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.
Showing posts with label Power and Resistance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Power and Resistance. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Insanity Workout Day 82: Umm...Something, Something, Something, Power and Resistance
3-27-10: For the last couple of weeks, I have had a friend keeping me company in the basement while I workout. I assume he is cheering me on. He is friendly little spider, who does not seem to move much. In fact, he is ALWAYS in the same spot. I have named him Shaun T.
Big Shaun T. was merciless today. The spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak. The warm-up is evil. Still, I felt evil did not totally conquer good today. It only conquered most of good. I am doing better in the first couple rounds of power jacks and vertical jumps, but when that third round comes and it is time to push it…yikes…I felt the second round was pushing it and I wasn’t even pushing it. If that even makes sense…
The plank work is still annoying with the finger, but manageable. At least it has not fallen off yet…which apparently would be no big deal as two people have already said it was either “no big deal” if it fell off or to just “cut it off”. Good workout advice right there.
I tried to do the “no break longer than 10 seconds” thing for this one. It did not work super well. I blame the plank work again. You see, it is difficult to see the on-screen timer, when you collapse in a sweaty heap on the floor.
That being said…another overall good workout. I WILL DESTROY THE WORLD!!!
Big Shaun T. was merciless today. The spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak. The warm-up is evil. Still, I felt evil did not totally conquer good today. It only conquered most of good. I am doing better in the first couple rounds of power jacks and vertical jumps, but when that third round comes and it is time to push it…yikes…I felt the second round was pushing it and I wasn’t even pushing it. If that even makes sense…
The plank work is still annoying with the finger, but manageable. At least it has not fallen off yet…which apparently would be no big deal as two people have already said it was either “no big deal” if it fell off or to just “cut it off”. Good workout advice right there.
I tried to do the “no break longer than 10 seconds” thing for this one. It did not work super well. I blame the plank work again. You see, it is difficult to see the on-screen timer, when you collapse in a sweaty heap on the floor.
That being said…another overall good workout. I WILL DESTROY THE WORLD!!!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Insanity Workout Day 78: The Path To Most Resistance (and Power)
3-23-10: Starting yesterday and continuing today (and most likely the future) I have upped the caloric intake in my diet. I now have about six or seven meals (or snacks) throughout the day. I feel I was not getting enough and needed more to have energy for recovery and the workouts.
Today, the warm-up was not that bad at all. The last round of vertical jumps were still killer, but I felt like I did fairly well on the evil warm-up.
I had my moments in the workouts and had plenty of little girl whines as well. I feel like every other day the pinky annoys me during the plank work. Some days I have it wrapped just right. Other days, like today, I feel the splint moving out of position so I have to continually readjust. It’s alright though. Got up at a decent time, felt good about the workout and beat Bionic Commando today (a much better game than I expected, though a little short). What more could Shaun T ask?
Today, the warm-up was not that bad at all. The last round of vertical jumps were still killer, but I felt like I did fairly well on the evil warm-up.
I had my moments in the workouts and had plenty of little girl whines as well. I feel like every other day the pinky annoys me during the plank work. Some days I have it wrapped just right. Other days, like today, I feel the splint moving out of position so I have to continually readjust. It’s alright though. Got up at a decent time, felt good about the workout and beat Bionic Commando today (a much better game than I expected, though a little short). What more could Shaun T ask?
Monday, March 15, 2010
Insanity Workout Day 69: Shaun T v. The Pinky, Round 2: Power and Resistance
3-14-10: This was not a bad workout. Not a bad workout indeed. I did better through the evil warm-up and was not completely brutalized when doing the actual workout. Even the excessive plank work required could not deter my injured pinky from attacking. That being said, the splint pretty much came off by the end of the workout. Stupid splint. Stupid pinky. How can this little pinky be causing such problems?
No, I will not be advancing to month 2 until the pinky is better. Why? I already feel I am overdoing it (for a stupid freaking pinky) with the current routine. Hmm…I cannot see this ending well. I have already tried taking the splint off to see if it was better. It was not...but I am getting tired of wearing it. So, my injury timetable might be reduced a couple weeks due to annoyance. You see, science is…whatever we want it to be. I want it to heal faster. Therefore, the splint must be removed earlier. It is all logic.
No, I will not be advancing to month 2 until the pinky is better. Why? I already feel I am overdoing it (for a stupid freaking pinky) with the current routine. Hmm…I cannot see this ending well. I have already tried taking the splint off to see if it was better. It was not...but I am getting tired of wearing it. So, my injury timetable might be reduced a couple weeks due to annoyance. You see, science is…whatever we want it to be. I want it to heal faster. Therefore, the splint must be removed earlier. It is all logic.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Insanity Workout Day 64: More! More! Okay, Act Now And We'll Also Include Resistance. That's Power and Resistance for $29.95.
3-9-10: Excellent. I love getting the workout done in the morning. If I fail to do so, it is disastrous (exhausted later, no chance for Wed morning workout).
Again, fatigue is setting in a little quicker than it had before. That being said, I am still doing well on about half the exercises of the actual workout.
Right now I am falling somewhere in the 65 range of push-up type exercises. My long-term goal for this particular workout is to get that to well over 100 (maybe 103 or 104).
Next time I do this workout I want to focus on floor sprints. This seems to be an exercise near the end that I run out of energy for or am mentally tired of pushing through. It is also the exercise that has Shaun T's classic lines "You can do it. Keep pushing. I know you can do it. But take a break if you need to." The problem with them is that they follow moving push-ups and there is no reprieve from the plank work. I somehow have to find just a little more mental fortitude to push on through.
Let's see. I haven't talked about food in a while. Eating habits have been quite good of late. Nutrition bars, protein shakes, soup, crackers, fish, chicken, roast beef, and cream of wheat have been the main selections for meals/snacks. I still have difficulties getting enough calories here and there. That being said, as long as I have enough energy in the day, I'm not overly concerned. I am also still consistently eating something before I workout. For the most part, it is usually 30 minutes before working out which seems to be working well.
Tomorrow is basketball. I have to remember to do a jump test. If I forget I will go on Thursday to play/test it out. I can only assume that I can slam by now. I have no idea what is taking so long.
Again, fatigue is setting in a little quicker than it had before. That being said, I am still doing well on about half the exercises of the actual workout.
Right now I am falling somewhere in the 65 range of push-up type exercises. My long-term goal for this particular workout is to get that to well over 100 (maybe 103 or 104).
Next time I do this workout I want to focus on floor sprints. This seems to be an exercise near the end that I run out of energy for or am mentally tired of pushing through. It is also the exercise that has Shaun T's classic lines "You can do it. Keep pushing. I know you can do it. But take a break if you need to." The problem with them is that they follow moving push-ups and there is no reprieve from the plank work. I somehow have to find just a little more mental fortitude to push on through.
Let's see. I haven't talked about food in a while. Eating habits have been quite good of late. Nutrition bars, protein shakes, soup, crackers, fish, chicken, roast beef, and cream of wheat have been the main selections for meals/snacks. I still have difficulties getting enough calories here and there. That being said, as long as I have enough energy in the day, I'm not overly concerned. I am also still consistently eating something before I workout. For the most part, it is usually 30 minutes before working out which seems to be working well.
Tomorrow is basketball. I have to remember to do a jump test. If I forget I will go on Thursday to play/test it out. I can only assume that I can slam by now. I have no idea what is taking so long.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Insanity Workout Day 55: Viva la Resistance…and Power
2-28-10: Today felt good. Saturday had been an exhausting day and now I had a nice day to myself to relax, meditate, and go completely INSANE!
I had my pre-workout shake (supplemented with some leftover cookies, because we all know that cookies give you POWER!). Then it was to the basement. The warm-up still stifled me, but I’m definitely feeling better going through it these days. A few breaks during, and ending a bit quicker than Shaun T suggested, but overall, not too bad.
The workout again had its moments. I think I did over 60 pushups (or variations thereof) in this little routine. I was broken during many of the other elements, but my pieces crossed the finish line.
The look in Shaun T’s eyes told me all I needed to know “Dave! That is what you get for missing yesterday! Miss again, and I will break you into pieces again!”
I then finished the remaining cookies and had Doritos for meal 4 of the day. Screw willpower. It was delicious!
I had my pre-workout shake (supplemented with some leftover cookies, because we all know that cookies give you POWER!). Then it was to the basement. The warm-up still stifled me, but I’m definitely feeling better going through it these days. A few breaks during, and ending a bit quicker than Shaun T suggested, but overall, not too bad.
The workout again had its moments. I think I did over 60 pushups (or variations thereof) in this little routine. I was broken during many of the other elements, but my pieces crossed the finish line.
The look in Shaun T’s eyes told me all I needed to know “Dave! That is what you get for missing yesterday! Miss again, and I will break you into pieces again!”
I then finished the remaining cookies and had Doritos for meal 4 of the day. Screw willpower. It was delicious!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Insanity Workout Day 50: Mighty Morphing Power and Resistance
2-23-10: Getting up has gotten to be difficult. I no longer bolt out of bed with an adrenaline rush in the morning, excited to do another workout with the Amazing Shaun T. This week is going to be additionally tricky as I have post-work plans for the next three days. This means that not only do the workouts have to be done, they have to be done in time to make it to work on time, otherwise the post-work schedule is doomed. DOOMED I tell you.
Again, the Power and Resistance workout has a different warm-up than Plyometrics and Pure Cardio. I need to be able to better track progress on this, so you lucky readers will now get a more detailed explanation on the warm-up experience. Actually, I have decided to give a detailed explanation of the whole workout. Why not?
I made it through the first iteration without a problem. This included Shaun T’s evil power jacks and evil vertical jumps. The second iteration was not perfect. I gave a decent effort for the power jacks, but my legs were still recovering from the vertical jumps (the only thing in between is 30 seconds of jogging), so I missed 10 seconds. Then came the log jumping. In recent workouts, I have made it a point to keep pace with Shaun T/his cronies no matter what. My pace makes this drill 80% uncomfortable. Their pace makes it 100% uncomfortable. I lost another 10 seconds. The 1-2-3 Heisman I kept up with as well as the butt-kicks and high knees. I broke somewhere in the second round of the vertical jumps. I’ll give myself a 15 second loss on those. The evil jumping also wiped me from being able to complete the 30 second sprint. I did 20 seconds and liked it. Power Jacks…deduct another 15 seconds. 10 seconds off the log jumps. 5 seconds off the 1-2-3 Heisman. Another 15-20 seconds off of the vertical jumps. 90-95 total seconds lost. I feel this was a successful warm-up (I am not dead).
The actual workout was murderous. Since this workout is not done as much as the others, I forget sometimes that Shaun T is truly insane. So, it starts with air squats (I’ve described them before, but I may have forgotten to mention that not only do you squat in the air, you squat on the ground as well), followed by belt kicks. If this were the first squatting exercise in the Power and Resistance fiasco, it would be all right. As part of this program it is painful. Then comes the mini-suicides (no travel in between), followed by V-pushups (make your body an upside-down V, hands on the ground with the fingers facing each other. Do pushups with the elbows going outwards. Works shoulders more). I was stopped by the mini-suicides in the first iteration. Too much dropping down. Legs hated me too much. The other two iterations were worse. If I was able to keep up with one, I needed a break for another one. I did all right on the V-pushups (24 total about).
Then we get into this crazy crab position for the tricep dips. At some point you are to raise one leg into the air and continue performing them. This is the most awkward feeling drill of any drill of any of the workouts. Then there is a more normal tricep exercise where pushups are done in a squat position while on your toes.
Again, the Power and Resistance workout has a different warm-up than Plyometrics and Pure Cardio. I need to be able to better track progress on this, so you lucky readers will now get a more detailed explanation on the warm-up experience. Actually, I have decided to give a detailed explanation of the whole workout. Why not?
I made it through the first iteration without a problem. This included Shaun T’s evil power jacks and evil vertical jumps. The second iteration was not perfect. I gave a decent effort for the power jacks, but my legs were still recovering from the vertical jumps (the only thing in between is 30 seconds of jogging), so I missed 10 seconds. Then came the log jumping. In recent workouts, I have made it a point to keep pace with Shaun T/his cronies no matter what. My pace makes this drill 80% uncomfortable. Their pace makes it 100% uncomfortable. I lost another 10 seconds. The 1-2-3 Heisman I kept up with as well as the butt-kicks and high knees. I broke somewhere in the second round of the vertical jumps. I’ll give myself a 15 second loss on those. The evil jumping also wiped me from being able to complete the 30 second sprint. I did 20 seconds and liked it. Power Jacks…deduct another 15 seconds. 10 seconds off the log jumps. 5 seconds off the 1-2-3 Heisman. Another 15-20 seconds off of the vertical jumps. 90-95 total seconds lost. I feel this was a successful warm-up (I am not dead).
The actual workout was murderous. Since this workout is not done as much as the others, I forget sometimes that Shaun T is truly insane. So, it starts with air squats (I’ve described them before, but I may have forgotten to mention that not only do you squat in the air, you squat on the ground as well), followed by belt kicks. If this were the first squatting exercise in the Power and Resistance fiasco, it would be all right. As part of this program it is painful. Then comes the mini-suicides (no travel in between), followed by V-pushups (make your body an upside-down V, hands on the ground with the fingers facing each other. Do pushups with the elbows going outwards. Works shoulders more). I was stopped by the mini-suicides in the first iteration. Too much dropping down. Legs hated me too much. The other two iterations were worse. If I was able to keep up with one, I needed a break for another one. I did all right on the V-pushups (24 total about).
Then we get into this crazy crab position for the tricep dips. At some point you are to raise one leg into the air and continue performing them. This is the most awkward feeling drill of any drill of any of the workouts. Then there is a more normal tricep exercise where pushups are done in a squat position while on your toes.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Insanity Workout Day 40: Today Was a Good Day to Die, the Magic of Power and Resistance
2-13-10: My brother was in town, but thankfully he was exhausted on Friday, so we went to bed reasonably early, which meant I could get up in time to do the Power and Resistance workout in the morning before doing family things.
I had my favorite shake breakfast before the workout. This is the third workout in a row that I've eaten something small right before. It is hard to say how it is affecting the workout, but I can say with some certainty that it is not hurting me, so I think I will continue.
I also had a special recovery formula that Vince gave me a sample of, provided by the same website (beachbody.com) that I purchased the Insanity DVDs from. Knowing Shaun T, I assume this formula to be pure concentrated evil and will slightly refresh my body at the cost of my soul. I tried it yesterday after the workout and today after the workout. I did not really notice any difference, but then, it is sometimes difficult to gauge my feelings when switching between one of the other workouts and power and resistance because of their little differences.
The warm-up was better. I made it to the third iteration, but, of course, the speed power jacks got me. And those cursed vertical jumps. The workout itself made me hurt. I don't want to do jumping squats anymore. Lots of crazy push-up things in the power and resistance workout. This is good. The pain in the arms makes me notice the pain in the legs less. There's only so much pain the receptors in my brain can handle at one time. Ha! Take that Shaun T! Though...I'm sure I will now feel this the rest of the day with anything I do. Whereas usually it is walking that is painful, now writing (typing), and swinging the arms, and shooting Imperial Troopers will hurt as well.
Still, yeeha! I'm DOING it!
I had my favorite shake breakfast before the workout. This is the third workout in a row that I've eaten something small right before. It is hard to say how it is affecting the workout, but I can say with some certainty that it is not hurting me, so I think I will continue.
I also had a special recovery formula that Vince gave me a sample of, provided by the same website (beachbody.com) that I purchased the Insanity DVDs from. Knowing Shaun T, I assume this formula to be pure concentrated evil and will slightly refresh my body at the cost of my soul. I tried it yesterday after the workout and today after the workout. I did not really notice any difference, but then, it is sometimes difficult to gauge my feelings when switching between one of the other workouts and power and resistance because of their little differences.
The warm-up was better. I made it to the third iteration, but, of course, the speed power jacks got me. And those cursed vertical jumps. The workout itself made me hurt. I don't want to do jumping squats anymore. Lots of crazy push-up things in the power and resistance workout. This is good. The pain in the arms makes me notice the pain in the legs less. There's only so much pain the receptors in my brain can handle at one time. Ha! Take that Shaun T! Though...I'm sure I will now feel this the rest of the day with anything I do. Whereas usually it is walking that is painful, now writing (typing), and swinging the arms, and shooting Imperial Troopers will hurt as well.
Still, yeeha! I'm DOING it!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Insanity Workout Day 36: Turtle Power and Resistance
2-9-10: Today was the dreaded Power and Resistance workout. Though not making it through the warm-up, I felt encouraged that I should be able to make it farther in tomorrow’s regular warm-up. Who puts vertical jumps into a warm-up? Honestly. My legs were burning (figuratively) by the time the warm-up was done. They felt so wonderfully awful that I was unable to hold all of the stretches today. Not because of the pieces of leg being stretched out, but because the leg(s) being used to stay in balance were so burnt, stationary positions became difficult for them.
Of course, this boded well for the actual workout. Each exercise required a few second “no, no, oh God no” moment before starting. Shaun T starts the Power and Resistance workout with, what I’m calling, “Air Squats”. Since he already tried killing us with power jacks in the warm-up, he needed a new creative way to hurt us using the same squat structure. These involve jumping from a squat position, but, while in the air, bring those legs up, so that you are essentially in the squat position, only in the air, rather than on the ground. Then land in the squat position. Repeat until dead. I would guess Shaun T’s theory is that by making this one so awful, we forgive him for the meager power jacks from the warm-up. But, no…that doesn’t work, because we were doing the power jacks in a FREAKING warm-up!
Anywho, plenty of pain the rest of the way, with some noticeable improvement in certain areas such as the moving push-ups, and most other push-up or plank position exercises. At the very least, it seems like my arms have been strengthened enough to not cause hindrances for some of the other exercises.
I tried having one of my happy shakes pre-workout this morning. I am not sure whether this helped or not. My workouts are not consistent enough to be able to notice the impact after one day. I will need to try this several times before deciding whether this should become part of the normal routine or not.
All advice is welcome. The more the merrier actually. I’m relatively inexperienced in the ways of exercise, so if anyone thinks of anything about anything exercise/workout/nutritional related, please fire away. Even if it is as far out as alternative/additional workouts for the present or future to something as simple as certain foods to include or avoid. Aside from helping me, it will also give me more blog material.
Another side benefit of this program has been the increased dedication towards writing. I now spend some time writing daily (even if it is not always for this blog). Sometimes it is movie reviews (www.donutreviews.com). Sometimes it is more detailed emails. Sometimes it is working on script outlines. It is getting me back into the writing world.
Of course, this boded well for the actual workout. Each exercise required a few second “no, no, oh God no” moment before starting. Shaun T starts the Power and Resistance workout with, what I’m calling, “Air Squats”. Since he already tried killing us with power jacks in the warm-up, he needed a new creative way to hurt us using the same squat structure. These involve jumping from a squat position, but, while in the air, bring those legs up, so that you are essentially in the squat position, only in the air, rather than on the ground. Then land in the squat position. Repeat until dead. I would guess Shaun T’s theory is that by making this one so awful, we forgive him for the meager power jacks from the warm-up. But, no…that doesn’t work, because we were doing the power jacks in a FREAKING warm-up!
Anywho, plenty of pain the rest of the way, with some noticeable improvement in certain areas such as the moving push-ups, and most other push-up or plank position exercises. At the very least, it seems like my arms have been strengthened enough to not cause hindrances for some of the other exercises.
I tried having one of my happy shakes pre-workout this morning. I am not sure whether this helped or not. My workouts are not consistent enough to be able to notice the impact after one day. I will need to try this several times before deciding whether this should become part of the normal routine or not.
All advice is welcome. The more the merrier actually. I’m relatively inexperienced in the ways of exercise, so if anyone thinks of anything about anything exercise/workout/nutritional related, please fire away. Even if it is as far out as alternative/additional workouts for the present or future to something as simple as certain foods to include or avoid. Aside from helping me, it will also give me more blog material.
Another side benefit of this program has been the increased dedication towards writing. I now spend some time writing daily (even if it is not always for this blog). Sometimes it is movie reviews (www.donutreviews.com). Sometimes it is more detailed emails. Sometimes it is working on script outlines. It is getting me back into the writing world.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Insanity Workout Day 30: Power and Resistance and Basketball, Oh My!
2-3-10: I woke up sluggishly this morning. When I got downstairs, Shaun T was already waiting for me. He was not amused by my sluggishness and demanded me to move.
I have noticed several consistent feelings about waking up in the morning to do this workout. First, I dread doing it. I know Shaun T is ready to bring the pain. He is Freddie Krueger…he is my nightmare. Since I have created a policy where I do not go to work until the workout is done, I do manage to get myself out of bed at a decent hour.
When I get downstairs, I usually feel like there is no way I will have enough energy to get through the workout. It is with this wonderful optimism and adrenaline rush that I start the DVD.
Somewhere within the warm-up I get motivated. I’m in it. (in it to win it perhaps?). I push, I claw, I fight, I cringe when I realize the painful warm-up is about to end for the painful stretching.
Though, I do not find the stretching to be that terrible these days. Other than a couple variations on the hip flexor I am able to stay with him most of the way. The end of the stretching usually brings forth a dread of the actual workout. If I remember what exercise is going to start us off, I will dread that exercise in particular.
During the workout, my dread leaves me. Sure, I will moan about a particular exercise here and there, but I know that I’m close. Every minute that goes by is like a ray of hope shining in my brain.
When I finish, I get a wonderful sense of accomplishment. I feel good about what I did. It is this feeling that will get me out of bed at a decent hour the next day.
In summary, I love the Insanity workout and think that everyone should try it!
Today was also the first day where I tried a workout in the morning to be followed by basketball at night. Not terrible, but definitely my endurance was hurting. Whether this was a result of the workout or simply me not being in basketball shape is hard to say. I will know for sure in the coming weeks. I missed a ton of layups/putbacks today. I think I am letting the thrill of organized ball get into my head. Also, I think the small backboards are messing with my brain. I will have to run to the community center on Friday to work on a few things. Still, do love the basketball.
I have noticed several consistent feelings about waking up in the morning to do this workout. First, I dread doing it. I know Shaun T is ready to bring the pain. He is Freddie Krueger…he is my nightmare. Since I have created a policy where I do not go to work until the workout is done, I do manage to get myself out of bed at a decent hour.
When I get downstairs, I usually feel like there is no way I will have enough energy to get through the workout. It is with this wonderful optimism and adrenaline rush that I start the DVD.
Somewhere within the warm-up I get motivated. I’m in it. (in it to win it perhaps?). I push, I claw, I fight, I cringe when I realize the painful warm-up is about to end for the painful stretching.
Though, I do not find the stretching to be that terrible these days. Other than a couple variations on the hip flexor I am able to stay with him most of the way. The end of the stretching usually brings forth a dread of the actual workout. If I remember what exercise is going to start us off, I will dread that exercise in particular.
During the workout, my dread leaves me. Sure, I will moan about a particular exercise here and there, but I know that I’m close. Every minute that goes by is like a ray of hope shining in my brain.
When I finish, I get a wonderful sense of accomplishment. I feel good about what I did. It is this feeling that will get me out of bed at a decent hour the next day.
In summary, I love the Insanity workout and think that everyone should try it!
Today was also the first day where I tried a workout in the morning to be followed by basketball at night. Not terrible, but definitely my endurance was hurting. Whether this was a result of the workout or simply me not being in basketball shape is hard to say. I will know for sure in the coming weeks. I missed a ton of layups/putbacks today. I think I am letting the thrill of organized ball get into my head. Also, I think the small backboards are messing with my brain. I will have to run to the community center on Friday to work on a few things. Still, do love the basketball.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Insanity Workout Day 25: Absolute Power and Resistance Corrupts Absolutely
1-29-10: Nothing like a good day of Power and Resistance to inform me that I will not be able to proceed to the month two DVDs as scheduled for next week. It really would not make sense. There has been improvement, but I’m thinking it is going to take an additional two weeks to be where I want to be before moving on to the next level of madness.
I hate power jacks. Especially in the warm-up. They ruin me for the rest of the warm-up. That being said, I completed most of the first two iterations of the warm-up before having serious difficulties in certain exercises (power jacks) in the third iteration. By getting creamed by the power jacks, I then had less energy for the log jumps, and subsequently less energy for the 1-2-3 Heisman in a most disastrous trickle-down effect. (I also am not a fan of the evil shoulder push-ups Shaun T requires of us…that gets a big honorable mention).
The workout itself was nothing to write home about either. Perhaps it was bizarre ordering, but some exercises were messing with me. In Pure Cardio, I am decent at the suicide drills. In Power and Resistance I have little effort to offer the mini-suicide drills. (The whole Power and Resistance workout seems like one long suicide drill.) Mini-suicide drills (he does not call it this, but this name makes more sense to me) has you doing 180s. Jump and spin in the air so that your front foot is now your back foot and your back foot is now the front foot. When landing be sure the front knee forms a 90 degree angle to the ground. Back leg is slightly bent, but more stretched out in a lunge. When in the air raise those arms as if to say “Here I am God! Take me now!”.
Tomorrow is Plyometrics. Goal is to get past sprinting in the third iteration. This will almost be TOO easy.
I hate power jacks. Especially in the warm-up. They ruin me for the rest of the warm-up. That being said, I completed most of the first two iterations of the warm-up before having serious difficulties in certain exercises (power jacks) in the third iteration. By getting creamed by the power jacks, I then had less energy for the log jumps, and subsequently less energy for the 1-2-3 Heisman in a most disastrous trickle-down effect. (I also am not a fan of the evil shoulder push-ups Shaun T requires of us…that gets a big honorable mention).
The workout itself was nothing to write home about either. Perhaps it was bizarre ordering, but some exercises were messing with me. In Pure Cardio, I am decent at the suicide drills. In Power and Resistance I have little effort to offer the mini-suicide drills. (The whole Power and Resistance workout seems like one long suicide drill.) Mini-suicide drills (he does not call it this, but this name makes more sense to me) has you doing 180s. Jump and spin in the air so that your front foot is now your back foot and your back foot is now the front foot. When landing be sure the front knee forms a 90 degree angle to the ground. Back leg is slightly bent, but more stretched out in a lunge. When in the air raise those arms as if to say “Here I am God! Take me now!”.
Tomorrow is Plyometrics. Goal is to get past sprinting in the third iteration. This will almost be TOO easy.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Insanity Workout Day 14: Power and Resistance is Futile
1-18-10: So...the recovery workout yesterday did not work like it did last time. Oddly, today I didn't feel particularly sore. Moreso weak and tired. I had to do this workout early because I had a busy day of...well...almost nothing at all. I finished watching season 1 of Supernatural. Great show! A little horror movie from week to week. Extremely well done.
The warmup begins. I fight my way through the first two iterations of the warmup. In this instance it is the power jacks that get in the way. Usually jumping jacks are done in the warmup, but on power days power jacks are done which are similar only you have to drop down to a squat position after each one. Just another fun exercise to work the quads. Ugh...this just makes the rest of the warmup hurt more with the heisman, 1-2-3 heisman, butt kicks, high knees, and mummy kicks. I wonder if I can switch the heisman setting to rookie (NCAA Football 2010).
When the actual workout starts, I am dazed. I feel I've been punched 1000 times...all in the quads. Later, I will realize that my calves and arms are sore. During the workout the quads arehaving so much fun, I do not even notice the other evils. Still, only one more day till the end of week two. So far, so good.
The warmup begins. I fight my way through the first two iterations of the warmup. In this instance it is the power jacks that get in the way. Usually jumping jacks are done in the warmup, but on power days power jacks are done which are similar only you have to drop down to a squat position after each one. Just another fun exercise to work the quads. Ugh...this just makes the rest of the warmup hurt more with the heisman, 1-2-3 heisman, butt kicks, high knees, and mummy kicks. I wonder if I can switch the heisman setting to rookie (NCAA Football 2010).
When the actual workout starts, I am dazed. I feel I've been punched 1000 times...all in the quads. Later, I will realize that my calves and arms are sore. During the workout the quads arehaving so much fun, I do not even notice the other evils. Still, only one more day till the end of week two. So far, so good.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Insanity Workout Day 10: Cardio Power and Resistance or How Hoverboards Don't Work on Water Unless You Have Power
1-14-10: Weird. It seems like every day I have a new most hated DVD. Today it is the Power and Resistance DVD. I did not wake up in nearly enough time to do the workout in the morning. Thankfully, with Friday being off I could do the workout after work without causing huge problems for Friday morning. Still, I do hate letting the workout slip till later. It is a dangerous game, because isn't the whole reason I needed some home workout is because I knew I didn't have time to go anywhere in the morning and was not disciplined enough to keep a workout schedule after work? It all comes down to the two hours of basketball Wednesday night...and of course the five hours of sleep I got. Those two combined things made for a miserable enough morning to skip the workout temporarily.
It is difficult to notice improvement in the workouts. While doing some of the exercises I think, "HEYYYYY! I'm doing this for much longer than last time!" While doing (or not doing) some of the other exercises I think, "HEYYYYY! I HATE YOU SHAUN T!!!" If I can keep doing just a little bit better on the warmups. Hell, if I can make it through that without breaking, that will be a huge success, because that leads into the stretching which I can get mostly through, so, really, the only thing left would be...well...the workout. Hmm...right.
Today I made another little interesting meal. Definitely built for single people or speed, I call it "TETS in a Cup". The ingredients:
4 oz. Jennie-O Turkey Store Lean Ground Turkey
2 Eggs
3 Tbsp Ortega Thick & Smooth Mild Taco Sauce
I make my turkey on a miniature George Foreman grill. While that is cooking, I crack open two eggs, throw them into a coffee cup, beat the hell out of them, and microwave for about a minute and fifteen seconds. By the time the eggs are done, so is the turkey. Throw the turkey into the cup. Mix it good. Add three Tbsp of taco sauce and mix again. Eat out of cup. Delicious and should be made in less than five minutes.
This is definitely more of a protein dish, and has a decent amount of fat thrown in to the mix as well. The 40% Protein, 40% Carb, 20% Fat ratio does not hold for this, but really all that is missing is carbs. If you are die hard to get back into this ratio, eat an apple. This makes it match nearly dead on. (But that also puts you at about 470 calories, so plan accordingly).
340 Calories
17g Fat (5.5 Saturated)
6g Carb (3g Sugar)
33g Protein
It is difficult to notice improvement in the workouts. While doing some of the exercises I think, "HEYYYYY! I'm doing this for much longer than last time!" While doing (or not doing) some of the other exercises I think, "HEYYYYY! I HATE YOU SHAUN T!!!" If I can keep doing just a little bit better on the warmups. Hell, if I can make it through that without breaking, that will be a huge success, because that leads into the stretching which I can get mostly through, so, really, the only thing left would be...well...the workout. Hmm...right.
Today I made another little interesting meal. Definitely built for single people or speed, I call it "TETS in a Cup". The ingredients:
4 oz. Jennie-O Turkey Store Lean Ground Turkey
2 Eggs
3 Tbsp Ortega Thick & Smooth Mild Taco Sauce
I make my turkey on a miniature George Foreman grill. While that is cooking, I crack open two eggs, throw them into a coffee cup, beat the hell out of them, and microwave for about a minute and fifteen seconds. By the time the eggs are done, so is the turkey. Throw the turkey into the cup. Mix it good. Add three Tbsp of taco sauce and mix again. Eat out of cup. Delicious and should be made in less than five minutes.
This is definitely more of a protein dish, and has a decent amount of fat thrown in to the mix as well. The 40% Protein, 40% Carb, 20% Fat ratio does not hold for this, but really all that is missing is carbs. If you are die hard to get back into this ratio, eat an apple. This makes it match nearly dead on. (But that also puts you at about 470 calories, so plan accordingly).
340 Calories
17g Fat (5.5 Saturated)
6g Carb (3g Sugar)
33g Protein
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