sweat! I Pressed Play and got things rolling with the Yoga section of the workout. Even though this only went for a short while, it convinced me that Yoga X wasn't gonna happen for me today. I get through the moves okay, but I was eager to move on to the more active parts of the workout.

Next came the Kenpo section. I have already stated that Kenpo X is my favorite workout at the moment, so I

was very happy to get some kicks in. I got so into it that I started to feel a little tired. No doubt due to the fact that I had an empty stomach that had been empty for quite awhile. I should've eaten a little something for some fuel, but I was already in the middle of the workout, so it was too late. I just kept plugging along. By the time I got to the Jab/Cross/Hook/Uppercut and the Three Direction Kicks, I had to take a bit of a breather.

I paused the DVD for a minute before heading into the Plyo section of the workout. I had to catch my breath and get another wind going. I regrouped and resumed the workout. So the bulk of this section was very familiar (Heisman, Swing Kick, Jump Shot, Tire) because they are in the Plyo workout. But then there was the Wacky Jacks, which look more fun than they actually are. It took me a second to get my coordination for this one, but once I did, it was fine. But by the time I got to the second round, my obliques weren't loving this one so much.

Finishing up with the Core section of the workout, I was cursing the countdown clock because it wasn't ticking away fast enough. I was, at this point, starting to feel like I might puke. But I was too close to the end to stop so I went with it and kept up my intensity level as best I could. Why are there Dreya Rolls here? WHY? I can't do those yet, so I opted to do a series of low Squats leading up to a Y-Pose in lieu. Completed the workout with a hard fought for Superman/Banana. Y'know something called Superman/Banana should be way more fun that it actually is. Am I wrong about that?

Anyhoo, this provided just what I needed today. I good, short, sweaty, workout to get the juices flowing. Makes me feel less guilty for blowing off Yoga X. I may do it Sunday instead of resting or X Stretch. We'll see how I feel then.

Your song for today is "(Keep Feeling) Fascination" by the Human League, because they sing about plans changing and truths re-arranging and moving on and such which sort of applies to today. Anyway, enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqqBs6kkzHE'

:^D

That's More Like It!

I was bound and determined to bounce back from yesterday's so-so Plyo. And I think I acheived that!!

Day 38 - Back & Biceps / Ab Ripper X

Felt a LOT better today going into the workout! From the very start I felt the familiar vim and vigor that had become the norm when approaching my workouts. I am truly grateful for it. So let's take a look at the numbers. Difference from previous workout, as usual, is in red.

Wide Front Pull-Ups: 25 +4

Lawnmowers: 17 left, 17 right +1, +1

Twenty-Ones: 21 0

One-Arm Cross-Body Curls: 13 -1

Switch Grip Pull-Ups: 20 0

Elbows-Out Lawnmowers: 13 left, 13 right 0, 0

Standing Bicep Curls: 15 0

One-Arm Concentration Curls: 15 left, 16 right: 0, +1

Corn Cob Pull-Ups: 10 0

Reverse Grip bent Over Rows: 15 0

Open Arm Curls: 17 +2

Static Arm Curls: 24 +4

Towel Pull-Ups: 15 0

Congdon Locomotives: 40 +5

Crouching ohen Curls: 18 +1

One-Arm Corkscrew Curls: 16 +1

Chin-Ups: 21 +1

Bent Over back Flys: 18 +2

Curl-Up/Hammer Downs: 20 0

Hammer Curls: 12 -1

Max Rep Pull-Ups (Wide-Grip): 24 -1

In-Out Hammer Curls 12 0

Strip-Set Curls: 27 +6

So I really made a concerted effort to focus on form today. And also adjusting the Red bands for more tension on most of the exercises. That's most likely the reason the numbers are so closely comparable to the last Back & Biceps workout. Not a lot of plusses, and quite a few break evens. And knowing how much effort I put into it, I am actually fine with that. I can honestly say that I was putting in the work and getting the form right because my biceps were burning quite a bit during the workout. Moreso than I remember them doing before. Very happy with that. Also very happy with my Supermans. Those are really tough coming so close to the end of the workout, especially after all that came before it. But I felt like I got a better raise on the legs and the upper body (moreso on the legs), and held on strong for each duration. Overall quite pleased with the workout.

Now, I must be getting a little closer to loving Ab Ripper X because I find myself actually looking forward to it. (Did I just say that???) I think it's because I am seeing my ability to complete it increase more and more with each session, and that just makes me want to do better. I will note that today's was pretty much on par with the previous one. And that's a good thing! Still happy with the progress I have made specifically with the Wide Leg Sit-Ups, Hip Rock N Raise and the Roll-Up/V-up Combo. I actually did the that one a little better today and managed to squeeze out 13, four more than before. A few of the other exercises still also have much room for improvement, but me and ARX are getting ever so much closer to becoming friends!!

So because I felt strong enough to complete a great workout this evening, here is Cher with "Stong Enough." Have a great night. Yoga X is on tab for tomorrow!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEeYz1m1FI4

:^D

Ugh . . .

So yesterday was just hard. I felt really sluggish during most of the workout. I guess I could attribute it to the fact that I felt a little queasy the night before and paid several visits to the porcelain throne. That's the only thing I can pinpoint that was different. So it was with 3/4 heart that I endured . . .

Day 37 - Plyometrics

So early on, I was just not completely into it. I felt a bit tired and once things got started, my legs started feeling quite pasta-like pretty quickly. I ended up coming out of pretty much all of the Squat exercises earlier than normal. The Heismans, Swing Kick and Circle Run were pretty much adequate. About the same amount of work was put n for both rounds of the first section.

Second set of exercises were pretty much on par with the first. My Jump Knee Tuck, which had been coming along, was totally not there last night. I managed a reasonable hop, but was not getting the height or the knee bend. Kinda slogged my way through the Mary Katherines and the Leap Frog Squat. Twist Combo, again, adequate.

So, at the halfway point of the workout, I tried my best to regroup, because i came really close to just Pressing Stop and letting it go. But I made myself continue. I just said the first half was a wash and now I needed to find some gusto from somewhere and Bring It t the second half. So with that, things pickup a little going into the next set.

So, I managed to actually get a few Rock Star Hops off the ground. Not as many as before, but I was determined to do SOMETHING. The Gap Jumps went okay. The first set of Squat Jacks were also jest okay, but I got through near 7/8 of a full set on the second go 'round. Military Marches were fine. Could've gotten better extension on the arms and the legs, but I was feeling better about things in general at this point.

So the last set before the Bonus Round was here and I was determined to finish if not strong, at least stronger than i started. So I got a just above adequate first set of the final four (Run Squat 180 Jump Switch to the [modified] Hot Foot), but on the second set, I felt a little fire go off in me and really brought more intensity. So much so that instead of skipping the Bonus Round like I originally planned, I kept going and got through to the end on a good note.

So yeah, it was rough, and started out quite shaky and weak, but I managed to make it though to the end. I am about to get ready to hit Back & Biceps. Feeling better today and I hope that is reflected in the workout.

So the song for yesterday's hard fought workout is Steve Brookstein's version of "Against All Odds." See you back here in a bit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhQcQ8M8yyg

:^)

Paying for the Weekend

So even though I technically didn't miss any workouts over the weekend, I had a little too much fun hanging with friends and consuming some things that I hadn't in almost 2 months. I woke up this morning feeling kinda blah. I put off working out as long as I could until my conscience told me to do the right thing and Press Play today. As usual, I am glad I did.

Day 36 - Chest, Shoulders & Triceps / Ab Ripper X

Went into this one not totally committed, and

practically dragging and kicking. I new it needed to be done, so it was time to stop whining and start working! Even though it started off kinda weak, my energy and intensity picked up somewhat as it went

along. Here are the numbers. Difference in red.

Slow Motion 3-in-1 Push-Ups: 11, 0 bonus -1, -5

In & Out Shoulder Flys: 18 +1

Chair Dips: 24 +3

Plange Push-Ups: 20 +2

Pike Press: 10 +1

Side Tri-Rises: 15 left/15 right -1/0

Floor Flys: 24 0

Scarecrows: 8 0

Overhead Tricep Extensions: 10 -1

Two-Twitch Speed Push-Ups: 12 fast/7 slow 0/+1

Y-Presses: 14 +2

Triceps Extensions: 14 -1

Side-to-Side

Push-Ups: 16 +6

Pour Flys: 13 +1

Side-Leaning Tricep Extensions: 11 left/11 right +1/-1

One-Arm Push-Ups 11 +1

Weighted Circles: 20 forward/20 backwards 0/+2

Throw the Bomb: 10/10 -1/-1

Clap Push-Ups: 12 +2

Slo-Mo-Throws: 8 -2

Front-to-Back Tricep Extensions: 20 0

One-Arm Balance Push-Ups: 12 +2

Fly-Row Presses: 10 +4

Dumbell Cross-Body Blows: 22 -2

So you can see, it was pretty much a mixed bag of progress here. Up on some, broke even on others, and a few less on still others. Not a huge surprise considering how I was feeling today. But I must say, better than I expected I would do. I am still on my knees for the push-ups and still using the Red band. And everything is still very challenging with those things in consideration. My goal is to definitely come in with more gusto next week and have more plusses in the column!

So in my mind I was wondering how Ab Ripper X was gonna treat me today in light of my demeanor. Actually, it wasn't bad at all. I would say it was on par with Friday's. I actually managed to keep a better count on the exercises today now that my form is getting better. So I know we do 25 of everything except for the Leg Climb and Mason Twists. I completed 25 of each of the In & Outs, Bicycles (forward AND backward), and Crunchy Frogs. Now on the Wide Leg Sit-Up, even though the form is better, I cannot do them as fast, so I completed 12 out of 25. Then 25 Fifer Scissors (still with foot on floor for half the time), then 13 Hip Rick N Raises.

Second half of ARX: 25 Pulse Ups (with legs being held up with hands), 9 Roll-Up/V-Up Combos (really happy with that, still manged to keep a close form on it), 25 Oblique V-Ups on both sides (legs still slightly apart, but getting better), 12 Leg Climbs on both sides and 50 Mason Twists (with feet still on the floor).

So even with the sloggy start at the beginning, I at least finished strong with another great ARX session. So I am feeling much better to have made it through! Week 6 is off and running!!

On that note, here's JoDee Messina's version of Barry Manilow's "I Made it Through The Rain." Have a great week!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGvDltH-kMg

:^D

Off the Fence

I don't know why I just don't go with what I know. I always feel so much better coming out of a workout. Especially on those days when I am feeling kinda blah and just not in the mood. Today was no exception. After some hemming and more hawwing I decided to go ahead and Press Play today!

Day 35 - Kenpo X

So with yesterday being a de facto Rest Day (even though a long hike and a few Rugby drills were incorporated), my scheduled Kenpo X was put off. So I made up for it today. Very glad I did! I went into it with a a slightly stiff back and knees. No pain, just mild discomfort. I think from being up and about and on my feet a lot (not to mention a little unauthorized indulging) in the sun.

No major surprises with Kenpo X. Again it's my favorite workout because modification isn't really necessary for me, just intensity. And once the ball got rolling, the necessary intensity came from somewhere and I was kicking and punching like a sweaty madman in no time. I have so much fun with Kenpo that the hour just flies by and it seems to be over before I know it. And I am covered with sweat by the end. It helps that I have the moves pretty much down enough where I don't have to think about it and can focus and bringing the intensity and following through at my very best.

So I am glad I hopped off the fence and joined Tony and Friends for Kenpo Today. This closes out week 5 for me!! And we are a quarter of the way in to Phase II!

I think I will let the legendary James Brown speak for me today with "I Feel Good." Make it a Sunday Funday!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzlpTRNIAvc

:^D