7-10-10: Wow! Has it really already been over a month since my last post? Work has been a bit draining, so writing, even fun writing, hasn’t seemed as much fun. Even still, my fans, particularly my sister, demand that I write updates. Therefore I have no choice…I must comply.
Well, how have I been doing, you ask? I have held firm…even with the sometimes crazy work hours and the working from home. While sometimes having terrible 3 times/week, I still have managed a few 5/times a week as well. I would have to guess that I am still at a 4 times/week average. This is good, not great. I need to get into the 5-6 times/week range. Currently, work is going to make that extraordinarily difficult. Actually, I’ve found myself missing the morning workouts far too often. Too many times I am doing post-work workouts, which, as avid readers might know, is no good for me. The reason for the Insanity workout was so that I could have a morning workout because too many things post-workout are too distracting (tv, movies, friends, sitting in a chair doing absolutely nothing). So, for the sake of my exercise routine…and thus, all of mankind….I must get back to morning workouts.
The eating plan has been foiled many times. Even the discipline that I had been following so well of taking half of “eat out” meals home has been faltering. And there have been a lot of eating out events. 4th of July, birthday celebrations, barbeques, and lots of eating out at work. I have had too much pop as well. I have tried to offset this, with eating really well the rest of the time. And, quite honestly, while maybe eating out a bit too many times and having to get past another caffeine addiction, I’m not far off from where I want to be. I still want to have fun eating events. I love to eat. This is inevitable. But, I still need to be mindful of the plan. A dark soul demands it.
Chapter 2: The Dark Soul
In foulness that is hard to imagine, creeps a creature so vile, the skin burns upon meeting it. The tendons ache. The muscles explode with pain. The sweat of pure terror flows freely from all pores, burning the eyes and filling the mouth with molten salt.
I thought I was free of this soul. I thought I could have a chocolate shake here, a chocolate shake there. I thought the missed workouts would not be noticed. I thought I had beaten this soul. I thought he would remain beaten.
The soul of Shaun T can never be beaten. I know that now. The torture he puts my body through is proof. He never truly left. He had always been tugging at the mind, digging his supernatural claws into my brain. Madness, such a distant thought much of the time, became the only thing I could think about. Was I mad? Am I mad? Am I going mad? Has the world gone mad? Does the evil and dark Shaun T have mercy? Will he forgive my insolence. He is now putting me through the trials.
So, my brother has done a couple workouts with me. He did very well. While he is doing some kettle ball workout, I was still impressed with his first attempts at the Insanity workout. He was, of course, beaten. As was I, even in my 100 and whatever attempt. A lot of fun. Greg Lalone also has done a couple workouts with me. Not bad in his first attempt, but Shaun T definitely beat him in subsequent trials. Shaun T can be an evil monkey.
Finally, how are things shaping up for me at the mid year point? I am in pretty good shape, and staying at a comfortable weight of about 208. I could still stand to work on the abs a little bit more, but if this is where I stayed on my Insanity journey, then I would be satisfied. Health is the most important part. And I think I’ve accomplished a healthier life game plan. As far as dunking? I’m not there yet. I haven’t played basketball in a while. Actually, I am itching to play some sort of sport to see the difference Insanity has made, but those opportunities just have not presented themselves.
And a special thanks to my sister for pestering me to write something. Yay Sister!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
Insanity Workout Day 149: David Johnny Five
6-2-10: It is always a bit frustrating when there is an extra day in the weekend, yet somehow every hour seems to be accounted for…and this from the world of a single guy…and from an Accountant (ba dum bum). So, while every day off should be a “gimme” in terms of fitting a workout in, I find it really does not turn out that way all that often. Still, not a terrible week. Still got five workouts in, which is great, but know, in my heart of hearts, how close I was to getting that coveted sixth workout in. Ah well.
Since climbing over the warm-up wall, I have yet to look back. Completing the power and resistance warm-up, still resists me, but I feel myself pushing a little bit harder and going a little bit faster for the other warm-ups. The warm-up is now my beotch. Never easy, always breathing heavy, with torrential downpours of sweat, I still will never go back to not being able to complete the warm-up.
The Pure Cardio workout intrigues me most. How am I going to get to that point where I can get through those fifteen minutes after the warmup and stretching? I barely get through any of the two minute segments of the interval training, and at least there are breaks in those ones. I feel I just need to make a conscious effort to get a little bit farther each time. Should I slow down a bit? Perhaps that is the trick. Go more for continuous motion rather than crazy intensity.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I am Shaun T and I say NO! Have you lost your mind puny human? Is the name of my program “Happy Comfy Slow and Steady”? It is Insanity and you will bow down to its awesome power. You will give 120%, 150% of the time.
Other than the workout, the meals were fun over the weekend. Got some delicious pizza one day, delicious ribs that Rich made (seven hour cook time) another day, and awesome chicken, sausage, brownies, etc. at the parents house another day. I tried my best to modify the other meals to make these not seem like such a blatant disregard to the meal plan and I think I succeeded.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I am Shaun T and you are a FAILURE! You think you are fixed it by eating less your other meals?!!! I will eat your soul puny human!
Next week will be a good week. I can feel it!
Since climbing over the warm-up wall, I have yet to look back. Completing the power and resistance warm-up, still resists me, but I feel myself pushing a little bit harder and going a little bit faster for the other warm-ups. The warm-up is now my beotch. Never easy, always breathing heavy, with torrential downpours of sweat, I still will never go back to not being able to complete the warm-up.
The Pure Cardio workout intrigues me most. How am I going to get to that point where I can get through those fifteen minutes after the warmup and stretching? I barely get through any of the two minute segments of the interval training, and at least there are breaks in those ones. I feel I just need to make a conscious effort to get a little bit farther each time. Should I slow down a bit? Perhaps that is the trick. Go more for continuous motion rather than crazy intensity.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I am Shaun T and I say NO! Have you lost your mind puny human? Is the name of my program “Happy Comfy Slow and Steady”? It is Insanity and you will bow down to its awesome power. You will give 120%, 150% of the time.
Other than the workout, the meals were fun over the weekend. Got some delicious pizza one day, delicious ribs that Rich made (seven hour cook time) another day, and awesome chicken, sausage, brownies, etc. at the parents house another day. I tried my best to modify the other meals to make these not seem like such a blatant disregard to the meal plan and I think I succeeded.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I am Shaun T and you are a FAILURE! You think you are fixed it by eating less your other meals?!!! I will eat your soul puny human!
Next week will be a good week. I can feel it!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Insanity Workout Day 142: Moby Tree
5-26-10: “From hell’s heart I stab at thee…For hate’s sake…I spit my last breath at thee!” – Khaaan from Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, quoting Captain Ahab from Moby Dick.
Ahhh…it was going to be one of the best workout weeks…EVER! Instead it turned into a pretty gosh-darned good week. I completed workouts four days in a row (Thur-Sun), and finished with a workout on Wednesday for a solid five workouts in seven days. The roadblock came on Monday.
All was quiet on Monday. Too quiet. The storms had settled. The clouds had opened. A ray of sunshine illuminated the seas like never before. Yes. Monday, like so many other days, would be a good day to battle Moby Tree. I moved bravely towards my foe, armed with only a shovel and the spirit of a man who had faced insanity, fallen to the brink of despair, but had never blinked.
I would strike the first blow that day. Energy seething through my veins, and an unshakable will helped me drive the shovel down again and again and again. But, Moby Tree had not survived for so long just to fall before my blade so easily. Every strike, every blow, every effort to uproot the mighty Moby Tree was met with fierce resistance and a quiet resolve. My enemy, mocking me, knew that it held the defensive advantage. I knew this. All he had to do was stay still and he would win. I had to find a way to prevent the monster from playing head games with me. I am in great shape (thanks to the wonders of the Insanity workout and world-renowned dancer, choreographer and fitness guru Shaun T) and need but continue my relentless advance while ignoring Moby Tree’s bizarre brand of psychological torture.
Much time has passed. The monster’s tentacles are fierce. They hold to the seas like a thousand anchors. I thought he had been contained, trapped in a plastic circle prison of doom. Alas, this was not to be. I will never know exactly when, but he had broken through his plastic prison long ago to entrench himself to depths I could barely fathom (though certainly less than a fathom).
It is past the hour and a half mark. The shovel whines and threatens to crack with every effort to displace the beast. I stare at the heavens, swearing that the battle will not be lost by me. Moby Tree will not beat me a second time. Blood filled my eyes and with a horrible vengeance I struck down at the tentacles. No more simple displacement. There would be blood tonight. I struck down again and again. A thousand times I struck down. The creature, originally so stoic, writhed in pain, and clinched with so few remaining tentacles to survival.
My arms, near dead to the world, would not continue. I remembered the powerful mantra from the wise man, Shaun T, “you can do it. Focus and go.” I raised the shovel above my head with both arms and crashed it down with the force of a volcanic eruption. The beast wailed, but would not submit. I brought it up again, slowly, energy dissipating, knowing that I had nothing left for the relentless assault of speed from earlier. I only had energy for a few remaining blows, so they must be mighty blows. The shovel, now an extension of my being, slammed to the earth with the power of a thousand meteors. The beast let out its last gasp, and I collapsed. Despite having killed the beast, I now know that neither of us won that day.
As far as the workout was concerned, I now consistently make it through the warm-up. I do not make it through the power and resistance warm-up, but make it through the regular warm-up every time. Excellent progress. I find myself cursing Shaun T less and less during the warm-up, but still at a moderate level during the actual workout.
During Plyometrics, I feel like I am getting really close to making it through the first half of the workout. So close I can taste it. The second half still has my number, but usually only the last two exercises (ski abs and suicide something or others).
Pure Cardio still has its moments, but I still feel light years away from being able to complete this at the level I feel necessary to move on to month 2. Still getting a great workout from it.
Power and Resistance…my old friend. The warm-up makes me very sore still. This makes the rest of the workout oh so fun. While definitely painful, I do feel I am making great progress towards completing this workout as well. Even the second half of the workout is not out of my future vision sight. The moving pushups at the end are brutal, but I can feel myself catching my breath a little bit during them. The floor sprints that follow sap any and all energy I have left, but it’s certainly all in good fun.
Well…good week. Must maintain at least a 4 workout a week average. Though, the fabled seven workouts in a week is not hopelessly out of range, considering this 5.5 (depending on how you view Moby Tree) workout week.
Ahhh…it was going to be one of the best workout weeks…EVER! Instead it turned into a pretty gosh-darned good week. I completed workouts four days in a row (Thur-Sun), and finished with a workout on Wednesday for a solid five workouts in seven days. The roadblock came on Monday.
All was quiet on Monday. Too quiet. The storms had settled. The clouds had opened. A ray of sunshine illuminated the seas like never before. Yes. Monday, like so many other days, would be a good day to battle Moby Tree. I moved bravely towards my foe, armed with only a shovel and the spirit of a man who had faced insanity, fallen to the brink of despair, but had never blinked.
I would strike the first blow that day. Energy seething through my veins, and an unshakable will helped me drive the shovel down again and again and again. But, Moby Tree had not survived for so long just to fall before my blade so easily. Every strike, every blow, every effort to uproot the mighty Moby Tree was met with fierce resistance and a quiet resolve. My enemy, mocking me, knew that it held the defensive advantage. I knew this. All he had to do was stay still and he would win. I had to find a way to prevent the monster from playing head games with me. I am in great shape (thanks to the wonders of the Insanity workout and world-renowned dancer, choreographer and fitness guru Shaun T) and need but continue my relentless advance while ignoring Moby Tree’s bizarre brand of psychological torture.
Much time has passed. The monster’s tentacles are fierce. They hold to the seas like a thousand anchors. I thought he had been contained, trapped in a plastic circle prison of doom. Alas, this was not to be. I will never know exactly when, but he had broken through his plastic prison long ago to entrench himself to depths I could barely fathom (though certainly less than a fathom).
It is past the hour and a half mark. The shovel whines and threatens to crack with every effort to displace the beast. I stare at the heavens, swearing that the battle will not be lost by me. Moby Tree will not beat me a second time. Blood filled my eyes and with a horrible vengeance I struck down at the tentacles. No more simple displacement. There would be blood tonight. I struck down again and again. A thousand times I struck down. The creature, originally so stoic, writhed in pain, and clinched with so few remaining tentacles to survival.
My arms, near dead to the world, would not continue. I remembered the powerful mantra from the wise man, Shaun T, “you can do it. Focus and go.” I raised the shovel above my head with both arms and crashed it down with the force of a volcanic eruption. The beast wailed, but would not submit. I brought it up again, slowly, energy dissipating, knowing that I had nothing left for the relentless assault of speed from earlier. I only had energy for a few remaining blows, so they must be mighty blows. The shovel, now an extension of my being, slammed to the earth with the power of a thousand meteors. The beast let out its last gasp, and I collapsed. Despite having killed the beast, I now know that neither of us won that day.
As far as the workout was concerned, I now consistently make it through the warm-up. I do not make it through the power and resistance warm-up, but make it through the regular warm-up every time. Excellent progress. I find myself cursing Shaun T less and less during the warm-up, but still at a moderate level during the actual workout.
During Plyometrics, I feel like I am getting really close to making it through the first half of the workout. So close I can taste it. The second half still has my number, but usually only the last two exercises (ski abs and suicide something or others).
Pure Cardio still has its moments, but I still feel light years away from being able to complete this at the level I feel necessary to move on to month 2. Still getting a great workout from it.
Power and Resistance…my old friend. The warm-up makes me very sore still. This makes the rest of the workout oh so fun. While definitely painful, I do feel I am making great progress towards completing this workout as well. Even the second half of the workout is not out of my future vision sight. The moving pushups at the end are brutal, but I can feel myself catching my breath a little bit during them. The floor sprints that follow sap any and all energy I have left, but it’s certainly all in good fun.
Well…good week. Must maintain at least a 4 workout a week average. Though, the fabled seven workouts in a week is not hopelessly out of range, considering this 5.5 (depending on how you view Moby Tree) workout week.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Insanity Workout Day 135: The Above-Average Four
5-19-10: Four workouts this week. Should have been five, but was thwarted by laziness. That being said, I missed the Wednesday workout, which means I will be starting Thursday with a workout, which is usually a day off. This means I will be starting next week off right. This means that I will be invincible.
The continued best part about the workouts is my progress on the warm-ups. I made it through the warm-up two times this week (not the power and resistance one which is still pure concentrated evil). Now, I should point out that I may be a tiny bit sneaky sometimes. For instance, through the first iteration of the warm-up when I am transitioning from one exercise to the next, it is instantaneous. The last move of one exercise flows perfectly into the first move of the next exercise without delay. In the third iteration I sometimes come to a complete stop so that I can “get into a good starting position for the next exercise”. Now, at most it is a 2-3 second loss of time, so I can live with it, but I do acknowledge that the final battle will involve flawless transitions. My defense to Shaun T is that transitions while going at max speed can be somewhat dangerous. His response typically includes lightning being shot from his eyes or breathing fire or both.
Aside from Sunday, when I had Chinese (I love General Tso’s (alt. Tao’s) chicken. He must have been a great man), my meals for the week were, again, solid. Water intake has also become intriguing. On some days I now have three thermos’s of water. It is a lot of water, but water fixes everything so the more the merrier.
I got my splint off today. I still have to be careful and the doctor recommends putting a splint on for athletic endeavors and sleeping for three weeks. Still, it is good to know that the tendon has healed. Or is still healing. It still looks crooked. I imagine that this will most likely continue to get better in this last three week period, but I failed to ask the doc any questions about it. That seemed like way too many details.
The actual workouts went okay. I definitely feel closer on all of them. Plyometrics I know I’m getting the closest on. I can make it through the first seven minutes with minimal breaks now. It is when the final 9.5 minutes start that more breaks are needed. Whatever the break situation, I am closer. Where I was wondering if I would ever get to the month two DVDs, now I am certain that within 9-14 months I will graduate to “month 2” of the workout. It will almost be too easy.
The continued best part about the workouts is my progress on the warm-ups. I made it through the warm-up two times this week (not the power and resistance one which is still pure concentrated evil). Now, I should point out that I may be a tiny bit sneaky sometimes. For instance, through the first iteration of the warm-up when I am transitioning from one exercise to the next, it is instantaneous. The last move of one exercise flows perfectly into the first move of the next exercise without delay. In the third iteration I sometimes come to a complete stop so that I can “get into a good starting position for the next exercise”. Now, at most it is a 2-3 second loss of time, so I can live with it, but I do acknowledge that the final battle will involve flawless transitions. My defense to Shaun T is that transitions while going at max speed can be somewhat dangerous. His response typically includes lightning being shot from his eyes or breathing fire or both.
Aside from Sunday, when I had Chinese (I love General Tso’s (alt. Tao’s) chicken. He must have been a great man), my meals for the week were, again, solid. Water intake has also become intriguing. On some days I now have three thermos’s of water. It is a lot of water, but water fixes everything so the more the merrier.
I got my splint off today. I still have to be careful and the doctor recommends putting a splint on for athletic endeavors and sleeping for three weeks. Still, it is good to know that the tendon has healed. Or is still healing. It still looks crooked. I imagine that this will most likely continue to get better in this last three week period, but I failed to ask the doc any questions about it. That seemed like way too many details.
The actual workouts went okay. I definitely feel closer on all of them. Plyometrics I know I’m getting the closest on. I can make it through the first seven minutes with minimal breaks now. It is when the final 9.5 minutes start that more breaks are needed. Whatever the break situation, I am closer. Where I was wondering if I would ever get to the month two DVDs, now I am certain that within 9-14 months I will graduate to “month 2” of the workout. It will almost be too easy.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Insanity Workout Day 128: Bad Week, Good Week, Bad Week…Good Week?
5-12-10: Curses. Another bad week of Insanity workouts. Though, I did maintain relatively healthy food consumption. Yes, if I can eat like I did for the past week, I will be healthy…and happy as the meals I make I do enjoy and I do not completely abandon the super-evil yet super-delicious items. Actually, while I have mentioned it before I feel the need to mention again that I have become extremely addicted to Cream of Wheat. I used to always have this as a kid. Then, from when I was about 12 to about 31, I did not have it at all. I gave it a whirl a month or two ago and remembered its magical powers. Cream of Wheat with a gob of peanut butter and a fair amount of honey (or chocolate chips if I have been a good boy). Fantastic. Yes, while initially I was saving this deliciousness for weekend breakfasts, now I struggle to not have it when I get home from work for dinner. Cream of Wheat, I salute you!
I could give excuses why this past week was not great for workouts, but Shaun T hates excuses. He tells me “when an excuse will give you endless endurance and a sculpted body from the gods, use it. Otherwise be silent or I will destroy you for your insolence.” So, in the end I only did three workouts. This is painful. One more workout makes it an okay week, but it didn’t happen. Worse, two of the “no workout” days were Saturday and Sunday. That just can’t happen. Those have to be the automatic days. That could have turned a poor three workout week into a brilliant five workout week. Disaster.
So the week consisted of Plyro, Pure Cardio/Cardio Abs, and Plyro. I hate not getting a Power and Resistance workout in. Possibly the most painful of the workouts (other than Recovery…I have to start throwing in a Recovery at some point), there is the obvious benefit of getting stronger for the other workouts or future attempts at the Power workout. Still, this just means that Power will be the first workout done next week.
I made it through the warm-up again. I now seem to be able to get through the warm-up once a week. Not there yet, but soooooo much closer now. Before I used to breakdown and cry during every warm-up. Now I’ve found that I can continue doing the workout while crying. Much more efficient.
Pure Cardio was an interesting beast this time. At the five minute mark I had nothing left. I’ve said that before, but this time it was brutal. I believe I must have malfunctioned and had to reboot. All I know is that it was the worst last five minutes I’ve ever had during this workout. He gives a warning during Pure Cardio at about the five minute mark. “Mountain Climbers” are coming. They came and I was defenseless.
Luckily stretching gave me time to recover and I was able to push through the Abs portion. I feel it might have been fatigue/diet related that caused this tomfoolery. A poor sleep and limited calories the night before which the morning shake could not offset.
The Plyometrics workouts went all right. Still wiped when it comes time to do the “Ski Abs” and “In and Outs” (both high plank drills that follow a push-up drill). I think there is going to be a slight delay in conquering these drills. I think my arms need to get stronger. The problem is that by the time I reach any arms related exercise in any of the workouts, I’m already exhausted, so the cardio aspect sometimes stops me before the arm pain does. Plus the legs hurt in those last two drills as well. Huh. They managed to pick two very brutal last exercises for the workout, focusing on every area that, by that time, should be too sore too continue. Shaun T is an evil genius. To combat this, I think I may need to work on some “extra credit” workout assignments. Simple exercises, such as simply doing a bunch of push-ups twelve hours after the last workout and before the next one. Still, this is tricky. One, it isn’t cardio, which is not the Insanity Workout way. Two, this is not a Shaun T sanctioned workout. He may get angry. I may need to scrap this idea.
I need to get back to consistently doing five workouts a week. It all comes down to the weekend. Two workouts must be done over the weekend or the world is doomed. The fate of the world rests in my hands…can I hold off Shaun T from unleashing Armageddon just a little bit longer?
I could give excuses why this past week was not great for workouts, but Shaun T hates excuses. He tells me “when an excuse will give you endless endurance and a sculpted body from the gods, use it. Otherwise be silent or I will destroy you for your insolence.” So, in the end I only did three workouts. This is painful. One more workout makes it an okay week, but it didn’t happen. Worse, two of the “no workout” days were Saturday and Sunday. That just can’t happen. Those have to be the automatic days. That could have turned a poor three workout week into a brilliant five workout week. Disaster.
So the week consisted of Plyro, Pure Cardio/Cardio Abs, and Plyro. I hate not getting a Power and Resistance workout in. Possibly the most painful of the workouts (other than Recovery…I have to start throwing in a Recovery at some point), there is the obvious benefit of getting stronger for the other workouts or future attempts at the Power workout. Still, this just means that Power will be the first workout done next week.
I made it through the warm-up again. I now seem to be able to get through the warm-up once a week. Not there yet, but soooooo much closer now. Before I used to breakdown and cry during every warm-up. Now I’ve found that I can continue doing the workout while crying. Much more efficient.
Pure Cardio was an interesting beast this time. At the five minute mark I had nothing left. I’ve said that before, but this time it was brutal. I believe I must have malfunctioned and had to reboot. All I know is that it was the worst last five minutes I’ve ever had during this workout. He gives a warning during Pure Cardio at about the five minute mark. “Mountain Climbers” are coming. They came and I was defenseless.
Luckily stretching gave me time to recover and I was able to push through the Abs portion. I feel it might have been fatigue/diet related that caused this tomfoolery. A poor sleep and limited calories the night before which the morning shake could not offset.
The Plyometrics workouts went all right. Still wiped when it comes time to do the “Ski Abs” and “In and Outs” (both high plank drills that follow a push-up drill). I think there is going to be a slight delay in conquering these drills. I think my arms need to get stronger. The problem is that by the time I reach any arms related exercise in any of the workouts, I’m already exhausted, so the cardio aspect sometimes stops me before the arm pain does. Plus the legs hurt in those last two drills as well. Huh. They managed to pick two very brutal last exercises for the workout, focusing on every area that, by that time, should be too sore too continue. Shaun T is an evil genius. To combat this, I think I may need to work on some “extra credit” workout assignments. Simple exercises, such as simply doing a bunch of push-ups twelve hours after the last workout and before the next one. Still, this is tricky. One, it isn’t cardio, which is not the Insanity Workout way. Two, this is not a Shaun T sanctioned workout. He may get angry. I may need to scrap this idea.
I need to get back to consistently doing five workouts a week. It all comes down to the weekend. Two workouts must be done over the weekend or the world is doomed. The fate of the world rests in my hands…can I hold off Shaun T from unleashing Armageddon just a little bit longer?
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Insanity Workout Day 121: Shaun T’s Web
5-5-10: Weeks ago I had befriended a spider in my basement. His name was Shaun T. In his fun little way he would leave me encouraging messages like “Amazing Pig” or “Super Pig”. Ahhh…that Shaun T. What a kidder. One day, I noticed he went missing. That is the way of the spider. Death is part of life (even if death in this case is a brutal search and destroy mission by my sister). Thankfully, a new spider has taken his place. I call him Shaun T Jr.
This was a phenomenal week for the Insanity workout. Five workouts completed (2 Plyometrics, 2 Power and Resistance, 1 Pure Cardio and Cardio Abs). Yes, five. This is back to the original standard that Shaun T demands (though, still without the Recovery workout). This includes a Tuesday night workout followed by a Wednesday morning workout, even with only 5 hours of sleep.
Nutritionally, I am back. I had one pop and one piece of cake on Saturday for Rich’s b-day party, but other than that I was solid. Cream of Wheat with peanut butter and honey (or chocolate chips, which are oddly not much different calorie wise than honey) has become one of my favorite meals. Another favorite is Turkey burgers made on the George Foreman Grill with Garlic and Chili powder, topped with cheese and BBQ sauce and served on these hamburger bun/pita hybrid thingies. Fascinating bread advances they’ve made over the years.
My mallet finger has not recovered. I believe I reinjured it when helping my brother move some stuff a couple of weeks back. Since I’ve declared myself a doctor, I tested the mobility and it had not improved. I have pushed my second opinion doctor’s appointment back to two weeks from now. It is still annoying.
The temperature change has made for interesting workouts. I thought I sweat a lot before. Yikes. The gallons of sweat all over the floor are a good reminder to drink lots of water the rest of the day. Yes, days go much better when I am able to double my water intake in the day after a workout. Water is very, very important. It cures just about everything. I WOULD be a great doctor.
But, I know you are all really curious how the workouts went. I mean, it has been a while since I’ve done five workouts in a week. Did I overdo it? Hell no! In fact, in a bizarre, unfathomable, confusing twist, this morning, following the yesterday night workout and limited sleep, was the second time I was able to make it through the warm-up. By the end I do not remember ever being so exhausted. And afterwards, throughout the day, I definitely felt very sore. It is good to be sore. I have not felt this sore in a while. My muscles most certainly can now hurt people good.
This follows one of my best Power and Resistance workouts to date from yesterday. Nearly made it through the first two iterations of the Power and Resistance warm-up, and definitely felt improvement throughout the rest of the exercises. I really pushed a lot harder than usual these past two days. Keeping the form…yes the form is essential. I can definitely see how injuries could occur if you tried to push through with bad form. Too many crazy movements could hurt the back and knees. Know your limits. But, yes, I’d have to say that these past two workouts were the best ones yet. I have them right where I want them.
Certain exercises still make me wonder. For instance, moving pushups. I get what they do, but I always think and hope that, while increasing strength, these, and exercises like this one, should be a nice cardio break. Unfortunately, the whole idea of the program is insanity, so even these strength-building exercises are to be done at the maximum hellish pace you can handle. Egads.
I apologize for that last week. This site is not the reason for my dedication, just a means to express it. I have to continually stay focused outside of this blog-world. Depending on readership to motivate yourself to workout and stay healthy is a poor way of doing things. You have to do it for yourself. It shan’t happen again. Completely unacceptable. I just have to focus and go. Look in his eyes and go. Insanity all the way!!!
This was a phenomenal week for the Insanity workout. Five workouts completed (2 Plyometrics, 2 Power and Resistance, 1 Pure Cardio and Cardio Abs). Yes, five. This is back to the original standard that Shaun T demands (though, still without the Recovery workout). This includes a Tuesday night workout followed by a Wednesday morning workout, even with only 5 hours of sleep.
Nutritionally, I am back. I had one pop and one piece of cake on Saturday for Rich’s b-day party, but other than that I was solid. Cream of Wheat with peanut butter and honey (or chocolate chips, which are oddly not much different calorie wise than honey) has become one of my favorite meals. Another favorite is Turkey burgers made on the George Foreman Grill with Garlic and Chili powder, topped with cheese and BBQ sauce and served on these hamburger bun/pita hybrid thingies. Fascinating bread advances they’ve made over the years.
My mallet finger has not recovered. I believe I reinjured it when helping my brother move some stuff a couple of weeks back. Since I’ve declared myself a doctor, I tested the mobility and it had not improved. I have pushed my second opinion doctor’s appointment back to two weeks from now. It is still annoying.
The temperature change has made for interesting workouts. I thought I sweat a lot before. Yikes. The gallons of sweat all over the floor are a good reminder to drink lots of water the rest of the day. Yes, days go much better when I am able to double my water intake in the day after a workout. Water is very, very important. It cures just about everything. I WOULD be a great doctor.
But, I know you are all really curious how the workouts went. I mean, it has been a while since I’ve done five workouts in a week. Did I overdo it? Hell no! In fact, in a bizarre, unfathomable, confusing twist, this morning, following the yesterday night workout and limited sleep, was the second time I was able to make it through the warm-up. By the end I do not remember ever being so exhausted. And afterwards, throughout the day, I definitely felt very sore. It is good to be sore. I have not felt this sore in a while. My muscles most certainly can now hurt people good.
This follows one of my best Power and Resistance workouts to date from yesterday. Nearly made it through the first two iterations of the Power and Resistance warm-up, and definitely felt improvement throughout the rest of the exercises. I really pushed a lot harder than usual these past two days. Keeping the form…yes the form is essential. I can definitely see how injuries could occur if you tried to push through with bad form. Too many crazy movements could hurt the back and knees. Know your limits. But, yes, I’d have to say that these past two workouts were the best ones yet. I have them right where I want them.
Certain exercises still make me wonder. For instance, moving pushups. I get what they do, but I always think and hope that, while increasing strength, these, and exercises like this one, should be a nice cardio break. Unfortunately, the whole idea of the program is insanity, so even these strength-building exercises are to be done at the maximum hellish pace you can handle. Egads.
I apologize for that last week. This site is not the reason for my dedication, just a means to express it. I have to continually stay focused outside of this blog-world. Depending on readership to motivate yourself to workout and stay healthy is a poor way of doing things. You have to do it for yourself. It shan’t happen again. Completely unacceptable. I just have to focus and go. Look in his eyes and go. Insanity all the way!!!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Insanity Workout Day 114: Pizza:Insanity Ratio Got Out Of Control
4-29-10: Bad week…bad week for Insanity. Bad week for eating. Bad, bad, bad. But…not terrible.
I did three workouts in that week long period. I want to be more in the 5-6 range, but really I hope to never drop below 4. In that respect, the week was definitely below average. Partial laziness and too many deadlines and timed events did me in. When there is nothing scheduled at work or home, things are much easier. When there are many friendly gatherings (every day from last Thursday to Sunday), coupled with work meetings, things get to be trickier. Still, no excuses. I need to re-find my resolve. And I believe that starts with eating.
So, I had way too much pop/pizza/Doritos/cookies/Chinese over the past week. Way, way too much. I find that working out and eating form a symbiotic relationship for me. Neglecting one adversely affects the motivation of the other. However, forming discipline around one also tends to prompt a desire for discipline for the other. Thus, I have eaten well Monday thru today and have worked out twice in that time period. The focus on diet (no going out for lunch this week) has helped me focus on the workout as well. The pop will be eliminated from the party atmosphere once again. Sometimes it just seems right to have a Coke when sitting around with friends. Somehow the talking must make my mouth dry so I must drink more. Large quantities of water are drunk, but pop sneaks in there as well. Clearly my only recourse is to stop talking to people.
Weight has magically remained constant throughout this past week. While that is good news, I should also use it as motivation. What would have happened if I HAD worked out and ate better this past week. I would be slamming. I am not slamming…and it is all my fault.
Probably only one more week left for the splint on the mallet finger. Though, I may test it out tonight. If Dr. Dave thinks it looks good tonight, I can probably cancel that last doctor’s appointment and de-smellify the finger. Man it smells BAD.
The exterminator came the other day, just to spray. My spider friend, Shaun T, was an unfortunate casualty. I was warned that there might be collateral damage. To get the ants, the spiders would have to be killed as well. Sad really. The spiders had done quite a good job on the ants…just not quite good enough.
How did the workouts go? Well, I did one of each. All three of them have things in common. I find myself completely exhausted by the end. The mental motivation of the last iteration never is quite enough to offset the physical fatigue. Still, I felt I had my best Power and Resistance workout today. Exhaustion and spitting sweat. I felt good as I started right after mowing the lawn after work and still managed not to blaspheme. Definitely too sore at certain parts to continue. Soon. Soon, I will get over that hump. There is going to be that point where my reduction in weight, increase in strength and endurance pass each other, where my weight is no longer sufficient to provide an impossible challenge, resulting in increased reps and an even more intense cardio.
The Pure Cardio and Plyometrics each were neither extraordinary or abysmal. Still falling somewhere in the third iteration of the warm-up. Still working on the 10 second rule. Many times I have pushed it to the five second rule. However, near the end, it becomes the 15 second rule and the breaks come more frequently.
Well, that’s all I have for today. Good luck all! You can do it!
I did three workouts in that week long period. I want to be more in the 5-6 range, but really I hope to never drop below 4. In that respect, the week was definitely below average. Partial laziness and too many deadlines and timed events did me in. When there is nothing scheduled at work or home, things are much easier. When there are many friendly gatherings (every day from last Thursday to Sunday), coupled with work meetings, things get to be trickier. Still, no excuses. I need to re-find my resolve. And I believe that starts with eating.
So, I had way too much pop/pizza/Doritos/cookies/Chinese over the past week. Way, way too much. I find that working out and eating form a symbiotic relationship for me. Neglecting one adversely affects the motivation of the other. However, forming discipline around one also tends to prompt a desire for discipline for the other. Thus, I have eaten well Monday thru today and have worked out twice in that time period. The focus on diet (no going out for lunch this week) has helped me focus on the workout as well. The pop will be eliminated from the party atmosphere once again. Sometimes it just seems right to have a Coke when sitting around with friends. Somehow the talking must make my mouth dry so I must drink more. Large quantities of water are drunk, but pop sneaks in there as well. Clearly my only recourse is to stop talking to people.
Weight has magically remained constant throughout this past week. While that is good news, I should also use it as motivation. What would have happened if I HAD worked out and ate better this past week. I would be slamming. I am not slamming…and it is all my fault.
Probably only one more week left for the splint on the mallet finger. Though, I may test it out tonight. If Dr. Dave thinks it looks good tonight, I can probably cancel that last doctor’s appointment and de-smellify the finger. Man it smells BAD.
The exterminator came the other day, just to spray. My spider friend, Shaun T, was an unfortunate casualty. I was warned that there might be collateral damage. To get the ants, the spiders would have to be killed as well. Sad really. The spiders had done quite a good job on the ants…just not quite good enough.
How did the workouts go? Well, I did one of each. All three of them have things in common. I find myself completely exhausted by the end. The mental motivation of the last iteration never is quite enough to offset the physical fatigue. Still, I felt I had my best Power and Resistance workout today. Exhaustion and spitting sweat. I felt good as I started right after mowing the lawn after work and still managed not to blaspheme. Definitely too sore at certain parts to continue. Soon. Soon, I will get over that hump. There is going to be that point where my reduction in weight, increase in strength and endurance pass each other, where my weight is no longer sufficient to provide an impossible challenge, resulting in increased reps and an even more intense cardio.
The Pure Cardio and Plyometrics each were neither extraordinary or abysmal. Still falling somewhere in the third iteration of the warm-up. Still working on the 10 second rule. Many times I have pushed it to the five second rule. However, near the end, it becomes the 15 second rule and the breaks come more frequently.
Well, that’s all I have for today. Good luck all! You can do it!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Insanity Workout Day 107: You Better Not Cry. You Better Not Pout. Shaun T Is Watching.
4-21-10: Shaun T has many spies and they present themselves in unsuspected ways at unsuspected times in unsuspected locations. For instance, this past weekend I was in Kalamazoo helping my brother move (still Kalamazoo). We went to Red Robins for linner (or dunch). I was going to order myself a chocolate shake when one of Shaun T’s minions lashed out with uncontrollable fury and demanded that I stop. It was my sister. She has been converted to the dark side and Shaun T is the Emperor. Blood is thicker than water, sure, but I guess it is not thicker than chocolate. No shake was ordered. A temporary moment of weakness, thwarted by a minion. Shaun T is always watching.
From the dawn of time (3.5 months ago), Shaun T has slept 23 hours a day. He wakes for one hour to wreak havoc upon the Earth, before going back into hibernation. This one hour causes pain to all who see him. I was lucky enough to see him four times this past week. With one day of moving, this turned out to be a good week. Unfortunately, while he is always watching and has minions everywhere, I may or may not have been able to still have about two bags of Doritos, 12 pieces of pizza, 2 Cokes and 2 Pepsis. While this certainly was not one of my better weeks for eating, it sure was delicious. On a positive note, my weight remained constant. It is much like the good ole days where I could eat whatever I wanted, SO LONG AS I exercised regularly. I have never been so regular (insert fiber joke here). Still right at 210, with about a 35 waist. The year end goal was originally about 195 and 32, so I’m at a very good pace right now, even with the joys of evil eating. I just need the workouts to be maintained.
Blah. The warm-up is still blah. Since fully completing it the one time, I have yet to make it through a second time. I know right were the problem is. The third iteration of the Heisman. This is my wall. If I can make it over this wall, I will be able to force myself to make it through the last two minutes of the warm-up without breaking. Not easily. I will be gasping for air and be sore as a monkey, but knowing that there is only two minutes left will be just motivation enough to risk collapsing in death to make it through (thank goodness I do not have a heart rate monitor as this would surely only discourage me from trying to push through). So where am I? Either at the start of the Heisman or halfway through. Sometimes with 10 seconds left of the Heisman I say “screw it” and take a break. Oh yes. I am close. Yet, so far away. And, as usual, the warm-up for the power and resistance is overly brutal and I haven’t even made it over the moat yet to have a chance at getting over the wall. Another month perhaps? Plenty of time. No rush. Hopefully I will be ready for month 2 at the six month mark. :)
A quick note about Cardio Abs. I mentioned last time that Shaun T fails to congratulate us at the end of this workout. This is not true. He does give an “awesome job” at the end of the workout, but before the final stretching. It is that kind of encouragement that helps me get through. I still haven’t added this to any of the other workouts other than Pure Cardio. This is due to being completely exhausted after every workout (including Pure Cardio) and not feeling like doing after any of them. I only do it after Pure Cardio because Shaun T demands it on the schedule. To add it to other workouts would require a good deal of masochism that I may not have in me…YET!
I have found some extra internal motivation deep down within of late. While I can not define what it is, I do know I have been getting up early the past few days. Getting up early is the key piece of being able to do a workout every day. I just have to be mindful to not let the weekends completely mess me up (though, this past weekend I did have a 6:30 AM bedtime on one of the days…Gears of War 2 is a fun game and supersedes (apparently) sleep.
I find my attitude during Pure Cardio to be a problem. Since it is 15 exercises long and I have, by now, memorized the order with which each exercise comes, I have learned to dread each upcoming exercise moments before we switch to them. I need to convince myself to be “happy” about the upcoming exercises to be able to push through. I cannot be thinking “oh man…stance jacks are next…I should just give up” (stance jacks are exercise three). Yes, a better attitude during the workouts as opposed to the usual “I am in pain, kill me, kill Shaun T, kill someone, please let there be a power shortage” mentality might be just what the doctor ordered. Feigned excitement will be a theme for the upcoming week.
I find that Power and Resistance workout and, specifically, many of the exercises designed to rupture the quads, are not as bad anymore. Let me be perfectly clear. They are bad. They are painful. I still need many breaks for many of them. Still…they are not AS bad as they used to be. This is encouraging. I will use this thought as part of the “feigned excitement” theme this week.
Good ole Plyometrics Cardio Circuit workout. What can I say? I enjoy parts of it. At times I feel I will make it through the whole workout. At other times I wonder if I will ever make it through the whole workout. I feel a little more effort and I have it. I feel that the body is angry and refuses to push through. Stupid body. It’s interesting. I typically have energy to complete the last two minutes of the workout, which is Shaun T’s most violent part of all the workouts (jabs, uppercuts, “the attack”). The problem is that I have this energy because my last attempt at the last two exercises of the last iteration of the second set of exercises is, how you say, not the best. The last two exercises are Ski Abs and In and Outs. I seem to mishear him every time, thinking he says “Sleep Abs” and “Sleep and Sleep”. I probably get 10 seconds out of a possible 30 for each of these exercises. Thus, the energy to finish strong. So, I finish strong…but I was cheating. I am such a cheater.
Well, good luck all and good Insanity!
From the dawn of time (3.5 months ago), Shaun T has slept 23 hours a day. He wakes for one hour to wreak havoc upon the Earth, before going back into hibernation. This one hour causes pain to all who see him. I was lucky enough to see him four times this past week. With one day of moving, this turned out to be a good week. Unfortunately, while he is always watching and has minions everywhere, I may or may not have been able to still have about two bags of Doritos, 12 pieces of pizza, 2 Cokes and 2 Pepsis. While this certainly was not one of my better weeks for eating, it sure was delicious. On a positive note, my weight remained constant. It is much like the good ole days where I could eat whatever I wanted, SO LONG AS I exercised regularly. I have never been so regular (insert fiber joke here). Still right at 210, with about a 35 waist. The year end goal was originally about 195 and 32, so I’m at a very good pace right now, even with the joys of evil eating. I just need the workouts to be maintained.
Blah. The warm-up is still blah. Since fully completing it the one time, I have yet to make it through a second time. I know right were the problem is. The third iteration of the Heisman. This is my wall. If I can make it over this wall, I will be able to force myself to make it through the last two minutes of the warm-up without breaking. Not easily. I will be gasping for air and be sore as a monkey, but knowing that there is only two minutes left will be just motivation enough to risk collapsing in death to make it through (thank goodness I do not have a heart rate monitor as this would surely only discourage me from trying to push through). So where am I? Either at the start of the Heisman or halfway through. Sometimes with 10 seconds left of the Heisman I say “screw it” and take a break. Oh yes. I am close. Yet, so far away. And, as usual, the warm-up for the power and resistance is overly brutal and I haven’t even made it over the moat yet to have a chance at getting over the wall. Another month perhaps? Plenty of time. No rush. Hopefully I will be ready for month 2 at the six month mark. :)
A quick note about Cardio Abs. I mentioned last time that Shaun T fails to congratulate us at the end of this workout. This is not true. He does give an “awesome job” at the end of the workout, but before the final stretching. It is that kind of encouragement that helps me get through. I still haven’t added this to any of the other workouts other than Pure Cardio. This is due to being completely exhausted after every workout (including Pure Cardio) and not feeling like doing after any of them. I only do it after Pure Cardio because Shaun T demands it on the schedule. To add it to other workouts would require a good deal of masochism that I may not have in me…YET!
I have found some extra internal motivation deep down within of late. While I can not define what it is, I do know I have been getting up early the past few days. Getting up early is the key piece of being able to do a workout every day. I just have to be mindful to not let the weekends completely mess me up (though, this past weekend I did have a 6:30 AM bedtime on one of the days…Gears of War 2 is a fun game and supersedes (apparently) sleep.
I find my attitude during Pure Cardio to be a problem. Since it is 15 exercises long and I have, by now, memorized the order with which each exercise comes, I have learned to dread each upcoming exercise moments before we switch to them. I need to convince myself to be “happy” about the upcoming exercises to be able to push through. I cannot be thinking “oh man…stance jacks are next…I should just give up” (stance jacks are exercise three). Yes, a better attitude during the workouts as opposed to the usual “I am in pain, kill me, kill Shaun T, kill someone, please let there be a power shortage” mentality might be just what the doctor ordered. Feigned excitement will be a theme for the upcoming week.
I find that Power and Resistance workout and, specifically, many of the exercises designed to rupture the quads, are not as bad anymore. Let me be perfectly clear. They are bad. They are painful. I still need many breaks for many of them. Still…they are not AS bad as they used to be. This is encouraging. I will use this thought as part of the “feigned excitement” theme this week.
Good ole Plyometrics Cardio Circuit workout. What can I say? I enjoy parts of it. At times I feel I will make it through the whole workout. At other times I wonder if I will ever make it through the whole workout. I feel a little more effort and I have it. I feel that the body is angry and refuses to push through. Stupid body. It’s interesting. I typically have energy to complete the last two minutes of the workout, which is Shaun T’s most violent part of all the workouts (jabs, uppercuts, “the attack”). The problem is that I have this energy because my last attempt at the last two exercises of the last iteration of the second set of exercises is, how you say, not the best. The last two exercises are Ski Abs and In and Outs. I seem to mishear him every time, thinking he says “Sleep Abs” and “Sleep and Sleep”. I probably get 10 seconds out of a possible 30 for each of these exercises. Thus, the energy to finish strong. So, I finish strong…but I was cheating. I am such a cheater.
Well, good luck all and good Insanity!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Insanity Workout Day 100: P3 – Pure, Power, Plyo
4-14-10: This was inevitable. Writing a daily blog about the same workout program every day for 100, 200, 300 days starts to become a daunting task. The blogs just start sounding the same, without any constructive new updates. Almost as if trying to fulfill and obligation as quickly as possible. If they do sound clever, I probably spent more time than I wanted to write it. To that end, I will probably now try to limit myself to writing two times a week. I fell that this will offer sufficient balance between finding something creative to say, without beating my head against the desk. Also, since I find the writing and people reading to be another good source of motivation, twice a week should allow for that motivation to be maintained. I apologize to the millions of diehard readers who long for my daily post.
I also feel that it is important to explain why you have not seen me writing about the “Fitness Test”, which, according to the schedule, should be performed once every two weeks. The answer to this is simple. I do not need it to demonstrate my progress. How do I know that I’m progressing? I look better. I feel better. I have more energy, better endurance. I’m down 20-25 pounds. Everything is going according to plan. Since I know that I am progressing, why waste a day on the weakest of the workouts? So that I can have numerical data showing that I can do 2 extra globe jumps now? Don’t get me wrong. I love numerical data, and not being able to make an optimal graph across time will certainly depress me in the future. I just need the other workouts more. Now, if I get back to the time where I was consistently doing the workout every day? Yes, using one day on a fitness test will come back into play. This time will come again. I just need to get my work days back in order.
As for getting my work days back in order, being that today was 100, I managed to get out of bed at 5:40. Just need to do this another 10 or so times in a row to make it a habit again. To celebrate Day 100, I decided to rejoice with Shaun T and do the Pure Cardio/Cardio Ab combo. It was very festive. I was sweating and dying. Shaun T was laughing and screaming. Good times were had by all.
I am consistently making it to the third iteration of the warm-up for Pure Cardio and Plyo. Getting better in the Power, but have not as yet made as significant a leap. To really make it through, I have to start doing the workout every day again. Maybe today will be a sufficient springboard to get back into it. Though I worry about the 9:30 start time for the Red Wings tonight. This could be a tricky fish.
I feel I am getting better at all of the actual workouts. Still have to be careful with some of the wacky motions because of the stupid Mallet finger (three weeks perhaps?), but definitely not being thwarted by them. One odd thing I’ve noticed is that Shaun T does not say “Good job” at the end of Cardio Abs. It makes me very sad. Like I have disappointed him. To try to make him happy, I passed on free sundaes today at work. My explanation to all was that “Shaun T was always watching.” I’m sure everyone knew what I meant.
I also feel that it is important to explain why you have not seen me writing about the “Fitness Test”, which, according to the schedule, should be performed once every two weeks. The answer to this is simple. I do not need it to demonstrate my progress. How do I know that I’m progressing? I look better. I feel better. I have more energy, better endurance. I’m down 20-25 pounds. Everything is going according to plan. Since I know that I am progressing, why waste a day on the weakest of the workouts? So that I can have numerical data showing that I can do 2 extra globe jumps now? Don’t get me wrong. I love numerical data, and not being able to make an optimal graph across time will certainly depress me in the future. I just need the other workouts more. Now, if I get back to the time where I was consistently doing the workout every day? Yes, using one day on a fitness test will come back into play. This time will come again. I just need to get my work days back in order.
As for getting my work days back in order, being that today was 100, I managed to get out of bed at 5:40. Just need to do this another 10 or so times in a row to make it a habit again. To celebrate Day 100, I decided to rejoice with Shaun T and do the Pure Cardio/Cardio Ab combo. It was very festive. I was sweating and dying. Shaun T was laughing and screaming. Good times were had by all.
I am consistently making it to the third iteration of the warm-up for Pure Cardio and Plyo. Getting better in the Power, but have not as yet made as significant a leap. To really make it through, I have to start doing the workout every day again. Maybe today will be a sufficient springboard to get back into it. Though I worry about the 9:30 start time for the Red Wings tonight. This could be a tricky fish.
I feel I am getting better at all of the actual workouts. Still have to be careful with some of the wacky motions because of the stupid Mallet finger (three weeks perhaps?), but definitely not being thwarted by them. One odd thing I’ve noticed is that Shaun T does not say “Good job” at the end of Cardio Abs. It makes me very sad. Like I have disappointed him. To try to make him happy, I passed on free sundaes today at work. My explanation to all was that “Shaun T was always watching.” I’m sure everyone knew what I meant.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Insanity Workout Day 93: Pure and Not Simple – Pure Cardio and Cardio Abs
4-7-10: Today was another fun workout. It kind of reminded me of another workout I’ve done before. Ah yes…It was when I did the Pure Cardio and Cardio Abs workout a billion times previously.
I had a pretty good warm-up…not great. Still, so long as I make it somewhere within the third iteration, I feel good. I was still fairly sleep-deprived going in to the workout today. I can always tell when things are not going to be as easy as usual (which is very, very hard) when I feel like sleeping when I’m putting on my shoes. I pushed through.
I tried the 10 second rule for the actual workout. It did not work as well as usual. Sure, I forced myself to start up, but I noticed myself taking a few too many more breaks. Ah well. I still like the rule. There are also a few exercises in this workout and the following Cardio Abs that I have stopped doing do to the mallet finger. Just too much motion with the arms. Unfortunately, all three seem to relate to jumping ability, which makes me doubtful that I will be able to slam immediately after the splint comes off. It may take a couple of extra weeks.
About the mallet finger. I went to the doctor today and he said it looks good, we tested it and saw some limited mobility that wasn’t there three weeks ago, and he said it should be good to go within four weeks. With this, I can safely conclude that the best way to heal a splinted mallet finger is to workout like crazy, play basketball and ultimate Frisbee. I am certain the complete lack of rest I gave it contributed to the healing process.
I had a pretty good warm-up…not great. Still, so long as I make it somewhere within the third iteration, I feel good. I was still fairly sleep-deprived going in to the workout today. I can always tell when things are not going to be as easy as usual (which is very, very hard) when I feel like sleeping when I’m putting on my shoes. I pushed through.
I tried the 10 second rule for the actual workout. It did not work as well as usual. Sure, I forced myself to start up, but I noticed myself taking a few too many more breaks. Ah well. I still like the rule. There are also a few exercises in this workout and the following Cardio Abs that I have stopped doing do to the mallet finger. Just too much motion with the arms. Unfortunately, all three seem to relate to jumping ability, which makes me doubtful that I will be able to slam immediately after the splint comes off. It may take a couple of extra weeks.
About the mallet finger. I went to the doctor today and he said it looks good, we tested it and saw some limited mobility that wasn’t there three weeks ago, and he said it should be good to go within four weeks. With this, I can safely conclude that the best way to heal a splinted mallet finger is to workout like crazy, play basketball and ultimate Frisbee. I am certain the complete lack of rest I gave it contributed to the healing process.
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