Sunday, March 29, 2009
Structual Phase first few workouts
The structual phase is harder then it looks! I was just getting used to Foundation exercises and now my body is hurting again, which is a good feeling. It is harder then it looks let me tell you! The MMA technique pieces are nicely coming together as well. I am diligently trying to keep with this program and I find that actually doing it is harder then the actual exercises. With all of lifes obstacles and stress sometimes the last thing you want to do is workout at the end of the day-but I also found that if I miss a few days I physically and mentally feel like crap! I will post back once I am mid way through...all I can say is stick with it!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Completed Foundation Phase!
I am now done this phase-even though it took me a little longer then it would a "normal joe". It was not as hard as I thought it was going to be-the more challenging things were actually setting aside the time and getting motivated to get off my ass and do it. The results thus far, number wise are for the most part doubled and even tripled as to when I started. I was super weak mind you on day 1 but overall I can feel the strength improving and know somewhere under the fat the muscles are actually growing. My weight thus far has been within 3-4 pounds of my original weight but I feel it will drop in the coming phases-as my strength improves-so will my fat burning. My goals this coming phase are to improve my push ups and cardio endurance. Also to shed some fat, and pack on some visible muscle. Below are a few numbers showing from Day 1 to the last Day of this phase.
Wall sit = 15 seconds --> 50 seconds
Prone bridge = 20 seconds --> 40 seconds
Side bridge = 20 seconds --> 40 seconds each side
Wall sit = 15 seconds --> 50 seconds
Prone bridge = 20 seconds --> 40 seconds
Side bridge = 20 seconds --> 40 seconds each side
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Starting Structual Phase next week
I am running a week or so behind sched-but have not quit yet which is most important in my honest opinion! Work has been insane -hours all over the place throwing off my "groove"...My goals for more cardio will come with time as I have not planned well enough as of lately- My cardio and mainly my push ups are areas which need MUCH improvement...I will work in the next few weeks to make an effort on working on these to get them " up to par" so to speak as they are lacking. All of the other exercises I have improved on from day 1, most 2-4x as much duration/reps. I am still smoke free and am feeling greater breathing capacity but overall still feel that I am falling short of where I should be both cardio and strength wise. But I have noticed slight visual changes and can feel strength building in my legs, arms/shoulders and lower back especially. I will post up some numbers near the end of this week comparing day 1 to the ending of the Foundation phase. Possibly pictures as well...
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Update- Almost done Foundation phase!
OK so I am running behind schedule a little! I would rather arrive late then never-ha ha. I mean most people these days have messed up hours which change on a daily basis etc...it is hard to find time to sleep, even sometimes it seems. But seriously I am going to admit that I missed 3 days in a row and it was very hard to get back "on the horse" so to speak- I don't recommend missing more then 2 days in a row at most..but if you are sick or too busy with other things or burnt out I would say it is better to take a break then completely give up. I myself would rather miss a few days then quit because of frustration or stresses of life which are interfering. I am going to be honest as well with the workouts- I cannot do all drills/exercises perfectly but I give 100% each workout- if you could do each exercise perfectly you would already be "ripped" and would not need this program! Don't forget, that for some of you guys like myself, we are new to exercise and it takes time- and a lot of demand on your body both physically and mentally! My advice is to not get tripped up over your weakest exercise. Everyone will have one-but try your best each workout to "up" your last workout by 2-3 reps to the recommend amount of reps and sets- No point in getting mad and saying "F--- it!" just because one exercise is your weak point- for me push ups are my weak point but I know that as I progress and lose weight my overall strength and form will improve in push ups as well as all the other exercises- Basically what I am suggesting is to not dwell on your weaker areas- just note them and improve each time! I have already seen 3-4 times length improvement in my wall-sits as well as prones- I will post my numbers once this phase is complete-also my weight is hovering around 237-238 lbs. I am not too concerned because I know some of that is now muscle and also that in the coming phases I will burn more fat once my foundation muscle has been developed and trained. Within a week or so I will post my results of the Foundation phase with some numbers and a final Review. Stick to it!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Weigh In
Thus far I have lost 3 pounds. A very small difference but overall better then nothing...I am aiming for 30-50 pounds overall...we will see...my schedule is a little off in regards to workouts as I was "hurtin" for a few days and had my birthday/work on another workout day. I am still not smoking, and am continuing to eat clean. I am going to incorporate a cardio work out as soon as possible with sit ups and running on a treadmill for 1-1.5hours 6 days a week. Once my cardio improves and I begin the next phase in approx 2 weeks I will weigh in again....
Current weight = 237 pounds
Current weight = 237 pounds
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Week 3 Review
Things are starting to go smoother, although I did pull a muscle in my neck by not using good form with the prone cobra....I could barely swallow for 3-4 days and went to a doctor who confirmed I just pulled something. I cannot stress enough the importance to detail in form for all exercises. I learned the hard way. I am fine now though and am getting stronger and my endurance is strengthening. I am able to get through the warm up much faster then even a week ago-also my form for push ups is improving as well as my times for wallsit/side bridges nearly doubled! Work has been insane and some days I miss my workout but I still eat well and try to incorporate some form of extra cardio on those days. When this happens I try to workout a little harder next time to compensate. Last weekend I met with my trainer Eric Wong who guided me through all the exercises and pointed out all my mistakes which otherwise I would not have known about. A word of advice, if you are a noob like me, consult a friend or family member to point out any flaws and or mistakes which you are doing which you may not even realize! Trust me it makes the world of difference and you will feel it after your workout! Weigh in to come this weekend....
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Week 2 Review
I am super sore! But a good sore! The warm up is becoming routine now and by 2 rounds of it I am ready to go and am lightly sweating. The workouts are starting to become smoother and my times/reps are improving! I am not going to lie, for some exercises I cannot do the full amount of reps,but I make sure I do more and more each time I train. I find splitting up things such as push ups into 3sets X 2 of 5reps makes it easier for a noob like myself. Once I lose some weight and gain more strength, I will do 15 reps X 2 continously but for now I am adapting and I dont expect to be able to do all the exact recommended amounts of reps-I just do as many as I can in good form,but stride to improve/upgrade. I am gradually getting acustomed to healthy eating. Its not that bad and the benefits are great! Both physically and mentally I have noticed changes. Most notably my energy levels are 3X better-no afternoon crash anymore while at work. I am sleeping better as well. Day 49 no smoking as well! I am going to start 30mins cardio per day as well to help with my weight. More updates to come...next week I will weigh in and see how much fat I have lost thus far....
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