So TWO days ago . . . .

Sorry for the delay, but the day got away from on Friday, and I was out ans about all day yesterday. So now I am finally getting around to reporting on Friday evening's workout. Let's step into the time machine and go back and revisit . . .

Day 33 - Legs & Back / Ab Ripper X

So on this day, I decided to sleep before working out, which is the opposite of what I had been doing. It seems that before I would be too wired after working out to got to bed, so I was starting to not get enough sleep and really dragging through my overnight work shift. I think it made a difference by switching things up because after sleeping for a decent amount of time first, I was quite refreshed before heading into the the workout.

Reviewing the leg exercises first (pretty much just highlighting the better parts, since most was on par with the previous session). I think this session I came the closest to matching up with Tony & Co. move for move and count for count. I did not add any weights for intensity. But my focus here was to match up as close as possible through the workout. the Balance Lunge is still just a little awkward position-wise for me. But once I settled my balance, I really got things going with them, thought with a slight wobble towards the end. Got a good set of Super Skaters in. Tried to do a few without the toe tap, but had to stat tapping again after a couple of times.

I dreaded the Wall Squat a little less, now that I realize the secret to getting stronger with them is to not start off too low. So I do these a bit above the 90 degree angle that Tony says to do and them dip down to just above 90 for the lower portion. In time I will get lower, but trust that I was really feeling my quads burning on this. Step-Back Lunges were also a success. I tried to lift the bands overhead to add intensity and it was a little too much for me, so I continued with the lowered arm position.

Single Leg Wall Squat went a little better for the same reason as the regular version. I remained at a higher than 90 degree position. My raised leg was at 45 instead of 90, but I kept it off the floor. Still using the wall and door knob for support, but relied on it a little less than last time. Also still relying on on my rear foot touching the floor on the Deadlift Squat. Doing it completely on one leg is still too much of a challenge at this point.

The Chair Salutations are definitely getting stronger and stronger for me. I am able to hold the position now without succumbing to fatigue in my back, so my next goal is to sit lower and get my arms higher. Toe-Roll Iso Lunge for some reason is still tricky for me because I end up focusing on the forward lean and not on rolling the foot and toe which is more of the point of the exercise. I had to constantly remind my self to roll the foot, roll the foot.

Much better Groucho Walk. I maintained the lowered stance even though by this point my legs were really on fire from all that came before. The inward toe position on the Calf Raises are much stronger and less awkward, but still challenging. Keeping my feet from straightening out is getting easier to do here. Performed my strongest set of Seibers-Speed Squats yet. I was working so hard on these That I actually had to stop a little short because my legs were practically spaghetti by this point.

Now to the back section of the workouts with the pull-ups and chin-ups. I am still wussing it with the red band here, but like before moving back for more tension. The numbers here are pretty much on par with before. Difference in red.

Reverse Grip Chin-Ups: 19/19 +2/-1

Wide Front Pull-Ups: 22/20 0/0

Closed Grip Overhand Pull-Ups: 27/19 +10/-1

Switch Grip Pull-Ups: 19/26 0/+1

I noticed my numbers were pretty much even, so when I got to the first set of Closed Grips, I attacked it with a little more intensity and speed and get a better number, but I think I sacrificed some form on the latter half of that set, so I dialed it back for the next one and re-assigned my focus on form and that is reflected by the number there.

Okay, I am truly excited to talk about this session of Ab Ripper X! Who'da thunk it?? this one had a few surprises. In& Outs and Bicycles still better and stronger. But when i got to the Wode Leg sit-up, a small miracle happened. I actually got my back all the way up of the floor! And then i did it again, and then again! Now I didn't do a full 25 sets of these because it took my a a second or two to get u0pright, but i did it and got about 1o done. Iwas really happy with that.

Holding the lowered leg off the floor on the Fifer Scissoris still a real challenge, Butit's gettin better, slowly but surely. I went with the odd numbered Hip Rock & Raise again with slow but better form. Pulse-Ups were better, too, even though I am still holding my legs up with my hands. I did tryit with holding them for a few reps but had to go back because I couldn't keep the legs up freely.

Now the next surprise came with the Rol-Up/V-up Combo. I felt so confident after the Wide-Legs, I thought surely I'll be able to finally get closer to form on this one. It was awesome! I got my back all the way up, came back down and raised the legs and did an almost jackknife with the pulse up part. This was the closet ever I've gotten to doing this properly. I wasn't counting, but concentrating and I think I completed about 6. But the fact that I did it and it actually resembles the real thing for the first time was such a great accomplishment!

Getting my legs closer together n the Oblique V-Up, and got a little more height with the back on the Leg Climb. Finished strong with the Mason Twist. Attempted to raise the legs up, but still had to put them back down to finish up strong. No question, my best ARX yet!!!

It feel so good to come out of these workouts feeling so accomplished. especially when you've done them better and stronger than before. I look forward to the day when I can do everything with modifying or settling and with each passing workout, I can see that day coming!

Here's your song. Michael Buble's version of "Feeling Good" . . . because I am! Enjoy and happy Sunday!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Edwsf-8F3sI&feature=av2n

:^D

Sweatin' to the Vinyasas

Happy Thursday! Hope all is well in your world!

Day 32 - Yoga X

Another day, another moist session of Yoga X! No major revelations are progressions this go 'round. Today's goal was to retain focus and hold positions as best as I could. For the most part that was the case.

By the time I completed the Moving Asanas, I was soaked with sweat like I had just completed

Plyo! I know I was trying extra hard to get the poses done as close to proper today. And for the most part I was more successful with tat today, until I got to the Standing Splits and Half Moons. I have SO far to go with balance and flexibility for those moves. But I feel like I inched ever closer today.

I lost a little bit of concentration during the Balance Postures. I made it through Tree on the left leg with no problem. And the right leg started out okay, but then I started wavering towards the end. I held on, but it was very shaky. The Royal Dancer continued my descent and I could not maintain balance at all during this part. I sort of got it back together for the Standing Leg Extension and finished up okay.

All of the Floor Work was pretty much on par with the previous Yoga X session. I actually tried a few times to get into the Shoulder Stance, but the effort proved futile, so that whole portion was completely modified by extending and holding my legs in similar positions to the proper form while I was on my back.

The Yoga Belly 7 was also on par with some very slight improvement on holding the Boats, Torso Twists and Touch the Sky. And of course everything after that is pretty much a breeze after all the hard work.

For today's song I wanted to post "Let's Get Wet" by the 80's band The Kane Gang, But I couldn't find it, so here's another song from them that I like, "The Closest Thing to Heaven." Keep bringing it!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_qTPj-pDmQ

:^D

Happy Humpday . . .

Hope you get humped real good!!! Another new frontier was approached today as I entered into another new workout. Let's get right to it.

Day 31 - Back & Biceps / Ab Ripper X

So much like Monday's Chest, Shoulders & Triceps workout, today I encountered a few more new exercises. Which meant more learning as I went along which slightly hendered my intensity. But I think it's important to things right, so I am willing to sacrifice some gusto while getting it down and then totally Bringing It the next time. Here are the numbers for today. Red Band used throughout.

Wide Front Pull-Ups: 21

Lawnmowers: 16 left, 16 right

Twenty-Ones: 21

One-Arm Cro

ss-Body Curls: 14

Switch Grip Pull-Ups: 20

Elbows-Out Lawnmowers: 13 left, 13 right

Standing Bicep Curls: 15

One-Arm Concentration Curls: 15 left, 15 right

Corn Cob Pull-Ups: 10

Reverse Grip Bent-Over Rows: 15

Open Arm Curls: 15

Static Arm Curls: 20

Towel Pull-Ups: 15

Congdon Locomotives: 35

Crouching Cohen Curls: 17

One-Arm Corkscrew Curls: 15

Chin-Ups: 20

Bent-Over Back Flys: 16

Curl-Up/Hammer Downs: 20

Hammer Curls: 13

Max Rep Pull-Ups (Wide Grip): 25

In-Out Hammer Curls: 12

Strip-Set Curls: 21

So, yes I retained using the Red band since most of these were new to me and I wanted to make sure i had the best form and not have to be concerned about the resistance. It was still quite a workout. On all of the Pull-Up and Chin Up exercises, sat about a half foot further back than I normally do with the bands, so there was quite a bit of tension to work with. I could definitely feel those sets in my upper back and a little into my shoulders. Same with the the Lawnmowers and Elbows Out Lawnmowers. Stepped a little closer to the handle to get more tension.

Had to play with band positioning on most of the Curl Exercises to get just the right amount of tension for maximum resistance. I think I found a good starting place with pretty much all of them because I was definitely feeling some burn in my biceps thought the workout. I wasn't so sure about the

bands before I stared P90X, but I tell you when you use them right, they get the job done.

The only none weight/band exercise in this session was the Superman. And if you've done Core Syn, you're familiar with it. It's all Superman, no Banana. Done in four 10-second intervals. I made it through each one, so my challenge here will be to get my legs and chest higher off the floor.

Curls are pretty universal and there wasn't any real modification necessary for them, so I don't need to go into anymore detail about the workout. My goal is to fully focus on the moves next time and get the numbers up and adjust the band tension for more resistance.

Now, today's Ab Ripper X? The BEST EVER so far!!! I don't know where it came from, but I was really bringing the focus and intensity to ABX. For the first time I made it completely through both Bicycles without stopping short! Also, instead of doing the Crunchy Frog with alternating legs like before, I pulled and extended both legs together. I still had to touch the floor on the extension, but I was really happy that I got both legs going together. I think I was getting even higher on the Wide Leg Sit-Up - it's almost an actual sit-up! Almost, but closer than before. Still can't keep my lower leg off the floor for the Fifer Scissors, but holding them up a wee bit longer now.

I found a way to successfully get though the Hip Rock N Raise. I only did them on the odd numbers. So yes, I only did half of them, but I did them with better form and did not stop early. I am still holding up my legs during the Pulse-Up, but I got a better pulse going and I did 21 out of 25 without stopping. And I think I am getting closer to getting a better Roll-Up/V-Up. First, I was actually able to sit-up for the first part of each rep. I focused on form again here and them much slower than Tony and the Gang, but the few that I did were the best ones yet and the closest to proper form. The Oblique V-Ups were on fire! Got my legs a little closer, but more importantly, I actually managed to keep up with Tony until the very last few seconds and my body just said "enough already!" on that one.

Finished up with a much better Leg Climb. I got my upper body up a smidge higher today! And the final Mason Twists, I attempted to raise my feet off the floor but it just wasn't happening, so on the floor they remained and I went twist to twist with Tony including the extras at the end. I was quite jazzed about Ab Ripper X today! I think I just got one step closer to really, REALLY liking it. Not gonna use the other L word just yet on that one.

A tiny note

Just like on Monday, there was quite a bit of backtracking the DVD to see the proper positioning with the band because they don't show it until each exercise is well underway. Not nearly as much backtracking as last time, but still enough to be annoying.

Very pleased with myself today!!! Actually quite Happy. Here's "Oh Happy Day" from Sister Act 2.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLY7yI1xV-M

:^D

A-Plyo-ing Myself

I must say I am feeling great today! At first I was sort of just feeling okay. Then I got undressed from my work clothes and put my hand on the side of my belly and it felt a little bit more hollow than before. That's a good thing. I looked in the mirror and I still can't see a real difference, but I felt it. I guess another good sign is that I had to add a hole in one of my belts when I got dressed for work last night. So slowly but surely, the process is working. I need to take my 30 day pics and measurements and see how I am really doing. But for now, let's review today's workout.

Day 30 - Plyometrics

The funny thing about Plyo: I really do love it. I just don't like it so much while I am doing. Or more specifically my legs don't like ME very much when I am doing

it. I think I had some residuals from my 2-mile walk yesterday. The legs, they were a-burnin' sooner into the workout than normal. But I was still feeling good, so I kept going.

Despite the legs bitching at me, today's Plyo was one of my best efforts! I saw some improvement on some parts that were a little troublesome before. Instead of going in to my normal detail, I will just highlight the places that went up a notch today.

I had a much more controlled Circle Run. before, if i wasn't careful, i came close to tripping over my feet a few times, but today I focus on the form and instead of the speed and felt mush more comfortable and in control. On the Jump Knee Tuck, I actually got a little hight and a slight bend on the knees. That one is slowly coming along. Foot landing synch was a little better on the Leapfrog Squat. There was still a hint of a step instead of a leap, but it was much better.

I got a little more height on the Rock Star Jumps as well. And my Pete Townshend is looking a little more Pete Townshendy! I kinda sloshed through the first set of Squat Jacks, but I had to redeem myself on the second set, and today was the closest I came to complete a whole set from start (Jumping jacks) to finish. I am still modifying the Hot Foot with a series of sort of Double Hops on each foot. I kept up the motion for about 7/8 of each set before tuckering out.

Overall, I am very happy with today's Plyo session. And by the 4th quarter, my legs were actually feeling much better and I made it through, including the Bonus Round. My reward? A soaking wet tank top and a face dripping with sweat. As it should be!

Today's song, Talking Heads' "Burning Down the House." Please to enjoy and have a great day!

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

:^D

And now . . . Phase II

Well, it was a slightly busy day. Had a way overdue eye exam and ordered new glasses. Picked up a new scale and some protein powder. And then decided to hike it home again so I got another 2 mile walk completed earlier this afternoon. Then after relaxing a bit and hanging out online, I hit the "gym" to embark on a new workout.

Day 29 - Chest, Shoulders & Triceps / Ab Ripper X

So today I embarked on the second phase and fifth week of my first P90X round. And with that came a new workout to get acquainted with. So there was quite a bit of an adjustment period after finally sort of mastering of some sorts the previous

sets of exercises, now it's time to learn a new set. No problem. Lets take a look at the numbers, then I will go into a bit of detail about the workout. Like before, the list is as follows: "Exercise: Number of Reps." Also, keep in mind that I retained using the Red band (35#) and Push-Ups are still done "Granny Style."

Slow Motion 3-in-1 Push-Ups: 12 (+5 bonus)

In & Out Shoulder Flys: 17

Chair Dips: 21

Plange Push-Ups: 18

Pike Press: 9

Side Tri-Rises: 16 left, 15 right

Floor Flys: 24

Scarecrows: 8

Overhead Tricep Extensions: 11

Two-Twitch Speed Push-Ups: 12 fast, 6 slow

Y-Press: 12

Tricep Extensions: 15

Side-to-side Push-Ups: 10

Pour Flys: 12

Side-Leaning Tricep Extensions: 10 left, 12 right

One-Arm Push-Ups: 10

Weighted Circles: 20 forward, 18 backward

Throw the Bomb: 11 left, 11 right

Clap Push-Ups: 10

Slo-Mo Throws: appx. 10

Front-to-Back Tricep Extensions: 5 left-front, 5 left-back/5 right-front, 5 right-back

One-Arm Balance Push-Ups 10

Fly Row Presses: 6

Dumbbell Cross-Body Blows: 24

Wow. This was some humdinger of a workout! Although I feel like I didn't give it as much intensity as I could've because I was doing a lot of these exercises for the first time and learning as I went along. But it was still quite a workout.

The Slow Motion 3-in-1 Push-Ups certainly got the ball rolling without a hint of ease. Even on the knees it was tough. My arms were trembling already and I was just getting started. I was wondering if I was gonna make it through the whole thing starting off like this. But I chugged along.I was familiar with the In & Out Shoulder Fly and Chair Dips because they were in a previous workout so I got through those okay. My hand position on the Plange Push-Ups felt a bit awkward, but I managed to get a few done despite that. The Pike Press was very challenging. I couldn't get down very low with it and I could feel my arms starting to buckle a bit, so I did as many as I could before coming out of it. And again Side Tri-Rise was familiar and on par with the last time I did them.

On the Floor Fly I opted to lift my wide hand instead of sliding. Got through the set surprisingly well, although I did have to take a short break about 3/4 of the way through. Scarecrow was a little awkward and kinda hard too. Only manged to squeeze out a few of those. Triceps Extensions was another one I was familiar with, so it was on par.

The Two-Twitch Speed Push-Ups were a bit of a monster. The fast ones were much easier to deal with than the slow ones. I had to break during the second slow set, then picked up again on the third fast set. Once I got my positioning down on the Y-Press, got a good set completed. Followed by a set of the familiar Triceps Extensions. Then a very, very much appreciated Ballistic Stretch break (or a Water/Towel Off/THEN Ballistic Stretch break for me).

The Side-to-Side Push-Ups were another set of challenge. I made it harder for myself by shifting my knees along with walking my hands from side to side. Next time I will keep the knees stationary and just walk the arms. Pour Fly was fairly done, even though I couldn't get my arms as high as I wanted. A good effort anyway. The Side Leaning was another one where I had to get my positioning with band settled before executing the exercise properly. It went okay after i got the swing of it.

I was quite dreading the One-Arm Push-Ups. But was sort of relieved that instead of consecutively, Tony has us switching the arms. That made it a little easier. I couldn't get very low, but I surprised myself that I was able to do what I did and made it to 10. Very happy with that. Raised the bands as far as I could on the Weighted Circle. Arms were about at 45 degrees, but there was enough band tension at that height to effectively complete the sets. Throw the Bomb was another one that I had to get my position bearings down before getting into it, but got a good set out of it.

The One-Arm Push-Ups gave me a bit of confidence going into the Clap Push-Up. Maybe a little too much as I nearly fell on my face on the first few. But I stopped, took a breath and focused. I know my back was way too high on this, but I rally wanted to make a good effort on this one, and I think I did. I got 10 fairly good ones completed. The Slo-Mo Throw, seated with the band was another one that was kinda awkward. I will need to work on that one a bit. Had to grasp the positioning again with the Front-to-Back Tricep Extensions, but pulled out a good set once I got it going. Could work on the upper arm position more, however.

One-Arm Balance Push-Ups is similar to the Reach High a

nd Unders from Core Syn, just without the reach under. So I again used my lower legs for leverage on the the sideways portion of this one. The Fly-Row-Press was not pretty at all. I had some real trouble getting the bands up in the press, so I only got a few of those done. A lighter band or free-weights would've come in handy here. And finished off fairly strong with the Dumbbell Cross-Body Blows. Could get a better extension on this one, and will work on that.

Ab Ripper X! Oh, how I (HAVEN'T) missed you!!! Yes, my old friend ARX makes its return after a recovery

week hiatus. This one was probably pretty much on par with the last one I did over a week ago. I did notice a marked improvement on the Wide Leg Sit-up. It's still a glorified crunch for me, but I got up much higher than I remember doing before, so that was kinda sweet! Even though I still tend to drop my lowered foot on the Fifer Scissor, I got through the whole set without breaking. Got a late start on the Hip Rock and Raise, but still managed probably my strongest set of those yet.

I am still holding my legs on the Pulse-Ups, but getting a better "hop" on it. My Roll-Up/V-Up Combo is an ever evolving thing. I think I have done a different variation of it every time, so I am still trying to work that one out as I go along. I have sort of DEvolved on my Oblique V-Ups in that after starting to get my legs closer together before, they were wide again today. Probably because of the hiatus, I am sure I will get the closeness back again. The Leg Climb is one exercise that I haven't seen any real progress with. I would love to be able to get my upper body up higher, but so far it's still a struggle, so I just do the best I can here. And my feet are still on the floor during the Mason Twist, but I am getting closer to keeping up with Tony and Friends on this one.

A couple of tiny notes

Although I think I gave a good first effort on this workout, I found one thing very frustrating about this particular video. Tony & Crew would be well into each exercise before showing a good long clear shot of the guy in the back using the bands. Since I am also using the bands, I found myself having to wait to see what he was doing and then backtrack the DVD and then do the particular exercises. I am sure that after a few times I will have the motion down and this won't be an issue. It just sucked having to keep backtracking to make sure I was doing things correctly. It's a small gripe.

Todays song is "Understand" by Swing Out Sister. It popped into my head and wouldn't leave as I was typing this post, so I had to find it and share it. The video is just a still shot of the CD cover, but it's a great song. Enjoy! Plyo tomorrow!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4K7Mryz5ilw

:^D

Sunday, Yoga Sunday

Sleeping through Friday sort of jumbled up my workout schedule for today, so instead of Resting or X Stretch om this fine Sunday, it was time to break out my new yoga mat and blocks and hit the deck for some . . .

Day 28 - Yoga X

So I don't know what it was. The refreshment I got from a really good night's sleep after yesterdays Sweat-a-palooza? Or maybe getting to break in my new lavender yoga mat and blocks. Yes, lavender. Don't judge me! Wallyworld only had lavender yoga blocks, so obviously I had to get a lavender mat to match, right? Anyway, today's Yoga X was far and above better than the last one (which was kinda sucky, if you remember)!

So I got things started off pretty strong with the Moving Asanas section of the workout. was holding my Planks and Downward Dogs quite nicely today. I even managed to almost get right into the Runner's Pose without as much adjustment. This of course made for much more efficient Crescent, Warriors and Triangle poses. The blocks cam in real handy with the Triangles!And damn the sweat was just pouring out of me pretty early on. That let me know that I was really giving it my best today. But still had a ways to go in the workout, so no resting on laurels here.

Managed to get a pretty decent Chair and Twisting Chair accomplished. I could still stand to get lower, and still not quite flexible enough to get my elbow on the outside of my knees, but there was much less discomfort than I had been feeling here before. Also, a much more stable Right Angle Pose to Pose & Grab. Still no hand contact there, but was better able to hold the pose. On the Prayer Twist from Runners Pose to Side Arm Balance, again can't quite get the elbow on the outside of knee. Also used my lower legs for leverage on the Side Arm Balance. It was still a bit shaky, but my best effort yet.

Now the first most challenging part of Yoga X has been the Standing Splits and the Half Moons. But having the blocks allowed me to make a slightly better showing on this. I am a long way from getting my free leg up to a 90 degree angle, but I managed to get it in a good 45 for a few seconds in patches through out this section. Got very wobbly towards the end, my balance got a little thrown off, I think because I was trying a little too hard to get this as close as I could.

Hading into the Balance Postures, a much, much better Tree

Didn't fall out of it at all! Better effort on the Royal Dancer as well. Still not grabbing my ankle due to inflexibility, but held the one-legged pose with extended arms the entire time on the left leg, and most of the time on the right leg. Lost my balance towards the end and had to come out of it early. Sort of redeemed ny self with the Standing Leg Extension. Raised leg was again at 45, not 90, but I held onto the pose for the whole duration, even if it got trembly towards the end.

And now, down to the floor. Still not Crane ready, child's pose in lieu. Seated Spinal Stretch all the way though to the Bridge was a very good and well executed section. Also, still doing a heavily modified Plough to Shoulder Stand Blah Blah Blah. This is of course the next way to challenging section of the workout, and I still have a long way to go to get to doing this anywhere near close. Table, Cobbler Pose and Hamstring stretches were just above par today.

Began The Yoga Belly 7 with my strongest Touch the Sky so far. Got the legs up a little bit higher today. Had a pretty decent Boat and Half Boat as well. Not quite getting the hight I want, but holding the positions much longer and a little stronger. The Torso Twist Holds were okay. Didn't quite get the effort I was going for. Again, I think trying a little too hard made my wuss out of these sooner that I wanted to. I put in such in effort there that the second set of Touch the Sky was not nearly as strong as the first one.

Finished well with good sets of Side Twists, Glute Stretches, Happy Baby and Child's Pose, and of course my favorite part of this work out: The Corpse, Fetal and Meditation Poses. Came out of this one feeling very calm and with a real sense of accomplishment.

So this concludes Phase I of my first Round of P90X. I think I put in a really good effort with the workouts. However, the nutrition end still could use as much dedication as the exercising. I haven't gone crazy with the food, but portions and scheduling and ratios were quite out of whack. So My physical results are probably not where i want them to be at this stage. I haven't checked my numbers yet, but I am eager to see where I stand. So my goal for Phase II is to really streamline the diet and make a better effort of following the Nutrition Plan as outlined.

Today I present The Monkees with "Pleasant Valley Sunday." Hope your Sunday is a good one!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUzs5dlLrm0

:^D

Core Synergistics Revisited

So it would seem I pulled a double of sorts today. Or maybe a one-and-a-half. As I noted in my previous post, I "enjoyed" a 2 mile hike from Walmart to home and was covered in sweat as if I had just done a P90X workout. Then after cooling off and relaxing a bit, it was time to make up for yesterday's missed workout.

Day 27 - Core Synergistics

So I got to break in my new workout mat today! Yay! And it got quite damp with my sweat. Today's Core Syn was markedly better than the last one. I think my day of rest came in handy yesterday as I was very much energized for this workout.

Got off to a good start with the Stacked Foot/Staggered Hands Push-Ups. Still on my knees with push-ups in general, but it was much less awkward than last time. Banana Rolls were shaky due to my increased effort of trying to maintain height of my upper body and legs thoughout. I did the Leaning Crescent Lunges empty handed again, but it's still a challenge regardless. And the Squat Run is actually kinda fun!

Sphinx Push-Ups, not so much fun. Still trying to work out my arm position for that. I think I started off with them too far back, and that was hard, so I shuffled them for

ward and that was hard, too. My version of Bow to Boat is still shaky and not pretty, but much better than last time, even with still no hand to ankle connection. Got my knees a skootch higher this time. On the Low Lateral Skaters, Tony says to watch out that your feet don't start moving inward. I actually have the opposite problem in that my feet start spreading outward during this one. So I had to readjust a few times. I actually managed to get my stretched foot off of the floor for about 1/2 a second, but it happened!

On the Lunge & Reach, I still need to find the right position on the band to get the max out of that one. I end up either putting my foot too close to the handle creating too much tension on the upreach, or too far away creating not enough tension. Ah, yes and then the much appreciated first break!!

The Prison Cell Push-Ups are just a real doozy!! I think I completed 5 or maybe 6 of these, and very slowly. I felt happy I was able to do that many. Still using my lower legs for leverage on the Side Hip Raise, but maintained a better form and better height this time. I decided to skip the bands on the Squat X-Press again and focus on the squat portion of the exercise and then really extending upward on the press. I got through most of the duration of the Plank to Chaturunga Run and even though it was hard to maintain a really good form, I did a reasonable version of it for about 3/4 of the set before stopping.

I gave a B+ effort on the Walking Push-Ups. This can't be done on the knees, because that would be crawling, so I attempted them again. I know my butt was way too high in the air, but that was the only way I could maintain anything resembling the position for this. I got about 4 sets (2 forward, 2 back) done before collapsing on the floor, then got one more very trembly set done before giving it up. After that, the Superman Banana was quite challenging. I got through it and even almost kept up with the faster cadence toward the end. Almost.

I grabbed a couple of cans of veggies to use as light weights for the Lunge Kickback Curl Press. Better form on this than before. Had an easier time remembering the positioning of the arms. Then again with the short pauses between Towel Hoppers. And another appreciated break, but with Ballistic Stretches this time.

Heading to the end of the Core Syn tunnel, Reach High and Under Push-Ups. Again done with knees on floor and lower legs on the sideways position. It's still a bitch even done that way. Got a really good focused set of Steam Engines completed and in lieu of Dreya Rolls (after the near disastrous attempt last time), I opted to do a deep squat with arms extended forward and then up into a jump in the air.

Stuck it out for the Bonus Round again. On the Plank to Chaturanga Iso, my belly is still on the floor on the Chaturanga, but only that and hands and feet - I kept the knees off the floor. I was really drained during the Halfback, so they were a little sloppy, I must admit. Not the usual better form I had with these before. Instead of the Table Dip Leg Raise, I did a Chair dip with the leg raise. Got about 20 of those done. So another Core Synergistics in the books. Feeling much better about this one than the last one. And just like the last time I am feeling the effects in my core area well after finishing. So I guess that's a good sign that even with the modifications and the not so stable form on some parts, the work is still getting done. I'm good with that!

So between the hike earlier and Core Synergistics - on this Saturday, I put up quite a fight! So the obvious choice for the song of the day is "Saturday Nights Alright (For Fighting)" by Elton John. Please to enjoy. One day left in Phase I!! Woo!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EadIvDAWkf8

:^D